People often ask me which of the tours I lead is my favorite tour and that is a question that I am never able to answer as I love all the tours I lead and I would not lead them otherwise but, like every tour, there are some things I love the most about this tour. The combination of a short tour staying at a single lodge and the generally milder temperatures is something that has always drawn me to it. This is only possible because on each day of the tour we work at a different elevation starting with REGUA at sea level and some very rare species such as the Unicolored Antwren and a lot of birds that inhabit the ponds and marshes at REGUA such as the Rufous-sided Crake that we saw so well. The CEDAE trail put us at some foothill habitat and we marveled at the beauty of tanagers like Green-headed and Red-Necked and watched carefully the hundreds of bromeliads that draped from the trees for the unique Pale-browed Treehunter. The Teodoro trail, a little closer to our lodge provided good looks at some snazzy Gnateaters and a brief look at the widespread but hard to see Sharpbill.
Macae de Cima with its bamboo tracts treated us to many bamboo specialists and we enjoyed good looks at White-bearded Antshrike, White-collared Foliage-gleaner and the rather drab but easily missed Buffy-fronted Seedeater. A day trip to the drier interior culminated in some wonderful looks at the endemic Three-toed Jacamar, but we enjoyed many other good birds along the way, including the rather energetic displaying Streamer-tailed Tyrants and a very confiding Blackish Rail. The views alone would make the visit to Pico Caledonia worth the effort of getting up there, but the birding makes the visit unforgettable, with incredible views of the elegant Diademed Tanager and many range restricted birds such as the Serra do Mar Tyrannulet and the Rufous-backed Antvireo. We also enjoyed some quality time at the feeders of Sitio Virtuoso and marveled at the beauty of Spot-billed Toucanet, Rufous-capped Motmot and several hummingbirds, while our lodge provided all the creature comforts we could have asked for, and some incredible birding right outside our rooms with a nesting Swallow-tailed Cotinga right outside the eating area and a Rusty-barred Owl just behind our rooms. What else could you ask for?
This is truly a delightful tour to lead and having a wonderful group of people like you to share it with made it even more special. I hope our paths cross again sometime 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
BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa) [*]
Heard only but this was the first time we found this species on this tour.
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
We saw all species of ducks possible for our tour on the morning we visited the wetlands at Regua.
DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura)
A common sight around Mariza Lodge.
SPOT-WINGED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus capueira)
We heard them several times around our lodge but never saw them as a group, however John took advantage of a siesta to go for a walk and managed to spot one on the road.
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)
The standard large pigeon on this tour. We saw them many times!
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
We found this forest species near the start of the Teodoro Trail at Nova Friburgo.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
Common around the gardens at Mariza Lodge.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Very similar to the White-tipped Dove but much more restricted to forested areas. We saw one from the blind in the forest at Sitio Virtuoso.
GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)
This is a species of more open habitats like pastures, and we saw them well on the day we drove inland towards Sumidouro.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
Abundant around the lakes at Regua.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (NATTERERI) (Lurocalis semitorquatus nattereri)
Seen a couple of times flying around the lodge at dusk.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
It took a couple of tries but we managed to find one.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis)
This species name always generates some confusion. It was named after Helmut Sick, a German ornithologist who did a lot of work on the birds of Brazil.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca)
One of the most common hummingbirds of the trip and one that we saw almost daily.
SAW-BILLED HERMIT (Ramphodon naevius)
Seen on the Cedae Trail. This species loves banana flowers, so when we found a patch of flowering banana trees we knew we had a good chance of seeing it.
SCALE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis eurynome)
FRILLED COQUETTE (Lophornis magnificus)
BRAZILIAN RUBY (Clytolaema rubricauda)
Both males and females visited the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
GREEN-CROWNED PLOVERCREST (Stephanoxis lalandi)
Formerly known simply as Plovercrest, this species was recently split into two that have distinctive crests and are divided geographically into a northern species and a southern species. The Green-crowned Plovercrest is found in the north and we found them on the upper reaches of Pico Caledonia.
VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis)
The most abundant species of hummingbird on our tour and one that we saw every day.
SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura)
SOMBRE HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena cirrochloris)
We had regular sightings of this discreet species of hummingbird at the gardens of Mariza Lodge.
WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis)
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Chionomesa lactea)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes cyanus cyanus)
We found this species when we came down to sea level at Regua.
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans)
We saw this species on the day we went inland towards Sumidouro. This is a large and confiding rail that often responds well to its calls.
SLATY-BREASTED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides saracura)
A common visitor to the gardens at Mariza Lodge.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Seen at the lakes at REGUA Reserve.
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)
Far less confiding than the other rallids we saw on the tour, but with a bit of work we managed to bring these minute crakes out for a look at REGUA.
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Seen (and heard!) every day at Mariza Lodge.
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari)
Not really a bird we expect to see on this tour, but as we driving back to Rio on the last day of the tour I spotted some on a field along the road.
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
A common sight near the airport at Rio De Janeiro.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
Seen near the entrance of the REGUA Reserve.
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Several individuals roosting around the lakes at REGUA reserve.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
This species prefers open areas and we saw them over pastures on the day we went to REGUA and on the day we went inland to Sumidouro.
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
RUFOUS-THIGHED KITE (Harpagus diodon)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (RUFOUS-THIGHED) (Accipiter striatus erythronemius)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
Seen on our drive from Rio to Nova Friburgo on the first day of the tour and later on when we went inland to look for the Three-toed Jacamar.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
The most common raptor on our tour route.
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
Seen at Mariza Lodge (and heard most nights).
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
We found an individual near the site where we saw the Three-toed Jacamars.
RUSTY-BARRED OWL (Strix hylophila)
Beautiful looks at this Atlantic Forest endemic at Mariza Lodge.
SURUCUA TROGON (Trogon surrucura)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (CHRYSOCHLOROS) (Trogon rufus chrysochloros)
RUFOUS-CAPPED MOTMOT (Baryphthengus ruficapillus)
Great looks at these colorful birds visiting the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
We saw three species of Kingfisher around the lakes at REGUA.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
CRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila striata)
We had excellent looks at this understory puffbird near the town of Duas Barras on the day we drove inland.
THREE-TOED JACAMAR (Jacamaralcyon tridactyla)
Great looks at this range restricted Brazilian endemic near the town of Sumidouro.
SAFFRON TOUCANET (Pteroglossus bailloni)
We saw these distinctive toucanets on the very first day of our tour at Pousada Mariza.
SPOT-BILLED TOUCANET (Selenidera maculirostris)
Seen particularly well at the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco)
This species is moving into the areas we visited with the clearing of the forest, as it is a bird of open habitats.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (ARIEL) (Ramphastos vitellinus ariel)
WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus)
We saw the nominate subspecies of this piculet that is very widespread and has several subspecies.
YELLOW-EARED WOODPECKER (Dryobates maculifrons)
BLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavescens flavescens)
What a gorgeous bird! We had multiple views including one at the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
WHITE-BROWED WOODPECKER (Piculus aurulentus)
GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros)
This species is actually more closely related to flickers than to woodpeckers.
CAMPO FLICKER (CAMPO) (Colaptes campestris campestris)
RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)
Always a highlight and one that we saw well on the day we drove inland to look for the Three-toed Jacamar.
CRESTED CARACARA (SOUTHERN) (Caracara plancus plancus)
After being treated as a separate species from the birds in North America for many years, this species has been lumped again with the Northern birds.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
PLAIN PARAKEET (Brotogeris tirica)
Great views through the scope of this not-so-plain parakeet.
PILEATED PARROT (Pionopsitta pileata) [*]
SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
COBALT-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
Formerly known as Blue-winged Parrotlet.
MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (MAROON-TAILED) (Pyrrhura frontalis frontalis)
Common right around Mariza Lodge.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
We even had them nesting on the buildings at Mariza Lodge.
SPOT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Hypoedaleus guttatus)
A great look at this canopy antshrike that can be pretty hard to spot some times.
GIANT ANTSHRIKE (Batara cinerea)
I have to admit I was worried about this one but on the last day we managed to see one.
LARGE-TAILED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena leachii)
This gorgeous antshrike is always fun to see. We found one at Pico Caledonia.
TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa)
Seen at Pousada Mariza.
WHITE-BEARDED ANTSHRIKE (Biatas nigropectus)
This bamboo specialist can be quite difficult to see but we had one singing up on a tree.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (SOUTHERN) (Thamnophilus ruficapillus ruficapillus)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
Seen at REGUA.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens caerulescens)
I have to admit that I was surprised that we only saw this one on the last day of our trip as this is a relatively common species.
STAR-THROATED ANTWREN (Rhopias gularis)
This antwren usually stays close to the ground. Something we all appreciated after looking at so many birds in the canopy.
SPOT-BREASTED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus stictothorax)
Seen on the CEDAE Trail. We had a good enough look to see its distinctive spots on the breast of this Atlantic Forest endemic.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis mentalis)
RUFOUS-BACKED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus xanthopterus)
A high altitude specialist that we saw well at Pico Caledonia.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (SILVERY-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris luctuosa)
Be sure to keep track of the subspecies you see as this is a strong candidate for future splits.
UNICOLORED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula unicolor)
This species is only found in lowland forest and we had great looks at one at REGUA.
BERTONI'S ANTBIRD (Drymophila rubricollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila genei)
OCHRE-RUMPED ANTBIRD (Drymophila ochropyga)
The genus Drymophila is comprised of 8 species of antbirds, most of which are found in the Atlantic Forest. We saw 4 of the 8 species and heard a 5th.
DUSKY-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila malura) [*]
SCALED ANTBIRD (Drymophila squamata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera)
Seen and heard on multiple days of the tour.
BLACK-CHEEKED GNATEATER (Conopophaga melanops)
A good look at this handsome gnateater on the Teodoro trail.
RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata)
VARIEGATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria varia)
SPOTTED BAMBOOWREN (Psilorhamphus guttatus) [*]
SLATY BRISTLEFRONT (Merulaxis ater) [*]
MOUSE-COLORED TAPACULO (Scytalopus speluncae)
Seen on the way down from Pico Caledonia. Tapaculos are always challenging to see and this was no exception but we managed to get a brief look.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma)
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona campanisona) [*]
SUCH'S ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza meruloides) [*]
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza ruficauda) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER (RUFOUS-BREASTED) (Sclerurus scansor scansor)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (OLIVACEOUS) (Sittasomus griseicapillus sylviellus)
This species will probably be split into several so keep track of the subspecies you see and where.
PLAIN-WINGED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla turdina)
Every bit as exciting as its name suggests it to be.
PLANALTO WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)
WHITE-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes albicollis) [*]
LESSER WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus fuscus fuscus)
We had multiple looks at this handsome woodcreeper during our tour.
SCALED WOODCREEPER (SCALED) (Lepidocolaptes squamatus squamatus)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
Seen with a mixed species flock on the Cedae trail.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
The most common species of Xenops and one that we saw multiple times on our tour.
WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus)
A Brazilian endemic that we saw well on the day we drove inland to look for the Three-toed Jacamar.
RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)
A common species that was fun to watch right around the lodge with its characteristic nest.
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura nematura)
This striking ovenbird has multiple disjunct populations with different plumages and vocalizations. Always a sign that you should be on the lookout for future splits.
WHITE-COLLARED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops fuscus)
This elegant foliage-gleaner favors habitat with abundance of bamboo and we had multiple looks at them on our tour.
PALE-BROWED TREEHUNTER (PALE-TAILED) (Cichlocolaptes leucophrus leucophrus)
This species lives in the canopy of trees and forages almost exclusively in bromeliads.
SHARP-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Heliobletus contaminatus)
BLACK-CAPPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor atricapillus)
Another striking species of foliage-gleaner. This one is usually found moving with understory mixed species flocks and we found one at the 3 Picos state park.
WHITE-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia amaurotis)
OCHRE-BREASTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia lichtensteini)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma rufa)
WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus leucophthalmus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
Seen right by the lodge on the day of our arrival.
ORANGE-EYED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus erythrophthalmus)
FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi)
Despite being a rather drab looking bird, this is one of those birds that captures our imagination with its name. We saw the bird and the nest that gives the bird its name on the day we explored a more interior and drier area.
PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
GRAY-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinerascens) [*]
RUFOUS-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis ruficapilla)
A common species in forested habitat.
SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)
SERRA DO MAR TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma chrysolophum)
We saw this rather drab but range restricted species at Pico Caledonia.
SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata)
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris)
Nice looks at an adult male of this monotypic genus.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus gutturosus)
SWALLOW-TAILED COTINGA (SWALLOW-TAILED) (Phibalura flavirostris flavirostris)
One was nesting right outside the lodge at Mariza Lodge so we got to see it every day.
BLACK-AND-GOLD COTINGA (Lipaugus ater)
A nice look at this handsome cotinga on the way down from Pico Caledonia.
GRAY-WINGED COTINGA (Lipaugus conditus) [*]
BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD (Procnias nudicollis)
We had great looks at this species through the scope but were equally impressed by the incredibly loud vocalizations of the males.
GREENISH SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis virescens)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus)
A pair of birds was nesting right around the buildings at Mariza Lodge.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus)
SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus)
We only had a brief look at one and not everyone saw it before it flew off.
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
Probably the cutest of the flycatchers we saw on this tour. What a lovely bird.
GRAY-HOODED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes rufiventris)
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)
SERRA DO MAR TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes difficilis)
For a bird that has "difficult" in its Latin name we actually got a pretty decent look.
SOUTHERN ANTPIPIT (Corythopis delalandi)
We had an excellent look at this bird that is neither a pipit nor an antbird.
DRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus diops)
HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus)
This species managed to take credit for a characteristic that is common to most flycatchers, as most of them build hanging nests.
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps)
We had great looks at a pair of birds building a nest near the lodge.
GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (SOORETAMA) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens sulphurescens)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (OCHRE-LORED) (Tolmomyias flaviventris flaviventris)
This species has been split since our tour and is now called Ochre-lored Flycatcher.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (SWALLOW) (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola flaveola)
A bamboo specialist that we saw on the road to Macae de Cima.
SMALL-HEADED ELAENIA (Elaenia sordida)
This species was recently split from Highland Elaenia.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata)
ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (BURMEISTER'S) (Phyllomyias burmeisteri burmeisteri)
PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
Seen right around the buildings at Mariza Lodge.
GRAY-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseocapilla)
Seen and heard many times during our tour.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
Seen along a marshy area on the day we drove inland.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (EULER'S) (Lathrotriccus euleri euleri)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus)
Both the Velvety Black-tyrant and the Blue-billed were seen at Pico Caledonia, allowing us to study the differences between the two. With particularly distinctive females.
BLUE-BILLED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cyanirostris)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
A great spot by Cindy.
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
Common around the lodge at Mariza.
SHEAR-TAILED GRAY TYRANT (Muscipipra vetula) [*]
STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (Gubernetes yetapa)
It is always mesmerizing to see the enthusiastic displays of this species.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
GRAY-HOODED ATTILA (Attila rufus)
This is one of those species that looks a lot better in real life than it does in the field guide.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Seen almost every day on the tour.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
Seen regularly around the lodge.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) [a]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
We heard it several times but only managed to lay eyes on one.
GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus) [*]
RUFOUS-CROWNED GREENLET (Hylophilus poicilotis)
A couple of sightings of this handsome species of greenlet.
CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Seen in some marshes on the day we drove inland to look for the Three-toed Jacamar.
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
The most common of the species of swallows and one that was regularly seen around our lodge.
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)
We saw this often overlooked species at REGUA.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
A frequent sight around Mariza Lodge.
LONG-BILLED WREN (Cantorchilus longirostris)
We found this endemic during our visit to REGUA.
CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (RUFOUS-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis albicollis)
A single bird visitng the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)
CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) [I]
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanocephala)
Sometimes I have a hard time understanding English names. Of all the beautiful features of this spectacular species, they had to name it for the rump?
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
A very brief look at one bird in the canopy.
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia pectoralis)
Visiting the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
Seen around Mariza Lodge.
GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)
HALF-COLLARED SPARROW (Arremon semitorquatus)
We found one of these ornate sparrows on the trail behind Mariza Lodge.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Seen every day of the tour.
WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)
Formerly known as White-browed Blackbird.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Multiple views including some birds displaying near their nests on the road to Macae de Cima.
RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
Seen lurking around the nests of the Crested Oropendolas, looking for a chance to lay its eggs.
CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)
This species has now been split and is called Southern Yellowthroat.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
Seen on most days of the tour.
WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara)
We saw this species on a couple of days but to be honest, I like the song of this species more than I like the look of it. What a melodious song to listen to.
OLIVE-GREEN TANAGER (Orthogonys chloricterus)
We had an amazing experience with a small family group of this species at 3 Picos state park.
HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava saira)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Loriotus cristatus)
We found this species in the lowland forest of REGUA reserve.
RUBY-CROWNED TANAGER (Tachyphonus coronatus)
Seen regularly but we only caught glimpses of the red crown for which it is named.
BRAZILIAN TANAGER (Ramphocelus bresilius)
Seen around the lodge and at REGUA.
DIADEMED TANAGER (Stephanophorus diadematus)
Great looks at this handsome tanager when we spent some time at higher altitudes at Pico Caledonia.
SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)
AZURE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanoptera)
It was nice to see this species side by side with Sayaca at the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso to compare them and observe the diferences between the two species.
GOLDEN-CHEVRONED TANAGER (Thraupis ornata)
Also seen at the feeders at Sitio Virtuoso.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (STRIPE-BELLIED) (Stilpnia cayana chloroptera)
GREEN-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara seledon)
This little gem of a tanager is always a treat to see. We found them both at REGUA and on the CEDAE trail.
RED-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanocephala)
Another colorful species that we found on the CEDAE trail.
BRASSY-BREASTED TANAGER (Tangara desmaresti)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis insignis)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
UNIFORM FINCH (Haplospiza unicolor)
BAY-CHESTED WARBLING FINCH (Castanozoster thoracicus)
Nicely seen at Pico Caledonia.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)
BUFFY-FRONTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila frontalis)
This bamboo specialist can be quite hard to find as it tends to migrate with the seeding of bamboo but we found one at Macae de Cima on the second day of our tour.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)
THICK-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator maxillosus) [*]
BLACK-THROATED GROSBEAK (Saltator fuliginosus)
WHITE-TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
Very nice looks at one of these fascinating animals at REGUA.
GUIANAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus aestuans)
Totals for the tour: 279 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa