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 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
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)
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus)
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)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii)
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) SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
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) [*]
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
ASH-THROATED CRAKE (Porzana albicollis) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
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) Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
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)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae)
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)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus)
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) [*]
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Apodidae (Swifts)
SWIFT SP. (Cypseloides sp.)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
AMAZONIAN SWIFT (Chaetura viridipennis)
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)
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
PAVONINE QUETZAL (Pharomachrus pavoninus)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) [*]
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
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)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus hyperrhynchus) [*]
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) [*]
STRIOLATED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus striolatus)
WESTERN PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUE-CHEEKED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanicollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-GIRDLED BARBET (Capito dayi)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
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)
RED-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus bitorquatus)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii)
GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii)
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BAR-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus aurifrons)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) [*]
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros)
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
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) [*] 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)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
CRIMSON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura perlata)
SANTAREM PARAKEET (MADEIRA) (Pyrrhura amazonum snethlageae)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) [*]
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) [*]
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
SHORT-TAILED PARROT (Graydidascalus brachyurus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
KAWALL'S PARROT (Amazona kawalli)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila) [*]
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae)
UNDULATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena unduliger) [*]
GLOSSY ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus luctuosus)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
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) [*] WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops)
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
SATURNINE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes saturninus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris)
WHITE-EYED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma)
STIPPLE-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla haematonota)
ROOSEVELT ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla dentei)
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
SCLATER'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula sclateri)
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis)
IHERING'S ANTWREN (Myrmotherula iheringi)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
ARIPUANA ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus stotzi)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) [*]
STRIATED ANTBIRD (Drymophila devillei subochracea)
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
SPIX'S WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis striata implicata)
MANICORE WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis rondoni)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigrescens)
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
HUMAITA ANTBIRD (Schistocichla humaythae)
RUFOUS-FACED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla rufifacies)
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza ferruginea)
[CHESTNUT-TAILED] ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza [hemimelaena] taxon novum)
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax)
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) SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus)
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata)
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SPOT-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Certhiasomus stictolaemus)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
HOFFMANNS'S WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes hoffmannsi)
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (UNIFORM) (Hylexetastes perrotii uniformis)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) [*]
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (DUSKY-BILLED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus eytoni)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
TAPAJOS SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus probatus)
NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) [*]
RONDONIA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus)
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) [*]
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
RUFOUS-TAILED XENOPS (Microxenops milleri)
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum)
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum)
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes)
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) [*]
PARA FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus paraensis)
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypospodia)
RUDDY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis rutilans)
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)
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) GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer)
SHARP-TAILED TYRANT (Culicivora caudacuta)
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) [*]
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) [*]
SNETHLAGE'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minor)
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) [*]
ZIMMER'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus minimus) [*]
BUFF-CHEEKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus senex)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus)
WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos) [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (Onychorhynchus coronatus)
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)
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)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
WHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus albogularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BLACK-NECKED RED-COTINGA (Phoenicircus nigricollis)
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola regina) [*]
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens) [*]
RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla)
FLAME-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus linteatus)
SNOW-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix nattereri)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
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)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae)
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)
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) [*]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLACK-COLLARED SWALLOW (Pygochelidon melanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis)
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) HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
INAMBARI GNATCATCHER (Polioptila attenboroughi)
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)
WHITE-RUMPED TANAGER (Cypsnagra hirundinacea)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
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)
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)
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
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)
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)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
BLACK-MASKED FINCH (Coryphaspiza melanotis)
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)
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)
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)
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
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) FREE-TAILED BAT SP. (Tadarida sp.)
[SILVERY] MARMOSET (Callithrix [argentata] sp.)
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis)
RED-CHESTED MUSTACHED TAMARIN (Saguinus labiatus)
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) [*]
PRINCE BERNARD'S TITI MONKEY (Callicebus bernhardi) [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
COMMON WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix lagotricha)
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus)
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)
We had to catch lunch one day -- Peacock Bass (tucunaré)! HD video copyright Bret Whitney.
GIANT OTTER (Pteronura brasiliensis) COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana) [*]
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