UNDISCOVERED EASTERN : BIRDING SECRETS OF THE WHITE SANDS OF INIRIDA

JANUARY 4–11, 2020

Orinoco Softtail © Steve Hilty

LEADERS: STEVE HILTY, LUIS EDUARDO URUEÑA & CAMILO ORJUELA LIST COMPILED BY: STEVE HILTY

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

UNDISCOVERED EASTERN COLOMBIA: BIRDING SECRETS OF THE WHITE SANDS OF INIRIDA

JANUARY 4–11, 2020

By Steve Hilty

Cerros de Mavecure, Río Inírida, Colombia. Photo: S. Hilty

The Pto. Inírida region in far northeastern Colombia has, until recently, been largely ignored by professional ornithologists and the birding community. The birding community, however, has gradually begun to discover this region, with Colombian birding and natural history companies now offering trips here. This was VENT’s second trip to this area (our first was in 2019), and it proved, once again, to be a fascinating area.

Pto. Inírida is best known for the phenomenal Cerros de Mavecure, three smoothly-rounded, dome-shaped, quartzite mountains that seem to rise magically out of the flat lowland forests that surround them. These cerros are huge and black and stunning. Midday they’re also hot, and so are numerous rock outcrops that dot the surrounding region. Adventure seekers come to climb one or more of these cerros. We came for the and the experience of simply seeing this remarkable area.

There is a sleepy little Amerindian village at the base of these cerros. Some 42 years ago a friend and I stayed here for four days, until we ran out of food and caught a ride back down to Pto. Inirida. It was an all-day trip in a dugout canoe and peki-peki motor then. Now it is barely an hour and a half by fast boat. The village has changed a little, although still quite recognizable. There were only a few thatched roof and clapboard buildings in 1978. Now several buildings have metal roofs (a questionable improvement), and there is a cell tower, hospital, covered sports facility, and concrete dock. Just as long ago, there were few people around during the day, and certainly no venders or hawkers, no tourists, and no cheap souvenirs for sale.

We didn’t come to climb one of the imposing cerros, but we did come for the chance of seeing some special cotingas. A short walk from the village took us onto a vast undulating black rock outcrop, weathered from eons of rainy seasons and simply radiating heat from the blackened color of the rocks on this sunny day. The forest surrounding this outcrop is tall. A few scattered dead trees hold interest for Pompadour Cotingas, perhaps because perched in the open or when

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 flying between them with twinkling white wings, they present a better spectacle to any drab female passing by. We saw several male Pompadour Cotingas here, and a male Spangled Cotinga as well. A pair of Bat Falcons also kept watch from a high bare stub. On the walk across the black rock outcrop we disturbed a Blackish Nightjar whose dusky mottled plumage perfectly matched the rocks and scatter of dry wood around him. With a quick flurry of wings he darted off, only to settle quickly a short distance away. Disturbed by our passing, he sat alert, bobbing his head and staring at us with what was almost certainly could have been a face of annoyance.

However, the real draw for birders to the Inírida area may not be these magical (and sacred to the indigenous Amerindians) cerros. It is, in fact, the unique juxtaposition of Guianan, Amazonian, and grassland birds that occur in a mix of white sand soil forest, savannas, scrub, and river beaches with a variety of young successional vegetation ranging from grass to even-aged stands of Cecropia trees. There are also vast areas of seasonally flooded várzea forest, terra firme forest, and an array of dense sapling and bamboo scrub that almost defies penetration.

White sand soils, because of their nutrient-poor nature, strongly influence the type of vegetation capable of growing in these areas. Forests are scrubby, less luxuriant than in Amazonia, leaves are thick and leathery, and many areas are seasonally flooded. Most rivers are as black as strong tea, the result of tannins leached from leaves. A variety of unique microhabitats have evolved here as well—just the sorts of places where interesting and range-restricted birds occur. Among those we saw were Green-tailed Goldenthroat, Bronzy Jacamar, Piculet, Blackish-gray Antshrike, Yapacana Antbird, Orinoco Softtail, Pale-bellied Mourner, Black Manakin, Yellow- crowned Manakin, Capuchinbird (we only heard this one), Rose-breasted Chat, and Plumbeous Euphonia.

Other notables, mostly Amazonian in distribution, included Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, three species of macaws, Cream-colored and Scale-breasted woodpeckers, Chestnut-backed Antshrike (a recent discovery here), Imeri Warbling-Antbird, Yellow-crowned Elaenia, Wire-tailed Manakin, three species of oropendolas, and Velvet-fronted Grackles among others. And then there were quite an impressive number of Pink River Dolphins at the mouth of a small creek one evening.

For birders in particular there are other amenities as well—great food served family-style and instantly on our arrival, comfortable air-conditioned rooms, short commutes to birding areas, and a surprising diversity of habitats and birds. It doesn’t get much better…but it could be a little cooler. Humidity was relatively benign, but middays were hot.

Sunrise on Río Inírida, El Paujil trailhead. Photo: S. Hilty

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020

LOCATIONS: Caño Bonito just for an hour or so mid-day after our mid-morning arrival but surprisingly good Caño Culebra (white sand soil region 1 st p.m.) Sabanitas (Amerindian Village) savanna and forest in morning; road in afternoon Matraca Trail (várzea forest) in morning Caño Cunuben (creek entering Río Inírida) late afternoon an what a beautiful place El Paujil Trail (forest trail, mostly várzea, some terra firme at entrance) Ex-finca La Rompedi (now abandoned); north bank Río Guaviari; very hot; early succession vegetation) Remanso community [Cerro Mavecure (or also spelled Mavicure)] Caño Matraca (creek), west bank Río Inírida where we saw the dolphins Caño Vitina, savanna and scrub last morning; we never quite got to the creek

KEY: Red – Examples of white sandy soil species, mostly Guianan in distribution Blue - Boreal Migrants (few) Boldface - Rare, unusual or of interest for varying reasons *heard only sendero = trail caño = creek or small stream várzea = seasonally flooded forest terra firme forest = high ground forest (rather restricted in distribution here)

Evening birding on Caño Cunuben. Photo: S. Hilty

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BIRDS:

Tinamous, Tinamidae) *Cinereous Tinamou, Crypturellus cinereus, heard first afternoon (Caño Culebra *Little Tinamou, Crypturellus soui, heard Caño Culebra

Ducks, Geese & Waterfowl, Anatidae Muscovy Duck, Cairina moschata, 1 male flying along Río Inírida

Pigeons & Doves, Columbidae Pale-vented Pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis, mostly flying overhead various days Scaled Pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa, 3-4 in flight first afternoon Ruddy Pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea, heard frequently; seen at Matraca trail and El Paujil trail Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, Columbina m. minuta, Sabanitas; Remanso; race with narrow red eyering Ruddy Ground-Dove, Columbina talpacoti, ranch along Río Guaviari; Remanso

Cuckoos, Cuculidae Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani, a few (not numerous) Little Cuckoo, Coccycua minuta, 1 on Matraca trail Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana, several various areas

Nightjars & Allies, Caprimulgidae Least Nighthawk, Chordeiles pusillus , 12+ medium heights at dusk over savanna at Caño Culebra Common Nighthawk, Chordeiles minor, 2-3 over Río Inírida (flying quite high) Band-tailed Nighthawk, Nyctiprogne leucopyga, several low and fluttery over Caño Cunuben at dusk Blackish Nightjar, Nyctipolus nigrescens , one very close on black rocks at Remanso Common Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis, near our hotel in Pto. Inírida Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Hydropsalis climacocerca, 2 in beach and mud-flat scrub and grass; Río Guaviare

Potoos, Nyctibiidae Common Potoo, Nyctibius griseus, 1 heard and seen flying over Caño Cuneben at dusk

Swifts, Apodidae Short-tailed Swift, Chaetura brachyura, aerial over all areas Gray-rumped Swift, Chaetura cinereiventris, aerial over mostly forested areas Chaetura sp. almost certainly we saw one or more other species in this genus but field identification techniques are thus far inadequate to separate several of these “species” Fork-tailed Palm-Swift, Tachornis squammata, aerial over mostly open savanna areas with Moriche palms nearby

Hummingbirds, Trochilidae [Great-billed Hermit, Phaethornis malaris, hermits glimpsed in flight a couple times; probably this species] Black-eared Fairy, Heliothryx auritas, singles or 2s several times; Matraca and El Paujil forest canopy; partial nectar thief by puncturing holes at bases of flower corollas—what a cute thief!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Green-tailed Goldenthroat, Polytmus theresiae , various savanna areas; mainly Sabanitas Amethyst Woodstar, Calliphlox amethystine, 2 females at forest edge near Remanso village Versicolored Emerald, Amazilia versicolor 1st p.m. at Caño Culebra (at yellow flowering Vochysia tree) Glittering-throated Emerald, Amazilia fimbriata various forest edge areas

Rails, Gallinules & Coots, Rallidae *Russet-crowned Crake, Anurolimnas viridis, borrow-pit area along road to Caño Vitina last morning

Stilts, Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus, 1 along Río Guaviari beach

Plovers & Lapwings, Charadriidae Pied Lapwing, Vanellus cayanus, several on sand bars and sandy islands in rivers; a world-class beauty with those coral red legs and eyering Southern Lapwing, Vanellus chilensis, savannas and beaches along rivers Collared Plover, Charadrius collaris beach along Río Guaviare

Sandpipers & Allies, Scolopacidae Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularius, along rivers Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca, heard at various places; seen along Río Guaviare

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers, Laridae Yellow-billed Tern, Sternula superciliaris (a few seen along river sand bars) Large-billed Tern, Phaetusa simplex, numerous (by far commoner than above species) Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger, a few; sand bars

Storks, Ciconiidae Wood Stork, Mycteria americana 2 in flight over Río Guaviare

Anhingas, Anhingidae Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga. 1 soaring over Matraca forest

Cormorants & Shags, Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, rivers (small numbers; 1 group of ca. 10 was largest)

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns, Ardeidae Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Tigrisoma lineatum, Matraca forest (1 immature flushed); Caño Cunuben where we saw 3 including 1 subadult with barred neck but adult rearparts Cocoi Heron, Ardea cocoi, along rivers; at least 12-15 or more Great Egret, Ardea alba, along rivers; mostly scattered singles Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, also a few mostly in association with Great Egrets and Little Blue Herons Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea, 3-4; white immatures; residents Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, group in river-edge tree; 1 group of ca. 30; surprisingly scarce Striated Heron, Butorides striata, a dozen or more; singles flushing from pools, river edges etc. Capped Heron, Pilherodius pileatus, 1 on sandy beach (bit of an unusual site) at Cerros Mavecure

Ibises and Spoonbills, Threskiornithidae

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Green Ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis, Caño Cunuben Bare-faced Ibis, Phimosus infuscatus, scattered singles or groups up to 4 in several places Roseate Spoonbill, Platalea ajaja pair in flight along Río Guaviare; resident breeders although may wander widely with seasonal ebb and flow of water levels

New World Vultures, Cathartidae King Vulture, Sarcoramphus papa, 1 adult soaring majestically over forest at Remanso community Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus, near human-occupied areas and beaches; huge numbers around Pto. Inírida; not much over forest and if so confined to riverbanks Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, all were resident forms with white nape band Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, Cathartes melambrotus, a few over forest (probably more numerous than we noted because from inside forest looking up it is difficult to catch more than a glimpse)

Osprey, Pandionidae Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, common; 8-10 seen along rivers; some standing on sand bars; common year-round in but not known to breed; younger birds seem to spend an unknown number of years here before migrating north to breeding; adults here during boreal winter

Hawks, Eagles & Kites, Accipitridae Pearl Kite, Gampsonyx swainsoni, pair in open treetop in Sabanitas savanna Plumbeous Kite, Ictinia plumbea, 1 soaring over Remanso village Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus, subsp. unknown); northern breeders are passage migrants or present during boreal winter Hawk-Eagle sp., Spizaetus sp. 1 seen soaring high; seen by Andy; not identified to species Grey-headed Kite, Leptodon cayanensis, 1 a little distant in scope at Remanso village Black-collared Hawk, Busarellus nigricollis, 1 near Sabanitas; another at Caño Cunuben Savanna Hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis, near Caño Culebra; 1 last morning near Caño Vitina Roadside Hawk, Rupornis magnirostris, daily Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo brachyurus, 1 immature soaring over Remanso village; rather odd plumage with irregular necklace of dark marking on sides of chest; originally identified as juvenile Short-tailed Hawk but after review of photos I believe it was a Broad-winged. White-tailed Hawk, Geranoaetus albicaudatus, 1 in flight over savanna along the Caño Vitina road

Owls, Strigidae Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium brasilianum, heard and also seen twice (once briefly; and the second time fairly close along Caño Matraca in last evening

Trogons, Trogonidae Black-tailed Trogon, Trogon melanurus, female at Matraca trail; male along El Paujil trail Green-backed Trogon, Trogon viridis, first day before lunch at Caño Bonita (east of Pto. Inírida); also Sabanitas

Kingfishers, Alcedinidae Ringed Kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata, THE common kingfisher here; several daily Amazon Kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona, a few along creeks but not numerous American Pygmy Kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea, 2 last morning; borrow-pits near Caño Vitina

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Puffbirds, Bucconidae Spotted Puffbird, Bucco tamatia , 1 seen first p.m. Caño Culebra Pied Puffbird, Notharchus tectus, 1 spotted by Camilo during our evening Caño Cunuben boat trip Black-fronted Nunbird, Monasa nigrifrons, forest areas; serenading pairs or groups at dusk Swallow-winged Puffbird, Chelidoptera tenebrosa, common in open savanna areas

Black-tailed Trogon. Photo: S. Hilty

Jacamars, Galbulidae Green-tailed Jacamar, Galbula galbula , Sendero Matraca Bronzy Jacamar, Galbula leucogastra , Caño Culebra; forest edge near Caño Vitina last a.m. (very close) Paradise Jacamar, Galbula dea, Sabanitas

New World Barbets, CAPITONIDAE Gilded Barbet, Capito auratus, several forested areas; low-pitched frog-like call

Toucans, Ramphastidae

Ivory-billed Araçari, Pteroglossus azarae, 2 Bronzy Jacamar. Photo: S. Hilty (apparently seen only by a couple people) *White-throated Toucan, Ramphastos tucanus, heard at El Paujil forest; 1 (probably this) seen as distant silhouette

Woodpeckers, Picidae Orinoco Piculet, Picumnus pumilus , Matraca trail; good study; forest mid-levels; no barring on upperparts Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus, Sabanitas and several other sites Scale-breasted Woodpecker, Celeus grammicus, Sabanitas (close study; early a.m.) Cream-colored Woodpecker, Celeus flavus, várzea forest near head of Matraca trail (group of 3- 4); also El Paujil trail Chestnut Woodpecker, Celeus elegans, 1 low near edge of terra firme (El Paujil trail) seen by Andy *Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Piculus flavigula, heard by Luis and Camilo (unresponsive to playback)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucus, Sabanitas (afternoon; distant male); Matraca (in flight)

Falcons & Caracaras, Falconidae Black Caracara, Daptrius ater, common; singles, twos and threes mostly along rivers Crested Caracara, Caracara cheriway, more inland on savannas; open areas Yellow-headed Caracara, Milvago chimachima, 3 at mouth of Caño Matraca Bat Falcon, Falco rufigularis, pair on high stub at forest edge near Remanso village

New World and African Parrots, Psittacidae Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, Touit huetii, small group distantly at Sabanitas; also a second group heard (not seen) in far distance last morning; scarce Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera, almost daily but in small numbers *Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Pyrrhura melanura, heard as flushed (I think it was El Paujil) but not seen Orange-cheeked Parrot, Pyrilia barrabandi, outstanding scope views of this gorgeous creature; Matraca trail Blue-headed Parrot, Pionus menstruus, daily but mainly pairs or a few groups of 4 Mealy Parrot, Amazona farinose, heard and seen in flight; mostly a pairs\ or two at dawn Orange-winged Parrot, Amazona amazonica, more numerous than Mealy Parrot; also more vocal Black-headed Parrot, Pionites melanocephalus, pair (or 3?) in Sabanitas forest; great scope views! Brown-throated Parakeet, Eupsittula pertinax, pair flushed at dawn last morning on road to Caño Vitina Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Ara ararauna , a few pairs seen the first 3 or 4 mornings Scarlet Macaw, Ara macao, also mainly pairs (no large groups) but seen daily Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Ara severus, commonest macaw; 10-20 daily in scattered pairs; all areas

Typical Antbirds, Thamnophilidae Fasciated Antshrike, Cymbilaimus lineatus, 1 seen over army ant swarm; another heard also on El Paujil trail Great Antshrike, Taraba major, pair seen along Matraca trail; hear El Paujil trail Black-crested Antshrike, Sakesphorus canadensis, female near Matraca trail entrance; pair at El Paujil trail entrance Mouse-colored Antbird Thamnophilus murinas, pair along El Paujil trail; one bird feeding fledged juv.; single later Barred Antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus, male along Caño Vitina road last morning Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Thamnophilus palliates, originally found c. 2007 in Vichada; then again in 2016 near Pto. Inírida where written up as: A Mysterious Antshrike in Eastern Colombia . Neotropical Birding 20: 21-24, by Pablo Florez. Now, based on molecular evidence, it seems to be an isolated population of Chestnut-backed Antshrike Thamnophilus palliates (fide Andrés Cuervo) and not a new species; previously known from , and . Apparently also closely related to Lined Antshrike. We saw a male on north bank of Río Guaviare. Blackish-gray Antshrike, Thamnophilus nigrocinereus, Matraca trail (pair); also El Paujil trail Amazonian Antshrike, Thamnophilus amazonicus, white sand soil scrub at Caño Culebra Plain Antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis, 1 male on El Paujil trail Cinereous Antshrike, Thamnomanes caesius, male with understory flock along El Paujil trail Pygmy Antwren, Myrmotherula brachyura, seen along El Paujil trail (fairly high; white throat)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 *Cherrie's Antwren, Myrmotherula cherriei, unfortunately only heard; last morning (white sand scrub) Amazonian Streaked-Antwren, Myrmotherula multostriata, male along Matraca trail White-flanked Antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris, pairs at Matraca and El Paujil trail Gray Antwren, Myrmotherula menetriesii, heard; also seen by some in mixed species flock along El Paujíl trail Spot-backed Antwren, Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus, seen rather well (for this canopy-dweller) at Sabanitas; heard at Matraca Imeri Warbling-Antbird, Hypocnemis flavescens , seen along El Paujíl trail; also heard there *Gray Antbird, Cercomacra cinerascens heard near army ant swarm; likes vines in canopy (not seen) Dusky Antbird, Cercomacra tyrannina, pair and later a female on El Paujíl trail (not the best- looking antbird) White-browed Antbird, Myrmoborus leucophrys, heard Matraca; seen well over army ant swarm at El Paujíl trail Black-chinned Antbird, Hypocnemoides melanopogon, Sabanitas; also El Paujíl trail (stays low; usually near water) Silvered Antbird, Sclateria naevia, pairs seen by bridge over Caño Bonita 1 st day (seen only by SH; LEU and Stan); heard along creek at dawn at Sabanitas Yapacana Antbird, Aprositornis disjuncta , great views of one in dense scrubby seasonally water- logged forest well off the Caño Vitina road; a rarely-seen bird; extreme range-restriction; congratulate yourself on seeing this one! Spot-backed Antbird, Hylophylax naevius, seen over the army ant swarm and also near there; El Paujíl trail Dot-backed Antbird, Hylophylax punctulatus, male at Matraca trail; female near and over army ant swarm on El Paujíl trail; recalls commoner previous species but only two-note song

Antpittas, Grallariidae Spotted Antpitta Hylopezus macularius , along El Paujíl trail; heard and eventually seen quite well by almost everyone; rare in Colombia with few records to date; congratulate yourselves on this one too!

Ovenbirds & Woodcreepers , Furnariidae Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa, at least 3-4 over army ants

Dot-backed Antbird. Photo: S. Hilty (Echiton burchelli ) swarm on El Paujíl trail Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus, Sabanitas forest; El Paujíl trail; low in forest Long-billed Woodcreeper, Nasica longirostris. 1 seen near head of Matraca forest Black-banded Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus picumnus, at least 2 at army ant swarm; great chance to observe these really big woodcreepers Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Denddrexetastes rufigula, Caño Cunuben; 1 seen well Striped Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus obsoletus, along Caño Bonito the first day (mid-day) where it was low; in Amazonia this species is almost always found low in swampy areas or along creeks but here in this white sand area we also saw this species rather high up in várzea forest on the Matraca trail, the El Paujil trail as well as high in seasonally flooded várzea forest near

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Sabinitas. Several of these sightings high in the forest were not definitely identified at the time but were easily confirmed when I reviewed photos. Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus, El Paujíl trail where at least 2 were over the big army ant swarm; also seen low in forest and away from ants on El Paujíl trail Rufous-tailed Xenops, Microxenops milleri, El Paujíl trail; seen well and relatively low (for this species) with mixed species flock; no definite white malar; streaked underparts Plain Xenops, Xenops minutas 1 fairly high; photo documentation by Ellen Stepniewski *Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner, Philydor pyrrhodes, heard a couple times; difficult bird that we did not see; Caño Culebra; El Paujíl Trail Orinoco Softtail, Thripophaga cherriei, 2 Black-banded Woodcreeper. Photo: S. Hilty pairs in vines in várzea with bamboo; extremely range-restricted; gets my vote for one of top birds of trip

Rusty-backed Spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpine, pair seen (numerous others heard) along Caño Matraca in late p.m. Speckled Spinetail, Cranioleuca gutturata, both Matraca and El Paujíl trail; várzea forest treefall edge; fairly high Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Crainoleuca cinnamomeus, Río Guaviare beach vegetation

Tyrant Flycatchers, Tyrannidae Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus, mostly heard; seen flaring crest (seldom does this) at El Paujíl trail Yellow-crowned Elaenia, Myiopagis flavivertex , fairly common (by voice)

Orinoco Softtail. Photo: S. Hilty although there were very few records for Colombia until recently; usually low in swampy or várzea forest but 1 seen and heard fairly high up; again behavior somewhat different from in Amazonia (“ecological release” in absence of competitors?) Plain-crested Elaenia, Elaenia cristata, typical of scrubby areas in sandy soil; Remanso village; several last morning Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Elaenia ruficeps, 1 seen well (and photographed) last morning; Caño Vitinia road Slender-footed Tyrannulet, Zimmerius gracilipes, often heard in forested areas; seen best on El Paujíl trail Amazonian Tyrannulet, Sublegatus obscurior , pair very response near head of El Paujíl trail (cute; “wears spectacles”); more Guianan than Amazonian in distribution

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Lophotriccus galeatus, largely a white sand soil bird; 1 along El Paujíl trail *Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia, heard along El Paujíl trail (when Indigenous Policia surrounded us); we never saw it Common Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum, 1 seen last morning Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens, El Paujíl trail (at big clearing in early morning) Gray-crowned Flycatcher, Tolmomyias poliocephalus, apparently 1 the first morning seen by the “Capuchinbird” party but this bird nearly always very high; I think vocalizations were not heard making this identification problematic Cliff Flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea, pair very high up on one of the cerros near Remanso Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Myiobiusbarbatus (formerly sulphureipygius but now usually split from western birds) ; this “fantail” was seen repeatedly near army ant swarm along El Paujíl trail Euler's Flycatcher, Lathrotriccus euleri, this plain little bird heard and seen along El Paujíl trail (neither visually or vocally very memorable) Drab Water Tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis, muddy riverbanks Rufous-headed Flatbill, Ramphotrigon ruficauda, 1 in Sabanitas forest; great views Cinnamon , Attila cinnamomeus, 1 seen nicely in scopes near the village at Sabanitas Citron-bellied Attila, Attila citriniventris, seen well inside forest at Sabanitas *Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus, possibly heard at El Paujíl trail (on the list but not sure I recall hearing this one) Grayish Mourner, Rhytipterna simplex, 1 vocalizing in vicinity of mixed spp. flock on El Paujíl trail; seen quite high up in forest Pale-bellied Mourner, Rhytipterna immunda , 1 in scope repeatedly; never seems very numerous; this one in open scrubby area and along forest edge along the Sabanitas road Short-crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox, Sabanitas (heard); seen in Cecropia along Río Guaviare; also last morning Lesser Kiskadee, Pitangus lector, common along Caño Cunuben; stream mouth at El Paujíl trail Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, mostly in Pto. Inírida Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis, Remanso; north bank of Río Guaviari (overall not very common) Piratic Flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius, several at Sabanitas; also daily at our hotel Sulphury Flycatcher, Tyrannopsis sulphurea, 1 near Sabanitas village; usually near Moriche palms where it nests Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus, daily

Cotingas, Cotingidae *Capuchinbird, Perissocephalus tricolor , unfortunately only heard (unresponsive) Spangled Cotinga, Cotinga cayana, Sabanitas; near Matraca; perched in scope near Remanso village Screaming Piha, Lipaugus vociferans, 1 seen super close (and loud) in forest near Sabanitas Pompadour Cotinga, Xipholena punicea , at least 3-4 males and a female at Remanso; also a female perched up in late afternoon near Sabanitas Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Gymnoderus foetidus, several seen in flight at various times; Sabanitas; El Paujíl tail head

Manakins, Pipridae Black Manakin, Xenopipo atronitens , several 1 st p.m. near Caño Culebra

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Yellow-crowned Manakin, Heterocercus flavivertex, beautiful male just inside scrub/sapling- filled forest at Sabanitas Wire-tailed Manakin , Pipra filicauda, 2 (male and female) Matraca trail; male close El Paujíl trail

White-crowned Manakin, Dixiphia pipra, 1 male briefly at Sabanitas (not seen by everyone) Golden-headed Manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala, unfortunately only 1 female seen; El Paujíl trail

Tityras & Allies, Tityridae Black-tailed Tityra, Tityra cayana, daily (pairs or 3s) Varzea (Greater) Schiffornis, Schiffornis

Wire-tailed Manakin. El Paujil trail. Photo: S. Hilty major, heard at Matraca; seen extremely well at head of El Paujíl trail White-browed Purpletuft, Iodopleura isabellae, Wow! Male spreading purple flanks like a fan on each side of body (I’ve not seen this previously but clearly an agnostic display in response to potential competitor) Remanso; a highlight for me; also 1 seen very distantly the 1 st day at noon at Caño Bonita but this on flew before it could be seen by most of group

White-browed Purpletuft. Photo: S. Hilty

Vireos, Shrike-Babblers & Erpornis, Vireonidae Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis, one on north bank of Río Guaviare *[Brown-headed Greenlet, Hylophilus brunneiceps, 1 seen by Camilo but no response from it; Sabanitas in p.m. *Lemon-chested Greenlet, Hylophilus thoracicus, heard along El Paujíl trail in two places; very high

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020

Crows, Jays & Magpies, Corvidae *Violaceous Jay, Cyanocorax violaceus, heard several around Sabanitas village in early a.m.

Swallows, Hirundinidae Black-collared Swallow, Pygochelidon melanoleuca , river at Cerros Mavecure White-banded Swallow, Atticora fasciata, Caño Cunuben and Cerro Mavecure (like reverse black-and-white image of previous species Southern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, abundant over savanna at Sabanitas; scattered birds elsewhere Brown-chested Martin, Progne tapera, pair patrolling section of beach along Río Guaviare; resident tapera subsp. Gray-breasted Martin, Progne chalybea, Pto. Inírida airport and town; nesting at airport White-winged Swallow, Tachycineta albiventer, rivers and creeks

Wrens, Troglodytidae House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, Pto. Inírida and around most indigenous villages Coraya Wren, Pheugopedius coraya, pair last morning in thicket around borrow-pit Thrush-like Wren, Campylorhynchus turdinus, pair Caño Cunuben; song is one of THE characteristic sounds of Amazonia especially around villages Buff-breasted Wren, Cantorchilus leucotis, abundant in a few localities e.g. Matraca trail; El Paujíl trail

Gnatcatchers, Polioptilidae Tropical Gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea, Sabanitas; El Paujíl trail; also last morning

Donacobius, Donacobiidae Black-capped Donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla, pair on north bank of Río Guaviare

Thrushes & Allies, Turdidae Black-billed Thrush, Turdus ignobilis debilis, 1 distantly in scope by SH last morning along Caño Vitinia road

Mockingbirds & Thrashers, Mimidae Tropical Mockingbird, Mimus gilvus, near Pto. Inírida; savanna scrub last morning; a mockingbird that doesn’t” mimic (actually only the Northern Mockingbird mimics)

Wagtails & Pipits Yellowish Pipit, Anthus lutescens, great scope views and of bird high overhead in undulating flight; actually a trip highlight (for some)

Finches, Euphonias & Allies, Fringillidae Plumbeous Euphonia, Euphonia plumbea , several places but male seen best at Caño Bonita first day Golden-bellied Euphonia (White-lored Euphonia), Euphonia chrysopasta, Matraca; also near Cerros Mavecure; probably elsewhere

New World Sparrows, Passerellidae Yellow-browed Sparrow, Ammodramus humeralis, beach cane grass ( Gynerium sp.) along Río Guaviare

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Rufous-collared Sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis roraimae, savanna scrub near Caño Culebra 1 st p.m.; this race also present locally in eastern lowlands; elsewhere this species occurs mainly in highlands

Troupials & Allies, Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna, savanna last morning; a resident population; also in Andes Green Oropendola, Psarocolius viridis , one bird flying over some rock outcrop at near Remanso village Crested Oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus, common and widespread Olive (Amazonian) Oropendola, Psarocolius bifasciatus , male displaying 1 st day at noon; displaying bird was close and performance spectacular Yellow-rumped Cacique, Cacicus cela, several groups computing to and from nest sites, roosts etc.; many areas Giant Cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus, various areas; in flight; also along sand bar edges along major rivers Velvet-fronted Grackle, Lampropsar tanagrinus, at least three little flocks of 2- 6 respectively; Matraca trail; El Paujil trail; basically an Amazonian species

New World Warblers, Parulidae Yellow Warbler, Setophaga petechia, 1 female in Cecropia trees along north bank of Río Guaviare Blackpoll Warbler, Setophaga striata , several in forest canopy

Cardinals & Allies, Cardinalidae Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra , 1 male along road to Sabanitas Rose-breasted Chat, Granatellus pelzelni, 1 female; then a male that perched high but completely in the open for several minutes providing a rare opportunity to study with beautiful bird (and take some photos too!) Tanagers & Allies, Thraupidae Masked Cardinal, Paroaria nigrogenis, only 1 (briefly) along Caño Cunuben; note this is a split from Red-capped Cardinal, a species found further south in Amazonia; not all checklists split this form out yet Black-faced Tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis, Remanso village; last morning when a pair seen by everyone Hooded Tanager, Nemosia pileata, north bank Rose-breasted Chat very high in forest. Photo: S. Hilty of Río Guaviari Gray-headed Tanager, Eucometis penicillata, Matraca trail (3); perhaps a dozen over big army ant swarm along El Paujil trail Red-shouldered Tanager, Tachyphonus phoenicius , Caño Culebra; Remanso village scrub; also last morning along road Silver-beaked Tanager, Ramphocelus carbo, a few here and there in forest borders or clearing edges Blue-gray Tanager, Thraupis episcopus, daily Palm Tanager, Thraupis palmarum, daily Burnished-buff Tanager, Tangara cayana, a couple including one the last morning Masked Tanager, Tangara nigrocincta , 1 seen by Camilo and SH and Stan at Caño Bonita first mid-day

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020 Turquoise Tanager, Tangara mexicana, Matraca trail (pair fairly high up) Blue Dacnis, Dacnis cayana last morning Purple Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus, 1 male in Sabanitas forest (seen by everyone?) Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis, seen well (at least by some people) along Matraca trail (big clearing); also El Paujil trail Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch, Sicalis columbiana , some females hopping on street at port in Pto. Inírida; also seen along Río Guaviare by some (I think?); mainly a bird of llanos Blue-black Grassquit, Volatinia jacarina, Sabanitas (several) also along Río Guaviare Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Sporophila castaneiventris, briefly (by Luis and maybe 1 or 2 people) in grass on north bank of Río Guaviare Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch, Sporophila angolensis, Sabanitas; this was formerly known as Lesser Seed-Finch when lumped with all black birds of the Pacific region of Colombia), Gray Seedeater, Sporophila intermedia, north bank of Guaviare Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis, 1 male in grass on north bank of Río Guaviare *White-naped Seedeater, Sporophila fringilloides , Luis and Camilo and a few people heard one distantly but we got no playback response. Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola, only a few Slate-colored Grosbeak, Saltator (formerly Pitylus ) grossus, Matraca forest trail (Wow! That pink bill!)

MAMMALS: Inioidea Pink River Dolphin, Inia geoffrensis (probably humboldtiana ); a lovely thirty minutes or more with these wonderful and blind creatures who are the subject of many Amazonian fables among Amerindian communities; generally revered by most Amerindian groups and not hunted; Gray River Dolphin (Boto) does not occur in Orinoco river drainage

New World Monkeys, Cebidae Yellow-handed Titi Monkey, Callicebus sp., one group by hotel; once also along trails

The "white sand soil.” Photo: S. Hilty

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Undiscovered Eastern Colombia, 2020