ITINERARY
DAY 1 - July 24th: Meet at Lima airport Hotel “Whyndham Costa Del Sol". Then flight to Tarapoto and in the afternoon to Quebrada Upaquihua, south of Tarapoto. After arrival in Tarapoto we met our driver Abraham & well experience field Chef Aurelio and went to our hotel for lunch and after lunch we drove south to the now well-known Quebrada Upaquihua which Barry had discovered on a LSU field expedition with Dan Lane in 2000. We spent the balance of the day birding here with some stops along the way before returning to our hotel in bustling Town of Tarapoto. Department of San Martin.
DAY 2 - July 25th: Tarapoto to the Barbet Camp via Bellavista. Very early departure from the Hotel to Bella Vista where we switched to pre-organized specially modified Toyota 4 x 4 pickups for several hours to the Barbet Camp (PLATAFORMA). A hard, hard long drive and the skill of these drivers even with all wheel drive vehicles was amazing but NOT as hard as the last year, allowing us to do some birding stops along the way. Night at PLATAFORMA at 1400 meters, Department of San Martin.
DAY 3 - July 26th: A full morning birding the Ridgeline trail out of camp and afternoon down to 45 village trail. After a hot breakfast and coffee we set off to the muddy trail, which fortunately was drier than usual. Luckily we didn’t have any rain, and it was incredibly rewarding – we spent all morning with a field lunch up on the ridge trail packed by Aurelio, seeing 2 Scarlet-banded Barbets, Foothill Schiffornis and great views of Gray-tailed Piha, lot of Tanagers and after lunch went back to the hotel (very basic hotel) for a little break and in the afternoon we explored a new trail – a trail called the 45 trail which takes you down to the village called 45, persumeably because its 45 kilometers from somewhere!. Department of San Martin. Night at the unnamed hotel.
DAY 4 - July 27th: Short birding the camp area and onto Tarapoto. The weather behaved. As Aurelio and the drivers were packing everything we birded up the trail a little bit and about 8:00AM down the road in bright sunshine and saw some great birds like Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater and Yellow-cheeked Becard. Then it was a long drive back to Tarapoto for the night with some birding stops along the way where we saw White-browed Purpletuft and Green-backed Trogon and Amazon Kingfisher right after lunch stop, and on a pond near Tarapoto we saw a female Comb Duck and a few other common birds. Night in Tarapoto. Department of San Martin.
DAY 5 - July 28th: Tarapoto to Yurimaguas. Peruvian Independence Day! Dawn found us at the La Escalera mountain range by the tunnel on the road to Yurimaguas. A field breakfast with slow activities and rain. We birded the tunnel area for a short time and then came the rain, so we moved to the Aconabikh private reserve which has well developed feeders with the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit and many other species. We dawdled here and had lunch before moving on to Yurimaguas with a couple of stops and to our hotel complete with pool and view of the Huallaga River. Department of San Martin.
DAY 6 - July 29th: Yurimaguas nearby – cancelled flight to San Lorenzo. Totally unexpected cancellation of our flight to San Lorenzo in the late afternoon – but our day was NOT totally wasted ...because we went out along the road (Yurimaguas to Tarapoto) not too far from Yurimaguas where we saw some important lowland species in the morning and in the afternoon we drove back to near La Escalera. Night Yurimaguas. Department of San Martin.
DAY 7 - July 30th: Second attempt to fly to San Lorenzo with NO luck. Unfortunately another day that we couldn’t take our flight to San Lorenzo, we spent all morning trying to take our flight that didn’t work. After lunch in the afternoon we took a boat ride on the Huallaga River which turned out to be very productive, where we had great birding and Pink Dolphin watching. Night Yurimaguas. Department of San Martin.
DAY 8 - July 31st: Yurimaguas to Tarapoto and on to Waqanki Lodge. Back to the regular schedule...early departure from the hotel to La Escalera with field breakfast and some birding at the Tunnel and after lunch we drove to the very birdy Waqanki Lodge with stop at Quebrada Quiscarumi to look at the roosting Oilbirds there, and after arrival at Waqanki we spent the rest of the afternoon at the Hummingbird feeders, and after dinner some owling around Moyobamba Town with no luck. Night Wakanki Lodge. Department of San Martin.
DAY 9 - August 1st: Waqanki Lodge. A full day at Waqanki. Apart from birding the garden area and the nearby forest we spent the balance of the morning along the Mishquiyacu trail and in the afternoon we birded nearby Moyobamba area ending at Morro de Calzada for owling where we had amazing views of Stygian Owl and Black-banded Owl. Night Wakanki Lodge, Department of San Martin.
DAY 10 August 2nd: Waqanki Lodge to Abra Patricia. Early departure to the Hummingbird feeders at Arenas Blanca where we had breakfast and after that we continued to the Llanteria (a new hummingbird feeders place) and then we continued to Venceremos with some other hummingbird feeders where we had good views of Tawny-breasted Hermit and after that we continued on our way to Owlet Lodge at Abra Patricia run by ECOAN. [ECOAN is a Peruvian NGO working mainly on the conservation of cloud and Polylepis forests http://www.ecoanperu.org/]. The evening found us at Alto Nieva a new private conservation area and then led by the local expert we headed for the forest and a Long-whiskered Owlet stakeout where we got great views after suffering a little bit. Night at Owlet Lodge. Department of San Martin.
DAY 11 August 3rd: Abra Patricia. In the morning we went down the road to Alto Nieva and the nearby localities and in the afternoon we birded several trails of the Lodge (Grallaria, and Tino trail), ending with a very successful owling evening. Night at Owlet Lodge. Department of San Martin.
DAY 12 August 4th: San Lorenzo and Huembo. Morning found us at the bottom of the Rio Chido (San Lorenzo) steep trail (almost a staircase in parts) that took us up to a small patch of Chusquea bamboo but we made it and a Pale-billed Antpitta treated us to good views after a quite hard effort. We then went to the Marvelous Spatuletail interpretation center at Huembo where we had great views of a male with full tail feathers coming to the feeders and we all had great views. In the late afternoon we returned to Owlet Lodge and we birded Grallaria and Tino trail. Birding elevations 2000- 2800. Department of Amazonas & San Martin.
DAY 13 August 5th: Owlet Lodge to Tarapoto. Pre-dawn owling for our last chance of White-throated Screech-Owl, where we had great views. And after breakfast we did some more birding at the Lodge before heading back to Tarapoto with a few stops along the way especially for the Point-tailed Woodcreeper near Rioja. Department of San Martin.
Day 14 August 6th: Birding the tunnel and flight to Lima. A short birding morning at the tunnel near Tarapoto and then to the airport for noon flight to Lima and connections home.
SPECIES LIST
Family: TINAMIDAE (TINAMOUS)
GRAY TINAMOU – Tinamus tao. Heard only. Heard at Plataforma on trail 45. VULNERABLE.
UNDULATED TINAMOU - Crypturellus undulatus. One seen briefly around Moyobamba.
TATAUPA TINAMOU - Crypturellus tataupa. Heard only, at Upaquihua and also around Waqanki.
LITTLE TINAMOU - Crypturellus soui. Great views of two individuals from the hide at Arena Blanca Reserve.
Family: ANATIDAE (DUCKS AND GEESE)
COMB DUCK - Sarkidiornis melanotus. 8 seen in flight on our travel day to the Plataforma and one female on a pond on our way back to Tarapoto from Bellavista.
MASKED DUCK – Nomonyx dominicus. Good views of 7 individuals with a nice male on a pond near Moyobamba.
Family: CRACIDAE (GUANS)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA - Ortalis guttata. Quite common in the lowlands – seen in several locations.
WATTLED GUAN - Aburria aburria. Heard at Plataforma and 5 seen really well at the Tunnel.
Family: ODONTOPHORIDAE (GUANS, CURASSOWS & ALLIES)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL – Odontophorus speciosus. Amazing views of 5 individuals an the feeders at Arenas Blanca.
Family: PODICIPEDIDAE (GREBES)
LEAST GREBE - Tachybaptus dominicus. One seen near Yurimaguas and one more seen around Moyobamba.
Family: CICONIIIDAE (STORKS)
WOOD STORK – Mycteria americana. Seen flying on two consecutive days at Yurimaguas.
Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE (CORMORANTS)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax brasilianus. 6 seen on our way in to Plataforma.
Family: ARDEIDAE (HERONS)
STRIATED HERON - Butorides striatus. Seen on two consecutive days along the Huallaga River in Yurimaguas and one more at Moyobamba.
CATTLE EGRET - Bubulcus ibis. Common throughout the trip.
SNOWY EGRET - Egretta thula. A few here and there.
GREAT EGRET - Ardea alba. Common.
LITTLE BLUE HERON - Egretta cerulea. Seen on two different occasions throughout the trip.
Family: CATHARTIDAE (NEW WORLD VULTURES)
BLACK VULTURE - Coragyps atratus. Common throughout the trip.
TURKEY VULTURE - Cathartes aura. Common throughout the trip.
LESSER-YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE - Cathartes burrovianus. One seen around Yurimaguas.
GREATER-YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE - Cathartes melambratus. 1 seen on our way to Plataforma from Tarapoto and one more seen by Paul at Yurimaguas.
Family: ACCIPITRIDAE (HAWKS)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE - Elanoides forficatus. One of the most beautiful raptors in South America! Several seen on several days.
BLACK-HAWK EAGLE - Spizaetus tyrannus. Two seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma.
SNAIL KITE - Rostrhamus sociabilis. In the lowlands always near water, seen in the rice field on our way in and out from Plataforma.
SLENDER-BILLED KITE - Heliolestes hamatus. 1 seen near Rioja when we were looking for the Palmcreeper.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE – Harpagus bidentatus. 1 seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma.
PLUMBEOUS KITE - Ictinia plumbea. Seen around Tarapoto and also at Plataforma and one more on our travel day from Yurimaguas to Moyobamba via Tarapoto.
CRANE HAWK - Geranospiza caerulescens. One seen on our way to Upaquihua, our first birding day.
ROADSIDE HAWK - Rupornis magnirostris. Many of this common raptor.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK - Parabuteo leucorrhous. One seen on our way to Abra Patricia.
VARIABLE HAWK - Geranoaetus polyosoma. One seen at Abra Patricia and two more at San Lorenzo (Pale-billed Antpitta area).
WHITE HAWK - Pseudastur albicollis. One seen soaring during our stop at 45 village on our way back to Tarapoto from Plataforma.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK - Buteo brachyurus. Also seen at 45 village, soaring together with the White Hawk.
WHITE-THROATED HAWK - Buteo albigula. One seen around Abra Patricia and another one at San Lorenzo.
Family: ARAMIDAE (LIMPKIN)
LIMPKIN – Aramus guarauna. 3 seen in the rice fields on our way back to Bellavista from Plataforma and one more around Moyobamba.
Family: RALLIDAE (RAILS)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE - Anurolimnas viridis. Great views of 3 individuals near Moyobamba.
GREY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL - Aramides cajanea. One seen from one of our vehicle on the road on our way back to Tarapoto from Plataforma. The AOU has recently split Gray-necked Wood-Rail into two – this one occurs from the Pacific slope of Costa Rica to Argentina and Russet-naped Wood-Rail of Mexico to the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica.
COMMON GALLINULE - Gallinula galeata. Seen in the rice fields around Tarapoto and Moyobamba.
PURPLE GALLINULE - Porphyrio martinicus. 4 seen on the same pool where we had the Comb Duck near Tarapoto on our way back to Tarapoto and 2 more seen around Yurimaguas and 2 more around Moyobamba.
Family: CHARADRIIDAE (PLOVERS)
PIED (PLOVER) LAPWING - Vanellus (Hoploxypteru) cayanus. One seen on the Huallaga River on our way back from Plataforma to Tarapoto and 4 more seen from the boat along the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
COLLARED PLOVER – Charadrius collaris. 2 seen across the Huallaga River and 13 more seen next day from the boat, much better views!
Family: RECURVIROSTRIDAE (STILTS & AVOCETS)
BLACK-NECKED STILT - Himantopus mexicanus. Common in the rice fields – seen on the way in and out from Bellavista to Plataforma and a few more on our way to Moyobamba from Tarapoto. Taxonomy is a bit confusing. The SACC says “Himantopus mexicanus was formerly considered a subspecies of Old World H. himantopus (“Common Stilt”). Some authors have treated southern South American melanurus (White-backed Stilt) as a separate species. The six taxa in the genus Himantopus form a near-globally distributed super species and between one to six species-level taxa recognized by various authors. Virtually no data are available relevant to taxon-ranking of allopatric populations. The contact between mexicanus and melanurus in South America, where at least some hybridization occurs, affords one of the best opportunities for such study.
Family: SCOLOPACIDAE (SANDPIPERS)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS – Tringa flavipes. One seen from the boat on the Huallaga River bank at Yurimaguas.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER – Tringa macularia. Also seen from the boat on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER – Calidris melanotos. 8 seen from our boat ride on the Huallaga riverbank.
Family: JACANIDAE (JACANAS)
WATTLED JACANA - Jacana jacana. Common in the rice fields from Bellavista to Plataforma and few more seen at Yurimaguas and also around Moyobamba.
Family: LARIDAE (GULLS & TERNS)
LARGE-BILLED TERN - Phaetusa simplex. Brief and long distance views on the Huallaga River on our way to Upaquihua and also the next day on our way out from Bellavista to Plataforma, but much better views on the Huallaga River from our boat ride at Yurimaguas 16 in total at Yurimaguas.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN - Sternula superciliaris. A few seen on our way out from Bellavista to Plataforma and LOT of them (43) from our boat ride at Yurimaguas on the Huallaga River.
Family: RHYNCHOPIDAE (SKIMMERS)
BLACK SKIMMER – Rhynchops niger. 2 seen from our boat ride flying around on the riverbank on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
Family: COLUMBIDAE (PIGEONS)
ROCK PIGEON – Columba livia. Common.
SCALED PIGEON - Patagioenas speciosa. One seen on our way in to Plataforma and another one briefly along the Mishquiyacu trail at Waqanki.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON - Patagioenas cayennensis. Common at Upaquihua and few more seen on our way out to Plataforma.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON - Patagioenas plumbea. 3 seen on our way back to Tarapoto from Plataforma.
RUDDY PIGEON - Patagioenas subvinacea. Heard only. VULNERABLE.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL- DOVE - Geotrygon frenata. Heard only, along the ridge trail at Plataforma.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE - Leptotila verreauxi. Fairly common throughout the trip. Named for the impressive sounding John Baptiste Edouard Verreaux (1810-1868) French Natural History dealer and collector.
EARED DOVE - Zenaida auriculata. Very common – seen in a few localities.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE - Columbina talpacoti. Common in the eastern lowlands.
BLUE-GROUND DOVE - Claravis pretiosa. A pair seen briefly at Waqanki.
Family: CUCULIDAE (CUCKOOS)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO - Piaya cayana. Common throughout the trip.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI - Crotophaga ani. Common in the eastern lowlands.
Family: OPISTHOCOMIDAE (HOATZIN)
HOATZIN - Opisthocomus hoazin. 9 seen from one of our vehicles near Bella Vista on our way in to Plataforma.
Family: STRIGIDAE (OWLS)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL - Megascops choliba. One seen from the dinner room at our Hotel in Tarapoto.
VERMICULATED (NAPO) SCREECH-OWL -Megascops (napensis) guatemalae. Very nice view of one individual just by the corner of the soccer field at Plataforma.The taxanomic status of this species is moot. M. napensis (including helleri and bolivianus) was split from M. guatemalae (König et al. 1999), but relations to roraimae and vermiculatus need study (SACC, H&M4).
CINNAMON SCREECH-OWL - Megascops pertersoni. Amazing views of one on the Monkey trail at Abra Patricia. Named for American pioneer ornithologist and artist Roger Tory Petersen (1908-1996). Range Restricted.
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL - Megascops albogularis. One seen near the canopy tower on monkey trail at Abra Patricia.
BAND-BELLIED OWL - Pulsatrix melanota. Heard only, at Waqanki.
BLACK-BANDED OWL – Ciccaba huhula. Very good views at Morro de Calzada.
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL - Ciccaba albitarsus. One seen just outside of the dining room at Owlet Lodge.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL - Glaucidium brasilianum. Heard only.
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET - Xenoglaux loweryi. One that we suffered a little bit to see at Alta Nieva, but after all we all got great views. Xenoglaux = Strange Owl. Named for George Hines Lowery US Zoologist. ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
BURROWING OWL – Athene cunicularia. One seen by some along the way to Plataforma and two more seen for all of us from one side of the Huallaga River in the island at Yurimaguas.
STYGIAN OWL - Asio stygius. The best view I ever had of this bird - an adult, plus an immature that responded really well to the playback at Morro de Calzada – bizarre and wonderful – an impressive Owl. Stygius from the Greek meaning infernal. From the River Styx in the underworld.
Family STEATORNITHIDAE (OILBIRD)
OILBIRD - Steatornis caripensis. Great views at the usual cave near Moyobamba. Steatornis = Fatbird. Baron von Humboldt recorded that young Oilbirds were culled each year and rendered into fat, melted down into oil, which was highly prized for cooking.
Family: NYCTIBIDAE (POTOOS)
COMMON POTOO – Nyctibius griseus. One seen at Plataforma.
Family: CAPRIMULGIDAE (NIGHTJARS)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK - Chordeiles rupestris. 21 seen on the sandbank of the Huallaga River from our boat ride at Yurimaguas.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR - Nyctipolus nigrescens. One seen at the ridge trail near the Tunnels and also heard at Morro de Calzada.
COMMON PAUARQUE - Nyctidromus albicollis. Seen at Waqanki Lodge.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR - Antrostomus rufus. Heard only, at Waqanki.
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR - Hydropsalis maculicaudus. Heard only, at Waqanki Lodge.
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR - Uropsalis segmentata. A female seen just outside the dining room at Owlet Lodge.
Family: APODIDAE (SWIFTS)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT - Streptoprocne rutila. 3 seen around Upaquihua.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT - Streptoprocne zonaris. Common – but seen in few localities.
GREY-RUMPED SWIFT - Chaetura cinereiventris. 2 seen on our way back to Tarapoto from Plataforma.
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT - Chaetura egregia. Seen at Plataforma and also on our way back to Bella Vista from Plataforma.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT - Chaetura brachyura. 4 seen at Upaquihua.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT - Aeronautes montivagus. Seen on the way in and out to Plataforma and also around the tunnels near Tarapoto and also below Abra Patricia.
NEOTROPICAL PALM-SWIFT - Tachornis squamata. Seen several days throughout the trip, always near Mauritia palms.
Family: TROCHILIDAE (HUMMINGBIRDS)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN - Florisuga mellivora. Very common at the Aconabikh & Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders.
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL – Eutoxeres aquila. 1 seen briefly at the lunch stop on our way in to Plataforma.
GREEN HERMIT - Phaethornis guy. 5 seen at Arenas Blanca hummingbird feeders.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT - Phaethornis syrmatophorus. Very nice view of one at the hummingbird feeders at Venceremos (Park Ranger Station).
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT - Phaethornis malaris. At the Aconabikh & Waqanki Hummingbird feeders – this is what I called Long-billed Hermit by mistake.
KOEPCKE’S HERMIT - Phaethornis koepckeae. Seen at Aconabikh hummingbird feeders. ENDEMIC.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT Phaethornis atrimentalis. Great views at Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders and also at Arenas Blanca hummingbird feeders. We saw the subspecies riojae. Range Restricted.
REDDISH HERMIT - Phaethornis ruber. One seen at Arenas Blanca Reserve.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL- Doryfera johannae. Common at Arenas Blanca private Reserve but also 1 briefly at Aconabikh.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL - Doryfera ludovicae. At least one seen at Arenas Blanca Reserve.
BROWN VIOLET-EAR - Colibri delphinae. Seen at Aconabikh, Waqanki, and Arenas Blanca feeders.
LESSER VIOLET-EAR - Colibri cyanotus. Seen every day at Owlet Lodge and a few more at Huembo hummingbird feeders. This split occurs from Costa Rica to Bolivia with the other half – Mexican Violet-ear from Mexico to Nicaragua.
SPARKLING VIOLET-EAR - Colibri coruscans. Seen at Huembo. The bully of the feeders.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO - Anthracothorax nigricollis. 5 seen at Aconabikh and a few more at Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL - Heliangelus amethysticollis. One seen in the morning at Owlet Lodge before leaving the Lodge.
ROYAL SUNANGEL - Heliangelus regalis. 1 male seen at Abra Patricia. From the Greek Helios =sun, Angelos = angel. From the habit of this genus of lifting their wings momentarily as in stylized angel paintings, on alighting on a twig. A near endemic – has been seen in a remote area of Ecuador. ENDANGERED, Range Restricted.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL - Discosura popelairii. One seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma and one seen very well at Arenas Blanca. Named for Jean Baptiste Baron Poplaire de Terloo, Belgian naturalist and collector in Peru.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE - Lophornis delattrei. Common at the Waqanki Hummingbird feeders. Named for Adolphe de Lattre, French collector in Mexico and Colombia.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL - Phlogophilus hemileucurus. One seen at Llanteria (the new hummingbird feeders at Afluente) on our way to Tarapoto. VULNERABLE, Range Restricted.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD - Adelomyia melanogenys. Excellent views at the Owlet Lodge feeders at Abra Patricia.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER - Lesbia nuna. One seen at Huembo. From the Greek Lesbias – a woman of Lesbos. Nuna – from Nouna – Koali, a graceful Indian virgin in Jean F Denis’s novel (1829) “Ismael Ben Kaizar ou la decouverture du Nouveau Monde”. Food for thought?
LONG-TAILED SYLPH - Aglaiocercus kingi. Common at the Owlet Lodge feeders.
TYRIAN METALTAIL - Metallura tyrianthina. Also seen along the Pale-billed Antpitta trail. Named after the color Tyrian purple. Variously known as Royal purple, Tyrian purple, purple of the ancients, this ancient dyestuff, mentioned in texts dating about 1600 BC, was produced from the mucus of the hypobranchial gland of various species of marine mollusks, notably Murex. Although originating in old port of Tyre in modern day Syria (hence the name), man's first large scale chemical industry spread throughout the world. With the decline of the Roman Empire, the use of the dye also declined and large scale production ceased with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. It was replaced by other cheaper dyes like lichen purple and madder.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG - Eriocnemis alinae. Common at the feeders and in the forest at the Owlet Lodge.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL - Loddigesia mirabilis. Marvelous! Amazing views of a full tailed male and one immature, at Huembo hummingbird feeders, and one female more outside of the feeders as we were leaving the feeders (seen by Paul). The genus is named after British taxidermist and natural history dealer G. Loddiges (1784-1846), who specialised in hummingbirds! ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
BRONZY INCA - Coeligena coeligena. Daily at the Owlet Lodge feeders and some at the Huembo feeders.
COLLARED INCA - Coeligena torquata. Another star player at the Owlet Lodge feeders.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET - Coeligena violifer. Two seen on our hike up to the Pale-billed Antpitta. Range Restricted.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD - Ensifera ensifera. What a bill!! Amazing views at the Owlet Lodge feeders!
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET - Boissonneaua metthewsi. The dominant bully at the Owlet Lodge and Huembo feeders. Named for English botanist and collector in the Neotropic Andrew Matthews.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL - Ocreatus underwoodii. Great looks at Venceremos hummingbird feeders, but also a female along the ridge trail at Plataforma and a few more at Owlet Lodge feeders. The Racket tailed Puffleg was unknown in life but specimens existed in various London cabinets, whence a drawing was sent in 1832 by Mr. Underwood on behalf of Charles Stokes, a London stockbroker and collector.
GOULD’S JEWELFRONT - Heliodoxa aurescens. Good views at the La Escalera Aconabikh feeders. Named for John Gould English publisher, collector and artist.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT - Heliodoxa rubinoides. One of the stars of the Owlet Lodge feeders.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT - Heliodoxa leadbeateri. One seen along the Barbet trail and a few more at Arenas Blanca feeders.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT - Heliomaster longirostris. Very good views at Arenas Blanca Hummingbird Feeders.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR - Chaetocercus mulsant. Wonderful views of this insect-sized bird, at the Owlet Lodge and Huembo hummingbird feeders.
LITTLE WOODSTAR - Chaetocercus bombus. A rare hummingbird – a female seen at the feeders at Huembo. VULNERABLE, Range Restricted.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR - Calliphlox amethystina. Nice view of one male at Arenas Blanca hummingbird feeders.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD - Chlorostilbon mellisugus. Seen every day in the garden around the rooms at Waqanki.
GREY-BREASTED SABREWING - Campylopterus largipennis. Common at the Waqanki, Aconabikh and Arenas Blanca hummingbird feeders.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH - Thalurania furcata. Common at the Waqanki and Aconabikh and Arenas Blanca Hummingbird Feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD - Taphrospilus hypostictus. Good views at Arena Blanca hummingbird feeders.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD - Amazilia chionogaster. 2 seen at Huembo hummingbird feeders.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE - Chrysuronia oenone. At the Waqanki, Aconabikh and Arenas Blanca Hummingbird feeders.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD - Polyerata lactea. At the Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders and more common at Arenas Blanca hummingbird feeders.
ANDEAN EMERALD - Amazilia franciae. A few seen at the Huembo - ECOAN hummingbird feeders.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE - Hylocharis cyanus. Seen by some at Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders.
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD – Leucippus chlorocercus. One seen just from outside of the Hotel at Yurimaguas.
Family: TROGONIDAE (TROGONS)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL - Pharomachrus auriceps. Heard only.
MASKED TROGON - Trogon personatus. A male seen at Abra Patricia.
COLLARED TROGON - Trogon collaris. Heard only.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON - Trogon viridis. Male and female seen at lunch stop on our way back to Bella Vista from Plataforma.
Family: ALECEDINIDAE (KINGFISHERS)
RINGED KINGFISHER - Megaceryle torquata. 4 in total seen on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
GREEN KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle americana. One female seen from the boat ride on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
AMAZON KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle amazona. Also seen on the Huallaga River but also one previously at the lunch stop on our way back from Plataforma.
Family: MOMOTIDAE (MOTMOTS)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT - Electron platyrhynchum. One seen very well at Waqanki Lodge.
Family: GALBULIDAE (JACAMARS)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR - Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis. 3 seen by the road outside of Yurimaguas town.
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR - Galbula cyanescens. 4 seen at Upaquihua creek and 2 more at Waqanki.
Family: BUCCONIDAE (PUFFBIRDS)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET - Micromonacha lanceolata. One seen really well at lunch stop on our way in to Plataforma.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD - Monasa nigrifrons. At Quebrada Upaquihua and on our way out from Barbet camp plus 1 more around Yurimaguas.
SWALLOW-WING - Chelidoptera tenebrosa. Seen around Yurimaguas.
Family: CAPITONIDAE (NEW WORLD BARBETS)
SCARLET-BANDED BARBET - Capito wallacei. Our most targeted bird! Great views of 3 individuals on our full day at Plataforma. Stunning and satisfying! VULNERABLE ENDEMIC.
GILDED BARBET - Capito auratus. Quite common throughout the tour.
VERSICOLORED BARBET - Eubucco versicolor. Quite common along the Barbet trail at Plataforma.
Family: RAMPHASTIDAE (TOUCANS)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN - Ramphastos vitellinus. One seen from the little ridge near the tunnel on our way back from Yurimaguas.
BLACK-THROATED (EMERALD) TOUCANET - Aulacorhynchus (prasinus) atrogularis. Seen twice at Abra Patricia. Range Restricted.
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET - Aulacorhynchus derbianus. One seen on the way up to Plataforma and another one seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma. Named for Edward Smith Stanley 13th Earl of Derby and founder of the Knowsley Museum.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET - Selenidera reinwardtii. Heard only, at Waqanki.
LETTERED ARACARI - Pteroglossus inscriptus. 6 seen from the little tower at Aconabikh hummingbird feeders and 4 more around Moyobamba. “Aracari” is a Brazilian Amerindian name for a small toucan. In Greek Pteroglossus means “feather tongued” a reference to the slim feather-like tongues of toucans and aracaris.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI - Pteroglossus azara. 7 seen at La Escalera (the tunnel). Named for Brigadier-General Felix Manuel de Azara (1742-1821) Spanish Military engineer commanding the Paraguayan-Brazilian border.
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI - Pteroglossus beauharnaesii. 1 seen across the River with telescope from the little ridge trail (Plumbeous Euphonia spot) on our way to Tarapoto from Yurimaguas.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI - Pteroglossus castanotis. 2 seen on our travel day from Bella Vista to Plataforma and 7 more near Morro de Calzada.
Family: PICIDAE (WOODPECKERS)
LAFRESNAYES PICULET - Picumnus lafresnayi. Very good views at Upaquihua. Named for the impressive sounding Noel Frederic Armand Andre Baron de Lefresnay (1783-1861), French Ornithologist and collector. Range Restricted.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER - Melanerpes cruentatus. 4 seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma and 4 more on our way out from Plataforma plus 3 more around Moyobamba.
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER - Piculus leucolaemus. One seen very well after lunch stop on our way in to Plataforma and another one on our way down from Plataforma.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER - Picoides fumigatus. One seen on our way in to Plataforma.
LITTLE WOODPECKER - Veniliornis passerinus. 2 seen around Waqanki.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER - Colaptes punctigula. 2 seen just from outside of our Hotel at Yurimaguas.
LINEATED WOODPECKEER - Dryocopus lineatus. One seen on our way in and out to Plataforma.
Family: FALCONIDAE (FALCONS)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON - Micrastur ruficollis. Heard only, at Plataforma.
CRESTED CARACARA - Caracara cheriway. One seen at Yurimaguas. As there are no true Crows in South America, Caracaras occupy that niche as omnivorous scavengers. Formerly placed in the genus Polyborus but, this species has been switched to the genus Caracara. Note also that the former species known as Crested Caracara, has been split into three species with those ranging north of north-west Peru and the Amazon River ( i.e Colombia) are referable to Northern Crested-Caracara C. cheriway while another form, the extinct Guadalupe Caracara C. lutosus, of Guadalupe Island, Mexico, has also been given its untimely species status. The SACC says “Caracara cheriway and C. plancus were formerly considered conspecific (e.g., Hellmayr & Conover 1949, Phelps & Phelps 1958a), sometimes also including C. lutosus of Guadalupe Island (e.g., Meyer de Schauensee 1970, Stresemann and Amadon 1979), but the ranges of cheriway and plancus are nearly parapatric with no sign of intergradation, contrary to earlier interpretations (see Banks REF); they constitute a superspecies. The three forms had previously been considered separate species by REFS, Pinto (1938), and Friedmann (1950).”
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA - Milvago chimachima. One seen on our way back to Tarapoto from Plataforma and seen every day at Yurimaguas.
RED-THROATED CARACARA - Daptrius americanus. Heard only, below the tunnels.
AMERICAN KESTREL Falco sparverius. Seen along the trail at San Lorenzo (Pale-billed Antpitta).
BAT FALCON - Falco rufigularis. One seen on our way back to Bella Vista from Plataforma.
Family: PSITTACIDAE (PARROTS)
CANARY –WINGED PARAKEET - Brotogeris versicolurus. 7 seen on the treetops along the Huallaga River bank at Yurimaguas.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET - Brotogeris cyanoptera. Small flocks seen on a few days throughout the trip, here the subspecies gustavi with yellow on the wings. SACC comment: The subspecies gustavi was formerly (e.g., Cory 1918, Peters 1937) considered a separate species from Brotogeris cyanoptera, but Traylor (1958) indicated that they probably intergrade in the Huallaga valley.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT - Pionus menstruus. Common in the lowlands – seen at Waqanki on two consecutive days.
RED-BILLED PARROT – Pionus sordidus. Heard only, along the Pale-billed Antpitta trail.
SPECKLED-FACED PPARROT - Pionus tulmultuosus. Heard only, at Abra Patricia.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET - Forpus xanthopterygius. 10 seen at Upaquihua.
ROSE-FRONTED PARAKEET - Pyrrhura roseifrons. 6 seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma, and 6 more on the road on our way out from Plataforma.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET - Pyrrhura melanura. 6 seen at La Escalera (tunnel) here the subspecies berlepschi.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET - Psittacara leucophthalma. Common in the lowlands– seen around Tarapoto, Yurimaguas and Moyobamba.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET - Aratinga weddellii. 7 seen around Yurimaguas.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW – Ara severa. 1 seen through the scope near Yurimaguas Town.
Family: THAMNOPHILIDAE (ANTBIRDS)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE - Cymbilaimus lineatus. Heard only.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus doliatus. A pair seen just outside of the Hotel and 2 more seen along the road near Yurimaguas Town.
LINED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus. Very good views of a male and female on the ridge trail at Plataforma. VULNERABLE, Range Restricted.
NORTHERN SLATY ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus punctatus huallagae. Fairly common at Quebrada Upaquihua. The SACC says “Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) further recognized leucogaster of the Marañon Valley (with huallagae of Huallaga Valley) as a separate species from punctatus; this taxon was tentatively retained as a subspecies of T. punctatus by Isler et al. (1997), with further evidence confirming subspecies status presented by Isler, Walker et al. (2001). The subspecies huallagae was formerly (e.g. Peters 1951) treated as a subspecies of T. amazonicus, but see Isler et al. (1997). ENDEMIC.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus schistaceus. Heard only.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus caerulescens. Seen almost every day around Owlet Lodge – at Abra Patricia.
PLAIN ANTVIREO - Dysithamnus mentalis. 3 seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN - Myrmotherula longicauda. 6 at Quebrada Upaquihua and two more at Waqanki.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN - Myrmotherula axillaris. 4 at Quebrada Upaquihua here of the slow voiced form, and two more at Aconabikh. The SACC says: s (1984b), Ridgely & Tudor (1994), Hilty (2003), and Zimmer & Isler (2003) noted that vocal differences among several subspecies of Myrmotherula axillaris suggest that more than one species is involved.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN - Herpsilochmus axillaris. 3 seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma and one more on the road below Plataforma. VULNERABLE.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN - Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus. One seen at Upaquihua and one more at the tunnels on our way in to Yurimaguas.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN - Formicivora rufa. Great views of a pair around Moyobamba.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD - Drymophila straticeps. Seen on two consecutive days around Abra Patricia. The article in Condor “AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO SPECIES-LEVEL SYSTEMATICS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF DIVERSIFICATION IN AN ANDEAN THAMNOPHILID, THE LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD” By Morton L. Isler, Andrés M. Cuervo, Gustavo A, Bravo, and Robb T. Brumfield In part says “we propose the following taxonomic positions and English names for members of the complex. Regarding the English names, we have rejected the inclusion of “long-tailed” in the names, as proposed by Cory and Hellmayr (1924), because the names would become too cumbersome. The sequence reflects the estimated phylogeny:
Drymophila klagesi Hellmayr and Seilern, 1912—Klages’s Antbird. Eastern and northern Venezuela, Serranía de Perijá, and northern Eastern Andes in Norte de Santander, Colombia (includes klagesi, aristeguietana, and Norte de Santander study groups; clade A).
Drymophila hellmayri Todd, 1915—Santa Marta Antbird. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia (includes hellmayri; clade B).
Drymophila caudata (Sclater, 1854)—Long-tailed Antbird. Eastern Andes from Santander (west of the ChicamochaCanyon) to Caquetá and Huila, Colombia (includes Santander and Upper Magdalena study groups; clade C).
Drymophila striaticeps Chapman, 1912—Streak-headed Antbird. The Western and Central Andes of Colombia south through Ecuador (both slopes) and Peru (eastern slope) to northwestern Bolivia in La Paz (includes striaticeps, occidentalis, peruviana, and boliviana; clade D).
BLACKISH ANTBIRD - Cercomacroides nigrescens. Male and female seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma. Here, the subspecies aequatorialis.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD - Myrmoborus leucophrys. Impressive bird here of the koenigi subspecies with a complete white forehead at Upaquihua.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD - Myrmoborus myotherinus. A male seen at the tunnels on our way back from Yurimaguas.
PERUVIAN WARBLING ANTBIRD - Hypocnemis peruviana. One seen at Morro de Calzada and another one at Arenas Blanca hummingbird feeders.
ZIMMER’S ANTBIRD - Myrmeciza castanea. Very good views of two pairs in total, but 2 seen by most at Arenas Blanca. Range Restricted.
Myrmeciza Sp. Nov. Well by pure luck we went to Plataforma just after Josh Beck had discovered this distinct, unexpected, overlooked, spectacular new Antbird to science. And see it we did! It looks like Ferruginous-backed Antbird from the Guianan Shield but the male with significant amounts of black below and a distinct whistling song. Super! ENDEMIC.
Family: GRALLARIIDAE (ANTPITTAS)
PALE-BILLED ANTPITTA - Grallaria carrikeri. Very good views in two different sites above San Lorenzo after a hard time, but possibly the same individual because the sites are very close to each other. Impressive endemic Antpitta. ENDEMIC.
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA - Grallaria przewalskii. One seen at Owlet Lodge in Abra Patricia – a really hard to see Antpitta. VULNERABLE ENDEMIC.
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA - Grallaricula ochraceifrons. Heard only at Alto Nieva. ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
CHESTNUT ANTPITTA - Grallaria blakei. One seen at Owlet Lodge in Abra Patricia. ENDEMIC.
Family: RHINOCRYPTIDAE (TAPACULOS)
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO - Scytalopus atratus. Heard only.
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO - Scytalopus femoralis. Heard only, at Abra Patricia. ENDEMIC.
Family: FORMICARIIDAE (ANTTHRUSHES)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTHRUSH - Formicarius rufipectus. Heard only, commonly on the Barbet Ridge.
BARRED ANTHRUSH - Chamaeza mollissima. Heard only, on the trails at Abra Patricia.
BLACK-FACED ANTHRUSH - Formicarius analis. Heard only.
Family: FURNARIIDAE (OVENBIRDS)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER - Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus. One seen on our way in to Plataforma and another one at Waqanki. Note where you see these and what subspecies they are –they WILL be split as sure as death and taxes!
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER - Dendrocincla tyrannina. Heard only, at Abra Patricia.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER - Dendrocincla fuliginosa. Good views of one at Mishquiyacu trail at Waqanki.
TSCHUDI’S WOODCREEPER - Xiphorynchus chunchotambo. 2 seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma and one more seen at the tunnels.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER - Xiphorhynchus triangularis. Seen along the Barbet ridge and also at Abra Patricia.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER - Dendroplex picus. One seen at Upaquihua.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL - Campylorhamphus trochilirostris. Heard only.
STREAKED XENOPS - Xenops rutilans. 2 on the ridge trail at Plataforma and another one at Venceremos.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER - Berlepschia rikeri. 2 seen really well near Rioja on our way back to Tarapoto from Abra Patricia.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK - Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii. One seen at Venceremos and another one at Abra Patricia.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Philydor rufus. One seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Philydor rufus. Heard only, at Plataforma.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER - Thripadectes holostictus. 1 seen at Abra Patricia.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Automolus ochrolaemus. Heard only, at the Tunnel and a few other localities.
PEARLED TREERUNNER - Margarornis squamiger. 2 seen at Abra Patricia.
[MARAÑON] RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD - Phacellodomus rufifrons peruvianus. First ones (6) seen near Upaquihua and 4 more around Moyobamba. Here the subspecies peruvianus, sometimes treated as a distinct species. SACC comment: Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) considered northern inornatus (with castilloi) a separate species from Phacellodomus rufifrons, and this was followed by and Hilty (2003); vocalizations are reported to differ, but no analysis or data have been published. SACC proposal to recognize inornatus as separate species did not pass because of insufficient published data. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) also suggested that the subspecies peruvianus of the Marañon valley deserved recognition as a separate species.
RUSSET-MANTLED SOFTAIL- Thripophaga berlepschi. Heard only, at the Pale-billed Antpitta spot above San Lorenzo. ENDEMIC.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL - Cranioleuca curtata. 2 seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma. VULNERABLE.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL - Synallaxis azarae. Heard only, at Abra Patricia.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis albigularis. 1 seen nearby Yurimaguas Town.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis gujanensis. A pair seen nicely at Quebrada Upaquihua.
CINEREOUS-BREASTED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis hypospodia. 1 seen at Waqanki.
CHESTNUT-THROATED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis cherrei. Very good views of 2 at Quebrada Upaquihua. Named for George Kruck Cherrie US Ornithologist and collector (1865 -1948).
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RUFOUS SPINETAIL - Synallaxis unirufa. Good views at Abra Patricia.
Family: TYRANNIDAE (TYRANT FLYCATCHERS)
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET - Phyllomyias plumbeicep.s One seen at the tunnels.
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET - Phyllomyias nigrocapillus. One seen on our way in to Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET - Tyrannulus elatus. One at Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA - Elaenia flavogaster. Quite common at Waqanki.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA - Elaenia albiceps. A few seen in several localities.
LESSER ELAENIA - Elaenia chiriquensis. 2 seen at Waqanki.
SIERRAN ELAENIA - Elaenia pallatangae. Common at Abra Patricia – great views!!
SOUTHERN-BEARDLESS TYRANNULET - Camptostoma obsoletum. 2 seen at Upaquihua.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET - Mecocerculus minor. One seen on the grallaria trail at Owlet Lodge.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET - Phaeomyias murina wagae. One seen at Waqanki of the wagae subspecies.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT - Pseudotriccus ruficeps. 2 seen on Tino trail at Owlet Lodge.
UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT - Anairetes agraphia. Heard only, at the Pale-billed Antpitta site above San Lorenzo. ENDEMIC.
RED-BILLED TYRANNULET - Zimmerius cinereicapillus. Good views of 4 at Waqanki Lodge. VULNERABLE.
MISHANA TYRANNULET - Zimmerius villarejoi. Good views at Waqanki. The San Martin birds may prove to be distinct from the Iquitos birds. VULNERABLE ENDEMIC.
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET - Zimmerius viridiflavus. Common around Abra Patricia area and on the Barbet Ridge. These are vocally identical to those found in Central Peru, but recently there has been considerable debate about whether these are distinct from the Golden-faced Tyrannulet (likewise the species status of Loja Tyrannulet). Probably they should be lumped with Golden-faced. ENDEMIC.
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT - Phylloscartes ophthalmicus. 1 seen below Plataforma on our way out from it.
VARIAGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT - Phylloscartes poecilotis. 1 seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET - Phylloscartes ventralis. 1 seen at Venceremos on our way in to Abra Patricia.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER - Mionectes striaticollis. Seen at Abra Patricia on three consecutive days.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER - Mionectes olivaceus. 1 seen at Aconabikh hummingbird feeders and around the Barbet camp.
INCA FLYCATCHER - Leptopogon taczanowskii. One seen near Abra Patricia – a Peruvian endemic. ENDEMIC.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCYACHER - Mionectes oleaginous. Seen twice near the tunnel and also at Waqanki.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Leptopogon superciliaris. Seen at Waqanki and at Venceremos near Abra Patricia.
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT - Myiornis albiventris. Nice looks at one individual at Quebrada Upaquihua and two more at Waqanki. Not an easy bird to see and has a disjunct range. Range Restricted.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT - Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer. Very good views at Waqanki.
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT - Hemitriccus granadensis. Seen on two consecutive days at Abra Patricia. Named for New Granada a former South American Republic incorporating Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. In early ornithology “New Granada” and “Bogota” were used to designate species of unknown provenance presumed to be from the Spanish Main (The Spanish held Mainland).
CINNAMON-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT - Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus. Very good views at Alto Nieva below Abra Patricia – missed by most tours– just sneaks in to an inaccessible part of Ecuador. VULNERABLE, Range Restricted.
JOHNSON’S TODY-FLYCATCHER - Poecilotrccus luluae. Seen below Abra Patricia – a cracking looking bird! The scientific name is from the late Lulu May Von Hagen for her support of research in avian genetics. ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER - Poecilotriccus capitalis. Nice views of two at Waqanki.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER - Todirostrum maculatum. 2 seen around Yurimaguas.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER - Todirostrum cinereum. Seen in several locations.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER - Todirostrum chrysocrotaphatum. One seen around Moyobamba.
YELLOW-BREASTED (OLIVE FACED) TOLMOMYIAS - Tolmomyias (viridiceps) flaviventris. Very common at Upaquihua and also at the tunnel. The SACC says: Tolmomyias flaviventris almost certainly involves more than one species; see Bates et al. (1992) and Ridgely & Tudor (1994). The subspecies viridiceps is almost certainly a distinct species, and was so considered by Ridgely et al. (2001) and Hilty (2003). However, Zimmer (1939a) considered them conspecific because the subspecies he considered the subspecies subsimilis and dissors to represent taxa that were intermediate between the two, and this treatment was followed by Fitzpatrick (2004) in the absence of published data supporting a split. Proposal needed. The IOC recognizes the split.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER - Myiophobus flavicans. Very nice view of two individual at Abra Patricia.
BLACK-TAILED MYIOBIUS - Myiobius atricaudus. Two seen at Upaquihua.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER - Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus. Common at Abra Patricia.
CLIFF FLYCTACHER - Hirundinea ferruginea. Common at La Escalera “the tunnel” and also seen at Abra Patricia.
ALDER FLYCATCHER - Empidonax alnorum. One seen at the ridge trail at Plataforma.
BLACK PHOEBE - Sayornis nigricans. Two seen on our way back to Bella Vista from Plataforma and another one on our way back to Tarapoto from Abra Patricia.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT - Muscisaxicola fluviatilis. Very good view of one on the soccer field at Plataforma.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT - Colonia colonus. Common above Plataforma and two more around Moyobamba.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT - Ochthoeca rufipectoralis. Two above San Lorenzo along the Pale-billed Antpitta trail.
GREAT KISKADEE - Pitangus sulphuratus. Several sightings.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER - Legatus leucophaius. Seen at Waqanki and around Moyobamba.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes similis. Common in the lowlands.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes granadensis. Two seen around Yurimaguas.
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes luteiventris. Two seen at the tunnel on our way to Abra Patricia from Yurimaguas.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER - Myiodynastes chrysocephalus. Common at La Escalera (the tunnel).
STREAKED FLYCATCHER - Myiodynastes maculatus. An austral migrant seen on a few occasions.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER - Megarynchus pitangua. Seen on the way in and out from Plataforma and also at Waqanki.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD - Tyrannus melancholicus. TK! Very common.
RUFOUS CASIORNIS - Casiornis rufa. Very nice view of one at Upaquihua.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus tuberculifer. Seen on several occasions throughout the tour.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus ferox. One seen around Moyobamba.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus cephalotes. Fairly common at Abra Patricia.
Family: COTINGIDAE (COTINGAS)
GREEN AND BLACK FRUITEATER - Pipreola rieferii. Two at Venceremos and several nice looks at Abra Patricia.
BARRED FRUITEATER - Pipreola arcuata. One seen along the Pale-billed Antpitta trail above San Lorenzo.
FIERY-THROATED FRUITEATER - Pipreola chlorolepidota. Very nice views of two at Waqanki.
SCARLET-BREASTED FRUITEATER - Pipreola frontalis. Seen on three consecutive days at Plataforma.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA Ampelion rubrocristata. One on the Pale-billed Antpitta trail above San Lorenzo.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK - Rupicola peruvianus. Peru’s national bird – seen at la Escalera and around Afluente.
GREY-TAILED PIHA - Snowornis subalaris. Seems to be a species on outliers of the Andes – heard commonly and one seen well on the Barbet ridge at Plataforma. Range Restricted.
SCREAMING PIHA - Lipaugus vociferans. Heard only, on the way in to Plataforma.
Family: PIPRIDAE (MANAKINS)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN - Neopelma sulphureiventer. Three seen really well at Upaquihua.
YUNGAS MANAKIN - Chiroxiphia boliviana. 4 seen at lunch stop on our way in to Plataforma.
JET MANAKIN - Xenopipo unicolor. Two males seen on the Barbet ridge trail at Afluente.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN – Machaeropterus pyrocephalus. Two seen at Aconabikh and one more at Waqanki.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN – Pipra erythrocephala. Two females seen at Waqanki.
Family: TITYRIDAE (TITYRAS)
MASKED TITYRA – Tityra semifasciata. Several sightings.
FOOTHILL SCHIFFORNIS – Schiffornis aenea. Brief views of two individuals along the Barber ridge trail at Plataforma. Range Restricted.
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT – Lodopleura isabellae. Two seen on the way in and out from Plataforma.
YELLOW-CHEEKED BECARD – Pachyramphus xanthogenys. Two seen on the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma and one more below Plataforma, on our way out from Plataforma. The SACC says: Ridgely & Tudor (1994) and Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) considered Andean xanthogenys a species separate from P. viridis (Green-backed Becard), and this was followed by Fitzpatrick (2004) and Barber & Rice (2007). Proposal needed. IOC splits.
BARRED BECARD – Pachyramphus versicolor. Seen twice around Abra Patricia.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD – Pachyramphus polychopterus. One at Upaquihua and one more at Yurimaguas and also at Waqanki one more.
Genera: INCERTAE SEDIS
WING-BARRED PIPRITES – Piprites chloris. Good views of two at Aconabikh hummingbird feeders.
Family: VIREONIDAE (VIREOS)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE – Cyclarhis gujanensis. Commonly heard and seen on three different days at Abra Patricia.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO – Vireolanius leucotis. One seen well on our way in to Plataforma.
[CHIVI] RED-EYED VIREO – Vireo olivaceus (Chivi). Several encounters. Some classifications (e.g., Pinto 1944) have considered the South American chivi group as a separate species (“Chivi Vireo”) from V. olivaceus, or as conspecific with V. flavoviridis (Hamilton 1962). Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) suggested, however, that more than one species may be involved within the South American chivi group.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO – Vireo leucophrys. Seen along the Barbet ridge and at Abra Patricia.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET – Hylophilius pectoralis. One seen very well along the Huallaga River on our way in to Upaquihua.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET – Hylophilus olivaceus. One seen at Venceremos.
Family: CORVIDAE (JAYS)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY - Cyanolyca viridicyana. One seen just by Paul at Abra Patricia. Range Restricted.
[INCA] GREEN JAY - Cyanocorax yncas. Fairly common – seen at Upaquihua and a few more around Abra Patricia. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) and Hilty (2003) treated Middle American populations as a separate species, C. luxosus ("Green Jay") from South American C. yncas ("Inca Jay"), but no data presented; they were formerly considered separate species.
Family: HIRUNDINIDAE (SWALLOWS)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW - Pygochelidon cyanoleuca. Very common.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW - Atticora fasciata. Commonly seen in several localities in the Lowlands.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW - Stelgidopteryx ruficollis. Another common swallow in the Lowlands.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN - Progne tapera. Seen around Yurimaguas on two consecutive days.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN Progne chalybea. Fairly common around Tarapoto.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW - Tachycineta albiventer. A few seen in Yurimaguas.
Family: TROGLODYTIDAE (WRENS)
SCALY-BRESTED (SOUTHERN NIGHTINGALE) WREN - Microcerculus marginatus. Heard only.
HOUSE WREN - Troglodytes aedon. Very common. Many authors (e.g., Hellmayr 1934, Pinto 1944, Phelps & Phelps 1950a) formerly treated Neotropical mainland populations as a separate species T. musculus; see also Brumfield and Capparella (1996); this treatment was followed by Brewer (2001) and Kroodsma & Brewer (2005). The Falklands population, T. a. cobbi, might also be best treated as a species (Wood 1993), as was done by Brewer (2001), Mazar Barnett & Pearman (2001), Jaramillo (2003), and Kroodsma & Brewer (2005).
MOUNTAIN WREN - Troglodytes solstitialis. Seen on three consecutive days at Abra Patricia.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN - Campylorhynchus turdinus. Very good views along the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
CORAYA WREN - Pheugopedius coraya. Good surprise at Waqanki – two individuals.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN - Cantorchilus leucotis. One seen around Yurimaguas.
SHARPE’S WREN - Cinnycerthia olivascens. Good views at Abra Patricia.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN - Henicorhina leucophrys. Heard a few times and one seen on the Barbet Ridge trail at Plataforma.
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN - Henicorhina leucoptera. One seen briefly at Alto Nieva. Range Restricted.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN - Cyphorhinus thoracicus. One seen at Abra Patricia – played hard to see it!
Family POLIOPTILIDAE (GNATCATCHERS)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN - Ramphocaenus melanurus. Two seen at Upaquihua.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER - Polioptila plumbea. One at Upaquihua.
Family DONACOBIDAE (DONACOBIUS)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS - Donacobius atricapillus. One seen after Bellavista and another one near Moyobamba.
Family: TURDIDAE (THRUSHES)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE - Myadestes ralloides. Seen twice around Abra Patricia.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH - Catharus fuscater. Seen only by the leader.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH - Turdus leucomelas. Seen at Waqanki.
HAUXWELL’S THRUSH - Turdus hauxwelli. Very good views at Waqanki.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH - Turdus ignobilis. Common in the lowlands.
GREAT THRUSH - Turdus fuscater. Common at Abra Patricia.
Family: THRAUPIDAE (TANAGERS)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER - Schistochlamys melanopis. One seen well at Waqanki.
MAGPIE TANAGER - Cissopis leverianus. A few sightings throughout in the Lowlands.
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER - Sericossypha albocristata. Heard only, at Abra Patricia. VULNERABLE.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER - Creurgops verticalis. One seen at Venceremos on our way in to Abra Patricia.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS - Hemispingus frontalis. One seen below Abra Patricia.
DRAB HEMISPINGUS - Hemispingus xanthophthalmus. One seen at Abra Patricia.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER - Tachyphonus rufus. Seen around Upaquihua, Tarapoto and also Moyobamba.
BLACK-BELLIED (HUALLAGA) TANAGER - Ramphocelus melanogaster. Quite common at Waqanki – seen every day. ENDEMIC.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER - Ramphocelus carbo. Common in the lowlands.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER - Chlorornis riefferii. Nice views at Abra Patricia.
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER - Anisognathus lacrymosus. Very nice views every day around the Owlet Lodge.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN TANAGER - Anisognathus somptuosus. Seen on the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
YELLOW-SCARFED TANAGER - Iridosornis reinhardti. 3 in total seen of this endemic, at the Owlet Lodge. ENDEMIC.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER - Chlorochrysa calliparaea. A pretty, small, Tanager seen on the Barbet Ridge trail at Plataforma.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER - Thraupis episcopus. Common. We saw the eastern form with white wing patches. From Episcopal blue.
PALM TANAGER - Thraupis palmarum. Quite common in the lowlands.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER - Thraupis cyanocephala. Common at Abra Patricia and the Pale-billed Antpitta trail.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER - Tangara ruficervix. Seen on two consecutive days along the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma and Abra Patricia.
SILVERY TANAGER - Tangara viridicollis. Quite common at Abra Patricia.
MASKED TANAGER - Tangara nigrocincta. Seen at La Escalera (the tunnel) and also around Moyobamba.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER - Tangara cyanicollis. Common.
DOTTED TANAGER - Tangara varia. A nice pair seen behind La Escalera (the tunnel) on our drive back from Yurimaguas – a tricky bird to see anywhere. Range Restricted.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER - Tangara xanthogastra. Great views at La Escalera.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER - Thlypopsis sordida. Two seen just outside of our Hotel at Yurimaguas.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER - Tangara nigroviridis. Quite common at Abra Patricia.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER - Tangara vassorii. Also seen at Abra Patricia.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER - Tangara labradorides. 4 in total seen at Abra Patricia.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER - Tangara cyanotis. Seen on two consecutive days along the Barbet ridge trail and one more at Abra Patricia.
PARADISE TANAGER - Tangara chilensis. Quite common but colorful, seen in several places. Does not occur in Chile!
BAY-HEADED TANAGER - Tangara gyrola. Seen in several places in the lowlands.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER - Tangara chrysotis. Seen along the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER - Tangara xanthocephala. Common at Abra Patricia and also seen at the Barbet ridge – here they do have a saffron crown!
FLAME-FACED TANAGER - Tangara parzudakii. Splendid looks at Abra Patricia.
GREEN AND GOLD TANAGER - Tangara schrankii. Fairly common in the lowlands – seen at the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma and also at the tunnel. Named for Franz von Paula Schrank (1747-1835), German theologian, entomologist, botanist and collector.
GOLDEN TANAGER - Tangara arthus. Common.
SWALLOW TANAGER - Tersina viridis. Common at La Escalera (tunnel) and one more seen at the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS - Dacnis lineata. Several seen throughout the tour.
BLUE DACNIS - Dacnis cayana. Seen at Plataforma, the tunnel and also one more around Waqanki.
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER - Cyanerpes nitidus. Wonderful views beyond La Escalera on our way in and out from Yurimaguas.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER - Cyanerpes caeruleus. Also seen at La Escalera.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER - Chlorophanes spiza. Seen at the tunnel and also at Waqanki.
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER - Iridophanes pulcherrimus. Two seen well along the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
GUIRA TANAGER - Hemithraupis guira. One seen at Waqanki.
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER - Hemithraupis flavicollis. One male seen at Waqanki.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa sittoides. 2 seen on the Pale-billed Antpitta trail above San Lorenzo.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa albilatera. A few seen at Abra Patricia.
DEEP-BLUE (GOLDEN-EYED) FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa glauca. Seen on two separate days below Abra Patricia.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa caerulescens. Seen twice at Abra Patricia, just outside the dinner room.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa cyanea. Seen on two consecutive days at Abra Patricia.
SAFFRON FINCH - Sicalis flaveola. 4 seen on our way to Upaquihua and 2 more on our way to Moyobamba from Yurimaguas.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT - Volatinia jacarina. A few seen in the rice fields.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER - Sporophila luctuosa. One seen around Alto Nieva, below Abra Patricia.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEEDEATER - Sporophila castaneiventris. Seen a few times in the Lowlands – common around Yurimaguas.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED FINCH - Sporophila angolensis. Seen around Moyobamba.
BANNANAQUIT - Coereba flaveola. Seen in several places throughout the tour! We saw intermedia but it changes to mangnirostris in the Maranon.
INCERTAE SEDIS
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR - Saltator maximus. Fairly common especially on the Barbet ridge and Waqanki.
GRAYISH SALTATOR - Saltator coerulescens. Common in the lowlands – seen around Yurimaguas and Moyobamba.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK - Saltator grossus. Heard only at the Barbet ridge trail.
Family: EMBERIZINAE (BUNTINGS & SPARROWS)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW - Zonotrichia capensis. Very common in higher areas.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW - Ammodramus aurifrons. Very common in lowland areas.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW - Arremon aurantiirostris. Great views at the Wood-Quail feeders of Arenas Blanca private Reserve.
GRAY-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH - Arremon assimilis. Seen on three consecutive days at Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH - Atlapetes latinuchus. Seen several times around Abra Patricia.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS - Chorospingus ophthalmicus. Seen every day at Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS - Chlorospingus flavigularis. Several small gangs encountered on the Barbet Ridge.
Family CARDINALIDAE (CARDINALS AND ALLIES)
HIGHLAND HEPATIC TANAGER - Piranga lutea flava. Seen at the tunnel on our way to Moyobamba from Yurimaguas.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER - Piranga leucoptera. Seen around Plataforma on three consecutive days.
RED-HOODED TANAGER – Piranga rubriceps. One seen by some at Abra Patricia.
CARMIOL’S TANAGER - Chlorothraupis carmioli. Great views of 3 at the tunnel.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK - Pheucticus chrysogaster. One seen on our way in to Plataforma.
Family: PARULIDAE (NEW WORLD WARBLERS)
TROPICAL PARULA - Setophaga pitiayumi. Common.
CITRINE WARBLER - Myiothlypis luteoviridis. Seen twice at Abra Patricia.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER - Myiothlypis fulvicauda. Heard only, at Waqanki.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER - Myiothlypis coronatus. Quite common at Abra Patricia.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER - Basileuterus tristriatus. Seen at Venceremos below Abra Patricia. Note that a proposal supports the split of the form in Southern Peru and Bolivia as Yungas Warbler Basileuterus punctipectus.
SLATE-THROATED WHITESTART - Myioborus miniatus. Common on the Barbet Ridge but also seen below Abra Patricia.
SPECTACLED WHITESTART - Myioborus melanocephalus. Common around Abra Patricia.
Family: ICTERIDAE (BLACKBIRDS)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA - Psarocolius decumanus. A few seen around Yurimaguas and also around Waqanki.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA - Psarocolius angustifrons. Common in the Lowlands. Ranges higher in the North with the absence of Dusky-Green Oropendola.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE - Cacicus cela. Common in the eastern lowlands.
SUBTROPICAL CACIQUE - Cacicus uropygialis. Heard only.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE - Cacicus solitarius. One seen along the Barbet ridge trail.
EPAULET ORIOLE - Icterus cayanensis. On our way up and down to the Barbet camp (Plataforma).
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD - Gymnomystax mexicanus. 40+ seen along the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
SHINY COWBIRD - Molothrus bonariensis. One seen on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
PALE-EYED BLACKBIRD - Agelaius xanthophthalmus. One seen in the rice paddies near Moyobamba. Range Restricted.
GIANT COWBIRD - Molothrus oryzivorus. Also on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK - Sturnella militaris. Seen also on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
Family: FRINGILLIDAE (FINCHES)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN - Spinus olivacea. One seen at Alto Nieva below Abra Patricia.
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA - Euphonia chlorotica. Common in drier habitats, seen around Waqanki.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA - Euphonia laniirostris. Seen at La Escalera (tunnel) and Waqanki.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA - Euphonia cyanocephala. One seen along the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA - Euphonia mesochrysa. Seen along the Barbet ridge and at the tunnel.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA - Euphonia xanthogaster. Common.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA - Chlorophonia cyanea. Two seen along the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA - Euphonia minuta. A male seen at Aconabikh and one more at Waqanki.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA - Euphonia rufiventris. One male seen at the tunnel the very last morning.
Family: PASSERIDAE (OLD WORLD SPARROWS)
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus. In Tarapoto and Yurimaguas.