field guides birding tours: northeast brazil: long live

Field Guides Tour Report

NORTHEAST BRAZIL: LONG LIVE THE LEAR'S!

Jan 16, 2011 to Feb 5, 2011Bret Whitney & Marcelo Padua

Described to science only in 2000, and named after acharacteristic habitat of Brazil's northeast: Caatinga

Antwren, one of numerous endemics and specialties to beseen on this itinerary. (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

The 2011 Northeast Brazil tour was Fields Guides' 18th run ofthis ambitious itinerary. Over the course of those years, we've lostSpix's Macaw in the wild and are on the verge of losing somenarrow-range endemics in Pernambuco/Alagoas, but we've alsogained several species new to science. We constantly tweak theroute to maximize chances of finding the most difficult species,"new" or "old", and this year's tour was, by all counts, highlysuccessful. Having a fine group of spotters certainly helped uspick up almost everything along the way.

Weather was generally fine, with minimal time lost to rain andmany afternoons were kept relatively cool by good cloud cover.(As the season has worn on, and the effect of La Niña hasincreased, landscapes have become much drier than normalthrough March). The one notable hiccup, or slide, or wreck,whatever you want to call it, happened at Murici after the firsthard rain in more than a month, which lasted all night and intoour first morning, left the miles of dirt roads through cane fieldsand over deforested hills in a muddy, slippery mess. Our 4-WDvehicles were no match for it (no matter who was behind thewheel!), and we had to turn back (no easy task in itself!). Wesoon squeezed lemons into lemonade, however, somehowpositioning ourselves absolutely perfectly to enjoy a low, closeview of the ultra-rare White-collared Kite in flight and perched,followed immediately by excellent views of Mantled Hawk.Sweet! Shortly thereafter a pair of Seven-colored Tanagers put ona stunning show as they fed on low melastome fruits in greatlight. Things dried out sufficiently overnight to allow us to reachthe reserve the next morning and we found some fine birds(especially a different pair of White-collared Kites and Scalloped Antbirds), but try as we might, none of the four mainendemics showed at all. Fortunately, we had already found Orange-bellied Antwren and Alagoas Tyrannulet inPernambuco! I think Alagoas Foliage-gleaner and Alagoas Antwren will continue to be the hardest of the four to pick upin the forseeable future.

Among other birding highlights of the first week of the tour were Spot-winged Wood-Quail seen well and singing loudlyfollowed minutes later by a great view of Rufous-breasted Leaftosser and, for most, Short-tailed Antthrush with SpectacledOwl performing pre-dawn in the spotlight; excellent views of Long-tailed Woodnymph, Gray-breasted Parakeet, Gould'sToucanet, Ochraceous Piculet, and Buff-breasted Tody-Tyrant; truly thrilling encounters with Great Xenops, TawnyPiculet and, especially, that White-browed Antpitta rocking out in its living room; and exciting hunts for Least Nighthawkand Pygmy Nightjar after days filled with close views of so many caatinga specialties (like Red-shouldered Spinetail,Stripe-backed Antbird, back-to-back wagtail-tyrants, White-naped Xenopsaris, and Yellow-faced Siskin).

Araripe Manakin, certainly among the most striking of all the members of the family, showed off admirably, especially thefirst time it appeared, close and right at eye-level. In a category all by itself was Lear's Macaw. Wow, we had a fabulousexperience with several pairs of these rare macaws, most memorably that group of four feeding on licuri palm fruits onlyabout 50 yards from our partly shaded scoping spot. We were then treated to a great, close Red-legged Seriema a fewminutes after our rest stop to visit Dona Damiana, now getting around well on her prosthetic leg which was paid for largely

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1

by a past Field Guides tour group.

Southern Bahia was super-productive for us, starting with a memorable morning in humid coastal forest where we neededto find Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Bahia (Pileated) Antwren, Band-tailed Antwren, and Eastern Striped Manakin in shortorder, which we did, and we also had a brief but good look at Great-billed Hermit (subspecies margarettae), a rarely seenbird, for sure. Next day, our first at Boa Nova, we tallied something like 140 species with great looks at everything fromRuby Topaz, Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, Slender Antbird, Narrow-billed Antwren, Spotted Piculet, and Hangnest Tody-Tyrant (almost all in one spot in the mata-de-cipo!) to Crescent-chested Puffbird, Striated Softtail, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, and Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant just a few kilometers away in humid Atlantic Forest and, yes, a fine pair of SouthernPochards that morning. The Sharpbill spotted by Bart, at one point foraging just a few feet overhead, was breathtaking.

The following day in humid forest was also fantastic, highlighted by a very cooperative Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper andRio de Janeiro Antbird, scope views of a Spot-backed Antshrike, a dynamite Black-billed Scythebill, almost too manyPin-tailed Manakins (bumper crop this year), and the heralded appearance of a rare little bird called Bahia Tyrannulet,which performed with multiple encores (ahem, after we finally found it). We had one last order of business to attend tobefore heading north and west: find and observe at length the strange Pink-legged Graveteiro. It played out perfectly on abeautiful, sunny morning in an old cacau plantation, and I'm sure all of us can close our eyes and call up the image of alittle graveteiro flying to its nest with a huge stick in its bill. A surprise bonus that morning was seeing a pair of CollaredForest-Falcons remarkably well (ain't it all FUN!).

Our final birding venue was the inspiring landscapes of Chapada Diamantina National Park, home to the HoodedVisorbearer and Sincora Antwren among many other birds here at the transition of humid forest, caatinga, and cerrado.Rains had essentially missed this part of the northeast, and the preferred flowers of the visorbearer were in short supply.We did manage to find one male, thank goodness, and also a couple of brief sightings of females or immature males -- butit was spooky, looking like it might be only the second year we'd miss it outright. On the other hand, we walked right up tothe Sincora Antwren and enjoyed a really great half-hour seeing a pair and learning about its discovery and very recent(2007) description as a new species named for German ornithologist, artist, and naturalist Rolf Grantsau, who has livedoutside Sao Paulo for some 50 years. Broad-tipped Hermit and Sao Francisco Sparrow were additional local endemics wepicked up in that area, and cerrado specialties that drew rounds of applause included White-eared Puffbird, CollaredCrescentchest, and Rufous-winged Antshrike. The very rare Fringe-backed Fire-eye looked iffy for a bit, but we pulledthat one out at the buzzer, too.

As has become the tradition, we wrapped up our travels through northeast Brazil in the colonial section of Salvador, one ofthe oldest cities in the Americas and capital of Brazil for more than 200 years. It was a properly festive evening as wefeasted on delicious shrimp moqueca washed down with caipirinhas, beers, and fruit juices as Carnaval was beginning togear-up with small bands practicing in the streets. Special thanks to Conor for providing us such an interesting andinformative twilight tour through old Pelourinho. All told, we had a fantastic experience getting to see a large part ofBrazil in good company and surrounded by not only lots of rare and beautiful birds, but also many friendly and helpfulBrazilian people, from our several drivers to the big-smiled Bahiana who made Dom Ricardo his first acaraje.

The following list conforms to the latest (Dec 2010) version of Clements's world checklist being maintained by the CornellLab of Ornithology; you will notice a number of differences from the checklist we used on the tour, but not manytaxonomic shifts that we didn't cover at our evening checklist sessions. I look forward to birding much more with all ofyou, preferably back in Brazil!

Ah, as a special advance notice, we are going to offer two complementary, back-to-back tours through Northeast Brazilfrom 2012 forward. The first, "Beaches to Badlands," will cover most of the route we have traditionally done. The secondpart, "West to the Araguaia," will include southern Bahia from the coast to the interior (the three days around Boa Nova isthe only section taken from the traditional route) followed by several days each to find the endemics of the Rio SaoFrancisco valley of northern Minas Gerais and the specialties of the Rio Araguaia region of Tocantins state. Each tour willbe about 17 days in length. Watch for the itinerary on our website, probably sometime in May.

Abraços para todos, happy birding,

--Bretche

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Northeast Brazil: Long Live theLear's!.


http://fieldguides.com/bird-tours/brazil-northeast

Classic northeastern Brazil: massive rock outcrops amidst low thorny woodland and scrub (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

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

BIRDSTinamidae (Tinamous)

(Crypturellus obsoletus) [*] (Crypturellus parvirostris)

(Rhynchotus rufescens) [*] (Nothura maculosa)

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) (Dendrocygna viduata)

(Dendrocygna autumnalis)

(Amazonetta brasiliensis) (Anas bahamensis) – More than than usual this year, and seen in three different locales.

(Netta erythrophthalma) – Pairs seen near Petrolina and Boa Nova -- excellent!

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) (Ortalis guttata araucuan) [*]

Odontophoridae (New World Quail) (Odontophorus capueira) – A suspenseful but happy hunt!

Podicipedidae (Grebes) (Tachybaptus dominicus)

(Podilymbus podiceps)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Botaurus pinnatus) – Right on, just where we expected to find one. It was fascinating to watch

BROWN TINAMOUSMALL-BILLED TINAMOURED-WINGED TINAMOUSPOTTED NOTHURA

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCKBLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK

BRAZILIAN TEALWHITE-CHEEKED PINTAILSOUTHERN POCHARD

SPECKLED CHACHALACA

SPOT-WINGED WOOD-QUAIL

LEAST GREBEPIED-BILLED GREBE

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT

PINNATED BITTERN


the slow-motion, aggressive interaction initiated by a nearby Rufescent Tiger-Heron. (Tigrisoma lineatum)

(Ardea cocoi) (Ardea alba) (Egretta thula)

(Egretta caerulea) (Bubulcus ibis)

(Butorides striata) (Nycticorax nycticorax)

(Nyctanassa violacea)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Coragyps atratus)

(Cathartes aura) (Cathartes burrovianus)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Leptodon forbesi) – As recounted in the intro to the list, we saw this very rare raptor twice

this time. Boy would I love to have been able to save up that second sighting for next year!! (Elanus leucurus)

(Rostrhamus sociabilis) (Ictinia plumbea)

(Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – One cruising away from us over Pai Inácio atChapada Diamantina.

(Leucopternis polionotus) – A fine view of a soaring adult near Murici; always a rare find. (Buteogallus urubitinga)

(Buteogallus meridionalis) (Parabuteo unicinctus) – Uncommon or rare through the northeast; seen well one day.

(Buteo magnirostris) (Buteo nitidus)

(Buteo brachyurus) (Buteo albicaudatus)

(Buteo albonotatus) – Good view on three days. The rest were vultures.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Caracara plancus)

(Milvago chimachima) (Herpetotheres cachinnans)

(Falco sparverius)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]

(Anurolimnas viridis) [*] (Pardirallus nigricans) – This handsome rail was seen well a couple of times.

(Porphyrio martinica) (Gallinula chloropus)

Aramidae (Limpkin) (Aramus guarauna)

Cariamidae (Seriemas) (Cariama cristata) – Excellent, close views.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERONCOCOI HERONGREAT EGRETSNOWY EGRETLITTLE BLUE HERONCATTLE EGRETSTRIATED HERONBLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONYELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

BLACK VULTURETURKEY VULTURELESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE

WHITE-COLLARED KITE

WHITE-TAILED KITESNAIL KITEPLUMBEOUS KITEBLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE

MANTLED HAWKGREAT BLACK-HAWKSAVANNA HAWKHARRIS'S HAWKROADSIDE HAWKGRAY HAWKSHORT-TAILED HAWKWHITE-TAILED HAWKZONE-TAILED HAWK

SOUTHERN CARACARAYELLOW-HEADED CARACARALAUGHING FALCONAMERICAN KESTREL

RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKERUSSET-CROWNED CRAKEBLACKISH RAILPURPLE GALLINULECOMMON MOORHEN

LIMPKIN

RED-LEGGED SERIEMA


One of several pairs of fantastic Lear's (Indigo) Macaws we watchedfeeding in licuri palms (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

(Vanellus cayanus) (Vanellus chilensis)

(Pluvialis squatarola) (Charadrius collaris)

(Charadrius semipalmatus)

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) (Himantopus mexicanus) – Muchos this year.

Jacanidae (Jacanas) (Jacana jacana)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Actitis macularius)

(Tringa solitaria) (Tringa flavipes)

(Arenaria interpres) (Gallinago paraguaiae)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Phaetusa simplex)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia)

(Patagioenas cayennensis) (Patagioenas speciosa)

(Patagioenas picazuro) (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]

(Zenaida auriculata) (Columbina

minuta) (Columbina talpacoti)

(Columbina squammata) – Quite an elegant little dove, closely related to Inca Dove. (Columbina picui) – The abundant small dove through the dry caatinga. (Leptotila verreauxi)

(Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Pyrrhura frontalis) [*]

(Pyrrhura griseipectus) – We enjoyed fine scope studies of this beautiful and very rareparakeet at Baturite, the only place it is known to occur. Until quite recently, it was classified as a subspecies of White-eared (Maroon-faced) Parakeet, now considered endemic to SE Brazil.

(Aratinga auricapillus) – Darn, we never managed to get them settled for scope views. (Aratinga jandaya) – This one was also scarce this time around. We did see a pair enter a nest

site in the broken stub of a distant palm. (Aratinga aurea)

(Aratinga cactorum) (Anodorhynchus leari) – A.k.a. Lear's Macaw -- the Clements list name is officially Indigo Macaw

now, but we still like to use the traditional Lear's...! (Primolius maracana) [*]

(Diopsittaca nobilis) (Forpus xanthopterygius)

(Brotogeris tirica)

PIED LAPWINGSOUTHERN LAPWINGBLACK-BELLIED PLOVERCOLLARED PLOVERSEMIPALMATED PLOVER

BLACK-NECKED STILT

WATTLED JACANA

SPOTTED SANDPIPERSOLITARY SANDPIPERLESSER YELLOWLEGSRUDDY TURNSTONESOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE

LARGE-BILLED TERN

ROCK PIGEONPALE-VENTED PIGEONSCALED PIGEONPICAZURO PIGEONPLUMBEOUS PIGEONEARED DOVEPLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE

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

MAROON-BELLIED PARAKEETGRAY-BREASTED PARAKEET

GOLDEN-CAPPED PARAKEETJANDAYA PARAKEET

PEACH-FRONTED PARAKEETCACTUS PARAKEETINDIGO MACAW

BLUE-WINGED MACAWRED-SHOULDERED MACAWBLUE-WINGED PARROTLETPLAIN PARAKEET


(Brotogeris chiriri) (Pionus menstruus reichenowi) – A single sighted on our first day afield.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Piaya cayana)

(Coccyzus melacoryphus) – A sneaky individual was spotted low in a brushy field, andanother was seen briefly the next day.

(Guira guira) – This bizarre bird was with us on many days of the trip. (Tapera naevia) – Bart made a stellar spot on one early in the trip.

(Crotophaga major) – A couple near Petrolina, where quite uncommon. (Crotophaga ani)

Strigidae (Owls) (Megascops choliba) – A brief but good view at Chapada do Araripe.

(Pulsatrix perspicillata) (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Surprisingly quiet, few seen this year.

(Athene cunicularia)

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Chordeiles pusillus) – Wonderful daytime studies of birds perfectly camouflaged to the red,

quartz-studded gravel near Petrolina. (Chordeiles acutipennis) (Nyctidromus albicollis)

(Caprimulgus rufus) – Aaargh, just couldn't get one of the 2-3 birds calling to show itself for us.[*]

(Caprimulgus parvulus) – Most had good views of a perched bird at one point or another during thesearch, and all got to see it well in flight.

(Caprimulgus hirundinaceus) – Highly elusive this year but seen well by most. I think on almostran into Bob!

Nyctibiidae (Potoos) (Nyctibius griseus) – Seen as a big, long-tailed shape drifting over in response to my whistled

imitation. It was fun to hear it singing.

Apodidae (Swifts) (Chaetura meridionalis)

(Chaetura spinicaudus) (Chaetura cinereiventris)

(Tachornis squamata) – Multiple good sightings of these miniature aerial pirates.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Florisuga fusca) – Good views 3-4 times.

(Anopetia gounellei) – One fabulous male came right up to (and through!) us several timesbefore melting off into the scrub -- it was an impressive performance!

(Phaethornis malaris margarettae) – One seen briefly but well as ithovered up to investigate us as we were looking for an Eastern Striped Manakin. This distinctive and very rarely seentaxon is likely to be recognized at the species-level; active research is underway at the University of Sao Paulo.

(Phaethornis malaris camargoi) – Ditto that remark, but this subspeciesoccupies the remnant humid forest in the Pernambuco/Alagoas border region. We saw it well a couple of times, thoughagain, it didn't stick around for oohs and aahhs.

(Phaethornis ruber) (Phaethornis pretrei)

(Phaethornis eurynome) – An excellent view near Boa Nova. (Augastes lumachella) – This year, visorbearers were very "thin on the ground," as the Brits

YELLOW-CHEVRONED PARAKEETBLUE-HEADED PARROT (REICHENOW'S)

SQUIRREL CUCKOODARK-BILLED CUCKOO

GUIRA CUCKOOSTRIPED CUCKOOGREATER ANISMOOTH-BILLED ANI

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWLSPECTACLED OWLFERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWLBURROWING OWL

LEAST NIGHTHAWK

LESSER NIGHTHAWKCOMMON PAURAQUERUFOUS NIGHTJAR

LITTLE NIGHTJAR

PYGMY NIGHTJAR

COMMON POTOO

SICK'S SWIFTBAND-RUMPED SWIFTGRAY-RUMPED SWIFTFORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT

BLACK JACOBINBROAD-TIPPED HERMIT

GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (MARGARETTA'S)

GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (CAMARGO'S)

REDDISH HERMITPLANALTO HERMITSCALE-THROATED HERMITHOODED VISORBEARER


Cacti are an abundant element in caatinga habitat. (Photo by guide BretWhitney)

are wont to say. We felt fortunate to receive a 30-second view of a male foraging at a close bunch of flowers in goodlight. The brilliant lime-green gorget flashed to us a couple of times. We also had brief looks at a female or two thatmorning.

(Colibri serrirostris) – Also quite scarce but one was seen well at Diamantina. (Heliothryx auritus) – Seen well a couple of times on our first days.

(Chrysolampis mosquitus) – A glittering adult male blew us away at Boa Nova afterwe were already weak in the knees from all those fabulous antbirds.

(Anthracothorax nigricollis)

(Heliomaster squamosus) – One female spottedby Marcelo, also at Boa Nova, was the solesighting this year. Fortunately, it perched justlong enough for everyone to get on it!

(Chlorostilbon aureoventris) (Chlorestes

notata)

(Eupetomena macroura) – It was a treat to seethis huge hummer well on several days.

(Thaluraniafurcata)

(Thaluraniawatertonii) – An adult male leisurely perchedand bathed at a little forest stream just a fewfeet from us; a rare endemic hummer. Thanks to Steven for showing us the spot!

(Thalurania glaucopis) (Aphantochroa cirrochloris)

(Amazilia leucogaster) – A great view right on our hotel grounds to start the tour; alsoseen well later, in mangroves.

(Amazilia versicolor) (Amazilia fimbriata)

(Amazilia lactea) – Multiple close views in great light at Boa Nova. (Hylocharis sapphirina)

Trogonidae (Trogons) (Trogon viridis) [*] (Trogon curucui) – Good scope views of an adult male; a very fancy bird!

(Trogon rufus chrysochloros) [*]

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Megaceryle torquata)

(Chloroceryle amazona) (Chloroceryle americana)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds) (Nystalus chacuru) – Marcelo called them up out of nowhere one morning! (Nystalus maculatus)

(Malacoptila striata) – I called one out from the depths of the forest at Boa Nova;it stayed for great views after that!

(Chelidoptera tenebrosa)

Galbulidae (Jacamars)

WHITE-VENTED VIOLETEARBLACK-EARED FAIRYRUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD

BLACK-THROATED MANGO

STRIPE-BREASTED STARTHROAT

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD

BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE

SWALLOW-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD

FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH

LONG-TAILED WOODNYMPH

VIOLET-CAPPED WOODNYMPHSOMBRE HUMMINGBIRDPLAIN-BELLIED EMERALD

VERSICOLORED EMERALDGLITTERING-THROATED EMERALDSAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALDRUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE

GREEN-BACKED TROGONBLUE-CROWNED TROGONBLACK-THROATED TROGON

RINGED KINGFISHERAMAZON KINGFISHERGREEN KINGFISHER

WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRDSPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRDCRESCENT-CHESTED PUFFBIRD

SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD


(Galbula ruficauda)

Ramphastidae (Toucans) (Pteroglossus inscriptus)

(Pteroglossus aracari) (Selenidera gouldii) – We finally maneuvered a male (and briefly, his mate) into good scope

view at Baturite. This population, widely disjunct from the closest one in eastern Amazonia, in endemic to the Serra deBaturite and was named baturitensis (which has since been challenged, as it's only weakly diagnosed).

(Ramphastos vitellinus) [*]

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Picumnus exilis pernambucensis) – Lots of piculets this

trip, as highlighted by Tom as part of his "best of the tour" call -- including the two disjunct subspecies of Golden-spangled endemic to the Northeast listed here.

(Picumnus exilis exilis) (Picumnus pygmaeus)

(Picumnus fulvescens) (Picumnus limae)

(Veniliornis passerinus) (Piculus flavigula erythropis) – This small, red-throated subspecies is

endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. In this day and age such a distinctive bird (by plumage, morphology,and voice), widely disjunct from its relatives in Amazonia, definitely would not be described as a subspecies. In 1818,however, it was described as a species; the subspecies concept did not exist in that early period of description. 100+years later, when leading ornithologists of the day had shifted to employing the trinomial to classify obvious"geographic representatives" of allopatric forms as subspecies (this could only happen after significant collections fromdiverse points in the Neotropics reached the major museums of Europe) -- thus fostering a heirarchical listing of relatedforms -- this and many other birds originally described at the species level (which, as mentioned above, was essentiallythe only option in use in the early days) were relegated to subspecies. Nowadays, every minor difference perceived toseparate one population of birds from its closese relatives is touted at the species level, in some cases, even if thediagnosis can be teased out only in the laboratory. This is an extreme that can't last long, and I watch for the species-criterion to settle back into recognition of clear phenotypic divergence. Sorry for the ramble, but this woodpecker is agood example of the situation.

(Colaptes melanochloros) [*] (Colaptes campestris)

(Celeus flavescens) – This gorgeous woodpecker put in a good, crest-shimmeringappearance at Baturite.

(Dryocopus lineatus) (Campephilus melanoleucos) [*]

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) (Sclerurus scansor cearensis) – A darned good look at this secretive bird; a

favorite of Deborah's. (Furnarius figulus) – NE Brazil is World HQ for this one. (Furnarius leucopus) – Nicely around Baturite.

(Furnarius rufus) – Our third hornero, this one having spread into the region from the south. (Synallaxis whitneyi) – Named for yours truly, and a pretty dapper bird indeed. It took a while to

see it well, but it was worth the wait. (Synallaxis infuscata) – A fabulous view, as this one came easier and stuck around for longer than

is normally the case. (Synallaxis frontalis)

(Synallaxis spixi) – Superb views of a pair -- and you need superb views to be able to appreciate itsrather subtle beauty.

(Synallaxis scutata) – This is always a tough bird to see well, or for more than asecond or two, but we did very well with it this time around.

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR

LETTERED ARACARIBLACK-NECKED ARACARIGOULD'S TOUCANET

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN

GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (GOLDEN-SPANGLED)

GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET (GOLDEN-SPANGLED)SPOTTED PICULETTAWNY PICULETOCHRACEOUS PICULETLITTLE WOODPECKERYELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER

GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKERCAMPO FLICKERBLOND-CRESTED WOODPECKER

LINEATED WOODPECKERCRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER

RUFOUS-BREASTED LEAFTOSSER

WING-BANDED HORNEROPALE-LEGGED HORNERORUFOUS HORNEROBAHIA SPINETAIL

PINTO'S SPINETAIL

SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAILSPIX'S SPINETAIL

OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL


Pale-throated Pampa-Finch (Photo by guide BretWhitney)

(Gyalophylax hellmayri) – A pair cooperated beautifully, allowing all to view themat length as they vocalized and then settled into a foraging routine right in front of us. This was a very poorly knownspecies before Brazilian colleagues and I published a natural history paper on it (and the Great Xenops) in 1993.

(Cranioleuca pallida) (Cranioleuca semicinerea) – Low, prolonged viewing on our first full day afield.

(Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) (Thripophaga macroura) – Amazingly, a pair flew in to trees just off the side of the road and

commenced foraging in dead leaves and vines in fine view for all of us. (Phacellodomus rufifrons

rufifrons) (Acrobatornis fonsecai) –

YESSSS! (Pseudoseisura cristata) – Several

good views of this caatinga endemic, recently split fromsouthwestern populations which are now called Gray-crestedCacholote.

(Philydor rufum) (Anabazenops

fuscus) – A handsome endemic foliage-gleaner seen well ateye-level.

(Automolusleucophthalmus leucophthalmus)

(Lochmias nematura) –With a bit of patience, we came away with breathtakinglyclose views of a pair.

(Megaxenops parnaguae) – Our first GreatXenops behaved very nicely, allowing everyone to watch ithammering away on dead stubs and working the loose bark oftrees. A couple of others that day and late in the tour were lesscooperative but still exciting!

(Xenops minutus) [*] (Xenops rutilans)

(Dendrocincla fuliginosa taunayi) – It wouldn't budge... [*] (Sittasomus

griseicapillus reiseri) (Glyphorynchus

spirurus) (Dendroplex picus)

(Xiphorhynchus fuscus atlanticus) – Both this (northern areas) and the next (southernmostlocalities) were seen well. Look for them to be split in the near future (along with the nominate, to the south oftenuirostris).

(Xiphorhynchus fuscus tenuirostris) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris)

(Lepidocolaptes squamatus wagleri) – Seen well at Boa Nova. (Campylorhamphus falcularius) – Marcelo fished this one up for us at Boa Nova!

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) (Hypoedaleus guttatus)

(Mackenziaena severa) (Taraba major)

RED-SHOULDERED SPINETAIL

PALLID SPINETAILGRAY-HEADED SPINETAILYELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAILSTRIATED SOFTTAIL

RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD

PINK-LEGGED GRAVETEIRO

CAATINGA CACHOLOTE

BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANERWHITE-COLLARED FOLIAGE-GLEANER

WHITE-EYED FOLIAGE-GLEANER

SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER

GREAT XENOPS

PLAIN XENOPSSTREAKED XENOPSPLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (TAUNAYI)

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (REISER'S)

WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER

STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPERLESSER WOODCREEPER

LESSER WOODCREEPERBUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPERNARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPERSCALED WOODCREEPER (WAGLER'S)BLACK-BILLED SCYTHEBILL

SPOT-BACKED ANTSHRIKETUFTED ANTSHRIKEGREAT ANTSHRIKE


(Sakesphorus cristatus) – A really fabulous antshrike, and it was extremelycooperative (both sexes!).

(Thamnophilus doliatus capistratus) – Another distinctive, endemic subspecies,not separated from Barred for the time being.

(Thamnophilus torquatus) – Nicely in the scopes at Diamantina. (Thamnophilus pelzelni)

(Thamnophilus ambiguus) (Thamnophilus caerulescens)

(Dysithamnus stictothorax) [*] (Dysithamnus mentalis)

(Thamnomanes caesius) (Myrmotherula axillaris luctuosa) – When split from White-flanked, luctuosa may

carry the name "Silvery-flanked Antwren". (Myrmotherula urosticta) – One pair allowed good views for a minute or so.

(Myrmorchilus strigilatus strigilatus) (Herpsilochmus sellowi) – Described to science only in 2000, this distinctive antbird put on a

wonderful performance on two occasions. (Herpsilochmus pileatus) – That same 2000 paper showed that H. pileatus, the type species of the

genus Herpsilochmus, was distinct from both Black-capped and Caatinga (as newly described) antwrens. It was calledPileated Antwren during the mix-up period and even for a few years thereafter, but Bahia Antwren is a better and lessconfusing name for it.

(Herpsilochmus atricapillus) (Herpsilochmus pectoralis) – Whew, it looked shaky for getting Pectoral Antwren this year, but

a pair eventually came through with flying colors (perched most of the time, actually). (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – We made a point of seeing both the

Pernambuco/Alagoas form (presently considered H. r. frater) and the endemic, nominate one, near Boa Nova. (Formicivora iheringi) – This highly distinctive antbird will likely be transferred back

to the genus Neorhopias. We sure had a dandy view of a pair, right on the tails of the Slender Antbirds. Not literally. (Formicivora grisea) (Formicivora melanogaster) – Wow, a really beautiful bird.

(Formicivora grantsaui) – I first called attention to this distinctive bird at Chapada Diamantina in1994 when I realized that it had vocalizations quite different from Rusty-backed Antwren, which is what it had beensupposed to be all along. We have seen it well on almost all Field Guides tours since then, and Brazilian researcherseventually named it in honor of Rolf Grantsau, who had collected a pair in the region back in the 1960s. "Sincora" is thename of this geologic formation ("Serra do Sincora") in Bahia.

(Drymophila ferruginea) – Great view of this beauty at Boa Nova. (Drymophila squamata) – Another dapper Drymophila antbird seen beautifully in Bahia.

(Terenura sicki) – Yahoo! Good looks at both sexes, albeit high in trees, on our firstfull day afield. This one has become extremely rare at Murici, if indeed it persists there.

(Cercomacra brasiliana) – This rare antbird came with a dose of suspense, but we all hadgreat views with a little patience.

(Pyriglena leuconota pernambucensis) [*] (Pyriglena atra) – I guess you could say exactly the same thing about this one!

(Pyriglena leucoptera) (Rhopornis ardesiacus) – Gratifyingly cooperative, both male and female singing frequently and

tail-pumping as we watched just a few feet away. (Myrmeciza ruficauda) – More suspense here, but it, too had a happy ending as a female

approached quietly on the ground and permitted us to watch equally quietly. (Myrmeciza loricata) – An elusive pair at Boa Nova eventually allowed almost everyone a

good view -- it's a real beauty.

Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

SILVERY-CHEEKED ANTSHRIKE

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (CAATINGA)

RUFOUS-WINGED ANTSHRIKEPLANALTO SLATY-ANTSHRIKESOORETAMA SLATY-ANTSHRIKEVARIABLE ANTSHRIKESPOT-BREASTED ANTVIREOPLAIN ANTVIREOCINEREOUS ANTSHRIKEWHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN

BAND-TAILED ANTWRENSTRIPE-BACKED ANTBIRDCAATINGA ANTWREN

BAHIA ANTWREN

BLACK-CAPPED ANTWRENPECTORAL ANTWREN

RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN

NARROW-BILLED ANTWREN

WHITE-FRINGED ANTWRENBLACK-BELLIED ANTWRENSINCORA ANTWREN

FERRUGINOUS ANTBIRDSCALED ANTBIRDORANGE-BELLIED ANTWREN

RIO DE JANEIRO ANTBIRD

WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYEFRINGE-BACKED FIRE-EYEWHITE-SHOULDERED FIRE-EYESLENDER ANTBIRD

SCALLOPED ANTBIRD

WHITE-BIBBED ANTBIRD


A fine view of a Spot-backed Puffbird along ourroute (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

(Chamaeza campanisona) – A similar comment for this one, at Baturite -- a good viewfor almost everyone.

Grallariidae (Antpittas) (Hylopezus ochroleucus) – This was terrific; the bird actually flew in and landed on a

low vine right bgeside the bunch of us standing hushed in the understory, then commenced its gentle rocking motion.And all that on a dark, drizzly morning that certainly did not look promising at the outset!

Conopophagidae (Gnateaters) (Conopophaga lineata cearae) – Excellent views of this Baturite endemic. (Conopophaga lineata lineata) – The nominate

population is in southern Bahia. (Conopophaga melanops) – Good

views, with perseverance -- another attractive understory "skulker".

Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests) (Melanopareia torquata) – What a

show from this species! A male approached us closely and danced uponto rocks and then right across the trail a couple of times, even risinga short distance up into bushes to sing a bit. The crescentchests(currently comprising four species) are now in their own familyMelanoparaeidae.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) (Ornithion inerme) – A nice, low

view on our first morning. (Camptostoma

obsoletum) (Suiriri suiriri bahiae) – Excellent scope

studies near Petrolina (subspecies endemic to NE Brazil). (Phaeomyias murina)

(Capsiempis flaveola) (Myiopagis viridicata)

(Elaenia flavogaster) – We had averitable Elaenia identification workshop on this tour!

(Elaenia spectabilis) (Elaenia parvirostris)

(Elaenia cristata) (Elaenia chiriquensis)

(Elaenia obscura sordida) (Mionectes oleagineus) [*]

(Leptopogon amaurocephalus) (Phylloscartes beckeri) – Perseverance paid off big with this one; described to science only in

1995. (Phylloscartes ceciliae) – Wonderful views of a small family group; a very rarely seen bird

these days. (Phylloscartes oustaleti) – One good look in a mixed-species flock at Boa Nova.

(Phyllomyias fasciatus) (Phyllomyias griseocapilla) – An extraordinarily low, close study at Boa Nova.

(Sublegatus modestus) (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – A better look than could be expected as a male

hopped up onto high (just above eye-level) bare twigs. (Stigmatura napensis bahiae) – Low and very close, as always; it was especially

informative to see it immediately after looking at Greater W-T.

SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH

WHITE-BROWED ANTPITTA

RUFOUS GNATEATERRUFOUS GNATEATER

BLACK-CHEEKED GNATEATER

COLLARED CRESCENTCHEST

WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET

SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER

MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULETYELLOW TYRANNULETGREENISH ELAENIAYELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA

LARGE ELAENIASMALL-BILLED ELAENIAPLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIALESSER ELAENIAHIGHLAND ELAENIAOCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHERSEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHERBAHIA TYRANNULET

ALAGOAS TYRANNULET

OUSTALET'S TYRANNULETPLANALTO TYRANNULETGRAY-CAPPED TYRANNULETSOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHERTAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT

LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT


(Stigmatura budytoides gracilis) (Myiornis auricularis) [*]

(Hemitriccus diops) – Dona Sylvia made a good spot on this one, which led toeveryone seeing it well.

(Hemitriccus zosterops naumburgae) – Subspecies endemic to the humid AtlanticForest of Pernambuco/Alagoas, seen well a couple of times (best on the first White-collared Kite day).

(Hemitriccus striaticollis) – An excellent study at eye-level in mangroves nearSalvador.

(Hemitriccus nidipendulus) – We sure did do well on these little tyrants -- this one alsoperformed beautifully, in the mata-de-cipo of Boa Nova.

(Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer) – Remarkably cooperative, staying around usfor minutes in caatinga scrub near Petrolina.

(Hemitriccus mirandae) – After a quiet early morning, they got going and one ortwo provided us with outstanding, close studies.

(Hemitriccus furcatus) – Right down to the fishy-looking tail-tip! (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – A really attractive little bird when you get all

that face color in good view. (Poecilotriccus fumifrons) – Not so great looking, but it sure was great to

see it at a quick stop outside Maceio (I hadn't knocked on its door for several years, but they still lived there!). (Todirostrum poliocephalum) – Was called "Yellow-lored" T-F for several

years. "Gray-headed" is a literal translation of the specific epithet (poliocephalum). (Todirostrum cinereum) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – We saw the nominate subspecies, Atlantic Forest

endemic. (Tolmomyias flaviventris)

(Platyrinchus mystaceus) – Very good looks at this one, which can be tough to seewell.

(Hirundinea ferruginea bellicosa) (Myiobius barbatus) – Just one!

(Myiobius atricaudus) – And just one! (Myiophobus fasciatus)

(Lathrotriccus euleri) (Contopus cinereus)

(Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – Hard to say which subspecies we saw in Ceará, but keep track ofeverywhere you see Fuscous Flycatchers; there will be some significant splits happening in the near future.

(Knipolegus nigerrimus) (Xolmis irupero) – The subspecies in NE Brazil, widely disjunct from the nominate form in the far

south, is X. i. niveus, which has significantly more black on the tip of the tail among other more subtle differences. (Fluvicola albiventer) – It was ineresting to watch a pair around their nest.

(Fluvicola nengeta) (Arundinicola leucocephala)

(Colonia colonus) (Machetornis rixosa)

(Attila rufus) [*] (Attila spadiceus) [*]

(Casiornis fuscus) – Good views a couple of times. (Rhytipterna simplex)

(Myiarchus swainsoni) (Myiarchus ferox) (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

(Pitangus sulphuratus)

GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANTEARED PYGMY-TYRANTDRAB-BREASTED PYGMY-TYRANT

WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT

STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT

HANGNEST TODY-TYRANT

PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT

BUFF-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT

FORK-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANTOCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER

SMOKY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER

GRAY-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHERYELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER

YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHERWHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL

CLIFF FLYCATCHERWHISKERED FLYCATCHERBLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHERBRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHEREULER'S FLYCATCHERTROPICAL PEWEEFUSCOUS FLYCATCHER

VELVETY BLACK-TYRANTWHITE MONJITA

BLACK-BACKED WATER-TYRANTMASKED WATER-TYRANTWHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANTLONG-TAILED TYRANTCATTLE TYRANTGRAY-HOODED ATTILABRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILAASH-THROATED CASIORNISGRAYISH MOURNERSWAINSON'S FLYCATCHERSHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERBROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERGREAT KISKADEE


Seeing Bahia Antwren (Photo by guide Bret Whitney)

(Megarynchus pitangua) (Myiozetetes similis)

(Myiodynastes maculatus) (Legatus leucophaius)

(Empidonomus varius) (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill) (Oxyruncus cristatus) – A truly show-stopping view of a bird foraging low overhead at Boa Nova, so close

it was scary.

Cotingidae (Cotingas) (Lipaugus lanioides) – A good view at Boa Nova; not often seen well on this trip (much

more reliable farther southeast). (Procnias nudicollis) – One distant individual heard a few times (you'll get this one in

the southeast, too). [*]

Pipridae (Manakins) (Neopelma pallescens) – Great view, just not much to look at.

(Ilicura militaris) – All overthe place at Boa Nova this year, singing, displaying...

(Machaeropterusregulus regulus) – It took us a good while to locate thisone, and then right at the buzzer as we headed out ofthe woods. It is still not officially (according to theSouth American Checklist Committee and theClements list) split from "Striped Manakin," whichincludes populations in western Amazonia, etc.

(Manacus manacus) –Entertaining looks and listens at a couple of hoppingleks.

(Antilophia bokermanni) – Verysatisfying views of males a couple of times; describedto science only in the mid-90s!

(Chiroxiphia pareola) –Lots of good views this time.

(Chiroxiphia caudata) – Excellent views of adult and imm males; called "BlueManakin" for a few years.

(Pipra fasciicauda) (Pipra rubrocapilla)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) (Tityra cayana)

(Tityra inquisitor) (Schiffornis turdina) – Good views, endemic subspecies intermedius. (Xenopsaris albinucha) – Whew, just one good view this year! (2010 was also weak for

them). (Pachyramphus viridis)

(Pachyramphus castaneus) (Pachyramphus polychopterus)

(Pachyramphus validus)

Vireonidae (Vireos) (Vireo olivaceus chivi)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHERSOCIAL FLYCATCHERSTREAKED FLYCATCHERPIRATIC FLYCATCHERVARIEGATED FLYCATCHERTROPICAL KINGBIRD

SHARPBILL

CINNAMON-VENTED PIHA

BARE-THROATED BELLBIRD

PALE-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKINPIN-TAILED MANAKIN

STRIPED MANAKIN (EASTERN)

WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN

ARARIPE MANAKIN

BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN

SWALLOW-TAILED MANAKIN

BAND-TAILED MANAKINRED-HEADED MANAKIN

BLACK-TAILED TITYRABLACK-CROWNED TITYRATHRUSH-LIKE SCHIFFORNISWHITE-NAPED XENOPSARIS

GREEN-BACKED BECARDCHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARDWHITE-WINGED BECARDCRESTED BECARD

RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI)


(Hylophilus amaurocephalus) – With dark eyes in the areas we birded. (Hylophilus thoracicus)

(Cyclarhis gujanensis)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Cyanocorax cyanopogon) – This fancy, endemic jay was seen well on several occasions.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

(Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) (Progne chalybea) (Progne tapera) (Tachycineta albiventer)

(Riparia riparia) – Several photographed and filmed near Petrolina were the first documented recordsfor Pernambuco state.

(Hirundo rustica)

Troglodytidae (Wrens) (Campylorhynchus turdinus) [*] (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – Excellent views of this skulker a couple of times. (Cantorchilus longirostris bahiae)

(Troglodytes aedon)

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) (Ramphocaenus melanurus) (Polioptila plumbea)

Donacobiidae (Donacobius) (Donacobius atricapilla)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Turdus flavipes) [*]

(Turdus leucomelas) (Turdus rufiventris) (Turdus amaurochalinus)

(Turdus albicollis) [*]

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) (Mimus gilvus antelius) – Not seen very well, but seen....

(Mimus saturninus)

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits) (Anthus lutescens)

Parulidae (New World Warblers) (Parula pitiayumi)

(Geothlypis aequinoctialis) (Basileuterus culicivorus)

(Basileuterus flaveolus) – Very satisfying views, with patience.

Coerebidae (Bananaquit) (Coereba flaveola)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Schistochlamys ruficapillus)

(Compsothraupis loricata) – Whew, just one strong encounter, much appreciated

GRAY-EYED GREENLETLEMON-CHESTED GREENLETRUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE

WHITE-NAPED JAY

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOWSOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWGRAY-BREASTED MARTINBROWN-CHESTED MARTINWHITE-WINGED SWALLOWBANK SWALLOW

BARN SWALLOW

THRUSH-LIKE WRENMOUSTACHED WRENLONG-BILLED WRENHOUSE WREN

LONG-BILLED GNATWRENTROPICAL GNATCATCHER

BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS

YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSHPALE-BREASTED THRUSHRUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSHCREAMY-BELLIED THRUSHWHITE-NECKED THRUSH

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (TROPICAL)CHALK-BROWED MOCKINGBIRD

YELLOWISH PIPIT

TROPICAL PARULAMASKED YELLOWTHROATGOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLERFLAVESCENT WARBLER

BANANAQUIT

CINNAMON TANAGERSCARLET-THROATED TANAGER


by all (not the least, your guides -- those birds came a looong ways!). (Nemosia pileata)

(Thlypopsis sordida) (Trichothraupis melanops)

(Conirostrum speciosum) (Conirostrum bicolor) – In NE Brazil, this one is only in mangroves.

(Hemithraupis guira) (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) (Tachyphonus cristatus)

(Tachyphonus rufus) (Ramphocelus bresilius) – Shockingly red every time we saw them!

(Thraupis sayaca) (Thraupis cyanoptera)

(Thraupis palmarum) (Tangara fastuosa) – As mentioned in the intro -- fabulous views of a low, foraging pair

near Murici. (Tangara seledon)

(Tangara cyanocephala) (Tangara cyanoventris)

(Tangara cayana) (Tangara velia cyanomelas) – This subspecies, endemic to the

northern Atlantic Forest, may soon be split. (Dacnis cayana)

(Chlorophanes spiza) (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

(Saltator similis) (Saltator maximus)

(Saltator fuliginosus) – A good view at Boa Nova (a welcome catch-up bird forTom after I'd managed to miss showing it to him well on a previous SE Brazil tour).

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Volatinia jacarina) (Sporophila plumbea)

(Sporophila lineola) (Sporophila nigricollis) (Sporophila albogularis)

(Sporophila leucoptera) (Tiaris fuliginosus)

(Sicalis citrina) – Not easy this dry year, but we managed a good view of twobattling males in the scopes.

(Sicalis flaveola) (Sicalis luteola luteiventris)

(Emberizoides herbicola) (Embernagra longicauda) – Very quiet this year, but a few ended up cooperating

nicely. (Paroaria dominicana) – A welcome amigo at many stops along the route.

(Coryphospingus pileatus) (Arremon taciturnus)

(Arremon franciscanus) – YESS, in exactly the same place we'd found for it in 2010,grrrreat views! This is a very local endemic of the Sao Francisco region, here at the northernmost point in its

HOODED TANAGERORANGE-HEADED TANAGERBLACK-GOGGLED TANAGERCHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILLBICOLORED CONEBILLGUIRA TANAGERRUFOUS-HEADED TANAGERFLAME-CRESTED TANAGERWHITE-LINED TANAGERBRAZILIAN TANAGERSAYACA TANAGERAZURE-SHOULDERED TANAGERPALM TANAGERSEVEN-COLORED TANAGER

GREEN-HEADED TANAGERRED-NECKED TANAGERGILT-EDGED TANAGERBURNISHED-BUFF TANAGEROPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (SILVER-BREASTED)

BLUE DACNISGREEN HONEYCREEPERRED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPERGREEN-WINGED SALTATORBUFF-THROATED SALTATORBLACK-THROATED GROSBEAK

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUITPLUMBEOUS SEEDEATERLINED SEEDEATERYELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATERWHITE-THROATED SEEDEATERWHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATERSOOTY GRASSQUITSTRIPE-TAILED YELLOW-FINCH

SAFFRON FINCHGRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (GRASSLAND)WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCHPALE-THROATED PAMPA-FINCH

RED-COWLED CARDINALPILEATED FINCHPECTORAL SPARROWSAO FRANCISCO SPARROW


distribution I think; a close relative of Saffron-billed Sparrow. (Ammodramus humeralis)

(Zonotrichia capensis)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) (Piranga flava flava) – Far away, but they looked good in the scopes (great lighting

helped a lot). (Habia rubica)

(Caryothraustes canadensis) (Cyanocompsa brissonii)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (Sturnella superciliaris)

(Gnorimopsar chopi) (Chrysomus ruficapillus)

(Agelaioides badius fringillarius) (Molothrus bonariensis)

(Icterus cayanensis) (Icterus jamacaii) – A frequent sight acoss the drier areas of the route.

(Cacicus haemorrhous) (Cacicus cela)

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Euphonia chlorotica)

(Euphonia violacea) (Euphonia xanthogaster)

(Euphonia pectoralis) (Spinus yarrellii) – Just squeaked it out, but we came away with good scope views of this

scarce NE endemic.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) (Passer domesticus)

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies) (Estrilda astrild)

MAMMALS (Tadarida brasiliensis)

(Callithrix jacchus) (Callithrix jacchus geoffroyi) – The more southerly, white-faced form seen well at Boa

Nova. (Callicebus personatus) [*]

(Galea/Cavia sp.) (Kerodon rupestris) – A stellar spot by Bob led to fun scope views of this large (marmot-sized) guinea-pig

relative endemic to the serras of Bahia and Minas Gerais.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Among the many other interesting creatures encountered along the way were the huge "White Witch" moth (Thysaniaagripinna) on our first day; the female pepsis wasp dragging her spider prey (a small tarantula she had paralyzed withstings) at Boa Nova; the huge tarantula with orange knees at Murici (no, thank goodness, we didn't run over it, butalmost!); lots of fancy butterflies (several Philaethria dido and that electric-blue Myscelia sp. were among the standouts);and let's not forget the many fascinating varieties of bromeliads and cactus we saw and photographed -- memorable groups

GRASSLAND SPARROWRUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW

HEPATIC TANAGER (LOWLAND)

RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGERYELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAKULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK

WHITE-BROWED BLACKBIRDCHOPI BLACKBIRDCHESTNUT-CAPPED BLACKBIRDBAY-WINGED COWBIRD (PALE)SHINY COWBIRDEPAULET ORIOLECAMPO TROUPIALRED-RUMPED CACIQUEYELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE

PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIAVIOLACEOUS EUPHONIAORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIACHESTNUT-BELLIED EUPHONIAYELLOW-FACED SISKIN

HOUSE SPARROW

COMMON WAXBILL

BRAZILIAN FREE-TAILED BATTUFTED-EAR MARMOSETTUFTED-EAR MARMOSET

MASKED TITI MONKEYCAVY SP.ROCK CAVY


of cactus, some of which are endemic to NE Brazil, included the small "barrel-type" ones with prominent cephalia (genusMelocactus, not Notocactus as I erroneously told you in the field), the "organ-pipe" forms (mostly genus Pilosocereus), andthe many "prickly-pear" types (mostly genus Opuntia).

Totals for the tour: 420 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa


field guides birding tours: northeast brazil: long live

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