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We had some great views of birds such as this Sungrebe. While they aren't rare, Sungrebes are often skulky, but this one seemed quite comfortable. We enjoyed watching it as it posed, and from this image, it seemed to enjoy watching us, too! Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
A trip to Shiripuno Lodge is really like a trip back in time to the old days of the Ecuadorian Amazon, where human life up and down the river wasn't seen but maybe once or twice a week. Imagine this: being stationed at a lodge where we are the only ones there to soak in the wildlife and natural wonders that still persist in their unspoiled splendor.
While any rainforest habitat is dumbfounding in its sheer magnificence and biodiversity, it takes a deeper look for any spectator to tweeze out many of its delicate wonders, as we all well know.... and since we were there to bird, here are some of the bird delights that we indulged ourselves with during our week at Shiripuno: an astonishing pair of cooperative Salvin's Curassows; that Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle soaring right overhead; White and Black-faced Hawks for sensational views; close Sungrebes out along the river banks; an unforgettable Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl right at the lodge; Rufous Potoo in our faces; a stunning male Fiery Topaz at dusk; Reddish Hermit with a nest; some great puffbirds, including Collared and White-chested; a responsive Yellow-billed Jacamar for scope studies; Lemon-throated Barbet in all of its glory right at the lodge; all of the possible toucan species; scoped Cream-colored Woodpecker; a Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon that we will all remember; all of those "great" macaws; a very special Fulvous Antshrike (we all know why!); a large assortment of antbirds and antwrens; Short-billed Leaftosser sneaking about in the understory; White-chinned Woodcreeper at an antswarm; a scoped Citron-bellied Attila; those colorful Plum-throated Cotingas; and great looks at both the handsome Olive and Green Oropendolas.
It wasn't only about the birds. We took some time to marvel at some of the other amazing wildlife, such as those troops of Wooly Monkeys that hung out around the lodge, that Southern Tamandua that surprised us out along the river, and a few Spectacled Caimans at close range. And we were almost never out of view of some colorful butterfly or another!
Our host, Fernando, did a fabulous job of seeing to all of our needs, and found us some special birds along the way as well; Pablo, our local birding guide, has the eyes of a hawk, and really helped spearhead our bird quarry... thanks a million, guys! Shiripuno's staff also did an impressive job of seeing to our needs, and prepared some excellent meals all the way out there in the jungle.
I had a wonderful time birding with all of you and look forward to our next far-flung birding adventure. Until then, happy travels, and read on to relive some memories!
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
Shiripuno Lodge was our base for eight wonderful days. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – We did lay eyes on one when it flew across the Shiripuno River... which does not happen very often!
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) – Well, it was either this one, or Little Tinamou that we heard. I did not hear it as well as Fernando did; he was closer to the bird, so I'll give his judgement the benefit of the doubt. [*]
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Common, especially around the lodge and along the river edges.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – The large guan with the red wattle which we had nice views of many times.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Bordering on abundant out along the Shiripuno River edges; in more populated areas, this species' numbers have been greatly reduced due to hunting.
NOCTURNAL CURASSOW (Nothocrax urumutum) – We gave it a try, but couldn't get close enough to any calling birds to have a real shot. [*]
SALVIN'S CURASSOW (Mitu salvini) – One of the key birds to get on this trip, and we clinched superb scope studies of a pair on our first morning birding out of the lodge... wow! We heard them calling, and had to stalk them a bit, but were rewarded when they popped up onto a Cecropia tree just off the trail. So wonderful to see them so fearless.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) – Dennis and I flushed up a quiet pair for quick looks along the Puyuno trail. They were very quiet this trip, though.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Dennis spotted this one for us on our last day as we made our way up the Shiripuno River... nice!
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – The common forest-based vulture of the area.
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Nice looks of them in flight from the motorized canoe one morning.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – We had looks at one as we made our way down the Shiripuno River on our first day.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Good looks at a perched adult from the boat.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – Awesome views at one soaring right overhead out along the river; not seen very often.
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) – Seen in flight on our last day out along the river. A very stocky looking raptor.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Seen briefly in flight.
This female Reddish Hermit had a nest along the Mirador trail where we were able to observe it regularly. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – A common raptor of the area; we had some nice perched views.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – We saw an active and calling bird out along the river one morning; not often heard, so this was a treat.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – Fairly common along the Shiripuno River, especially along the middle sections, on our way down.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – Excellent views of one perched and in flight from a lookout point along the Mirador trail.
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops) – We stumbled across one - in just about the same spot as last year - along the Puyuno trail for scope studies; a stunning hawk, indeed, and getting harder to find.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – Good looks at them out along the river edge on our way down to the lodge. Got to even see that sun-burst pattern in the wing when it flew.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Fairly common along the river, and always a thrill to see. We had some memorable views of them at relatively close range along the river banks, where they stayed still a time or two for some quality pics.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Scope views right from the lodge of one perched over the main cabins.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – Common in cleared areas along the roadsides on our first and last days.
SAPPHIRE QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon saphirina) [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Seen pretty well a couple of times along the river edge on our way down to the lodge on the first day.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Scope views on our first day at a small pond near the (upriver) Shiripuno dock were our only ones of the trip, but we had great looks at them as they sat quietly.
Here is the Reddish Hermit nest; isn't it amazing how these tiny birds build such elaborate structures? Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – Quick views of them along the river edge on our last day. Not sure what these guys were up to this trip.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common at edges and in disturbed areas.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Dennis might have had this richly colored cuckoo species on our last day... the description sounded convincing!
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Common in the canopy, and at edges; we had good looks at one right from the lodge.
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) – Quick looks at this more terra firme, forest- based species along the Bates trail... it was sneaky!
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) – Excellent views at cooperative bird right behind the lodge; those amber colored eyes were very evident!
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – We had one calling overhead, but there were just too many layers of canopy to look through, and it wouldn't budge. [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Good looks at this gorgeous owl out along the river.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Pablo spotted this one for us out along the river as it called from a perch.
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – Retiring this trip, and we had to settle for fly-overs as they wouldn't perch close-by.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor) – A couple of high-flying birds from the river. [b]
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Right around camp, and heard nightly.
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Pablo pointed them out for us on a day roost along the river edge as we made our way back up for our transfer rendezvous.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Heard at dawn almost everyday from the lodge, but we managed to call one in for a flyover one evening of this huge potoo species.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
RUFOUS POTOO (Nyctibius bracteatus) – Certainly one of the birds of the trip, this tricky to find - and very handsome - potoo species can often be found around the lodge at a known roost area or two. This one gave us a run for our money this year though, as they weren't hanging about at any known spot, but Pablo came through big time when we found one right under our noses, perched on a skinny, broken off dead tree only about 10 feet away... almost certainly a nest, which might explain why we weren't finding at the usual haunts!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHESTED SWIFT (Cypseloides lemosi) – We had pretty decent views of this and the next two species as they zipped about with the high-flying clouds of swifts. My guess is that these three species actually travel out to the lowlands from the Andes each day for feeding as they can be seen up in the highlands heading downslope in the early morning, and upslope in the afternoon.
WHITE-CHINNED SWIFT (Cypseloides cryptus)
SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT (Cypseloides cherriei)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The large swift with the all white collar.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – The common, very stocky swift of the area.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (ASH-RUMPED) (Chaetura cinereiventris sclateri) – Small numbers; longer-tailed and thinner-winged than the previous species.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – A few of this distinctive species with the swift groups right over the lodge.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – A tiny, pointy-tailed species; particularly easy to see and common along the river.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
FIERY TOPAZ (Topaza pyra) – Of the reasonable target hummers to hope for on this trip, this is certainly the star to get. We finally tracked down a stunning male just upriver from the lodge as it came to lounge on some dead twigs above the water... wow! Good thing too, because we couldn't find any active feeding sites this trip.
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus leucurus) – Some folks got the one that hit a set of Heliconia flowers right in camp before it zipped away.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – Quick views of this inforest species a couple of times.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – We stumbled into a female for perfect studies right next to her active nest along the Mirador trail; the eggs were about the size of a small pinkie fingernail!
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Pretty good looks at a male on our first day at the Coca airport; although backlit, that purplish tail was visible.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Glimpsed a couple of times.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – We had our best looks right around the lodge when a family group perched about in perfect light. Split from White-tailed Trogon.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – A part of the Violaceous Trogon complex. We called in a pair for good looks one afternoon along the Bates trail; the male has that bold and distinctive yellow eyering.
We had some good views of the pair of Collared Puffbirds near the Lodge. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota microstephanus) [*]
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Common along the Shiripuno River.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – A small version of the previous species; we had one up the river not far from the lodge, perched out over the water.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – Nice looks at a pair in a tall tree along the river edge on our way down to the lodge in nice light.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – Seen a couple of times well from the boat as we birded the river edge.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) [*]
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) – Often a tough one to track down, but the pair around the lodge responded well, allowing for full-frame scope studies on our first morning out of the lodge; lucked into another one at close range along the Misterioso trail.
WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca) – A big target bird, and one that is easily missed. We got one to start vocalizing from the tangled understory along the Karue trail, and finally managed spot it through the foliage and frame it in the scope... nice! If I remember correctly, this was number 9,301 for Hans!
BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea) – Nice scope views at a responsive bird along the Mirador trail.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Common along the river edge.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – More a bird of mature, terra firme forest; Cecille was the only one to get it during some bird activity along the Bates trail.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) – Nice scope views from one of the viewpoints along the Mirador trail. We noted that white wing bar.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – A few along the river.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) – The only ones we ended up finding were on our first day on our way down to the lodge... what a bill!
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – Most often found in hilly, terra firme forest. We coaxed one in for nice scope studies along the lower stretches of the Mirador trail.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – A canopy jacamar that we saw a pair of wonderfully along the Mirador trail.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – A large jacamar that we had luck with a couple of times for scope studies.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) – Scoped on our first day before embarking down the Shiripuno River to the lodge.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Common in the canopy; we had them for good looks a few times.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – We had our star views when we called a male across the river into our productive Cecropia tree right next to the lodge; the views were terrific as it sat out in nice light!
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – The smaller of the aracaris, and the one with the yellow breast. We had a small group of them out along the river.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Prefers edge and secondary habitats; we had our first looks at a group of them along the drive south along the Auca highway to the Shiripuno River on the first day. The one with the red belly band.
This Rufous Potoo was perched right in front of us! What a great bird, and we couldn't have asked for a better view. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – The common aracari around Shiripuno; more forest-based.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara) – Nice scope studies on our first morning around the lodge.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Killer scope studies of a displaying mail during some birding before our boat ride to the lodge on our first day... just blew us away!
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – The largest toucan of the area, and the "declared" yelper!
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Very similar in appearance to the previous species, but smaller, and with a croaking voice. We had good looks right from the lodge at a calling bird.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – A tiny woodpecker relative. We saw a small group of them foraging with a canopy/mid story flock along the Mirador trail.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – In small numbers.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) [*]
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – After pulling them through the canopy, across a tree fall a few times, we finally found one of their hideouts, and promptly threw it in the scope.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – One flew across the Shiripuno River on our first day.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Common and many fine studies of this large woodpecker.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
SLATY-BACKED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur mirandollei) – A rare forest-falcon, and one we were very fortunate to have seen so well. Pablo had gone out for a pre-dawn listen to the song activity behind the lodge to see what was around, and heard some really good ones... this being one of them. After breakfast we got to the spot, played some sound, and it came blasting in right over our heads, landing for scope studies... amazing. A forest-falcon was one of Dennis' dream birds, and we got it in flying colors!
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Common; even had them hanging around the lodge near the kitchen hoping for a scrap or two.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Raucous - sounding like a riot! - along the Mirador trail, where we called them in for some views.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Seen well on our first day on the drive south from Coca.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Nice looks at a perched bird along the river.
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus) – This one surprised us on our first day near the Shiripuno dock; Bat Falcons are usually by far the more common of the two species in the lowlands, but this larger species does get down lower at times.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Common and noisy; we had some good looks a few times.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – Seen as fly-bys this trip.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Right around the lodge for memorable views.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – The parrot that says: "oh-wow, oh-wow!" We had them a few times for decent views.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – The large Amazon parrot of the zone.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – One of the common parrots around Shiripuno, and a real looker.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura) [*]
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – The macaw show is one of the strong suits at Shiripuno. We had this small species just dripping from the branches in a Moriche palm swamp near the lodge.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – Incredible views, time and time again! Could not have ordered them up any better.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – More prevalent upriver from the lodge where we had them perched in some riverside trees for excellent studies.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – The rarest of the macaws in Ecuador's Amazon, but we lucked out and spotted a pair circling about from one of the overlooks along the Mirador trail; unfortunately, only Dennis and I were there for the show.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Seen well on most days.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) [*]
This gorgeous Green-backed Trogon gave us a great look at its iridescent back, which does show green when viewed at the right angle! Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis humeralis) [*]
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – Very nice looks at a pair moving with a mixed canopy flock behind the lodge.
FULVOUS ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena fulva) – A major milestone for Hans: number 9,300!!! This was another bird that Pablo tracked down at dawn behind the lodge before we actually hit the trail, so thanks, Pablo. Just as with the Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon, this one responded actively, and offered up some fabulous views, even through the scope! Fairly recently split from Undulated Antshrike.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – We had this and the following species on our second day in the same flock along the Bates trail.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus)
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – This and Cinereous often run together in the same understory flocks out behind the lodge; we had scope views of both.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli) – An understory antwren that we pulled in along the Misterioso trail. Note that this one is now in its own monotypic genus.
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) – Some saw it come through the trees next to camp with some flock activity.
BROWN-BACKED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fjeldsaai) – Pretty common this trip, but not always easy to see; we did have good looks a time or two at this regional endemic.
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla erythrura) – Also common with the flocks, but a devil to see well. We prevailed in the end, getting one to give it up out with some bird activity behind the lodge.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura) [*]
AMAZONIAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula multostriata) – Common right at the lodge in the trees out along the river.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Common with flocks in the mid/understory.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – It took some patience but we finally tracked down a quality male with a flock behind the lodge.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – The common antwren with the mixed flocks at mid-levels.
BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) – And it was so close, but in the end, the Rufous Potoo robbed our attention! [*]
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) – Glimpsed with a small flock near the lodge when it came down into some shorter trees, which is unusual; this one almost always sticks to the higher canopy. I suspect that they were nesting.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – Fine studies of a female - the more attractive of the two sexes, with the rusty-red belly - up in a vine tangle along the Mirador trail.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – Fairly common in viney tangles in the understory; we had to work them a couple of times for our good looks. This is part of the Warbling Antbird complex that was split six ways!
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – We finally connected with this beautiful terra firme species along the ridge of the Mirador trail... lovely!
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides serva) – A pair came right in to a nearby tangle for us along the lower elevations of the Mirador trail.
RIPARIAN ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides fuscicauda) – Split from the Blackish Antbird; this form prefers tangles often near swampy areas in the lowlands, not foothill forest. We had good looks at a pair one afternoon near one of the "no-name" lakes.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Scope views of a male in the understory along the Mirador trail were a hit.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – Nice looks at a close, singing bird in some swampy forest edge.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Akletos melanoceps) [*]
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Hafferia fortis) – We toyed with one in the understory along the Mirador trail, and ended up with pretty nice scope studies as it perched quietly a time or two.
Amazonian Streaked-Antwrens were common around the Lodge. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – Quick looks at a young bird up near the ridge along the Mirador trail... man was it skittish! There was an antswarm nearby, but it didn't seem to be attracted to it. Go figure!
WHITE-CHEEKED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) – Glimpsed along the Puyuno trail.
LUNULATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys lunulatus) – We spent a lot of time trying to locate this attractive ant-follower, only succeeding on the last afternoon when one finally sounded off near the lodge. It was real challenge getting it into view for more than a few seconds, but it did, for the most part, in the end!
HAIRY-CRESTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) [*]
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – The Spot-backed Antbird complex will soon be split into two species, the terra firme forest form (this one), and the swampy forest-based form that we saw around the lodge. The two look very similar, but have very noticeably different songs. We had really nice views of this one in the hilly forest of the Mirador trail.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – Nice views of one along the Misterioso stream as we birded from the boat.
[SPOT-BACKED] ANTBIRD (NEW SPECIES) (Hylophylax [naevius] sp. nov.?) – The form of the Spot-backed Antbird of swampy, and flatter transitional forests, which we had good looks at just down the trail form the lodge.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – Very nicely along the Mirador trail. Love that back pattern!
REDDISH-WINGED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis erythroptera) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
OCHRE-STRIPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria dignissima) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) – One responded well along the Mirador trail during our second visit to there.
WHITE-CHINNED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla merula) – Sensational looks at this rare and local woodcreeper species as it foraged at an antswarm behind the lodge; its bluish eye and whitish chin were visible.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – We saw this smallest of woodcreepers a couple of times.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) [*]
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) [*]
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Dendrocolaptes certhia certhia) [*]
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) [*]
Gray-capped Flycatcher is similar to several other flycatchers, such as the Social Flycatcher and it is often found in similar habitats. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) [*]
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) [*]
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) – A shy woodcreeper of the lower story; never seems to get too high when it hitches up trunks. We found one cooperative bird, even if a bit jumpy, along the Bates trail.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (BUFF-THROATED) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatus) – Good looks at this chunky woodcreeper along the Mirador trail.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – Glimpsed with some canopy flock activity along the Mirador trail.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – Seen with an understory flock near the lodge.
RUFOUS-TAILED XENOPS (Microxenops milleri) – A pair foraged with a canopy flock high overhead along the Karue trail.
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) – One hyperactive bird along the Puyuno trail.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) [*]
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (Automolus subulatus) – Scope views as one took a long moment to perch and rest from its active feeding with a mixed flock.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – Hans and I had one when it hit a mistletoe patch to feed near the boat dock at the lodge.
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) [*]
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Fairly common with the flocks around the lodge.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops) [*]
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – Dennis and I had one as it fed about on the forest floor along the Puyuno trail.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) [*]
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops) – We brought an individual down to almost eye level along the Mirador trail for fantastic scope studies.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – A tiny canopy flycatcher that we found at an active nest on our first day near the Shiripuno boat dock. [N]
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) [*]
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) [*]
ROYAL FLYCATCHER (Onychorhynchus coronatus) – We had to settle for a glimpsed and heard bird since it moved too fast to really lock onto.
BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius atricaudus) – An uncommon understory flycatcher that we had good views of - as it flashed its yellow rump - with a flock behind the lodge.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – This boreal migrant had just arrived from its northern haunts! [b]
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – A male bird was hanging around the Coca airport upon our arrival.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Seen daily along the Shiripuno River, often perching on emergent dead logs.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) – A cooperative pair along the Colibri trail rounded out the morning.
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) [*]
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) – The most vocal attila in the Shiripuno area, we finally tracked one down for some nice scope views along the Bates trail late one afternoon... a really fine looking attila!
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Seen well on the last two days of the trip; almost always near the water.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Seen and heard daily!
Blue-and-yellow Macaws in flight. We saw many of these large and impressive parrots. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – The larger relative of the previous; the bulk of this species' diet tends to be fruit, believe it or not.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – This and the next species are common lowland flycatchers that are most easily found at edge situations.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus) – We had a pair come in high above us in the canopy during some birding along the trails behind the lodge; only Ann-Margreth and I got onto it as it sat all too briefly.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – In low numbers.
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris) – Good looks at this boreal migrant along the Shiripuno River. [b]
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – A couple of individuals still sticking around this part of Amazonia, before heading south to breed. [a]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) [b]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – The most common, colorful cotinga of the area, and we enjoyed some stunning males a few times.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – Brief views of a male along the river before it slipped out of sight behind the branches of a large tree; probably headed to roost.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Fairly common in small groups; the flight of this one is very buoyant and distinctive.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – A diminutive manakin of the mid story that often calls tirelessly from the some perch for hours! We had them a couple of times for nice scope studies.
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola) [*]
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – A wide-ranging species. We had numerous males and females for quality views.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – That male, not far from the lodge one afternoon, performed well.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – Very skittish this trip. [*]
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) – Ditto! [*]
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra) – The common manakin along the trails around the lodge, where it tends to perch about only a couple of meters off the ground.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – A stunning scoped male near the lodge.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – A canopy flock species that we pulled in for scope views; got to see that large dark eye and bold wing bars.
One of the non-avian highlights of the tour was this Southern Tamandua that we lucked into along the river one day. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – The common tityra of the eastern lowlands.
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – We had a pair out along the river one morning; this one lacks the pinkish coloration in the face.
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – Glimpsed.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) [*]
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) [*]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – Tremendous studies of pair that we pulled out of a flock along the Mirador trail.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) – Mainly heard, but we did glimpse their shapes as they zipped around with the canopy flocks above us. [*]
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) – Quick looks at them with some understory activity along the Puyuno trail.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) [*]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – This large and noisy jay was seen daily.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Common along Amazonian water-ways, and a real stunner!
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Abundant in the Coca area.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – A loud wren with an amazing, dueted song. Ann- Margreth had looks!
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) – Quick looks at a responsive pair along the Mirador trail.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Quick, naked-eye looks when one darted about in the understory along the Puyuno trail.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) – A pair seen very well in our favorite Cecropia tree right next to the dining room!
Masked Crimson Tanager is a stunning bird! We didn't tire of seeing them as they fed on the shrubs near the dining room. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Scope views at a vocal pair out on "no-name" lake, not far from the lodge.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) [*]
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – We found a pair on the first day at the Shiripuno dock as they actively built a nest. [N]
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – Seen with a flock as a small family passed through the lodge camp.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus) – Superb views at a responsive male along the Puyuno trail; a tough one to connect with much of the time.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) [*]
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Common along the river edge, as well as right around the lodge.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – About as intense as the colors "red" and "black" can blend together! Seeing them around the lodge was a daily event as they came in to feed at the fruiting bushes near the dining room.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (WHITE-EDGED) (Thraupis episcopus coelestis)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Seen high overhead with a canopy flock along the Karue trail.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – With the same tanager activity as the previous species.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Good looks along the Mirador trail at this wide-ranging tanager species. A really spectacular tanager species.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Glimpsed with the tanager flocks.
This Fulvous-crested Tanager was a great find! Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata) – Seen around the lodge after having had brushes with them for a few days running.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – Excellent scope views at a male from the lodge on our first full morning.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Good looks at a male along the Mirador trail during some flock activity.
SAFFRON FINCH (SAFFRON) (Sicalis flaveola valida)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Common in open areas in the eastern lowlands, such as along the roadsides south of Coca.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) [*]
YELLOW-SHOULDERED GROSBEAK (Parkerthraustes humeralis) – A rare, unpredictable species that we had right overhead along the Mirador trail, but they did a fine job of only popping out of the vegetation for a few seconds at a time... some of us had decent looks though.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – We saw the resident bird around the lodge that almost always undertook a singing bout early in the morning.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – Glimpsed.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Fairly common out along the river.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – The abundant cacique of the area, and quite a mimic!
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous) [*]
CASQUED CACIQUE (Cacicus oseryi) – Much less common than usual, but we did manage to eek them out for a couple of views.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons angustifrons) – By far the most common oropendola of the eastern lowlands!
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis) – This was actually quite a good trip for seeing oropendolas. It took us up until the very last day to connect with this one as we made our way upriver, but during a quick break from the boat ride, we stumbled upon an active nesting colony for scope studies of this handsome species.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – We had our best looks at this fairly common species on the last day... the one will the mostly dark plumage and all ivory-colored bill.
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus) – A large and beautiful oropendola that can be tricky to find. We lucked into a few on our first day as we motored down-river for pretty good studies.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – Scope studies of a singing male along the Mirador trail.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – The common euphonia of the Amazonian lowlands, although in lower numbers than usual this trip.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) [*]
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – Fairly common at day roosts on emergent snags along the river.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – A fairly common monkey that often moves around in large troops; we had them near the lodge on the first day.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – Nice scope studies at a small group, straight across the river from the lodge.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – We caught up with them for close studies along the Mirador trail on our penultimate day.
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons) – Seen in small numbers.
While not on most people's "must see" list, this Slime Mold is still fascinating! Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
POEPPIG'S WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix poeppigi) – The most prominent monkey species around the lodge and a daily visitor to the fruiting Cecropias above camp... awesome!
WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles belzebuth) [*]
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA (Tamandua tetradactyla) – A close individual of this uncommon mammal surprised us as it fed right out along the Shiripuno River edge one afternoon.
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari) [*]
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 294 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa