AMAZON RIVER CRUISE A BIRDING & NATURAL HISTORY ODYSSEY ABOARD ZAFIRO [LIMA LIST INCLUDED AT END] JANUARY 23–FEBRUARY 2, 2020

A special departure for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Chairman’s Council

Sungrebe. Heliornis fulica. Photo: David Ascanio.

Hosted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology staff: John Fitzpatrick, Molly Fitzpatrick & Bramble Klipple

VENT Leaders: David Ascanio & Steve Hilty List Compiled by: David Ascanio

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

AMAZON RIVER CRUISE A BIRDING AND NATURAL HISTORY ODYSSEY January 23–February 2, 2020 By David Ascanio

Photo album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidascanio/albums/72157713259326698

Put together great cloud formations, impenetrable , macaws and in flight, primates, huge rivers, , pink dolphins, , an amazing number of raptors, golden sunsets, and wonderful bird migrations, and you’ll have a comprehensive picture of the Amazon. Then, add to that picture a never-ending mix of cultures, from Amerindian to African and European, and you will be able to describe what we experienced during our Amazon Cruise.

Dusky-headed Parakeet. Aratinga weddellii. Photo: D. Ascanio.

In six days of birding, we explored three rivers and several tributaries. We also visited channels connecting two parts of a given river, sedimentary river islands in different stages, and oxbow lakes. By visiting each of these habitats we gained an understanding of the importance of microhabitats in the survival of the rich avian diversity of the Amazon. On some days we pulled the skiffs into the flooded forest to discover ferns, bromeliads, and colonies seemingly hanging from the tree branches, resembling a chandelier in an enormous cathedral. On other occasions we explored an oxbow lake with floating vegetation, where jacanas and waterbirds lived. Many mornings found us exploring the edge of the flooded forest, and among toucans, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020 aracaris, tanagers, tyrant-flycatchers, and barbets, we accumulated an impressive list of . Other less productive but highly specialized habitats included the sedimentary river islands and the flooded palm stands, and we saw several of the target associated with each one.

I am sharing a short paragraph about each of the locations we visited, and I hope that this will remind you of our special experiences during this cruise!

Paradise . Tangara chilensis. Photo: D. Ascanio.

TAHUAYO, where the greenlets rock. Our first Amazon field trip found us on a small river where the vocal Gray-chested Greenlet was observed. As the day opened, the richness of the Amazonian birdlife showed up, allowing views of Mealy and Red-bellied Macaw in flight, Yellow-headed Caracara and Oriole Blackbird in the river mouth, and a pair of Black-capped Donacobius displaying and thus, performing their distinctive choreography. Many of us admired the unique Varzea’s and reported superb views of the little-known Black-tailed , a bird found only in black water rivers in the Amazon.

LUCERO PATA: the high five location! On the first afternoon we attended a lecture by John Fitzpatrick, who gave us important information about the Amazon River and complemented it with an overview of recent bird taxonomic studies. Later, we boarded the skiffs to visit an oxbow lake. As we entered the channel, we heard and enjoyed superb views of a Parker’s Spinetail. Also, the less easy and shy White-bellied Spinetail was calling and was observed by some of us. In the partly flooded swamp forest, we added the always secretive Castelnau’s Antshrike and enjoyed views of a Green flying-by with a small fish in its bill. Once in the cocha (oxbow lake), we added the rarely seen Yellow-chinned Spinetail and the absolutely gorgeous Red-and-white Spinetail. We also nailed Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Orange-headed Tanager, and a conebill (I

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020 could not get a long enough view to confirm the species). Upon returning to the ship, we spent time again with the Parker’s Spinetail and got a bonus: a Dark-breasted Spinetail. Altogether, today we had seen five spinetails, and we gave each other a high five for reaching such a goal! On the ride back to the ship we were surrounded by a great Amazon sunset, with pink clouds and golden colors reflected in the river.

Spot-breasted . Colaptes punctigula. Photo: D. Ascanio.

YARAPA: sungrebe, primates, and macaws. This river is part of a communal protected area, and the fact that they do not allow hunting was reflected in the enormous list of birds seen in the morning! We enjoyed views of several birds, from the common and widespread to the shy Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. Given the bird richness, some of us remained at the river mouth and had an incredible experience with a Sungrebe singing from behind the skiff. Other skiffs reported various species of , primates (including the Pygmy Marmoset, the smallest primate in the world!), macaws, parakeets, and . All in all, it was a morning packed with oropendolas, blackbirds, tanagers, euphonias, swallows, tyrant-flycatchers, trogons, and a few birds of prey.

SAPUENILLA: two cotingas, at once! This afternoon outing focused on a narrow channel edged by spiny palms (probably in the Bactris) and floodable forest. Bird activity was quite slow, although we observed a few euphonias and tyrant-flycatchers. But the dormant forest had a surprise for us, as we were treated with not one but two astonishing species, the Plum-throated and the Purple-throated cotingas! One male of each species sat on bare branches of the same tree and showed off their plumage as if they were having a high-end fashion contest. In all my years guiding this cruise, I have experienced this only once before. We all sat comfortably in our skiffs and enjoyed the show for several minutes, and as the light started dimming, we closed the parade of special birds with a pair of Lesser Kiskadees calling at eye level and giving their distinctive call notes: squeeze me, baby!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

YANALLPA: 10+ raptors, woodcreepers, and tanagers. Today we visited one of the most pristine tributaries of the Ucayali, and that is the reason why we saw so many good raptors, including a migration of Swallow-tailed Kites as well as Ornate and Black hawk-eagles. There were also a Double-toothed Kite, a Hook-billed Kite, and a Crane Hawk. In addition, we observed the patchily distributed Black-crested Antshrike, as well as canopy feeding flocks containing dacnises, tanagers, and honeycreepers. We returned to the ship for lunch after we had collected an impressive list of birds.

Hoatzin. Opisthocomus hoazin. Photo: D. Ascanio.

YURACOCHA: Hoatzin: primitive, odd, stinky, and altogether fascinating! Although our main goal of this afternoon outing was to see the amazing Hoatzin (and we got superb views), we were astonished to experience a stream of birds flying to their roosting grounds, maybe to the Gynerium canes of a river island, and such continuous flow included 6,000+ Eastern Kingbirds, hundreds of Yellow-rumped Caciques, a Crested Oropendola (or two), and dozens of Russet-backed Oropendolas. There were also dozens of Barn and possibly Bank swallows. As we were delighting in counting birds, we were enchanted by the quietness of the peaceful afternoon, with jacanas flapping their yellow wings, a Horned Screamer taking-off in the distance, and another pink, orange, and golden Amazonian sunset.

ZAPOTE: Spectacled Owl, little-known birds, primates, and tropical fishes. Another clear-sky morning found us in the mouth of this wonderful channel where we were impressed by an encounter with the superb, beautiful Spectacled Owl in daytime! We also came across loose feeding flocks containing Paradise Tanager, Green-and-gold Tanager, Yellow- bellied Dacnis, and the little-known Slender-billed Xenops. We also had the opportunity to observe the Orange-eyed Flycatcher, one that is rarely seen. Zapote was also a good location to see Squirrel Monkeys, Saddleback Tamarins, and a Monk Saki Monkey. On the way back to the ship we were called by a local fisherman who had found a drowned Anaconda in his gill net, and this gave us the opportunity to learn about tropical fishes in the Amazon.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Blue-crowned Trogon. Trogon curucui. Photo: D. Ascanio.

DORADO: Tanagers, primates, and Wattled Curassow! We are so lucky to continue seeing another clear sky day! Dorado has been a key area during previous cruises because of the number of large raptors and other rare birds that we have seen here, and this day was no exception. As soon as we started exploring the forest, it was clear to us that it was going to be a great afternoon. Several psittacids filled the afternoon skies, including Blue-headed, Short-tailed, and Festive parrots. We also saw several Blue-and-yellow Macaws (about a dozen!) and Plum-throated Cotinga; and, by the end of the afternoon, members in one skiff got to see the crown jewel, a Wattled Curassow! A short night outing was very productive with views of Boat-billed Heron, Great Potoo, Tropical Screech-Owl (flash views), and Ladder- tailed Nightjar.

YARAPA: Greater Ani migration and Amazonian Motmot. Our last morning on the Ucayali River gave us the chance to enjoy a wonderful dawn chorus, as if members of an impressive orchestra were rehearsing prior to a concert. There were macaws giving their scratchy calls, nunbirds calling-out from an exposed branch, and antbirds being noticed by their distinctive voices from inside the forest. As the day warmed up, we started seeing a myriad of species that included more views of the Long-billed , 4 species of woodpeckers, the noisy Red-throated Caracara, 300+ White-winged Parakeets, and close

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020 views of the amazing Paradise Tanager and the equally well-dressed Green-and-gold Tanager. After the midmorning break, we visited a community, and apart from an unforgettable cultural experience, we also admired the beauty of the Amazon Waterlily and a family of Night Monkeys. Close to lunchtime we returned to the ship and started our way downstream. Bidding farewell to the Ucayali River, we headed towards the second most important tributary of the Amazon in , the Marañon River.

Zimmer’s Woodcreeper. Dendroplex kienerii. Photo: D. Ascanio.

IQUITOS CREEK: Horneros nesting and the always attractive Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Our field trip on the Marañon River found us exploring the north bank, in a “creek” that dries- out during the low water season, thus we call this a seasonally flooded forest. We explored a meandering river and found various Pale-legged Horneros building their distinctive nests, a loose migration of Greater Anis, and a Great Potoo roosting in daytime. Also, we explored flowering vines and added Blue-tailed Emerald and Golden-tailed Sapphire to our day list. Among kiskadees, parrots, antwrens, and caciques, we enjoyed another great Amazonian sunset, filled with orange and golden colors and a blue sky in the background.

Yanayacu de Pucate: This morning field trip turned out to be one of the most pristine locations on the entire cruise. In a few hours of birding we reported Black tailed, Amazonian, and Blue- crowned trogons, as well as all five species of , jacamars, barbets, toucans, antshrikes and antwrens, fruitcrows, tityras, wrens, oropendolas, tanagers, and 8 species of birds of prey. We saw a mixed species flock and spent a great deal of time trying to see some of the flock attendants. Upon returning to the ship, everyone agreed that it was another magical site, one that matched in beauty and richness the locations visited on the Ucayali River.

Back to the Amazon River: Point-tailed Palmcreeper!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

It was time to start heading back to Iquitos. After lunchtime we celebrated the passing of the very beginning of the Amazon River at the junction of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers. Later, we enjoyed a superb lecture by Fitz highlighting the achievements of the Lab of Ornithology and the future ahead. It was exciting to learn about the enormous contribution of the CLO to global bird conservation and to understand how it has become the leading bird institution in the world.

Amazon sunset. Photo: D. Ascanio.

After Fitz’s lecture we got together to bird from the open deck, and among kingfishers, egrets, a Capped Heron, and several Striated Herons, we passed in front of a stand of Moriche Palms, and our eyes blinked! We knew there was a chance of seeing a lifer for Fitz—and everyone else—the Point-tailed Palmcreeper. To look for it, we asked the captain if we could turn the ship around and get closer to the palms, and to our pleasure he found that possible without taking any risk. Then, I brought a loudspeaker and started blasting the song of the palmcreeper. During the first four minutes nothing happened. We continued to ask everyone to keep their eyes on the palm fronds because this species can show up without even giving a single call. We were so absorbed with the search that there was a deep silence. After a few minutes Fitz broke the complete absence of human voice when he said, “There it is. He is at the top of a palm frond!” Within seconds the naturalist and everyone else helped those that had not seen it, and in less than 20 minutes we got everyone to enjoy another lifer. We cheered for seeing a Point-tailed Palmcreeper from the upper deck of the ship! We celebrated this glorious moment with a group toast and proceeded to enjoy the last evening treat with the crew members turned into musicians for a great farewell evening.

Our last field trip: River Island specialists. On our last morning we arranged an optional “express birding” for two hours to see every possible river island specialist, and we did it! We started the morning with great views of a nesting pair of Parker’s Spinetails. Later, we added Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Black-and- white Antbird, Red-and-white Spinetail, and White-bellied Spinetail. This was followed by superb views of River Tyrannulet and a trio of Lesser Wagtail-Tyrants. There were other birds, many of which we had seen in our days in the Amazon. As we rode the skiffs back to the ship, we came across canoes taking their gill nets out of the floodplain. It was scary to see only a few Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020 small fish. The cities along the Amazon continue to grow, and the pressure for its resources is expanding at a rate that this biome might not be able to sustain. We hope that during these days immersed in the richness of the Amazon you have learned about its complexity, the challenges faced by the small communities, and the threats for the survival of the species. The good news is that despite human impact, vast areas of the Amazon remain untamed and still retain much of their original beauty.

We want to thank you for joining us on this special departure. We hope that you have learned about this impressive biome, while also having a lot of fun. We look forward to seeing you again and sharing with you our passion for the avian world, culture, and bird habitats!

Slate-colored Hawk. Buteogallus shcistaceus. Photo: D. Ascanio.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

LOCATIONS 1: Tahuayo. 2: Lucero Pata. 3: Yarapa. 4: Sapuenilla. 5: Yanallpa (pronounced Ya-nash-pa). 6: Yuracocha (Uracocha). 7: Zapote. 8: Dorado. 9: Yanayacu de Pucate. 10: Iquitos creek.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

AMAZON RIVER CRUISE A BIRDING AND NATURAL HISTORY ODYSSEY January 23–February 2, 2020

ITINERARY 23 Jan 2020. Arrival to Peru. 24 Jan 2020. Pantanos de Villa. Boat trip Pucusana bay. 25 Jan 2020. Flight to Iquitos. Embarkation. 26 Jan 2020. Tahuayo. Lucero Pata. 27 Jan 2020. Yarapa. Sapuenilla. 28 Jan 2020. Yanallpa. Yuracocha. 29 Jan 2020. Zapote. Dorado. 30 Jan 2020. Yarapa. San José de Paranapura. Iquitos creek. 31 Jan 2020. Yanayacu de Pucate. Amazon river. 01 Feb 2020. Itaia river island. Disembarkation. Flight to Lima. 02 Feb 2020. Departure.

HABITATS RF. Riverine forest. Includes all kind of forest at sides of rivers, either in black water rivers (igapó) or white-water rivers (varzea) as well as natural channels and oxbow lakes. MH. Marsh. SW. Swamp. RV. River, river edge and floodplains. RI. Sedimentary river island. SG. Secondary growth.

BIRDS

Tinamous, Tinamidae Great Tinamou, Tinamus major. Heard only. Cinereous Tinamou, Crypturellus cinereus. Heard only. Undulated Tinamou, Crypturellus undulatus. Heard only.

Screamers, Anhimidae Horned Screamer, Anhima cornuta. MH.

Ducks & Geese, Anatidae Muscovy Duck, Cairina moschata. RF, MH. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. Dendrocygna autumnalis. RV (flying to foraging grounds at dusk).

Guans and Chachalacas, Cracidae Speckled Chachalaca, Ortalis guttata. RF. Spix’s Guan. Penelope jacquaqu. RF. Wattled Curassow. Crax globulosa. RF.

Pigeons & Doves, Columbidae Feral Pigeon (Rock Pigeon), Columba livia. Iquitos. Pale-vented Pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis. RF.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Plumbeous Pigeon. Patagioenas plumbea. RF. Ruddy Pigeon, Columba subvinacea. RF. Blue Ground-Dove. Claravis pretiosa. RF. White-tipped Dove, Leptotila verreauxi. RF. Gray-fronted Dove. Leptotila rufaxilla. RF.

Cuckoos, Cuculidae Greater Ani, Crotophaga major. RF, SW. Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani. MH. Striped Cuckoo. Tapera naevia. MH. , minuta. RF. Squirrel Cuckoo. Piaya cayana. RF.

Nightjars & Allies, Caprimulgidae Sand-colored Nighthawk, Chordeiles rupestris. RF. Common Pauraque. Nyctidromus albicollis. RF. Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Hydropsalis climacocerca. RF, SW.

Potoos, Nyctibiidae Great Potoo. Nyctibius grandis. RF. Seen at daytime. Common Potoo, Nyctibius griseus. RF. Night outing.

Swifts, Apodidae Short-tailed Swift, Chaetura brachyura. RF. Pale-rumped Swift. Chaetura egregia. RF. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift. Panyptila cayennensis. RF. Fork-tailed (Neotropical) Palm-Swift, Tachornis (Reinarda) squamata. RF, Moriche palm stand.

Hummingbirds, Trochilidae White-necked Jacobin. Florisuga mellivora. RF. Black-throated Mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis. RF. Blue-tailed Emerald. Chlorostilbon mellisugus. RF. Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Leucippus chlorocercus. RI. Glittering-throated Emerald, Amazilia fimbriata. Edge of RF. Golden-tailed Sapphire. Chrysuronia aenone. RF.

Hoatzin, Opisthocomidae Hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin. Observed in Yuracocha. This is one of the most fascinating bird species in our planet. The Hoatzin has a long crop that function as a rumen to allow digest poisonous leaves. It was believed to be a relative with the Tinamidae and later with the Cracidae, Rallidae, Otididae, Pteroclidae, Columbidae, Colidae, Cariamidae, and Cuculidae. It is now believed to be a very old lineage with a long evolutionary history and no close living relatives. Its taxonomical position has been greatly debated.

Rails and Gallinules, Rallidae Gray-cowled Wood-Rail. Aramides cajaneus. Heard only. RF. Common Gallinule. Gallinula galeata. MH. Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica. MH. Azure Gallinule. Porphyrio flavirostris. MH. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Finfoots & Sungrebe, Heliornithidae Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica. RF. What a wonderful view we obtained from one of the skiffs.

Jacanas, Jacanidae Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana. MH, RV on floating vegetation.

Sandpipers & allies, Scolopacidae Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularius. RV on floating vegetation and logs.

Gulls & Terns, Laridae Yellow-billed Tern, Sternula superciliaris. RV. Frequently found in shallow water. Large-billed Tern, Phaetusa simplex. RV.

Anhinga, Anhingidae Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga. RV.

Cormorants, Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus. MH, RV.

Herons & Egrets, Ardeidae Least Bittern. Ixobrychus exilis. MH. Rufescent Tiger-Heron. Tigrisoma lineatum. MH. Cocoi Heron, Ardea cocoi. RV. Great Egret. Ardea alba. RV. Snowy Egret, Egretta thula. RV, MH. Striated Heron, Butorides striatus. RF, MH, RV, RI. Capped Heron, Pilherodius pileatus. RF, MH. Black-crowned Night-Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax. RF. Boat-billed Heron. Cochlearius cochlearius. RF.

Ibises & Spoonbills, Threskiornithidae Green Ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis. RF.

New World Vultures, Cathartidae Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus. Widespread in open areas. Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura. We saw the resident race ruficollis. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Cathartes burrovianus. MH. Greater Yellow-headed Vulture. Cathartes melambrotus. RF contiguous to terra firme forest.

Osprey, Pandionidae Osprey, Pandion haliaetus. Boreal migrant. RF, SW, MH.

Hawk & Eagles, Accipitridae The Amazon has been a location where (consistently) we continue to report an amazing number of birds of prey. This time, we observed 15 species of Accipitridae! Hook-billed Kite. Chodrohierax uncinatus. RF. Swallow-tailed Kite. Elanoides forficatus. RF. Gray-headed Kite. Leptodon cayanensis. RF. Black Hawk-Eagle. Spizaetus tyrannus. RF. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Ornate Hawk-Eagle. Spizaetus ornatus. RF. Black-collared Hawk, Busarellus nigricollis. RF. Snail Kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis. MH. Slender-billed Kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis. RF. Double-toothed Kite. Harpagus bidentatus. RF. Plumbeous Kite, Ictinia plumbea. RF. Crane Hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens. MH, RF. Slate-colored Hawk, Leucopternis schistaceus. RF. Great Black Hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga. RF, SW, MH. Roadside Hawk, Buteo magnirostris. Widespread in all kind of open habitats. Short-tailed Hawk. Buteo brachyurus. RF.

Owls, Strigidae Tropical Screech-Owl. Megascops choliba. RF (night outing). Spectacled Owl. Pulsatrix perspicillata. Superb views at daytime! RF. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium brasilianum. RF.

Trogons, Trogonidae Black-tailed Trogon, Trogon melanurus. RF. The commonest trogon in the Peruvian Amazon. Green-backed Trogon (a split from White-tailed Trogon), Trogon viridis. RF. Amazonian Trogon (a split from Gartered Trogon), Trogon ramonianus. RF. Blue-crowned (Amazon) Trogon, Trogon curucui. RF. Collared Trogon. Trogon collaris. RF.

Motmots, Momotidae Amazonian Motmot, Momotus momota. RF.

Kingfishers, Alcedinidae , Ceryle torquata. RF, MH, SW. Amazon Kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazon. RF, MH, SW. American Pygmy Kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea. RF. . Chloroceryle americana. RF. Green-ad-rufous Kingfisher. Chloroceryle inda. RF.

Puffbirds, Bucconidae Chestnut-capped Puffbird. Bucco macrodactylus. RF. Black-fronted Nunbird, Monasa nigrifrons. RF. Swallow-winged Puffbird, Chelidoptera tenebrosa. RF.

Jacamars, Galbulidae White-eared Jacamar, Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis. RF. Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Galbula cyanescens. RF.

New World Barbets, Capitonidae Scarlet-crowned Barbet, Capito aurovirens. RF. Lemon-throated Barbet, Eubucco richardsoni. RF.

Toucans, Ramphastidae Lettered Araçari, Pteroglossus inscriptus. RF.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Chestnut-eared Araçari, Pteroglossus castanotis. RF. Ivory-billed Aracari. Pteroglossus azara. RF. White-throated (Cuvier's) Toucan, Ramphastos cuvieri. RF. Channel-billed (Yellow-ridged) Toucan, Ramphastos vitellinus. RF.

Woodpeckers, Picidae Plain-breasted , Picumnus castelnau. RI. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus. RF. Little Woodpecker, Veniliornis . RI. Red-stained Woodpecker. Dryobates affinis. RF. Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos. RF. This is a relative (same genus) of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in North America. Lineated Woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus. RF. Ringed Woodpecker. torquatus. RF. Scale-breasted Woodpecker. Celeus grammicus. RF. Cream-colored Woodpecker, Celeus flavus. RF. The commonest of the Celeus woodpeckers in the Peruvian Amazon. Chestnut Woodpecker, Celeus elegans. RF. A favorite for cruise participants! Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Piculus flavigula. Heard only. RF. Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Colaptes (Chrysoptilus) punctigula. RF.

Falcons and Caracaras, Falconidae Black Caracara, Daptrius ater. MH, RI. Red-throated Caracara, Ibycter americanus. RF. Yellow-headed Caracara, Milvago Chimachima. MH, RI. Laughing Falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans. RF. Bat Falcon, Falco rufigularis. RF. Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus. MH.

Parrots & Parakeets, Psittacidae The Amazon is home for several macaws, parrots, parakeets and parrotlets. That’s why Iquitos was a hot spot in the past for bird trappers. At one point (back in the 60´s and 70´s), Iquitos became the largest pet-trade provider for many European countries. Populations were decimated and several species were almost wiped-out of the Peruvian map. Fortunately, that has changed. Nowadays, wildlife is legally protected, and the government pays attention to it. As a result, we were fortunate to observe 18 species of this wonderful family during our Amazon Cruise. Tui Parakeet, Brotogeris sactithomae. RF, RI. White-winged Parakeet, Brotogeris versicolurus. RF. Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera. RF, RI. Orange-cheeked Parrot, Pyrilia barrabandi. RF. Blue-headed Parrot, Pionus menstruus. RF. Short-tailed Parrot, Graydidascalus brachyurus. RF. This is the only parrot that was never decimated by the illegal traders back in time and it was probably due to its awful voice. Festive Parrot, Amazona festiva. RF. Yellow-crowned Parrot, Amazona ochrocephala. RF. Mealy Parrot, Amazona farinosa. RF. Orange-winged Parrot, Amazona amazonica. RF. The commonest Amazona parrot in the Peruvian Amazon. Blue-winged Parrotlet, Forpus xanthopterygius. RI. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Black-headed Parrot, Pionites melanocephalus. RF. Dusky-headed Parakeet, Aratinga weddellii. RF. Red-bellied Macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata. RF, Moricha palm stands. Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Ara ararauna. RF. Scarlet Macaw, Ara macao. RF. Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Ara severus. Moriche palm stand. White-eyed Parakeet, Aratinga leucophthalma. RF.

Antbirds, Thamnophilidae Great Antshrike, Taraba major. Heard only. RF. Black-crested Antshrike, Sakesphorus canadensis. RF. Barred Antshrike, doliatus. RF, SG. Plain-winged Antshrike. Thamnophilus schistaceus. RF. Castelnau’s Antshrike, Thamnophilus cryptoleucus. RI. Found in areas packed with trees. Amazonian Antshrike, Thamnophilus amazonicus. RF. Cinereous Antshrike. Thamnomanes caesius. RF. Spot-winged Antshrike, Pygiptila stellaris. RF. Ornate Antwren. Epinecrophylla ornata. RF. Pygmy Antwren, Myrmotherula brachyuran. RF. Moustached Antwren, Myrmotherula ignota. RF. Amazonian Streaked-Antwren, Myrmotherula multostriata. RF. White-flanked Antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris. RF. Riparian Antbird, fuscicauda. RF with secondary growth. Previously called (C. nigrescens). Gray Antbird, cinerascens. Heard only. RF. Black-tailed Antbird, Myrmoborus melanurus. RF. Band-tailed Antbird, Hypocnemoides maculicauda. RF. Black-and-white Antbird, Myrmochanes hemileucus. RI. Silvered Antbird. Myrmelastes hyperythra. RF. Plumbeous Antbird, Myrmeciza hyperythra. RF. White-shouldered Antbird, Akletos melanoceps. RF. Black-throated Antbird, Myrmophylax atrothorax, Heard only. RF. Black-spotted Bare-eye. Phlegopsis erythroptera. RF.

Ovenbirds, Sipnetails and Woodcreepers, Furnariidae Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus. RF. Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Dendrexetastes rufigula. RF. Long-billed Woodcreeper, Nasica longirostris. RF. Striped Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus obsoletus. RF. Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus. RF. Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus. RF. Zimmer’s Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus kienerii. A target species in the Amazon. RF. Slender-billed Xenops. Xenops tenuirostris. RF. Point-tailed Palmcreeper. Berlepschia rikeri. Moriche palm stand. Pale-legged Hornero, Furnarius leucopus. RF. Pale-billed (Bay) Hornero, Furnarius torridus. Another hard-to-see species seen by most cruise participants. RF rich in Heliconia plants. Lesser Horner, Furnarius minor. River island.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Chestnut-winged Foliage-Gleaner. Philydor erythropterum. RF. Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-Gleaner. Philydor pyrrhodes. RF. Heard only. Orange-fronted Plushcrown, Metopothrix aurantiaca. RI near Cecropia trees. Parker’s (White-breasted) Spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpecula. RI. Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomea. Flooded grassland. A rare species in the Amazon. Seen by all cruise participants. Red-and-white Spinetail, Certhiaxis mustelina. This is one of the commonest but nevertheless most beautiful spinetail in Amazonia. MH. White-bellied Spinetail, Synallaxis propinqua. RI. Dark-breasted Spinetail, Synallaxis albigularis. RI.

Tyrant Flycatchers, Tyrannidae Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum. RF. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Tyrannous elates. RF, SG. Forest Elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii. RF. Yellow-crowned Elaenia, Myiopagis flavivertex. RF. Small-billed Elaenia. Elaenia parvirostris. RF. It’s odd to have seen an austral migrant this early in the year. River Tyrannulet, hypoleuca. RI. Slender-footed Tyrannulet. Zimmerius gracilipes. RF. Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant, Stigmatura napensis. This distinctive habitat specialist was seen in pairs. RI. Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant. Lophotriccus galeatus. RF. Spotted Tody-Tyrant, Todirostrum maculatum. SW, SG. Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum. RF. Olivaceous Flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus. RF. Common voice at dawn in Yanallpa. Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens. RF. Orange-eyed Flycatcher. Tolmomyias traylori. RF. Gray-crowned Flycatcher, Tolmomyias poliocephalus. RF. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus. RF. Eastern Wood-Pewee. Contopus virens. Heard only. RF. Riverside Tyrant. orinocensis. RI. Drab Water-Tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis. RI and river edge. White-headed Marsh-Tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala. RI, floating vegetation and MH. Cinnamon , Attila cinnamomeus. RF. Dull-capped (White-eyed) Attila, Attila bolivianus. Heard only. RF. Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus. RF. Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer. RF. Short-crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox. RF, RI. Lesser Kiskadee, Pitangus (Philohydor) lector. Edge of RF and floating vegetation contiguous to it. Often heard uttering its unique “squeeze-me” call of giving its duet with a soft and fast “kis-ka-dee!” Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus. Forest edge, SG, MH, SW. Boat-billed Flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua. RF, RI near cecropia trees. Social Flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis. Edge of RF, RI, MH, SW. Gray-capped Flycatcher, Myiozetetes granadensis. RF. Piratic Flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius. RF, Moriche palm stand. Tropical Kingbird, Common in open areas. Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus. A boreal migrant. Loose flocks in all locations. Frequently in RI and to less extend at edge of RF. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Cotingas, Cotingidae Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Querula purpurata. RF. Amazonian Umbrellabird, Cephalopterus ornatus. RF and large patches of cecropia trees along rivers. We enjoyed superb views in a river island. Plum-throated Cotinga, Cotinga maynana. RF. Purple-throated Cotinga. Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema. RF. Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Gymnoderus foetidus. RF.

Manakins, Pipridae Dwarf Tyrant-, Tyranneutes stolzmanni. RF.

Tityras & allies, Black-tailed Tityra, Tityra cayana. RF. Black-crowned Tityra. Tityra inquisitor. RF. Masked Tityra, Tityra semifasciata. RF. Varzea (Greater) Schiffornis, Schiffornis major. RF, SW. White-browed Purpletuft, Iodopleura isabellae. RF. Cinereous Becard, Pachyramphus rufus. RF. Chestnut-crowned Becard, Pachyramphus castaneus. RF. White-winged Becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus. RF.

Vireos & Greenlets, Vireonidae Gray-chested Greenlet, Hylophilus semicinereus. RF. Dusky-capped Vireo. Pachysylvia hypoxantha. RF. Heard only. Chivi Vireo, Vireo chivi. RF and Iquitos.

Crowns & Jays, Corvidae Violaceous Jay, Cyanocorax violaceus. RF.

Swallows & Martins, Hirundinidae Blue-and-white Swallow. Pygochelidon cyanoleuca. A real surprise to see one individual. Probably “pushed down” duew to a heavy rain? Southern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis. RV at edge of forest. Gray-breasted Martin. Progne chalybea. RI. Brown-chested Martin, Progne tapera. Edge of open RF. Given plumage features, we assume that we saw the resident (tapera). White-winged Swallow, Tachycineta albiventer. RV. Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia. RV, MH. Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica. Floating vegetation in RV. MH.

Wrens, Troglodytidae House Wren. Troglodytes aedon. RI. Thrush-like Wren, Campylorhynchus turdinus. RF. Coraya Wren, Pheugopedius coraya. RF. Buff-breasted Wren, Thryothorus leucotis. RF.

Gnatcatchers, Polioptilidae Tropical Gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea. RI – edge with RF.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Donacobius, Donacobiidae Black-capped Donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla. Edge of MH. Infrequently at edge of RF. Being exposed to a long and controversial taxonomic history, this species was first believed to be a relative of the thrushes and the mockingbirds and named Mockingthrush. Later, it was moved with the wrens and renamed after its genus, Donacobius. Today, it is believed to be a distant relative of the old-world warblers and placed in the Sylvioidea clade (Old World lineage). Several pairs or family groups were enjoyed singing while moving the tail sideways.

Thrushes, Turdidae White-necked Thrush. Turdus albicollis. Heard only. RF. Varzea’s Thrush, Turdus sanchezorum. This thrush was previously considered part of the Hauxwell’s Thrush, Turdus hauxwelli. It’s important to highlight this because since the mid 30’s there have been continuous controversy about the of the species. To make this story short, only recently (2011) O’Neal and collaborators cleared the understanding of the Western Amazonian populations and in January 2012, the SACC ( Classification Committee) passed the proposal to consider it a valid species. RF. Black-billed Thrush, Turdus ignobilis. MH, RF.

Euphonias, Fringillidae Purple-throated Euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica. RF. Thick-billed Euphonia, Euphonia laniirostris. RF. Golden-bellied Euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta. RF. White-vented Euphonia, Euphonia minuta. RF.

New World Sparrows, Emberizidae Yellow-browed Sparrow, Ammodramus aurifrons. RI, MH.

Troupials, Blackbirds and allies, Icteridae Russet-backed Oropendola, Psarocolius angustifrons. Edge of RF, RI, SW. Crested Oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus. RF. Solitary (Black) Cacique, Cacicus solitarius. SW contiguous to Heliconia growth or thick vegetation. Yellow-rumped Cacique, Cacicus cela. Common in open areas. Orange-backed Troupial, Icterus croconotus. MH. Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis. Open areas contiguous to RF, MH. Giant Cowbird. Molothrus oryzivorus. RI. Velvet-fronted Grackle, Lampropsar tanagrinus. RF. Oriole Blackbird, Gymnomystax mexicanus. MH, SG, RI. Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus. MH.

New World Warblers, Parulidae Yellow Warbler, setophaga petechia. RI.

Tanagers and allies, Thraupidae Red-capped Cardinal, Paroaria gularis. MH, SW. Hooded Tanager, Nemosia pileata. Edge of RF, RI. Orange-headed Tanager, Thlypopsis sordida. RI. Gray-headed Tanager, Eucometis penicillata. RF. Yellow-crested Tanager. Tachyphonus rufiventer. RF. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Silver-beaked Tanager, Ramphocelus carbo. RF. Masked Crimson Tanager, Ramphocelus nigrogularis. RF, SW. Blue-gray Tanager, Thraupis episcopus. All kind of open habitats. Palm Tanager, Thraupis palmarum. Moriche palm stand. Turquoise Tanager, Tangara mexicana. RF. Paradise Tanager, Tangara chilensis. RF. One of the tour favorites! Green-and-gold Tanager. Tangara schrankii. RF. Black-faced Dacnis. Dacnis lineata. RF. Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Dacnis flaviventer. RF. Blue Dacnis, Dacnis cayana. RF. Purple Honeycreeper. Cyanerpes caeruleus. RF. Bicolored Conebill, Conirostrum bicolor. RI. Lesson’s Seedeater. bouvronides. RF contiguous to SG. SG, RI. Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Sporophila castaneiventris. MH. Chestnut-bellied (Lesser) Seed-Finch, Oryzoborus angolensis. MH. Caqueta Seedeater, Sporophila murallae. MH. Bananaquit. Coereba flaveola. RF. Grayish Saltator, Saltator coerulescens. RI, MH, RF.

OTHER SPECIES

Sloths, Bradypodidae Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Bradypus variegatus. RF.

Marmosets & Tamarins, Callitrichidae Pygmy Marmoset, Cebuella pygmaea. RF. Heard only. Saddleback Tamarin, Saguinus fascicollis. RF, SW.

New World Monkeys, Cebidae Dusky Titi-Monkey, Callicebus moloch. RF. Heard only. Common Squirrel Monkey, Saimiri sciureus. SW, RF. Brown (Tufted) Capuchin. Cebus apella. RF. Monk Saki Monkey, Pithecia monachus. RF. Common Woolly Monkey, Lagothrix lagothricha. RF. Introduced.

Night Monkeys, Aotidae Nancy Ma’s Night Monkey (Owl Monkey), Aotus nancymaae. RF.

Large New World Monkeys, Atelidae Red-howler Monkey, Alouatta seniculus. RF. White-bellied Monkey. Ateles belbebuth. RF. Introduced.

Spiny & Tree Rats, Yellow-crowned Brush-Tailed Tree , Isothrix bistriata. RF.

Sheath-tailed Bats, Emballonuridae Long-nosed (Proboscis) Bat, Rhynchonycteris naso.

Bulldogs Bats, Noctillionidae

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Fishing Bat, Noctilio leporinus.

River Dolphins, Iniidae & Delphinidae Pink Amazon River Dolphin, Inia geoffrensis. Gray River Dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis.

Reptiles and Amphibians Spectacled Caiman, Caiman crocodilus. Iguana. Iguana iguana. Caiman . Dracaena guianensis. Greater Hatched-faced Frog, Sphaenorhynchus sp. MH. Spiny-tailed Amazon Lizard. Swamp snake. Hemiaspis sp. South American Pond Snake. Pseuderix plicatis. Anaconda (killed by a gil net). Eunectes sp.

Invertebrates Arboreal . Dragon Fly. Jumping Spider. Blue Morpho Butterfly. Social Spider. Owl-eyed Butterfly. Aztec . Heliconia butterfly. Millipede. Pink-toed Tarantula. Ciccada. Eurania moth.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020 Lima, Pantanos de Villa and Pucusana Bay LM. Lima area. PV. Pantanos de Villa. PC. Pucusana bay.

BIRDS

Ducks & Geese, Anatidae Cinnamon Teal, Anus cyanoptera. PV. White-cheeked Pintail, Anas bahamensis. PV. Ruddy (Andean) Duck, Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea. PV.

Grebes, Podicipedidae White-tufted Grebe, Rollandia Rolland. PV. Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps. PV. Great Grebe, Podiceps major. PV.

Pigeons & Doves, Columbidae Feral (Rock) Pigeon, Columba livia. Widespread in Lima. Croaking Ground-Dove, Columbina cruziana. PV. West Peruvian (Pacific) Dove, Zenaida meloda (formerly asiatica). Widespread. Eared Dove. Zenaida auriculata. PV.

Hummingbirds, Trochilidae Amazilia Hummingbird. Amazilia amazilia. PV.

Rails & Coots, Rallidae Plumbeous Rail, Rallus sanguinolentus. PV. Common Gallinule (Moorhen), Gallinula chloropus. PV. Slate-colored Coot, Fulica ardesiaca (includes all Andean forms). PV.

Thick-knees, Burhinidae Peruvian Thick-knee, Burhinus superciliaris. PV. Superb views of an adult with three chicks.

Stilts, Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus. PV.

Oystercatchers, Haematopodidae American Oystercatcher, Haematopus palliates. PV beach. PC. Blackish Oystercatcher, Haematopus ater. PC.

Plovers and Lapwings, Charadriidae Killdeer, Charadrius vociferous. PV beach. Resident subspecies.

Sandpipers, Scolopacidae Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus. PC. Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres. PC. Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularia. PV. Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca. PV.

Lesser Yellowlegs. Tringa flavipes. PV, PC. Pectoral Sandpiper. Calidris melanotos. PV.

Gulls & Terns, Laridae Gray-hooded Gull, Chroicocephalus (Larus) cirrocephalus. PV. Franklin’s Gull, Leucophaeus (Larus) pipixcan. Highway along the coast and PV. Band-tailed (Belcher’s) Gull, Larus belcheri. PV. Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus.8+ individuals were seen. PV. Inca Tern, Larosterna inca. 500+ PC. The most beautiful tern in the world! Sandwich Tern. Thalasseus sandvicensis. PC. Elegant Tern, Thalasseus elegans. PC. Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger. We estimated some 200 individuals. PV.

Penguins, Speniscidae Humboldt Penguin, Spheniscus humboldti, PC. 48 individuals!

Boobies, Sulidae Peruvian Booby, Sula variegata, 2000+ individuals. PC. Blue-footed Booby, Sula nebouxii. About 10 individuals.

Cormorants, Phalacrocoracidae Red-legged Cormorant, Phalacrocorax gaimardi. PC. Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax olivaceus, PV, PC. Guanay Cormorant, Phalacrocorax bougainvillii. PV, PC.

Pelicans, Pelecanidae Peruvian Pelican, Pelecanus thagus, Lima coast. PC.

Herons & Egrets, Ardeidae Least Bittern,Ixobrycgus exilis. PV. Great Egret, Egretta alba. PV. Snowy Egret, Egretta thula. PV. Striated Heron, Butorides striata. PV. Black-crowned Night-Heron, Nyctanassa nycticorax. PV.

Ibises & Spoonbills, Threskiornithidae Puna Ibis, Plegadis ridgwayi. PV.

New World Vultures, Cathartidae Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus. Widespread. Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura. We observed a North American migrant individual – subspecies ruficollis-. PV.

Hawks, Eagles & Kites, Accipitridae Harris’s Hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus. PV.

Falcons & Caracaras, Falconidae Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus. PV.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 23 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020

Ovenbirds and woodcreepers, Furnariidae Wren-like Rushbird, Phleocryptes melanops. PV. Great views of pairs nesting. Surf (Peruvian Seaside) Cinclodes, Cinclodes taczanowskii. PC.

Tyrant Flycatchers, Tyrannidae Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Tachuris rubrigastra. PV. Vermilion Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus. LM.

Swallows, Hirundinidae Blue-and-white Swallow, Pygochelidon (Notiochelidon) cyanoleuca. PV. Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica. PV.

Mockingbirds, Mimidae Long-tailed Mockingbird, Mimus longicaudatus. LM.

Blackbirds and allines, Icteridae Peruvian Meadowlark, Sturnella bellicosa. PV. Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis. PV. Scrub Blackbird, Dives warszewiczi. LM, PV. Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus. PV.

Tanagers, Thraupidae Grassland Yellow-Finch, Sicalis luteola. PV.

OTHER SPECIES South American Sea Lion, Otaria flavescens. PC. Lightfoot Crab. Grapsus grapsus. PC.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 24 CLO Amazon River Cruise, 2020