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.
We were able to get eyeball-to-eyeball views of several incomparable male Guianan Cocks-of-the-rock at Fredberg. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
This was the first 'official' run of our revamped Succinct Suriname tour, and I'd have to say that it was roaring success! With productive visits to all four of our varied habitat venues, we really cleaned up on the overwhelming majority of the possible Guianan Shield specialties. The generally good weather helped us out – as did that nice guide/client ratio!
After a late-arriving flight from Miami at the start of the tour, our eager group wanted to get out there and start birding right away. So, it was off to Peperpot Nature Park across the Suriname River for an excellent morning of birding in the coastal plain habitats. The old, overgrown coffee and cacao plantation at this site held some of our most localized targets – Arrowhead Piculet & Blood-colored Woodpecker – both eventually showing well. A stunning Cream-colored Woodpecker and a male Crimson-hooded Manakin were breathtaking to see. We also had a great morning with the antbirds in this habitat, scoring on not only nominate Blackish Antbird, but also Silvered, White-browed, Black-chinned, and Black-throated antbirds, too! We'd go on to tally some 40 species of "antthings" during the course of this tour. A visit to the Weg Naar Zee area on the coast after lunch brought us memorable views of Scarlet Ibis and Rufous Crab Hawk, among others. What a start!
It was then off to our first night at Colakreek near the international airport and our first exposure to the extensive white sand habitats of the area. We had much to look for that first morning here, and we did pretty well, knowing that we'd have another day and a half in the area at the end of the trip to clean up on anything that we still needed. Slender-billed Kite, Red-bellied and Red-shouldered macaws, Northern Slaty-Antshrike, White-fringed Antbird, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, the newly-split Campina Thrush, and our first (of many) Golden-handed Tamarins were all seen by the group before we had to leave the 'savanna' and drive on to Brownsberg Nature Park to the south.
We needed all four nights at Brownsberg to cover this rich Nature Park – one of the oldest and best-known in all of Suriname. The elevation at Brownsberg is only about 1500', but it sure feels different up there than it does in the lowland forests below! The elevation on the plateau is just high enough to support a few pairs of the very local White-throated Pewee, which we saw exceptionally well on our way up the mountain on our arrival day. Subsequent days proved to be very productive, with the likes of Gray-winged Trumpeter, Foothill Screech-Owl, Tufted Coquette, Collared Puffbird, Red-billed Woodcreeper, Black-throated Antshrike, White-plumed, Ferruginous-backed, and Wing-banded antbirds, White-fronted Manakin, Capuchinbird, Sharpbill, Musician Wren, Finsch's & Golden-sided euphonias, Red-and-black Grosbeak, and Guianan Saki Monkey and Brazilian Porcupine all making an impression.
I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I think that Fred's place ("Fredberg" or Zentete Lodge) farther to the south in Sipaliwini district stood out as my favorite venue of the tour. Not only were the birds great, but the accommodations there had been greatly improved since my last visit, the staff was super (including our sharp-eyed local guide and lodge owner Fred Pansa), and the food was good and plentiful. Those all came together for a fabulous three-night experience there. Birds were absolutely fantastic, with some of the highlights and rarities including the likes of Zigzag Heron, Crimson Topaz, Racket-tipped Thorntail, White-chested Puffbird, Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet, Caica and Red-fan parrots, Band-tailed Antshrike, Boat-billed Tody-Tyrant, Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, multiple Crimson Fruitcrows, Purple-breasted and Pompadour cotingas, Dusky Purpletuft, Green-backed and Glossy-backed becards (giving us a first-ever SIX becard Suriname tour!), Collared Gnatwren, and the lovely Blue-backed Tanager – that's quite a list! And who could forget that amazing Boa constrictor in the process of consuming an adult Great Tinamou!!
We wrapped up our succinct tour at the rich Colakreek area in the heart of the white sand forest belt near the airport. Our efforts there yielded a few more goodies in the forms of Bronzy Jacamar, Spotted Puffbird, Striped Owl, Black Manakin, Smoky-fronted Tody-Flycatcher, Pale-bellied Mourner, and Cayenne Jay, among others.
We couldn't have pulled off this fine tour without the help of my friend Sean Dilrosun, whose local connections, logistical magic, good humor, and excellent eyes and ears really made this tour complete. Thank you, Sean! And to all of you for your good company and enthusiasm throughout the tour, Micah and I are forever grateful. I know my guiding time at Field Guides is pretty limited (12/31/20 is the magic date for me after 35 years of guiding!), but I hope to have a chance to bird with all of you again sometime. If not with me, then absolutely get back in the field with Micah sometime soon! Cheers, Dave
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
This male Green-tailed Jacamar perched next to our bus near Colakreek, giving us our best looks of the tour. (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – I'm afraid that we really can't count the one bird that we saw... [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – Once in a while you get lucky and have a tinamou cross the path in front of you!
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
RED-LEGGED TINAMOU (Crypturellus erythropus) – Flushed from the trail near the airport, red legs trailing behind it.
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – A couple of flybys at the airport were a surprise there.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
VARIABLE CHACHALACA (LITTLE) (Ortalis motmot motmot) – A few folks got to see these close birds, but they never really emerged from the thick roadside vegetation for the group.
MARAIL GUAN (Penelope marail) – We thought that it was the Mottled Owl coming in at Brownsberg on our first evening there, but it turned out to be this Guianan Shield endemic instead. Another seen there a few days later during daylight hours.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Mostly as flybys on this tour.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – The big flock perched in the savanna near the airport was an unusual aggregation for this species.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Visually very similar to the Plumbeous Pigeon, but told from that one by iris color and, more importantly, voice.
COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)
A pair of day-roosting Tropical Screech-Owls gave us some eye-popping views at Colakreek. This red-morph individual is a form that's rarely ever seen and was a new plumage for both Dave and Micah. (photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Difficult to get a look at this one, despite its apparent abundance.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – A few in the flooded forest at Peperpot on the first morning of the tour.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – A couple of birds near the bridge near Fred's.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – Nice looks at foraging birds at both Brownsberg and at Fred's.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Mostly just heard near Colakreek, but most of us saw some distant eyeshine.
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis cayennensis) – Sean had a great place for seeing this species near the airport.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – An added bonus while trying to track down the Striped Owls for some better looks.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani) – These all-dark Chaeturas were again at the bridge clearing near Fred's.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) –
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus) – This seemed to be the most common and widespread of the three species of Chaetura swifts that we encountered.
After a little bit of work, this stunning male Common Scale-backed Antbird settled onto an open perch in front of our group at Brownsberg, giving us all some great views. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – A couple of brief encounters at Brownsberg and Fred's.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
CRIMSON TOPAZ (Topaza pella) – The males that usually hang out along the creek behind Fred's didn't show up this time, but we ran into others feeding and bathing in the canopy along the roadside near there.
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A single bird at Peperpot on our first morning of the tour.
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – At least one bird frequented the feeders at Fred's during our stay.
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus) – This species showed up at Fred's feeders as well, but less frequently than the above species.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – A common voice in the forest habitats, and a frequent visitor to Fred's feeders.
LONG-TAILED HERMIT (Phaethornis superciliosus) – Common at both Brownsberg and at Fred's
LITTLE HERMIT (Phaethornis longuemareus) – Mostly just quick flyby birds at Peperpot on our first morning in Suriname.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – Rather common in the understory, but difficult to see well.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – This striking species was seen several times at the forest edge.
RACKET-TIPPED THORNTAIL (Discosura longicaudus) – A single female bird fed on some tiny, inconspicuous flowers along the stems of a tree near the bridge at Fred's. Formerly known as Racket-tailed Coquette.
TUFTED COQUETTE (Lophornis ornatus) – A couple of female-plumaged birds in the Brownsberg clearing were a nice find there.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis) – Very common at Fred's feeders at the lodge.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – This is usually one of the most common and conspicuous of the forest hummingbird species here in Suriname.
One of the big prizes that we always hope for on any of our Guianan Shield tours is the stunning, and rare, Crimson Fruitcrow. We ended up with fantastic scope looks at this bird at Fredberg, which is turning out to be a very good place to see it! (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – On the first and final days of the tour.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) – A couple of nice views, especially near the bridge at Fred's.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Three birds near Paramaribo on the first day of the tour.
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
GRAY-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia crepitans) – These marquee birds certainly didn't disappoint us this year! Multiple great views during our stay at Brownsberg. There simply is no better place in the world to see a Trumpeter!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) [b]
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla) [b]
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – Flushed on the final morning at the airport.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LEAST TERN (Sternula antillarum) – Along the coast at Weg Naar Zee.
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
One of the more memorable sightings from that first morning at Peperpot Nature Park was this responsive male Cream-colored Woodpecker. A real stunner! (photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) – It took two tries in the pre-dawn light at Fred's, but we all eventually got some sort of look at this shy forest species.
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – A single adult at Peperpot was the only one seen on the tour.
GREAT EGRET (AMERICAN) (Ardea alba egretta)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Butorides striata striata)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – Incredibly vibrant against the backdrop of mud, mangroves, and Snowy Egrets.
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) [*]
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – I'm still not sure how Fred spotted that perched bird...
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (TROPICAL) (Cathartes aura ruficollis)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Some great studies at the airport on our final morning.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Only found in the good lowland forest areas.
A frequent voice in the forest on this tour is this Long-tailed Hermit, where it can be very difficult to see well. Luckily for us, this was one of the most common hummingbird species visiting the feeders at Fredberg, where participant Eric Carpenter got this shot.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – Briefly seen at Brownsberg. Heard by all.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Elegant.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Wonderful looks along the entrance road to Fred's, and then a close perched bird for some at Colakreek.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – Seen in flight by some at Brownsberg.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – A distant perched adult near Weg Naar Zee on the first afternoon.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) – Sean knew where to look for this one near the airport. Great views of a perched adult!
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni) – A quick flyby at Weg Naar Zee just before we departed.
RUFOUS CRAB HAWK (Buteogallus aequinoctialis) – That close immature bird on the phone wires sure was nice, but it was no match for the adult found later at the crematorium.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – A couple of fine adults near Weg Naar Zee on our first afternoon.
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – Most got onto a soaring immature bird at Peperpot.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
We were almost back to our rooms at Brownsberg when this exquisite Collared Puffbird was spotted late one morning. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – Excellent, close looks at the airport on our final morning.
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – This seems to be a pretty good tour for this striking species.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Including a mixed pair at the viewpoint at Brownsberg after we tracked down Maggie's White-plumed Antbird.
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – A couple of sightings this year at Weg Naar Zee and Brownsberg. I can count on one hand how many times I've seen this one in Suriname.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – We couldn't have asked for better looks at this one perched near the main office at Colakreek. That rufous-morph bird was especially fun!
FOOTHILL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops roraimae) – This one used to be called the Roraiman Screech-Owl, and Vermiculated Screech-Owl before that. This one was unknown from the country before it was discovered at Brownsberg.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Great views of a calling pair across from the Brownsberg restaurant on our first night there.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi) [*]
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
STRIPED OWL (Asio clamator) – A vocal pair near Colakreek.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Now split from the White-tailed Trogon west of the Andes and in Panama.
Getting any sort of look at this Zigzag Heron at Fredberg was a challenge, let alone getting a decent photo of it! (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus) [*]
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – Nicely along the trail behind the Brownsberg compound while we searched for Wing-banded Antbird.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – Quite a few at Hannover Savanna.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – The only kingfisher that we detected this year at Fred's.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
GUIANAN PUFFBIRD (Notharchus macrorhynchos) – Good views along the Brownsberg entrance road on our final morning. A fairly recent split from the White-necked Puffbird to the west and another Guianan Shield endemic.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – They really came out in numbers after the rain at Fred's that afternoon!
SPOTTED PUFFBIRD (Bucco tamatia) – Great spotting by Maggie and Eric on our final bird walk at Colakreek!
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) – We got one of these fabulous puffbirds to respond as we were headed back to the Brownsberg compound late one morning. Luckily for us, puffbirds tend to sit on the same perch for a lonnnngggg time.
WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca) – Fred knew where the territory of this one was near the lodge, and we all were able to get a great view of it after we got our fill of the Boa!
BLACK NUNBIRD (Monasa atra) – There are "blacker" nunbirds than this one...
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Very unlike every other puffbird in habits.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris) – Fred's is the only place in Suriname where I've seen this one.
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) – This tiny forest jacamar is always a little tricky to try and see, but Fred's got a cooperative pair near the lodge.
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula) – Great study at Colakreek on that last afternoon there!
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra) – A rather local bird in Suriname.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea) – Unlike most jacamars, this one is pretty much restricted to the canopy.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – Nice scope studies at Brownsberg one afternoon.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET (Capito niger) – The first bird that we saw at the Brownsberg overlook on our first afternoon there.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GREEN ARACARI (Pteroglossus viridis) – Great views of a trio of these at the Brownsberg overlook right before we left for Fred's.
BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari) – The only Aracari here with a red band on the yellow belly.
GUIANAN TOUCANET (Selenidera piperivora) – We had a number of great looks at this one at all of our major venues on this tour.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (RED-BILLED) (Ramphastos tucanus tucanus) – Far more often heard than seen on this tour, as with the next species. This one is the 'yelper' of this pair of big toucans.
Sean knew where the territory was of this handsome Slender-billed Kite – which looks quite a bit like the related Snail Kite of more open habitats. (photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (CHANNEL-BILLED) (Ramphastos vitellinus vitellinus) – The 'croaker' of the two big toucans here.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (Picumnus exilis) – Fantastic looks near the bridge at Fred's.
ARROWHEAD PICULET (Picumnus minutissimus) – We got this near-endemic right off the bat at Peperpot on our first morning of the tour.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Fairly common around Fred's place.
GOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER (Dryobates cassini) – The Guiana Shield replacement of the Red-stained Woodpecker.
BLOOD-COLORED WOODPECKER (Dryobates sanguineus) – We had a pretty quick encounter with this near-endemic woodpecker at Peperpot on the first morning, but it was good enough.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) – Everywhere in the forested habitats.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – The scarcest of the big three woodpeckers on this tour.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) – Mostly just heard or seen flying over the road at Brownsberg. The only Celeus that we didn't really nail down this year.
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus) – A few with mixed species flocks at Brownsberg and at Fred's. This replaces the Scale-breasted Woodpecker here in the Guianan Shield.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – Fabulous looks at a male at Peperpot on our first morning together.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – Our most frequently seen Celeus on the tour this year. Our birds were the nominate race, C.e. elegans, with the bright yellow-buff crown.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula) – Gorgeous!
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – One of the most common woodpeckers at Brownsberg.
A huge draw for anyone signing up for our Succinct Suriname: Cotingas & Trumpeters tour is, well – Gray-winged Trumpeters! The local Brownsberg flock obliged our group as well as we could ever image that it would late one morning along the entrance road. (video by guide Dave Stejskal)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) – We ran into this one twice on the tour this year at Brownsberg.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Generally a scarce bird on this tour, we were lucky to see this one near the airport on the first day of the trip.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – After hearing several of these, we finally caught up with it at Fred's. I'm always a little reluctant to call these in for a group as they tend to follow you as you walk along the road/trail, noisily calling overhead!
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – The only sighting of the tour came on that final afternoon at Colakreek – with a snake, no less!
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – We never saw it again after that first day. [b]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
LILAC-TAILED PARROTLET (Touit batavicus) [*]
SAPPHIRE-RUMPED PARROTLET (Touit purpuratus) – Unbelievable looks at a responsive pair in the main compound clearing at Fred's! Wow!!
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera) – Recorded daily on this tour, except for the first day around Paramaribo.
CAICA PARROT (Pyrilia caica) – This is always a challenge to see well, but Fred's place came through for us with wonderful studies at the edge of the clearing.
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus) – Heard far more often than it was seen.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Amazons, in general, are surprisingly scarce in the forest here.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – Seen well in the scope at Fred's, but we encountered very few of these on the tour.
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus) – At Peperpot and at Colakreek only.
A lovely Spotted Tody-Flycatcher gave us some extraordinary views in the coastal scrub near Weg Naar Zee. (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – This beautiful parrot was seen well at Fred's.
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus) – Very unlike any other New World parrot, Suriname is a wonderful place to get your fill of this one.
PAINTED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura picta) – This species seemed to be particularly scarce this year, with only a couple of sightings/detections on the tour.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax) – We never found this one away from the white sand forest areas this year.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – Great views on our first morning at Colakreek. This species is particularly tied to the big Moriche Palms in the area, which it needs for both feeding and nesting.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – The only big macaw species recorded on the tour this year. I fear that the big macaws are being harvested from the accessible forest areas in Suriname – I can't explain their absence otherwise.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) – This small macaw seems to be tied closely to the Moriche Palm as well.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – This one looks and sounds a lot like the above Red-shouldered Macaw and is often confused for it (and vice versa).
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
ASH-WINGED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis spodioptila) – A difficult canopy species to see well without a canopy tower. Formerly in the genus Terenura.
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – We heard more of these than we saw, as usual.
BLACK-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena viridis) – WOWWW!!! That original shy, but responsive, male was great, but then we came upon another close, confiding male right next to the main compound at Brownsberg! Thanks to Maggie for spotting that second male, which we all saw brilliantly well. Micah hung around to get better looks after we all left and found that there wasn't only an adult male there, but also an adult female along with a juvenile bird being fed by both adults!
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis) – In the canopy of the flooded forest at Peperpot on the first morning.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) – We heard a bunch of these at Brownsberg, and saw only a couple of birds.
Our group tries to get into position to see the very local White-throated Pewee at Brownsberg Nature Park. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus) – Rather local here in Suriname, occupying the taller woodland at the edge of the white sand savanna habitat south of the coastal plain.
BAND-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus melanothorax) – YESSS!!! Sean had a great spot for this one and we heard it calling soon after we got out of the bus en route to Fred's. One of the most range-restricted of the Guianan Shield endemics.
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus) – Brownsberg is usually the only place on this itinerary where I record this species.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
RUFOUS-BELLIED ANTWREN (Isleria guttata) – This skulking understory species can be very difficult to spot!
BROWN-BELLIED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla gutturalis) – All of the antwrens formerly within the genus Myrmotherula that have that fine black-and-white stippling on the throat are now in this genus and are called 'Stipplethroats'.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – A canopy-loving species that's extremely difficult to see well.
GUIANAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula surinamensis) – We didn't have much luck with these near the bridge, but the family group at the edge of the clearing at Fred's behaved much better.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Strangely quiet this trip.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – These Guianan Shield birds north of the Amazon lack the black throat of the birds to the south.
SPOT-TAILED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus sticturus) – This and the next are nearly identical and almost always in the same canopy mixed species flocks. You really need to see them vocalize before you can determine which species you're looking at!
TODD'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus stictocephalus) – Sister species of the Ancient Antwren of n.e. Peru and s.e. Ecuador.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – This was the last of our almost 40 species of true antbirds seen by the group on this tour.
We had to press the 'pause' button at our first dinner at Brownsberg to get a look at a vocal pair of Spectacled Owls. (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea) – We found a very responsive pair in the white sand savanna scrub near Colakreek on Day 2.
GUIANAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis cantator) – "Warbling Antbird" is now seven distinct species, with this one being the Guianan Shield endemic representative.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens) – One of our first antbirds of the tour at Peperpot on the first morning.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – We picked a good situation along the roadside at Brownsberg to see this canopy specialist.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Three or four birds responded to playback at Peperpot. Seemingly very local in Suriname.
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon) – In the scope!
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – The race here, which I believe is the nominate race, looks pretty different from the birds you may have seen in w. Amazonia. The various races of this one all sound very similar to my ear.
BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Percnostola rufifrons) – This is an excellent tour for this local species.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma) – Micah and Eric were the only ones to get on this one at the Zigzag spot at Fred's.
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus ferrugineus) – Some birds, like the one that we lured in at Brownsberg, can be very confiding! What a stunner!
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax) – A widespread species that favors flooded forest in much of its range.
WING-BANDED ANTBIRD (Myrmornis torquata) – It took some work, but we all managed to get a look in the scopes of a foraging pair after the male flew in briefly in response to the recording. What a strange one!
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – Thanks to Maggie's midday scouting, we all came away with stunning views of this shocking species at Brownsberg.
RUFOUS-THROATED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys rufigula) – After an all-too-brief encounter at Brownsberg with this one, we found another at Fred's that was more cooperative. This Guianan Shield specialty is a very close ally of both White-cheeked and Bicolored antbirds.
This strange Sharpbill made an appearance just outside of our accommodations at Brownsberg as we were packing up to leave. (photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – After several tries, we eventually got everyone on this gorgeous antbird at Brownsberg.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – Why can't they all behave like this bird did? Formerly in the genus Hylophylax.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – A regular army ant follower.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Micah told us that the thinking is that this species consumes mostly moss on the trunks of trees.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Looks for some at Colakreek on that first day there.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) – These Guianan Shield birds are very poorly marked, with a dark red bill and the barring being restricted to the crown and a bit on the belly. Often mistaken for Red-billed Woodcreeper by those who've never seen a Red-billed Woodcreeper.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Pretty good looks at this one at Brownsberg at the antswarm. One of eight species of woodcreepers that we had right there!
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Hylexetastes perrotii) – The best woodcreeper at that same spot at Brownsberg was this one. A rarely-seen species with a much larger bill, larger size overall, and a striking facial pattern, helping to distinguish it from the similar species.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) [*]
CHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus pardalotus) – This one seemed to be the default woodcreeper with the mixed species flocks in good forest throughout.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
Our only White-plumed Antbird of the trip came in for the group after first being found by Maggie Carpenter during a post-lunch break at Brownsberg Nature Park. Nice going, Maggie! (photo by guide Micah Riegnerl)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – A flooded forest specialist.
GUIANAN WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – Lineated Woodcreeper was recently split up into five species, with this one being restricted to the Guianan Shield.
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris) – Decent views at a couple of spots near Fred's. A poorly-known species.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – It took a little coaxing, but this one finally came into view at Colakreek on our first morning there.
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum) – This was the only Foliage-gleaner that really made an appearance for us.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) [*]
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – Briefly along the Weg Naar Zee road.
MCCONNELL'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis macconnelli) – A real skulker that's always a pain to try and see. Another Guianan Shield species.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) – We got this one up pretty high in a leafless tree for great, uncharacteristic looks.
Pipridae (Manakins)
TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes virescens) [*]
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum) – We sure heard a bunch of these in the taller white sand savanna forest near the airport but, as usual, they were very difficult to see.
WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN (Corapipo gutturalis) – Awfully common by voice at Brownsberg.
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens) – A real pain to try and see well in the white sand savanna woodland.
WHITE-FRONTED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix serena) – We saw and heard more than usual at Brownsberg this year.
After a post-tour query of Neotropical mammal expert Fiona Reid by Micah, we learned that this tiny bat that we found on our walk out from the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock lek was the poorly-known Shaggy Bat (Centronycteris maximiliani). (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CRIMSON-HOODED MANAKIN (Pipra aureola) – A great find on that first morning at Peperpot. A stunner!
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Dixiphia pipra) – Quiet this year, but Fred's sharp eyes found a dapper male for us along the entrance road to the lodge.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – Maybe the most common manakin on the tour this year.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola rupicola) – What a show! The lek that we went to near Fred's is pretty small, but it's extremely intimate, with the blinds there being only a few meters from the displaying males. I wonder how many leks like this one are scattered throughout the lowland forest near Fred's?
CRIMSON FRUITCROW (Haematoderus militaris) – We found two, maybe three, birds at the forest edge near Fred's, getting great scope looks at the final bird along the entrance road near the lodge. Not many birders have seen this scarce species, but Fred's place is turning out to be a great place for it (I'm 2 for 2 there now)!
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Very responsive to a whistled imitation of their calls.
CAPUCHINBIRD (Perissocephalus tricolor) – We tracked one calling bird down at Brownsberg for some super views of this bizarre creature. The cotinga of the trip for a number of folks!
PURPLE-BREASTED COTINGA (Cotinga cotinga) – A male from Fred's main clearing was a nice treat in the scope.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – Another lovely male at Fred's – one of eight species of cotingas there!
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – Hardly ever out of earshot.
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea) – We finally found a male on the same afternoon as the above Spangled Cotinga.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Our first of our 9 cotingas on the tour, and an uncommon one on this itinerary.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
OLIVACEOUS SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis olivacea) – Brief looks for some of this shy species. One of the many Thrushlike Schiffornis splits.
CINEREOUS MOURNER (Laniocera hypopyrra) – These seemed to be more common than usual at Brownsberg during our visit this year.
DUSKY PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura fusca) – A very brief encounter with a small group of these along the entrance road at Fred's.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) – Very scarce and local in Suriname and only recently added to the country list.
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus) – A pair of these constructing a nest at the airport gave us some good looks. Excluding the above Green-backed Becard, this is the becard that I see the least often in Suriname. [N]
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – Briefly along the road at Brownsberg.
GLOSSY-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus surinamus) – After a lot of searching, we finally found a responsive male along the main road near Fred's, giving us all great views of this Guianan Shield specialty.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – The last of our unprecedented 6 species of becards on this tour!
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus) – This bird obliged the group nicely on our final day at Brownsberg, feeding out in the open in one of the trees in the main clearing just out our front door!
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – Briefly for some at Babun Kriki near the airport. I'm just not buying the idea that this and the Sharpbill are in the same family!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Formerly called the Wing-barred Manakin.
Most of our looks at the Dusky Parrot on this tour were of high-flying, noisy pairs streaking high above the canopy, so it was nice to actually get one of them perched at Fredberg! (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) [*]
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli) – The two birds that we saw at the start of the Cock-of-the-Rock trail were clearly this species, though the only Mionectes that we heard there was Ochre-bellied Flycatcher.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – Maggie and Sean were the only ones to get on this one, I believe.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) – Like the next species, this one's a difficult little bird to pull out for a good look.
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus)
BOAT-BILLED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus josephinae) – OK. It's not much to look at, but it's darned scarce and local and few birders have ever come across it – except in Suriname.
SMOKY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus fumifrons) – We had to wade through a little savanna grass to get to a spot where we could see this one near Hannover. This is about as far west as this one gets, being replaced by Slate-headed TF to the west.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum) – Most easily seen in the scrubby mangroves near the coast.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
PAINTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum pictum) – I'm happy that we saw this one on the first morning at Peperpot. Otherwise, it would have been a real chore.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (EXAMINATUS) (Tolmomyias assimilis examinatus) [*]
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – The one that we saw well at Peperpot was my first sighting for that locale.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (OCHRE-LORED) (Tolmomyias flaviventris aurulentus) – This 'race' looks and sounds very different from the birds of w. Amazonia.
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – A canopy-loving species.
We were never out of earshot of Red Howler Monkey on this tour, once we left Paramaribo. (photo by participant Eric Carpenter)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – Good looks near Hannover.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) – This widespread species was only found within Suriname a year or so ago, so seeing it at Fred's was – I hate to say it – exciting!
YELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIA (Myiopagis flavivertex) – A nice save on our final afternoon at ColaKreek.
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata) – Very distinctive with that tall, spikey crest. The voice is very distinctive, too.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA (Elaenia ruficeps) – Great looks at the rufous in the crown of this one in the white sand savanna scrub near the airport.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer) – Now split from the very similar Slender-footed Tyrannulet to the west and south.
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – Excellent views along the coast at Weg Naar Zee.
WHITE-THROATED PEWEE (Contopus albogularis) – Woo Hoo!! Sean's stake-out bird was still there at Brownsberg! This one suddenly got very scarce at Brownsberg about ten years ago, so it's good to know where at least one remaining territory is. A very local bird with a tiny world range.
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Chances are pretty slim that the common name for this one will ever change to 'Marshmallow-head'...
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – This one nests in old woodpecker holes in dead trees in the forest.
There are only three species of Granatellus chats in the world, and this is the only one in S. America. Never common anywhere, we had to work to get the great looks that we got at this Red-breasted Chat near the international airport. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) – Pretty decent looks of at least one bird at Peperpot. It's interesting that Micah and I have both, independently, only seen this species eating frogs.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
TODD'S SIRYSTES (Sirystes subcanescens) – We found three responsive birds along the roadside near Fred's. The old 'Sirystes' was recently split into four species. This is the Guianan Shield representative.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
PALE-BELLIED MOURNER (Rhytipterna immunda) – It took a little searching, but we finally found a responsive bird near the airport in the white sand savanna scrub for some super views! Another poorly-known species that few birders have seen. It's amazing how much this one looks like a Myiarchus flycatcher!
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – A couple of birds only along the main road near Fred's.
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus) – This one replaces the related White-ringed Flycatcher east of the Andes.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Often difficult to separate visually from the similar Variegated Flycatcher.
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – Head shape, bill size and color, wing pattern, voice, and presence of rufous in the tail area all key to identifying this one.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – Only found in the Moriche Palm swamps along our route.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Our group posing with the staff of Fredberg Lodge (photo by guide Sean Dilrosun)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis) – We got one to sit still and sing at Peperpot on our first morning.
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Eric spotted this handsome canopy species from the benches at the Brownsberg overlook after we all scored on the White-plumed Antbird.
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Pachysylvia muscicapina) – With nearly every canopy flock in good forest.
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi) – I suspect that all of the birds that we saw on the tour were resident birds, and not migrants from the south.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAYENNE JAY (Cyanocorax cayanus) – It took until our last stay at Colakreek at the end of the tour before we caught up with this one.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – A 'final hour' save en route to the Eco Resort.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Quite a few at the bridge near Fred's.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – I'm not absolutely sure that all of the glossy-backed martins that we saw were this species.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – Only a few of these along the coast and at the airport.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
COLLARED GNATWREN (Microbates collaris) – One of the toughest of the forest understory birds to see on this tour. Consider yourself lucky if you got a look!
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
We had plenty of great, close looks at the strange Gray-winged Trumpeter at Brownsberg Nature Park. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (PLUMBEA) (Polioptila plumbea plumbea) – The birds to the west of here in Venezuela sound very different.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon clarus)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) – These guys never really offer themselves up for a good look.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) – Ditto for these...
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Reasonably good looks at this skulker at Brownsberg.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Super views of a responsive 'friend' of Sean's.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
COCOA THRUSH (Turdus fumigatus) [*]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – That slow, lazy robin song was heard by all, but only a few folks got a look at this one.
CAMPINA THRUSH (Turdus arthuri) – This was a nice find near the airport. Some taxonomic re-shuffling has split the old Black-billed Thrush into three, with the taxon in the Tepuis region (Pantepui Thrush) actually being found to be more closely related to Lawrence's Thrush than it is to Black-billed and Campina thrushes.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – A recent colonizer from parts unknown. [I]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
FINSCH'S EUPHONIA (Euphonia finschi) – This turned out to be one of our most frequently recorded Euphonia species on the tour, with most being heard only.
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – The better name for this one is White-lored Euphonia (don't nearly all Euphonias have 'golden' bellies?)
GOLDEN-SIDED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cayennensis) – A close relative of both Rufous-bellied and Chestnut-bellied euphonias and restricted to the Guianan Shield.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – Only at the airport on this tour.
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus) – Good views at Brownsberg on the final morning there.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (EASTERN) (Sturnella magna quinta) – Another airport bird.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris) – Awfully nice looking...
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis) – Excellent views of this huge icterid from the overlook at the end of the trail at Brownsberg.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Caciques of both species seemed to be abnormally scarce on this tour, given the quality of the habitat.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – Singing every day at Fred's. This form with the yellow cap and yellow thighs used to be split out as Moriche Oriole.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Not very common, but neither are the oropendolas and caciques that it parasitizes.
This short video was put together by guide Micah Riegner and really captures the feel of our wonderful tour to Suriname. It gives you a real sense of our birds and birding, the various venues, our accommodations, and even the local fare! I hope it brings back some lovely memories for you all.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – A lovely, close flock along the Weg Naar Zee road.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) [*]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) [b]
RIVERBANK WARBLER (Myiothlypis rivularis) [*]
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca) – Not as common this year as they normally are at Fred's. No longer a 'true' tanager – whatever that is!
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) – Nicely at the Brownsberg overlook at the end of the trail there. Not at all like the birds I know from Arizona.
YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis) – We heard more than we saw.
RED-AND-BLACK GROSBEAK (Periporphyrus erythromelas) – It took us until our final morning at Brownsberg to track one of these scarce birds down, but we got good looks at an imm. male, especially on our second attempt.
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni) – That male at Babun Kriki has proven to be pretty reliable over the years. Great looks!!
AMAZONIAN GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia rothschildii) – Now split from the Blue-black Grosbeak w. of the Andes and in C. America.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis) – A widespread species in savanna and campina habitats.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – Super views of this one, mostly at Brownsberg.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus) – A few birds only and only at Fred's.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A single male at Peperpot – with a few at our Paramaribo hotel for those who got out there and birded.
RED-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus phoenicius) – I think some folks actually saw a little red at the bend of the wing when it flew at Hannover.
There are probably very few photos in existence of this Zidok's Ground Snake (Atractus zidoki), another Guianan Shield endemic, found near our accommodations at Brownsberg Nature Park. (photo by Micah Riegner)
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – Pretty easy to find since it's generally pretty noisy when it's foraging with a mixed species flock.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-BACKED TANAGER (Cyanicterus cyanicterus) – YESSSS!!!!! Thanks to Fred's good ears, we pulled this one out of the fire on our final afternoon at Fred's for some fantastic looks along the roadside. What a great T-shirt this one would make (hint, hint)!
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata) – At least one bird with a mixed flock that was feeding on an emerging swarm of termites near Fred's one afternoon. Fred's is the only place in the country where I've seen this species.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata) – A couple of birds with another mixed species flock at Brownsberg. Another seemingly scarce species in this country.
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Stilpnia cayana) – Seen briefly at Hannover.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – The race here is very pale-bellied.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – A trio of birds at the bridge near Fred's were the only ones seen. Suriname just isn't a very good country to see Tangara or Ixothraupis tanagers.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Only a couple of birds at Brownsberg.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – A couple of striking males were spotted with other tanagers in the canopy at Fred's.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Love those bright citrine legs!
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – A few birds on our final afternoon near Fred's, including at least one adult male.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta) – At least one adult male at the airport.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – A singing imm. male near Fred's was Fred's first wild Seed-Finch in Suriname!
WING-BARRED SEEDEATER (Sporophila americana) – Only in the coastal plain and savanna habitats.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) [*]
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) – Mostly heard only, but some folks did get a look. I still have a tough time believing that this one is a Saltator.
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis) – On one of our night walks at Brownsberg.
SHAGGY BAT (Centronycteris maximiliani) – That tiny bat hanging on the trunk that we photographed along the Cock-of-the-Rock trail near Fred's was this rare species, according to Fiona Reid. A lifer for all, I'm sure!
GHOST BAT SP. (Diclidurus scutatus) – This appears to be the only Diclidurus known from Suriname, according to Walker.
GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARIN (Saguinus midas) – We enjoyed this one almost daily on the tour, which is quite a treat!
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – Only at Peperpot – and so reminiscent of my high school Latin teacher, Mr. Lenton.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – At least heard almost daily on this tour.
Green-backed Becard was only recently added to the Suriname bird list and we may have gotten the first photographic documentation for the country at Fredberg. (photo by guide Dave Stejskal)
GUIANAN SAKI MONKEY (Pithecia pithecia) – This was my best trip to date for this fabulous primate! Only seen at Brownsberg.
WEDGE-CAPPED CAPUCHIN (Cebus olivaceus) – Briefly at the Brownsberg clearing.
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – Our best looks were at Peperpot on the first morning of the tour.
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus) – Heard daily at Brownsberg and only seen distantly through the scope by some.
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans) – I've never understood why squirrels are so scarce in Suriname.
NEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL (Sciurillus pusillus) – This fascinating species seems to be quite local, feeding on the bark of one or two species of trees only. Micah noticed that individuals that he's seen s. of the Amazon lack the white ear tufts that were so conspicuous on the animal that we saw. Hmmmm....
BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE (Coendou prehensilis) – A fabulous encounter with this strange animal at the edge of the Brownsberg clearing one night.
RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti) – The only species of Agouti here in Suriname.
Herps
TURNIP-TAILED GECKO (Thecadactylus rapicauda) – This was the larger gecko that we saw inside the building at Brownsberg. I'm still not sure what the smaller species is (I don't think it's the introduce Common House Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus – they never vocalized like that one does so habitually at night).
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana) – Now the scourge of S. Florida.
HARLEQUIN RACERUNNER (Plica umbra) – This was the large lizard outside my cabin at Fred's that some saw and photographed.
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva) – The very large adults have brown heads and green rear bodies, while the youngsters have green heads and brown rear bodies.
RAINBOW WHIPTAIL (Cnemidophorus lemniscatus) – This was the pretty lizard we saw on the roadside at Fred's.
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin) – The big black-and-white lizards we saw at Peperpot and Colakreek.
BOA CONSTRICTOR (Boa constrictor) – Well. Who could forget this encounter?!? Our search for the White-chested Puffbird at Fred's yielded this once-in-a-lifetime encounter of a big Boa in the process of consuming an adult Great Tinamou. No easy task, apparently!
This was a good year for finding the distinctive Guianan (White-faced) Saki Monkey at Brownsberg Nature Park. This adult male was quite close to our accommodations. (photo by guide Micah Riegner)
GREEN PARROT SNAKE (Leptophis ahaetulla) – Spotted in the road by Sean as we were departing Fred's. A rear-fang lizard-eating snake that has a nasty attitude.
BLUNT-HEADED TREE SNAKE (Imantodes cenchoa) – This is what Micah called a cat-eyed snake climbing a tree trunk at Brownsberg. There are a number of 'cat-eyed' snakes in the Neotropics, and this is the most likely species here.
FER-DE-LANCE (Bothrops asper) – This one got our attention as we made our way back along the main road to the Brownsberg compound. It appeared to be hanging out at the big puddles in the road hunting frogs.
ZIDOK'S GROUND SNAKE (Atractus zidoki) – This was the small snake that we saw one afternoon at Brownsberg after we saw the Wing-banded Antbirds. Micah and I both thought that it reminded us of one of the 'black-headed' snakes in the genus Tantilla, but it looks like this is a rare near-endemic in Suriname and French Guyana. Lifer!
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus) – Mostly just the bright eye-shine near Colakreek on our owling outing after dropping off Carol at the airport.
SMOKY JUNGLE FROG (Leptodactylus pentadactylus) – Perhaps the most common large forest frog here and in many lowland forests throughout the Neotropics.
THREE-STRIPED POISON DART FROG (Ameerega trivittata) – This was the beautiful green-and-black PDF that we encountered daily (mostly heard only) at Brownsberg.
CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina) – Common at night in the Brownsberg clearing and at Colakreek.
Other Creatures of Interest
BRAZILIAN WANDERING SPIDER, SP. (Phoneutria, sp.) – There are several spiders in this genus and they're all referred to as 'Brazilian Wandering Spiders'. It's thought that these spiders are the most poisonous spiders in the world. We had this at the edge of one of the puddles in the road at Brownsberg. Did I tell you that I hate spiders?
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 386 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa