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The Threatened Three-toed Jacamar is one of the scarcest endemics we saw on the tour. (Photo by participant Jerry Ziarno)
This was the ninth year Field Guides has operated this short, rich tour to the Atlantic Forest. And, after almost a decade, this was my last year to do the trip, making it a tad bittersweet. Yet it was my first year to stay at the new lodge, and in that sense it was nothing but sweetness and light. Itororo, at about 4000 ft., is definitely a better site for birders than the old lodge, at about 1200 ft.; the rooms, if smaller than the other place, are plenty big for our purposes; and the quiet grounds without the constant traffic noise that characterized the other lodge made this site a keeper--of course, Long-trained Nightjars sharing the grounds didn't hurt! Nor did having an excellent group of birders with whom to enjoy Atlantic Forest birds.
The grounds are excellent for birds, and we enjoyed plenty of wonder there. Some highlights included the following endemics on the Itororo trails, endemics that I know you can still visualize: Chestnut-headed Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow, very close Bare-throated Bellbirds, White-breasted Tapaculo, Large-tailed and Giant antshrikes, Rufous-capped Motmot, Bertoni’s and Ochre-rumped antbirds, Rufous Gnateater, Scaled, Planalto, Lesser, and Olivaceous woodcreepers, Sharp-billed Treehunter, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Saffron Toucanet, Orange-eyed Thornbird, Surucua Trogon, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Swallow-tailed and Pin-tailed manakins, a plethora of hummers at the feeders, and of course those nightjars! You know that birding is good when each and every day Bellbirds and Peppershrikes are "bearing the farm away."
Our day-trips out of headquarters also produced some stunning results, including Gray-winged, Swallow-tailed (five birds, two nests!), and Shrike-like cotingas, a subadult Crowned Eagle, Spot-backed and Tufted antshrikes, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Spot-billed Toucanet, all the Drymophila, four out of five of the big-5 antshrikes, Three-toed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Unicolored Antwren, some great tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Green-crowned (new name) Plovercrest, and a glimpse at an Azure Gallinule (a bird we found at Guapi Azu without knowing that a local bird guide had recorded it about a week earlier), perhaps the first record for the state of Rio. Indeed, it was a lifer for Andy!
I know I speak for all of us in thanking Andy for his invaluable contributions to the tour. Thanks to Z for his nice photos, some of which I have included in the triplist. And I have to thank all of you for making the trip such a wonderful finale for me as I look forward to an active retirement next year, when our own resident Brazilian 'Manakin,' fellow Field Guide and good friend Marcelo Padua, takes over this wonderful tour. Perhaps your paths and mine will cross again; I hope so.
--John
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
SOLITARY TINAMOU (Tinamus solitarius) [E*]
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) – Alas, tinamous are the devil to see and, not surprisingly, we missed seeing the three species we heard. However, Stuart and Wendy, arriving a day early, were able to see this species on an afternoon walk at the lodge. [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Both whistlers were seen in small numbers at REGUA.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – Three seen at REGUA.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) – Seen almost daily, this guan could be found most evenings at the lodge banana feeders.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
SPOT-WINGED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus capueira) – All heard at a distance. [E*]
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – Many over Rio.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Seen at REGUA and near Rio.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Several at REGUA, including a handsome adult male.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Two seen at REGUA.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Several in high breeding plumage sporting bright orange legs.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Approximately 3 seen at REGUA.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – An adult at REGUA.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Almost daily.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Almost daily.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – One flying over the circular trail on the lodge grounds.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – A nicely responsive bird that was curious about playback; seen well along the circular trail at the lodge.
RUFOUS-THIGHED KITE (Harpagus diodon) – Not uncommon; seen on three different days.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – Seen high above the Portao Azul track.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Seen in the drier regions: near Duas Barras and at REGUA.
CROWNED EAGLE (Buteogallus coronatus) – It was mighty exciting to see a subadult make an appearance en route to Duas Barras, right where Andy predicted it--and right on time! A lifer for most, including Larry! Now put in the genus Buteogallus.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – Seen over Caledonia and near Duas Barras.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura) – Two seen en route to Duas Barras, one of which came running through the fence like a chicken in response to playback! One seen at REGUA. [E]
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – Nice views of a pair at a marsh en route to Duas Barras.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Several at REGUA.
AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris) – WOW. What an unexpected thrill! A quick look at this displaced migrant at REGUA where it had been seen by a few Guapi Azu birders off and on for a week (unbeknownst to us). It was unresponsive to playback. Its presence may constitute a new record for the state of Rio. A lifer for Andy! [a]
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Indeed, common at REGUA.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – A couple of birds seen flying off at REGUA.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Smart looking.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – REGUA.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – In towns. [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – One seen near Sumidouro.
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – Common. The largest pigeon in Brazil.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – A few seen on the grounds and elsewhere.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – At the lodge around the edge, and in other edge areas.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – A Leptotila of the forest. Seen along the Cedae track; heard at the lodge and elsewhere.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Almost daily.
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – Seen in the Duas Barras-Sumidouro area and at REGUA.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Heard at REGUA. [*]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – About a dozen of these big, glossy anis with the pale eyes and enlarged bill at REGUA.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Seen and heard on the Itororo grounds.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Seen on the outskirts of Cachoeiras de Macacu.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LONG-TRAINED NIGHTJAR (Macropsalis forcipata) – Spectacular encounters with this magnificent nightjar, right on the lodge grounds! This area (generally speaking) is where the type specimen was collected in the early 1830s! [E]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – The common Chaetura.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca) – A real beauty; seen regularly at the lodge and elsewhere. [E]
SAW-BILLED HERMIT (Ramphodon naevius) – Glimpsed by some along the Cedae track; this low-elevation hummer is difficult to see if not visiting a feeder. [E]
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – Two seen at REGUA.
SCALE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis eurynome) – Seen daily at the lodge feeders. [E]
BRAZILIAN RUBY (Clytolaema rubricauda) – Another beauty; males and females seen at the lodge feeders and on the slopes of Caledonia. [E]
GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus) – A beautiful male was seen sunning itself on a perch alongside the track at Portao Azul; also seen in the Duas Barras-Sumidouro area.
GREEN-CROWNED PLOVERCREST (Stephanoxis lalandi) – The AOU Checklist Committee has recently split Plovercrest into this and the more southerly Violet-crowned Plovercrest. Our views of these birds lekking along the Macae de Cima road were breathtaking. One also seen on the grounds. [E]
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura) – Two seen well en route to Duas Barras.
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis) – The beauties were seen daily at the lodge feeders and elsewhere in good forest. [E]
WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis) – Seen nicely on several days; Stuart found us a bird sitting on the nest.
VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor) – A number seen along the Cedae track.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus cyanus) – One bird seen quickly by some at REGUA, but it got away before we could enjoy it.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
The frayed tail of this stately Surucua Trogon, a male, indicates that it has been spending time in the nest cavity. (Photo by participant Jerry Ziarno)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus chrysochloros) – A pair seen well on the loop trail at the lodge.
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS-CAPPED MOTMOT (Baryphthengus ruficapillus) – Seen along the Cedae track and on the lodge grounds where we had a pair nesting. [E]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – Seen at REGUA.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – One seen at REGUA.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BUFF-BELLIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus swainsoni) – A pair seen high above us along the Cedae track. A great bird to get on this tour. [E]
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru) – A pair of great-looking birds not far from Sumidouro, as we began making our way back to the lodge after a long day of exciting birding.
CRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila striata) – A pair seen at the Three-toed Jacamar spot near Sumidouro; these birds were nesting in the end of a limb-stump--a nice record. [E]
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
THREE-TOED JACAMAR (Jacamaralcyon tridactyla) – Fantastic views of these cooperative endemics near Sumidouro! We had perhaps 5-6 individuals, all posing splendidly. One of the genuinely rare birds seen of the tour. [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SAFFRON TOUCANET (Pteroglossus bailloni) – Great looks at this bizarre-looking toucan right on the grounds late our first afternoon; heard in the vicinity of other occasions. [E]
SPOT-BILLED TOUCANET (Selenidera maculirostris) – Two pair seen along the Cedae track; what a colorful bird, what a demonstrative display! [E]
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (ARIEL) (Ramphastos vitellinus ariel) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus) – Seen along the Cedae and the Portao tracks. [E]
WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – What a show for 8 of these striking Melanerpes to respond to playback and sit staring at us for almost 10 minutes--as we stared back at them!
YELLOW-EARED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis maculifrons) – A male seen at the jacamar site near Sumidouro. [E]
WHITE-BROWED WOODPECKER (Piculus aurulentus) – Seen along the Cedae track; okay, its brow was yellow, I know. [E]
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros) – Seen best in the Duas Barras-Sumidouro area.
CAMPO FLICKER (CAMPO) (Colaptes campestris campestris) – Seen on several days, as well as at the lodge (a flyover).
BLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER (BLOND-CRESTED) (Celeus flavescens flavescens) – Heard on the lodge grounds; seen in the light woodland at REGUA. [E]
Cariamidae (Seriemas)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – What a look at this bird--on and off the nest, only a few feet away at Sao Bernardo.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – Heard on the grounds [*]
SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Seen in the drier, more open areas.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Seen at REGUA.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
PILEATED PARROT (Pionopsitta pileata) – Heard only, alas, flying over Macae de Cima. [E*]
BLUE-BELLIED PARROT (Triclaria malachitacea) – Heard flying off on the Cedae track. [E*]
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani) – Seen best in the Duas Barra-Sumidouro area, but also present as flybys at the lodge.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – Six seen at the jacamar site; also at REGUA.
MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (MAROON-TAILED) (Pyrrhura frontalis frontalis) – A regular at the lodge banana feeders; seen well, including its black feet. [E]
BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana) – Nice views at about a dozen birds en route to Duas Barras.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – Flyovers at the lodge; seen best en route to Duas Barras.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
SPOT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Hypoedaleus guttatus) – Wonderful study of this endemic antshrike as we were leaving the Cedae track! A terrific bird. [E]
Giant Antshrike, a horse of a bird! (Photo by participant Jerry Ziarno)
LARGE-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena leachii) – Another great antshrike seen on the loop trail at the lodge! This one, the starry-starry-night bird. [E]
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa) – Wonderful looks at a pair along the Portao track! [E]
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus ruficapillus) – Heard on Caledonia. [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) – Great looks at a bird that Sally found and the group as a whole identified at REGUA; nice job!
SOORETAMA SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ambiguus) – Seen nicely at REGUA; this antshrike is named for the Atlantic Forest ("Sooretama") where it is endemic. [E]
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens caerulescens) – Seen on the grounds, but heard almost daily.
STAR-THROATED ANTWREN (Rhopias gularis) – Seen along the Cedae and the Portao tracks. [E]
SPOT-BREASTED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus stictothorax) – Some half-dozen seen well along the Cedae track; often leads the mixed-species flocks. [E]
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis mentalis) – Seen along the Cedae and Portao tracks.
RUFOUS-BACKED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus xanthopterus) – Oddly, this species was heard only. [E*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (SILVERY-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris luctuosa) – Seen very well at REGUA; this endemic taxon is likely to be split from White-flanked. [E]
UNICOLORED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula unicolor) – A pair seen very nicely at REGUA. [E]
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus rufimarginatus) – Nominate Rufous-winged was heard only at REGUA where we had the White-bibbed Antbird. [E*]
FERRUGINOUS ANTBIRD (Drymophila ferruginea) – The first, phylogenetically, of six endemic Drymophila that we saw on our tour! Great to get them all. This genus apparently radiated from the Atlantic Forest. We saw this one along the Theodoro Trail. The only one of the genus that has no raspy buzz to its song. [E]
BERTONI'S ANTBIRD (Drymophila rubricollis) – Seen very well on the lodge grounds. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila genei) – Seen well on Caledonia; this one occurs at the higher elevations. [E]
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga) – Seen beautifully on the lodge grounds, often with Bertoni's. [E]
DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura) – Seen well along the Orchid Garden Trail, Itororo. [E]
SCALED ANTBIRD (Drymophila squamata) – Seen nicely at REGUA. [E]
STREAK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Terenura maculata) – Seen along the Cedae track. [E]
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera) – Seen nicely along the Theodoro Trail, male and the dimorphic female. [E]
WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza loricata) – One of the highlights of the antbird experiences was seeing this beauty perform before us along the "ant trail" at REGUA! A striking antbird with its white inter-scapular patch aroused. [E]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata) – Seen well on the grounds! Heard elsewhere. [E]
BLACK-CHEEKED GNATEATER (Conopophaga melanops) – Seen splendidly along the Cedae track, after which Sally almost left for home ;-), as it was her most wanted bird. [E]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia) – Heard on many days, never very close. [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SPOTTED BAMBOOWREN (Psilorhamphus guttatus) – Heard and glimpsed in the bamboo on the grounds. They are so tough to see. [E]
SLATY BRISTLEFRONT (Merulaxis ater) – An unresponsive bird was heard along the Theodoro Trail. [E*]
WHITE-BREASTED TAPACULO (Eleoscytalopus indigoticus) – Fabulous encounter with a bird along the trail at the lodge! It actually sat out for us momentarily. [E]
MOUSE-COLORED TAPACULO (Scytalopus speluncae) – Heard at Caledonia, but a rain shower interrupted our efforts to see it. [E*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – Seen nicely along the Cedae track after much effort to draw it in with playback.
SUCH'S ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza meruloides) – Heard on the grounds but never nearby. [*]
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza ruficauda) – Heard on Caledonia and on the lodge grounds. [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER (RUFOUS-BREASTED) (Sclerurus scansor scansor) – One seen nicely along the Cedae track. [E]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (OLIVACEOUS) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus) – This attractive woodcreeper, likely to be split, is truly "mustardy" olivaceous, whereas the many other taxa are gray on the head and back. Seen well on numerous days. [E]
PLANALTO WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris) – Seen nicely along the Cedae and Portao tracks. [E]
WHITE-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes albicollis) – This big woodcreeper was seen well on the slopes of Caledonia. [E]
LESSER WOODCREEPER (LESSER) (Xiphorhynchus fuscus fuscus) – Seen on various days, our first on the loop trail at the lodge. [E]
BLACK-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus falcularius) – Darn, we never got this one into view. [E*]
SCALED WOODCREEPER (SCALED) (Lepidocolaptes squamatus squamatus) – Seen nicely along the Cedae track; a well-marked Lepidocolaptes. [E]
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Seen along the Theodoro Trail and at the lodge.
Wing-banded Hornero is one of many endemic Furnariids we encounter on our tour. (Photo by participant Jerry Ziarno)
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Seen at several spots on our Sumidouro day. [N]
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura nematura) – Seen nicely on the lodge grounds.
WHITE-COLLARED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops fuscus) – This handsome foliage-gleaner was seen first on the grounds, but best along the Theodoro Trail. [E]
PALE-BROWED TREEHUNTER (Cichlocolaptes leucophrus leucophrus) – Seen along the Cedae track. [E]
SHARP-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Heliobletus contaminatus) – A pair seen extremely well on the lodge grounds. [E]
BLACK-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor atricapillus) – Seen along the Cedae track and Theodoro Trail. [E]
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Seen well on multiple days, perhaps best along the Cedae track and on the lodge grounds.
WHITE-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia amaurotis) – We had good views of a pair along the Theodoro Trail. [E]
OCHRE-BREASTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia lichtensteini) – Great looks at a pair along the Cedae track. [E]
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – Seen on the lodge grounds.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – Seen in the Duas Barras-Sumidouro area; also known as Common Thornbird.
ORANGE-EYED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus) – Seen best on the lodge grounds where we had a pair at the nest; we also examined a nest, in the hand, of this species! [EN]
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi) – A pair sitting atop their nest near Duas Barras; one Sherry really wanted to see.
ITATIAIA SPINETAIL (Asthenes moreirae) – Fabulous views of responsive birds on Caledonia; not only did we have them practically in the hand, we had them without having to go many steps up the peak! Based on appearance, nest, and vocalization--and, now, evidently on generic evidence as well--this bird is clearly an Asthenes, which is properly called "canastero" rather than "spinetail." It was formerly placed in Oreophylax, a monotypic genus. [E]
PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida) – Seen well on various occasions, including at a nest. Regular on the lodge grounds. [E]
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – Seen well on our Sumidouro day and at REGUA.
RUFOUS-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis ruficapilla) – Seen well on the grounds and on various days. [E]
GRAY-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinerascens) – Heard on the grounds, but not seen. [E*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Heard along the Portao track. [*]
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola flaveola) – Heard near Duas Barras, but unresponsive to playback. [*]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen near Sumidouro and at REGUA.
OLIVACEOUS ELAENIA (Elaenia mesoleuca) – Seen on the grounds along the loop trail, then again on Caledonia.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Heard along the trail at REGUA. [*]
GRAY-HOODED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes rufiventris) – Seen near the beginning of the Portao track. [E]
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – Seen near Duas Barras; heard on several days.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – Seen on Caledonia and Macae de Cima.
SERRA DO MAR TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes difficilis) – Two seen after some effort on the slopes of Caledonia. [E]
ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (BURMEISTER'S) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri burmeisteri) – Seen very well along the loop trail, Itororo. The area was worked by ornithologist Hermann Burmeister, for whom this little tyrannid is named, in 1850-51.
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus) – Seen on the grounds; heard daily.
GRAY-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseocapilla) – Seen well along the Portao track. [E]
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi) – Some saw this furtive bird at REGUA. Though responding to playback, it kept its distance.
EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis) – This mite, the smallest passerine in Brazil, was seen along the Cedae track.
DRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus diops) – Seen on the grounds; heard here and there. [E]
EYE-RINGED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus orbitatus) – Seen along the trail at REGUA. [E]
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – Seen best near the beginning of the Portao track, its flatulent call heard in many places.
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum) – Perhaps better known as Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher. [E]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – One seen at REGUA.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (SOORETAMA) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens sulphurescens) – Seen on the grounds and elsewhere; heard in numerous vicinities. This Tolmomyias has a very distinctive vocalization that will contribute to its eventually being split from other members of the group. Nominate sulphurescens is endemic to the Atlantic Forest. [E]
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus) [*]
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa) – Seen near Duas Barras where we had the crazy Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail. Some authorities split bellicosa, calling it Swallow Flycatcher. [N]
WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-RUMPED) (Myiobius barbatus mastacalis) – Seen several times on the grounds. [E]
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (EULER'S) (Lathrotriccus euleri euleri) – Seen along the Theodoro Trail; heard in various places.
CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes) – Several seen near Duas Barras.
VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus) – Males and females seen well on Caledonia. [E]
BLUE-BILLED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cyanirostris) – A female seen along the Portao track; males and females seen on Caledonia.
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – This pretty tyrant was seen well at the "water hole" near Duas Barras. [a]
WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – One seen at a stop near Duas Barras.
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa) – What a fancy flycatcher! And what a remarkable display, that of the duetting pair!
SHEAR-TAILED GRAY TYRANT (Muscipipra vetula) – Seen on the grounds and on Caledonia. [E]
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) – Seen coming and going from the lodge and at REGUA.
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Both sexes seen at REGUA.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – Seen first along the Portao track; also on the lodge grounds.
GRAY-HOODED ATTILA (Attila rufus) – Seen along the Cedae track; heard elsewhere. [E]
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – Heard on the grounds our last morning. [a*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Heard at REGUA. [*]
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – Seen nicely at the jacamar site near Sumidouro.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Seen and heard daily. [N]
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Seen on the lodge grounds; seen and heard elsewhere.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Seen numerous times, best perhaps near Duas Barras and REGUA.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – Seen along the Cedae track and on the grounds.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Heard on the grounds. [a*]
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – Seen nicely on the grounds and at Sao Bernardo. [a]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Fairly common.
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Seen on the Sumidouro day and en route to REGUA. [a]
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill)
SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus) – A great bird! Seen well along the Theodoro Trail; this was one Stuart really wanted to see, having missed it in Costa Rica.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BLACK-AND-GOLD COTINGA (Tijuca atra) – Two distant birds seen on Caledonia, though many were heard. [E]
GRAY-WINGED COTINGA (Tijuca condita) – WOW. What great views of this highlighter! This is another one of the genuinely rare birds seen on the tour. What a great vocalization, as well. We had two males on territories, a bit unusual for the tour. [E]
BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD (Procnias nudicollis) – Stunning encounters with this bellbird, whose brash and insistent clangs and bells punctuated the quiet atmosphere of Itororo, interrupting any whisperings the waters were up to. [E]
SWALLOW-TAILED COTINGA (SWALLOW-TAILED) (Phibalura flavirostris flavirostris) – Fantastic views of this beautiful cotinga! We had five birds, two pair of which were nesting at Sao Bernardo. Their complex beauty was something to behold! This, the nominate taxon, is endemic to the Atlantic Forest, whereas a disjunct taxon is found in Bolivia. [EN]
Pipridae (Manakins)
SERRA DO MAR TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysolophum) – Great study of a bird on the grounds our first afternoon! Heard elsewhere. [E]
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata) – Great views of this beautiful manakin. Also called Blue Manakin. They were common on the Itororo grounds. [E]
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris) – WOW. Another dazzling manakin with all kinds of colors! Seen well at Macae de Cima and on the lodge grounds. [E]
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus gutturosus) – Seen well along the trail at REGUA; Larry found a male displaying and took each of us in to see it.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana braziliensis) – One seen on the Cedae track.
GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens) – We couldn't get this schiffornis to respond to playback--certainly unusual for this species. [E*]
SHRIKE-LIKE COTINGA (BRAZILIAN) (Laniisoma elegans elegans) – A stunning bird and a great one to see! We had multiple views of a responsive bird along the Theodoro Trail; this, the nominate, taxon is endemic to the Atlantic Forest and is split, by some authorities, from the Andean taxon; also known as Brazilian, or Elegant, Laniisoma since it is now placed in Tityridae rather than Cotingidae. [E]
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) – Seen along the Cedae track and on the grounds, where it was nesting; also seen near on our Sumidouro day. [N]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – Seen on the grounds and elsewhere; it began a nest off the lodge deck, but aborted the effort. [N]
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – Seen near on our Sumidouro day and heard on the Cedae track.
RUFOUS-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus poicilotis) – Seen on the loop trail at the lodge as well as on the Theodoro Trail and elsewhere. [E]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Heard daily, seen occasionally.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CURL-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax cristatellus) – What a great looking jay! Five were seen well out of Sumidouro. A great study in blue and white.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – The common swallow in our areas. [N]
TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata) – Four were seen at such a distance near Duas Barras that it was difficult for most to see the tawny head. [N]
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Fairly common in our area at lower elevations than the lodge.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Seen on our Sumidouro day and at REGUA.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – Seen at the "water hole" near Duas Barras. [N]
WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) – Seen near Duas Barras, some sitting on the fence.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Regular on the grounds and elsewhere.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Seen at the Crowned Eagle site en route to Duas Barras. What a fancy bird!
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes) – Common on the lodge grounds.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – Regular on the lodge grounds.
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) – Abundant on the lodge grounds and elsewhere.
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – Seen on the lodge grounds and in most areas we birded.
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (RUFOUS-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis albicollis) – A pair on the lodge grounds our last morning.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus) – Fairly common in the drier regions.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) – Heard near Duas Barras, but unresponsive to playback. [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Seen and heard along the Cedae track.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) – Common on the grounds and elsewhere.
WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara) – Seen very nicely on the lodge loop trail; also on Caledonia. [E]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Seen on lodge grounds.
CHESTNUT-HEADED TANAGER (Pyrrhocoma ruficeps) – Outstanding encounters with this fabulous bird, one of my favorite species in all of the Atlantic Forest. Both times seen on the lodge grounds, including a female the first afternoon. Those white wing-linings, that deep chestnut head, that black face against deep gray body color--wow! [E]
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops) – Fairly common; visited the lodge feeders.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – Seen on the Cedae track and at REGUA.
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus) – A frequent visitor to the lodge banana feeders.
BRAZILIAN TANAGER (Ramphocelus bresilius) – Good views of this striking tanager at REGUA. [E]
DIADEMED TANAGER (Stephanophorus diadematus) – This big, handsome tanager was seen nicely on Caledonia.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota melanonota) – Seen best on the lodge grounds.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – Seen on the Cedae track, but best perhaps on our Sumidouro day where it is fairly common; very scarce at the lodge. [N]
AZURE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanoptera) – Seen regularly at the lodge banana feeders; we noted its dark bill and lovely azure shoulders; some females and young show little azure. [E]
GOLDEN-CHEVRONED TANAGER (Thraupis ornata) – Another regular at the lodge feeders. [E]
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Two at the lodge, two at REGUA; scarce at any elevation to speak of.
Burnished-buff Tanager is among the several beautiful Tangaras we see on the tour. (Photo by participant Jerry Ziarno)
GREEN-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara seledon) – Seen along the Cedae track, if not particularly well by all. [E]
RED-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanocephala) – Also seen along the Cedae track. [E]
BRASSY-BREASTED TANAGER (Tangara desmaresti) – A real beauty often seen at the lodge feeders and it surrounding forest. [E]
GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris) – Another beaut, these tanagers were best seen along the Portao track as they gathered in the small, homogeneous flocks in which they move and forage. [E]
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Common at the feeders and elsewhere.
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) – Seen well along the Cedae track. [E]
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis insignis) – About 10 seen nicely at REGUA at they responded enthusiastically to playback!
UNIFORM FINCH (Haplospiza unicolor) – Heard at the bamboo along the Macae de Cima road. [E*]
BAY-CHESTED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza thoracica) – This pretty warbling-finch was seen well on the slopes of Caledonia. Handsome color combo! [E]
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Not uncommon is various places, usually fairly dry country.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Seen on our Sumidouro day and at REGUA.
WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera cinereola) – One responsive bird at REGUA.
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – The commonest seedeater in our area.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Daily, no question.
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis) – Seen along the Portao Azul track; heard on the grounds and in a few additional locations.
BLACK-THROATED GROSBEAK (Saltator fuliginosus) – Seen very well along the Cedae track! [E]
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – Seen at a stop beyond Duas Barras where we had the Firewood-gatherers.
HALF-COLLARED SPARROW (Arremon semitorquatus) – A fine-looking sparrow! Seen nicely on the lodge grounds and along the Portao Azul track. [E]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Seen daily.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) – About four seen along the Cedae track.
YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis) – Andy somehow got the scope on a singing bird in the canopy that we all enjoyed.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi) – Seen en route to Duas Barras and beyond.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus) – Seen well at the "water hole" where we had the crazy Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail and at REGUA.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Seen at Sao Bernardo and in the drier areas of Duas Barras-Sumidouro and REGUA.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – One seen in flight along the Macae de Cima road near the oropendola nest colony and at REGUA.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous) – Seen on our Sumidouro day and at REGUA where they were flying to and from their nests. [N]
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – Seen first at Portao Azul, then later along Macae de Cima; nesting colonies at both sites. [N]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – The "beep-beep" of this euphonia was heard on our Sumidouro day. [*]
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea) – One seen on the Cedae track.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia pectoralis) – Seen well along the Cedae track. [E]
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – Seen and heard along the Cedae track.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Fairly common at the lodge, Portao Azul, and Sao Bernardo.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Seen in Nova Friburgo and other towns. [I]
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – Seen near Sumidouro. [I]
MAMMALS
WHITE-TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus jacchus) – Seen nicely at REGUA. The marmosets we saw at the jacamar site near Sumidouro were evidently not Black-tufted-ears because that marmoset is endemic to eastern Brazil. They must have been simply pale, and perhaps young, of this species. [E]
BROWN HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta fuscus) – One seen at a great distance at the Firewood-gatherer's nest site; also heard from the Portao Azul track. This howler is endemic to the Atlantic Forest and is in trouble. [E]
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Some 30 in various pelts at REGUA.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 286 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa