A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

URUGUAY: BIRDS & WINES OF THE LAND OF THE GAUCHOS 2021

November 27-December 9, 2021 with Marcelo Padua & local guide guiding

Field Guides Birding Tours
Our Group visited the cellars of Cerro Chapeu and learned more about their vintage wines.

Our trip lists usually start with tales of the places we visited and the birds we saw, but this year I would like to start by acknowledging the fantastic work that both Ruth and Karen along with our ground agents in Uruguay did in order to put this tour together and make it possible for us to visit Uruguay and have such a great time. Uruguay was one of the most strict countries regarding the coronavirus pandemic in South America and as a result it was completely closed off for tourists for almost two years and our group was one of the first to enter the country after the opening of the borders. Navigating through the confusion that surrounded the rules for entry in the country, finding hotels that were open, organizing COVID testing in multiple sites along the tour and dealing with the South American soccer cup were just some of the hurdles that they had to deal with. We thank you for all the hard work that you have put into this tour to make it so seamless for us.

After jumping through all the hoops in getting into the country, it was all smooth sailing for us and we had the time of our lives enjoying some of the finest meals, wonderful birds, excellent wines and the great hospitality of the people from Uruguay. Our tour started in the historical city of Colonia where we visited a winery and birded this historical little town that is a UNESCO heritage site. Here we found our first Spotted Nothura, Plumbeous Rail, Dark-throated Seedeaters and several other great birds. We then spent a couple of nights at the lovely Estancia La Paz, where we enjoyed great birds like Stripe-crowned Spinetails and Scimitar-billed Woodcreepers right around the gardens and explored nearby places like Estero de Farrapos and Estancia Cangué.

For some forest birding, we visited the Northwest of the country in the Lunarejo Valley, where we found great birds like the Long-tufted Screech-owl, Ultramarine Grosbeak, a plethora of Elaenias and some Plush-crested Jays to color things up a bit. Our visit to the region finished up with an amazing lunch at Cerro do Chapeu winery where Margarita Carrau, the owner of the winery and her family hosted us and talked about her family history. The lunch was paired with great wine and great birds as we watched a Red-legged Seriema casually stroll by and enjoyed great looks at Yellow-rumped Marshbirds below the deck where we had lunch.

Up next was a completely unexpected event that had us leaving before dawn to try to lay eyes on a pair of nesting Yellow Cardinals that Florencia had heard about and managed to negotiate a visit to the private property where they were. This meant having to take quite a detour from our route, but it was very worth it for seeing these critically endangered birds.

We finished our tour with some relaxing days of birding along the coast, looking at everything from shorebirds and Flamingos, to Pipits and Reedhaunters, all of this combined with a visit to the incredible Garzon winery where we saw first-hand the potential for growth in Uruguayan wines in this ultra-modern facility that was named best winery in the world a few years ago.

This was a memorable visit to Uruguay and this tour is bound to become a favorite among the Birds & Wines series of tours I lead. I loved every minute of it and hope you did too!

—Marcelo Padua

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


Rheidae (Rheas)

GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana)

These incredible giants were seen on multiple days of the tour roaming around open grasslands

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens)

Seen a couple of times and heard on a few other days. The loud song of this tinamou is a characteristic sound of open grasslands where it occurs.

SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa)

Seen multiple times on the tour, but it was the highlight of the first day of the tour as we headed to a winery and had excellent looks at this discreet tinamou.

Anhimidae (Screamers)

SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)

A lovely view of some fluffy chicks on a nest on our way to Lunarejo.

Field Guides Birding Tours
The Crested Black-tyrant is a spiffy looking bird that resembles a Phainopepla. We had great looks at some of them around Cerro Chapeu. (photo by guide Marcelo Padua)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)

One of the most common ducks along our route with sightings on several days.

BLACK-NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus)

COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba)

Common in the lakes around the coast.

BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)

Another common species that was seen on multiple days of the tour.

SILVER TEAL (Spatula versicolor)

This handsome duck is a common species in Uruguay and we saw it on multiple days of the tour.

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)

Far less common than the similar Yellow-billed Teal but we saw them well and were able to study the differences between the two species.

YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (FLAVIROSTRIS) (Anas flavirostris flavirostris)

ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca)

Seen on the wetlands along the road to Melo.

BLACK-HEADED DUCK (Heteronetta atricapilla)

A rare and discreet species that we picked up during our outing at Laguna Rocha.

LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata)

Several individuals on the lakes along the way to Melo.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura) [*]

Heard multiple times around La Bordona but they always stayed out of sight.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Excellent looks along Laguna Rocha.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major)

This massive grebe was seen both in the lakes around Jose Ignacio and diving at sea.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)

Somewhat similar to Rock Pigeons but quickly distinguished by the spotted pattern on the wings.

PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)

A scarce species in Uruguay. This species prefers forested areas and we saw one at Cerro Chapeu.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Our tour visited all kinds of wineries in Uruguay, ranging from small traditional wineries like Cordano to the ultra-modern Garzon. This is one of the old concrete fermentation tanks at Bodega Cordano where we learned about the history of winemaking in Uruguay. (photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

The most common dove in Uruguay. It was particularly impressive to see thousands of them flying across the river during our boat trip at Esteros de Farrapos.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)

Excellent scope views of these miniature dinosaurs.

STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]

DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus)

A nice find during our walk around Cerro Chapeu.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)

We spent a little time birding a small wetland in the town of Rivera and had excellent looks at this handsome hummingbird.

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

A common species seen on most days of the tour.

WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis)

GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)

Nice looks at this handsome rail In Colonia de Sacramento on our pre-breakfast walk.

GIANT WOOD-RAIL (Aramides ypecaha)

Seen every day.

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)

SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops)

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata)

WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera)

RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)

Another great species that we picked up on our pre-breakfast walk in Colonia de Sacramento.

RED-AND-WHITE CRAKE (Laterallus leucopyrrhus) [*]

Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)

Seen along the coast near our lodge at Jose Ignacio.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica)

Several individuals seen along Laguna Rocha.

SOUTHERN LAPWING (LAMPRONOTUS) (Vanellus chilensis lampronotus)

COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica)

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (Calidris subruficollis)

Seen at the pond near the entrance of estancia Cangue.

PARAGUAYAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae)

A recent split from South American Snipe that we saw well in the wetlands behind Posada Lunarejo.

Field Guides Birding Tours
The South American Snipe was recently split into several taxa. The bird we saw behind Posada Lunarejo is now called Paraguayan Snipe. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

BROWN-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus maculipennis)

KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)

YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)

LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)

COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

SNOWY-CROWNED TERN (Sterna trudeaui)

ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)

BLACK SKIMMER (INTERCEDENS) (Rynchops niger intercedens)

Ciconiidae (Storks)

MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari)

Great looks at these handsome storks feeding young at the wetlands in Lunarejo.

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

PINNATED BITTERN (Botaurus pinnatus) [*]

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)

John spotted our only bird seen on the tour.

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)

WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)

BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)

PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)

BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)

Seen multiple times on the tour but seeing a pair of birds nesting around Lunarejo was particularly nice.

ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)

LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (RUFOUS-THIGHED) (Accipiter striatus erythronemius)

BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)

Florencia spotted a perched bird around Esteros de Farrapos resulting inn excellent view of this widespread but rarely seen raptor.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Bicolored Hawk is a widespread species, but one can easily travel for years in areas where they occur without seeing one. Our local guide Florencia spotted this individual perched at Puerto Viejo near San Javier and we had great scope views of it. (photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)

A great spot by Alex Wood.

SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus)

SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni)

Strigidae (Owls)

LONG-TUFTED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops sanctaecatarinae)

Great looks at this unique Screech-owl during our picnic dinner in Lunarejo.

GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus)

A couple of individuals roosting near the chapel at Estancia La Paz.

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

WHITE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus cirratus)

MOTTLED PICULET (Picumnus nebulosus)

This range restricted piculet was seen nicely at Lunarejo.

WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)

After hearing it a couple of times on the tour, we finally laid eyes on this species on the last day of the tour.

WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)

Field Guides Birding Tours
White-fronted Woodpecker is usually a localized species and occurs in small numbers. We found a family of them living behind our lodge at Estacia La Paz. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

WHITE-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates spilogaster)

GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-BREASTED) (Colaptes melanochloros melanolaimus)

CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)

Cariamidae (Seriemas)

RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata)

A great look at this iconic species as we had lunch at Cerro Chapeu.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)

This species was treated as a separate species called Southern Caracara, but was recently lumped again.

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)

CHIMANGO CARACARA (Milvago chimango)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Flying over our boats at Esteros de Farrapos.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)

This species favors marshy areas.

VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

A species that is found in forested areas. We found this one near Lunarejo.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Drymornis bridgesii)

Particularly nice views at Estancia La Paz.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Stripe-crowned Spinetail is just one of many great birds we saw in the gardens of Estancia La Paz. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)

RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)

Seen on most days of the tour.

WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)

We found these skulking little birds at the Bañados del Indio Marshes.

CURVE-BILLED REEDHAUNTER (Limnornis curvirostris)

TUFTED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura platensis)

We found these long spiky tailed birds on a walk behind the lodge at Estancia La Paz and later had another great encounter with some cooperative individuals at Estancia Anastasio.

LITTLE THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus sibilatrix)

This is a scarce species but we managed to locate a pair of birds at Estero de Farrapos.

FRECKLE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticollis)

The most common species of thornbird on our route.

ORANGE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ferrugineigula)

This was a bit of a surprise but we found this species in the town of Riveira near the Brazilian border.

FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi)

A common species that was seen many times on our tour, but we really had great looks at the birds and the nest that gives it its name in Lunarejo.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Firewood-gatherer is one of those birds that a lot of people want to see because of their name, but in order to really comprehend where the name comes from, you realy need to see their nest. (photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina)

Excellent views near the entrance of Estacia Cangue.

SULPHUR-BEARDED REEDHAUNTER (Limnoctites sulphuriferus)

Excellent side by side comparisons of this species with Curve-billed Reedhaunter at Bañados del Indio.

STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)

Readily found around the rooms at Estancia La Paz.

BAY-CAPPED WREN-SPINETAIL (Spartonoica maluroides)

BROWN CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura lophotes)

Yet another species that we saw well behind our lodge at Estancia La Paz.

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)

The only member of its genus and a very distinctive Spinetail.

SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)

SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)

WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)

This is a widespread species, ranging from Southern Mexico all the way down to Uruguay, and there are several subspecies involved. The birds that we saw are of the spixii subspecies.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)

We only found this gem on the very last day of the tour as we headed back to Montevideo.

MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)

Common in the woodlands around Lunarejo.

CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri)

Field Guides Birding Tours
On our way to Cerro Chapeu, we weaved in and out of Uruguay adding a few birds to our Brazil List. Photo by Guide Marcelo Padua)

SMALL-HEADED ELAENIA (Elaenia sordida)

Formerly known as Highland Elaenia. This species has been split recently.

LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis)

This species was a bit of a surprise both for me and Florencia. We found it in the wetland around the Duty Free Shop in the town of Rivera.

OLIVACEOUS ELAENIA (Elaenia mesoleuca)

A common species around Lunarejo.

SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans)

This charismatic tyrannulet is always found close to streams, rivers and lakes.

WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata)

One of these birds that make up in character what they lack in charm.

BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)

A common flycatcher often found around marshes.

EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)

Florencia spotted one of these for us, affording us great views of this shy forest flycatcher.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Seen on most days of the tour.

CRESTED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus lophotes)

Wonderful looks at this handsome flycatcher near Cerro Chapeu.

BLUE-BILLED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cyanirostris)

SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus)

We had great looks at this wonderful species on the out of Melo.

YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)

WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero)

GRAY MONJITA (Nengetus cinereus)

BLACK-AND-WHITE MONJITA (Heteroxolmis dominicana)

A rare species that is becoming harder to find due to habitat loss.

SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (SWAINSONI GROUP) (Myiarchus swainsoni swainsoni)

Myiarchus flycatchers are always tricky to identify. This one, however is the only one that is likely to be seen in Uruguay.

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)

A common sight around cattle and human dwellings.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Spectacled Tyrants are striking birds that are found in marshy areas. We had great looks at several birds on our drive from Melo to Jose Ignacio. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)

There are a number of distinctive subspecies of Streaked Flycatcher and it is a good idea to keep track the ones you have seen.

VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius)

CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)

An austral migrant that migrates into the Amazon during the winter and breeds in the south.

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

Always a treat to see these elegant flycatchers flying about with their elegant tails.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)

These colorful jays are always a treat to see; we saw them mainly in forested areas in Lunarejo.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

Common in the cities.

SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)

This was a neat find. Florencia had heard of a pair of birds nesting on an old wall in the city of Colonia de Sacramento. Looking for it was a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack as there was just one pair of birds nesting among hundreds of Gray-breasted Martins but we managed to locate them and get excellent scope views of this species that is rarely seen in Uruguay.

BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (FUSCA) (Progne tapera fusca)

WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)

Commonly seen flying over farmland.

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

This is a migrant and not always easy to find but we did manage to connect with one on the day we drove from Melo to the coast.

Field Guides Birding Tours
Exploring the Lunarejo Valley in an old Russian vehicle allowed us to get to some pretty remote areas. (Photo by Guide Marcelo Padua)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola dumicola)

Always one of the first responders to the pigmy owl tape.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon bonariae)

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)

Common.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)

Very similar to the American Robin.

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)

Easily distinguished by its yellow bill.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)

We had nice looks at one early on the trip and later heard them again in multiple locations.

CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera)

Particularly good views of displaying birds at Laguna Garzon.

HELLMAYR'S PIPIT (Anthus hellmayri brasilianus) [*]

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

Common throughout the tour but we had particularly nice views behind Estancia La Paz.

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)

A common species in open farmland.

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)

Formerly known as White-browed Blackbird.

GOLDEN-WINGED CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysopterus)

We had nice looks at this range restricted Cacique during our visit to Lunarejo.

VARIABLE ORIOLE (CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED) (Icterus pyrrhopterus pyrrhopterus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Much of Uruguay has been cleared and converted to pasture or agricultural fields. So it was nice to do some forest birding and add several new species to our list around Lunarejo. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

Not surprising that these Cowbirds are common in a country where you see so many cows.

SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus)

Great views along the road shortly after we left Melo.

GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)

Formerly known as Baywing Cowbird, but this is not a true cowbird as it does not parasitize other birds nest. It is actually parasitized by Screaming Cowbirds.

YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)

Fount along the reeds in the brackish lakes near the coast.

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)

SAFFRON-COWLED BLACKBIRD (Xanthopsar flavus)

A rare species that lives in relatively undisturbed grasslands. This species is often found with Black-and-white Monjitas and both are becoming harder to find with each passing year.

YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro)

BROWN-AND-YELLOW MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes virescens)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)

This species has recently been split and is now called Southern Yellowthroat.

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

Common in forested areas.

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)

WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara)

An Atlantic Forest endemic.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava)

GLAUCOUS-BLUE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea)

This is the common species of grosbeak that we saw several times on the tour.

ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)

This is the one we saw in Lunarejo during a walk in the property of the brothers who prepared the picnic dinner for us.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)

A species that has been introduced to many places but is native to Uruguay.

GRAY-THROATED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus cabanisi)

Quite a range restricted species but somewhat common in Uruguay.

DIADEMED TANAGER (Stephanophorus diadematus)

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (BLUE-AND-YELLOW) (Rauenia bonariensis bonariensis)

SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)

Field Guides Birding Tours
This male Dark-throated Seedeater was one of many great seedeaters we saw on tour. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

CHESTNUT-BACKED TANAGER (Stilpnia preciosa)

The Latin name of this bird translates to precious tanager. We found these stunning birds at Lunarejo valley.

LONG-TAILED REED FINCH (Donacospiza albifrons)

Al found this little gem for us.

BLACK-AND-RUFOUS WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza nigrorufa)

A common species that we saw on several ocasions on tour.

SAFFRON FINCH (PELZELN'S) (Sicalis flaveola pelzelni)

A widespread species that has several distinctive subspecies.

GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)

Common throughout the trip. We had especially nice looks during our walk in the wetlands of Estero Farrapos.

GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (EASTERN) (Embernagra platensis platensis)

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)

DARK-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila ruficollis)

Seen nicely on our first day as we visited the Quinton winery.

MARSH SEEDEATER (Sporophila palustris)

Wonderful looks at this ultra rare seedeater during our visit to Bañado del Indio.

CHESTNUT SEEDEATER (Sporophila cinnamomea)

A nice looking male close to Estancia La Paz.

DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)

RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)

YELLOW CARDINAL (Gubernatrix cristata)

Our local guide knew of a nesting pair and we made a detour from our itinerary to try to see this critically endangered species. Our efforts paid off with great looks at the male and female foraging and flying to the nest to feed young.

GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)

We had some frustrating views near the town of Tranquera and later on caught a better look while visiting the Lunarejo Valley.

GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)


MAMMALS

NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus)

EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus) [I]

Field Guides Birding Tours
This cooperative Plumbeous Rail put on quite a show for us on the first morning of our tour. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)

GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea)

NUTRIA (Myocastor coypus)

PAMPAS FOX (Pseudalopex gymnocercus)

PAMPAS DEER (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)

BROWN BROCKET DEER (Mazama gouazoubira)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We sampled a wide selection of Uruguayan wines on our tour and below you will find a list of all the wines we tried on our tour. (Photo by guide Marcelo Padua)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Winery – Wine – Grape Vintage

Viñas Del Quinton- Bruna Del Plata – Malbec 2020 Red

Viñas Del Quinton – Bruna Insignia – Malbec/Malbec 2018 Red

Viñas Del Quinton – Bruna Reserva – Malbec 2019 Red

Gimenez Mendez – Alta Reserva – Touriga Nacional 2017 Red

Almacen de la Capilla – Vino Blanco – Chardonnay 2020 White

Almacen de la Capilla ¬– Vino Rosado – Tannat 2018 Rose

Almacen de la Capilla -5ta Generacion – Tannat/Merlot 2018 Red

Almacen de la Capilla – Vino Tinto Roble – Tannat 2018 Red

El Legado - Tannat Reserva – Tannat 2019 Red

Estabelecimiento Juanico – Don Pascual Reserve – Chardonnay 2020 White

Adelio Ariano – Don Adelio Ariano – Chardonnay 2020 White

Aedelio Ariano – El Colorado – Petit Grain Muscat 2020 White

Estabelecimiento Juanico – Don Pascual Reserve – Sauvignon Blanc 2020 White

Bodega Narbona – Tannat Roble – Tannat 2017 Red

Reinaldo de Lucca – Valle Eden – Cabernet/Merlot 2020 Red

Piccolo Banfi – Estigma – Pinot Noir 2021 Red

Viñas del 636 – Colección 636 – Sauvignon Blanc 2020 White

Viñas del 636 – Synergia 636 – Tannat/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Red

Familia Deicas – Preludio Barrel Select lote 106 – Red Blend 2016 Red

Familia Traversa – Traversa – Chardonnay 2020 White

Viñas del 636 – Posada Lunarejo – Merlot 2019 Red

Los Cerros de San Juan – Familie Lahusen – Riesling 2018 White

Castel Pujol – Folklore Blanco – Trebiano/ Malvasia 2021 White

Castel Pujol – Clasicos – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Tannat 2021 Rosé

Cerro Chapeu – Sur Lie Reserva – Sauvignon Blanc 2020 White

Cerro Chapeu – Reserva – Nebbiolo 2018 Red

Cerro Chapeu – Batovi – Tannat 2017 Red

Cerro Chapeu – Reserca – Pinot Noir 2019 Red

Bodega Narbona – Sauvignon Blanc 2020 White

Estabelecimiento Juanico – Don Pascual Coastal – Tannat 2018 Red

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Sauvignon Blanc 2020 White

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Marselan 2020 Red

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Tannat 2020 Red

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Pinot Noir 2020 Rosé

Bodega Garzon – Extra Brut Methode Champenoise – Sparkling

Bodega Garzon – Reserva –Albariño 2020 White

Bodega Garzon – Single Vineyard – Pinot Noir 2015 Red

Familia Deicas – Single Vineyard – Chardonnay 2021 White

Bodega Oceanica – Jose Ignacio – Albariño 2021 White

Bodega Oceanica – Jose Ignacio – Tannat 2018 Red

Viña Eden – Brut Nature Methode Champenoise – Sparkling

Viña Eden – Cosecha – Pinot Noir 2018 Rosé

Artesana – Reserva – Chardonnay/Petit Manseng 2021

Artesana – Tannat Rosado – Tannat 2020 Rosé

Artesana – Reserva – Tannat/Zinfandendel 2020

Artesana – Reserva – Tannat 2020

Totals for the tour: 224 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa