The enigmatic Diademed Sandpiper-Plover in a remote valley was the bird of the trip (Mark Pearman)

NORTHERN ARGENTINA 21 OCTOBER – 12 NOVEMBER 2016

TOUR REPORT

LEADER: MARK PEARMAN

Northern Argentina 2016 was another hugely successful chapter in a long line of Birdquest tours to this region with some 524 species seen although, importantly, more speciality diamond birds were seen than on all previous tours. Highlights in the north-west included Huayco Tinamou, Puna Tinamou, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Red-faced Guan, Black-legged Seriema, Wedge-tailed Hilstar, Slender-tailed Woodstar, Black-banded Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Black-bodied Woodpecker, White-throated Antpitta, Zimmer’s Tapaculo, Scribble-tailed Canastero, Rufous-throated Dipper, Red-backed Sierra Finch, Tucuman Mountain Finch, Short-tailed Finch, Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager and a clean sweep on all the available endemcs. The north-east produced such highly sought-after species as Black-fronted Piping- Guan, Long-trained Nightjar, Vinaceous-breasted Amazon, Spotted Bamboowren, Canebrake Groundcreeper, Black-and-white Monjita, Strange-tailed Tyrant, Ochre-breasted Pipit, Chestnut, Rufous-rumped, Marsh and Ibera Seedeaters and Yellow Cardinal. We also saw twenty-fve species of mammal, among which Greater

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Naked-tailed Armadillo stole the top slot. As usual, our itinerary covered a journey of 6000 km during which we familiarised ourselves with each of the highly varied ecosystems from Yungas cloud forest, monte and badland cactus deserts, high puna and altiplano, dry and humid chaco, the Iberá marsh sytem (Argentina’s secret pantanal) and fnally a week of rainforest birding in Misiones culminating at the mind-blowing Iguazú falls. While all of these habitats are shrinking, we were able to travel through vast sectors of uninhabited wilderness giving us some peace of mind. It would be true to say that we also had our fair share of beef, and enjoyed fne wines and hospitality.

Leaving the dusty sugar cane felds behind, we entered the dramatic verdant Yungas forest world, a seemingly familiar, yet unfamilar, subtropical Andean cloudforest belt. The frst birding stop of the was a mixed fock including a close-up male Dot-fronted Woodpecker (a Yungas endemic), Azara’s Spinetail, Small-billed Elaenia, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Red-eyed Vireo, the outrageous Plush-crested Jay, Andean Slaty Thrush, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Hooded Siskin, Purple-throated Euphonia, Tropical Parula, Golden-crowned Warbler, Sayaca and Fawn-breasted Tanager, as well as smart Black-backed Grosbeaks and that was just a taster. Soon after we quickly found the endemic and well performing Yellow-striped Brushfnch, a fair bit below its usual altitudinal threshold. Scouring the rushing river we watched a Black Phoebe when Dave suddenly got us onto a male Torrent Duck on a rock, just as a raucous fock of sixteen Tucuman Amazons shot overhead through the clouds only to be quickly lost from sight. Higher up, we pulled into a layby where a stunning pair of Dusky-legged Guans were drying out from the last rainshower against a magnifcent backdrop of misty bromeliad-laden forest. Here too we managed unusually great views of Yungas Dove, plus Scaly-headed Parrot and many Mitred Parakeets, numerous Band-tailed Pigeons and a White-bellied Hummbird on its song perch. Even though it was just the frst day of the tour, everyone was focused on fnding the magical Rufous- throated Dipper, and at one bend in the river, Lena called our bus to a halt. Her frst glimpse of a dipper led to multiple views of a pair foraging and performing their infamous wing-fashing behaviour. We also managed White-throated Tyrannulet and another Yungas endemic, the delightful Brown-capped Whitestart before leaving the cloud forest and indeed the clouds behind.

A striking endemic Yellow-striped Brushfnch, Dot-fronted Woodpecker and the impressive Rufous-throated Dipper (all by tour partici- pant Geoff Tassell)

2 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Torrent Ducks are common along many rivers in the north-west Andes (tour participant Lena Hanssen)

Above the treeline, there were several hundred waterbirds to be seen at the vast Angostura reservoir including Andean Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Red Shoveler, Yellow-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Egret, Neotropic Cormorant, Andean and Red-gartered Coots, White-backed Stilt, Southern Lapwing, Wattled Jacana and Andean Gulls. A young Black-chested Buzzard Eagle sat on a roadside post and we also watched our frst Chiguanco Thrush.

Andean Goose ranges above 2000 m. but is abundant on the altiplano (Geoff Tassell)

3 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com We drove through the cloud before dawn to almost 3000 metres and enjoyed the crisp morning air and a cloudtop view over the valley below, as the frst of many ovenbirds delivered their morning song including Buff- breasted Earthcreeper, Cream-winged and White-winged Cinclodes, Cordilleran and Puna Canastero, and many Streak-fronted Thornbirds. Trekking to higher ground we soon added Ornate Tinamou, Variable Hawk, Black-winged Ground Dove, the delightful endemic White-browed Tapaculo, Andean Flicker, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Sedge Wren, Black Siskin, Plain-coloured Seedeater and three species of sierra fnch; Plumbeous, Ash-breasted and Band-tailed, while Andean Swifts screamed overhead. Fifteen endemic Moreno’s Ground Doves few in and landed on boulders infront of us, as our frst six majestic Andean Condors sailed past. Our ultimate goal at the head of the valley, the localized Scribble-tailed Canastero, was a little lower down than usual and put on a great performance.

Clockwise from top left: A smart Moreno’s Ground Dove is yet another endemic of NW Argentina; the gorgeous endemic White-browed Tapaculo; the stunning Tucaman Mountain Finch is a reclusive endemic of NW Argentina; the localized Scribble-tailed Canastero was well worth the hike (all by tour participant Lena Hanssen)

Other stops produced Burrowing Owl, the amazing Red-tailed Comet, Aplomado Falcon, Grey-hooded Parakeet and White-browed Ground Tyrant while a pair of endemic Tucuman Mountain Finch were found in record time, singing in the open to round off a highly productive morning. Another visit to the Rio de los Sosa and Angostura reservoir in the afternoon produced more protracted views of Torrent Ducks, Rufous-throated Dippers and Yellow-striped Brushfnches while we added White-winged Coot, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, Highland Elaenia, Southern Martin, Mountain Wren and Band-tailed Seedeater.

Back at El Infernillo pass (Little Hell Pass) and soon after dawn, we connected with focks of Greenish Yellow Finch, several Scale-throated Earthcreepers and eight handsome Andean Lapwings. The arid west slope of the Aconquija massif was teeming with birdlife as we homed in on Rufous-banded Miner, Rusty-vented Canastero, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Patagonian Mockingbird and a surprise White-banded Mockingbird, Blue-and

4 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com yellow Tanager, Rufous-sided Warbling Finch, Mourning Sierra Finch, hoards of Grey-hooded Sierra Finches plus the unforgetable Giant Hummingbird. After some raucous focks of Burrowing Parrots and a stunning trio of Elegant Crested Tinamous, we soon descended into the intermontane monte desert, home to three more Argentine endemics. A pair of Sandy Gallito appeared almost instantly, and ran across the desert and up a slope towards us, allowing protracted views. Next on the agenda was the endemic While-throated Cacholote. An initial search drew a blank but just as we were driving off, Dave noticed that a large bird had come in. A quick exit from the bus produced great scope studies and two of our major targets had been bagged in record time. An empanada lunch in a nearby village provided picnic-table-views of White-fronted and Checkered Woodpeckers as well as stunning White-tipped Plantcutter, Ringed Warbling Finch and Golden-billed Saltator. Later, a couple of stops along the Rio Santa Maria produced Spectacled Tyrant and a pair of Peregrines feeding on a large fsh, while back in the desert we added Harris’ Hawk, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Chaco Earthcreeper, Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, Cliff Flycatcher and displaying White-winged Black Tyrant. The third and fnal monte desert endemic was located in some red sandstone badlands and after a ten minute wait, two striking male Monte Yellow Finches few in to drink at their favourite trickle of water; a bird that had been lost to science until Mark’s 2013 paper.

The vast Salta badlands of the Calchaquies valley beckoned, although the frst birds of the day were at a marsh just a short drive from town. Here we located the expected Long-tailed Meadowlarks, Great Pampa Finch, extremely restless Sharp-billed Canastero as well as Common Diuca Finch. The San Carlos reservoir had its usual fare of waterfowl and we added Andean Duck, Silvery Grebe, Chilean Flamingo, Baird’s Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope and a surprise Giant Coot. Many more Burrowing Parrots and Spot-winged Pigeons later, we reached a Steinbach’s Canastero site and had great views of this endemic after a half hour search. Other stops during the day added Buff-necked Ibis, photogenic Plumbeous Rails, Southern Scrub Flycatcher, the frst of many Creamy-bellied Thrushes and a female Red Tanager which was of course yellow. After a mind-blowing drive through the badlands we headed up to a 3000 m.-high plateau where a concerted team effort produced scope studies of Least Seedsnipe and handsome Tawny-throated Dotterels.

Guanacos in the Cactus National Park (Lena Hanssen)

5 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com The spiralling Cuesta del Obispo road meandered through the clouds as we began our morning’s birding with Rock Earthcreeper, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant and Hellmayr’s Pipit. A variety of stops produced Brown- capped Tit-Spinetail, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Spot-billed Ground Tyrant, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, a smart male Rusty Flowerpiercer and no less than seven magnifcent Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanagers; surely a record. Red-tailed Comets were everywhere and we also had four close condors. Down in the lowlands we added our frst Picazuro Pigeon and lucked in with four Tucuman Amazons, obtaining repeated views at what could turn out to be a new site for this Yungas endemic. Skirting around the sprawling city of Salta we reached our next birding venue and set out in search of the poorly known and range-restricted Huayco Tinamou. First to fush was an Andean Tinamou which we put up twice and in the process found a male Scissor-tailked Nightjar. Eventually everyone managed top close-up fight views of the unmistakable Huayco with White-barrred Piculet, White Monjita, White-browed Blackbird, Stripe-capped Sparrow, Black-capped Warbling Finch and Saffron Finch provided the supporting cast. A Golden-olive Woodpecker was waiting in our hotel garden while Goran and Lena sneaked off for a quick photographic session of a female Slender-tailed Woodstar on the balcony of their room, a bird that is not seen on every tour.

The Cuesta del Obispo; a lost Andean road full of rare birds and the very local Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager (Lena Hanssen)

6 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com The next day was largely dedicated to Yungas forest birding but frst we visited another reservoir which had hundreds of White-faced Ibis and Fulvous Whistling Ducks, plus White-faced Whistling Duck, over sixty Coscoroba Swans, as well as Rosy-billed Pochard, Cocoi Heron, Brown-chested Martin, Vermilion Flycatcher and Yellowish Pipit. Just along the road, the lush Yungas forest soon provided us with Mottle-cheeked and Sclater’s Tyrannulets, Euler’s Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Two-banded Warbler as well as colourful Golden-winged Cacique, Fulvous-headed Brushfnch, Common Bush Tanager and Orange-headed Tanager, while a King Vulture and a Hook-billed Kite were seen soaring overhead. Here too, Geoff photographed a male Blue-capped Puffeg; a scarce Yungas endemic which we would have to sweat it out for later in the tour. Further on, drier rainshadow woodlands provided us with Chaco Chachalaca, Rufous-fronted Thornbird and Narrow-billed Woodcreeper before a fsh-and-chips lunch. The lake had plenty to scope and we added White- rumped Swallow and Snail Kite. In the afternoon we were back on the trail of various yungas forest specials, this time in an alder-dominated forest. Before long we had all caught up with scope views of a splendid pair of Slender-tailed Woodstar, but before we knew it Lena had trumped us again with a male Blue-tufted Starthroat. Delightful male Rust-and-yellow Tanager, plenty of Rusty-browed Warbling Finches as well as Stripe-crowned Spinetail and Plumbeous Tyrant were forthcoming while Dave found us a male Crested Becard. Another yungas endemic, Spot-breasted Thornbird was not playing game and although we heard them, they would only play hide-and-seek. Waiting at a roost site for the poorly known Red-faced Guan eventually gave us adequate, but not great, scope views of seven birds due to the twilight conditions. But, we had unfnished business at lower altitude and sped off to another roost site. This was for the World’s longest nightjar and we were not to be disappointed with great looks at a stunning pair of Lyre-tailed Nightjar.

Male Blue-capped Puffeg, a scarce Yungas endemic (Geoff Tassell) and the spectacular Red-tailded Comet which is common in the NW Andes (Lena Hanssen)

Not to be outdone, a return visit in the morning quickly gave us point blank views of the Red-faced Guans and this time a Spot-breasted thornbird performed nicely. Here too we located our frst Crested Oropendolas, while Geoff and Robin also saw a Grey-necked Wood Rail that had been calling. The gameplan had paid off and we were soon on our way to the altiplano and high Andes. A smart pair of Brown-backed Mockingbirds followed by our frst of several Mountain Caracaras caused a sudden U-turn and before long we were watching over a hundred Mountain Parakeets, quickly adding Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant and stunning Black-hooded Sierra Finch. A few bends further on and we had reached the altiplano, a vast grassy desert plain, ranging here at around 3300 metres. A series of lake stops provided us with hundreds of Andean Geese, Crested Duck, Andean and Giant Coots, as well as Puna Teal, Andean Negritos, two Puna Plovers, and good numbers of all three famingos. A rushbed held the expected Many-colored Rush Tyrant although only Robin managed to see a Wren-like Rushbird there. The puna steppe held both Common and Puna Miners, a pair of Grey-bellied Shrike-Tyrants, a Puna Ground Tyrant and fnally Bright-rumped Yellow Finches were scrutinized in one town with our frst Vicunas rounding off a memorable day.

7 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com A full day on the altiplano would help us acclimatise for the high Andes, and given that we already knew that the Horned Coot lake was dry, this would give us the opportunity to bird a seldom visited Polylepis woodland. Venturing west and south, Ornate Tinamous came thick and fast, and it was a great treat to encounter a close pair of Puna Tinamous. We also did well for Lesser Rheas of the Puna form with twelve seen. Flamingos were in good numbers with one hundred and ffty Andeans and two hundred Punas seen, but what was disturbing was the number of dead Giant Coots at the lake. Presumably they had starved due to lack of food as supported by our fnding of two in the lowlands. Nevertheless the lake was thriving with birdlife as we enjoyed Puna Ibis, Andean Avocets and a record number of ffteen Puna Plovers while Dave got us onto an American Golden Plover. Golden-spotted Ground Doves were fairly common here and we also homed in on the splendid Grey- breasted Seedsnipe. A stake-out provided us with the expected Puna Yellow Finch and D’Orbigny’s Chat- Tyrant as well as the bizarre Mountain Vizcacha before we drove acoss the plains with hundreds of Vicunas to the Polylepis woodland. Capping off the day, we connected with three Polylepis specialists including smart Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Thick-billed Siskin and Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant.

Birding the inhospitable altiplano has its own rewards. Vicunas are common at this altitude (Lena Hanssen)

8 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com A frst stop soon after dawn in the village of Yavi produced our expected targets including a superb male Wedge-tailed Hillstar, numerous Citron-headed Yellow Finches, the high Andean race of Spot-winged Pigeon and a couple of Bare-faced Ground Doves. Soon we were on our way, driving east to the high Andes of the Sierra de Santa Victoria and over the frst pass at 4650 metres. Walking, or moon-walking at this altitude, we watched Straight-billed Earthcreeper, Cinerous and the very local Black-fronted Ground Tyrant as well as one of our prime targets the smart Red-backed Sierra Finch which was common at this altitude. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover was another mighty target species here although our searches drew a blank however we were not to be disappointed. Just a short drive away, on an ice encrusted cushion plant bog, an adult DSP stood right beside the road. Pandemonium broke out in both vehicles before everyone enjoyed point blank views. A few bends more along this extraordinary road and we were confronted with no less than twenty condors circling, and leaping around on the valley foor below us. We could smell the carcass but not see it. A smart Tawny-throated Dotterel put in an appearance, as did a Culpeo Fox before we descended down to some boulder piles and the Polylepis gullies bagging an amazing seven Short-tailed Finches, Zimmer’s Tapaculo at the last moment, Andean Hillstar, Sparkling Violetear, Andean Swallow, yet another Rufous-throated Dipper, two more stunning Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanagers and the localized Yellow-rumped Siskin. A fairly long

Male Wedge-tailed Hillstar is only known from a handfull of sites in NW Argentina and Bolivia (Geoff Tassell); the mind-blowing Dia- demed Sandpiper-Plover (Geoff Tassell); Tawny Tit-Spinetail in a remote Polylepis valley (Lena Hanssen); and the rare and local Short- tailed Finch showed nicely (Mark Pearman)

9 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com There was no shortage of Andean Condors with more than twenty at one carcass (Mark Pearman) driving day followed, inevitable in a such a huge country, although we found time for a few cherry picking stops en route. Back down near San Salvador de Jujuy we still had the smart Black-and-chestnut Warbling Finch to take care of, which duly obliged, and where we also saw our frst Red Pileated Finch. Next up was a lake stop near San Pedro which allowed us scope studies of Comb Ducks as well a pair of Brazilian Teal (rare in Jujuy province), our frst Common Gallinules and, amazingly, another Giant Coot. Having made good driving time to Ledesma, this ensured us some foothill birding at Calilegua national park. Swifts were busy on the lower slopes with focks of White-collared and Sick’s seen. A side trail produced the anticipated pair of breeding Amazonian Motmots, and a splendid male Blue-crowned Trogon while a stint in a canopy tower allowed excellent eye-level views of a close Crane Hawk. Although bird activity was low on this hot late afternoon, we still managed Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher and a pair of Green- cheeked Parakeets; a yungas endemic, while scope views of perched Golden-collared Macaws rounded off the day nicely.

With two full days to explore the marvelous Calilegua National Park, we set about exploring each and every Yungas forest type. The subtropical lowlands produced superb Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Black-banded Woodcreeper, Variable Antshrike, Black-capped Antwren, Buff-banded Tyrannulet, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Saffron-billed Sparrow and Toco Toucan. Without a doubt the top foothill bird was a mind-blowing male Giant Antshrike which, thanks to Nico’s reconnaissance and insistence, allowed us to reposition upslope and get mind-boggling views of the “beast”. It was the mid elevation that proved most productive with Swallow- tailed and Plumbeous Kites, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, a stunning pair of Cream-backed Woodpeckers, the tough White-throated Antpitta, Streaked Xenops, Chilean Elaenia, Slaty Elaenia, Cinnamon and Piratic Flycatchers, the localised Golden-crowned Flycatcher, superb Spotted Nightingale Thrush, Glossy-black Thrush, White-browed Brushfnch and even Bolivian Squirrel. We’ll not forget our night birding here either with Yungas Screech Owl and Rufous Nightjar seen on the frst night, when we also heard distant Black- banded Owl. On the following night we were already in position for the Black-banded Owl and had excellent views of this poorly known species. Finally, in the highest Podocarpus and alder forest, we connected with

10 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Buff-banded Tyrannulet and the elusive Blue-capped Puffeg which together with fight views of three King Vultures and an awesome Black-and-chestnut Eagle wrapped up our highly productive Calilegua experience.

The Yungas forest of Calile- gua harbours an important avifauna (Lena Hanssen); Yungas Red Belly Toad (Mark Pearman); Green-cheeked Parakeet (Geoff Tassell); and Great Rufous Woodcreeper; what a schnoz (Geoff Tassell)

11 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Numerous raptors included this smart Crane Hawk; the ubiquitous Plush-crested Jay; this Black-banded Owl stole the show; and a well behaved Rufous Nightjar (all photos by Lena Hanssen)

Moving on to the dry chaco, our frst stop was in the sierran chaco, meaning that there were still some elements of Yungas forest birds mixed in. Our main targets were the two species of seriema, now afforded their own order, and of course family, yet the occurrence of both species at the same locality is unusual. By the end of the morning we had seen eight Red-legged’s and two Black-legged Seriemas which took some fnding. A reservoir provided us with Muscovy Duck, Least Grebe, Striated Heron, Limpkin and yet another Giant Coot! The woodland birding here was also productive with White-tipped Dove, Blue-crowned Parakeet, Great Antshrike, our only Stripe-backed Antbird of the tour, Crowned Slaty Flycatcher, Masked Gnatcatcher,

12 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Screaming Cowbird, smart Many-colored Chaco Finch and Ultramarine Grosbeak. A lunch stop produced the expected Lark-like Brushrunner; a great bird with a great name, before we headed east with a primary target of the elusive Olive-crowned Crescent-chest. Once at the site, we drew a blank and headed further east to search elsewhere, adding White-tailed Kite, Savanna Hawk and Great Black Hawk along the roadside. A nearby reservoir produced an amazing twenty-six Ringed Teal, Maguari Stork, a male Anhinga, Green Kingfsher and Black-backed Water Tyrant. Nearby chaco woodlands provided us with Chaco Puffbird, the, by now, common Monk Parakeet, Brown Cacholote, outrageous Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Solitary Cacique and our frst Red-crested Cardinal. Just as we were walking back to vehicles for the long drive to the hotel, the crescentchest started singing. A few careful manoeuvres later, and everyone enjoyed scope views of this colourful skulker, and we were on our way.

In the dry chaco we caught up with the elusive Ringed Teal, the lowland race of Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Many-colored Chaco Finch (all photos by Lena Hanssen)

13 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com At dawn we visited another sector of the dry chaco where we quickly homed in on Crested Hornero, Crested Gallito, smart Blue-tufted Starthroats and displaying Cinereous Tyrant, a dry chaco endemic. Many widespread species such as White Woodpecker, Suiriri fycatcher, Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant, Plain Inezia, Bran-colored Flycatcher and Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant made up the supporting cast. Back near the hotel we bumped into twelve Greater Rheas and a nearby lake provided us with Southern Screamer and Giant Wood Rail (both rare in these parts) together with Spot-fanked Gallinule. In the late afternoon we ventured to another forest block and added Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Little Thornbird, the smart Rufous Casiornis, Swainson’s Flycatcher and Greyish Saltator with yet another Black-legged Seriema. Soon after dusk, Little Nightjar showed well and a Common Potoo few over our heads.

The characterful White Woodpecker (Lena Hanssen)

Driving east before dawn, we set ourselves in position to look for Quebracho Crested Tinamou and it just didn’t happen. However, what did happen was extraordinary, because we saw a pair of rare Black-bodied Woodpeckers, a species that had been seen once on the previous eleven tours. At one stage we had a pair of Cream-backed’s on one side of the road and a pair of Black-bodied’s on the other... amazing stuff. Added to this were another seven Black-legged Seriemas and a cute Chacoan Mara. It was quite a long drive to Resistencia in the humid chaco and the odd stop allowed us to add Bare-faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Chestnut-capped Blackbird and Lena called the only Black-collared Hawk of the tour.

Our frst destination in the morning was Isla del Cerrito, a large and lush marshy island at the confuience of Paraguay and Parana rivers. New species included great looks at a Striped Cuckoo sitting in the open, Gilded Sapphire, Chotoy Spinetail, Greater Thornbird, Southern Yellowthroat, Variable Oriole, Unicolored Blackbird, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Rusty-collared Seedeater and such widespread species as Ruddy Ground Dove, Amazon Kingfsher, Campo Flicker, Southern Rough-winged Swallow and Double-collared Seedeater. Most memorable were six Large-billed Terns, a male Little Woodpecker and a male White-bellied Seedeater; three species we would not see again. It was an eye-opening drive into the Ibera marshes with a mix of

14 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com endless savanna and wetlands. Waterbirds everywhere included impressive numbers of Wood and Maguari Storks and herons including over eight hundred Great Egrets. Giant Wood Rails were now common, trotting across the road all the time, and we also added Plumbeous Ibis and Rufescent Tiger Heron. Greater Rheas were abundant in the savanna where we also found Upland Sandpipers and many Grassland Yellow Finches. Finally, in the more humid low-lying marshlands we located Brown-and-yellow Marshbird, Tawny-bellied Seedeater and threatened Chestnut Seedeater and the astonishing male Strange-tailed Tyrant. As dusk was falling several Marsh Deer were out feeding along with hundreds of Capybara and a pair of Tropical Screech Owls welcomed us at the lodge.

One of South America’s rarest woodpeckers, the Black-bodied Woodpecker (Lena Hanssen).

With a full day to explore the heart of the Ibera marshes, we set out early for a hoover job. The number one target was Yellow Cardinal and we had already drawn a blank at one site the previous day. Having several back-up sites is always a good game plan and this morning it wasn’t long before we tracked down a superb male and obtained great looks at this highly endangered species while Robin also saw a female. Heading south of town into the pristine climax grasslands we notched up Red-winged Tinamou, Spotted Nothura, smart Long-winged Harrier, South American Snipe, Sooty Tyrannulet, Yellow-rumped Marshbird, Long-tailed Reedfnch and Lesser Grass Finch. Here we managed great looks at two bizarre pairs of Strange-tailed Tyrant as well as the reclusive Ash-throated Crake. We also flled in some seedeater gaps, adding the threatened Rufous-rumped Seedeater, stunning Marsh Seedeater and the recently described Ibera Seedeater. In nearby woods we connected with Large Elaenia, Boat-billed Flycatcher, White-rimmed Warbler, White-lined Tanager and a family trio of Black Howler Monkeys. The lake edge and a boat trip provided us with many Purple Gallinules, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius, and Scarlet-

15 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com headed Blackbird. Finally, in another sector of the marshes, we added Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Nacunda Nighthawk, Firewood-gatherer and found a new site for the endangered Black-and-white Monjita.

A delightful female Black Howler Monkey; A reclusive Ash-throated Crake in the Ibera marshes ; the shockingly huge Nacunda Nighthawk; White-headed Marsh Tyrant ; and the recently described Ibera Seedeater (all photos by Lena Hanssen)

16 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com The long drive out of Ibera still gave us new birds with a magnifcent Streamer-tailed Tyrant, White-crested Tyrannulet, an amazing eight more Black-and-white Monjitas, Correndera and Ochre-breasted Pipits (South Americas rarest pipit), two perched White-tailed Hawks, Wedge-tailed Grass Finch, the endangered Pampas Deer and three stately Jabirus. Hirundines were also in evidence with a few Tawny-headed Swallow and many Cliff Swallows.

The rare and threatened Pampas Deer (Mark Pearman) and the impressive Streamer-tailed Tyrant (Lena Hanssen)

With a complete change of scenary yet again, the rest of the tour would focus on subtropical Parana rainforest, otherwise known as interior Atlantic forest. At dawn we were scoping roosting swifts on a waterfall with some forty Great Dusky Swifts and a single Sooty Swift. The forest trail was highly productive with great looks at Surucua and Black-throated Trogons, perched Grey-fronted Doves, Ochre-collared Piculet, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner, amazingly well behaved Rufous-breasted Leafscraper, Plain Antvireo, Rufous-winged Antwren, Bertoni’s Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, smart Rufous Gnateater, Southern Antpipit, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, three lekking male Blue Manakins, Black-tailed Tityra, Greenish Schiffornis, Pale-breasted Thrush, Red-rumped Cacique, Black-goggled and Ruby-crowned Tanagers. Not a bad start at all. Finally we pinned down a gorgeous lekking male Purple-crowned Plovercrest before driving to

17 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Mocona. The drive was punctuated with the expected White-eared Puffbird and also White-spotted Woodpecker and Chopi Blackbird. Once in the forest we added many Pale-vented Pigeons, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Long- tailed Tyrant, Blue Dacnis and Guira Tanager. This was followed by a hugely successful night drive with Short- tailed Nighthawk, four Pauaraques, followed by three glorious male Long-trained Nightjars and a Silky-tailed Nightjar while some managed a Greater Naked-tailed Armadillo; the second largest armadillo after Giant, and known locally as the gravedigger.

Mocona is part of the largest tract of subtropical rainforest in Argentina (Mark Pearman)

Soon after dawn, we walked straight out of the lodge onto one of the many trails and immediately enjoyed a pair of Rusty-margined Guans, even allowing scope studies. With many skulkers in the area we spent time on each and every new vocalizing bird. These included a secretive Tufted Antshrike, as well as Dusky-tailed Antbird and, after a lot of manouevres, at least Lena and Dave managed some views of a Spotted Bamboowren. Greenish Elaenia, Sibilant Sirystes, the diminuative Eared Pygmy Tyrant and Chestnut-headed Tanager were soon added before we switched trails which produced a male Violet-capped Woodnymph, a superb Robust Woodpecker (one of South Americas largest woodpeckers), Southern Bristle Tyrant, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, a stonking pair of Band-tailed Manakins plus Red-crowned Ant Tanager. Down by a river we connected with Greater Ani and Scale-throated Hermit. Finally, we revisted a site for Blackish Rail and had a bird swim towards us and show well, while a male Ultramarine Grosbeak, of the local Atlantic forest race, showed on the exit road. By the late afternoon rain set in while everyone was keen on a rest.

The Araucaria forest of San Pedro was our next destination, home to several specialties. Although the bamboo understorey was denser than usual, wet from rain and the trail was heavy going, our endeavours for the highly prized Canebrake Groundcreeper paid off with a glimpse of one and several decent, yet brief, views of another. Here too we had close-ups of Yellow Tyrannulet and Grey-bellied Spinetail before venturing onto more open trails. The amazons were fying around vocalising and it wasn’t long before we managed perched views of eight endangered Vinaceous-breasted Amazons. Soon we added Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Variegated Flycatcher, Black-crowned Tityra and a pair of bamboo-loving Blackish- blue Seedeaters.

Making good time to Puerto Iguazu we visited the famous hummingbird garden run by the Castillo family where new hummingbirds included Black-throated Mango, Versicolored Emerald and a fantastic male Swallow-tailed Hummingbird as well as a pair of Violaceous Euphonia, a pair of Blue-naped Chlorophonia and hoards of Bananaquits. Once inside the national park, a Chestnut-eared Aracari was seen robbing the nest of a pair

18 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com The rare and threatened Vinaceous-breasted Amazon is a must-see amazon which is tied to Araucaria forest (Lena Hanssen) of Yellow-fronted Woodpeckers in the carpark, and a male Giant Cowbird graced the lawn. We had a jaw- dropping frst look at some of the 275 awesome falls from the upper walkways adding Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Swallow Tanager, Rufous-capped Motmot, an abundance of Toco Toucans, Planalto Woodcreeper as well as marauding Coatis and Tufted Capuchins.

Heavy rain almost wiped out our mornings birding and part of the afternoon, although we did manage Green- headed Tanager in the hotel garden and Lineated Woodpecker, White-eyed Parakeet, Thrush-like Wren, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia and Magpie Tanager in nearby forest. A return visit to the park produced Blue- winged Parrotlet, Yellow-bellied Elaenia and Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch before a visit to the Throat of the Devil, Iguazu’s largest abyss which brought home the immensity and shear power of these falls. Standing on a tiny “suspended” platform we were overwhelmed by the volume of water going over the edge. The swirl of Great Dusky Swifts fying in and out of the curtains of water added to this magical experience. But, we still had unfnished business in trying to see Black-fronted Piping Guan, one of the park’s top gems, and we would try a last ditch attempt to see it on our fnal evening. A couple of Bat Falcons put on a fne performance but the clock was ticking and our chances fading. Suddenly Mark spotted a pair of piping guans at the very last moment, at the very last minute, when even our special permit had expired and we were really blagging any extra time on the closed walkways. There were a pair of piping guans in the treetops of one of the many islands at the lip of the falls, allowing us splendid scope views and a superb fnale to the tour. With a couple of hours to spare on the fnal morning we also added Green-billed Toucan, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner and White-necked Thrush.

19 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com The threatened Black-fronted Piping Guan was a last minute prize; Stunning Chestnut-eared Aracari; The giant Swallow-tailed Hummingbird is now a regular at Iguazu feeders; the amazing multicolored Green-headed Tanager (all photos by Lena Hanssen);

20 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com One of the many jaw-dropping views of Iguazu falls (Lena Hanssen)

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leaders are indicated by (NL), while those seen only by the leader/s are indicated with (LO). Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g. only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; diffcult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species and family sequence, taxonomy and species names follow the I.O.C. World Bird List which is available on- line at www.worldbirdnames.org/ Taxa in parenthesis indicate a possible future taxonomic change that could occur.

Conservation threat categories are taken from the BirdLife website: www.birdlife.org/datazone/home EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened

Brown Tinamou ◊ Crypturellus obsoletus (H) One at Moconá. Small-billed Tinamou ◊ Crypturellus parvirostris (H) Heard at San Pedro. Tataupa Tinamou ◊ Crypturellus tataupa (H) Regular aural encounters. Red-winged Tinamou Rhynchotus rufescens Two in the Iberá marshes, with others heard. Huayco Tinamou ◊ Rhynchotus maculicollis Great looks at two near Salta. Ornate Tinamou Nothoprocta ornata Regular looks in the NW Andes, with 15 out of La Quiaca. Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii Common by voice, with one fushed near Salta. Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa Small numbers in the north-east. Elegant Crested Tinamou Eudromia elegans A trio near Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán. Puna Tinamou Tinamotis pentlandii Two to the west of La Quiaca was rewarding. Greater Rhea Rhea americana Common in the east. Lesser Rhea ◊ Rhea pennata Twelve at Pozuelos. Southern Screamer Chauna torquata One near Lumbreras, Salta and common in the east. White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata Common in Salta and Corrientes. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Five in the Iberá marshes. Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolour Over 300 in the NW, and three at Iberá. Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba Sixty-six at Tafí del Valle. Ten near San Pedro, Jujuy. Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Five entertaining birds in the Andes of Tucumán. Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Eight near San Pedro, Jujuy and 19 at Palomitas. Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera Eleven in Tucumán, and common in the altiplano. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Two at Palomitas, seven at Lumbreras and two at Iberá. Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis Four in the NW and eight at Iberá. Ringed Teal Calloneta leucophrys Twenty-six near Lumbreras and four in the dry chaco. Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides Common in the altiplano. Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Fourteen at reservoirs in Tucumán and Salta.

21 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Red Shoveler Anas platalea Three by Taf del Valle. Yellow-billed Teal (Speckled T) Anas favirostris Common in the NW. Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Ubiquitous in the NW. Puna Teal Anas puna Twenty-nine in the altiplano. Rosy-billed Pochard ◊ Netta peposaca Three above Salta, and eight in the dry chaco. Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea Six at San Carlos, and singles above Salta and at Huancar. Chaco Chachalaca Ortalis canicollis Common in the dry and sierran chaco. Rusty-margined Guan Penelope superciliaris Two by the lodge at Moconá. Red-faced Guan ◊ Penelope dabbenei Seven and nine at Yala on different days; amazing looks! Dusky-legged Guan Penelope obscura Numerous sightings in Yungas forest (bridgesi). Black-fronted Piping-Guan ◊ Pipile jacutinga EN A pair at Iguazú at the eleventh hour. Spot-winged Wood-Quail ◊ Odontophorus capueira (H) Heard at Salto Encantado. Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Twently-fve in the NW, and a pair and chick at Moconá. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Regular encounters in the west. White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland One at the Lumbreras lake. Great Grebe Podicephorus major Four at La Cienaga reservoir, Jujuy. Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Four at the San Carlos reservoir (juninensis). Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis NT Over 350 in the NW Andes. Andean Flamingo Phoenicoparrus andinus VU 56 at Abra Pampa, 200 at Pozuelos. James’s Flamingo ◊ Phoenicoparrus jamesi NT 120 at Abra Pampa, 150 at Pozuelos. Wood Stork (American W Ibis) Mycteria americana Regular encounters; common at Iberá. Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari Scarce in the dry chaco; common in the west. Jabiru Jabiru mycteria Three studied in northern Corrientes. Plumbeous Ibis Theristicus caerulescens Four over three dates in the Iberá marshes. Buff-necked Ibis Theristicus caudatus Regular encounters in the NW; e.g. eight at Palomitas. Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis (H) One at Iguazú. Bare-faced Ibis (Whispering I) Phimosus infuscatus A total of fve in the dry and humid chaco. White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Regular sightings with 500 near Jujuy. Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Ten at Lago Pozuelos. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Two in the humid chaco, and fve in the Iberá marshes. Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum Eight in the Iberá marshes. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Small numbers with twenty at Iberá. Striated Heron Butorides striata One at Palomitas; common in the humid chaco and at Iberá. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Regular encounters. Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Two above Salta and nineteen in the Iberá marshes. Great Egret Ardea alba Regular encounters; abundant in the Iberá marshes. Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix Four at Yala, and seveteen in the Iberá marshes. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Numerous encounters. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Mostly common. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Lone males in the dry chaco, at Iberá and Iguazú. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Ubiquitous (rufcollis). Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus: Regular in the east. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common and widespread in the lowlands and foothills. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa One on La Cornisa road; three at Calilegua NP. Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Forty seen in the Andes, including twenty-fve at a carcass. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus One in the dry chaco near Las Lajitas. Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii One in the dry chaco west of Las Lajitas seen by some. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus One scoped on La Cornisa road. One at Calilegua. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forfcatus Small numbers at Calilegua and ffteen in Misiones. Black-and-chestnut Eagle Spizaetus isidori A soaring adult at Calilegua. Rufous-thighed Hawk Accipiter erythronemius A juvenile at Yala. Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni Six in the Iberá marshes. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Three at Calilegua and at Isla del Cerrito; common in the east. Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis One in the humid chaco. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Two lone birds in Salta, and common in the east. Crane Hawk Geranospiza cerulescens Repeated close fight views at Calilegua.

22 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Savanna Hawk Heterospizias meridionalis One in the dry chaco, and common in the east. Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga Singles in the dry chaco and Iberá marshes. Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Regular encounters almost throughout. Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus One in the monte desert south of Cafayate. White-tailed Hawk Geranoaetus albicaudatus Two perched adults in the Iberá marshes. Variable Hawk (Red-backed H) Geranoaetus polyosoma Regular sightings in the NW Andes. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus A total of ten in the Andes and NE. Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata Eight at Palomitas. Three (NL) at Las Lajitas. Black-legged Seriema ◊ Chunga burmeisteri A total of ten at three sites in the dry chaco. Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajanea Seen by Geoff and Robin at Yala, where vocal. Giant Wood Rail ◊ Aramides ypecaha Singles in the dry and humid chaco; common at Iberá. Ash-throated Crake ◊ Porzana albicollis One showed well in the Iberá marshes; many heard. Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans One at Moconá gave brief but protracted views. Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus A pair asnd two singles at marshes in the NW. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Five in the Iberá marshes and three at Iguazu. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Sparse observations with a maximum of 25 at Palomitas. Spot-fanked Gallinule Porphyriops melanops One studied at the Lumbreras lake. White-winged Coot Fulica leucoptera Notably common in the north-west. Andean Coot (Slate-coloured C) Fulica ardesiaca Well over two hundred in the north-west. Red-gartered Coot Fulica armillata Regular encounters in the north-west. Giant Coot Fulica gigantea Common in the altiplano, one at San Carlos, two in the lowlands. Limpkin Aramus guarauna: Two at Palomitas, and common in east. White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus Common in the west. Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina Ten at Lago Pozuelos. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Ubiquitous and widespread (lampronotus). Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Eight at El Infernillo, and common in the altiplano. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominicana One at Lago Pozuelos. Puna Plover Charadrius alticola Two at Runtuyoc lake, and ffteen or more at Pozuelos. Tawny-throated Dotterel Oreopholus rufcollis Three near Payogasta. One at Abra Lizoite. Diademed Sandpiper-Plover Phegornis mitchellii NT One at point blank on the Sta Victoria rd. Wattled Jaçana Jacana jacana Regular encounters. Grey-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus Six in the NW Andes. Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus A pair above Payogasta. South American Snipe ◊ Gallinago paraguaiae Three in the Iberá marshes (paraguaiae). Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda A group of fve in the Iberá marshes. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca One at Lago Pozuelos. Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Regular, especially at altiplano lakes. Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor One at Dique San Carlos and eight at Lago Pozuelos. Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Common in the NW Andes. Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex Six different birds at Isla del Cerrito. Feral Pigeon (introduced) Columba livia The less said the better. Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro Common in the lowlands. Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa Common in lowlands. Thirty at Yavi (albipennis). Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Twenty-three and one along the Rio Los Sosa. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Seen commonly in Misiones. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti A male on Isla del cerrito; regular in Misiones. Picui Ground Dove Columbina picui Ubiquitous in the lowlands and foothills. Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Five in extreme northern Jujuy. Moreno’s Ground Dove ◊ (Bare-eyed G D) Metriopelia morenoi Nineteen in the NW Andes. Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera Five at the Infernillo and fve at Yavi. Golden-spotted Ground Dove ◊ Metriopelia aymara Twelve at Lago Pozuelos. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Numerous encounters in the lowlands. Yungas Dove ◊ (Large-tailed D) Leptotila megalura A total of ten seen in Yungas forest. Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla Great looks at a pair at Salto Encantado. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Ubiquitous; the commonest bird in Argentina. Guira Cuckoo Guira guira Seen almost throughout the tour.

23 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Greater Ani Crotophaga major Two at Moconá and three at Iguazú. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Small numbers seen daily in the east. Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia One in the open at Isla del Cerrito, and one seen at Iberá. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Four seen in Misiones. Dark-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus melacoryphus Two at San Pedro, and one at Iguazú. Tropical Screech Owl Otus choliba A showy pair at the lodge in the Iberá marshes. Yungas Screech Owl ◊ (Hoy’s, Montane-forest SO) Otus hoyi: One at Calilegua. Black-banded Owl Strix huhula Fantastic looks on our second attempt at Calilegua. Yungas Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium bolivianum (H) An unresponsive bird at Calilegua. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium brasilianum One seen at Iguazú. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Regular encounters except of course in forest. Common Potoo (Grey P) Nyctibius griseus One overhead near Las Lajitas. H at Moconá. Nacunda Nighthawk Chordeiles nacunda Great looks at this giant in the Iberá marshes. Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus H at Calilegua. One seen at Moconá. Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis Four seen at Moconá. Little Nightjar Caprimulgus parvulus A male seen and others H near Las Lajitas. Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra A spectacular male and female at Yala. Scissor-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis torquata A male fushed in the day near Salta. Long-trained Nightjar ◊ Macropsalis forcipata Three males at Moconá were oustanding. Rufous Nightjar Antrostomus rufus Two seen and others heard at Calilegua. Silky-tailed Nightjar ◊ Antrostomus sericocaudatus A male scoped at Moconá. Sooty Swift ◊ Cypseloides fumigates One scoped at Salto Encantado. Great Dusky Swift ◊ Cypseloides senex Forty roosting at salto Encantado; abundant at Iguazú. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Ten at Calilegua. One (NL) at Salto Encantado. Sick’s Swift Chaetura meridionalis Up to thirty at Calilegua, and up to ffty at Iguazú. Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus Regular encounters in the NW Andes and nearby desert. Scale-throated Hermit Phaethornis eurynome Four in Misiones. Swallow-tailed Hummingbird ◊ Eupetomena macroura A male at the Iguazú feeders. Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Two on the Santa Victoria road. Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis: Two at the Iguazú feeders. Purple-crowned Plovercrest ◊ Stephanoxis loddigesii Male at Salto Encantado. One Moconá. Glittering-bellied Emerald Chlorostilbon lucidus Regular encounters. Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata A female at Calilegua. Violet-capped Woodnymph Thalurania glaucopis A male at Moconá and three at Iguazú. Gilded Sapphire ◊ Hylocharis chrysura Singles at Isla Cerrito, Iberá and Puerto Iguazú. White-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia chionogaster Regular in all Yungas forest. Versicoloured Emerald ◊ Amazilia versicolor One at the Iguazú feeders. Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella A male along the Santa Victoria road. Wedge-tailed Hilstar ◊ Oreotrochilus adela NT A male at Yavi. Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Three in the monte desert and one at Quebrada Queñoa. Blue-capped Puffeg ◊ Eriocnemis glaucopoides Males at La Cornisa (NL), and Calilegua. Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganura Numerous in the NW Andes with many superb males. Blue-tufted Starthroat ◊ Heliomaster furcifer A male at Yala (NL). Four males in the dry chaco. Slender-tailed Woodstar ◊ Microstilbon burmeisteri A female near Salta (NL). A pair at Yala. Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui Three at Calilegua. Surucua Trogon Trogon surrucura Males at Salto Encantado and Moconá; common by voice. Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus Three at Salto Encantado. H at Iguazú. Green Kingfsher Chloroceryle Americana Singles in the dry and humid chaco. Two at Iberá. Amazon Kingfsher Chloroceryle amazona One in the humid chaco and two at Iberá. Ringed Kingfsher Megaceryle torquatus Two in the NW, common at Iberá, and one at Iguazú. Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota A nesting pair at Calilegua. Rufous-capped Motmot Baryphthengus rufcapillus Two seen and others heards at Iguazú. White-eared Puffbird Nystalus chacuru Two between San Vicente and El Soberbio. Chaco Puffbird ◊ Nystalus striatipectus Two in the dry chaco with others heard. Rusty-breasted Nunlet Nonnula rubecula (H) A non responsive bird at Iguazú. Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis One at San Pedro, and a pair at Iguazú.

