A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Succinct Suriname: Cotingas & Trumpeters II 2023
November 10-21, 2023 with Micah Riegner & Sean Dilrosun guiding
It was super rainy during our previous Suriname tour in January and the roads were a muddy mess. This tour was the complete opposite. It couldn’t have been drier. It was so dry that water was being trucked up to Brownsberg daily. However, these super dry conditions didn’t stop us from seeing scarce and spectacular birds and enjoying Suriname's diverse forests, rich culture and delicious food.
Our first day of the trip was spent birding the Paramaribo area. We started out at Peperpot Nature Park, where we had Arrowhead Piculet, Blood-colored Woodpecker and Slender-billed Kite in the scope within the first 10 minutes of birding. We then went to a new site called Chocopot, a spot Sean recommended for Crimson-hooded Manakin. After a short walk in, we found the bird—a bright flame in the dark understory! Then it was off to Weg Naar Zee where we had a close cooperative Rufous Crab Hawk, Pale-tipped Inezia and a smattering of migrant shorebirds on the mud flats. The next day we worked our way from the Colakreek area full of Point-tailed Palmcreepers, Red-shouldered Macaws and Cayenne Jays, up to Brownsberg Nature Park where we’d spend the next three nights of the tour. After a bumpy ascent, we were greeted by a male Crimson Topaz, Black Curassows and multiple Red-legged Honeycreepers attending the fruiting Clusea grandiflora on the overlook. It was good to be back.
The following days we spent birding the main Brownsberg road and the various forest trails along the Mazaroni Plateau finding scarce and spectacular birds like Wing-banded Antbird, Black-throated Antshrike, Red-billed Woodcreepers, and a pair of Red-and-black Grosbeaks that showed astonishingly well. They sat out for so long we all saw them through the scope! Other noteworthy species include the Ferruginous-backed Antbird that strutted across a fallen log, the flock of Pompador Cotingas we saw high in the canopy, the Lined Forest-Falcon that sat around for scope views, the diminutive White-throated Manakins zipping around over our heads, and the female Tufted Coquette perched out in the clearing. We did quite well for mammals, too. The fruiting Clusea at the overlook attracted Guianan Sakis and Wedge-capped Capuchins and we saw Red-howlers and a Black Spider Monkey along the trails.
From Brownsberg, we drove south then west to Fredberg Lodge, also known as Fred's Place, nestled in the lowlands along the Little Saramaca River. Here, we spent several days birding the roads and trails in our pursuit of flashy cotingas and skulky antbirds. Our first morning there we made contact with one of Suriname’s most mythical species: Band-tailed Antshrike! It took some work to get a view but eventually we saw the female, which is in my opinion more beautiful than the male. Other highlights from our time at Fred’s include the numerous Crimson Topaz hummers buzzing along the river, the crisp male Purple-breasted Cotinga, Black-faced, Bicolored and White Hawks all sitting cooperatively for great views and the unforgettable Guianan Cock-of-the-rocks lekking in the dark forest understory. In the high canopy flocks, we scoped Glossy-backed, Pink-throated and Green-backed Becards, Todd’s Sirystes, Spot-tailed Antwrens, Guira Tanager and the richly colored Blue-backed Tanagers. The two birds I did not expect to see were White-winged Potoo and Rusty Tinamou. For these, Sean took us to a small hill and waited until dusk. Right as it began getting dark, the tinamou started to sing, so I recorded it, played back its own voice, and it zipped across the road. The White-winged Potoo then showed up right above us singing. Just incredible!
We finished the tour by spending another full day birding the white-sand habitats around Colakreek, finding Rufous-crowned Elaenias, Bronzy Jacamar, and a male Amethyst Woodstar before our return flights home. Lots of people were part of the success of this tour. I’d like to thank Sean for being such a welcoming host and showing us some great birds in his home country, our driver Jurgen who took on some challenging roads, our cook Cameiro up at Brownsberg and Mell at Colakreek for preparing us some colorful and delicious Surinamese dishes and all the staff members at Fred’s Place for their cheerful music, and more great food. I’d like to thank all of you for joining us on this tropical adventure, and I look forward to birding again soon!
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
Heard at Brownsberg.
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
Heard at Fred's Place.
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus)
Heard at Fred's Place.
RUSTY TINAMOU (Crypturellus brevirostris)
I didn't even realize this was going to be a possibility on the tour. We went to a small hill outside of Brownsberg and right at dusk it started to sing. I played the recording and the bird zipped across the road in front of us. Sweet!
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
VARIABLE CHACHALACA (Ortalis motmot) [*]
MARAIL GUAN (Penelope marail)
We spent several minutes watching a pair in a fruiting tree at the Mazaroni Overlook at Brownsberg.
BLACK CURASSOW (Crax alector)
Thanks to Marino at Brownsberg for pointing these out our first afternoon there! Not a common bird.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus)
We flushed a small flock in the white-sand scrub near the airport.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
Seen and heard regularly at Fred's.
COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
We flushed a few near the airport.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
The common Leptotila we heard throughout the tour. We saw one crossing the road at Fred's.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
A few were along the trail at Chocopot.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
We saw one right outside the window at Peperpot. Also seen at Fred's Place.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
We saw one well at Colakreek.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
WHITE-WINGED POTOO (Nyctibius leucopterus)
Right at dusk we were able to call a bird in and it zipped to an exposed branch right above us. Fabulous looks at a fabulous bird!
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
Seen roosting in an island of trees near the Zanderij Airport.
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
One zipped by overhead at Brownsberg right at dusk.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
We flushed a couple off the road at Fred's Place.
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis cayennensis)
Seen during our night excursion at Colakreek.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
One sailed past us as we were watching the White-winged Potoo at Fred's Place.
Apodidae (Swifts)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
The most common swift of the tour.
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani)
A couple zipped by overhead at Fred's Place.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Common around Colakreek.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
CRIMSON TOPAZ (Topaza pella)
I was flabbergasted by how common these were along the Little Saramaca River near Fred's Place. We saw numerous males with extended tail feathers.
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
Seen regularly at Fred's Place.
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
Seen our first morning of birding at Peperpot and also at Fred's Place.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
We saw several at Brownsberg and a few at Fred's Place.
LONG-TAILED HERMIT (Phaethornis superciliosus)
The common hermit encountered at Brownsberg and Fred's Place. We saw some coming into the kitchen area several times.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
This tiny hummer was encountered along the roads at Fred's Place.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
Seen a few times in the high canopy at Brownsberg.
GREEN-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus theresiae)
After much searching we finally saw a couple out at the Opi Savanna near the airport.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
Regular at Fred's Place and also seen near Colakreek.
GREEN-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax viridigula)
We saw one our first morning at Peperpot.
RACKET-TIPPED THORNTAIL (Discosura longicaudus)
Sean spotted one way up in the canopy at Brownsberg while we were loading our luggage into the bus. Awesome find!
TUFTED COQUETTE (Lophornis ornatus)
A female showed nicely at the Brownsberg clearing.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
I was thrilled to see this hummer in the white sand forest at Kokanku. It's been years since I've seen one.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
Remarkably common around Fred's Place.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
The common forest hummer seen around Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
PLAIN-BELLIED EMERALD (Chrysuronia leucogaster)
Seen at Weg Naar Zee. We could see the white extending all the way up the throat.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Chionomesa fimbriata)
RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina)
Both Rufous-throated and White-chinned Sapphires were seen around Brownsberg.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes cyanus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
We saw one on the Little Saramaca River a couple times.
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
GRAY-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia crepitans)
The trumpeters put on their usual show at Brownsberg. They are so fun to watch!
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
A handful of turnstones were out on the spit at Weg Naar Zee.
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)
The following shorebirds were seen out at Weg Naar Zee.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
Common along the coast.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) [*]
We heard it at Fred's, but unfortunately it didn't call back.
GREAT EGRET (AMERICAN) (Ardea alba egretta)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
Seen on the mud flats at Weg Naar Zee.
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Butorides striata striata)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Seen at Brownsberg and at Fred's Place.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (TROPICAL) (Cathartes aura ruficollis)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
We had outstanding views of a bird perched along the fence at the airport.
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Regularly encountered at Fred's Place. It's the most common vulture there.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
One sailed past our bus at Weg Naar Zee.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
We watched one in a courtship display right over the road at Fred's Place.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
I never get tired of seeing these dancing in the air above the Brownsberg overlook.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
We saw a couple over the roads at Fred's Place.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus)
Peperpot is one of the best places in the world to see this species. We saw several on our short visit there.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
One of the rarest birds of the trip. We had outstanding scope views of one sunning itself on a snag at Fred's Place. It then shot across the road, never to be seen again.
RUFOUS CRAB HAWK (Buteogallus aequinoctialis)
We had an above average experience with this species at Weg Naar Zee. It just sat right at eye level for the longest time and even dropped to the mud flats to catch a crab.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
We watched one along the road at Fred's Place as it waited for a lizard or snake to come out. The ones here in South America show a lot more black on the back compared to the ones in Mexico and Central America.
BLACK-FACED HAWK (Leucopternis melanops)
Sean whistled in a pair and they flew right in and landed in a snag above us at Fred's. Holy smokes!
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
Seen almost every day in the clearing at Brownsberg.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
We saw an adult dark morph and a young light morph at Brownsberg. We even saw one perched!
Strigidae (Owls)
FOOTHILL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops roraimae)
It took under 5 minutes for us to locate this one at Brownsberg thanks to my heat scope!
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) [*]
Heard at Fred's Place.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
We called in a pair at Fred's Place and they sailed right in above us.
AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium hardyi)
Surprisingly common at Fred's Place. We had nice scope views of one along the entrance road.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
We were eye-to-eye with one on the fence at the airport.
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Strix huhula)
We were driving out along the road at Colakreek when one sailed in and landed on an open branch. It then preened in front of us as if it weren't bothered at all. What a great bird!
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
Sean called one in at Fred's and it gave us some great looks.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus)
This high canopy trogon was seen along one of the roads at Fred's Place.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
We had to walk off trail a bit to get great views of this handsome trogon.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
Seen a couple times along the Little Saramarca River.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Two zipped by as they flew along the little Saramarca River at Fred's Place.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
We scoped one at a shrinking forest pool at Peperpot Nature Park.
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) [*]
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
GUIANAN PUFFBIRD (Notharchus macrorhynchos) [*]
Heard at Fred's Place. We tried to call it in, but it just would not move.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
A common sight on the snags at Fred's Place.
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis)
We had point blank looks at a pair sitting about 20 feet off the ground at Brownsberg. I never get tired of seeing these!
BLACK NUNBIRD (Monasa atra)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BROWN JACAMAR (Brachygalba lugubris)
We saw these remarkably well from the bridge going over the Little Saramaca River. We must have been 8 feet away from them!
YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris)
A couple us went down the trail to try for White-chested Puffbird, but found this jacamar instead. Not a bad alternative.
GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula galbula)
Seen at several sites along the tour.
BRONZY JACAMAR (Galbula leucogastra)
Our first afternoon at Kokanku we just heard it calling. Then when we came back our final morning of the tour, the bird flew right in and landed in front of us. Sean filmed it catching a huge dragonfly.
PARADISE JACAMAR (Galbula dea)
Regular along the roads at Fred's Place.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
After a couple attempts we got great views of one that came down to eye level along the road at Fred's Place.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET (Capito niger)
Seen in the high canopy at Fred's Place.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GREEN ARACARI (Pteroglossus viridis)
BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari)
The Saramaca call this bird "tweeny tweeny" because of the sound it makes. We saw some right around the lodge clearing at Fred's Place.
GUIANAN TOUCANET (Selenidera piperivora) [*]
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (RED-BILLED) (Ramphastos tucanus tucanus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (CHANNEL-BILLED) (Ramphastos vitellinus vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (Picumnus exilis)
Seen in some of the canopy flocks at Fred's Place. I'm always impressed by how small they are.
ARROWHEAD PICULET (Picumnus minutissimus)
Within about 10 minutes of birding, we had this Suriname near endemic in the scope at Peperpot. Great views!
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
GOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER (Dryobates cassini)
Seen coming in to the Clusea tree at the Brownsberg overlook.
BLOOD-COLORED WOODPECKER (Dryobates sanguineus)
Another coastal specialty we saw well at Peperpot.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis)
This large impressive woodpecker was at Brownsberg and at Fred's Place.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
WAVED WOODPECKER (Celeus undatus)
We called a pair into view at Brownsberg. They put on white a show.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
Seen along one of the side roads at Fred's Place.
YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula)
We had nice scope views of one at Fred's Place.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
Common around Brownsberg. We saw them coming into the Clusea tree at the overlook to eat fruit.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis)
After a bit of patience this one showed well near the overlook at Brownsberg.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
These rowdy caracaras showed up right over us along the road at Fred's Place.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Stunning looks at a pair at Fred's Place.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
One swooped past us at Peperpot.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
LILAC-TAILED PARROTLET (Touit batavicus)
Standard views in flight at Fred's Place.
GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chrysoptera)
DUSKY PARROT (Pionus fuscus)
Common both at Brownsberg and Fred's Place. We had nice views of them perched.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) [*]
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus)
These were zipping around at Peperpot. We also saw some around the hotel in Paramaribo.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus)
Seen in flight over the road at Fred's Place.
RED-FAN PARROT (Deroptyus accipitrinus)
We had multiple good views of these distinctive parrots at Fred's Place.
PAINTED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura picta)
We caught up with these our final morning at Fred's Place.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
A couple flew by while we were birding the Opi Savanna.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
Common around Colakreek. We saw several flying and perched.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
A few flew past us at the bridge over the Little Saramaca River.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
Two flew past the lodge clearing at Fred's Place.
RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis)
These diminutive macaws were common around Colakreek.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
We watched a female eating one of those fuzzy caterpillars.
BLACK-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena viridis)
One of the main targets at Brownsberg. It took two days before we made contact with this spectacular forest dweller along one of the narrow trails. Super cool bird.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
A female popped into view at Peperpot.
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
Seen at Peperpot and surprisingly at the white sand forest at Kokanku.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus)
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus punctatus) [*]
BAND-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus melanothorax)
One of the really special birds of Suriname. We were walking along the road at Fred's when we heard a scold, so we went into the forest a ways and saw the female, which is just as beautiful as the male. Absolutely awesome!
AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus amazonicus)
Seen in a feeding flock at Brownsberg and also at the Cock-of-the-rock lek at Fred's Place.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
A regular member of the feeding flocks at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
We saw quite a few in the feeding flocks around Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
BROWN-BELLIED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla gutturalis)
This understory dead leaf specialist was seen at Brownsberg.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura)
Heard in several of the canopy flocks. We finally saw one at the bridge crossing near Colakreek.
GUIANAN STREAKED-ANTWREN (Myrmotherula surinamensis)
Fine views of a male at the Little Saramaca River.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
Seen in one of the feeding flocks at Fred's Place.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis)
Seen at a Brownsberg feeding flock.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
SPOT-TAILED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus sticturus)
In the high canopy flocks at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
TODD'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus stictocephalus)
Very similar to Spot-tailed Antwren, but with a slightly different voice. Seen at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
We saw a male near the Little Saramaca River.
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
These were in the white sand forest at Kokanku.
GUIANAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis cantator)
Seen at Brownsberg.
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
We called out a pair in the Brownsberg clearing.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens)
One of the first birds we saw at Peperpot. Both male and female showed nicely.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens)
Seen in several of the canopy flocks at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) [*]
BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides melanopogon)
We saw one from the deck at Fred's Place. It was right at the water's edge.
BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Percnostola rufifrons)
One popped into view with a large katydid in its bill at Brownsberg.
FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmoderus ferrugineus)
This handsome antbird walked across a log right in front of us at Brownsberg. Gorgeous!
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
WING-BANDED ANTBIRD (Myrmornis torquata)
Always a highlight. We saw this strange and spectacular antbird in the dark understory at Brownsberg. I even managed to get a photo this time.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
Seen near the lodge clearing at Brownsberg.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
This army ant follower was along one of the forest trails at Brownsberg.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Heard after the rains at Fred's Place.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
Seen our first morning at Peperpot.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia)
We called one into view at Brownsberg.
RED-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Hylexetastes perrotii)
Holy smokes! We were birding the road at Brownsberg when Michael said he saw a big woodcreeper with a red bill. We played the recording and immediately a pair flew in right in front of us.
CHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus pardalotus)
These were in the understory flocks at Brownsberg.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
Seen at Peperpot.
GUIANAN WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus)
This species is in almost every canopy flock at Fred's Place. Seen multiple times.
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris)
We saw one at the bridge near Colakreek.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
This strange and distinctive ovenbird was singing from the Mauritia Palms at Colakreek.
RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythrocercum)
Seen a couple times in the feeding flocks at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes)
We called one out but it just would not sit in a place where we could see it. All we got was a rufous blur as it zipped pasted us, which is pretty standard behavior for this species.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis)
MCCONNELL'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis macconnelli)
One hopped into view in some of the dense shrubs near the Saramaca River.
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
Pipridae (Manakins)
TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes virescens)
We had gone off into the forest in pursuit of Capuchinbird when we heard the soft song of this little manakin. It gave us great views!
SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysocephalum)
Seen in the white-sand forest near the airport.
WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN (Corapipo gutturalis)
Sean lead us down a secret trail at Brownsberg to a spot where we had great looks at this gorgeous little manakin.
BLACK MANAKIN (Xenopipo atronitens)
We saw a couple females in the white-sand forest at Kokanku.
WHITE-FRONTED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix serena)
Seen along Sean's secret manakin trail.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
CRIMSON-HOODED MANAKIN (Pipra aureola)
After birding at Peperpot, Sean took us to Chocopot, where we saw this handsome manakin in the vines.
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Pseudopipra pipra) [*]
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola rupicola)
No tour to Suriname is complete without seeing Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, truly one of the most outstanding birds in South America. We watched three males and a female through the blind at Fred's Place.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
Fairly common along the roads at Fred's Place.
CAPUCHINBIRD (Perissocephalus tricolor)
Seen at Fred's Place.
PURPLE-BREASTED COTINGA (Cotinga cotinga)
We were birding during the heat of the morning at Fred's when a gorgeous male Purple-breasted Cotinga showed up at the top of a tree. It was aggressively chasing off other birds from the area, giving an insect-like rattle.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
We saw a female along the road at Fred's Place.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
They were surprisingly quiet at Brownsberg, but we heard and saw several at Fred's Place.
POMPADOUR COTINGA (Xipholena punicea)
I was amazed to see so many males and females together in the canopy at Brownsberg. Was this a lek?
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Seen high in a tree at Fred's Place.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
OLIVACEOUS SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis olivacea)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
This is a pretty scarce bird in Suriname. We saw both male and female at Fred's Place.
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
Seen at Peperpot.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Seen at Chocopot.
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) [*]
GLOSSY-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus surinamus)
It's always nice to run across this high canopy becard. We saw a couple at Fred's Place.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
A male and female were in a canopy flock at Fred's Place.
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus) [*]
We heard one vocalize at Brownsberg but it never showed.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
We had nice views of one over the road at Brownsberg.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
Seen on the trail to the Cock-of-the-rock lek at Fred's Place.
MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER (Mionectes macconnelli)
We had nice views of one in a feeding flock at Brownsberg.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus galeatus) [*]
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops)
I'm pretty sure that Hemitriccus we saw at the Capuchinbird spot was White-eyed Tody-Tyrant.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
PAINTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum pictum)
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)
We called one into view along the entrance road at Fred's Place.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (EXAMINATUS) (Tolmomyias assimilis examinatus)
Seen in a feeding flock at Fred's Place.
OCHRE-LORED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris aurulentus) [*]
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata)
Seen a couple times in the savanna habitat near the airport.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA (Elaenia ruficeps)
We finally chased one down in the Opi Savanna. We could even see the rufous in the crown.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
Fairly common around Paramaribo.
GUIANAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius acer)
We had nice views of this species at Brownsberg.
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata)
Seen at close range at Weg Naar Zee.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
We actually saw one quite well from the deck at Fred's Place.
TODD'S SIRYSTES (Sirystes subcanescens)
We ran into a few of these high canopy flycatchers along the roads at Fred's Place.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex)
PALE-BELLIED MOURNER (Rhytipterna immunda)
Rather skulky and uncooperative. It flew in once, then stayed way back in the vegetation at Kokanku.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
We were driving out of Fred's Place when I caught a glimpse of one out of the corner of my eye. We stopped the bus and I played the recording and it flew right up to the window! Great views.
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Conopias parvus)
Pretty common in the canopy flocks at Fred's.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Seen surprisingly well at the Little Saramaca River.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
This was the greenlet at Peperpot.
LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus)
This was the greenlet at Fred's Place.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps)
This was the greenlet in the canopy flocks at Brownsberg.
BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET (Pachysylvia muscicapina)
This was the greenlet in the understory flocks at Brownsberg.
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
We saw a pair mobbing the Broad-winged Hawk at Brownsberg.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAYENNE JAY (Cyanocorax cayanus)
We watched these handsome jays hopping on the ground at Colakreek.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
Seen a couple times in the feeding flocks at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (PLUMBEA) (Polioptila plumbea plumbea)
One showed surprisingly well at the Little Saramaca River.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon clarus)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya)
We had nice close views from the overlook at Brownsberg.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Seen at the White-winged Potoo spot at Fred's Place.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada)
Singing at eye level at Brownsberg. We even had it in the scope!
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
COCOA THRUSH (Turdus fumigatus)
Michale and Charlotte saw some along the Little Saramaca River at Fred's Place.
CAMPINA THRUSH (Turdus arthuri)
Seen briefly at the Opi Savanna.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
FINSCH'S EUPHONIA (Euphonia finschi)
Seen at the lodge clearing at Brownsberg.
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
We had nice looks at a male at the bridge crossing near Colakreek.
GOLDEN-SIDED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cayennensis)
Wow! We saw a male almost at eye level right behind Fred's Place. What a stunning bird!
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
Sean spotted some along the fence by the airport.
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus)
Watching this guy sing from the dark understory at Brownsberg was a highlight for several of us on the tour!
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (EASTERN) (Sturnella magna quinta)
We flushed a couple off the road near the airport.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)
GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius viridis)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
Both species of Cacique were common around Fred's Place.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) [*]
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER (Lamprospiza melanoleuca)
These big handsome tanagers were common along the roads at Fred's Place.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis)
We finally caught up with this species in one of the canopy flocks at Fred's Place. Nice views.
RED-AND-BLACK GROSBEAK (Periporphyrus erythromelas)
Yip, yip, yip! After walking all the trails at Brownsberg we found a pair not far from the main lodge! They showed incredibly well.
ROSE-BREASTED CHAT (Granatellus pelzelni)
This little skulker was seen at the bridge near Colakreek.
AMAZONIAN GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia rothschildii)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
Common in the white sand habitats around the airport.
FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus surinamus)
We saw a female at Fred's Place.
RED-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus phoenicius)
We had nice views of several at the Opi Savanna.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus)
Both male and female were in a feeding flock at Brownsberg.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
BLUE-BACKED TANAGER (Cyanicterus cyanicterus)
One of my favorite birds in Suriname! We had great looks at both male and female along one of the roads at Brownsberg. Awesome!
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Stilpnia cayana)
Seen our final afternoon at the Opi Savanna.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
High in the canopy at Fred's Place.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
We scoped one in a feeding flock on our way out of Fred's Place.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
Honeycreepers were quite showy on this tour. They were coming in to feed on the Clusea fruit at the Brownsberg overlook.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
We had great looks at a male in the feeding flock on our way out of Fred's Place.
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
We saw a female in one of the feeding flocks at Fred's Place.
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor) [*]
Heard at Weg Naar Zee but it didn't want to show.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
WING-BARRED SEEDEATER (Sporophila americana)
The seedeaters we saw at Weg Naar Zee.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
One showed up at eye level on the entrance road to Fred's Place.
MAMMALS
GRAY FOUR-EYED OPOSSUM (Philander opossum)
Seen at night at the Brownsberg overlook.
WHITE-LINED SAC-WINGED BAT SP. (Saccopteryx perspicillifer)
GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARIN (Saguinus midas)
It's always a treat to see these little primates. We saw them almost every day at Fred's Place.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
We had great looks at some at the Brownsberg overlook. Some of us were kept up at night by the roaring howlers at Fred's Place.
GUIANAN SAKI MONKEY (Pithecia pithecia)
We were lucky to see a group of several females and two males coming in to feed on the Clusea tree at Brownsberg. This was one of my personal highlights!
WEDGE-CAPPED CAPUCHIN (Cebus olivaceus)
These too were coming in to feed on the Clusea fruit at Brownsberg. These are actually some of the toughest primates to see in Suriname.
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus)
We heard several each day at Brownsberg and saw a lone male crossing the overlook trail. It didn't remain in view for very long, unfortunately.
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans)
Seen a couple times at Brownsberg.
RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti)
Seen on several occasions at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
Watching those coatis cross the road and climb up a tree on our way to Fred's Place was quite a treat!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Herps
Chironius multiventris. The enormous snake that Michael found on the trail at Brownsberg. We got some great photos of it.
Yellow-footed Tortoise, Chelonoidis denticulatus. We found one crossing the overlook trail at Brownsberg.
Black-spotted Skink, Copeoglossum nigropunctatum. We found one on a log at Fred's Place.
Green Iguana, Iguana iguana. Seen along the Little Saramaca River.
Giant Amaeiva, Amaeiva amaeiva.
Turnip-tailed Gecko, Thecadactylus rapicauda. We found one at Brownsberg.
Golden Tegu, Tupinambis teguixin. These enormous lizards were seen around Colakreek.
Collared Tree Runner, Plica plica. Seen on a log at Brownsberg.
Manaus Slender-legged Frog, Osteocephalus taurinus. The big brown tree frogs we saw at Brownsberg and Fred's Place.
Smooth-sided Toad, Rhaebo guttatus. These were around the walkways at Fred's Place.
Smoky Jungle Frog, Leptodactylus pentadactylus. Seen and heard around Fred's Place.
Gladiator Frog, Hypsiboas boans. Heard along the Little Saramaca River.
Arthropods
Pink-toed Tarantula, Avicularia avicularia. One was on the porch at Colakreek.
Brotheas sp. The big black scorpion with babies on its back seen at Brownsberg.
Ceiba Borer, Euchroma giganteum. The giant beetle we saw high in the canopy at Fred's Place.
Totals for the tour: 337 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa