Amazon Wildlife Cruise Systematic List 5th-19th September 2015

Text by Chris Collins with assistance from Regina Ribeiro and Matt Prince (Arachnids)

Photos by Chris Collins unless otherwise stated

Mammals Bare-tailed Woolly Opossum Caluromys philander

A lone individual was found during our spotlighting session on 15 September. (Giant Armadillo Priodontes maximus)

Although we did not actually see this species, it deserves an honorary mention as we saw a number of freshly dug holes on a couple of dates but sadly no armadillos.

Three-toed (Brown-throated) Sloth Bradypus variegatus At least twenty sloths were recorded over four days with the vast majority of these seen during the early stages of the trip.

Three-toed (Brown-throated) Sloth by Steve Holloway

Pied Tamarin Saguinus bicolor This extremely localised monkey is classified as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List and we saw small troops on both visits to the gardens of the Tropical Hotel in Manaus. Humboldt’s White-fronted Capuchin Cebus albifrons

A troop of c.10 individuals were seen on 12 September on the Jaú River, with at least two individuals logged the following day.

Guianan Brown Capuchin Sapajus paella Seen on four dates with a total of a dozen monkeys recorded.

Guianan Squirrel Monkey Saimiri sciureus Logged on three days with the highest count being on 15 September when we were near the village of Remanso and close to our furthest point from Manaus. Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkey Saimiri cassiquiarensis

A troop of these monkeys was seen on 13 September whilst hiking one of the trails we explored along the Jaú River.

Spix’s Night Monkey Aotus vociferans Two of these monkeys were seen at a ‘stake out’ near the village of Novo Airão on 11 September.

Spix’s Night Monkey, Novo Airão

Spix’s Black-headed Uacari Cacajao ouakary This handsome monkey is relatively range-restricted and was one of our major targets on the Jaú River. By using local canoes, we were able to enter a flooded river island and see two of these magnificent creatures on 13 September.

Guianan Bearded Saki Chiropotes sagulatus Two individuals were seen on 15 September.

Guianan Red Howler Alouatta macconnelli This species was heard on six days but only seen on one occasion (15 September) whilst we were looking for Capuchinbird. (Colombian Red Howler Alouatta seniculus)

Heard on 14 and 15 September. Bicolored Rice Rat Oechimys bicolor

One was found on 12 September whilst spotlighting. Brazilian Porcupine Coendou prehensilis

Somewhat unexpectedly we saw two of these spiny animals on 15 September. The first was whilst searching for Capuchinbird and we were able to get some fantastic views through the telescope. A few hours later, another individual was found whilst we were spotlighting. Lowland Paca Cuniculus paca

A lone individual was seen whilst spotlighting on 12 September. Amazon Bamboo Rat Dactylomys dactylinus

Seen on two of our night time excursions with one logged on 16 September and two the following evening.

Red–nosed Tree Rat (Brazilian Spiny Tree Rat) Makalata didelphoides Another species found whilst spotlighting on 12 and 15 September.

Northern Ghost Bat Diclidurus albus Seen during the night excursion on 7 September.

Lesser Bulldog Bat Noctilio albiventris This fishing bat was logged on three of our night trips (7, 12 and 13 September).

Greater Bulldog Bat Noctilio leporinus Only seen on one excursion.

Sharp-nosed Bat Rhynchonycteris naso These small bats were regularly seen at roost during our daytime excursions with records on seven dates. Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis

This species was seen on a more or less daily basis with only three dates when we did not record it. Although the numbers seen varied, on most occasions our daily count was in double figures.

Tucuxi by Steve Holloway

Amazon River Dolphin Inia geoffrensis

Like the previous species, the Amazon River Dolphin was seen almost daily. One of the undoubted highlights of the entire expedition was getting in the water with about six of these amazing creatures on 9 September. Although the dolphins are given some fish, the quantity is little more than a light snack for such a substantial mammal and it genuinely felt like these wild animals were genuinely happy to interact with us. An incredible experience.

Amazon River Dolphin

Reptiles Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus

Spectacled Caimans were logged on at least seven days and was the more frequently encountered caiman species on our night excursions.

Black Caiman Caiman niger Seen on five dates with the first sightings being in a small river near our hotel in Manaus.

Diving Lizard Uranoscodon superciliosus Lone individuals were seen on 9 and 11 September.

Amazon Whiptail Ameiva ameiva The only record was on 12 September.

Neotropical Ground Lizard sp. Tropidurus sp. Amazon Race Runner Ameiva ameiva

Rainbow Lizard Cnemidophorus lemniscatus The only record was a dead one on 10 September.

Caiman Lizard Dracaena guianensis One was found on 11 September.

Green Iguana Iguana iguana Seen on six dates during the first half of the expedition with the first records coming from the small park close to our hotel on 5 September. Amazon Tree Boa Corallus hortulanus

The most frequently encountered snake species on our expedition with sightings on five of our night time canoe rides.

Parrot Snake Leptophis ahaetulla Green Vine Snake sp. Oxybelis sp.

Amphibians Crested Forest Toad sp. Rhinella sp.

Cane Toad Rhinella marina We found these large toads on a couple of our night excursions. As noted in the daily log, this species has been introduced into Australia where, unfortunately, it is causing real problems as it secretes chemicals which are toxic to the native amphibians.

Smoky Jungle Frog Leptodactylus pentadactylus Chaco Tree Frog Hypsiboas raniceps

Polkadot Tree Frog Hypsiboas punctatus One of these handsome little frogs was found during our excursion on 11 September.

Gladiator Tree Frog Hypsiboas boans Tree Frog sp. Hypsiboas sp.

Tropical Bullfrog sp. Adenomera sp.

Arachnids and related species Pink-toed Tarantula Avicularia avicularia Seen on three days (9-11 September inclusive) with the best views being near where we had a barbeque on the evening of 10 September. Brazilian Eclipse Tarantula Bumba horrida

This pink Tarantula was found during our night excursion on 7 September. It is worth noting that this species was only described in 1994.

Golden Orb Weaver Spider Nephila clavipes This large orb weaver was seen on the Rufous Potoo trail on 13 September.

Tailless Whip-scorpion Amblypygida sp. Amazon Black Scorpion Tityus dinizi

Fish Electric Eel Electrophorus electricus Two of these extraordinary creatures were seen during our canoe excursion on 10 September. According to our local guide, Junior, they are capable of generating a pulse of 500 volts to stun or kill their prey.

Cardinal Tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi These small fish are very popular in aquariums and we found some on 17 September in a small stream. Needle Jaw sp. Acestrorhynchidae sp.

Birds

(Great Tinamou Tinamus major) Heard but not seen.

Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus A lone bird was seen on 17 September.

Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus Regularly heard but only seen on one occasion (13 September).

(Variegated Tinamou Crypturellus variegatus) Heard but not seen.

Horned Screamer Anhima cornuta Three individuals were seen on 7 September.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata

Common along the Rio Negro and Jaú River. Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis

Only seen on two dates with a total of four birds recorded. Little Chachalaca Ortalis motmot

Only seen in the gardens of the Tropical Hotel, Manaus although also heard during our canoe excursion on 10 September.

Nocturnal Curassow Nothocrax urumutum Two of these rarely observed birds were seen by some of the group on 14 September whilst hiking near the village of Cachoeira. Crestless Curassow Mitu tomentosum

This species was heard on two occasions whilst out in the canoes but was not seen on either day.

Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis A reasonably numerous species which was seen on an almost daily basis although usually our counts were only in low single figures. Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum

Agami Heron Agamia agami Seen on two dates with an impressive total of five individuals on one canoe ride on 16 September. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius

Seen on eight days but only ever in small numbers. Striated Heron Butorides striata This was one of the species which we logged on every day whilst on Iracema.

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi

Great Egret Ardea alba Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus

Another handsome heron which was recorded on five dates with a total of 21 birds logged. Snowy Egret Egretta thula

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus

Neotropical Cormorants

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus Black Vulture Coragyps atratus

King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa A somewhat uncommon vulture in this part of Amazonia with four birds logged over three days. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Seen on an almost daily basis throughout our time on Iracema. Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis

Seen on four dates with a total of five bird recorded. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus

A lone bird on 8 September was the only record on the expedition. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus

Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja For many of the group, the undoubted highlight of the expedition was spending almost an hour with one of these fantastic birds at a range of about 60 feet. We were able to watch it from the

top deck of Iracema and it seemed totally unconcerned that 20+ people were so close to it. An absolutely incredible experience.

Harpy Eagle

Black Hawk-eagle Spizaetus tyrannus

The most frequently encountered of the Hawk-eagles with sightings on three dates. Black-and-white Hawk-eagle Spizaetus melanoleucus

Only one sighting – a lone bird perched in a tree as we cruised down the Rio Negro on 16 September.

Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea One of the commonest raptors in this area with sightings on ten dates.

Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Most sightings were at the beginning of the trip with a total of thirteen birds logged.

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Like the previous species, this species was only recorded during the early stages of the expedition. Slate-coloured Hawk Buteogallus schistaceus

Two birds were seen on widely spaced dates. Savannah Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis

Seen daily on the first three days we were on Iracema. Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga

Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris The commonest large raptor with almost daily sightings. It should, however, probably be renamed the ‘Riverside Hawk’ as that was where most of our sightings were!!

Roadside Hawk

White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis A lone bird on 10 September was the only record.

Sunbittern Eurypyga helias This species proved to be unexpectedly elusive but one was well seen on 16 September.

Sungrebe Heliornis fulica Recorded on seven dates but most sightings were lone individuals which were only seen by a handful of people. We made a special attempt to find this bird after dark and everyone got good looks then during our night excursion on 13 September.

Limpkin Aramus guarauna Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica As we cruised westwards along the Amazon back towards Manaus on 8 September (after visiting the Madeira River), several flocks of American Golden Plovers were seen on some open/grassy areas close to the riverbank and these totalled about four hundred birds.

Collared Plover Charadrius collaris A total of a dozen individuals were seen across four dates.

Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Somewhat unexpectedly some of the individuals we saw still had spots.

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis A small flock numbering approximately eight individuals was seen on 6 September.

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger Yellow-billed Tern Sternula superciliaris

This species and the following one, ie Large-billed Tern, were seen on a more or less daily basis.

Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis

Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea

Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla

This species was only heard. Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin

Seen on six dates with a total of fifteen individuals recorded. Greater Ani Crotophaga major

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Little Cuckoo Coccycua minuta

A lone individual was seen on 7 September. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana

Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Tawny-bellied Screech Owl Megascops watsonii

A fantastic find by our ship guide, Junior, and seen very well from the canoes on 18 September. Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata

Seen at the same locality as the Tawny-bellied Screech Owl although on our night excursion on 9 September, whereas the screech owl was at a daytime roost.

Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata Two individuals were found on our last night trip on 17 September with one of these showing extremely well for those in both canoes. Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis

Seen on six days throughout the expedition with the highest number (of at least ten individuals) recorded on our first night time excursion on 6 September.

Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus Despite its name, this species was less numerous than Great Potoo with sightings on only two dates.

Rufous Potoo Nyctibius bracteatus One of the undoubted highlights for the keen birders and after setting off at 04:00 on the morning of 13 September, we were eventually rewarded with some phenomenal views of a perched bird which was less than 5 metres away. Rufous Potoo by Steve Holloway

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Band-tailed Nighthawk Nyctiprogne leucopyga

There appears to be two cryptic species within ‘Band-tailed Nighthawk’ as seemingly identical looking birds have two very different songs in this part of Amazonia. Most of the birds we heard were of the more well-known song type but the ‘new species’ was also seen. Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis

Ladder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacocerca Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicaudus

Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura

A very distinctively shaped swift which was seen on seven dates throughout the expedition. Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis Only two individuals were seen with one on 17 September and another the following day. Straight-billed Hermit Phaethornis bourcieri

Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora

Green-throated Mango Anthracothorax viridigula Green-tailed Goldenthroat Polytmus theresiae

During our barbeque lunch at a waterfall on 17 September we discovered the nest of one of these hummingbirds.

Versicolored Emerald Amazilia versicolor Glittering-throated Emerald Amazilia fimbriata

Black-eared Fairy Heliothryx auritus Pavonine Quetzal Pharomachrus pavoninus

Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis Green-backed Trogon

The more frequently encountered of the trogons with eight birds logged across four dates.

American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda

The least recorded of the five South American kingfisher species we saw with four individuals logged over three days.

Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona

Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata (Amazon Motmot Momotus momota)

Heard on 10 September. Yellow-billed Jacamar Galbula albirostris

Only recorded on one date (18 September) with two individuals seen.

Green-tailed Jacamar Galbula galbula The commonest of the five species of Jacamar we found but still only recorded on four dates with eight individuals logged. Bronzy Jacamar Galbula leucogastra

Only seen on our excursion on 17 September. Paradise Jacamar Galbula dea Yellow-billed Jacamar

Great Jacamar Jacamerops aureus This species was only seen whilst birding/hiking the two trails we explored on 13 September.

Spotted Puffbird Bucco tamatia Black Nunbird Monasa atra

This Guianan Shield speciality was seen on an irregular basis throughout the trip with a dozen individuals logged over six dates.

Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Swallow-winged Puffbird Chelidoptera tenebrosa This distinctive bird was seen on a daily basis during the second half of the expedition. Photo to the left.

Green Aracari Pteroglossus viridis The only records of this small toucan were in the grounds of the Tropical Hotel near where we boarded Iracema on 6 September.

Black-necked Aracari Pteroglossus aracari A small group of four individuals was seen on 16 September.

Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis

Only recorded on the first two days of the trip. Tawny-tufted Toucanet Selenidera nattereri

Heard but not seen on 13 September. Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus

White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus More frequently encountered than the previous species with sightings on nine days.

Golden-spangled Piculet Picumnus exilis Varzea Piculet Picumnus varzeae

This small woodpecker has a very restricted range along the Amazon and two were seen on 8 September when we visited Buffalo Island on the Madeira River.

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus

Yellow-throated Woodpecker Piculus flavigula

Yellow-throated Woodpecker

Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula

Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans Ringed Woodpecker Celeus torquatus Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus

Red-necked Woodpecker Campephilus rubricollis Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos

Black Caracara Daptrius ater Red-throated Caracara Ibycter americanus

Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima

Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis

Four of these small falcons, which somewhat resemble Eurasian Hobbies, were seen during the latter stages of the expedition.

Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet Touit purpuratus Only recorded during our excursion on 10 September with eight or so birds observed.

Tui Parakeet Brotogeris sanctithomae Recorded in reasonable numbers on the first four days of the expedition.

White-winged Parakeet Brotogeris versicolurus Only seen in the early stages of the trip with the highest numbers being logged on the day we left Manaus. Orange-cheeked Parrot Pyrilia barrabandi

A very handsome parrot which was only seen on one date (16 September). Although most individuals were only observed in flight, we had great views of one perched bird. Caica Parrot Pyrilia caica

Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Dusky Parrot Pionus fuscus

Short-tailed Parrot Graydidascalus brachyurus Festive Amazon Amazona festiva

The commonest Amazona parrot on the expedition with sightings on eight dates.

Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica Mealy Amazon Amazona farinose

Heard on 17 September. Orange-cheeked Parrot Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus

Brown-throated Parakeet Eupsittula pertinax Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna

The most frequently encountered macaw with records on six days and a total of over sixty birds logged.

Scarlet Macaw Ara macao Only seen on two dates (14 and 16 September) with seven birds observed.

Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus

Seven individuals were seen during the early stages of the expedition. White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus

Good numbers were seen on a daily basis for the first week of the trip with the only other sighting coming as got closer to Manaus (17 Sept: 4 individuals).

Lesser Hornero Furnarius minor Band-tailed Hornero Furnarius figulus

Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis Two birds were seen on 8 September on Buffalo Island near the mouth of the Madeira River.

Yellow-chinned Spinetail Certhiaxis cinnamomeus Red-and-white Spinetail Certhiaxis mustelinus

We had some nice looks at this species on our first full day on Iracema (7 September). Plain Softtail Thripophaga fusciceps

The birds found on river islands around the Madeira River may be split and two individuals were seen very well during our excursion on 8 September.

Long-billed Woodcreeper Nasica longirostris This species is surely one of the best looking of all the woodcreepers and a total of nine individuals were recorded across five widely spaced dates. Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus

Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus Zimmer’s Woodcreeper Dendroplex kienerii

Heard only. Striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus obsoletus

Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus pardalotus Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris

A somewhat unexpected find but a lone individual was seen reasonably well on 6 September. Black-crested Antshrike Sakesphorus canadensis

Glossy Antshrike Sakesphorus luctuosus This species has a moderately limited range and a pair of birds was seen well whilst looking for the Plain Softtails on 8 September. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus

Blackish-grey Antshrike Thamnophilus nigrocinereus This species is primarily found along the Amazon River and some of its tributaries and two individuals were seen on 11 September. Northern Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus punctatus

Amazonian Antshrike Thamnophilus amazonicus As its name suggests this species is primarily found in the Amazon basin and we heard it on 12 September and found a very smart female three days later.

Dusky-throated Antshrike Thamnomanes ardesiacus Cherrie's Antwren Myrmotherula cherriei

This species has a moderately limited range being only found in NW Amazonia. It was reasonably common by voice around the small community of Cachoeira and one male was seen on 14 September. Klages's Antwren Myrmotherula klagesi

This species resembles the previous one, however, its song is quite different and it has a much more restricted range only occurring along a relatively short section of the Amazon River and a few major tributaries. It seems to favour river islands and river-edge forest and as these are subject to more clearance than some other habitats, this species is classified as ‘near threatened’ by Birdlife International. During our expedition, a pair were seen well in the Anavilhanas archipelago (11 September) with another individual heard further upstream five days later. White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris

Leaden Antwren Myrmotherula assimilis A somewhat range restricted species which was seen on the same morning as the Klages’s Antwren (11 September). Ash-breasted Antbird Myrmoborus lugubris

Another of the antbirds we found during our excursion in the Anavilhanas archipelago on 11 September.

Guianan Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis cantator This is a Guianan Shield speciality which is treated as ‘near threatened’ by Birdlife International and one bird was seen on our final morning canoe excursion on 18 September. Yellow-browed Antbird Hypocnemis hypoxantha

At least one individual was present in the antbird flock we encountered whilst birding along the ‘Rufous Potoo trail’ on 13 September.

Black-chinned Antbird Hypocnemoides melanopogon The most frequently antbird during the expedition with sightings on four dates.

Black-and-white Antbird Myrmochanes hemileucus This beautiful river island specialist was seen on Buffalo Island in the Madeira River where we also found the Varzea Piculet (8 September). Spot-winged Antbird Schistocicha leucostigma

Common Scale-backed Antbird Willisornis poecilinotus We had some nice looks at a pair on 13 September whilst birding along the trail where the Rufous Potoo had been seen earlier in the day. Yellow-crowned Elaenia Myiopagis flavivertex

Small-billed Elaenia Elaenia parvirostris White-lored Tyrannulet Ornithion inerme

Lesser Wagtail-tyrant Stigmatura napensis

Amazonian Inezia Inezia subflava Spotted Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum maculatum

One of the better looking flycatchers we found and seen on six dates during the trip. Grey-crowned Flatbill Tolmomyias poliocephalus

Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus Drab Water Tyrant Ochthornis littoralis

White-headed Marsh Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius

Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis

Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor

Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus The birds found on some of the river islands we visited are a potential split.

White-throated Kingbird Tyrannus albogularis Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus

Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox

White-eyed Attila Attila bolivianus Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans

This species is unquestionably one of the classic songsters of the lowland Amazon and we heard it on four days with sightings on two additional dates.

Pompadour Cotinga Xipholena punicea One of the most colourful birds encountered on the expedition. We had reasonable looks at a male in a fruiting tree on 12 September. Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus

Capuchinbird Perissocephalus tricolor Our local guide, Junior, had a site for this and whilst it was a fairly long hike to reach the locality, everyone got to hear the amazing call of this bizarre looking bird and whilst not everyone saw it perched, we had decent flight views as it moved rapidly through the canopy.

Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus One of the highlights of a fantastic afternoon on the Rio Negro with three birds seen on 16 September although, unfortunately, some of the group were not on the top deck when the most showy individual was found.

Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata Black Manakin Xenopipo atronitens

Wire-tailed Manakin Pipra filicauda Another of the really colourful birds seen on the expedition with sightings on three dates and a total of eight individuals logged. The highest count was in the same fruiting tree where the Pompadour Cotinga was seen (12 September).

White-crowned Manakin Dixiphia pipra Golden-headed Manakin Dixiphia erythrocephala

Whiskered Myiobius Myiobius barbatus Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana

Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Varzea Schiffornis Schiffornis major

Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus

White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Purple Martin Progne subis

This species ‘winters’ in good numbers in the part of Amazonian Brazil we visited and was logged on seven dates.

Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera

White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Unlike all the other hirundines we encountered, this species was only seen on one date (14 September) with one individual logged. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla

This species was only seen on one occasion (7 September) when four individuals were found. Although it is often included within the Wrens, there is a growing consensus that this treatment is not correct and there are suggestions it may actually be closer related to the Old World warblers !!

Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis House Wren Troglodytes aedon

Musician Wren Cyphorhinus arada One of the most beautiful songsters in the lowland Amazon rainforests and heard along the trail where we saw the Capuchinbird (15 September) with some also seeing it. Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas

Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Cocoa Thrush Turdus fumigates

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild An introduction which we only saw in Manaus.

Plumbeous Euphonia Euphonia plumbea A pair of these euphonias were seen during our canoe excursion on 17 September.

Golden-sided Euphonia Euphonia cayennensis Another euphonia species which was only logged on one date, with two birds feeding in the fruiting tree where we also found the Pompadour Cotinga on 12 September. Masked Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis

Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus

The commonest oropendola in this region and logged on nine dates during the trip. Green Oropendola Psarocolius viridis

Olive Oropendola Psarocolius bifasciatus We had some great views of a male displaying in a tree which contained several nests.

Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela One of the classic birds of lowland Amazonia and seen on a more or less daily basis.

Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus

Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus

Only seen on the first four days of the trip. Yellow-hooded Blackbird Chrysomus icterocephalus

Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons

Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis Hooded Tanager Nemosia pileata

Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sordida Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata

Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus

This species is reasonably widespread from Central America to Central Amazonia and we saw it on eight dates.

Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana

This species was logged on two dates with the best views being in the village of Igarape Preto on 7 September where two individuals were seen.

Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata Like the Turquoise Tanager, this species is a real stunner and we saw a small flock whilst birding in the grounds of the Tropical Hotel on 6 September. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola

This species is not usually considered to occur in the region we visited on this expedition and finding two birds in the aforementioned fruiting tree on 12 September was definitely one of the more unexpected sightings. Indeed, it was even a new bird for our local guide, Junior!! Yellow-bellied Dacnis Dacnis flaviventer

Only recorded on 11 September when two birds were seen. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus

Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira Bicolored Conebill Conirostrum bicolor

Orange-fronted Yellow Finch Sicalis columbiana A reasonably common bird in more disturbed habitats and seen on seven dates.

Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Lined Seedeater Sporophila lineola

Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Seen on two dates with the highest number being a small flock of ten or so birds in the village of Igarape Preto on 7 September. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens

The only sighting of this species was a lone bird on 6 September.

Moths, Butterflies etc Sphinx Moth Family Sphingidae Swallow-tailed Moth Family Uranidae

Wasp Moth Family Arctiidae Blush Butterflies Family Satyridae

Sulphur Butterflies Family Pieridae Morpho Butterflies Family Morphidae

Dragonflies Order Odonata Damselflies Order Odonata

True bug Order Hemiptera Mole Cricket Family Gryllotalpidae

Orchids and other plants (selected only) Devon’s Galeandra Galeandra devoniana Orchid sp. Encyclia sp.

Sundew sp. Drosera sp. Encyclia sp. orchid by Regina Ribeiro

Cacti Moon Cactus Selenicereus wittii

www.wildwings.co.uk