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Field Guides Tour Report
Amazonian Ecuador: Sacha Lodge I
Jan 13, 2012 to Jan 22, 2012
Willy Perez

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.


Sacha's wooden tower, 135 feet up in the branches of a massive kapok tree, is an experience not to be missed. This group seems pretty happy with their visit! (Photo by guide Willy Perez)

This being my first solo tour for Field Guides, I have to admit that my feelings were a little mixed: I was excited to be going to one of my favourite areas for birds in Ecuador, with so much diversity, but a little nervous about the big challenge of making sure everyone gets to see as many of these amazing birds as possible. Arriving in Coca, with the warm air temperature and the feeling of the jungle becoming more imminent, and seeing several birds already flying around, plain excitement just kicked in instead.

When we got to Casa Sacha, they told us that we had to get to the lodge by 2.00 pm in order to have lunch, which would mean no time to do birding along the river. So, with everyone wanting to bird instead, the decision to skip lunch wasn't difficult at all. Everything that followed was great and the birds and animals were fantastic. Sacha as a lodge gave us all that we needed to enjoy the birds and nature. The accommodations were very good, and the food was stunning. Cabins in the forest enabled us to enjoy all the surrounding sounds of the jungle and our neighbours- Yellow-rumped Caciques, Great Kiskadees, and Russet-backed Oropendolas- kept us company during our stay.

I planned the activities in order to try and give the group as much opportunity as possible to see as many birds as we could during the week, whilst having a good time too, which of course meant spending sufficient time in the canopy towers! The advantage of having a tower is that it gives you a unique opportunity to be up in the canopy and see birds you wouldn't otherwise see from the ground. So when we got to the top of the tower and saw a Paradise Tanager, an Ivory-billed Aracari, and many Bare-necked Fruitcrows just in front of us, followed by Black-headed Parrot, Spangled Cotinga, and the tiny White-browed Purpletuft, it was such a treat.

Sometimes these tropical places are too hot, especially when you are hiking, but you are able to forget all of that, as we did, when you come across a pair of Crested Owls 20 feet away from you, or you suddenly hear a Musician Wren sing and then get it in the scope for all to see. The stickiness and heat bother no-one when you find a Wire-tailed Manakin displaying, looking for a female! You need luck to see an ant swarm and having talked about them, it was wonderful to get to actually see one together on one of the hikes, with the most incredible White-plumed Antbird in full view.

Of course one can never predict nature, and the first time that we went to the parakeet clay lick it was not good, and many people go to Sacha specifically to see this. But the second time more than made up for it; with a bit of patience, we ended up with views of what I describe as small rainbows flying: Orange-cheeked Parrot, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, and Scarlet Macaw. It was an unforgettable show!

Watching birds from the dugout canoe was a bit more difficult, and a bit painful after the first hour, but as I always say: "No pain no gain"! Despite the difficulties, we did really well with specialities in the flooded forest such as the Zigzag Heron which was tough, but eventually showed well, and the American Pygmy and Green-and-rufous kingfishers, which were slightly easier to spot. We even got to see an Anaconda!

There are so many other memories that come to mind, such as the bats fishing on the lake, monkeys jumping on top of the cabins, caimans coming to eat the leftovers from the fantastic barbeques that we had during our stay, the Thorny-tailed Lizard that made its living on top of a Kapok tree and those footprints we saw of a Jaguar, amazing!

And finally I want to make mention of all the great people that came on the tour and I want to say thank you to all of you for your patience, sense of humor and kindness. Also thank you to Oscar, our very knowledgeable local guide, and Elias our helper. They contributed a lot to the trip and found great birds for us.

-Willy

For more information about this tour, including future departures, please visit our website at www.fieldguides.com

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) [*]


Lined Forest-falcon is always a tricky bird to find. Like most forest-falcons, they generally remain under the forest canopy, and are often quite easily spooked. So this kind of view of a perched bird is a real treat! (Photo by guide Willy Perez)

CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) [b]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) – We managed to be in the right place at the right time, just when it was getting dark I did playback, he answered and we tracked him to his roosting spot where we saw him really well.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) – Usually super difficult to see but our persistence was rewarded when John spotted it in Anaconda Creek, and we had to switch places around in the boat in order to get the angle to see it.
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)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
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)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)


The orange cere and legs readily separate this scarce Black-faced Hawk from the larger and more common White Hawk. This bird was perched near the parakeet clay lick, and was likely resting after a filling meal of Cobalt-winged Parakeet. (Photo by tour participant Joyce Takamine)

HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Despite this being a common bird, it was great to see them, and they took over the tower nesting there.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops) – John's sharp eyes spotted this stunning bird just perched and we thought he was digesting his brunch because he had a little bit of blood on his chest at the Parrot's Clay Lick.
WHITE HAWK (Leucopternis albicollis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – On the way to the parrot clay lick, on the Napo River, one of these impressive eagles came flying and scared away all the other birds including black vultures. It landed on to of a Cecropia tree and we could see all the details of it, the chestnut on the back of the head and the black crest.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – When I saw a Black and White bird flying I thought it was the White Wawk seen previously nearby but Oscar said the White Hawk was still perched in the same place, and we checked this one out and it turned out to be this amazing find.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) – This should be one of the finest forest falcons in the family, and especially Joyce really enjoyed watching this bird.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis)
CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) – As normal this bird was difficult to see, but we managed to tempt it out of its usual hiding place and it came close to the trail and sang for us.
BLACK-BANDED CRAKE (Anurolimnas fasciatus) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]


A steep hike up the Anangu trail was made worthwhile when we discovered a pair of Great Jacamars at a nest burrow. (Photo by guide Willy Perez)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – In Sacha it is always a challenge to see this species but not this time when a group of 6 of them were trying to get down to eat the clay. We never saw them down but great views up on a tree.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) – To see this species sitting is not so impressive, but when they started to fly from the Clay lick towards us in the hide, we definitely discovered why they are called Scarlet-shouldered and how impressive they can be.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – In the parrot family, this has to be one of the prettiest in my opinion, especially when you can see them at eye level in favourable light, which is how we saw them a couple of times from the towers.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – This is another colorful parrot that flew towards us and we got a full frontal view of it with its fantastic colors.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Found a lot near water, and one of John T's favourites to watch, like a punk rocker!
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – To see owls at night is one thing, but we were very impressed with this pair which were just side by side during daylight hours, close to a trail going back from the tower. We saw them in two different occasions.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) [b]
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – The first sighting of this bird was in daylight and very close up, what an incredible camouflage, it looked exactly like a branch.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus leucurus)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi)
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – This is not the most colourful hummingbird but it was still great to see this speciality of the river island.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – This bird was found by Pam on the hike along the way to Sacha Lodge from the Napo River. Male & female were hunting for insects, both very colourful.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – Being one of the highest priorities for the group the 4th day in the afternoon along the Orquidea Creek, we spotted one of these, with several more sightings on subsequent days. Everyone loved watching this bird with its contrasting colors.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – It is always good to see this smallest Kingfisher in Sacha and we saw one along the Orquidea Creek.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) [*]
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) [*]
BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea)
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – Pam saw this bird by herself when we were coming back from the Anangu trail and not having much luck with this bird drawing the trip we doubted we were going to see it. Until Oscar found one along the walk from the Napo to the lodge, sitting on a vine, catching insects and coming back to the same place. It was a perfect opportunity to see it well.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – We found these birds getting into a nest along the Anangu trail. After having fantastic views of them we told Gary to come and have a look, which his group appreciated. [N]
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – From the wooden tower we observed one of these doing an amazing call and display, John commented he looked like a rocking horse because of his movements.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – We had a lucky break seeing this bird on the island, when one came and sat on the cecropia tree for 5 minutes. What a view!
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) – Oscar knew a particular place where this roosts so he took us there at night which was a great success.
BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus) – We didn't see this one tossing leaves but he was singing his heart out instead. It was a little bit dark but he put up with us shining a light on him to see him better.
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor) – This bird gave us a hard time! Everytime I played the tape he swooped past above us until we found him eventually sitting on a bush and through some branches and leaves we got a view of him through the scope.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua) [*]
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula) – This was the most cooperative of all the spinetails on the island, and everyone had good views of one that came to a secropia tree.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) [*]
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum) [*]
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum)
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) [*]
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – Along the boardwalk, we heard this unique Woodcreeper and he answered playback well and came right above us where we had wonderful views of the bill.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) – Of course that we have to mention this bird. As Dennis said I was baptised by this bird when he did a poo on my head. The group's comment was that it wasn't a Woodcreeper but a "Woodcrapper"!
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – People's comments was that he looked like a zebra, we had a great view of him.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) [*]
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata)
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – This is a serious Pygmy, when saw him below the tower everyone commented that he looked as small as an insect. By the end we saw all his colors better and we realised it was actually a bird.
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula hauxwelli)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – At a certain point we gave up on this bird as he wasn't responding, but we got very excited when he suddenly called and with some patience we managed to encourage him out into the open and everyone thought he was more like a warbler because of his black and yellow coloring, than an antbird.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) [*]
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma)
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps)
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra)
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza fortis)
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – Such a tricky bird to see, and one that always stands out in the bird book, so we felt tremendously lucky to have such a good view of it at the antswarm on the Anangu trail.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – Along the Orquidea Creek, we had a very good response from this very pretty black and white dotted bird, which stayed on a branch singing, whilst we watched from the dugout canoe.
[SPOT-BACKED] ANTBIRD (Hylophylax [naevius] sp. nov.?) [*]
SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) – On the way to the parakeet clay lick, this bird responded well to playback, it crossed the trail slowly, walked past very elegantly and we had perfect views of it.
STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
WHITE-LORED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus fulviventris) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) – Of course everyone should remember this bird, it was the only Antpitta we saw on the tour and believe me we saw it well. Everyone deserved a prize for standing like statues for 10 minutes until he came out.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) – Definitely one of the highlights of the trip, not just because it was a lifer for me (!), but also because we had such great views of this bird when he sat in open spaces on branches; showing his fine white eyebrow contrasting with his chestnut and black colors.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) – We were very impressed with the behaviour of this bird, especially when he came and sat on top of a root several times to check us out. Eventually he walked off ahead of us on the trail, !Wow!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) [a]
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) [b]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
WILLOW FLYCATCHER (Empidonax traillii) [b]
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) [a]
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) [*]
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) – We heard this bird far away and just by chance I played a tape and he flew right into the tower. You don't get the chance to see this on every trip, so it was a good result, especially when we saw him calling.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris) [b]
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) [b]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A family of Purple-throated Fruitcrow were flying around the tower and one male showed us his fanned out purple throat.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – During our island birding, we were very lucky to meet this charismatic bird nicknamed by the group as Elvis! We didn't see a male but it was definitely good enough seeing this female flying in and out of the island. Also good scope views later on.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – In terms of colors this is one of the most impressive and we saw this Cotinga in fantastic light through the scope from the tower.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) [*]
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola)
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) – Along the Orquidea Creek we found one of these, which came to the playback only once. A little bit further along, Elias found what he thought was a Flycatcher, but on closer inspection we saw the white throat and the orange crown to our excitement.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – There were several views of this Manakin, but the time that stood out was when it was displaying, touching the branches with its wired tail. This was one of Sarah's favourites.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra erythrocephala)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis) [b]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (PATAGONICA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) [b]
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – This bird has an amazing song, and we were lucky to both hear one and to see it beautifully along Liana Chica, also we got a video of it.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – Finding Larry is always a challenge! Oscar did a fine job and he was way way up and we managed to scope him. Larry is a character always tricking guides with the variety of imitations that he can do.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) [b]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – The name describes everything, we saw this really well from the towers.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis)
LARGE-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus crassirostris)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) [b]
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
CASQUED OROPENDOLA (Clypicterus oseryi)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
MAMMALS
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus)
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
NORTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus igniventris)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 318 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa