For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
The forest of Southeast Peru is the most diverse area on the face of the planet. The ceiba tree stands tall over the forest along the Tambopata River. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Wonderful birds, wonderful group. The weather was nearly perfect with bookend friajes that kept temps cooler than expected, which was fine by us. Each of our three lodges offered multiple opportunities for seeing and experiencing the wonderful wildlife of Southeast Peru. Our birding highlights were many, but included a memorable ccolpa experience with several species of macaws and other parrots. Paradise Tanagers, Fiery-capped Manakin, Banded Antbird, Screaming Piha, and Olive Oropendola were all mentioned as group favorites. However, the winner was the King of the Canopy, Harpy Eagle. Thanks to all our support staff (boat drivers, cooks, and bartenders) and, of course, to our awesome local guide, Jair.
I can't wait to do it again. All the best,
Jesse Fagan (aka Motmot) from Jacksonville, Florida
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) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
Orinoco Goose was seen along the sandbars on the Tambopata River. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Heard several times at different lodges, but one scooted quickly across the trail at TRC for very brief looks.
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Also heard several times, but seen pretty well for some at TRC.
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – A target bird for several folks. We had good looks at a pair on a Tambopata sandbar.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Seen a few times, but their loud raucous calls were heard often.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – Seen most days of the tour. Often easy to spot on the lodge grounds feeding in the Cecropia trees.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Good looks several times at TRC.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – Wow. We had awesome looks of multiple birds at TRCs Isla Colorado.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STARRED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus stellatus) [*]
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Common along the Tambopata.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Several seen perched on floating debris on the Tambopata.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – We saw an adult at the Tres Chimbadas boat ramp.
The ccolpa experience at TRC was like no other. We were treated to several species of macaws and other parrots. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – Small numbers along the Tambopata.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Ditto. Small numbers along the Tambopata.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – This species was the most common on the Tambopata. We saw good numbers and on most days.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – A beautiful bird. Always nice to see one.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Black Vulture was the most common, this species was seen much less common and mainly around Puerto Maldonado.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Common over good forest and riverways. It was much more common than Turkey.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – A pair (two adults) soaring high over the TRC lodge.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – An adult was soaring and displaying over the Refugio lodge. Very cool.
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – What an amazing experience with an immature at Refugio Lodge where a pair has maintained an active nest for many years.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – One was soaring over the Refugio Lodge. Its long tail and broad wings that appear pushed forward towards the head are good field marks.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – Seen in good numbers (4 to 6) each day.
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – Lovely looks at an adult in the forest at TRC.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – One got up in the thermals over the Refugio Lodge one afternoon.
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus) – A confusing bird at first, but we sorted it out eventually. Seen perched and flying over Tres Chimbadas.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – One adult was spotted along the bank of the Tambopata River.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Seen most days. More like Riverside Hawk.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – Seen during our drive out of Puerto Maldonado.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – One was soaring over TRC with the King Vultures.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Great looks on Isla Colorado.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
PALE-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia leucoptera) – Bizarre creatures. Small groups were seen in the forest at TRC. Their white back ends really stood out!
Thanks to our group for such a fun experience. And thanks to participant Margaret Kelch for the photo.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – A couple of pairs were seen on river sandbars.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – One was seen on our evening boat ride in search of jaguars.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – A pair were seen in the marshy edge at Tres Chimbadas.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – One on the Tambopata River.
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – Singles on different days along the Tambopata River.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – We first picked it up by voice, but eventually did find the pair.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – Good numbers up river closer to TRC.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – Just two or so on the river.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Small numbers seen along the river, but not common.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – By far the most common columbid encountered during our time at the lodges. However, more often heard than seen.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Less common than the previous species. "Hit the foul pole!"
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – Just one on the drive out of Puerto Maldonado the first day.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – These bizarre birds were seen along the lake edge at Tres Chimbadas.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Good numbers around PM and on the lower stretches of the river.
PAVONINE CUCKOO (Dromococcyx pavoninus) – Very good find, but strange seeing it perched in the rafters of the Refugio cabins.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Finally caught up with this species at Refugio. It was a heard only up to that point.
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – Heard most evenings and early mornings. We had a lovely encounter with one during our walk to the tower at Posado Amazonia.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) – Seen well at Tres Chimbadas and heard again several times at TRC.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – A pair on a sandbar seemed a little out of place.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – They called close and we saw their dark silhouettes fly over us.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – Awesome experience seeing 25 or so flying around near dusk as we came back from our evening boat ride at TRC.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Seen very well on a day roost on the Tambopata.
OCELLATED POORWILL (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) – We had to climb up to the last stair to see this bird. :-)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) – We caught up with this species after the poorwill one evening at TRC.
This Rufous-capped Nunlet showed super well and close for our group at TRC. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – They roost in the foothills and travel many kilometers each day to feed over the lowland forest.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – A few from the tower at Posado one morning.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – Also from the tower at Posado.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – Seen outside of Puerto Maldonado. Our only ones of the tour.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – One paused briefly to check us out as we waited for the boat in the rain on our last day.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – Small numbers in the forest at Posado and TRC.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – A couple of brief shows in the forest at TRC.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – We got this one in the scope as it sang from a song perch at TRC.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – One in the scope (a male) at Isla Colorado.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Seen at the ornamental flowers around the cabins at Refugio.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) – Several attacking the pygmy-owl at Tres Chimbadas and again at the flowers at Refugio.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus) – Seen well in flight at Refugio Amazonas.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Probably the most common trogon encountered on our tour.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – A female was seen one afternoon at TRC.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Fairly common at most sites along the Tambopata.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Uncommon at TRC and Refugio.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – Heard and seen a few times at Posado Amazonia.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Heard more often than seen at Posado Amazonia.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – We finally caught up with this species at Refugio.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Singles on a few different days.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – One near the viewing area for the Ccolpa Colorado.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – A female perched nicely for us as we waited on the small platform on Isla Colorado.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – A pair responded over our rooms at TRC.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) – We spotted one on Isla Colorado and again on the mainland at TRC.
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – Named after U.S. president Barack Obama and described by our very own Field Guides guide, Bret M. Whitney in 2013.
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla) – We couldn't have asked for better views!
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Pretty common on terra firme throughout the various stops on this tour.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Much less common than the previous species. Seen at TRC, however, a couple of times.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Small numbers in open areas and forest clearings at TRC where they sit on top of exposed snags.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-THROATED JACAMAR (Brachygalba albogularis) – One was seen along the bamboo trail at TRC. We had it in the scope for good while.
Along with jaguar, the Harpy Eagle is always a target of folks visiting the Amazon. Almost mythical, it represents big wild areas. We were awed by the presence of this creature at Refugio Amazonas. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – Small numbers at all three lodges.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – Always good to find this one. We had a nice look at one near our rooms at TRC. Stays high in the canopy.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Heard way more often than seen! A daily sound.
SCARLET-HOODED BARBET (Eubucco tucinkae) – A beautiful bird that we saw well (a pair) on Isla Colorado.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Good numbers around TRC and Refugio.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (BROWN-BILLED) (Pteroglossus azara mariae) – Just one for the entire tour, but a nice one!
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – A large group was foraging around our rooms at Refugio Amazonia.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Seen by a few folks in flight; otherwise a heard only for the group.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – This species and the next were common by voice and we eventually saw them well. They are extremely difficult to tell apart, the main differences being in the bill pattern.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – One of the more common woodpeckers on the tour.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – First seen at Tres Chimbadas and again at TRC.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – A pair was seen well foraging in the forest at TRC.
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – The group saw this one very well near the reception area at Refugio. Unfortunately, Jesse was away packing in his room! He made the ultimate group sacrifice. ;-)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – This sharp looking woodpecker was seen on Isla Colorado.
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – This rare bamboo specialist was found on Isla Colorado. It showed well for everyone eventually. Great bird!
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Seen on a dead snag from our boat during an evening cruise.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – You all saw this one very well at an active cavity near the TRC grounds. It was heard a lot at TRC, too.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Fairly common by voice along the Tambopata. Seen once or twice on this trip.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Singles along the river.
Hoatzin is such a bizarre bird. This individual was captured nicely by participant Margaret Kelch.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Cool birds. A group of five were hanging out at Posado Amazonas.
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Just one during our long boat trip up to TRC. Rare to uncommon in this forested area.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Seen on the road to Puerto Maldonado. Also heard daily at TRC.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Seen around TRC.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
AMAZONIAN PARROTLET (Nannopsittaca dachilleae) – Jair spotted a pair at the clay lick. We were looking down on a them from the bamboo trail. Surprisingly enough, this species was only described to science in 1991 and is the subject of the book, A Parrot Without a Name.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Common and seen/heard everyday. Every time I heard them I counted "2" on my eBird list. They never travel alone!
