A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

Uruguay: Birds & Wines of the Land of the Gauchos 2023

November 25-December 7, 2023 with Marcelo Padua & local guide guiding

Uruguay continues to fly under the radar of most international travelers and although some visitors explore places like Montevideo, the countryside remains one of South America’s most hidden gems. Our tour balances some of the well-known areas of the country with hidden corners that are only visited by the true connoisseurs. Our tour started with a brief birding session in Montevideo that produced good looks at Snowy-crowned Terns, Southern Yellowthroat and a good variety of waterfowl, followed by a visit and lunch at Artesana Winery, one of my favorite wineries in Uruguay. We continued on to the Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento is a UNESCO world heritage site and we made sure we visited it and learned about its rich history and architecture while birding and finding the likes of Austral Martin, Rufous-sided Crake and several other noteworthy birds.

The following days were spent at Estancia La Paz from where we explored some hidden corners of Uruguay and found great birds like Little Thornbird, Scissor-tailed Nightjar, Ringed Teal, and the incredible Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper.

Our next stop was Valle de Lunarejo, a place that rarely sees international birders, but one of the greatest birding spots in Uruguay. We had a nesting colony of Egrets, Spoonbills, Ibises and several other birds right behind our lodge and our exploration of the fields in an old Russian truck yielded looks at everything from Coscoroba Swans to Glaucous-blue Grosbeaks. This was definitely a memorable place to bird and spend a few nights but we had to move along to the coast, and we crossed the country in a single day, picking up Spectacled Tyrants, Rosy-billed Pochards, Short-eared owls and much more on the way.

Our tour ended with a few relaxing days by the coast filled with great birding, fine food and a lot of excellent wine.

Uruguay was good to us and I loved sharing my favorite corners of this country with each of you. I hope we can do it again some time. Soon.

PS: The lovely photos that illustrate this trip list were taken by Robert McNab. Thank you for sharing them!

—- 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)

Multiple sightings during the tour but we had particularly good views from the Safari Truck at Lunarejo

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) [*]

SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa)

Seen repeatedly along our tour route and especially well near Estancia La Paz

Anhimidae (Screamers)

SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata)

Great looks around the our lodge at Lunarejo as well as a pair of birds with chicks near Tranqueras.

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)

BLACK-NECKED SWAN (Cygnus melancoryphus)

Belinda spotted these for us in Montevideo on the first day of the tour.

COSCOROBA SWAN (Coscoroba coscoroba)

Multiple sightings during the tour but it was particularly interesting to see them on some ponds in the high plateau at Lunarejo.

RINGED TEAL (Callonetta leucophrys)

A particularly good look at a stunning male at Estancial El Cangue

BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)

SILVER TEAL (Spatula versicolor)

CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera)

One of many ducks we saw at Laguna Garzon. This one was particularly nice as it was a lifer for our local guide Agustina.

RED SHOVELER (Spatula platalea)

CHILOE WIGEON (Mareca sibilatrix)

WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)

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

ROSY-BILLED POCHARD (Netta peposaca)

We had scope views of some birds swimming on lakes along the road on the day we crossed the country from Lunarejo to Parque oceanico

LAKE DUCK (Oxyura vittata)

Great views on the first day in Montevideo.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

DUSKY-LEGGED GUAN (Penelope obscura)

A couple of sightings in the forested areas around Lunarejo

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)

Another species that was seen on our first day in Montevideo. We later saw them again around Laguna Garzon

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major)

Rob spotted these elegant birds for us early on the trip.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro)

Seen every day on our tour

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)

Also seen every day on our tour

RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) [*]

PICUI GROUND DOVE (Columbina picui)

The smallest of the doves we saw and one that we saw on most days of the tour.

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

We found this species in the forested area of Caracoles near Laguna Garzon

GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira)

These odd looking Cuckoos are always fun to watch, as they resemble miniature dinosaurs.

STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)

This species is often heard but seldom seen, yet we managed to lay eyes on them not once but twice on our tour.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda)

BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris)

This was a nice surprise at Paredones near our lodge in Lunarejo

SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata)

Excellent looks at a male roosting along the access road at Estacia La Paz

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)

We heard its echoing song in the canyon at Paredones and managed to call it in for a look at this unique species.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

BLUE-TUFTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster furcifer)

Particularly abundant this year but the most memorable for me was eating under a pergola at the Carlos Gardel museum and having multiple birds flying around us.

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon lucidus)

WHITE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucochloris albicollis)

A nice look at this species when it showed up in response to a pygmy owl recording in the forested area around Caracoles near Laguna Garzon

GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) [*]

PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)

Seen at Las Delicias in Colonia de Sacramento

GIANT WOOD-RAIL (Aramides ypecaha)

A common species that we saw multiple times on our tour

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

Great looks at a bird with chicks at Anastasio

RED-FRONTED COOT (Fulica rufifrons)

The least abundant of the coots but we saw them on a couple of occasions

RED-GARTERED COOT (Fulica armillata)

Seen multiple times on our tour. We even saw the red garters that are usually under water.

WHITE-WINGED COOT (Fulica leucoptera)

RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)

A nice look at these crakes at Las Delicias in Colonia de Sacramento

RED-AND-WHITE CRAKE (Laterallus leucopyrrhus)

We had to work hard to see these birds in a marshy area near Tranqueras but our work was rewarded with excellent looks at these shy and seldom seen Crakes

Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

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

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)

Seen well near Laguna Garzon

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica)

Scope views of these boreal migrants

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (LAMPRONOTUS) (Vanellus chilensis lampronotus)

Seen every day on our tour

COLLARED PLOVER (Anarhynchus collaris)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

PANTANAL SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae)

Formerly known as South American Snipe. We had great looks at them in the breeding colony of egrets behind our lodge at Lunarejo

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (Calidris subruficollis)

These birds were the focus of Agustina's study so it was fun to see "her birds" in an estancia we had never visited before.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii)

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis)

PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

BROWN-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus maculipennis)

One of the most abundant gulls and one that we even saw in Montevideo.

GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus)

Scope views of a bird sitting on a fence post near Laguna Garzon

OLROG'S GULL (Larus atlanticus)

Agustina got a tip from some friends that there were a couple of birds in the area and we managed to relocate the birds later on.

KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)

BLACK SKIMMER (INTERCEDENS) (Rynchops niger intercedens)

YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)

LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)

SNOWY-CROWNED TERN (Sterna trudeaui)

Great looks at this handsome tern on the first day of the tour in Montevideo and later on near the coast.

SANDWICH TERN (CAYENNE) (Thalasseus sandvicensis eurygnathus)

Ciconiidae (Storks)

MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari)

WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)

STRIPE-BACKED BITTERN (Ixobrychus involucris) [*]

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)

We had great looks at these handsome Herons during our lunch at Artesana Winery

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

We had a nesting colony of these birds right behind our lodge at Lunarejo

STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)

WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus ibis)

Cattle egrets have recently been split between Eastern and Western Cattle Egrets.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)

BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)

It was fun to watch these birds building their nests right behind our lodge at Lunarejo

PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens)

BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)

ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)

Another species that was nesting behind the lodge at Lunarejo

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

Black Vultures are actually rare in Uruguay but there is a small colony of them at Garzon Winery and we saw them well while visiting the property.

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)

We spotted a distant bird while we birded the grounds at Estancia La Paz

SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)

LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)

CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)

Far less common than the Long-winged Harrier but we saw one near Bañado del Indio.

SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Great views in Montevideo on the first day of the tour.

SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni)

We made a rest stop on the drive from Estancia La Paz to Lunarejo and saw this species soaring as we stood around stretching.

Strigidae (Owls)

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)

Nice views of these lovely owls at Estancia La Paz

LONG-TUFTED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops sanctaecatarinae)

After missing this species at our usual spot we found it in an area near our lodge at Lunarejo

GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus)

Seen right in the gardens of Estancia La Paz

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)

SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus)

Rob spotted this species flying over a field late in the day as we made our way to Parque Oceanico

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)

The largest of the Kingfishers we saw.

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus)

After a couple of sightings of flying birds in the Lunarejo area we finally saw them perched near Laguna Garzon

WHITE-FRONTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cactorum)

We found these handsome woodpeckers on an Ombu tree at Estancia La Paz

WHITE-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates spilogaster)

We had a great look at this woodpecker at Las Delicias trail in Colonia de Sacramento

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

A close relative of the Campo Flicker.

CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris)

Seen on most days on our tour. The birds we saw belong to the campestroides subspecies and are sometimes considered a separate species called Field Flicker

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)

CHIMANGO CARACARA (Daptrius chimango)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

Seen many times during our tour but the bird we saw eating a snake was certainly the most memorable one.

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

This species has been introduced to many places around the world but is native to Uruguay

WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

Seen regularly around Valle de Lunarejo

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)

We found this species in some marshy habitat near Tranqueras

VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

We had excellent looks both at the male and female in some forested habitat at Valle de Lunarejo

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

SCIMITAR-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Drymornis bridgesii)

This unique Woodcreeper feeds mainly on the ground and we had multiple good looks at it around our the gardens of Estancia La Paz

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)

RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus)

WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)

This species is common but it can be very hard to see but we found nesting birds and had great looks at them.

CURVE-BILLED REEDHAUNTER (Limnornis curvirostris)

We had great looks at this range restricted Reedhaunter at Bañado del Indio.

BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)

We found this species in the forested habitat of Valle de Lunarejo

TUFTED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura platensis)

While we visited the vineyards at Artesana Winery in Montevideo we had great looks at one of these charismatic birds

LITTLE THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus sibilatrix)

This species is restricted to the extreme western portion of the country in Uruguay. We found one in San Javier.

FRECKLE-BREASTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticollis)

FIREWOOD-GATHERER (Anumbius annumbi)

We saw the bird and the nest for which it is named multiple times

LARK-LIKE BRUSHRUNNER (Coryphistera alaudina)

Rob found this cool species for us at the Puerto Viejo Camping site near San Javier.

STRAIGHT-BILLED REEDHAUNTER (Limnoctites rectirostris)

One of many great birds we found during our visit to Estancia El Albardon

SULPHUR-BEARDED REEDHAUNTER (Limnoctites sulphuriferus)

Excellent looks at this species at Bañado del Indio, we even saw the yellow chinspot that give this bird its name.

STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia)

Seen right around the square in Colonia de Sacramento

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus)

This spinetail is so unique that it is the only species in its genus. We found them behind our lodge at Estancia La Paz

SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi)

SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis)

We saw this good looking Becard in the forested area of Caracoles near Laguna Garzon

WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)

Far less flashy than the Green-backed Becard. We found this species at Las Delicias trail in Colonia de Sacramento.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)

We only found this colorful species towards the very end of the tour.

MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)

CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

One of the most distinguishable species of Tyrannulet, not only because of its crest, but also because of its diagnostic behavior of rocking its body from side to side.

SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri)

WARBLING DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris)

We stopped in a wet area along the road from Lunarejo to Parque Oceanico where we had seen the bird the year before and sure enough the birds were still present. A tour leader's dream come true.

SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris)

Pretty common and abundant.

OLIVACEOUS ELAENIA (Elaenia mesoleuca)

SOOTY TYRANNULET (Serpophaga nigricans)

Yet another great spot by Rob

WHITE-CRESTED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga subcristata)

A common species that we saw for the first time at the Las Delicias trail in Colonia de Sacramento

FULVOUS-CROWNED SCRUB-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)

Formerly known as Tawny-crowned Pygmy-tyrant

BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Many great looks at this species that breeds in Uruguay and migrates north in the winter time

BLUE-BILLED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus cyanirostris)

SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus)

To me, flycatchers are either very drab looking or incredibly cool, and this one definitely falls in the second category. We had multiple good looks at the males with their white flight feathers and cool yellow "spectacles".

YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)

Spotted by Rob outside of our lodge at Lunarejo

WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero)

GRAY MONJITA (Nengetus cinereus)

BLACK-AND-WHITE MONJITA (Heteroxolmis dominicana)

We had great looks at this endangered species at Estacia El Albardon

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

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)

CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)

This species has the longest Latin name of any bird in the world, and Rob found it for us at Estancia La Paz

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

We saw this bird every day but we never got tired of looking at them

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi)

Formerly considered the same species as the Red-eyed Vireo but they were finally split a few years ago

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops)

We found this colorful species of jay at the Puerto Viejo Camping site near San Javier.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

SOUTHERN MARTIN (Progne elegans)

This species is quite rare in Uruguay but a pair of birds has been nesting in Colonia de Sacramento for a few years now and we managed to locate them during our walking tour of the historical downtown of the town

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

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

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

TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW (Alopochelidon fucata)

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

MASKED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila dumicola dumicola)

This species showed up frequently when we played the Ferruginous Pygmy-owl tape.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon bonariae)

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]

RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris)

Seen every day on our tour.

BLACKSMITH THRUSH (Turdus subalaris)

Only seen by a few folks. This species is named after the metallic sounds it makes when it is singing.

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus)

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus chii)

Our safari truck scared up a few birds up on the plateau at Valle de Lunarejo and we managed to call one of them in for great views

CORRENDERA PIPIT (Anthus correndera)

We found this one in the grass fields of Estancia El Albardon

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

A common species. We had particularly nice looks at them during our stay at estancia La Paz where they were often seen feeding on thistle

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis)

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

The Rufous-collared Sparrow is a very widespread species in Central and South America and there are a stunning 27 subspecies involved. The birds we saw belong to the subspecies subtorquata

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

WHITE-BROWED MEADOWLARK (Leistes superciliaris)

Formerly known as White-browed Blackbird

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

SCREAMING COWBIRD (Molothrus rufoaxillaris)

Very similar to Shiny Cowbirds but the Screaming Cowbird doesn't have the bluish shine and has a different bill structure.

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus)

Wonderful looks at these beautiful Blackbirds at Bañado del Indio

GRAYISH BAYWING (Agelaioides badius)

This species was formerly known as Baywing Cowbird but it is not a true cowbird as it doesn't parasitize the nest of other birds. Instead it is parasitized by the Screaming Cowbird

YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius)

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus)

Beautiful looks at this species feeding on a dragonfly

SAFFRON-COWLED BLACKBIRD (Xanthopsar flavus)

This species is closely associated with Black-and-white Monjitas, and as expected, we saw them together on a couple of occasions.

YELLOW-RUMPED MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes guirahuro)

At first they were seen just by Rob when we made a rest stop but the rest of us got caught up near the town of Rivera

BROWN-AND-YELLOW MARSHBIRD (Pseudoleistes virescens)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

SOUTHERN YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis velata)

A recent split that was known as Masked Yellowthroat. We had an excellent look at this species in Montevideo on the first day of the tour and later saw it again a few times

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

Great looks at Colonia de Sacramento.

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)

We found this species at the las Delicias trail in Colonia de Sacramento

WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Myiothlypis leucoblephara)

This species had one of the most beautiful warbler songs. We had good looks at one at Valle de Lunarejo

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

GLAUCOUS-BLUE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea)

Great scope views of this shy species at Valle de Lunarejo

ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia brissonii)

Also seen at Valle de Lunarejo allowing us to compare it with the Glaucous-blue Grosbeak

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata)

A common species along roadsides in Uruguay

GRAY-THROATED WARBLING FINCH (Microspingus cabanisi)

It was a bit of a surprise that we only saw this species one at Valle de Lunarejo but the views were great.

DIADEMED TANAGER (Stephanophorus diadematus)

A handsome tanager that we saw a few times in forested habitat

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

Seen on most days of the tour. There was even a pair of birds that was seen often in the garden of our lodge at Valled de Lunarejo

SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca)

CHESTNUT-BACKED TANAGER (Stilpnia preciosa)

A bird that had "precious" as its Latin name is definitely something we had to see and we had multiple looks at them

LONG-TAILED REED FINCH (Donacospiza albifrons)

Agustina knew just where to find this species for us.

BLACK-AND-RUFOUS WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza nigrorufa)

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

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

A common and widespread species

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

Several looks at this species including an immature bird that threw us off for a while near Estancia La Paz

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)

MARSH SEEDEATER (Sporophila palustris)

Excellent looks at this very rare seedeater at Bañado del Indio.

DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens)

The most common seedeater on this tour.

RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris)

Seen along the road on the way from Valle de Lunarejo to Parque Oceanico

RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)

GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis)

We had good looks at this vocal species at the Las Delicias trail in Colonia de Sacramento.

GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris)

Seen well at Estancia El Cangue and Estancia La Paz


MAMMALS

EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus) [I]

NUTRIA (Myocastor coypus)

PAMPAS FOX (Pseudalopex gymnocercus)

MOLINA'S HOG-NOSED SKUNK (Conepatus chinga)

PAMPAS DEER (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)


HERPS

GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Winery – Wine – Grape Vintage

Artesana – Tannat Rosado – Tannat 2021 Rosé

Artesana – Reserva – Cabernet Fanc/Merlot 2020

Artesana – Reserva – Tannat/Zinfandendel 2021

Artesana – Reserva – Tannat 2021

Artesana – Reserva – Tannat/Zinfandendel/Merlot (limited edition) 2020

Familia Deicas – Castelar Brut Reserve – Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier No vintage

Familia Deicas – Atlantico Sur – Albariño 2023

Bouza – Viñedo Pan de Azucar – Pinot Noir 2021

Almacen de la Capilla – Vino Blanco – Chardonnay 2023 White

Almacen de la Capilla ¬– Vino Rosado – Moscatel de Hamburgo 2023 Rose

Almacen de la Capilla ¬– Vino Rosado – Tannat 2020 Rose

Almacen de la Capilla -5ta Generacion – Syrah 2021 Red

Almacen de la Capilla – Vino Tinto Roble – Tannat 2020 Red

Almacen de la Capilla – Tannat Sin Barrica – Tannat 2021 Red

Almacen de la Capilla -Entre Viñas – Moscatel de Hamburgo/Chardonnay 2021 Rose

Don Pascual – Reserve – Sauvignon Blanc 2022 White

Ariano – Don Adelio – Chardonnay 2021 White

Narbona – Sauvignon Blanc 2023 White

Bodega Atlantida – Tannat Reserva – Tannat 2016 Red

Don Pascual – Varietal – Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Red

Castel Pujol – Folklore Blanco – Trebiano/ Malvasia 2023 White

Bodega Narbona – Pinot Noir 2023 Red

Castel Pujol – Altos Tannat Rosé Saignée – Tannat 2022 Rosé

Compañia Uruguaya de Vinos de Mar – Tannat – Tannat 2021

Cerro Chapeu – Reserva – Chardonnay 2021 White

Castel Pujol – Folklore Naranja – Trebiano/ Petit Manseng 2022 Orange

Cerro Chapeu – Tannat Museo – Tannat 1979 Red

Castel Pujol – Folklore Manseng Noir – Manseng Noir 2022 Red

Castel Pujol – Folklore Carbonica – Arinarnoa 2022 Red

Castel Pujol – Folklore Pet Nat – Trebiano/ Malvasia 2022 White

Cerro Chapeu – 1752 Gran Tradicion – Tannat/ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Arinarnoa 2016 Red

Cerro Chapeu – Reserva – Nebbiolo 2020 Red

Cerro Chapeu – Batovi – Tannat 2020 Red

Don Pascual – Reserve– Chardonnay 2023 White

Don Pascual – Crianza en Roble – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Red

Bodega Garzon – Reserva –Albariño 2023 White

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Pinot Noir 2023 Rosé

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Marselan 2021 Red

Bodega Garzon – Extra Brut – Sparkling

Bodega Garzon – Single Vineyard – Albariño 2022 White

Bodega Garzon – Petit Clos Block 87 – Pinot Noir 2019 Red

Bodega Garzon – Reserva – Tannat 2022 Red

Bodega Oceanica – Jose Ignacio – Merlot 2020 Red

Domaine de L’arvol – Areniscas – Chardonnay 2022 White

Bodegas Castillo Viejo – El Preciado – Tannat/ C.Franc/ C. Sauvignon/ Merlot/ Tempranillo 2018 Red

Alto de la Ballena – Reserva – Tannat/ Viognier 2018 Red

Viggiano – Blanco de Arcilla Y Cal – Albariño 2022

Pizzorno – Reserva – Pinot Noir 2021

Familia Deicas – Barrel Select – Blend 2022 White

Familia Deicas – Cru D’Exception – Merlot 2020 Red

Totals for the tour: 231 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa