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A fantastic fly-by revue of Blue-and-yellow Macaws from the canopy tower, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
Out tour to Tambopata was one of the best I've had in years, and keep in mind that I have been birding in this particular area for more than twenty years! I think the combination of birds and a great group of participants made of this an unforgettable experience.
There are many great memories, but if I have to mention some highlights I should start with the great looks we had of those Purus and White-throated jacamars we found before we headed to the lodge, as well as the Grassland Sparrow we found close to a pair of Burrowing Owls around Puerto Maldonado. Later our first morning from the tower at Posada Amazonas, we had an epic experience: a Gray-bellied Goshawk that came to check on us; a pair of Amazonian Pygmy-Owls at close range in the Brazil nut tree next to the tower, almost at arm's reach; all the expected species of toucans, aracaris, and toucanets except one, which we caught up with later in the trip; eleven species of psittacids, including fantastic views of Blue-headed Macaws; Purple-throated Fruitcrows puffing out their throats while displaying; and several tanager species and great views of Olive Oropendolas -- all among other species in less than two hours!
When we came down to the forest floor from the tower, the situation was as good as it had been from the canopy tower. We had a large group of Pale-winged Trumpeters following a troop of Brown Capuchins and Squirrel Monkeys, the trumpeters feeding on the rain of fruits and arthropods produced by the monkey action. At that very same spot, a Double-toothed Kite was also following the monkey troupe, and on our way back to the lodge we had some of the best looks I remember at Scaly-breasted Wren! Before I forget, did I a mention that all of these great sightings were before noon on our first hike in the forest? WOW, what a way to start the tour, and to be honest I couldn't have been happier.
Our following days were ones of exploration and finding more amazing birds like a pair of Great Jacamars that came in response to my whistle really low; four species of kingfishers in a morning, and the first record for this area of Black Antbirds, among others.
Moving into the Tambopata Research Center is always exhilarating. There, far away from any human impacts, it's hard to anticipate what the forest might have waiting for us at every bend in the river and on the trails. Here we found several of the specialties of the tour, birds such as Orinoco Goose, Razor-billed Curassow, Pale-winged Trumpeter (yes, again and several groups!); all those parrot types seen so well, not just flying by perched also; a nice Scarlet-hooded Barbet male allowing fantastic views; bamboo birds such as Rufous-breasted Piculet, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Ornate Antwren, Striated Antbird, Manu Antbird, White-lined and Goeldi’s antbirds, Red-billed Scythebill, Dusky-cheeked and Brown-rumped foliage-gleaners and Large-headed and Dusky-tailed flatbills; a pair of Amazonian Antpittas that came almost into the open; and many other species.
Our next big success was a Harpy Eagle. Two years ago I found a pair of adults getting ready to nest, and last year I was able to find the fledgling chick. This year that bird was transformed into a subadult beginning to take on some of adult plumage. Needless to say, this bird was voted the favorite by many on the trip. What else could we ask for?
Beyond the birds, our mammal list included seven species of monkeys, the Giant River Otters, hundreds of White-lipped Peccaries, Collared Peccaries, and brief views of a Jaguar before it disappeared from sight!
This tour is one of my favorites, and I am glad you all were able to join me in this place I consider home. Thank you all very much for being such an wonderful group of fine people -- I hope our paths will cross again in Peru or somewhere else in the world. In the meantime be happy and strong and bird a lot.
Love, peace and joy!
--Pepe
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – Mostly heard but we saw one individual near the lodge perched above the ground and ready to sleep.
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Its vocalization is one of the typical calls that indicates riverine habitats and islands. Mostly heard also, but we saw 4 individuals.
A glow-in-the-forest Band-tailed Manakin. Photo by participant Eric VanderWerf.
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – We had a distant pair at Tres Chimbadas lake.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ORINOCO GOOSE (Neochen jubata) – These lovely geese are surprisingly easy to see on this tour, and we had great views of them at along the upper Tambopata river on our way to TRC.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – We only saw this species once, around the clay lick area.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – Seen several times during our tour.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – This species is more common around the TRC area. We even heard its wing-rattle every morning!
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – We also saw this species several times during the trip, including a pair on our way to TRC.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STARRED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus stellatus) [*]
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – Cynthia got us on this bird.
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – Eric spotted the first of several individuals we saw during our trip.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – We saw this species displaying at Tres Chimbadas lake!
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We saw an individual along the Tambopata river. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) – This species has became increasingly common around the Puerto Maldonado area due the deforestation and the pastures for cattle.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – YES!!!! We got it again, my third year in a row. The first year we saw the adults ready to nest. Last year the fledgling chick was present. This year we saw the same chick as a subadult with some darker feathers. It definitely pays off to know the area! At the end of the trip it was the favorite bird of many in our group.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
Our spectacular Harpy Eagle, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – Pat got us on this great raptor.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – As we were watching a troop of Brown Capuchin and Squirrel Monkeys, I was mentioning that it is not uncommon to see this species following the monkeys to catch insects that are scared up. As I finished my words, a Double-toothed Kite showed up! I don't think I could have planned that better!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
GRAY-BELLIED HAWK (Accipiter poliogaster) – YES! This was another great highlight of this tour. This rather secretive and rare bird came to check us out as I was playing some tape. It perched long enough to allow great looks for everybody before it went back into the forest. The best thing was that unlike other times when the appearance of this raptor can frighten away all the smaller birds for a period, this time we continued enjoying a great morning with lots of species. This was one of my favorite birds of the trip!
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus) – From the tower we had two, which seemed to be male and female.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – We had an amazingly responsive bird at Tres Chimbadas lake. Later Eric also saw another individual.
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Also around Tres Chimbadas lake, and later Leah saw two more around the TRC area.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – This finfoot was nicely seen at Tres Chimbadas lake.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
PALE-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia leucoptera) – I think this trip is one of the best for this species. I learned that they also follow monkeys when we found the troop of Brown Capuchin and Squirrel Monkeys being follow on the ground by trumpeters feeding on the fruits and also insects that were falling from the treetops. We encountered them again several times during the tour.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – This must be one of the fanciest shorebirds of the family.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – This is another species that's becoming more of a regular around the Puerto Maldonado area due to deforestation.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – François had been looking for this bird for a while (kind of a nemesis bird), so it was an honor to be the one to show him this lovely plover. Congratulations!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – One seen on the airport runway in Cusco during our flight to Lima.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – This lovely tern was seeing along the Tambopata river several times.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – This large cousin was also seen along the Tambopata river several times.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – The only view of these birds was coming downriver from TRC to Refugio Amazonas Lodge.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – The default pigeon around oxbow lakes and river shores. We saw them very well around Tres Chimbadas lake.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Unfortunately we couldn't find an individual on sight. [*]
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Seen from the tower really well. Looking at its clear iris really helps to tell them apart from the next species.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – This was also seen very well from the tower and we all had great views to compare with the preceding species.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – We saw one flying in a hurry across the river.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – These odd looking birds were seen pretty well around Tres Chimbadas lake. It was great to hear from Eric what he learned in Venezuela during the time he studied this species.
Blue-headed Macaws flying past the tower, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Seen almost every day around the Posada Amazonas area at different locations.
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus) – We scored this bird at the bamboo trail around the lake. It is usually around this area between March and October. [a]
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Only heard around the Puerto Maldonado area. [*]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – These birds are pretty cool, especially their odd calls.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – It took a little while to get this bird into view but we finally did.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – I believe Leah was the only person who saw this bird around Posada Amazonas.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) – From the tower we scored a nice pair that came in response to my tape. Great views!
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – We also had great views of an individual of the rufous form near Puerto Maldonado.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – We saw a pair around Puerto Maldonado.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – It is amazing how well this birds blend with their surroundings.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Another great cryptic bird that blends very well with the environment.
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – We saw an individual that has been roosting in the same tree from the past 4 years. When undisturbed, these birds can use the same roosts for years.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Seen almost everyday.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – Francois spotted the first of more-to-come on the trip.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – Around the Terra Firme forest of Posada Amazonas we saw one.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – Eric got the first of several to come. We also heard them at a lek around Posada Amazonas lodge.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A female was nicely seen at the river port by the community.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – We also had several encounters with this species, including a female.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – This bird was seen very well. Interestingly, the vocalization of those individuals found in terra firme and those found elsewhere is slightly different.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – We scored one that at first seemed to be a Green-backed Trogon but once we had a better view of the bird, we realized it was this species. Tail patterns are particularly helpful field marks to ID trogons.
A glorious misty sunrise from the canopy tower at Posada Amazonas, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – We also enjoy great views of males and females on this trip.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Ditto.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – Without any doubt, this was one of the best looks I ever had of this species. A nice male responded to my tape so well that it was pretty close for the binoculars.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) [*]
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) – I heard this bird around the bamboo trail of the lake and Leah spotted. It turned out that it was a pair not only one and apparently might have been building a nest in the vicinity.
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus striolatus) [*]
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Our first of many to come on the trip was spotted by Dan.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – This species replaces the precedeing species at Terra Firme.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – Eric spotted the only bird of the trip and in this part of Peru is associated with bamboo but it is not a bamboo specialist.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PURUS JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus purusianus) – Great views at one of my spots around Puerto Maldonado.
WHITE-THROATED JACAMAR (Brachygalba albogularis) – One of the Southeastern Peru specialist that we scored around Puerto Maldonado. later we had a family group around TRC.
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – The distribution of this species is mostly in Peru and Brazil reaching just a little part of Bolivia. We saw it several days including a female.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – We had a very responsive pair that came to my whistle to even a close range allowing great views. Days before, Eric also saw one.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Great views at close range from the tower at Posada Amazonas.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – Male and female were nicely seen.
SCARLET-HOODED BARBET (Eubucco tucinkae) – We had a very cooperative male that stayed for a while allowing great views. Another of our target birds of the area.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus atrogularis) – From the canopy tower at Posada Amazonas.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – Amazing views and pics of these lovely birds from the tower the same morning than the previous species.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Ditto.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (BROWN-BILLED) (Pteroglossus azara mariae) – Ditto.
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – What an odd looking crest these birds have! Seen the same day as the other birds from the tower during our aracari/toucan/toucanet tower parade.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – We missed this one from the Posada Amazonas tower, but we caught up around TRC.
Lettered Aracari, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – We saw our first the tower at Posada Amazonas lodge. AKA the yelper!
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Luckily we saw this bird form the tower at Posada Amazonas. Later on the trip was only heard it. AKA the croaker!
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus rufiventris) – One of the bamboo specialists we saw during the tour. We scored a responsive individual that came to check us up, which was great since it has not been an easy bird to find on tour.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – A lovely woodpecker related to the Acorn Woodpecker.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) [*]
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – We saw an individual first that looked a little bit different , which turned out to be a young bird. After a little while we saw the two adults also.
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – One of my favorite birds of all times and an obligate bamboo specialist. I found this bird in a completely new area for the lodge that even our local guide was amazed!
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – A close relative of the Pileated Woodpecker.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – We saw one eating what it seemed to be a Purple Honeycreeper.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) – This was really surprising because we saw them not only once but twice in a day on this trip! Just to give you an idea how rare they are, they weren't even in the checklist. What a treat!
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Seen and heard almost everyday.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – These must be one of the best looking parrots.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Great views of these lovely birds.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster) – Another pretty parrot that was seen well.
BLACK-CAPPED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura rupicola) – These parakeets were seen around the Posada Amazonas area. Later on the trip we only heard them flying by.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
BLUE-HEADED MACAW (Primolius couloni) – What a great show we enjoyed from the pair that flew around us at the tower. This area is one of the best for this species.
Some of the Hoatzins around Tres Chimbadas, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – During the time I lived and studied macaws in this area, this species was ma favorite of the macaws because if their unique personalities.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – The largest macaw in Peru.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis humeralis) [*]
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) – This bamboo specialist was heard only. [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – We had indeed great views of a responsive male.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – We saw male and female during one of our outings around Posada Amazonas lodge.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops kapouni) – This bird responded really well around Refugio Amazonas lodge.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus) – This is one of the nuclear species in the understory mixed flocks of Southeastern Peru.
BLUISH-SLATE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes schistogynus) – This one is also a nuclear species as well as the sentinel in every understory mixed flock.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli) – This little antwren does not follow flocks and it has a beautiful pattern on its back, which is very helpful as a field mark.
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) – We also had views of male and female of this species.
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata meridionalis) – This bamboo specialists was seen pretty well during the tour. It was great since bamboo specialists were harder to see after the massive bamboo die off in 2002.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – We were lucky to see tis birds on the way we did because they are usually were skittish and like to be move up in the trees.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Another nuclear species of mixed flocks that we encountered at each of those we encountered on the tour, as expected!
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Ditto.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii menetriesii) – Ditto.
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) – This little one took a little work, effort and patience to see it and we did, actually pretty well!
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis albicauda) – Not considered a bamboo specialist according to Andy Kratter's work in Bamboo birds in this area however in this part of Peru, it occurs in bamboo.
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei) – Another bamboo specialist that according to Andy's studies was an obligate bamboo specialist, which was entirely restricted to bamboo throughout its range in Southeastern Peru.
YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis subflava collinsi) – This species also seems to have a great affinity to bamboo as a habitat in this part of its range.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – A common bird within its range but a real pain to see since it likes vines and tangles way up in the canopy.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (RIPARIAN) (Cercomacra nigrescens fuscicauda) – We had a responsive pair that came really close allowing excellent views for everybody.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) – It was a surprise to find this bird at Posada Amazonas trail system. It was actually the first record for the lodge.
MANU ANTBIRD (Cercomacra manu) – Speaking of surprises, this one was one of the best surprises of the trip, at least for me. After the massive bamboo die off in 2002 this obligate bamboo specialist was not where to be found for years. Trust me, I have been visiting this area for 20 years and this birds were gone! We were were fortunate to find this pair and it was actually a lifer for our local guide!
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – A lovely common antbird that happens to be very responsive.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Ditto.
BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – We had a responsive pair at one of "my spots"
Olive Oropendola, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – We scored great views od a male around the tres Chimbadas lake.
WHITE-LINED ANTBIRD (Percnostola lophotes) – Another bamboo specialist classified as a "near obligate bamboo user" which means it occur almost wholly within bamboo but were recorded in other areas lacking bamboo. It was pretty nice to see the male getting so excited and rising its crest as it circled around us!
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hemimelaena) – Another common understory antbird which its call is one of the typical sounds of this area.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – This antbird likes secondary vegetation including islands and riparian habitats.
GOELDI'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza goeldii) – Another near obligate bamboo user that we saw pretty well.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – We found this pair exactly where I was expecting to see them!
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
AMAZONIAN ANTPITTA (Hylopezus berlepschi) – Due the dramatic change in the forest around TRC because the heavy floods from the last raining season, we went to explore a new area where I thought it cold be a good place for this species. Well, it turned out to be one of the BEST places to see this bird we found no only one but TWO! Amazingly they came in response to my tape right away and into the open!!! WOW! A favorite of Dan and Cynthia.
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – This is a very handsome bird and we were lucky to see it that well.
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – At this part of Amazonia, this species is kind of common.
STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus) – On our way back to the lodge around TRC we heard an individual that responded very well to the tape.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – This woodcreeper might be splitting soon in several species. Stay tuned!
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest of the woodcreepers was seen very often during our trip.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – This woodcreeper is the only member of the genus Dendrexetastes.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (JURUA) (Dendrocolaptes certhia juruanus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans juruanus) – Seen and heard very well several times.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) – The most common woodcreeper of this area.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – We saw one around Puerto Maldonado.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – This facultative bamboo specialist is also back in the area and was seen pretty well during or tour. According to Andy Kratter bamboo specialization dissertation, the facultative bamboo specialists "may be wholly or partially dependent on the presence of bamboo..."
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae) [*]
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) [*]
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – As far as I know this is te first record for TRC.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) [*]
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) – Another bamboo specialist (a near obligate actually) seen pretty well on out tour.
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum lyra) – We found this bird in a mix flock near the lodge.
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) – Around one of our hikes around TRC we also saw this species twice.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) [*]
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) – In my humble opinion this one must ne one of the most handsome foliage gleaners of the family.
PERUVIAN RECURVEBILL (Syndactyla ucayalae) – We saw this near obligate bamboo specialist around the Tres Chimbadas bamboo forest.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – From the Posada Amazonas tower we had our first look fo this canopy dweller.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) – We score this foliage gleaner around the secondary forest at TRC.
A female Plumbeous Antbird, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
BROWN-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus melanopezus) – This near obligate bamboo specialist was nicely seen during one of our hikes around TRC.
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (OLIVE-BACKED) (Automolus infuscatus infuscatus) – We had a responsive and cooperative individual,
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – We had one at the mixed flock we had near TRC.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – Around the grass at Tres Chimbadas lake we scores this bird.
RUDDY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis rutilans)
CABANIS'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cabanisi) [*]
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) – We had a very skittish pair around Puerto Maldonado.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – While birding at the Chuncho claylick, we had a mysterious flycatcher, which responded to the tape confirming its ID.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – An individual came in response of my Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl tape.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – Seen very well from Posada Amazonas tower.
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) [*]
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – While waiting for our lunch at the restaurant in Puerto Maldonado, Francois call our attention to let us know he had seen this bird but we missed it....not for so long until I was able to relocate it again. Thank you Francois!
PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – At the same spot where we had the Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, we had also this Austral migrant. [a]
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – Around TRC we had a responsive individual.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – Seen and heard very well around TRC.
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus) – Despite my efforts, this bamboo specialist was only heard. [*]
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (ZIMMER'S) (Tolmomyias assimilis clarus) – Good views of this canopy dweller around TRC clearing.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – Ditto.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – We had a very skittish individual moving around to much.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – This little handsome understory flycatcher was seen around TRC.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – This bird was seen twice during our trip. [a]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – We had great views of one at the same spot we had those other birds at the Chuncho claylick.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – It is amazing how vermilion this bird is! [a]
Slate-colored Hawk, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis)
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum) – Another bamboo specialist.
DUSKY-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda) – Ditto.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – We scored great views of one adult.
WHITE-RUMPED SIRYSTES (Sirystes albocinereus) – A responsive individual came to check us up to close range at TRC.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) [*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) [a]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – We had amazing looks of males displaying from the tower at Posada Amazonas.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – Eye candy!
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – This birds produce one of the most known vocalizations of the tropical rainforest of South America.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – We also had several looks of this rare bird from the tower.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – We saw an adult making its monotone call.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – Manakins are always crowd pleasers and this one wasn't the exception.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – Another great bird we scored on our tour.
ROUND-TAILED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra chloromeros) – Great views of one displaying at a lek.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – Seen twice from the Posada Amazonas tower.
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – Also seen the from the tower.
A trio of White-throated Jacamars, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Seen around Puerto Maldonado area.
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra) – We had excellent views of a nice individual at TRC.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) – This was also a good bird to see. Normally is "heard only" however on this trip we had an individual that came eye level.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Common along the Tambopata river.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – I can't remember the last time I'd seen this bird almost every day.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – We had a responsive male that came in response to my tape exactly where I wanted to be! We all enjoy lengthy views of this songster.
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – This cousin of the Cactus Wren was seen and heard very well on this tour several times.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – We had a nice pair that came to check us up at TRC.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) – We score one around Puerto Maldonado area.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – This was one of my best experiences with this species, which is normally hard to see. It not only responded beautifully to my tape but stayed for the longest time I remember and we were able to see it in detail pretty well!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – When I thought we were going to have it only as "heard only" we got it! This bird is one of the most accomplish mimics of the tropical rainforest of South America.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The first time I saw a magpie in my life I understood why this bird had such a name and I couldn't agree more!
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – Francois spotted this bird for us at the claylick area.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-WINGED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio versicolor) – We had excellent views of male and female of the mixed canopy flock sentinel species.
Black-capped Donacobius, photographed by participant Eric VanderWerf.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) [I]
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) [a]
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – This species tends to be more heard than seen so we were very lucky to see it as we did from the canopy tower.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – Another species that is relatively speaking new to this area. It has move into Puerto Maldonado surroundings due deforestation. I don't remember it from 20 years ago.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – We had great views of a responsive pair around Puerto Maldonado.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CASQUED OROPENDOLA (Cacicus oseryi) – Great views of this oropendola, the only one of the family that nests inside the forest.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus)
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus)
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata)
AMAZON BAMBOO RAT (Dactylomys dactylinus)
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis)
JAGUAR (Panthera onca) – On or way down river from TRC we had brief loks of this magnificent cat. To bad it wasn't long enough but it is always great to see this beast!
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari)
Herps
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 344 bird taxa and 16 mammal taxa