Field Guides Tour Report BLUE-THROATED MACAW EXTENSION

Sep 5, 2011 to Sep 11, 2011 Dan Lane & Jay VanderGaast

What can I say about the Beni other than there are a load of there! Any destination where you can tally upwards of 160 species of birds along the roadside on a travel day is okay in my books! This is the kind of place that can turn non-birders into birders, and it was a fantastic place in which to begin our Bolivian adventure.

The rare, endemic, Blue-throated Macaw is the main target of the trip, and once again, we had a superb encounter with a pair in the La Verde palm grove where they like to hang out.

After a few false alarms in the form of the much more common, though no less beautiful, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, we finally heard a pair of these macaws, then caught sight of them as they flew up to the treetops and perched there for some lengthy, soul- satisfying views. That there are only about 300 of these lovely birds remaining in the wild made the moment that much more special. It's great to know there are folks like the owners of El Jabiru triplets: cute in an ugly sort of way. (Photo by guide Cutal who are actively involved in preserving these marvelous Jay VanderGaast) macaws and their specialized habitats.

Macaws aside, our brief time in the Beni was an endless parade of incredible birds, too many to recount here, but a sampling of my favorites would have to include the following: an abundance of storks of all three species, with triplet Jabirus in a nest being especially memorable for their grotesque charm; more Gray-necked Wood-Rails in a day then I've ever seen on any other trip; that pair of lovely Yellow-collared Macaws that were sitting just outside the hacienda, minutes before we left the ranch the last morning. Also worth remembering was the Little Nightjar that allowed us to walk right up to it, the wonderful array of woodpeckers (10 species) with such stunners as Pale-crested and Golden-green, plus that surprise White-throated at La Habana on the final day, and the trio of lovely monjitas. The angelic-looking White Monjita is a heavenly , and one of my all-time favorites!

This was definitely a fun-filled few days, and a great lead-off to the main Bolivia tour. Thanks to all of you for signing on to this tour, so that I was able to go along too. I am truly grateful for that! This was my first visit to the Beni, but will hopefully be my first of many to this birding paradise!

--Jay

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Bolivia.

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 Rheidae (Rheas) GREATER RHEA (Rhea americana) – We saw about 20 of these big guys on our drive into the ranch, then small numbers daily after that.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1 Tinamidae (Tinamous) UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Heard in riparian forest along the Rio Ipurupuru. [*] RED-WINGED TINAMOU (Rhynchotus rufescens) – Several were seen beautifully in the early morning at the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz, including an adult (presumably a male) with a couple of fuzzy chicks. Anhimidae (Screamers) SOUTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna torquata) – Quite numerous in wet areas along the drive from Trinidad to the ranch. Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – A couple of small flocks on our way into the ranch. BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Outnumbered the preceding species but overall there weren't a lot of whistling-ducks around. ORINOCO GOOSE (Neochen jubata) – A pair of these uncommon birds were on the edge of the large lake en route to La Verde, and another pair were in the marshy field with all the shorebirds on our drive back to Trinidad. MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – Only a couple of these husky ducks were seen along the drive to the ranch. BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis) – The most numerous duck of the trip, with several seen daily. Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Chachalacas were seen every day, but try as we might we couldn't turn any of them into Chaco Chachalacas. BARE-FACED CURASSOW (Crax fasciolata) – John spotted these elusive birds just a short way into our Rio Ipurupuru boat trip, and Herons abound in the Beni wetlands. Here an exquisite they stuck around for us to get almost everyone on them, though Capped Heron strolls through a small marsh. (Photo by they were tucked way back into the underbrush. guide Jay VanderGaast) Ciconiidae (Storks) MAGUARI STORK (Ciconia maguari) – Quite reminiscent of the White Stork of the Old World, this impressive species was seen in fair numbers once we got well away from Trinidad. JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria) – These huge storks never fail to impress when seen at close range or in flight. We saw them in good numbers, and even found two or three nests. One nest near the ranch had triplets! [N] WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – The most abundant stork, with hundreds seen daily. Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Seen in small numbers daily. Anhingidae (Anhingas) ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – A few birds seen most days. Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Quite common, especially so in the wet grasslands at La Esperanza, and often sitting up on fenceposts along the way. COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – These dapper herons were a regular sight throughout the tour. GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Numerous daily. SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Regular in small numbers. CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Common. STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Not numerous, but we did see a few each day. WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix) – First seen at the Viru Viru airport, then regularly around the ranch, but missed on our afternoon around Trinidad. CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – One of these striking herons was seen at close range at La Verde (the Blue- throated Macaw site) and a few more over the next few days. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Quite a few around wetlands near the ranch.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2 Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – According to Dan, on previous trips, this has been the least common of the ibis species, but that wasn't the case this year, and we saw a bunch of these birds each day in the Beni. BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus) – This was arguably the least numerous ibis species we saw, with just a few birds seen near the ranch. PLUMBEOUS IBIS (Theristicus caerulescens) – Quite common, though in the dry conditions, not nearly as numerous as usual. BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – We had regular great looks at these beautiful birds, which are now split from the montane Black-faced (Andean) Ibis. ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – Small numbers daily. Cathartidae (New World Vultures) BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Abundant. TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Also abundant. LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus) – Also quite numerous, and seen well a number of times. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Must have been lots of apple snails around, as there were sure plenty of these birds looking for them. PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – Two birds were seen during the boat trip on the Rio Ipurupuru. BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – Several of these attractive hawks were seen particularly along the drives to and from the ranch. CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – A few folks glimpsed a flying bird just before it disappeared into the canopy at dusk along the Rio Ipurupuru. GREAT BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga) – A handful each day; some got our hearts racing, thinking we may have finally spotted a Crowned Eagle, but no such luck. SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – Quite numerous in the open grassland areas. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) – Very common, and seen daily. These Bolivian birds are quite strikingly marked, and look quite unlike Roadside Hawks from more northern regions. WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albicaudatus) – Seen in small numbers daily, starting at the Viru Viru airport. This isn't your everyday Roadside Hawk; the BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Heard as we birded the race found in Bolivia, saturatus, has a distinct, gallery forest on our final day in the Beni. [*] hooded look. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast) Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) SOUTHERN CARACARA (Caracara plancus) – Very common and seen daily. YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Seen in small numbers on most days. AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Common and seen daily. APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – A couple of birds were hunting in the grasslands around the Viru Viru airport, causing great concern among the many White-browed Blackbirds there. We also saw one in the Beni. Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – Good habitat was scarce in the dry conditions, but we found one small lily-covered pond at El Cutal, and had very nice looks at a pair of these crakes there. GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajanea) – Driving the roads in the early morning is sure the way to see this bird; we saw as many as 10-15 on some days before it got too warm. In the middle of the day, you'd wonder if these birds even occurred here.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 3 Heliornithidae (Finfoots) SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Distant but good scope views of a male on the large lake at La Habana Ranch. Aramidae (Limpkin) LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Numerous in the wet areas around the ranch. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Very common and seen daily. AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) – Roughly 10 of these boreal migrants were in the marshy shorebird field along the drive to the ranch. [b] Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – The same shorebird field held a single one of these birds, the only one we wee to see on the tour. Jacanidae (Jacanas) WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – Numerous in the wet areas, with lots of young birds about. [N] Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – Generally seen as singles (appropriately) here and there throughout. [b] LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – A bunch at the shorebird field en route to the ranch. [b] UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda) – One was seen and heard as it flew overhead on our first full day at the ranch. [b] HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica) – One on a sand spit seen from the Rio Ipurupuru bridge, and a flock of 6 at the large lake along the drive to La Verde. [b] WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis) – A trio of these were at the shorebird field. [b] PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) – Quite numerous at the shorebird field. [b] STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – Dan picked out a single bird at the shorebird field. [b] BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (Tryngites subruficollis) – Dan also picked out one of these lovely sandpipers at the shorebird field. It was tricky to pick up in the scope as it never stopped moving for long, but we eventually all had nice looks. A sleek male Scissor-tailed Nightjar steals the spotlight! [b] (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast) SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – A couple in the shorebird field, though Kent saw several more when he walked up the road a ways. Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – A couple of birds on the drives to and from the ranch. LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – Small numbers at the ranch, often seen flying over the grasslands where they really looked out of place. BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens) – A pair with the Hudsonian Godwit on the Rio Ipurupuru. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Fairly common, though not so much as the next species. PICAZURO PIGEON (Patagioenas picazuro) – The most numerous large pigeon in the region, with good numbers seen daily. EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Another numerous pigeon species. PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta) – Scarce in the area, but we found a single bird among the

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4 numerous Ruddy Ground-Doves en route to the ranch. RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – Very common throughout. PICUI GROUND-DOVE (Columbina picui) – Likewise very common throughout. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Common, especially so at La Habana, where there were dozens of them. GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – A few in the gallery forest at La Habana. Psittacidae (Parrots) MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) – Seen only in Santa Cruz, where a small population of escaped birds roosts on our hotel each night. WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – Seen in small numbers almost daily. DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – A few small flocks around the ranch. PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga aurea) – The common larger parakeet in the region. We saw these attractive birds daily. CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Regularly seen in small numbers, generally flying past. RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – Great looks at these as they flew past at the Rio Ipurupuru. BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – Similar to the next species, but much more common and conspicuous. We had great views of many, including some pretty large flocks. BLUE-THROATED MACAW (Ara glaucogularis) – First seen in the wild in the early 1990's and there are only about 300 of them left in the wild, so this is one of the rarest of the macaws. We went to a palm grove at La Verde where a pair of these are known to hang out, and got incredible views of them perched on a palm. What a bird! [E] YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW (Primolius auricollis) – A poor flyby on the first day was greatly improved on the final morning at the ranch when we found a perched pair just outside the ranch just before loading the bus for the drive out. BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – Bunches of these little guys were seen daily. YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET (Brotogeris chiriri) – Numerous in the region, with good numbers seen daily. COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – A couple of these at La Habana were a bit of a surprise, and our first record for the Beni. SCALY-HEADED PARROT (Pionus maximiliani siy) – We had very few of these and only flyby views, so not totally satisfying. Brilliant Blue-and-yellow Macaws are a BLUE-FRONTED PARROT (Amazona aestiva) – Our only Amazonas were common sight in the region. (Photo by guide Jay a handful of these colorful ones around the ranch. VanderGaast) Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin) HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – A few skittish birds in the thick riparian growth along the Rio Ipurupuru during the boat trip. Cuculidae (Cuckoos) SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Only seen in the gallery forest at La Habana. GUIRA CUCKOO (Guira guira) – Common, and often in large groups. STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Heard a couple of times at the ranch. [*] SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Good numbers daily. Strigidae (Owls) TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Heard in the wee hours one morning at the ranch. [*] GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Heard the same night as the above. [*]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 5 FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – One bird was whistled in at the La Verde palm grove for some nice looks, and a couple others were seen in the gallery forest at La Habana. BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Common at the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – A single one flew over the boats at dusk along the Ipurupuru. BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – A pair of these made a couple of passes overhead at about the same time as the above species. NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Podager nacunda) – About a dozen flew by at dusk our first afternoon near Trinidad, and a few more were seen the next evening as well. COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Heard at the ranch. [*] LITTLE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus parvulus) – Despite the fact that our usual area for this tiny nightjar was completely burned over, the birds were still around, and we walked right up to one for some awesome views. SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis torquata) – These also allowed pretty close approaches, and we had nice views of several, including a couple of long-tailed males. Apodidae (Swifts) SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – A single bird was spotted flying by on our first morning at the Viru Viru airport. Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi) – Super looks at our first one in the grasslands around the Viru Viru airport, than small numbers seen daily in the Beni. BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A male at La Habana was the only one of the trip. BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – A single female was seen at La Habana. SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Eupetomena macroura) – One 300th of the remaining wild population of Regular in the flowering plants around the ranch. the Blue-throated Macaw, the main target of this WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – A lone tour. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast) bird near Santa Cruz our first afternoon was a bit surprising as they are usually at higher elevations, but must migrate into the lowlands in the dry season. GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – A single bird seen our last morning at La Habana. GILDED HUMMINGBIRD (Hylocharis chrysura) – A few were seen regularly around the ranch. Trogonidae (Trogons) BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – A couple of birds in the La Habana gallery forest. BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Nice looks at a male on our first afternoon near Santa Cruz, then a couple of sightings in the Beni. Momotidae (Motmots) AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – One of the 5 species that once comprised Blue-crowned Motmot. We had nice looks at a couple in the gallery forest at La Habana. Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – A few around the larger lakes in the Beni. AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – A couple of birds during the Rio Ipurupuru boat trip. Bucconidae (Puffbirds) BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – A riparian forest bird, seen during the boat trip, then again at La Habana. Galbulidae (Jacamars) RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) – A few on our way to the ranch, including one in the same vine

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 6 tangle as the Mato Grosso , and several more during our stay at El Cutal. Ramphastidae (Toucans) CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Generally seen in gallery forest, first during the boat trip, then again at La Habana. TOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos toco) – We ticked this bird before we'd even gotten to the hotel in Santa Cruz, with nice views of on tacking into a strong headwind on our way from the airport. In the Beni, we saw this toucan daily. Picidae (Woodpeckers) WHITE-WEDGED PICULET (Picumnus albosquamatus) – Not numerous, but we saw one each day of the tour, and two on our first day around Santa Cruz. WHITE WOODPECKER (Melanerpes candidus) – These wonderful, social woodpeckers, were seen on several days in the Beni. YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – A pair of these widespread woodpeckers responded nicely on our afternoon of birding near Santa Cruz. LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Singles were seen on all but one day of the trip. WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus) – A female in the gallery forest at La Habana was an unexpected first for us on this tour, and we had some good views of her as she followed along with a large mixed flock. GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – Lone males of this good-looking species were seen on two days in the Beni. This bird always looks crested, though it is rarely, if ever, depicted that way in the field guides. GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (Colaptes melanochloros) – Seen A Red-capped Cardinal awaits its chance to sneak in small numbers on several days, including right outside of the ranch into the kitchen for a snack at the Rio Ipurupuru house. dock. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast) CAMPO FLICKER (Colaptes campestris) – Great views of our first pair feeding on the ground (as they often do) in the grasslands at Viru Viru airport, then seen nearly daily in the Beni. PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Celeus lugubris) – We spotted our first from the bus as it hitched up a roadside Cecropia tree along our way to the ranch. This is one of my favorite genera of woodpeckers and it's always nice to see these birds. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – A lone male in a dead tree at the Viru Viru airport, and a couple of birds on the drive in to the ranch. Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – Vocal and responsive at the La Habana gallery forest, but it was tricky to see this bird, as it didn't stay in the open much. Seemed a lot more elusive than the Ecuador birds, which are sometimes split off as Pacific Hornero. RUFOUS HORNERO (Furnarius rufus) – Common and conspicuous throughout. CHOTOY SPINETAIL (Schoeniophylax phryganophilus) – Despite the cool and windy conditions when we birded the grasslands at La Esperanza, we managed to pull in a pair of these attractive, long-tailed spinetails for some excellent looks. PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens australis) – A lone bird came in close and showed well in the shrubby La Esperanza grasslands. PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis inornata) – Good views of a couple of birds feeding near the ground on the edge of the gallery forest at La Habana. RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina) – Excellent looks at a responsive pair in the vegetation alongside the large lake at La Habana. YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – These seemed to be present at pretty much any reasonably sized body of water in the Beni, and we saw a bunch of them. PLAIN SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga fusciceps fusciceps) – This taxa is endemic to the Beni, and could be split as a separate species one day. We had superb views of several in the La Habana gallery forest.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 7 GREATER THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus ruber) – Fairly common; we saw a few of these birds each day in the Beni. RUFOUS CACHOLOTE (Pseudoseisura unirufa) – These charismatic, crested Furnariids were first encountered at our lunch restaurant near Trinidad, then seen several times each day after. OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus viridis) – Terry spotted our first one in the small riparian area we hit on the La Esperanza ranch, then we saw a couple at La Habana as well. GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes major) – More conspicuous than usual according to Dan, and we saw several of these monster woodcreepers, the first being in the Blue-throated Macaws' palm grove at La Verde. STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – One was with a small party of birds we attracted in with pygmy-owl imitations at Viru Viru airport, and we ran into them regularly in the Beni as well. BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – Seen only in the La Habana gallery forest on our last day. NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – One of the most striking and attractive of all the woodcreepers; we saw them on several days. RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – Super views of a responsive pair along the road during one of our early stops en route to the ranch. Also seen each of the next two days, though that first encounter was the best. Thamnophilidae (Typical ) GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – Ridiculously easy to see for an antshrike. We saw them daily, and didn't even need to get off the bus for several of them. BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – A pair at the Viru Viru airport, then single females on two days in the Beni. BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus sticturus) – We had great views of a pair in the scrubby woodland near Santa Cruz on our first afternoon, then found another pair at La Habana on our final day. The species' habit of continually wagging their tails makes them easier than usual to pick out of the thick scrub. RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – A pair of these beautiful little antwrens came in quickly and showed very well in a shrubby section of the La Esperanza grasslands. MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD ( melanaria) – Dan and I bashed our way into some riverside bushes at the Rio Ipurupuru in hopes of finding some roosting Band-tailed Nighthawks. Well, we dipped on the nighthawks, but did find a very cooperative pair of these birds instead. They were so cooperative, that binoculars were almost superfluous, though they could have been a handy perch if they'd come a tiny bit closer. BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – Nice views of a pair that came in very close along the shores of the large lake at La Habana. BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza atrothorax) – Our lone pair was seen at the same spot as the above species, and immediately afterwards, though they were a little more elusive and hard to pin down. Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Fairly common throughout. MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – A lone bird was seen by at least a couple of folks on our final day at La Habana. YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – A single bird that we initially thought was a Plain-crested Elaenia was seen well en route to the ranch. LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) – Our lone sighting was of a single bird along the very birdy roadside in the late afternoon near Trinidad. WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – A single of this species was found on our afternoon of birding the scrubby woodland near Santa Cruz. [a] SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) – A couple of sightings only of this species, which closely resembles the above. In fact, if it weren't for Dan, we probably would have only seen one of the two! WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Serpophaga munda) – Not numerous, but we did come across a few of these clean- looking, attractive little tyrannulets. STRANECK'S TYRANNULET (Serpophaga griseicapilla) – A recently described species, though we've known about it for a while (on past trip lists this is called "Monte" Tyrannulet). We had good views of a pair at the Viru Viru airport. SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus modestus) – Kirsten found us our only one of these scarce flycatchers, on our afternoon of birding near Santa Cruz. PLAIN TYRANNULET (Inezia inornata) – Fairly similar to Straneck's Tyrannulet, though never appears crested. We saw

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 8 these in small numbers most days. TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – This might well have been Dan's favorite bird of the trip ;-) We had good views of one of these little stunners at the Viru Viru airport. PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Also seen at Viru Viru, but we also saw these common little guys a few times in the Beni. COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Just a couple of sightings of these widespread little dudes. BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – A few birds in weedy, overgrown fields. FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus bimaculatus) – Heard at La Habana, but pretty unresponsive. [*] VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Common and seen daily. HUDSON'S BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus hudsoni) – Seen in small numbers daily. Most of the birds we saw were females. SPECTACLED TYRANT (Hymenops perspicillatus) – Kent spotted the first (and best) from the bus en route to the ranch. Luckily, when we backed up, the bird, a stonking male, was still in view and we got some killer views! YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys) – We had singles of this attractive tyrant on two days in the Beni, one near Trinidad, the other en route to the ranch. GRAY MONJITA (Xolmis cinereus) – The least common of the three monjitas here, but we saw a couple one day, including one in the burned out area right near the ranch. WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA (Xolmis velatus) – Seen daily in small numbers. Our first popped into view on the same gate where we'd just seen our first White Monjita, a nice twofer! WHITE MONJITA (Xolmis irupero) – These ethereal-looking birds were a fairly common sight around the ranch. Wouldn't mind having them in my backyard! BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola albiventer) – Regular in the marshy areas throughout. WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Just a few of these distinctive birds at some of the larger marshy areas. CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) – Common and conspicuous. DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) – Aka White-eyed Attila, this species showed very well, though it was kind of flighty, in the gallery forest at La Habana. RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – Rather brief sightings of our only one for the pre-trip, in the scrub near Santa Cruz. SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – A lone bird was seen near Trinidad. SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Nice views and vocalizations from a pair in the afternoon near Santa Cruz. BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – The common Myiarchus on this tour; we saw them in small numbers every day. GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Daily in good numbers in the Beni. BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Our only sighting was of a lone bird in the La Verde palm grove. RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Fairly common and seen regularly around the ranch. STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – A lone bird was seen during the drive into the ranch. TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Good numbers daily. FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana) – Seen in small numbers most days (missed on our day near Trinidad). Pipridae (Manakins) SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma sulphureiventer) – One of the specialties of the gallery forest at La Habana. It took us some time to track one down, but when we finally did, we got excellent looks at this rather dull critter. BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) – Frustratingly heard only at La Habana. [*] Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) GREEN-BACKED BECARD (Pachyramphus viridis) – Nice views of a close female on our way to the ranch, and a good male a couple days later at La Habana.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 9 WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Our only record was at the gallery forest in La Habana. PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – Completing the trio of becards at La Habana was this species, a male of which was a bit of a surprise to us there. Vireonidae (Vireos) RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – One near Santa Cruz, and several at La Habana. RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Pretty common in the region, and we saw and/or heard them daily. Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – Common and seen daily. PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (Cyanocorax chrysops) – These striking jays were much scarce than the Purplish Jays, bus we had some good looks, first near Santa Cruz, then again at La Esperanza. Hirundinidae (Swallows) SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A pair near Santa Cruz were the only ones recorded. BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (TAPERA) (Progne tapera tapera) – This is the resident breeding race, which were the most numerous swallow seen on the trip. BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (FUSCA) (Progne tapera fusca) – A couple of this southern migrant form were seen en route to the lodge. WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – A few at our lunch restaurant near Trinidad, and some along the Rio Ipurupuru. WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) – Great close looks at a trio of these elegant swallows, a pair of which seemed to be considering nesting in a fencepost alongside the shorebird field on the way to the ranch. BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – A few birds had already arrived in the Santa Cruz area and near Trinidad. [a] Troglodytidae (Wrens) THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – This dull, unmarked race was a fairly common sight, and was first encountered in the grounds of our Santa Cruz hotel. FAWN-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – Not uncommon, but not that easy to see. We did manage a few sightings though, first on our afternoon near Santa Cruz. HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Our only sighting was of one on the Santa Cruz hotel grounds. Donacobiidae (Donacobius) BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Several of these dapper birds, which until recently were included in the wren family (now in their own, monotypic family), showed well in tall rank grass en route to the ranch. Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) UNICOLORED THRUSH (Turdus haplochrous) – Sadly this species, which was pretty much unknown until recently, wasn't very cooperative, and only a few folks got a glimpse. When Dan and George found this bird last year, their group became the first tour group (that we're aware of at least) to have ever seen this species. CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus amaurochalinus) – The common thrush, seen daily. WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – Heard at La Habana. [*] Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus saturninus) – Pretty common and see daily. Parulidae (New World Warblers) TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) – Sometimes abundant around Santa Cruz, but there weren't many this trip. Still, we saw a few there, and more at La Habana. MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) – A couple on our afternoon near Trinidad, then another in the La Esperanza grasslands, right after the rain. GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus) – A few birds in the gallery forest at La Habana. Coerebidae (Bananaquit) BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – On our first afternoon near Santa Cruz, we tracked down an incessant peeping sound

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 10 inside a large shrub to find a couple of juvenile Bananaquits, the only ones we saw on the trip. Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis) – Great looks at a pair of these open-country tanagers at the Viru Viru airport. HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata) – A couple of birds with the big mixed flock in the La Habana gallery forest. CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum) – A group of these were in the same flock as the Hooded Tanagers. They stayed pretty high but we still managed decent views. GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) – A pair of these beauties were seen in the Santa Cruz area, then several more at La Habana. GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – Another species that we saw only in the gallery forest of La Habana. SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – One near Santa Cruz, and a few others in riparian forest in the Beni. SAYACA TANAGER (Thraupis sayaca) – Numerous and seen daily. PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Just a handful of these at La Verde and La Habana. BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Seen near Santa Cruz and La Habana. SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A female in the afternoon at Santa Cruz was the only one for the tour. GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Pretty common in the Beni, and seen daily there. Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – A fair number in the Beni, but I can't remember ever seeing a male in breeding plumage. RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila collaris) – Seedeaters were scarce overall on this trip, and we saw very few. Oddly, this lovely species, which is usually one of the least numerous and toughest to find was the most common one we saw. WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila leucoptera bicolor) – A male on our first afternoon near Trinidad, then a couple more at the airport as we awaited our flight back to Santa Cruz. GREAT-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus maximiliani) – Super looks at a pair of these rare birds on our first afternoon near Trinidad. A much-wanted bird for several folks. SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – A daily sight in the Beni. GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – We saw at least 100 of these birds, but we only had one record, as they were all in one large flock along the drive to the ranch. WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH (Emberizoides herbicola) – Wonderful close looks at a singing bird at Viru Viru airport. GREAT PAMPA-FINCH (Embernagra platensis olivascens) – Small numbers most days in the Beni. RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria coronata) – Common and seen in good numbers daily. This and the next species were often seen coming out onto the roads in the evening, and a memorable sight was seeing at least 25+ cardinals hopping about on the road near Trinidad on our first afternoon there. RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Likewise common and seen daily, with especially large numbers outside the kitchen (and inside when the coast was clear!) of the little house at the Rio Ipurupuru boat dock. RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – Just a few birds in the grasslands around the ranch. GRASSLAND SPARROW (Ammodramus humeralis) – Our only one was at Viru Viru airport, but it popped up nicely in response to playback and gave us a great look. Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – A couple of birds near Santa Cruz on our first afternoon. Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella superciliaris) – A big group at Viru Viru airport was keeping a wary eye on the pair of marauding Aplomado Falcons there. We also saw these a couple of days around Trinidad. VELVET-FRONTED GRACKLE (Lampropsar tanagrinus boliviensis) – This race is endemic to Bolivia, and is fairly common in the Beni. We saw them on three days, highlighted by 50+ along the Rio Ipurupuru. CHOPI BLACKBIRD (Gnorimopsar chopi) – Numerous daily.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 11 SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Amblyramphus holosericeus) – We found these gorgeous blackbirds only a couple of times in some large stands of tall exotic papyrus near the ranch. UNICOLORED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus cyanopus) – Quite common and seen daily in the Beni. BAY-WINGED COWBIRD (Agelaioides badius) – Another numerous blackbird in the Beni, where we saw them daily. SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Overall very few, though there were a fair number along the lake at our lunch spot near Trinidad. GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – A single sighting of a lone bird flying over on our way to the ranch. EPAULET ORIOLE (Icterus cayanensis) – A few birds were seen most days, often being among the first birds to approach in response to pygmy-owl imitations. ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – One was found in the afternoon near Santa Cruz, then several daily in the Beni. SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – Most other places I've been, this species is both solitary and elusive. Here they seem to be a little more social and a lot more bold, and we saw them regularly. YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Very few overall. Just one on the afternoon near Trinidad, then a bunch in the gallery forest at La Habana. CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – Good numbers daily. Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – The common euphonia in the region, and the only species we encountered. Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Nearly a heard only bird, though we finally saw them on our return to Trinidad for the flight.

MAMMALS FISHING BAT SP. (Noctilio albiventris) – A few of these large bats were seen feeding over the Rio Ipurupuru. DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) – Some distant ones were well seen on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, then a couple of close ones along the drive to the ranch, as we were searching for the Tayra that had just crossed the road. BLACK HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta caraya) – A distant female in the riparian area at La Esperanza was the only one of the trip. BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – Small numbers in gallery forest along the Rio Ipurupuru and at La Habana. CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Seen in big numbers daily. AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN (Inia geoffrensis boliviensis) – Some pretty good views of a couple that surfaced several times behind out boats during the river trip. CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous) – Fairly common and easy to see at night, including right outside the ranch house. We also had great looks at a pair right next to the road in the day time. CRAB-EATING RACCOON (Procyon cancrivorus) – One of these we spotlighted along the main driveway one evening was a nice surprise. TAYRA (Eira barbara) – A lone sauntered across the paved road as we birded our way to the ranch.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 256 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 12