Field Guides Tour Report NORTHEAST : LONG LIVE THE LEAR'S!

Jan 16, 2011 to Feb 5, 2011 Bret Whitney & Marcelo Padua

The 2011 Northeast Brazil tour was Fields Guides' 18th run of this ambitious itinerary. Over the course of those years, we've lost Spix's Macaw in the wild and are on the verge of losing some narrow-range endemics in Pernambuco/Alagoas, but we've also gained several new to science. We constantly tweak the route to maximize chances of finding the most difficult species, "new" or "old", and this year's tour was, by all counts, highly successful. Having a fine group of spotters certainly helped us pick up almost everything along the way.

Weather was generally fine, with minimal time lost to rain and many afternoons were kept relatively cool by good cloud cover. (As the season has worn on, and the effect of La Niña has increased, landscapes have become much drier than normal through March). The one notable hiccup, or slide, or wreck, whatever you want to call it, happened at Murici after the first hard rain in more than a month, which lasted all night and into our first morning, left the miles of dirt roads through cane fields and over deforested hills in a muddy, slippery mess. Our 4-WD vehicles were no match for it (no matter who was behind the wheel!), and we had to turn back (no easy task in itself!). We soon squeezed lemons into lemonade, however, somehow positioning ourselves absolutely perfectly to enjoy a low, close view of the ultra-rare White-collared Kite in flight and perched, followed immediately by excellent views of Mantled Hawk. Described to science only in 2000, and named after a Sweet! Shortly thereafter a pair of Seven-colored Tanagers put on characteristic of Brazil's northeast: Caatinga a stunning show as they fed on low melastome fruits in great Antwren, one of numerous endemics and specialties to be light. Things dried out sufficiently overnight to allow us to reach seen on this itinerary. (Photo by guide Bret Whitney) the reserve the next morning and we found some fine (especially a different pair of White-collared Kites and Scalloped Antbirds), but try as we might, none of the four main endemics showed at all. Fortunately, we had already found Orange-bellied Antwren and Alagoas Tyrannulet in Pernambuco! I think Alagoas Foliage-gleaner and Alagoas Antwren will continue to be the hardest of the four to pick up in the forseeable future.

Among other birding highlights of the first week of the tour were Spot-winged Wood-Quail seen well and singing loudly followed minutes later by a great view of Rufous-breasted Leaftosser and, for most, Short-tailed Antthrush with Spectacled Owl performing pre-dawn in the spotlight; excellent views of Long-tailed Woodnymph, Gray-breasted Parakeet, Gould's Toucanet, Ochraceous , and Buff-breasted Tody-Tyrant; truly thrilling encounters with Great Xenops, Tawny Piculet and, especially, that White-browed Antpitta rocking out in its living room; and exciting hunts for Least Nighthawk and Pygmy Nightjar after days filled with close views of so many caatinga specialties (like Red-shouldered Spinetail, Stripe-backed Antbird, back-to-back wagtail-tyrants, White-naped Xenopsaris, and Yellow-faced Siskin).

Araripe Manakin, certainly among the most striking of all the members of the family, showed off admirably, especially the first time it appeared, close and right at eye-level. In a category all by itself was Lear's Macaw. Wow, we had a fabulous experience with several pairs of these rare macaws, most memorably that group of four feeding on licuri palm fruits only about 50 yards from our partly shaded scoping spot. We were then treated to a great, close Red-legged Seriema a few minutes after our rest stop to visit Dona Damiana, now getting around well on her prosthetic leg which was paid for largely

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1 by a past Field Guides tour group.

Southern Bahia was super-productive for us, starting with a memorable morning in humid coastal forest where we needed to find Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Bahia (Pileated) Antwren, Band-tailed Antwren, and Eastern Striped Manakin in short order, which we did, and we also had a brief but good look at Great-billed Hermit (subspecies margarettae), a rarely seen , for sure. Next day, our first at Boa Nova, we tallied something like 140 species with great looks at everything from Ruby Topaz, Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, Slender Antbird, Narrow-billed Antwren, Spotted Piculet, and Hangnest Tody- Tyrant (almost all in one spot in the mata-de-cipo!) to Crescent-chested Puffbird, Striated Softtail, White-collared Foliage- gleaner, and Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant just a few kilometers away in humid Atlantic Forest and, yes, a fine pair of Southern Pochards that morning. The Sharpbill spotted by Bart, at one point foraging just a few feet overhead, was breathtaking.

The following day in humid forest was also fantastic, highlighted by a very cooperative Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper and Rio de Janeiro Antbird, scope views of a Spot-backed Antshrike, a dynamite Black-billed Scythebill, almost too many Pin-tailed Manakins (bumper crop this year), and the heralded appearance of a rare little bird called Bahia Tyrannulet, which performed with multiple encores (ahem, after we finally found it). We had one last order of business to attend to before heading north and west: find and observe at length the strange Pink-legged Graveteiro. It played out perfectly on a beautiful, sunny morning in an old cacau plantation, and I'm sure all of us can close our eyes and call up the image of a little graveteiro flying to its nest with a huge stick in its bill. A surprise bonus that morning was seeing a pair of Collared Forest-Falcons remarkably well (ain't it all FUN!).

Our final birding venue was the inspiring landscapes of Chapada Diamantina National Park, home to the Hooded Visorbearer and Sincora Antwren among many other birds here at the transition of humid forest, caatinga, and cerrado. Rains had essentially missed this part of the northeast, and the preferred flowers of the visorbearer were in short supply. We did manage to find one male, thank goodness, and also a couple of brief sightings of females or immature males -- but it was spooky, looking like it might be only the second year we'd miss it outright. On the other hand, we walked right up to the Sincora Antwren and enjoyed a really great half-hour seeing a pair and learning about its discovery and very recent (2007) description as a new species named for German ornithologist, artist, and naturalist Rolf Grantsau, who has lived outside Sao Paulo for some 50 years. Broad-tipped Hermit and Sao Francisco Sparrow were additional local endemics we picked up in that area, and cerrado specialties that drew rounds of applause included White-eared Puffbird, Collared Crescentchest, and Rufous-winged Antshrike. The very rare Fringe-backed Fire-eye looked iffy for a bit, but we pulled that one out at the buzzer, too.

As has become the tradition, we wrapped up our travels through northeast Brazil in the colonial section of Salvador, one of the oldest cities in the Americas and capital of Brazil for more than 200 years. It was a properly festive evening as we feasted on delicious shrimp moqueca washed down with caipirinhas, beers, and fruit juices as Carnaval was beginning to gear-up with small bands practicing in the streets. Special thanks to Conor for providing us such an interesting and informative twilight tour through old Pelourinho. All told, we had a fantastic experience getting to see a large part of Brazil in good company and surrounded by not only lots of rare and beautiful birds, but also many friendly and helpful Brazilian people, from our several drivers to the big-smiled Bahiana who made Dom Ricardo his first acaraje.

The following list conforms to the latest (Dec 2010) version of Clements's world checklist being maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology; you will notice a number of differences from the checklist we used on the tour, but not many taxonomic shifts that we didn't cover at our evening checklist sessions. I look forward to birding much more with all of you, preferably back in Brazil!

Ah, as a special advance notice, we are going to offer two complementary, back-to-back tours through Northeast Brazil from 2012 forward. The first, "Beaches to Badlands," will cover most of the route we have traditionally done. The second part, "West to the Araguaia," will include southern Bahia from the coast to the interior (the three days around Boa Nova is the only section taken from the traditional route) followed by several days each to find the endemics of the Rio Sao Francisco valley of northern Minas Gerais and the specialties of the Rio Araguaia region of Tocantins state. Each tour will be about 17 days in length. Watch for the itinerary on our website, probably sometime in May.

Abraços para todos, happy birding,

--Bretche

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Northeast Brazil: Long Live the Lear's!.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2 KEYS FOR THIS LIST One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDS Tinamidae (Tinamous) BROWN TINAMOU (Crypturellus obsoletus) [*] SMALL-BILLED TINAMOU (Crypturellus parvirostris) RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) [*] SPOTTED NOTHURA (Nothura maculosa) Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Classic northeastern Brazil: massive rock outcrops amidst low thorny woodland and scrub (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – More than than usual this year, and seen in three different locales. SOUTHERN POCHARD (Netta erythrophthalma) – Pairs seen near Petrolina and Boa Nova -- excellent! Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata araucuan) [*] Odontophoridae (New World Quail) SPOT-WINGED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus capueira) – A suspenseful but happy hunt! Podicipedidae (Grebes) LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) PINNATED BITTERN (Botaurus pinnatus) – Right on, just where we expected to find one. It was fascinating to watch

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 3 the slow-motion, aggressive interaction initiated by a nearby Rufescent Tiger-Heron. RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) Cathartidae (New World Vultures) BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) WHITE-COLLARED KITE (Leptodon forbesi) – As recounted in the intro to the list, we saw this very rare raptor twice this time. Boy would I love to have been able to save up that second sighting for next year!! WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – One cruising away from us over Pai Inácio at Chapada Diamantina. MANTLED HAWK (Leucopternis polionotus) – A fine view of a soaring adult near Murici; always a rare find. GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – Uncommon or rare through the northeast; seen well one day. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) GRAY HAWK (Buteo nitidus) SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albicaudatus) ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – Good view on three days. The rest were vultures. Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*] RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*] BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – This handsome rail was seen well a couple of times. PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) COMMON MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) Aramidae (Limpkin) LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) Cariamidae (Seriemas) RED-LEGGED SERIEMA (Cariama cristata) – Excellent, close views. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4 PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus) – Muchos this year. Jacanidae (Jacanas) WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*] EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) One of several pairs of fantastic Lear's (Indigo) Macaws we watched PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina feeding in licuri palms (Photo by guide Bret Whitney) minuta) RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata) – Quite an elegant little dove, closely related to Inca Dove. PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui) – The abundant small dove through the dry caatinga. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*] Psittacidae (Parrots) MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura frontalis) [*] GRAY-BREASTED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura griseipectus) – We enjoyed fine scope studies of this beautiful and very rare parakeet at Baturite, the only place it is known to occur. Until quite recently, it was classified as a subspecies of White- eared (Maroon-faced) Parakeet, now considered endemic to SE Brazil. GOLDEN-CAPPED PARAKEET (Aratinga auricapillus) – Darn, we never managed to get them settled for scope views. JANDAYA PARAKEET (Aratinga jandaya) – This one was also scarce this time around. We did see a pair enter a nest site in the broken stub of a distant palm. PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea) CACTUS PARAKEET (Aratinga cactorum) INDIGO MACAW (Anodorhynchus leari) – A.k.a. Lear's Macaw -- the Clements list name is officially Indigo Macaw now, but we still like to use the traditional Lear's...! BLUE-WINGED MACAW (Primolius maracana) [*] RED-SHOULDERED MACAW (Diopsittaca nobilis) BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) PLAIN PARAKEET (Brotogeris tirica)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 5 YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri) BLUE-HEADED PARROT (REICHENOW'S) (Pionus menstruus reichenowi) – A single sighted on our first day afield. Cuculidae (Cuckoos) SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus) – A sneaky individual was spotted low in a brushy field, and another was seen briefly the next day. GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – This bizarre bird was with us on many days of the trip. STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Bart made a stellar spot on one early in the trip. GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – A couple near Petrolina, where quite uncommon. SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) Strigidae (Owls) TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – A brief but good view at Chapada do Araripe. SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Surprisingly quiet, few seen this year. BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) LEAST NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles pusillus) – Wonderful daytime studies of birds perfectly camouflaged to the red, quartz-studded gravel near Petrolina. LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus rufus) – Aaargh, just couldn't get one of the 2-3 birds calling to show itself for us. [*] LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus parvulus) – Most had good views of a perched bird at one point or another during the search, and all got to see it well in flight. PYGMY NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus hirundinaceus) – Highly elusive this year but seen well by most. I think on almost ran into Bob! Nyctibiidae (Potoos) COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – Seen as a big, long-tailed shape drifting over in response to my whistled imitation. It was fun to hear it singing. Apodidae (Swifts) SICK'S SWIFT (Chaetura meridionalis) BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus) GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – Multiple good sightings of these miniature aerial pirates. Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) BLACK JACOBIN (Florisuga fusca) – Good views 3-4 times. BROAD-TIPPED HERMIT (Anopetia gounellei) – One fabulous male came right up to (and through!) us several times before melting off into the scrub -- it was an impressive performance! GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (MARGARETTA'S) (Phaethornis malaris margarettae) – One seen briefly but well as it hovered up to investigate us as we were looking for an Eastern Striped Manakin. This distinctive and very rarely seen taxon is likely to be recognized at the species-level; active research is underway at the University of Sao Paulo. GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (CAMARGO'S) (Phaethornis malaris camargoi) – Ditto that remark, but this subspecies occupies the remnant humid forest in the Pernambuco/Alagoas border region. We saw it well a couple of times, though again, it didn't stick around for oohs and aahhs. REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei) SCALE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis eurynome) – An excellent view near Boa Nova. HOODED VISORBEARER (Augastes lumachella) – This year, visorbearers were very "thin on the ground," as the Brits

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 6 are wont to say. We felt fortunate to receive a 30-second view of a male foraging at a close bunch of flowers in good light. The brilliant lime-green gorget flashed to us a couple of times. We also had brief looks at a female or two that morning. WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEAR (Colibri serrirostris) – Also quite scarce but one was seen well at Diamantina. BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Seen well a couple of times on our first days. RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – A glittering adult male blew us away at Boa Nova after we were already weak in the knees from all those fabulous antbirds. BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) STRIPE-BREASTED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster squamosus) – One female spotted by Marcelo, also at Boa Nova, was the sole sighting this year. Fortunately, it perched just long enough for everyone to get on it! GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon aureoventris) BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata) SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura) – It was a treat to see this huge hummer well on several days. FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) Cacti are an abundant element in caatinga habitat. (Photo by guide Bret LONG-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania Whitney) watertonii) – An adult male leisurely perched and bathed at a little forest stream just a few feet from us; a rare endemic hummer. Thanks to Steven for showing us the spot! VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania glaucopis) SOMBRE HUMMINGBIRD (Aphantochroa cirrochloris) PLAIN-BELLIED EMERALD (Amazilia leucogaster) – A great view right on our hotel grounds to start the tour; also seen well later, in mangroves. VERSICOLORED EMERALD (Amazilia versicolor) GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea) – Multiple close views in great light at Boa Nova. RUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis sapphirina) Trogonidae (Trogons) GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) [*] BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Good scope views of an adult male; a very fancy bird! BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus chrysochloros) [*] Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) Bucconidae (Puffbirds) WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru) – Marcelo called them up out of nowhere one morning! SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus maculatus) CRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila striata) – I called one out from the depths of the forest at Boa Nova; it stayed for great views after that! SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) Galbulidae (Jacamars)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 7 RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) Ramphastidae (Toucans) LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) BLACK-NECKED ARACARI (Pteroglossus aracari) GOULD'S TOUCANET (Selenidera gouldii) – We finally maneuvered a male (and briefly, his mate) into good scope view at Baturite. This population, widely disjunct from the closest one in eastern Amazonia, in endemic to the Serra de Baturite and was named baturitensis (which has since been challenged, as it's only weakly diagnosed). CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus) [*] Picidae () GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (GOLDEN-SPANGLED) ( exilis pernambucensis) – Lots of this trip, as highlighted by Tom as part of his "best of the tour" call -- including the two disjunct subspecies of Golden- spangled endemic to the Northeast listed here. GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (GOLDEN-SPANGLED) (Picumnus exilis exilis) SPOTTED PICULET (Picumnus pygmaeus) TAWNY PICULET (Picumnus fulvescens) OCHRACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus limae) LITTLE (Veniliornis passerinus) YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus flavigula erythropis) – This small, red-throated subspecies is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. In this day and age such a distinctive bird (by , morphology, and voice), widely disjunct from its relatives in Amazonia, definitely would not be described as a subspecies. In 1818, however, it was described as a species; the subspecies concept did not exist in that early period of description. 100+ years later, when leading ornithologists of the day had shifted to employing the trinomial to classify obvious "geographic representatives" of allopatric forms as subspecies (this could only happen after significant collections from diverse points in the Neotropics reached the major museums of Europe) -- thus fostering a heirarchical listing of related forms -- this and many other birds originally described at the species level (which, as mentioned above, was essentially the only option in use in the early days) were relegated to subspecies. Nowadays, every minor difference perceived to separate one population of birds from its closese relatives is touted at the species level, in some cases, even if the diagnosis can be teased out only in the laboratory. This is an extreme that can't last long, and I watch for the species- criterion to settle back into recognition of clear phenotypic divergence. Sorry for the ramble, but this woodpecker is a good example of the situation. GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros) [*] CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris) BLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavescens) – This gorgeous woodpecker put in a good, crest-shimmering appearance at Baturite. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) [*] Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus scansor cearensis) – A darned good look at this secretive bird; a favorite of Deborah's. WING-BANDED HORNERO (Furnarius figulus) – NE Brazil is World HQ for this one. PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Nicely around Baturite. RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Our third hornero, this one having spread into the region from the south. BAHIA SPINETAIL (Synallaxis whitneyi) – Named for yours truly, and a pretty dapper bird indeed. It took a while to see it well, but it was worth the wait. PINTO'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis infuscata) – A fabulous view, as this one came easier and stuck around for longer than is normally the case. SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis frontalis) SPIX'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis spixi) – Superb views of a pair -- and you need superb views to be able to appreciate its rather subtle beauty. OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis scutata) – This is always a tough bird to see well, or for more than a second or two, but we did very well with it this time around.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 8 RED-SHOULDERED SPINETAIL (Gyalophylax hellmayri) – A pair cooperated beautifully, allowing all to view them at length as they vocalized and then settled into a foraging routine right in front of us. This was a very poorly known species before Brazilian colleagues and I published a natural history paper on it (and the Great Xenops) in 1993. PALLID SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca pallida) GRAY-HEADED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca semicinerea) – Low, prolonged viewing on our first full day afield. YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) STRIATED SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga macroura) – Amazingly, a pair flew in to trees just off the side of the road and commenced foraging in dead leaves and vines in fine view for all of us. RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons rufifrons) PINK-LEGGED GRAVETEIRO (Acrobatornis fonsecai) – YESSSS! CAATINGA CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura cristata) – Several good views of this caatinga endemic, recently split from southwestern populations which are now called Gray-crested Cacholote. BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) WHITE-COLLARED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops fuscus) – A handsome endemic foliage-gleaner seen well at eye-level. WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus leucophthalmus leucophthalmus) SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura) – With a bit of patience, we came away with breathtakingly close views of a pair. GREAT XENOPS (Megaxenops parnaguae) – Our first Great Xenops behaved very nicely, allowing everyone to watch it hammering away on dead stubs and working the loose bark of trees. A couple of others that day and late in the tour were less cooperative but still exciting! PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) [*] STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (TAUNAYI) (Dendrocincla fuliginosa taunayi) – It wouldn't budge... [*] OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (REISER'S) (Sittasomus griseicapillus reiseri) WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus Pale-throated Pampa-Finch (Photo by guide Bret spirurus) Whitney) STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) LESSER WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus fuscus atlanticus) – Both this (northern areas) and the next (southernmost localities) were seen well. Look for them to be split in the near future (along with the nominate, to the south of tenuirostris). LESSER WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus fuscus tenuirostris) BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) SCALED WOODCREEPER (WAGLER'S) (Lepidocolaptes squamatus wagleri) – Seen well at Boa Nova. BLACK-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus falcularius) – Marcelo fished this one up for us at Boa Nova! Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) SPOT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Hypoedaleus guttatus) TUFTED ANTSHRIKE (Mackenziaena severa) GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 9 SILVERY-CHEEKED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus cristatus) – A really fabulous antshrike, and it was extremely cooperative (both sexes!). BARRED ANTSHRIKE (CAATINGA) (Thamnophilus doliatus capistratus) – Another distinctive, endemic subspecies, not separated from Barred for the time being. RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus torquatus) – Nicely in the scopes at Diamantina. PLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus pelzelni) SOORETAMA SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ambiguus) VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) SPOT-BREASTED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus stictothorax) [*] PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris luctuosa) – When split from White-flanked, luctuosa may carry the name "Silvery-flanked Antwren". BAND-TAILED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula urosticta) – One pair allowed good views for a minute or so. STRIPE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmorchilus strigilatus strigilatus) CAATINGA ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus sellowi) – Described to science only in 2000, this distinctive antbird put on a wonderful performance on two occasions. BAHIA ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus pileatus) – That same 2000 paper showed that H. pileatus, the type species of the Herpsilochmus, was distinct from both Black-capped and Caatinga (as newly described) antwrens. It was called Pileated Antwren during the mix-up period and even for a few years thereafter, but Bahia Antwren is a better and less confusing name for it. BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus atricapillus) PECTORAL ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus pectoralis) – Whew, it looked shaky for getting Pectoral Antwren this year, but a pair eventually came through with flying colors (perched most of the time, actually). RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – We made a point of seeing both the Pernambuco/Alagoas form (presently considered H. r. frater) and the endemic, nominate one, near Boa Nova. NARROW-BILLED ANTWREN (Formicivora iheringi) – This highly distinctive antbird will likely be transferred back to the genus Neorhopias. We sure had a dandy view of a pair, right on the tails of the Slender Antbirds. Not literally. WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea) BLACK-BELLIED ANTWREN (Formicivora melanogaster) – Wow, a really beautiful bird. SINCORA ANTWREN (Formicivora grantsaui) – I first called attention to this distinctive bird at Chapada Diamantina in 1994 when I realized that it had vocalizations quite different from Rusty-backed Antwren, which is what it had been supposed to be all along. We have seen it well on almost all Field Guides tours since then, and Brazilian researchers eventually named it in honor of Rolf Grantsau, who had collected a pair in the region back in the 1960s. "Sincora" is the name of this geologic formation ("Serra do Sincora") in Bahia. FERRUGINOUS ANTBIRD (Drymophila ferruginea) – Great view of this beauty at Boa Nova. SCALED ANTBIRD (Drymophila squamata) – Another dapper Drymophila antbird seen beautifully in Bahia. ORANGE-BELLIED ANTWREN (Terenura sicki) – Yahoo! Good looks at both sexes, albeit high in trees, on our first full day afield. This one has become extremely rare at Murici, if indeed it persists there. RIO DE JANEIRO ANTBIRD (Cercomacra brasiliana) – This rare antbird came with a dose of suspense, but we all had great views with a little patience. WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota pernambucensis) [*] FRINGE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena atra) – I guess you could say exactly the same thing about this one! WHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leucoptera) SLENDER ANTBIRD (Rhopornis ardesiacus) – Gratifyingly cooperative, both male and female singing frequently and tail-pumping as we watched just a few feet away. SCALLOPED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza ruficauda) – More suspense here, but it, too had a happy ending as a female approached quietly on the ground and permitted us to watch equally quietly. WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza loricata) – An elusive pair at Boa Nova eventually allowed almost everyone a good view -- it's a real beauty. Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 10 SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona) – A similar comment for this one, at Baturite -- a good view for almost everyone. Grallariidae (Antpittas) WHITE-BROWED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus ochroleucus) – This was terrific; the bird actually flew in and landed on a low vine right bgeside the bunch of us standing hushed in the understory, then commenced its gentle rocking motion. And all that on a dark, drizzly morning that certainly did not look promising at the outset! Conopophagidae (Gnateaters) RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata cearae) – Excellent views of this Baturite endemic. RUFOUS GNATEATER (Conopophaga lineata lineata) – The nominate population is in southern Bahia. BLACK-CHEEKED GNATEATER (Conopophaga melanops) – Good views, with perseverance -- another attractive understory "skulker". Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests) COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia torquata) – What a show from this species! A male approached us closely and danced up onto rocks and then right across the trail a couple of times, even rising a short distance up into bushes to sing a bit. The crescentchests (currently comprising four species) are now in their own family Melanoparaeidae. Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – A nice, low view on our first morning. SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER (Suiriri suiriri bahiae) – Excellent scope studies near Petrolina (subspecies endemic to NE Brazil). MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata) YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – We had a A fine view of a Spot-backed Puffbird along our veritable Elaenia identification workshop on this tour! route (Photo by guide Bret Whitney) LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia cristata) LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura sordida) OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) [*] SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) BAHIA TYRANNULET ( beckeri) – Perseverance paid off big with this one; described to science only in 1995. ALAGOAS TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ceciliae) – Wonderful views of a small family group; a very rarely seen bird these days. OUSTALET'S TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes oustaleti) – One good look in a mixed-species flock at Boa Nova. PLANALTO TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias fasciatus) GRAY-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseocapilla) – An extraordinarily low, close study at Boa Nova. SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – A better look than could be expected as a male hopped up onto high (just above eye-level) bare twigs. LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis bahiae) – Low and very close, as always; it was especially informative to see it immediately after looking at Greater W-T.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 11 GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura budytoides gracilis) EARED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis auricularis) [*] DRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus diops) – Dona Sylvia made a good spot on this one, which led to everyone seeing it well. WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops naumburgae) – Subspecies endemic to the humid Atlantic Forest of Pernambuco/Alagoas, seen well a couple of times (best on the first White-collared Kite day). STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) – An excellent study at eye-level in mangroves near Salvador. HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus nidipendulus) – We sure did do well on these little tyrants -- this one also performed beautifully, in the mata-de-cipo of Boa Nova. PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Remarkably cooperative, staying around us for minutes in caatinga scrub near Petrolina. BUFF-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus mirandae) – After a quiet early morning, they got going and one or two provided us with outstanding, close studies. FORK-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus furcatus) – Right down to the fishy-looking tail-tip! OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – A really attractive little bird when you get all that face color in good view. SMOKY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus fumifrons) – Not so great looking, but it sure was great to see it at a quick stop outside Maceio (I hadn't knocked on its door for several years, but they still lived there!). GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum poliocephalum) – Was called "Yellow-lored" T-F for several years. "Gray-headed" is a literal translation of the specific epithet (poliocephalum). COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – We saw the nominate subspecies, Atlantic Forest endemic. YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus) – Very good looks at this one, which can be tough to see well. CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa) WHISKERED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius barbatus) – Just one! BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius atricaudus) – And just one! BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – Hard to say which subspecies we saw in Ceará, but keep track of everywhere you see Fuscous Flycatchers; there will be some significant splits happening in the near future. VELVETY BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus nigerrimus) WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero) – The subspecies in NE Brazil, widely disjunct from the nominate form in the far south, is X. i. niveus, which has significantly more black on the tip of the tail among other more subtle differences. BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer) – It was ineresting to watch a pair around their nest. MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) GRAY-HOODED ATTILA (Attila rufus) [*] BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*] ASH-THROATED CASIORNIS (Casiornis fuscus) – Good views a couple of times. GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 12 BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill) SHARPBILL (Oxyruncus cristatus) – A truly show-stopping view of a bird foraging low overhead at Boa Nova, so close it was scary. Cotingidae () CINNAMON-VENTED PIHA (Lipaugus lanioides) – A good view at Boa Nova; not often seen well on this trip (much more reliable farther southeast). BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD (Procnias nudicollis) – One distant individual heard a few times (you'll get this one in the southeast, too). [*] Pipridae (Manakins) PALE-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN ( pallescens) – Great view, just not much to look at. PIN-TAILED MANAKIN (Ilicura militaris) – All over the place at Boa Nova this year, singing, displaying... STRIPED MANAKIN (EASTERN) ( regulus regulus) – It took us a good while to locate this one, and then right at the buzzer as we headed out of the woods. It is still not officially (according to the South American Checklist Committee and the Clements list) split from "Striped Manakin," which includes populations in western Amazonia, etc. WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN ( manacus) – Entertaining looks and listens at a couple of hopping leks. ( bokermanni) – Very satisfying views of males a couple of times; described to science only in the mid-90s! Seeing Bahia Antwren (Photo by guide Bret Whitney) BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN ( pareola) – Lots of good views this time. SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia caudata) – Excellent views of adult and imm males; called "" for a few years. BAND-TAILED MANAKIN ( fasciicauda) RED-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra rubrocapilla) (Tityras and Allies) BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) THRUSH-LIKE (Schiffornis turdina) – Good views, endemic subspecies intermedius. WHITE-NAPED XENOPSARIS (Xenopsaris albinucha) – Whew, just one good view this year! (2010 was also weak for them). GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) CRESTED BECARD (Pachyramphus validus) Vireonidae (Vireos) RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 13 GRAY-EYED GREENLET (Hylophilus amaurocephalus) – With dark eyes in the areas we birded. LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET (Hylophilus thoracicus) RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) WHITE-NAPED JAY (Cyanocorax cyanopogon) – This fancy, endemic jay was seen well on several occasions. Hirundinidae (Swallows) BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – Several photographed and filmed near Petrolina were the first documented records for Pernambuco state. BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) Troglodytidae (Wrens) THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) [*] MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – Excellent views of this skulker a couple of times. LONG-BILLED WREN (Cantorchilus longirostris bahiae) HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) Donacobiidae (Donacobius) BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes) [*] PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus rufiventris) CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*] Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (TROPICAL) (Mimus gilvus antelius) – Not seen very well, but seen.... CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus) Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits) YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens) Parulidae (New World Warblers) TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) FLAVESCENT WARBLER (Basileuterus flaveolus) – Very satisfying views, with patience. Coerebidae (Bananaquit) BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) CINNAMON TANAGER (Schistochlamys ruficapillus) SCARLET-THROATED TANAGER (Compsothraupis loricata) – Whew, just one strong encounter, much appreciated

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 14 by all (not the least, your guides -- those birds came a looong ways!). HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops) CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum) BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor) – In NE Brazil, this one is only in mangroves. GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) RUFOUS-HEADED TANAGER (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) BRAZILIAN TANAGER (Ramphocelus bresilius) – Shockingly red every time we saw them! SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) AZURE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanoptera) PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) SEVEN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara fastuosa) – As mentioned in the intro -- fabulous views of a low, foraging pair near Murici. GREEN-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara seledon) RED-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanocephala) GILT-EDGED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoventris) BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana) OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (SILVER-BREASTED) (Tangara velia cyanomelas) – This subspecies, endemic to the northern Atlantic Forest, may soon be split. BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) GREEN-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator similis) BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) BLACK-THROATED GROSBEAK (Saltator fuliginosus) – A good view at Boa Nova (a welcome catch-up bird for Tom after I'd managed to miss showing it to him well on a previous SE Brazil tour). Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER (Sporophila plumbea) LINED SEEDEATER (Sporophila lineola) YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) WHITE-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila albogularis) WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera) SOOTY GRASSQUIT (Tiaris fuliginosus) STRIPE-TAILED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis citrina) – Not easy this dry year, but we managed a good view of two battling males in the scopes. SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris) WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola) PALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra longicauda) – Very quiet this year, but a few ended up cooperating nicely. RED-COWLED CARDINAL (Paroaria dominicana) – A welcome amigo at many stops along the route. PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus) PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus) SAO FRANCISCO SPARROW (Arremon franciscanus) – YESS, in exactly the same place we'd found for it in 2010, grrrreat views! This is a very local endemic of the Sao Francisco region, here at the northernmost point in its

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 15 distribution I think; a close relative of Saffron-billed Sparrow. GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND) (Piranga flava flava) – Far away, but they looked good in the scopes (great lighting helped a lot). RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK (Caryothraustes canadensis) ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa brissonii) Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella superciliaris) CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi) CHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus ruficapillus) BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (PALE) (Agelaioides badius fringillarius) SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) CAMPO TROUPIAL (Icterus jamacaii) – A frequent sight acoss the drier areas of the route. RED-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus haemorrhous) YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea) ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) CHESTNUT-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia pectoralis) YELLOW-FACED SISKIN (Spinus yarrellii) – Just squeaked it out, but we came away with good scope views of this scarce NE endemic. Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies) COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)

MAMMALS BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BAT (Tadarida brasiliensis) TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus) TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET (Callithrix jacchus geoffroyi) – The more southerly, white-faced form seen well at Boa Nova. MASKED TITI MONKEY (Callicebus personatus) [*] CAVY SP. (Galea/Cavia sp.) ROCK CAVY (Kerodon rupestris) – A stellar spot by Bob led to fun scope views of this large (marmot-sized) guinea-pig relative endemic to the serras of Bahia and Minas Gerais.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Among the many other interesting creatures encountered along the way were the huge "White Witch" moth (Thysania agripinna) on our first day; the female pepsis wasp dragging her spider prey (a small tarantula she had paralyzed with stings) at Boa Nova; the huge tarantula with orange knees at Murici (no, thank goodness, we didn't run over it, but almost!); lots of fancy butterflies (several Philaethria dido and that electric-blue Myscelia sp. were among the standouts); and let's not forget the many fascinating varieties of bromeliads and cactus we saw and photographed -- memorable groups

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 16 of cactus, some of which are endemic to NE Brazil, included the small "barrel-type" ones with prominent cephalia (genus Melocactus, not Notocactus as I erroneously told you in the field), the "organ-pipe" forms (mostly genus Pilosocereus), and the many "prickly-pear" types (mostly genus Opuntia).

Totals for the tour: 420 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 17