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Field Guides Tour Report
BRAZIL'S RIO ROOSEVELT: 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EXPEDITION 2014
Sep 19, 2014 to Oct 1, 2014
Bret Whitney


The portage path around Santa Rita rapids opened by the Roosevelt-Rondon Expedition in April 1914 to chart the River of Doubt is today the main path between the airstrip and the Pousada Rio Roosevelt.  Photo copyright Bret Whitney.

Our plan was to be at the Pousada Rio Roosevelt on the 100-year anniversary of the precise dates that the Roosevelt-Rondon Expedition of 1914 came through in their epic charting of the "River of Doubt". But Mother Nature strongly discouraged that idea, producing record flooding of the Rio Madeira just ahead of our departure. We hastily canceled the tour and moved it to follow the Manaus tour, in late September. It was a very good thing that we were able to do this, because the April plan would have shut us out of birding west of the Madeira and the Roosevelt itself would have been unusually high and rainy. As it turned out, we had good weather and fine birding for the whole tour. Whew!

We got out of the gates with an exciting charter flight from Porto Velho to the Pousada Rio Roosevelt, traversing many miles of unbroken forest as we neared and flew around one of the most dangerous sets of rapids that the 1914 Expedition had to face. It was an awesome feeling to drop into the narrow, dirt airstrip and walk the 600 yards of portage trail originally opened by the Expedition to arrive at the comfortable Pousada where we would settle in for a week.

We quickly learned that it had been unusually dry for the past couple of months and the river was quite low, but passable to all points we'd visit. However, rains started pretty much in earnest early in our stay, mostly nighttime, thank goodness. This was generally good for stimulating avian activity, but it would have been much better had it started a week earlier. Our dreams of good antswarm action had to wait until our last day, when we finally hit a really big one with cooperative White-breasted Antbirds!

Always among the most hoped-for specialties on the Roosevelt are Zigzag Heron and Dark-winged Trumpeter. Luck was with us -- they came only an hour apart! We'd requested a new trail be put in to get us into some bamboo and far enough in from the riverbank to reach a shinking forest pond where the secretive Zigzag might be hiding out during this very dry period. The plan worked out perfectly, and the trumpeters were a huge bonus, especially because they allowed prolonged, excellent views. Bamboo birding was also excellent, with busy flock activity that included Bamboo Antshrike and Striated Antbird.

Our campina birding day was also especially good, producing memorable encounters with Chico's Tyrannulet (described to science only in 2013) and Buff-cheeked Tody-Tyrant, along with another recently described species, Aripuana Antwren. It was fascinating to walk around in that incredibly different habitat, which, like almost everything we saw on the Roosevelt, was an "old-growth", climax Amazonian plant community, undisturbed since long before Roosevelt and Rondon came through.

Among the birding highlights on the Roosvelt, I must mention the following additional sightings: Regal pairs (or trios) of Razor-billed Curassows along the river; a couple of good views of Black-bellied Cuckoo; a stunning male Black-bellied Thorntail seen from atop the canopy tower, just above eye-level and only a few yards away; a handsome Pavonine Quetzal that stuck around for excellent scope views; superb studies of Natterer's Striolated Puffbird; wonderful scopefuls of Blue-cheeked and Great jacamars; a pair of Black-girdled Barbets that appeared unusually low for nice viewing; excellent views of Red-necked Aracaris and Gould's Toucanets; cooperative (finally!) Ringed and Red-necked woodpeckers; gorgeous Blue-and-yellow Macaws along the river trips; knock-out scope studies of Orange-cheeked Parrots; equally fine looks at Kawall's Parrot; lots of challenging antbirds, most seen well; excellent views of Chestnut-belted Gnateater (Black-bellied got away not even heard, darn it!); an amazing pair of Rusty-belted Tapaculos; many good views of woodcreepers, including Hoffmann's and Uniform; excellent looks at and listens to Musician Wren and Tooth-billed Wren; and last but not least, a host of fancy tanagers and honeycreepers, most seen to great advantage from the tower.

Outstanding among mammal sightings on the Roosevelt were certainly the Common Woolly Monkeys that loudly berated our curious presence a couple of times. I don't think the troop on the left bank had ever seen a human being before. A Jaguar had been seen twice in the days ahead of our visit, but we weren't lucky enough to cross paths with it. Surprisingly, we also failed to see Giant Otters or Brazilian Tapirs; perhaps very dry conditions had something to do with their apparent scarcity near the river this time around.

The long-awaited opening of the bridge over the Rio Madeira happened just days ahead of the tour, and we took advantage of it to zip up to Humaitá for some productive birding in natural campos and disturbed forest habitats. Among the special birds we sought there was Ocellated Crake -- which, unfortunately, allowed brief glimpses for only about half the group despite our trickery and lots of patience as it vocalized just a few feet away. Several of the species described new to science in the final (Special) volume of HBW were possible in this region, and we picked up Western Striolated Puffbird to go with the Natterer's we'd seen in the Roosevelt, and also got Inambari Woodcreeper and Inambari Gnatcatcher. Our excellent toucan roster was completed with terrific views of Curl-crested (wow!) and Ivory-billed aracaris, and Golden-collared Toucanet.

It was great fun birding with you all -- ours was a very nice group indeed! I know you took home some fine memories of wild waters, and forests and birds, from along the Rio Roosevelt, as I did. I hope to see you all again before too long.

Grandes abraços -- Bretche


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) [*]
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) [*]

Early mornings on the Rio Roosevelt are always inspiring; one never knows what might be encountered out there... HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
BRAZILIAN TINAMOU (Crypturellus strigulosus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
RED-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cujubi) – One fine sighting at the clay-lick
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – Three good sightings, always a fine bird to see!
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) – A fantastic encounter in which we saw both sexes very well, and for more than half an hour; a dream come true!

We saw regal pairs/trios of Razor-billed Curassows three times. HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Just one this time
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – A quick fly-by out of Humaita
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) [*]
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)

This is the male of a pair of Zigzag Herons that came in close and stayed for wonderful views. HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – A soaring adult greeted us soon after we deplaned at the Rio Roosevelt airstrip.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – One
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
WHITE-BROWED HAWK (Leucopternis kuhli) – Darn, couldn't get it to come in closer (it was calling very far away). [*]
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – A couple of nice sightings on river sandbars.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii) – Count yourself among the very lucky if you managed to catch the two glimpses we had on the left side of the opening.
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Porzana albicollis) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – One seen along the Roosevelt.
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)

This troop of Dark-winged Trumpeters approached us within about 30 feet, calling excitedly. The experience of seeing and hearing them so close ranked among the highest of highlights! HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
DARK-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia viridis) – Check out the video! >>>
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) – Handsome, constantly.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) – Peter made an excellent spot on a single bird near Humaitá, where rare but regular (mostly as a migrant).
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – One near Humaitá.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Exellent views of several of these interesting (and weird) birds along the Roosevelt.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – More in-evidence than usual, and seen well 3-4 times.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus) – Great views near Humaita.
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor) – More than 20; this section of the Roosevelt seems to be a regular wintering area for this bird, which is particularly poorly known when outside of North America.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – A couple in the campina were fun to see.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) [*]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Superb views right near the pousada.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SWIFT SP. (Cypseloides sp.) – A single Cypseloides sp. was seen from the tower. Such birds are probably C. senex (Great Dusky Swift), but we can't be sure.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Quite a few from the tower; most trips we see none at all.
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis) – Excellent views from the tower (split from Chapman's Swift, Chaetura chapmani, several years ago).
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
NEEDLE-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis philippii) – Seen well a couple of times.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi) – Certainly one of the trip highlights!
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus) – Great views of an adult male.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Deb made a great spot on one; very few seen or heard this trip.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Now considered a species separate from Violaceus Trogon.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) [*]
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – Very good scope views of two birds.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)


The Western Puffbird (aka: Western Striolated-Puffbird) was described by Bret and colleagues in the Special Volume of "Handbook of the Birds of the World" in July 2013. We sure enjoyed fabulous views of it this year! Digi-scope photo copyright Bret Whitney

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – One nice view.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – A single sighting of this one, too.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus hyperrhynchus) [*]
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) [*]
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus striolatus) – Perseverance paid off with fine scope studies of this rarely seen puffbird, endemic to the Madeira-Tapajós interfluvium.
WESTERN PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – This is the "Striolated Puffbird" people have usually seen (usually somewhere in Peru); until the populations west of the Rio Madeira were described as Nystalus obamai in July, 2013, it had never been formally named.
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Lots of these guys around the pousada, nesting in the sand.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis) – Nice views of this gorgeous bird, very close!
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra) – Pulled in from afar at the campina.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – Several good sightings, mostly from the tower.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – Seen a couple of times, once especially well in the scope.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi) – Unusually low views of a pair.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Good views of a pair west of the Madeira (around Humaita).
Ramphastidae (Toucans)


Chestnut-eared Aracari (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara)
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) – Spectacular encounter with a troop of these strange litle toucans in great light, near Humaita. We had a fantastic list of ramphastids this tour!
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – Dona Suellen picked one up (well, not literally) as it flew over savanna habitat near Humaita; great to see it out there!
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons) – Virginia and Peter made fine spots on these tiny woodpeckers on different days.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) [*]
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – A couple of fine sightings of this one.
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – A good spot by Betinho!
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – It took a while, but we finally got one into good view.
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – Kind of the same story -- seen well after some effort (well worth it!).
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – Always spectacular!
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) [*]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]

A treeful of Curl-crested Aracaris -- now that's hard to beat! HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
CRYPTIC FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mintoni) – One started vocalizing consistently but simply would not budge. [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Nice scope view of a pair near Humaita.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
CRIMSON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura perlata) – These fancy birds seemed scarcer than usual; we managed to see just a few perched briefly (and more fly-bys).
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae) – Much more numerous, and easily seen.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea) – A couple near Humaita.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Wonderful views of a large group on the Rio Madeirinha.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) [*]
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Several nice views of these beauties.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – The most numerous macaw on the Roosevelt, seen really nicely a couple of times, and often seen flying over the rivers.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) – A couple near Humaita (where they have many more Mauritia "buriti" palms to feed on).
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera) – Lots along the Roosevelt.
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Fabulous views of these handsome parrots at the clay-lick.
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus) – A couple of big flocks near Humaita (a whitewater, river-edge species).
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Numerous, but fewer than usual.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
KAWALL'S PARROT (Amazona kawalli) – Excellent scope views of this still little-known bird.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila) [*]
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – A couple of good views of this handsome species.
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) – Wow! We hit the jackpot and walked right into a territory on a new trail the guys put in for us. It was hard to see, but eventually showed well for all. This is just about the easternmost known locality for the species.
UNDULATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena unduliger) – Booooo!! We finally got a male going fairly strong (singing consistently), but just could not outsmart him for a view. "I'll be back!" [*]
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus) – Wonderful views of a pair.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) – Also seen well, after some effort.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)

This male Rufous-faced Anbird marked Deb's #1500 Big Year bird -- it was amazing to achieve that goal!! HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
NATTERER'S SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus stictocephalus) – Named for Johann Natterer, Austrian naturalist who worked for years (early 1800s) on the Rio Madeira; we enjoyed a good view in the campina. [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) – One sneaky male seen well.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
SATURNINE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes saturninus) – Good views after much suspense.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma)
STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla haematonota) – A brief view of a pair west of the Madeira on our last morning.
ROOSEVELT ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla dentei) – Excellent studies on the Rio Madeirinha; described in July, 2013.
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri) – We managed to see it on both sides of the Madeira, very nice.
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis)
IHERING'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula iheringi) – Good view of an adult male.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
ARIPUANA ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus stotzi) – Seen well a couple of time, best in the campina. Another of the "HBW Special Volume - 2013" new species.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) [*]
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei subochracea) – It was tough to follow, but most of us managed to see one well (first time we'd had it on this tour!), distinctive subspecies subochraceus.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata implicata) – Right bank of the Roosevelt.
MANICORE WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis rondoni) – Newly described species on the left bank of the Roosevelt.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigrescens)
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Fabulously close views of a loudly singing male.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
HUMAITA ANTBIRD (Schistocichla humaythae) – This rather rarely seen species performed beautifully (here at the type locality outside Humaita).
RUFOUS-FACED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla rufifacies) – Woo-HOOO! This was #1500 on Deb's year list, which marked her goal just hours short of the year-end. Congratulations, Deb! Check out the video (She looks more subdued on the video than she was in spirit at that moment!) >>>
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza ferruginea) – A good view of this gorgeous antbird, subspecies M. f. eluta, endemic to the Madeira-tapajós interfluvium.
[CHESTNUT-TAILED] ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza [hemimelaena] taxon novum) – We finally came up with a pair for decent views even as the light was waning fast; this population has a very distinctive song, and may be described as a separate species after further study, including genetic work.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – Much better viewing than usual!

White-breasted Antbird, male and female, at the one (huge!) antswarm we found in our week on the Rio Roosevelt. HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
WHITE-BREASTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina hoffmannsi) – Fabulous experience with this fancy bird -- everyone got their fill at the one monster army ant swarm we found on the tour.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – Fine views in terra firme forest.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – Excellent encounter at the clay-lick.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – This sneaky bird can be really hard to see well, but the big antswarm eventually yielded fine views for all of us.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) – Wonderful views, and real close. But I'm still rankling at missing Black-Bellied Gnateater -- late Sept must be a terrible time for them (perhaps they've got young in nests).
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) – We tried hard to pull one in to view, but it managed to stay out of sight. [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) – What a fun experience we had seeing this skulker as it came in slowly to within about 15 feet of us. Two birds, in fact!
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – Very nice views of a singing bird.
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus) – Another sneaky bird that we eventually managed to see quite nicely.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) – One seen briefly but well.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula) – At the big antswarm.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
HOFFMANNS'S WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes hoffmannsi) – Fine views of this Mad-Tap endemic species.
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (UNIFORM) (Hylexetastes perrotii uniformis) – Also seen very nicely, but just once.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) [*]
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) – Seen beautifully near Humaita.
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – Seen very nicely several times with mixed-species flocks.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
TAPAJOS SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus probatus) – Mike spotted our first on in a mixed-species flock. This population (Mad-Tap interfluvium) may be considered a separate species from Curve-billed Scythebill.
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) [*]
RONDONIA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus) – This is the "Lineated" Woodcreper on the Roosevelt; the complex was split into five species in the Special Volume of HBW 2013.
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae) – The "Lineated" Woodcreeper west of the Madeira; it had not been named before the Special Volume of HBW 2013. Great looks at both of these.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) [*]
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – It took some coaxing, but we finally managed to get nice scope views of a palmcreeper on our last day, en route to Porto Velho. Yip Yip Yip!!
RUFOUS-TAILED XENOPS (Microxenops milleri) – One especially nice view; almost always tough to find this one.
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum)
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) – Seen nicely a couple of times.
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) – A tricky bird to see, but we managed to get one to stop where we could see it. It was hard to spot, but stuck around for a pretty nice view!
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]
PARA FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus paraensis) – Seen briefly a couple of times.
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – One very nice look.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia) – Superb view in the campos of Humaita.
RUDDY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis rutilans) – Also seen unusually well.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – A couple of migrants seen along the river.
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]

Chico's Tyrannulet, described new to science by Bret and Brazilian colleagues in 2013. A pair showed up very promptly this year! HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
CHICO'S TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chicomendesi) – Yesss! We lucked out with relatively cool weather the day we went to the campina, which helped in getting a pair of this newly described bird (HBW 2013) into excellent view. It was an exciting moment, one few birders have experienced!
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer) – Considered a species separate from Slender-footed Tyrannulet.
SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta) – Wonderful views of a pair in healthy campos near Humaita.
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) [*]
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) [*]
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor) – Good views on both sides of the Madeira (two species likely involved), and we even found a nest near the pousada.
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) [*]
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]
BUFF-CHEEKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus senex) – Superb views of one at the campina. It remains a very poorly known bird.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Nancy made a fine spot on one of these tiny birds; often gets away "heard only".
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – Wow, we had a bird approach us to within 10 feet atop the tower!
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – A miserable little bugger to see -- but most of us eventually caught up with one for reasonable views.
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos) [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (Onychorhynchus coronatus) – A nice view of one that responded fairly well to my recording (no spreading of the crest, of course).
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) [*]
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) [*]
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) – Fabulous scope study of a singing bird near Humaita.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) [*]
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus) – Very nicely near Humaita.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis) – Fairly common around Humaita; nice tobe able to compare tham directly with Tropicals.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BLACK-NECKED RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus nigricollis) – One immature male allowed us to see him a couple of times.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – A couple of adult males brightened up some mornings!
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) – Marianne spotted one for us, from the top of the tower.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – A few.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola regina) [*]
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens) – I still owe you this one, Marianne! [*]
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus)
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri) – A good spot by nancy permitted us all to have a nice view!
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – A fantastic view of one; often not seen worth a darn.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

It's highly unusual to get to watch a Brown-winged Schffornis (formerly Thrush-like Schiffornis and before that, Thrush-like Manakin). HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) [*]
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) – An unusually, very unusually, fine view of one near the campina.
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – We found a nest, with a large, just-fledged juvenile food-begging from two adults in a fairly sparsely leaved tree. Scope view were exceptional!!
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) [*]
Vireonidae (Vireos)
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) [*]
GRAY-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus semicinereus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus) [*]
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Hylophilus muscicapinus) – Seen beautifully, low and close.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) [*]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-COLLARED SWALLOW (Pygochelidon melanoleuca) – Lots along the Roosevelt, especially near the rapids, but also seen superbly low over the airstrip.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – Early arrivals showed at the beginning of the tour around Porto Velho.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)


Tooth-billed Wren -- always tough to see well unless you're on a tower. We were very fortunate to get this view from the ground, with the scope! Digi-scope photo copyright Bret Whitney.

TOOTH-BILLED WREN (Odontorchilus cinereus) – Great scope study of a singing bird!
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Patience paid off for us with good views of a singing bird -- a wonderful rainforest sound!!
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
INAMBARI GNATCATCHER (Polioptila attenboroughi) – Another of the recently described species from HBW Special Volume 2013. A little-known member of the Guianan Gnatcatcher complex occurring only west of the Madeira; very few birders have seen this one ;-)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) [*]
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) [*]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) [*]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca) – Good views from atop the tower!
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) – This distinctive tanager is endemic to cerrados, with the pale subspecies C. h. pallidigula inhabiting the western parts of the range, including the Humaita campos.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – Several good views of this one.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)

Inambari Gnatcatcher is another of the 15 new species described in the 2013 Special Volume of "Handbook of the Birds of the World". It is a close relative of Guianan Gnatcatcher (P. guianensis). HD digi-video copyright Bret Whitney.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
RED-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus phoenicius)
WHITE-WINGED SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio versicolor) – Also seen very nicely a couple of times; our first good sighting was one Deb spotted.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
DOTTED TANAGER (Tangara varia) [*]
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Nicely from the tower.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – Ditto that remark!
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) [*]
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)


"Perneta" is a monstrous Black Caiman who's missing one leg and comes up to see if there's anything edible in the neighborhood. Photo copyright Bret Whitney.

SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – Seen a number of times right around the pousada.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
DARK-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila ruficollis) – One male!
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
BLACK-MASKED FINCH (Coryphaspiza melanotis) – Fantastic to get this one in the campos of Humaita, where particularly rarely seen.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

This male Thick-billed Euphonia was apparently inspecting a potential nest-site. HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni) – Just one male, and he was good at keeping branches and leaves between himself and us -- but most folks had a good, if brief, view.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) [*]
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus) – Nice views of these big guys.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Porto Velho and Humaita

MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – Several encounters with roosting animals on the undersides of trunks inclined over the water.
LARGE FRUIT-EATING BATS (Artibeus spp.)

It's quite possible that this troop of Common Woolly Monkeys had never seen human beings before. HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
GREATER BULLDOG BAT (Noctilio leporinus) – Neat views of several doing their fishing maneuvers on the Roosevelt just off the beach at the pousada.
FREE-TAILED BAT SP. (Tadarida sp.)
[SILVERY] MARMOSET (Callithrix [argentata] sp.) – Nice views of these tiny primates.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – Several seen well near Humaita.
RED-CHESTED MUSTACHED TAMARIN (Saguinus labiatus) – These handsome tamarins were also seen well near Humaita.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) [*]
PRINCE BERNARD'S TITI MONKEY (Callicebus bernhardi) – Darn, heard only this time (we usually manage to see them at some point). [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – A couple of nice sightings.
COMMON WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix lagotricha) – Fantastic encounters with these impressive animals a couple of times (check out the video!)
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus) – One big one was seen briefly.
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus) – We enjoyed exceptionally fine views of Pygmy Squirrels on a couple of days -- always exciting to find this one!
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)

We had to catch lunch one day -- Peacock Bass (tucunaré)! HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) – Unfortunately, we didn't have a good group sighting this year, but a couple were seen briefly.
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu) – A couple of these guys came trundling through the understory quite close to us before they realized we were there.
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari) – Smelled only -- but it was powerful stuff!
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana) [*]


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Surely the most noteworthy of "other critters" seen on the tour was old Perneta, the enormous Black Caiman that came up to the boats when we stopped to visit. We also saw numerous Ameiva lizards around the cabins and on trails. The monstrous grasshoppers along the airstrip were also quite impressive.


Totals for the tour: 400 bird taxa and 19 mammal taxa