24 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Green-billed Toucan Ramphastos dicolorus Singles at Moconá (LO) and Iguazú. Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco Two on the Salta oustkirts; common in Misiones. White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus A pair on the Salta oustskirts (thamnophiloides). Ochre-collared Piculet ◊ Picumnus temminckii Regular encounters in Misiones. White Woodpecker Melanerpes candidus Three and four in the dry chaco. H at Iberá. Yellow-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes favifrons A pair with a helper at an Iguazú nest. White-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes cactorum Small numbers in the badlands and chaco. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerines A male at Isla del Cerrito. Dot-fronted Woodpecker ◊ Veniliornis frontalis Singles below Taf and at Calilegua; others H. White-spotted Woodpecker Veniliornis spilogaster One at Moconá and two at San Pedro. Checkered Woodpecker Veniliornis mixtus Singles south of Cafayate and at Salta Forestal. Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus One at our Salta hotel; H in other Yungas. Green-barred Woodpecker (G-b Flicker) Colaptes melanochloros Regular encounters. Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola Numerous encounters in the NW Andes. Campo Flicker (Field F) Colaptes campestris Common in the east. Black-bodied Woodpecker ◊ Dryocopus schulzi Wow! Repeated looks at a pair in the chaco. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus A pair at Iguazú. Robust Woodpecker Campephilus robustus A male at Moconá and another at Iguazú. Cream-backed Woodpecker ◊ Campephilus leucopogon Pairs at Calilegua and Taco Pozo. Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus At least twenty-one seen in the altiplano. Southern Crested Caracara Caracara plancus Ubiquitous. Chimango Caracara Phalcoboenus chimango Widespread and ubiquitous. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Regular encounters throughout. Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis A total of seven seen at intervals through the tour. Bat Falcon Falco rufgularis A pair at Iguazú. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Two on the Rio Santa Maria and one at Calilegua (cassini). Grey-hooded Parakeet Psilopsiagon aymara Five sightings of 1-12 birds in the NW Andes. Mountain Parakeet Psilopsiagon aurifrons Over 100 at Azul Pampa. Ten at Quebrada Queñoa. Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Ubiquitous in the lowlands. Scaly-headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani Regular in all forest and woodland. Vinaceous-breasted Amazon ◊ Amazona vinacea EN Eight at the Araucaria Provincial Park. Tucuman Amazon ◊ Amazona tucumana VU Sixteen along the Rio Los Sosa; four near El Carril. Turquoise-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva A pair near Las Lajitas and a pair at Iguazú. Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius Nine at Iguazú. Maroon-bellied Parakeet (Reddish-bellied P) Pyrrhura frontalis Common at Moconá. Green-cheeked Parakeet ◊ Pyrrhura molinae Two at Calilegua; H elsewhere in Yungas forest. Burrowing Parrot ◊ Cyanoliseus patagonus 110 seen in the Salta vineyards and badlands. Golden-collared Macaw ◊ Primolius auricollis Great looks at a pair at Calilegua. Blue-crowned Parakeet Thectocercus acuticauda Common in the dry chaco. Ten at Iberá. Mitred Parakeet Psittacara mitratus Common to abundant in Yungas forest. White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus A pair and six seen at Iguazú. Common Miner Geositta cunicularia More than twenty seen in the altiplano (titicacae). Puna Miner Geositta punensis A little more common than the previous in the altiplano. Rufous-banded Miner Geositta rufpennis Small numbers in the NW Andes (rufpennis). Straight-billed Earthcreeper Ochetorhynchus rufcaudus Two on the Santa Victoria road. Rock Earthcreeper Ochetorhynchus andaecola Four seen and others H in the NW Andes. Buff-breasted Earthcreeper ◊ Upucerthia validirostris Nine at four sites in the NW Andes. Scale-throated Earthcreeper Upucerthia dumetaria Four in the Tucuman Andes. Chaco Earthcreeper ◊ Tarphonomus certhioides Singles in the monte desert and badlands. Cream-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris Common in the NW Andes. White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Eight at four areas of the NW Andes. Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus Widespread and ubiquitous; the national bird of Argentina. Crested Hornero ◊ Furnarius cristatus Seven seen in the dry chaco. Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura fuliginiceps Five at three sites in the NW Andes. Tawny Tit-Spinetail ◊ Leptasthenura yanacensis NT Five at Quebrada Queñoa. Araucaria Tit-Spinetail ◊ Leptasthenura setaria NT Two at Araucaria PP.

25 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Sharp-billed Canastero Asthenes pyrrholeuca Two out of Cafayate. Cordilleran Canastero Asthenes modesta At least ten seen in the NW Andes. Rusty-vented Canastero Asthenes dorbignyi Regular encounters in the NW Andes. Puna Canastero ◊ Asthenes sclateri One at El Infernillo (lilloi). Scribble-tailed Canastero ◊ Asthenes maculicauda Great looks at one above El Infernillo. Steinbach’s Canastero ◊ Pseudasthenes steinbachi One at a stake-out in the Salta badlands. Chotoy Spinetail Schoeniophylax phryganophilus Pairs on Isla del Cerrito, and at Iberá. Rufous-capped Spinetail Synallaxis rufcapilla Common in the Paraná forest. Grey-bellied Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis cinerascens One seen at San Pedro; H at Moconá. Sooty-fronted Spinetail Synallaxis frontalis One seen near Las Lajitas. Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Two along Rio Los Sosa; H commonly in Yungas forest. Pale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens (H) One at Palomitas. Stripe-crowned Spinetail Cranioleuca pyrrhophia Ten at fve widespread locations. Yellow-chinned Spinetail Certhiaxis cinnamomeus Common at Iberá. Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus ruffrons Three in the NW foothills. Little Thornbird ◊ Phacellodomus sibilatrix One seen by Mark and Dave out of Las Lajitas. Streak-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus striaticeps Nineteen in the NW Andes. Spot-breasted Thornbird ◊ Phacellodomus maculipectus Two seen at Yala after much effort. Greater Thornbird Phacellodomus ruber Common in Chaco and the Iberá marshes. Canebrake Groundcreeper ◊ Clibanornis dendrocolaptoides NT Two seen at San Pedro. Wren-like Rushbird melanops One near Abra Pampa, seen by Robbin. Firewood-gatherer Anumbius annumbi One in the Iberá marshes. Lark-like Brushrunner ◊ Coryphistera alaudina Small numbers in the chaco and at Iberá. Brown Cacholote ◊ Pseudoseisura lophotes Regular in the chaco and at Iberá. White-throated Cacholote ◊ Pseudoseisura gutturalis An obliging bird near Amaicha del Valle. Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata Numerous in the Yungas forest. Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner ◊ Anabacerthia lichtensteini Small numbers in Misiones. White-eyed Foliage-gleaner Automolus leucophthalmus One seen by some at Iguazú. Rufous-breasted Leaftosser ◊ Sclerurus scansor Singles at Salto Encantado and Moconá. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans One at Calilegua. Plain-winged Woodcreeper ◊ (Thrush-like W) Dendrocincla turdina (H) Two in Misiones. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus (H) Three in Yungas forest. Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper ◊ Drymornis bridgesii Three in the dry chaco, and one at Iberá. Great Rufous Woodcreeper ◊ Xiphocolaptes major Two at Calilegua and one near Lumbreras. Black-banded Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes picumnus One showed well at Calilegua. Planalto Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes platyrostris One at Iguazú. Lesser Woodcreeper ◊ Xiphorhynchus fuscus (H) An unresponsive bird at Moconá. Narrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris Regular encounters. Red-billed Scythebill ◊ Campylorhamphus trochilirostris (H) One at Isla del Cerrito. Spot-backed Antshrike ◊ Hypoedaleus guttatus (H) Distant at Salto Encantado and Moconá. Giant Antshrike ◊ Batara cinerea Great looks at a male in Calilegua. Large-tailed Antshrike ◊ Mackenziaena leachii (H) One at Moconá. Tufted Antshrike ◊ Mackenziaena severa A male showed at Moconá. Great Antshrike Taraba major Three seen in the dry chaco. Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens Two at Calkilegua and two in Misiones. Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus rufcapillus (H) One at Yala. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Seen commonly in Misiones. Stripe-backed Antbird ◊ Myrmorchilus strigilatus An obliging female at Palomitas. Black-capped Antwren Herpsilochmus atricapillus A male seen at Calilegua. Rufous-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus rufmarginatus Three seen at Moconá and Iguazú. Bertoni’s Antbird ◊ Drymophila rubricollis One at Salto Encantado. Dusky-tailed Antbird ◊ Drymophila malura A male at Moconá; others heard. Streak-capped Antwren ◊ Terenura maculate Two at Iguazú. White-shouldered Fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera Two at Salto Encantado; others heard. Short-tailed Antthrush ◊ Chamaeza campanisona (H) at Salto Encantado and Moconá. Variegated Antpitta ◊ Grallaria varia (H) One at Moconá.

26 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com White-throated Antpitta ◊ Grallaria albigula One scoped at Calilegua where common by voice. Speckle-breasted Antpitta ◊ Hylopezus nattereri (H) One at Moconá. Rufous Gnateater Conopophaga lineate One at Salto Encantado; others heard. Crested Gallito ◊ Rhinocrypta lanceolata Singles at Salta Forestal and Taco Pozo. Sandy Gallito ◊ Teledromas fuscus Great looks at two near Amaicha del Valle. Spotted Bamboowren ◊ Psilorhamphus guttatus Glimpsed by some at Moconá. Zimmer’s Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus zimmeri One seen on the Santa Victoria road. White-browed Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus superciliaris Two seen and many heard at El Infernillo. Olive-crowned Crescentchest ◊ Melanopareia maximilliani One in the dry chaco (pallida). Sclater’s Tyrannulet ◊ Phyllomyias sclateri Three seen along the Cornisa road; many heard. Grey Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps (H) One at Iguazú. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata One at Moconá; various heard at Iguazú. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia favogaster Two at Iguazú. Large Elaenia Elaenia spectabilis Five seen in the Iberá marshes. Chilean Elaenia Elaenia chilensis One at Calilegua. Small-billed Elaenia Elaenia parvirostris Regular encounters. Slaty Elaenia ◊ Elaenia strepera Five seen at Calilegua; one nesting. Highland Elaenia Elaenia obscura Four seen in Yungas forest at three sites (obscura). Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Regular encounters. Suiriri Flycatcher Suiriri suiriri At least fourteen seen in the dry and humid chaco. White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Regular encounters in the NW. Buff-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus hellmayri One eventually showed at Calilegua. Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes favirostris Pairs at the Cuesta del Obispo and Sta Victoria. Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus Two en route to Cafayate (aequatorialis). Sooty Tyrannulet Serpophaga nigricans Over ffteen seen in the Iberá marshes. White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata One seen in the Iberá marshes. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis faveola One at San Pedro. Southern Antpipit ◊ Corythopis delalandi Seen at Salto Encantado and Moconá, others heard. Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus One in the dry chaco. Greater Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura budytoides Numerous encounters in monte and chaco. Southern Bristle Tyrant ◊ Pogonotriccus eximius Great looks at this gem at Moconá. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis One along the Cornisa road. Grey-hooded Flycatcher Mionectes rufventris One at Moconá. Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus One at Salto Encantado. Southern Scrub Flycatcher ◊ Sublegatus modestus One in the Salta badlands. Plain Inezia (P Tyrannulet) Inezia inornata Common in the dry chaco. Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus Three seen in the dry chaco; heard elsewhere. Many-colored Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra One near Abra Pampa. Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer One in the dry chaco; H at Iberá. Eared Pygmy Tyrant ◊ Myiornis auricularis One at Moconá; heard at Iguazu. Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps Two at Calilegua; H at San Pedro. Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens One at Calilegua; several heard in Misiones. White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus (H) Heard only at Moconá. Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus A pair at Calilegua. Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Common in the badlands, and one near Santa Victoria. Euler’s Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri One seen long the Cornisa road; many heard. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Fourteen on NW Andean rivers (latirostris) including 3 chicks. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Small numebrs in open country. Andean Negrito ◊ Lessonia oreas Common at altiplano lake shores. Cinereous Tyrant ◊ Knipolegus striaticeps A male displaying in the dry chaco. Plumbeous Tyrant Knipolegus cabanisi A male at Yala. White-winged Black Tyrant Knipolegus aterrimus Four males in the Salta badlands. Spectacled Tyrant Hymenops perspicillata Six at NW rivers and marshes; one at Iberá. Yellow-browed Tyrant Satrapa icterophrys One on the Cuesta de Obispo. Spot-billed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola favinucha Twelve in the NW Andes. Puna Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola juninensis Three in the altiplano and high Andes.

27 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Cinereous Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinereus Four along the Santa Victoria road. Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufvertex One at Azul Pampa. White-browed Ground Tyrant ◊ Muscisaxicola albilora Four at El Infernillo. Black-fronted Ground Tyrant ◊ Muscisaxicola frontalis Three along the Santa Victoria road. Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus A total of fve in the NW Andes. Grey-bellied Shrike-Tyrant ◊ Agriornis micropterus Three in the altiplano (andecola). Grey Monjita Xolmis cinereus (LO) One in the Iberá marshes. White Monjita Xolmis irupero Regular encounters in the lowlands and foothills. Black-and-white Monjita Heteroxolmis dominicanus VU Nine in the Iberá marshes; amazing! Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis Two along the Cuesta del Obispo. Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant ◊ Polioxolmis rufpennis Scope studies at Quebrada Queñoa. Streamer-tailed Tyrant ◊ Gubernetes yetapa A total of fve in north-east Corrientes. Black-backed Water Tyrant Fluvicola albiventer Singles in the dry chaco and Isla del Cerrito. White-headed Marsh Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala Five in the Iberá marshes. Strange-tailed Tyrant ◊ Alectrurus risora VU Six in the Iberá marshes. D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides Three in the high NW Andes. White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys Seven in the NW Andes. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Two at Moconá. Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa Regular encounters. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Small numbers in Yungas and Paraná forest. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Eight at Isla del Cerrito, Moconá and Iguazú. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Ubiquitous and widespread, even at high altitude. Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus One scoped at Calilegua. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculates Regular encounters. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Two at Iberá, and many in Misiones. Variegated Flycatcher Empidonomus varius Singles at San Pedro and Iguazú. Crowned Slaty Flycatcher Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus Common in the dry chaco. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Ubiquitous except in the high Andes. Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana Generally abundant. Sibilant Sirystes Sirystes sibilator A pair at Moconá; heard at Iguazú. Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufa Two near Las Lajitas; heard at Salta Forestal. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer One along La Cornisa road; many heard. Swainson’s Flycatcher Myiarchus swainsoni Two at Las Lajitas (ferocior); others heard. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannus One at Calilegua. White-tipped Plantcutter Phytotoma rutila A total of eight in the Tucuman-Salta badlands. Blue Manakin Chiroxiphia caudate Six males seen at Salto Encantado and Iguazú. Band-tailed Manakin Pipra fasciicauda A pair at Moconá. Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor One at San Pedro and four at Iguazú. Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana Three at Salto Encantado and Moconá (braziliensis). Greenish Schiffornis Schiffornis virescens One seen and others heard at Salto Encantado. Crested Becard Pachyramphus validus A male at Yala, and a pair at Calilegua. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Three seen at Calilegua; H elsewhere. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Mostly chivi, and in Misiones the brighter diversus subspecies. Rufous-crowned Greenlet ◊ Hylophilus poicilotis (H) Unresponsive at Moconá. Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops Ubiquitous. White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa Regular encounters. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Eight in Tucumán; regular in the NE. Southern Martin Progne elegans Common in the NW desert and badlands. Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera Regular encounters; mostly in the NE. Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Numerous in the NW. Andean Swallow Orochelidon andecola Three along the Santa Victoria road. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx rufcollis Seven in the NE. Tawny-headed Swallow Alopochelidon fucata Four near Candelaria, SW Misiones. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Singles in the Salta badlands (LO) and at Iberá. American Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota One in Tucumán; twenty at Iberá. Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla Three in the Iberá marshes.

28 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Two at Iguazú. Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis One at El Infernillo (tucumanus); H at Azul Pampa. House Wren Troglodytes aedon Ubiquitous (bonariae, rex, musculus). Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Two below Taf del Valle (auricularis); heard elsewhere. Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola Regular encounters in the chaco and Iberá marshes. Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus Regular encounters mostly in the NE. Patagonian Mockingbird ◊ Mimus patagonicus Ten in the NW. White-banded Mockingbird ◊ Mimus triurus One in the Salta badlands and one at Calilegua. Brown-backed Mockingbird Mimus dorsalis Seven in the high NW Andes. Spotted Nightingale-Thrush ◊ Catharus dryas One and another heard at Calilegua. Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Ubiquitous in the NW Andes (anthracinus). Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus A male seen at Calilegua. Andean Slaty Thrush ◊ Turdus nigriceps Three seen and many heard in Yungas forest. Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufventris Regular encounters. Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas Common in Misiones. Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus Regular encounters except in the high Andes. White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis One at Iguazú. Rufous-throated Dipper ◊ Cinclus schulzi VU Three below Tafí, and one near Santa Victoria. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in towns including those in the altiplano. Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens One seen and others heard above Salta city; one at Iberá. Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera One in the Iberá marshes. Ochre-breasted Pipit ◊ Anthus nattereri One at a stake-out in the Iberá marshes. Hellmayr’s Pipit ◊ Anthus hellmayri One above Cachi and one in the Iberá marshes . Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica Widespread encounters. Black Siskin Carduelis atrata Thirteen seen over three dates in the NW Andes. Yellow-rumped Siskin ◊ Carduelis uropygialis Two along the Santa Victoria road. Thick-billed Siskin ◊ Carduelis crassirostris Four at Quebrada Quenoal; a Polylepis specialist. Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Seen below Tafí del Valle, at Iberá and Iguazú. Violaceous Euphonia Euphonia violacea A pair at the Iguazú feeders. Chestnut-bellied Euphonia Euphonia pectoralis A male seen at Iguazú with others heard. Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea A pair at the Iguazú feeders. Southern Yellowthroat Geothlypis velata Three at Isla del cerrito, one at Moconá and many H. Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi Regular encounters. White-rimmed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus Two in the Iberá marshes; many H. Riverbank Warbler ◊ Basileuterus rivularis (H) Unresponsive at Iguazú. Two-banded Warbler Basileuterus bivittatus Seen at La Cornisa road and Calilegua. Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus Two below Taf; common in Misiones. Brown-capped Whitestart Myioborus brunniceps Common in all yungas forest areas visited. White-browed Blackbird Sturnella superciliaris Two near Salta and fve at Iberá. Long-tailed Meadowlark Sturnella loyca Five near Cafayate. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Five sightings involving twelve birds in the NW. Solitary Cacique Procacicus solitaries Six in the dry and humid chaco and Iberá marshes. Golden-winged Cacique Cacicus chrysopterus Two along the Cornisa road; H at Calilegua. Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous Abundant in the Paraná forest. Variable Oriole Icterus pyrrhopterus Small numbers in the NE. One (NL) south of Cafayate. Screaming Cowbird Molothrus rufoaxillaris Numerous in the chaco; two at Candelaria. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus A male at Iguazú. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Ubiquitous. Scarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus Eight at Iberá; two (NL) in E chaco. Chopi Blackbird Gnorimopsar chopi Nine in Misiones. Greyish Baywing Agelaioides badius Regular encounters. Unicoloured Blackbird Agelasticus cyanopus Two in E Chaco and three in the Iberá marshes. Chestnut-capped Blackbird Chrysomus rufcapillus Four at Isla del Cerrito. Brown-and-yellow Marshbird Pseudoleistes virescens At least eighteen in the Iberá marshes. Yellow-rumped Marshbird ◊ Pseudoleistes guirahuro Eight at Iberá and S Misiones. Bananaquit Coereba faveola Fifteen at the Iguazú hummingbird feeders (chloropyga).

29 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Ubiquitous almost throughout. Grassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis One at Palmitas, three at Iberá and many heard. Stripe-capped Sparrow ◊ Rhynchospiza strigiceps Ten near Salta (dabbenei); one (NL) Jujuy. Saffron-billed Sparrow Arremon favirostris One at Calilegua (dorbignyi). White-browed Brush Finch Arremon torquatus Two at Calilegua. Fulvous-headed Brush Finch ◊ Atlapetes fulviceps Regular encounters in the Yungas forest. Yellow-striped Brush Finch ◊ Atlapetes citrinellus Three below Tafí del Valle. Yellow Cardinal ◊ Gubernatrix cristata EN A glorious male at Iberá. Also a female (NL). Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus favopectus Common in all yungas forest (argentinus). Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronate Regular encounters in the chaco and at Iberá. Yellow-billed Cardinal Paroaria capitata Three at Isla del Cerrito, one Iberá. Two (NL) Iguazú. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Two at Iguazú (major). Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sordid One along the Cornisa road; H at Calilegua. Rust-and-yellow Tanager Thlypopsis rufceps A smart male at Yala. Chestnut-headed Tanager Pyrrhocoma rufceps One at Moconá; others heard. Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops Five at Salto Encantado; one at Iguazú. Ruby-crowned Tanager Tachyphonus coronatus Small numbers daily in Misiones. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus A male at Iberá. Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca Common throughout. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis Regular encounters. Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota Six sightings of pairs or lone birds. Green-headed Tanager Tangara seledon Three at Iguazú. Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Six at Iguazú. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Regular encouinters in small numbers in Misiones. Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira A male at Moconá and a pair at Iguazú. Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides A male along the Cuesta del Obispo. Many-coloured Chaco-Finch Saltatricula multicolor Two at Palomitas. Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Regular sightings (fargoi and rubescens). Black-hooded Sierra Finch Phrygilus atriceps Seven in the high NW Andes. Grey-hooded Sierra Finch Phrygilus gayi Common in the Andes of Tucuman and Salta. Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus fruticeti Common in the NW Andes. Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor Three at El Infernillo; two towards S. Victoria. Red-backed Sierra Finch Phrygilus dorsalis Fifteen on the Santa Victoria road; over 4000 m. Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Abundant in the NW Andes. Band-tailed Sierra Finch Phrygilus alaudinus Five in the NW Andes. Long-tailed Reed Finch Donacospiza albifrons One in the Iberá marshes. Common Diuca Finch Diuca diuca Two in the Salta badlands, and one at Yavi. Short-tailed Finch ◊ Idiopsar brachyurus Seven on the Santa Victoria road. Rufous-sided Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza hypochondria Twelve at four sites in the NW Andes. Rusty-browed Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza erythrophrys Eight seen in Yungas forest. Black-and-chestnut Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza whitii Finally we found one near Jujuy. Ringed Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza pectoralis One at Amaicha del Valle. Black-capped Warbling Finch Poospiza melanoleuca Many sightings, mostly in the chaco. Tucuman Mountain Finch ◊ Compsospiza baeri VU A superb pair above Tafí del Valle. Puna Yellow Finch Sicalis lutea Two at a stake-out in N Jujuy. Bright-rumped Yellow Finch Sicalis uropygialis At least twenty-six in the high NW Andes. Citron-headed Yellow Finch ◊ Sicalis luteocephala Twenty-three at Yavi. Greenish Yellow Finch Sicalis olivascens Common to abundant in the NW Andes. Monte Yellow Finch ◊ Sicalis mendozae Three males on two dates in the Salta badlands. Saffron Finch Sicalis faveola Regular encounters except in the high Andes. Grassland Yellow Finch Sicalis luteola Abundant in the Iberá marshes. Wedge-tailed Grass Finch Emberizoides herbicola Two in the Iberá marshes. Lesser Grass Finch ◊ Emberizoides ypiranganus One seen and other heard at Iberá. Pampa Finch Embernagra platensis Regular encounters of W olivascens and E platensis. Rusty-collared Seedeater Sporophila collaris A male at Isla del Cerrito. Five at Iberá. Double-collared Seedeater Sporophila caerulescens Regular encounters in the NE.

30 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com White-bellied Seedeater Sporophila leucoptera A male at Isla del Cerrito. Tawny-bellied Seedeater ◊ Sporophila hypoxantha Tour males in the Iberá marshes. Rufous-rumped Seedeater ◊ Sporophila hypochroma A male in the Iberá marshes. Iberá Seedeater ◊ Sporophila iberaensis Two males in the Iberá marshes. Marsh Seedeater ◊ Sporophila palustris EN One male in the Iberá marshes. Chestnut Seedeater ◊ Sporophila cinnamomea VU A male in the Iberá marshes. Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis A male at Iguazú. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Two at El Infernillo and a male at Yala. Plain-coloured Seedeater Catamenia inornata Common in the NW Andes. Red Tanager (Hepatic T) Piranga fava A female in the Salta badlands and a male at Calilegua. Red-crowned Ant Tanager Habia rubica Four at Moconá. Black-backed Grosbeak Pheucticus aureoventris Six at four localities in the NW Andes. Blackish-blue Seedeater ◊ Amaurospiza moesta NT A pair at San Pedro. Green-winged Saltator Saltator similis Regular in Corrientes and Misiones. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens One in the dry chaco; common east to Iberá. Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Regular encounters. Rufous-bellied Mountain Tanager ◊ Pseudosaltator rufventris Nine at two NW Andean sites. Ultramarine Grosbeak ◊ Cyanocompsa brissonii 4 argentina at Palomitas; 1 sterea at Moconá.

MAMMALS Greater Naked-tailed Armadillo Cabassous tabouay Unexpectedly, one at Moconá. Black Howler Monkey Alouatta caraya Three at Iberá; also heard on Isla del Cerrito. Tufted Capuchin Cebus apella Eight at Iguazú. Culpeo Fox Dusycion culpaeus One on the Santa victoria road. Argentine Grey Fox Pseudalopex griseus Occasional encounters; nine on four dates. Coati Nasua nasua Common at Iguazú. Guanaco Lama guanicoe One and thirty on different dates at Los Cardones NP. Vicuña Vicugna vicugna Abundant in the altiplano. Red Brocket Mazama americana Two at Iguazú. Grey Brocket Mazama gouazoubira Two at Palomitas. Marsh Deer Blastocerus dichotomus VU Six in the Iberá marshes. Pampas Deer Ozotoceros bezoarticus NT Two stags in the Iberá marshes. Brazilian Squirrel Sciurus aestuans One at Salto Encantado. Bolivian Squirrel Sciurus ignitus Two at Calilegua. White-eared Opossum Didelphis albiventris One in the dry chaco. Common Cavy Cavia aperea Singles at Palomitas and Iguazú. Common Yellow-toothed Cavy Galea musteloides Two near Amaicha del Valle. Chacoan Mara Pediolagus (Dolichotis) salinicola One near Taco Pozo. Capybara Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris Abundant in the Iberá marshes. Azara’s Agouti Dasyprocta azarae One at Salto Encantado and four at Iguazú. Mountain Viscacha Lagidium viscacia Two at Quebrada Queñoa. Eight on the Sta Victoria rd. Andean Tuco-tuco Ctenomys opinus Twenty near Lago Pozuelos. Coypu (Nutria) Myocastor coypus One at a lake on the Lumbreras road. Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Introduced. One at Yavi. Brazilian Cottontail Sylvilagus brasiliensis Three in the NW and one in Misiones.

31 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com AMPHIBIANS Yungas Redbelly Toad Melanophryniscus rubriventris One at Calilegua.

REPTILES Hilare’s Side-necked Turtle Phrynops hilarii One at Mocona. Liolaemus quilmes Five of these small buffy lizards at Los Cardones NP. Spiny Lava Lizard Tropidurus spinulosus A pair at Taco Pozo; alias Chaco Dragon. Amazon Lava Lizard Tropidurus torquatus Four on the upper falls walkway at Iguazú NP. Four-toed Whiptail Teius teyou Two in the dry chaco at a lunch stop. Black Tegu Tupinambis merianae Five on three dates in eastern Misiones. Black Caiman Caiman yacare Small numbers in the Iberá marshes.

ARACNIDA Yungas Scorpion Tityus confuens One at Calilegua. Tarantula sp. One at the San Carlos reservoir. Tarantula ? sp. One in the Ibera marshes.

32 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Argentina 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com