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Field Guides Tour Report

BLUE-THROATED MACAW EXTENSION

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

Jabiru triplets: cute in an ugly sort of way. (Photo by guideJay VanderGaast)

What can I say about the Beni other than there are a load of birdsthere! Any destination where you can tally upwards of 160 speciesof 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, andit was a fantastic place in which to begin our Bolivian adventure.

The rare, endemic, Blue-throated Macaw is the main target of thetrip, and once again, we had a superb encounter with a pair in theLa 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 finallyheard a pair of these macaws, then caught sight of them as theyflew up to the treetops and perched there for some lengthy, soul-satisfying views. That there are only about 300 of these lovelybirds remaining in the wild made the moment that much morespecial. It's great to know there are folks like the owners of ElCutal who are actively involved in preserving these marvelousmacaws 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 samplingof my favorites would have to include the following: an abundance of storks of all three species, with triplet Jabirus in a nestbeing especially memorable for their grotesque charm; more Gray-necked Wood-Rails in a day then I've ever seen on anyother trip; that pair of lovely Yellow-collared Macaws that were sitting just outside the hacienda, minutes before we left theranch the last morning. Also worth remembering was the Little Nightjar that allowed us to walk right up to it, the wonderfularray of woodpeckers (10 species) with such stunners as Pale-crested and Golden-green, plus that surprise White-throated atLa Habana on the final day, and the trio of lovely monjitas. The angelic-looking White Monjita is a heavenly bird, and oneof 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 tothis 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 hopefullybe 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 LISTOne 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

BIRDSRheidae (Rheas)

(Rhea americana) – We saw about 20 of these big guys on our drive into the ranch, then small numbersdaily after that.

GREATER RHEA

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Herons abound in the Beni wetlands. Here an exquisiteCapped Heron strolls through a small marsh. (Photo by

guide Jay VanderGaast)

Tinamidae (Tinamous) (Crypturellus undulatus) – Heard in riparian forest along the Rio Ipurupuru. [*] (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) (Chauna torquata) – Quite numerous in wet areas along the drive from Trinidad to the ranch.

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) (Dendrocygna viduata) – A couple of small flocks on our way into the ranch.

(Dendrocygna autumnalis) – Outnumbered the preceding species but overallthere weren't a lot of whistling-ducks around.

(Neochen jubata) – A pair of these uncommonbirds were on the edge of the large lake en route to La Verde, andanother pair were in the marshy field with all the shorebirds on ourdrive back to Trinidad.

(Cairina moschata) – Only a couple of thesehusky ducks were seen along the drive to the ranch.

(Amazonetta brasiliensis) – The most numerousduck of the trip, with several seen daily.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) (Ortalis guttata) – Chachalacas were

seen every day, but try as we might we couldn't turn any of theminto Chaco Chachalacas.

(Crax fasciolata) – John spotted theseelusive birds just a short way into our Rio Ipurupuru boat trip, andthey stuck around for us to get almost everyone on them, thoughthey were tucked way back into the underbrush.

Ciconiidae (Storks) (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 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] (Mycteria americana) – The most abundant stork, with hundreds seen daily.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Seen in small numbers daily.

Anhingidae (Anhingas) (Anhinga anhinga) – A few birds seen most days.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Tigrisoma lineatum) – Quite common, especially so in the wet grasslands at La

Esperanza, and often sitting up on fenceposts along the way. (Ardea cocoi) – These dapper herons were a regular sight throughout the tour. (Ardea alba) – Numerous daily. (Egretta thula) – Regular in small numbers. (Bubulcus ibis) – Common.

(Butorides striata) – Not numerous, but we did see a few each day. (Syrigma sibilatrix) – First seen at the Viru Viru airport, then regularly around the ranch, but

missed on our afternoon around Trinidad. (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. (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Quite a few around wetlands near the ranch.

UNDULATED TINAMOURED-WINGED TINAMOU

SOUTHERN SCREAMER

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCKBLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK

ORINOCO GOOSE

MUSCOVY DUCK

BRAZILIAN TEAL

SPECKLED CHACHALACA

BARE-FACED CURASSOW

MAGUARI STORK

JABIRU

WOOD STORK

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT

ANHINGA

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON

COCOI HERONGREAT EGRETSNOWY EGRETCATTLE EGRETSTRIATED HERONWHISTLING HERON

CAPPED HERON

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

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This isn't your everyday Roadside Hawk; therace found in Bolivia, saturatus, has a distinct,

hooded look. (Photo by guide JayVanderGaast)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) (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. (Phimosus infuscatus) – This was arguably the least numerous ibis species we saw, with just a few

birds seen near the ranch. (Theristicus caerulescens) – Quite common, though in the dry conditions, not nearly as numerous as

usual. (Theristicus caudatus) – We had regular great looks at these beautiful birds, which are now split

from the montane Black-faced (Andean) Ibis. (Platalea ajaja) – Small numbers daily.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Coragyps atratus) – Abundant.

(Cathartes aura) – Also abundant. (Cathartes burrovianus) – Also quite numerous, and seen well a number of

times.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Must have been lots of apple snails around, as there were sure plenty of these birds

looking for them. (Ictinia plumbea) – Two birds were seen during the

boat trip on the Rio Ipurupuru. (Busarellus nigricollis) – Several of these

attractive hawks were seen particularly along the drives to and from theranch.

(Geranospiza caerulescens) – A few folks glimpsed a flyingbird just before it disappeared into the canopy at dusk along the RioIpurupuru.

(Buteogallus urubitinga) – A handful each day;some got our hearts racing, thinking we may have finally spotted aCrowned Eagle, but no such luck.

(Buteogallus meridionalis) – Quite numerous in the opengrassland areas.

(Buteo magnirostris) – Very common, and seen daily.These Bolivian birds are quite strikingly marked, and look quite unlikeRoadside Hawks from more northern regions.

(Buteo albicaudatus) – Seen in small numbersdaily, starting at the Viru Viru airport.

(Spizaetus tyrannus) – Heard as we birded thegallery forest on our final day in the Beni. [*]

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Caracara plancus) – Very common and seen

daily. (Milvago chimachima) – Seen in small numbers on most days.

(Falco sparverius) – Common and seen daily. (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) (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. (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 birdseven occurred here.

GREEN IBIS

BARE-FACED IBIS

PLUMBEOUS IBIS

BUFF-NECKED IBIS

ROSEATE SPOONBILL

BLACK VULTURETURKEY VULTURELESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE

SNAIL KITE

PLUMBEOUS KITE

BLACK-COLLARED HAWK

CRANE HAWK

GREAT BLACK-HAWK

SAVANNA HAWK

ROADSIDE HAWK

WHITE-TAILED HAWK

BLACK HAWK-EAGLE

SOUTHERN CARACARA

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARAAMERICAN KESTRELAPLOMADO FALCON

RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE

GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL

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A sleek male Scissor-tailed Nightjar steals the spotlight!(Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast)

Heliornithidae (Finfoots) (Heliornis fulica) – Distant but good scope views of a male on the large lake at La Habana Ranch.

Aramidae (Limpkin) (Aramus guarauna) – Numerous in the wet areas around the ranch.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Vanellus chilensis) – Very common and seen daily.

(Pluvialis dominica) – Roughly 10 of these boreal migrants were in the marshyshorebird field along the drive to the ranch. [b]

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) (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) (Jacana jacana) – Numerous in the wet areas, with lots of young birds about. [N]

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Tringa solitaria) – Generally seen as singles (appropriately) here and there throughout. [b] (Tringa flavipes) – A bunch at the shorebird field en route to the ranch. [b]

(Bartramia longicauda) – One was seenand heard as it flew overhead on our first full day at the ranch.[b]

(Limosa haemastica) – One on a sandspit seen from the Rio Ipurupuru bridge, and a flock of 6 at thelarge lake along the drive to La Verde. [b]

(Calidris fuscicollis) – A trioof these were at the shorebird field. [b]

(Calidris melanotos) – Quitenumerous at the shorebird field. [b]

(Calidris himantopus) – Dan picked out asingle bird at the shorebird field. [b]

(Tryngites subruficollis) –Dan also picked out one of these lovely sandpipers at theshorebird field. It was tricky to pick up in the scope as it neverstopped moving for long, but we eventually all had nice looks.[b]

(Gallinago paraguaiae) – A couplein the shorebird field, though Kent saw several more when hewalked up the road a ways.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Sternula superciliaris) – A couple of birds on the drives to and from the ranch.

(Phaetusa simplex) – Small numbers at the ranch, often seen flying over the grasslands wherethey really looked out of place.

(Rynchops niger cinerascens) – A pair with the Hudsonian Godwit on the RioIpurupuru.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) [I]

(Patagioenas cayennensis) – Fairly common, though not so much as the next species. (Patagioenas picazuro) – The most numerous large pigeon in the region, with good numbers seen

daily. (Zenaida auriculata) – Another numerous pigeon species.

(Columbina minuta) – Scarce in the area, but we found a single bird among the

SUNGREBE

LIMPKIN

SOUTHERN LAPWINGAMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER

BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED)

WATTLED JACANA

SOLITARY SANDPIPERLESSER YELLOWLEGSUPLAND SANDPIPER

HUDSONIAN GODWIT

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER

PECTORAL SANDPIPER

STILT SANDPIPER

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER

SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE

YELLOW-BILLED TERNLARGE-BILLED TERN

BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS)

ROCK PIGEONPALE-VENTED PIGEONPICAZURO PIGEON

EARED DOVEPLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE

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Brilliant Blue-and-yellow Macaws are acommon sight in the region. (Photo by guide Jay

VanderGaast)

numerous Ruddy Ground-Doves en route to the ranch. (Columbina talpacoti) – Very common throughout.

(Columbina picui) – Likewise very common throughout. (Leptotila verreauxi) – Common, especially so at La Habana, where there were dozens of them.

(Leptotila rufaxilla) – A few in the gallery forest at La Habana.

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Aratinga mitrata) – Seen only in Santa Cruz, where a small population of escaped birds roosts on

our hotel each night. (Aratinga leucophthalma) – Seen in small numbers almost daily.

(Aratinga weddellii) – A few small flocks around the ranch. (Aratinga aurea) – The common larger

parakeet in the region. We saw these attractive birds daily. (Ara severus) – Regularly seen in small

numbers, generally flying past. (Ara chloropterus) – Great looks at these as

they flew past at the Rio Ipurupuru. (Ara ararauna) – Similar to the next

species, but much more common and conspicuous. We had great views ofmany, including some pretty large flocks.

(Ara glaucogularis) – First seen in the wildin the early 1990's and there are only about 300 of them left in the wild, sothis is one of the rarest of the macaws. We went to a palm grove at LaVerde where a pair of these are known to hang out, and got incredibleviews of them perched on a palm. What a bird! [E]

(Primolius auricollis) – A poor flyby onthe first day was greatly improved on the final morning at the ranch whenwe found a perched pair just outside the ranch just before loading the busfor the drive out.

(Forpus xanthopterygius) – Bunches ofthese little guys were seen daily.

(Brotogeris chiriri) – Numerous inthe region, with good numbers seen daily.

(Brotogeris cyanoptera) – A couple ofthese at La Habana were a bit of a surprise, and our first record for theBeni.

(Pionus maximiliani siy) – We had very few ofthese and only flyby views, so not totally satisfying.

(Amazona aestiva) – Our only Amazonas werea handful of these colorful ones around the ranch.

Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin) (Opisthocomus hoazin) – A few skittish birds in the thick riparian growth along the Rio Ipurupuru during the

boat trip.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Piaya cayana) – Only seen in the gallery forest at La Habana.

(Guira guira) – Common, and often in large groups. (Tapera naevia) – Heard a couple of times at the ranch. [*]

(Crotophaga ani) – Good numbers daily.

Strigidae (Owls) (Megascops choliba) – Heard in the wee hours one morning at the ranch. [*]

(Bubo virginianus) – Heard the same night as the above. [*]

RUDDY GROUND-DOVEPICUI GROUND-DOVEWHITE-TIPPED DOVEGRAY-FRONTED DOVE

MITRED PARAKEET

WHITE-EYED PARAKEETDUSKY-HEADED PARAKEETPEACH-FRONTED PARAKEET

CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW

RED-AND-GREEN MACAW

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW

BLUE-THROATED MACAW

YELLOW-COLLARED MACAW

BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET

YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEET

COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET

SCALY-HEADED PARROT

BLUE-FRONTED PARROT

HOATZIN

SQUIRREL CUCKOOGUIRA CUCKOOSTRIPED CUCKOOSMOOTH-BILLED ANI

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWLGREAT HORNED OWL

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One 300th of the remaining wild population ofthe Blue-throated Macaw, the main target of this

tour. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast)

(Glaucidium brasilianum) – One bird was whistled in at the La Verde palm grove forsome nice looks, and a couple others were seen in the gallery forest at La Habana.

(Athene cunicularia) – Common at the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Chordeiles acutipennis) – A single one flew over the boats at dusk along the Ipurupuru.

(Nyctiprogne leucopyga) – A pair of these made a couple of passes overhead at about thesame time as the above species.

(Podager nacunda) – About a dozen flew by at dusk our first afternoon near Trinidad, and afew more were seen the next evening as well.

(Nyctidromus albicollis) – Heard at the ranch. [*] (Caprimulgus parvulus) – Despite the fact that our

usual area for this tiny nightjar was completely burned over, the birds werestill around, and we walked right up to one for some awesome views.

(Hydropsalis torquata) – These alsoallowed pretty close approaches, and we had nice views of several,including a couple of long-tailed males.

Apodidae (Swifts) (Chaetura brachyura) – A single bird was spotted

flying by on our first morning at the Viru Viru airport.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Polytmus guainumbi) – Super looks

at our first one in the grasslands around the Viru Viru airport, than smallnumbers seen daily in the Beni.

(Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A male at LaHabana was the only one of the trip.

(Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – A single femalewas seen at La Habana.

(Eupetomena macroura) –Regular in the flowering plants around the ranch.

(Amazilia chionogaster) – A lonebird near Santa Cruz our first afternoon was a bit surprising as they areusually at higher elevations, but must migrate into the lowlands in the dry season.

(Amazilia fimbriata) – A single bird seen our last morning at La Habana. (Hylocharis chrysura) – A few were seen regularly around the ranch.

Trogonidae (Trogons) (Trogon melanurus) – A couple of birds in the La Habana gallery forest.

(Trogon curucui) – Nice looks at a male on our first afternoon near Santa Cruz, then acouple of sightings in the Beni.

Momotidae (Motmots) (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) (Megaceryle torquata) – A few around the larger lakes in the Beni.

(Chloroceryle amazona) – A couple of birds during the Rio Ipurupuru boat trip.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds) (Monasa nigrifrons) – A riparian forest bird, seen during the boat trip, then again at La

Habana.

Galbulidae (Jacamars) (Galbula ruficauda) – A few on our way to the ranch, including one in the same vine

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL

BURROWING OWL

LESSER NIGHTHAWKBAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK

NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK

COMMON PAURAQUELITTLE NIGHTJAR

SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR

SHORT-TAILED SWIFT

WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT

BLACK-THROATED MANGO

BLUE-TAILED EMERALD

SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD

WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD

GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALDGILDED HUMMINGBIRD

BLACK-TAILED TROGONBLUE-CROWNED TROGON

AMAZONIAN MOTMOT

RINGED KINGFISHERAMAZON KINGFISHER

BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR

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A Red-capped Cardinal awaits its chance to sneakinto the kitchen for a snack at the Rio Ipurupuru

dock. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast)

tangle as the Mato Grosso Antbird, and several more during our stay at El Cutal.

Ramphastidae (Toucans) (Pteroglossus castanotis) – Generally seen in gallery forest, first during the boat trip,

then again at La Habana. (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) (Picumnus albosquamatus) – Not numerous, but we saw one each day of the tour, and two

on our first day around Santa Cruz. (Melanerpes candidus) – These wonderful, social woodpeckers, were seen on several days in

the Beni. (Melanerpes cruentatus) – A

pair of these widespread woodpeckers responded nicely on ourafternoon of birding near Santa Cruz.

(Veniliornis passerinus) – Singles were seenon all but one day of the trip.

(Piculus leucolaemus) – Afemale in the gallery forest at La Habana was an unexpected first for uson this tour, and we had some good views of her as she followed alongwith a large mixed flock.

(Piculus chrysochloros) – Lonemales 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 thatway in the field guides.

(Colaptes melanochloros) – Seenin small numbers on several days, including right outside of the ranchhouse.

(Colaptes campestris) – Great views of our first pairfeeding on the ground (as they often do) in the grasslands at Viru Viru airport, then seen nearly daily in the Beni.

(Celeus lugubris) – We spotted our first from the bus as it hitched up a roadsideCecropia tree along our way to the ranch. This is one of my favorite genera of woodpeckers and it's always nice to seethese birds.

(Dryocopus lineatus) – A lone male in a dead tree at the Viru Viru airport, and a couple ofbirds on the drive in to the ranch.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) (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 aresometimes split off as Pacific Hornero.

(Furnarius rufus) – Common and conspicuous throughout. (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 excellentlooks.

(Synallaxis albescens australis) – A lone bird came in close and showed well in theshrubby La Esperanza grasslands.

(Synallaxis gujanensis inornata) – Good views of a couple of birds feeding near theground on the edge of the gallery forest at La Habana.

(Cranioleuca vulpina) – Excellent looks at a responsive pair in the vegetation alongsidethe large lake at La Habana.

(Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) – These seemed to be present at pretty much anyreasonably sized body of water in the Beni, and we saw a bunch of them.

(Thripophaga fusciceps fusciceps) – This taxa is endemic to the Beni, and could be split as a separatespecies one day. We had superb views of several in the La Habana gallery forest.

CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI

TOCO TOUCAN

WHITE-WEDGED PICULET

WHITE WOODPECKER

YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER

LITTLE WOODPECKER

WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER

GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER

GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER

CAMPO FLICKER

PALE-CRESTED WOODPECKER

LINEATED WOODPECKER

PALE-LEGGED HORNERO

RUFOUS HORNEROCHOTOY SPINETAIL

PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL

PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL

RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL

PLAIN SOFTTAIL

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(Phacellodomus ruber) – Fairly common; we saw a few of these birds each day in the Beni. (Pseudoseisura unirufa) – These charismatic, crested Furnariids were first encountered at our

lunch restaurant near Trinidad, then seen several times each day after. (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. (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. (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. (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – Seen only in the La Habana gallery forest on our last

day. (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris) – One of the most striking and attractive of all the

woodcreepers; we saw them on several days. (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 Antbirds) (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. (Thamnophilus doliatus) – A pair at the Viru Viru airport, then single females on two days in the

Beni. (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 continuallywagging their tails makes them easier than usual to pick out of the thick scrub.

(Formicivora rufa) – A pair of these beautiful little antwrens came in quickly and showedvery well in a shrubby section of the La Esperanza grasslands.

(Cercomacra melanaria) – Dan and I bashed our way into some riverside bushes at the RioIpurupuru in hopes of finding some roosting Band-tailed Nighthawks. Well, we dipped on the nighthawks, but did find avery cooperative pair of these birds instead. They were so cooperative, that binoculars were almost superfluous, thoughthey could have been a handy perch if they'd come a tiny bit closer.

(Hypocnemoides maculicauda) – Nice views of a pair that came in very close along the shoresof the large lake at La Habana.

(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) (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Fairly common throughout.

(Phaeomyias murina) – A lone bird was seen by at least a couple of folks on ourfinal day at La Habana.

(Elaenia flavogaster) – A single bird that we initially thought was a Plain-crested Elaeniawas seen well en route to the ranch.

(Elaenia spectabilis) – Our lone sighting was of a single bird along the very birdy roadside in the lateafternoon near Trinidad.

(Elaenia albiceps) – A single of this species was found on our afternoon of birding thescrubby woodland near Santa Cruz. [a]

(Elaenia parvirostris) – A couple of sightings only of this species, which closely resemblesthe above. In fact, if it weren't for Dan, we probably would have only seen one of the two!

(Serpophaga munda) – Not numerous, but we did come across a few of these clean-looking, attractive little tyrannulets.

(Serpophaga griseicapilla) – A recently described species, though we've known about itfor a while (on past trip lists this is called "Monte" Tyrannulet). We had good views of a pair at the Viru Viru airport.

(Sublegatus modestus) – Kirsten found us our only one of these scarce flycatchers,on our afternoon of birding near Santa Cruz.

(Inezia inornata) – Fairly similar to Straneck's Tyrannulet, though never appears crested. We saw

GREATER THORNBIRDRUFOUS CACHOLOTE

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN)

GREAT RUFOUS WOODCREEPER

STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER

BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER

RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL

GREAT ANTSHRIKE

BARRED ANTSHRIKE

BOLIVIAN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE

RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN

MATO GROSSO ANTBIRD

BAND-TAILED ANTBIRD

BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULETMOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA

LARGE ELAENIA

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA

SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA

WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET

STRANECK'S TYRANNULET

SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER

PLAIN TYRANNULET

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these in small numbers most days. (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. (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Also seen at Viru Viru, but we also saw these

common little guys a few times in the Beni. (Todirostrum cinereum) – Just a couple of sightings of these widespread little dudes. (Myiophobus fasciatus) – A few birds in weedy, overgrown fields.

(Cnemotriccus fuscatus bimaculatus) – Heard at La Habana, but pretty unresponsive. [*] (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Common and seen daily. (Knipolegus hudsoni) – Seen in small numbers daily. Most of the birds we saw were

females. (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! (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. (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. (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! (Xolmis irupero) – These ethereal-looking birds were a fairly common sight around the ranch.

Wouldn't mind having them in my backyard! (Fluvicola albiventer) – Regular in the marshy areas throughout. (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Just a few of these distinctive birds at some of the

larger marshy areas. (Machetornis rixosa) – Common and conspicuous.

(Attila bolivianus) – Aka White-eyed Attila, this species showed very well, though it was kindof flighty, in the gallery forest at La Habana.

(Casiornis rufus) – Rather brief sightings of our only one for the pre-trip, in the scrub near SantaCruz.

(Myiarchus swainsoni) – A lone bird was seen near Trinidad. (Myiarchus ferox) – Nice views and vocalizations from a pair in the afternoon near

Santa Cruz. (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – The common Myiarchus on this tour; we saw them in

small numbers every day. (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Daily in good numbers in the Beni.

(Megarynchus pitangua) – Our only sighting was of a lone bird in the La Verde palmgrove.

(Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Fairly common and seen regularly around the ranch. (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – A lone bird was seen during the

drive into the ranch. (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Good numbers daily.

(Tyrannus savana) – Seen in small numbers most days (missed on our day nearTrinidad).

Pipridae (Manakins) (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 dullcritter.

(Pipra fasciicauda) – Frustratingly heard only at La Habana. [*]

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) (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.

TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT

PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHERBRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHERFUSCOUS FLYCATCHERVERMILION FLYCATCHERHUDSON'S BLACK-TYRANT

SPECTACLED TYRANT

YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT

GRAY MONJITA

WHITE-RUMPED MONJITA

WHITE MONJITA

BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANTWHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT

CATTLE TYRANTDULL-CAPPED ATTILA

RUFOUS CASIORNIS

SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHERSHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER

GREAT KISKADEEBOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHERSTREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS)

TROPICAL KINGBIRDFORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER

SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN

BAND-TAILED MANAKIN

GREEN-BACKED BECARD

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(Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Our only record was at the gallery forest in La Habana. (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) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – One near Santa Cruz, and several at La Habana.

(Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Pretty common in the region, and we saw and/or heardthem daily.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – Common and seen daily.

(Cyanocorax chrysops) – These striking jays were much scarce than the Purplish Jays, bus wehad some good looks, first near Santa Cruz, then again at La Esperanza.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A pair near Santa Cruz were the only ones

recorded. (Progne tapera tapera) – This is the resident breeding race, which were the

most numerous swallow seen on the trip. (Progne tapera fusca) – A couple of this southern migrant form were seen en

route to the lodge. (Tachycineta albiventer) – A few at our lunch restaurant near Trinidad, and some along

the Rio Ipurupuru. (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. (Hirundo rustica) – A few birds had already arrived in the Santa Cruz area and near Trinidad. [a]

Troglodytidae (Wrens) (Campylorhynchus turdinus unicolor) – This dull, unmarked race was a fairly common sight, and

was first encountered in the grounds of our Santa Cruz hotel. (Cantorchilus guarayanus) – Not uncommon, but not that easy to see. We did manage a few

sightings though, first on our afternoon near Santa Cruz. (Troglodytes aedon) – Our only sighting was of one on the Santa Cruz hotel grounds.

Donacobiidae (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) (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 groupbecame the first tour group (that we're aware of at least) to have ever seen this species.

(Turdus amaurochalinus) – The common thrush, seen daily. (Turdus albicollis) – Heard at La Habana. [*]

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) (Mimus saturninus) – Pretty common and see daily.

Parulidae (New World Warblers) (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. (Geothlypis aequinoctialis) – A couple on our afternoon near Trinidad, then another in the

La Esperanza grasslands, right after the rain. (Basileuterus culicivorus) – A few birds in the gallery forest at La Habana.

Coerebidae (Bananaquit) (Coereba flaveola) – On our first afternoon near Santa Cruz, we tracked down an incessant peeping sound

WHITE-WINGED BECARDPINK-THROATED BECARD

RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI)RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE

PURPLISH JAYPLUSH-CRESTED JAY

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (TAPERA)

BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (FUSCA)

WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW

WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW

BARN SWALLOW

THRUSH-LIKE WREN

FAWN-BREASTED WREN

HOUSE WREN

BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS

UNICOLORED THRUSH

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSHWHITE-NECKED THRUSH

CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD

TROPICAL PARULA

MASKED YELLOWTHROAT

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER

BANANAQUIT

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inside a large shrub to find a couple of juvenile Bananaquits, the only ones we saw on the trip.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Schistochlamys melanopis) – Great looks at a pair of these open-country tanagers at the

Viru Viru airport. (Nemosia pileata) – A couple of birds with the big mixed flock in the La Habana gallery forest.

(Conirostrum speciosum) – A group of these were in the same flock as the HoodedTanagers. They stayed pretty high but we still managed decent views.

(Hemithraupis guira) – A pair of these beauties were seen in the Santa Cruz area, then several more atLa Habana.

(Eucometis penicillata) – Another species that we saw only in the gallery forest of LaHabana.

(Ramphocelus carbo) – One near Santa Cruz, and a few others in riparian forest in theBeni.

(Thraupis sayaca) – Numerous and seen daily. (Thraupis palmarum) – Just a handful of these at La Verde and La Habana.

(Dacnis cayana) – Seen near Santa Cruz and La Habana. (Tersina viridis) – A female in the afternoon at Santa Cruz was the only one for the tour. (Saltator coerulescens) – Pretty common in the Beni, and seen daily there.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Volatinia jacarina) – A fair number in the Beni, but I can't remember ever seeing a male in

breeding plumage. (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 commonone we saw.

(Sporophila leucoptera bicolor) – A male on our first afternoon near Trinidad, then acouple more at the airport as we awaited our flight back to Santa Cruz.

(Oryzoborus maximiliani) – Super looks at a pair of these rare birds on our firstafternoon near Trinidad. A much-wanted bird for several folks.

(Sicalis flaveola) – A daily sight in the Beni. (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. (Emberizoides herbicola) – Wonderful close looks at a singing bird at Viru Viru

airport. (Embernagra platensis olivascens) – Small numbers most days in the Beni.

(Paroaria coronata) – Common and seen in good numbers daily. This and the next specieswere often seen coming out onto the roads in the evening, and a memorable sight was seeing at least 25+ cardinalshopping about on the road near Trinidad on our first afternoon there.

(Paroaria gularis) – Likewise common and seen daily, with especially large numbers outsidethe kitchen (and inside when the coast was clear!) of the little house at the Rio Ipurupuru boat dock.

(Coryphospingus cucullatus) – Just a few birds in the grasslands around the ranch. (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) (Pheucticus aureoventris) – A couple of birds near Santa Cruz on our first afternoon.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (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. (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. (Gnorimopsar chopi) – Numerous daily.

BLACK-FACED TANAGER

HOODED TANAGERCHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL

GUIRA TANAGER

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER

SAYACA TANAGERPALM TANAGERBLUE DACNISSWALLOW TANAGERGRAYISH SALTATOR

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT

RUSTY-COLLARED SEEDEATER

WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER

GREAT-BILLED SEED-FINCH

SAFFRON FINCHGRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH

WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH

GREAT PAMPA-FINCHRED-CRESTED CARDINAL

RED-CAPPED CARDINAL

RED-CRESTED FINCHGRASSLAND SPARROW

BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK

WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRD

VELVET-FRONTED GRACKLE

CHOPI BLACKBIRD

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(Amblyramphus holosericeus) – We found these gorgeous blackbirds only a coupleof times in some large stands of tall exotic papyrus near the ranch.

(Agelasticus cyanopus) – Quite common and seen daily in the Beni. (Agelaioides badius) – Another numerous blackbird in the Beni, where we saw them daily.

(Molothrus bonariensis) – Overall very few, though there were a fair number along the lake at ourlunch spot near Trinidad.

(Molothrus oryzivorus) – A single sighting of a lone bird flying over on our way to the ranch. (Icterus cayanensis) – A few birds were seen most days, often being among the first birds to approach

in response to pygmy-owl imitations. (Icterus croconotus) – One was found in the afternoon near Santa Cruz, then several

daily in the Beni. (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. (Cacicus cela) – Very few overall. Just one on the afternoon near Trinidad, then a bunch

in the gallery forest at La Habana. (Psarocolius decumanus) – Good numbers daily.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Euphonia chlorotica) – The common euphonia in the region, and the only species

we encountered.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) (Passer domesticus) – Nearly a heard only bird, though we finally saw them on our return to Trinidad

for the flight.

MAMMALS (Noctilio albiventris) – A few of these large bats were seen feeding over the Rio Ipurupuru.

(Callicebus moloch) – Some distant ones were well seen on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, then acouple of close ones along the drive to the ranch, as we were searching for the Tayra that had just crossed the road.

(Alouatta caraya) – A distant female in the riparian area at La Esperanza was the only oneof the trip.

(Cebus apella) – Small numbers in gallery forest along the Rio Ipurupuru and at La Habana. (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Seen in big numbers daily.

(Inia geoffrensis boliviensis) – Some pretty good views of a couple that surfaced severaltimes behind out boats during the river trip.

(Cerdocyon thous) – Fairly common and easy to see at night, including right outside the ranchhouse. We also had great looks at a pair right next to the road in the day time.

(Procyon cancrivorus) – One of these we spotlighted along the main driveway one eveningwas a nice surprise.

(Eira barbara) – A lone animal 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

SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD

UNICOLORED BLACKBIRDBAY-WINGED COWBIRDSHINY COWBIRD

GIANT COWBIRDEPAULET ORIOLE

ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL

SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE

CRESTED OROPENDOLA

PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA

HOUSE SPARROW

FISHING BAT SP.DUSKY TITI MONKEY

BLACK HOWLER MONKEY

BROWN CAPUCHINCAPYBARAAMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN

CRAB-EATING FOX

CRAB-EATING RACCOON

TAYRA

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