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Lovely looks at the clay lick and again a pair at a nest cavity within the TRC forest.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Very common in this area of SE Peru. Seen every day and in good numbers. A visitor to the clay licks, too.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – This Amazon has a distinctive call which easily separates it from the next species.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Not quite as common as the previous species, but seen in good numbers especially around TRC.
DUSKY-BILLED PARROTLET (Forpus modestus) – A very quick flyby while inside the forest at TRC.
WHITE-BELLIED PARROT (Pionites leucogaster) – We had nice looks in the scope from ccolpa viewing area.
BLACK-CAPPED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura rupicola) – Heard several times at TRC, but we saw them well in the scope from the Refugio tower.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – More common around Posado.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – Similar to Chestnut-fronted in size. We had them at the Ccolpa Colorado mixed with several other species.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – The macaws on this tour were spectacular. Great looks and multiple times at this species and the next ones. Awesome to be in a place (TRC) where macaws are so common.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – Common along the river.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis humeralis) [*]
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – One was part of a mixed-species flock at TRC. Stayed hidden, however, in the understory.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – We finally got a good look at Posado. Heard well in the bamboo at TRC.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Super well, a male jumped up into view at the ccolpa viewing area.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – Probably the most common thamnophilus in the Tambopata area. Heard most days.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops kapouni) – Heard at TRC and seen well at Refugio.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus ardesiacus) – Pretty common at TRC.
BLUISH-SLATE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes schistogynus) – This species was encountered a few times at TRC, though not super common. Likes to roam with understory mixed-species flocks.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli) – Awesome views of a responsive pair at TRC.
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma) – One in an understory mixed-species flock on the entrance trail to Posado.
MADEIRA ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla amazonica) – One was seen with the previous species at Refugio. It was calling which also helped with the i.d.
ORNATE ANTWREN (WESTERN) (Epinecrophylla ornata meridionalis) – A pair was encountered in dense vine tangles within bamboo at Refugio.
The Scarlet-hooded Barbet has a limited range in South America. We were fortunate enough to find a pair on Isla Colorado. This male was photographed by guide Jesse Fagan.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – Heard a number of times at TRC, but we called one down from the canopy for good looks.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Seen in understory mixed-species flocks at Posado and TRC.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – A couple of times at TRC.
IHERING'S ANTWREN (BAMBOO) (Myrmotherula iheringi oreni) – This bamboo specialist was seen and voice recorded in the bamboo at TRC.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii menetriesii) – Of the "small" antwrens it was pretty common. Present in flocks at Posado and TRC. Forages at low to mid-levels in the forest. Similar in plumage to the previous two species.
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) – One of the group's favorites! It showed so well. A little ball of feathers on the forest floor.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis albicauda) – A pair was seen at TRC.
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei) – A bamboo specialist seen nicely at TRC.
YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis subflava collinsi) – Fairly common in bamboo and vine tangles at all three lodges.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides serva) – We had a pair in dense understory tangles at Refugio.
RIPARIAN ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides fuscicauda) [*]
MANU ANTBIRD (Cercomacra manu) – A local bamboo specialist (a pair) seen well on the bamboo trail at TRC (about at the point where we turned around).
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – Heard at Posado, but we caught up with a pair in dense canopy above our heads at Refugio.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – One of the more common antbirds heard/seen on our tour. The first was at Tres Chimbadas.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – One showed super well along the trail at TRC.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – This species prefers lake and stream edge. We saw it pretty well from the boat at Tres Chimbadas.
WHITE-LINED ANTBIRD (Percnostola lophotes) – This bamboo specialist was sharing the same patch of bamboo with Manu Antbird at TRC.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes hyperythrus) – They were singing around the lodge at TRC. We eventually pulled one into view.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax hemimelaena) – Common by voice at all the lodges.
GOELDI'S ANTBIRD (Akletos goeldii) – Seen at TRC where (at least by voice) it was uncommon to fairly common.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax) – Super common on Isla Colorado (especially at the ccolpa viewing station!).
WHITE-THROATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys salvini) – One popped into view briefly while searching out other antbirds in the bamboo at TRC.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (GRAY-BREASTED) (Willisornis poecilinotus griseiventris) – We had a female in good view near the trail at Refugio.
Ocellated Poorwill is always a good bird to see. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – A nice looking antbird encountered a few times at TRC.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
ASH-THROATED GNATEATER (Conopophaga peruviana) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
AMAZONIAN ANTPITTA (Hylopezus berlepschi) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – Wow! Super looks on the entrance trail to Refugio Amazonas.
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – Finally! Heard every day of the tour, but not seen until one walked up onto a log and sang at Refugio.
STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – Seen and heard a few times at Posado and TRC. A tiny woodcreeper.
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) – We saw this species well several times at TRC. Seemed to sing at dawn and dusk.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The other tiny woodcreeper seen at TRC and Refugio. The bill shape is distinctive.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Encountered a couple of times at Posado.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Nice looks at TRC where not uncommon.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans juruanus) – Seen at TRC and super well close to the trail at Posado.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) – By far the most common woodcreeper seen/heard at all the lodges.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – One was on Isla Colorado at TRC.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – This is one most people want to see well b/c of that crazy bill. Len was very happy with his views! ;-)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – One in a mixed-species flock at TRC.
RUFOUS-TAILED XENOPS (Microxenops milleri) – A rare species in a canopy mixed-species flock at TRC.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – One was on Isla Colorado.
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) – This bamboo specialist was seen well (and voice recorded) at TRC.
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) [*]
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) [*]
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – Jair spotted this canopy species at Refugio. It sat well for all of us.
BROWN-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus melanopezus) – A rare bamboo specialist that we saw well (and voice recorded) at TRC.
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (OLIVE-BACKED) (Automolus infuscatus infuscatus) – This species preferred the understory of terra firme at TRC where we saw/heard it a few times.
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – Rare to uncommon in terra firme flocks. We saw it twice at TRC.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) – One showed uncharacteristically well from the ccolpa viewing area on Isla Colorado.
RUDDY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis rutilans) – We caught up with a pair along the trail at Refugio. They didn't show well and mostly stayed back in the shadows calling the whole time.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – Called frequently in the forest, but eventually we saw this forest flycatcher at TRC.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Just one at TRC.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – Seen at Posado and again at Refugio.
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes) – This species is easily missed in the forest canopy. We heard its call over the rooms at TRC and it responded fairly well, but it was still a neck breaker.
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – Heard a few times from the forest floor at TRC. We eventually called one in for good looks.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – The smallest passerine in the world!
Early morning on the Tambopata River. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
WHITE-BELLIED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus griseipectus) – Good numbers (at least by voice) in the understory at Refugio. One showed pretty well, but small and difficult to see.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris) – One was seen right at the boat ramp to TRC in the dense, thick second-growth scrub.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – A tiny flycatcher with a big voice, but always in the canopy!
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – Pretty common at TRC.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (AMAZONIAN) (Onychorhynchus coronatus castelnaui) – One of our last new birds at TRC. A pair eventually showed well for the group. They rarely raise the crest feathers, unfortunately.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – One was singing near the trail at TRC.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) [*]
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Singles at different spots along the river. This species is resident here.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Fairly common along the sandbars and river edge.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – One was seen on Isla Colorado.
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum) – Seen along the bamboo trail at TRC.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
DUSKY-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda) – Also seen in the bamboo at TRC.
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
WHITE-RUMPED SIRYSTES (Sirystes albocinereus) – A pair was singing outside the rooms at TRC.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – Seen well at Posado and heard a few times at TRC.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – One was seen at Ccolpa Chuncho.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Seen at Posado and again at Ccolpa Chuncho.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Here Jesse and Jair try to figure out what to call up next. Photo by Margaret Kelch.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Less common than the previous species, confined to wet areas. The voices are quite different, however.
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Seen at Isla Colorado and again on the road back to Puerto Maldonado.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Uncommon at Posado and TRC.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – More common than the previous species at the three lodges.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – Singles were seen at all the lodges. One was nesting under the thatched roof at Refugio.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – An Every Day Bird.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Seen flying over our heads at Tres Chimbadas (that all black bird, like a crow) and heard again at TRC.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) [*]
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – Finally, we saw that loud voice of the forest!
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Great looks at a perched pair from the tower at Posado. We had a female again at Refugio.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Fairly common voice at TRC and we spotted one very close to our heads over the trail. Still it was difficult to see!
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) [*]
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – Nice looks at TRC and again at Refugio.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – Their "dink" call is easily lost in the forest chorus. Good numbers at Refugio.
ROUND-TAILED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra chloromeros) – Several at TRC where seen nicely.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – This species and the next were seen from the tower at Refugio.
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Seen from the tower at Posado. All the tityras were seen from towers!
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra) – Seen and heard in the forest at TRC.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Seen well on Isla Colorado. Heard again at Refugio.
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – A pair were in a mixed-species flock at TRC.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – Singles at all three lodges.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) – A common voice in the forest.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Just one or two at Posado and TRC. These are resident birds (Chivi Vireo).
Ladder-tailed Nightjar roosts on rocks along the Tambopata River. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – Seen at TRC, but generally uncommon.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – Loud and raucous calls were heard at all the lodges. The most common jay here.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Very common on the Tambopata, but a lovely looking swallow.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – Just a few over the river at Refugio. This is the subspecies fusca.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Common on the river.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus) – Heard at a few places along the river, but generally uncommon in this forested landscape.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – Heard most days, but tough to see.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – Seen well at Tres Chimbadas, but heard at all the lodges.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Awesome views at Refugio. We called one in close to the trail. Amazing vocalist.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – Incredible mimic, but they also have a "traditional" song. They were fairly common in the forest at TRC.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – Small numbers at TRC.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – This warbler lives along streams or rivers. We eventually coaxed one out for good looks at TRC.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – There was one in a mixed-species canopy flock at TRC.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – Fairly common in flocks at TRC.
WHITE-WINGED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio versicolor) – One of the flock leaders at TRC.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Common in open areas and tall grass along the river.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Blue-gray and Palm tanagers were around in small numbers at Posado and Refugio, but not in the deepest forest like at TRC.
Large groups of White-lipped Peccary roam the forest at TRC. Photo by participant Margaret Kelch.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra) – Seen well at a fruiting tree near the rooms at Refugio.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – In the same flock with the Yellow-bellied Tanagers.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – One seen on our boat trip to TRC.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – These were seen a number of times at TRC and Refugio.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Small numbers in flocks at TRC.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Feeding near our rooms at Refugio.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – One in a flock at TRC.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Seen a couple of times at TRC and again at Refugio. The blue bird with bright yellow legs.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Singles at TRC a couple of times.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – One on the drive back to Puerto Maldonado.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Good numbers in the fields on our drive back to PM.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – A male was perched up in the field outside of PM.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – A male was in the same field with the previous species. A very sharp looking bird.
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – This species is an austral migrant to Peru. Small numbers were seen at Refugio.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Seemed to be around in small numbers at most places, at least by voice.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – A pair were perched up along the road to Puerto Maldonado.
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – This is an open country and disturbed habitat species. It was heard and seen a few times along the Tambopata.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – Active groups were in the understory at TRC.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus) – A lovely oropendola seen a few times at TRC. By far the least common of the three oropendolas encountered on the tour.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Seen most days.
CASQUED CACIQUE (Cacicus oseryi) – One was calling above us on the trail at Refugio. It flew off before we really saw it well. Too bad.
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) – One feeding in the Erythrina tree on Isla Colorado.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Along the river and standing on the backs of capybaras!
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Usually in pairs. Seen a few times. One was building a nest in a dead cecropia leaf at Posado.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – A pair was seen at Refugio.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – A few times in the forest at TRC.
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – The bats hanging out in the thatched roof at TRC.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – A tiny primate seen one day at TRC.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – This species was fairly common around TRC. It was golden brown overall with a white face.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – Seen well at Posado and Refugio.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – A pretty monkey seen every day at TRC. One was at a clay lick along the banks of the Tambopata.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – One was seen at Posado.
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus) – In the tall fig trees near the TRC lodge.
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus) – One was seen in the forest at TRC.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Small numbers were seen along the Tambopata. The largest rodent in the world!
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – Closely related to the previous species, but seen on terra firme. A few were hanging out around the lodges.
AMAZON BAMBOO RAT (Dactylomys dactylinus) – It was hard to see this one deep inside the bamboo.
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) – Seen on our evening boat ride at TRC.
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – Large heads popping out of the water at Tres Chimbadas.
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari) – We were in the middle of a large group of them at TRC. At least 50 individuals and one or two aggressive males . Jair scared them off!
Herps
BLACK CAIMAN (Melanosuchus niger) – One at Tres Chimbadas. This species prefers slower waters than Spectacled. Often seen at oxbow lakes, but regardless, this species is rare to uncommon.
YELLOW-SPOTTED RIVER TURTLE (Podocnemis unifilis) – Large numbers along the Tambopata River.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 298 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa