ITINERARY
DAY 1 – August 7th: Tarapoto to Bellavista. After arrival in Tarapoto we met our driver Walter and drove south to the now well-known Quebrada Upaquihua which Barry Walker 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 after returning to the main road and we continued to Bella Vista and our hotel. Department of San Martin.
DAY 2 - August 8th: Bellavista to Plataforma (Flor de Café). Very early departure from the hotel where we switched to pre-organized specially modified Toyota 4 x 4 pickups for several hours to the basic Hotel at Flor de Cafe. The road was in really good condition and we travelled for 8 hours with stops for birding and we arrived for lunch at the hotel and in the afternoon did some trail birding and we were fortunate to see 3 Scarlet Banded Barbets, returning to the hotel at 1400 meters, Department of San Martin.
DAY 3 - August 9th: Full day at Flor de Café (Plataforma). After a hot breakfast and coffee, we went to look for a recently discovered new species of Antbird. Trails were drier than usual. Luckily, we didn’t have any rain, and it was incredibly rewarding – we spent all morning and we had a great view of the new Antbird, Yellow-throated Spadebill, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater and Gray-tailed Piha. We returned to the hotel for lunch and afterwards we walked down the road birding and after dark got Vermiculated Screech -Owl and Black-banded Owl.
DAY 4 - August 10th: Flor de Cafe to Tarapoto. This morning after breakfast we walked the road and birded all morning. We found great mixed flocks and saw many species of tanager, flycatchers, Blackish Pewee, Red billed Tyrannulet, Mishana Tyrannulet , Yellow Billed Nunbird and many more species. After stopping for lunch on the way we continued down to Bellavista to meet our driver Walter and we continued to Hotel Shilcayo. Night in Tarapoto. Department of San Martin.
DAY 5 - August 11th: Tarapoto to Yurimaguas. Very early start around the Tarapoto rice fields and after we came back to the hotel for breakfast and then headed up the La Escalera mountain range and onto the tunnel on the road to Yurimaguas. We birded the tunnel area for a short time and then 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 onto 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 - August 12th: Yurimaguas to San Lorenzo. We had very good weather and at 8:30 am we flew to San Lorenzo - a 35- minute flight and we checked in at our hotel in San Lorenzo and we had an early lunch and then we started in three moto taxis (Tuc-Tucs) for 10 minutes and started walking trails-our prime target being the White-masked Antbird and we found one after a long walk, it was only 4 meters away but someone moved and the bird flew. The next three perched for seconds and then moved a long distance. We tried to get into the forest but it stopped responding. One person saw it in flight but not perched. Later we found it again but the same – seen in flight not perched. After a frustrating afternoon, we returned to the hotel at San Lorenzo. Department of Loreto.
DAY 7 - August 13th: San Lorenzo. We looked all morning targeting the Antbird again. Returning to yesterdays locality where we heard it and saw it in flight. We went back to the hotel for lunch and in the afternoon, we went to another location but no luck – only heard. Plenty of other birds. Department of Loreto.
DAY 8 - August 14th: San Lorenzo, Yurimaguas and to Moyobamba. Back to the regular schedule...early departure from San Lorenzo and a 7:30 am flight to Yurimaguas where we met with our diver Walter and started our drive with stops along the way, some birding at the tunnel and after lunch we drove to the very birdy Wakanki Lodge with stop at Quebrada Quiscarumi to look at the roosting Oilbirds there. After arrival at Wakanki we spent the rest of the time in the gardens and then dinner at Wakanki Lodge. Department of Loreto & Department of San Martin.
DAY 9 - August 15th: Wakanki Lodge. A full day at Waqanki. 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 a good view of Rufous Nightjar and heard Tropical Screech Owl. Night Wakanki Lodge, Department of San Martin.
DAY 10 August 16th: Wakanki Lodge to Abra Patricia. Early departure to a small swamp to look for Masked Ducks and other species and all morning around the Rioja savanna and Nueva Cajamarca which is a very good place to observe Black-billed Seedfinch, Pale-eyed Blackbird, Spotted Rail, Gray-breasted Crake, Blackish Rail and many more species. We saw a lot. We continued to the Arenas Blancas where we had lunch and after that we continued to Venceremos with some stops along the roadside for birding where we saw the Red-ruffed Fruitcrow. After that we continued on our way to Owlet Lodge at Abra Patricia run by ECOAN. Night at Owlet Lodge. Department of San Martin.
DAY 11 August 17th: Abra Patricia and Huembo. In the morning we went to Huembo and looked for the Marvelous Spatuletail where we spent all morning at the feeders in the garden and did a little bit of roadside birding. We returned slowly birding the roadside: great views of Speckle-chested Piculet, Johnson ́s Tody-Flycatcher and Buff-bellied Tanager and the owlet lodge for lunch and after lunch we birded near the lodge. At 3 pm we started down the Owlet trail but rain hit after an hour and 3 returned to the lodge. Those who continued saw the Owlet and with great views! Night at Owlet Lodge. Department of Amazonas and San Martin.
DAY 12 August 18th: Owlet Lodge and Fondo Alto Nieva Reserve. Early morning, we drove for 20 minutes to Fondo Alto Nieva Reserve where we visited the Antpitta feeders where had a good luck seeing 3 individuals-2 adults and one juvenile - great views. We also saw a pair of the endemic Ochre-fronted Antpitta.Later on our way back very good views of Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant and then watched the Hummingbird feeders and we all had great views. In the late afternoon, we returned to Owlet Lodge and we birded Monkey and Tino trail and then we descended again to look for Long Whiskered Owlet but no luck today -too much rain and it was not possible to see the Owlet and we came back to the lodge at 5:30. It was raining a lot and trails were full of water and some small rivers. Birding elevations 2000- 2800. Department of San Martin.
DAY 13 August 19th: Owlet Lodge to Tarapoto. Again, we had an early breakfast and then roadside birding - to-day we had a great day seeing a lot of birds like tanagers, flycatchers, tyrannulets, pihas, toucanets, Caciques and Hummingbirds. Our first stop below the lodge produced Royal Sunangel and tanagers and then lower we got a great flock where we got fantastic views of 4 White-capped Tanagers and much more including Inca Flycatcher, Olivaceous Piha, and lot of other Tanagers. Farther on we hit other mixed flocks with Vermilion Tanager - great views for the second time and also saw Yellow-rumped Antwren (way out of its normal range) – a great view and many other species. We visited the forest ranger station at Venceremos where Tawny-bellied Hermit gave great views and others species of the Hummingbirds and then we continued to Aguas Verdes with some stops on the way. Night at Hotel Shilcayo. Department of San Martin.
Day 14 August 20th: La Escalera and flight to Lima. A short birding morning at the tunnel near Tarapoto and then to back to the hotel for lunch and then to the airport for a flight to Lima and connections home.
SPECIES LIST
Family: TINAMIDAE (TINAMOUS)
GRAY TINAMOU – Tinamus tao. Heard only, VULNERABLE.
TATAUPA TINAMOU - Crypturellus tataupa. Heard only, at Upaquihua and also around Waqanki.
LITTLE TINAMOU - Crypturellus soui. Great views of one individual from the hide at Arena Blanca Reserve.
Family: ANATIDAE (DUCKS AND GEESE)
COMB DUCK - Sarkidiornis melanotus. 10 seen on our travel day to Bellavista in a wetland along the way.
MASKED DUCK – Nomonyx dominicus. Good views of 12 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.
Family: PODICIPEDIDAE (GREBES)
LEAST GREBE - Tachybaptus dominicus. One seen near the Huallaga River on our way back from Plataforma.
Family: COLUMBIDAE (PIGEONS)
ROCK PIGEON – Columba livia. Common.
SCALED PIGEON - Patagioenas speciosa. 6 individuals seen at Plataforma.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON - Patagioenas cayennensis. Common on our way to Plataforma and a few more seen on our way out to Yurimaguas.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON - Patagioenas plumbea. 2 seen on our way back from Plataforma to Tarapoto.
RUDDY PIGEON - Patagioenas subvinacea. 1 near San Lorenzo 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. 1 seen in flight on our way to Plataforma and many heard at Moyobamba.
Family: CUCULIDAE (CUCKOOS)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO - Piaya cayana. Common throughout the trip.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI - Crotophaga ani. Common in the eastern lowlands.
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. Heard only, at Owlet Lodge.
Family: CAPRIMULGIDAE (NIGHTJARS)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK - Chordeiles rupestris. 4 seen on the sandbank of the Huallaga River on our way back from Bellavista to Tarapoto.
COMMON PAUARQUE - Nyctidromus albicollis. Heard only, at Wakanki lodge.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR - Antrostomus rufus. 2 individuals at Morro de Calzadas-one great view and many heard calling.
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR - Uropsalis segmentata. One seen-a male early morning outside the dining room at Owlet Lodge.
Family: APODIDAE (SWIFTS)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT - Streptoprocne rutila. Common throughout the trip.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT - Streptoprocne zonaris. Common – but seen in only a few localities.
GREY-RUMPED SWIFT - Chaetura cinereiventris. 6 seen at Plataforma and 3 more on our way to Yurimaguas.
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT - Chaetura egregia. Seen at Plataforma and also near the Bella Vista.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT - Chaetura brachyura. 2 seen at Upaquihua and a few more in Moyobamba.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT - Aeronautes montivagus. Common 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.
BUFF-TAILED SICKLEBILL – Eutoxeres condamini. 1 seen briefly at the Arenas Blancas reserve.
GREEN HERMIT - Phaethornis guy. 3 seen at Arenas Blancas hummingbird feeders.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT - Phaethornis syrmatophorus. Very nice view of one at the hummingbird feeders at Venceremos.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT - Phaethornis malaris. Seen at Aconabikh and Waqanki Hummingbird feeders.
KOEPCKE’S HERMIT - Phaethornis koepckeae. Seen with great views at Aconabikh hummingbird feeders. ENDEMIC.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT Phaethornis atrimentalis. Nice views at Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders and also at Arenas Blancas hummingbird feeders. Range Restricted.
PLANALTO HERMIT – Phaethornis pretrei. One seen very early in the morning near the Puente Tarapoto – it came very close and right in front of the group and everybody got a good view. Named for Swiss bird artist and painter Jean Gabriel Pretre who worked at the Natural History Museum in Paris in the 1800’s.
REDDISH HERMIT - Phaethornis ruber. One seen at Arenas Blanca Reserve at the Hummingbird feeders.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL- Doryfera johannae. Common at Arenas Blanca private Reserve but also 1 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 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. 2 seen at Aconabikh and a few more at Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL - Heliangelus amethysticollis. One seen at Owlet Lodge and also Fondo Alto Nieva reserve.
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 male 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.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD - Adelomyia melanogenys. Excellent views at the Owlet Lodge feeders at Abra Patricia.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER - Lesbia nuna victoriae. One seen at Huembo lodge.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH - Aglaiocercus kingi. Common at the Owlet Lodge feeders.
TYRIAN METALTAIL - Metallura tyrianthina. 1 seen near the Huembo. 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 specialized in hummingbirds! ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
BRONZY INCA - Coeligena coeligena. Daily at the Owlet Lodge feeders and some at the Huembo feeders.
COLLARED INCA - Coeligena torquata. Very common hummingbird at the Owlet Lodge feeders and around the Abra Patricia.
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 Neotropics - Andrew Matthews.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL - Ocreatus underwoodii. Great looks at Fondo alto Ñieva reserve at the 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 common Hummingbirds at Owlet Lodge feeders.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT - Heliodoxa leadbeateri. One seen at Arenas Blanca feeders and Alto Ñieva Reserve.
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT - Heliomaster longirostris. Very good views at Arenas Blanca Hummingbird Feeders and Wakanki.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR - Chaetocercus mulsant. Wonderful views of this insect-sized bird, at the Owlet Lodge, Huembo hummingbird feeders and Fondo Alto Ñieva Reserve.
LITTLE WOODSTAR - Chaetocercus bombus. Seen 1 female at Huembo lodge feeding flowers near the lodge. 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. Common Hummingbird at 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 at Waqanki Hummingbird Feeders and in the garden in front of the rooms.
Family: OPISTHOCOMIDAE (HOATZIN)
HOATZIN - Opisthocomus hoazin. 2 seen, on our way back from Plataforma to Bellavista on a small oxbow lake.
Family: ARAMIDAE (LIMPKIN)
LIMPKIN – Aramus guarauna. Many in the rice fields on our way back to Bellavista from Plataforma and more around rioja.
Family: RALLIDAE (RAILS)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE - Anurolimnas viridis. Great views of 2 individuals between Moyobamba and Tarapoto.
PAINT BILLED CRAKE – Neocrex erythrops. One seen great view in rice fields at Tarapoto.
GRAY BREASTED CRAKE – Laterallus exilis. This small crake came out a little bit and great views were had between Rioja and Nueva Cajamarca.
GREY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL - Aramides cajanea. Three seen from one of our vehicle on the road on our way to Plataforma from Bellavista . 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.
BLACKISH RAIL – Pardirallus nigricans. One seen in a little grass swamp near Rioja.
SPOTTED RAIL – Pardirallus maculatus. Seen 3 individuals in rice fields between Rioja and Nueva Cajamarca.
COMMON GALLINULE - Gallinula galeata. Seen in the rice fields around Tarapoto and Moyobamba, very common.
PURPLE GALLINULE - Porphyrio martinicus. Seen several near Moyobamba in a small swamp together with Masked Ducks.
Family: CHARADRIIDAE (PLOVERS)
PIED (PLOVER) LAPWING - Vanellus (Hoploxypteru) cayanus. Two seen on the Huallaga River on our way back from Plataforma to Tarapoto.
SOUTHERN LAPWING – Vanellus chilensis. A pair seen in rice fields at Tarapoto.
COLLARED PLOVER – Charadrius collaris. 2 seen across the Huallaga River on an island.
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. Seen 4 individuals between Bellavista and Plataforma in a rice field together with Black- necked Stilts.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS – Tringa melanoleuca. Also seen in rice fields -common.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER – Calidris melanotos. 6 seen in rice fields between Bellavista and Plataforma.
SOLITARY SANDPIPER – Tringa solitaria. Seen 2 individuals in rice fields on our way back from Plataforma to Bellavista.
Family: JACANIDAE (JACANAS)
WATTLED JACANA - Jacana jacana. Common in the rice fields from Bellavista to Plataforma and a few more seen also around Moyobamba.
Family: LARIDAE (GULLS & TERNS)
LARGE-BILLED TERN - Phaetusa simplex. Several long-distance views on the Huallaga River on our way back from Plataforma and also at Yurimaguas from Hotel on the river.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN - Sternula superciliaris. A few seen on our way out from Bellavista to to Tarapoto and also at Yurimaguas on the Huallaga River.
Family: RHYNCHOPIDAE (SKIMMERS)
BLACK SKIMMER – Rhynchops niger. 5 seen on the Huallaga River between Bellavista and Tarapoto-two nesting on river sand island and another in flight - great views.
Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE (CORMORANTS)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax brasilianus. 2 seen on our way back from Plataforma.
Family: ARDEIDAE (HERONS)
STRIATED HERON - Butorides striatus. Seen on two consecutive days along the Huallaga River in Yurimaguas, Moyobamba and 2 more at Pomacochas lake.
CATTLE EGRET - Bubulcus ibis. Common throughout the trip.
SNOWY EGRET - Egretta thula. A few here and there.
GREAT EGRET - Ardea alba. Common in rice fields.
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.
GREATER-YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE - Cathartes melambratus. Seen several times, one at Plataforma and others at Yurimaguas and San Lorenzo.
Family: ACCIPITRIDAE (HAWKS)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE - Elanoides forficatus. Several seen on our way to Plataforma.
BLACK-HAWK EAGLE - Spizaetus tyrannus. Two seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma.
SNAIL KITE - Rostrhamus sociabilis. 6 seen in the rice fields in Tarapoto on our way to Yurimaguas.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE – Harpagus bidentatus. 1 seen on the way up to Plataforma in flight.
PLUMBEOUS KITE - Ictinia plumbea. Seen around Plataforma and one more on our travel day from Yurimaguas.
ROADSIDE HAWK - Rupornis magnirostris. Many of this common raptor on roadside and rivers.
WHITE HAWK - Pseudastur albicollis. One seen around tunnel in flight at the Cordillera Escalera, great views.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK - Buteo brachyurus. Seen on our way to Plataforma sitting near the road –nice views.
Family: STRIGIDAE (OWLS)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL - Megascops choliba. One seen at our Hotel Rio Shilcayo in Tarapoto.
VERMICULATED (NAPO) SCREECH-OWL -Megascops (napensis) guatemalae. Very nice view of one individual along the roadside 2 km down from 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. Range Restricted.
CINNAMON SCREECH-OWL - Megascops pertersoni. Named for American pioneer ornithologist and artist Roger Tory Petersen (1908-1996). Range Restricted.
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL - Megascops albogularis. One heard only, at Abra Patricia.
BAND-BELLIED OWL - Pulsatrix melanota. Heard only, at Plataforma and Waqanki.
BLACK-BANDED OWL – Ciccaba huhula. A pair. Very good views at Plataforma 300 meters down road.
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL - Ciccaba albitarsus. Heard only, near the lodge at Owlet Lodge.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL - Glaucidium brasilianum. Seen 2 individuals on the way back from Plataforma to BellaVista.
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET - Xenoglaux loweryi. One seen at Owlet Lodge. Fantastic views! Xenoglaux = Strange Owl. Named for George Hines Lowery US Zoologist ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
STRIPED OWL – Pseudoscops clamator. See one on our way to Plataforma In rice fields In flight.
Family: TROGONIDAE (TROGONS)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL - Pharomachrus auriceps. Heard only.
MASKED TROGON - Trogon personatus. Heard only, at Abra Patricia.
COLLARED TROGON - Trogon collaris. One seen at plataforma nesting and also near the Venceremos ranger station and also at San Lorenzo.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON - Trogon viridis. Male and female seen on our way up to Plataforma and also at San Lorenzo on our walk on the trails looking for White-masked Antbird.
AMAZONIAN TROGON – Trogon violaceus. Two individuals on our way from Bellavista to Plataforma.
BLACK TAILED TROGON – Trogon melanurus. Seen at San Lorenzo on the trails.
Family: ALECEDINIDAE (KINGFISHERS)
RINGED KINGFISHER - Megaceryle torquata. 4 in total seen on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
GREEN KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle americana. One male on our way from Moyobamba to Owlet lodge.
AMAZON KINGFISHER - Chloroceryle amazona. One seen on the Huallaga River but also on our way to Owlet lodge.
RINGED KINGFISHER – Megaceryle torquata. This kingfisher seen several times Huallaga River, Bella Vista, Tarapoto, Yurimaguas and Moyobamba.
GREEN AND RUFOUS KINGFISHER – Chloroceryle inda. One seen on our way from Moyobamba to Owlet Lodge.
Family: GALBULIDAE (JACAMARS)
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR – Galbula tombacea. 3 seen individuals at San Lorenzo on WMA Trails, great views.
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR - Galbula cyanescens. 2 seen individuals on the Shapaja road.
Family: BUCCONIDAE (PUFFBIRDS)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET - Micromonacha lanceolata. One seen on our way to Plataforma, always nice to see!
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD – Bucco macrodactylus. Very good view seen WMA at San Lorenzo.
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET – Nonnula ruficapilla. One seen around WMA trail at San Lorenzo.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD - Monasa nigrifrons. At Quebrada Upaquihua and on our way out from Barbet camp also Moyobamba Waqanki Lodge, Yurimaguas and San Lorenzo.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD – Monasa morphoeus. 3 seen at Plataforma on the Barbet trail and also at San Lorenzo.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD – Monasa flavirostris. 2 individuals below the km 40 on our back from Plataforma to Bellavista.
SWALLOW-WING - Chelidoptera tenebrosa. Seen around Yurimaguas, very common.
Family: CAPITONIDAE (NEW WORLD BARBETS)
SCARLET-BANDED BARBET - Capito wallacei. Our most targeted bird! Great views of 3 individuals on our first day at Plataforma after arriving to the hotel. Named for Robert B Wallace of Washington DC for his support of Louisiana State University Expeditions in Peru. VULNERABLE ENDEMIC.
GILDED BARBET - Capito auratus. Quite common throughout the tour.
VERSICOLORED BARBET - Eubucco versicolor. 2 individuals along the Barbet trail at Plataforma.
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET – Capito aurovirens. 3 individuals seen in WMA trail at San Lorenzo.
Family: RAMPHASTIDAE (TOUCANS)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN - Ramphastos vitellinus. One seen on our way up to Plataforma by the roadside and also heard a lot at San Lorenzo VULNERABLE.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN – Ramphastos tucanus. 3 seen and great views by the roadside our travel day to Plataforma.
BLACK-THROATED (EMERALD) TOUCANET - Aulacorhynchus (prasinus) atrogularis. Seen twice, great views at Abra Patricia. In taxanomic flux at the moment. Range Restricted.
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET - Aulacorhynchus derbianus. Seen commonly at Plataforma. Named for Edward Smith Stanley 13th Earl of Derby and founder of the Knowsley Museum.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET - Selenidera reinwardtii. A pair on our way to Plataforma.
LETTERED ARACARI - Pteroglossus inscriptus. 4 seen on our way back from Yurimaguas to Moyobamba . “Arasari” 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. Heard only, at San Lorenzo. Named for Brigadier-General Felix Manuel de Azara (1742-1821) Spanish Military engineer commanding the Paraguayan-Brazilian border.
CURL-CRESTED ARACARI - Pteroglossus beauharnaesii. 4 seen individuals at San Lorenzo on the trails eating fruits.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI - Pteroglossus castanotis. Several on our travel day from BellaVista to Plataforma and 7 more near Morro de Calzadas.
Family: PICIDAE (WOODPECKERS)
LAFRESNAYES PICULET - Picumnus lafresnayi. Very good views at Waqanki. 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. Most common Woodpecker on our trip.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER - Picoides fumigatus. Heard only, near the owlet lodge.
LITTLE WOODPECKER - Veniliornis passerinus. 2 seen at Waqanki and also at San Lorenzo.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER – Colaptes rubiginosus. One seen at Plataforma on the Barbet trail.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER – Veniliornis affinis. One seen at San Lorenzo on the Antbird trail.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER - Colaptes punctigula. 2 seen on our way back from Yurimaguas to Moyobamba.
LINEATED WOODPECKEER - Dryocopus lineatus. 6 seen individuals on our way in and out of Plataforma.
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER – Campephilus rubicollis. 2 seen near Plataforma - great views.
Family: FALCONIDAE (FALCONS)
BARRED-FOREST-FALCON - Micrastur ruficollis. Heard only, at Plataforma.
CRESTED CARACARA - Caracara cheriway. 2 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. Seen commonly around Tarapoto, Yurimaguas and San Lorenzo.
RED-THROATED CARACARA - Daptrius americanus. Seen in flight at San Lorenzo.
AMERICAN KESTREL Falco sparverius. One Seen at Pomacochas siting on an electricity cable.
BAT FALCON - Falco rufigularis. One seen on our way back to Bellavista from Plataforma sitting in dead tree.
ORANGE BREASTED FALCON – Falco deiroleucus. Wow! A pair near Tarapoto on the way to Cordillera Escalera.
Family: PSITTACIDAE (PARROTS)
CANARY –WINGED PARAKEET - Brotogeris versicolurus. Seen several flocks in san Lonrenzo and near Yurimaguas.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET - Brotogeris cyanoptera. Small flocks seen on a few days throughout the trip, some of 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 and also in San Lorenzo.
RED-BILLED PARROT – Pionus sordidus. Heard only, at Abra Patricia.
SPECKLED-FACED PARROT - Pionus tulmultuosus. 2 seen at Abra Patricia.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET - Forpus xanthopterygius. One seen at Moyobamba near the Masked Duck swamp.
ROSE-FRONTED PARAKEET - Pyrrhura roseifrons. Heard only, on our way out from Plataforma.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET – aratinga leucophthalma. Common in the lowlands– seen around Tarapoto, Yurimaguas and Moyobamba.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET - Aratinga weddellii. Common around Yurimaguas and also San Lorenzo.
SCARLET MACAW – Ara macao. 2 seen or a pair near the 40-km village - great views in flight.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW – Ara severa. 4 seen around San Lorenzo.
Family: THAMNOPHILIDAE (ANTBIRDS)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE - Cymbilaimus lineatus. Heard only.
BARRED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus doliatus. A pair seen on our way back from Yurimaguas to Moyobamba.
LINED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus. Very good views of a pair 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). Range Restricted.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus schistaceus. Heard only.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE - Thamnophilus caerulescens. Seen 2 individuals on the owlet trail at Owlet Lodge – at Abra Patricia.
PLAIN ANTVIREO - Dysithamnus mentalis. 5 seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN - Myrmotherula longicauda. 2 at Quebrada Upaquihua and more at Waqanki.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN - Myrmotherula axillaris. One at Quebrada Upaquihua here of the slow voiced form. 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. 6 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 also more heard.
YELLOW-RUMPED ANTWREN – Terenura sharpie. One seen, great views near the Venceremos reserve in a mixed flock. Second time observed in North Peru. This is way out of its normal range but a yellow rump was seen so.....ENDANGERED, Range Restricted.
PYGMY ANTWREN – Myrmotherula brachyuran. One seen at Aconabikh and also one at San Lorenzo.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN - Formicivora rufa. Great views of a pairs on our way back to Bellavista from Plataforma.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD - Drymophila straticeps. Seen 1 on the monkey trail around Abra Patricia.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD - Cercomacroides nigrescens. Male and female seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) and Zimmer & Isler (2003) suggested that Cercomacroides (then Cercomacra) nigrescens might consist of more than one species. Mayer et al. (2014) provided evidence that the subspecies fuscicauda (Riparian Antbird) of w. Amazonia should be treated as a separate species. SACC proposal passed to recognize fuscicauda as a separate species.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD - Myrmoborus leucophrys. Seen at San Lorenzo bird here of the koenigi subspecies.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD - Myrmoborus myotherinus. Seen 1 male at San Lorenzo great views.
PERUVIAN WARBLING ANTBIRD - Hypocnemis peruviana. One seen at Waqanki and one at Arenas Blancas hummingbird feeders.
ZIMMER’S ANTBIRD - Myrmeciza castanea. Very good views of a pair at Arenas Blanca near the hummingbird feeders. Range Restricted.
“PLATAFORMA” ANTBIRD - Myrmoderus sp.nov. A recently discovered and still undescribed 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.
HAIRY-CRESTED ANTBIRD – Rhegmatorhina melanosticta. Fantastic view on the trail to the Manakin’s at Aconabikh.
Family: GRALLARIIDAE (ANTPITTAS)
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA - Grallaria przewalskii. Three seen, 2 adults and 1 juvenile at Alto Ñieva Reserve one of the most difficult Antpitta’s to see! VULNERABLE ENDEMIC.
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA - Grallaricula ochraceifrons. One seen and 1 heard at Alto Nieva. ENDANGERED ENDEMIC.
THRUSH LIKE ANTPITTA – Myrmothera campanisona. One seen nice view at Aconabikh on the Manakin trail.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED GNATEATER – Conopophaga castaneiceps. One seen at Plataforma - excellent views.
Family: RHINOCRYPTIDAE (TAPACULOS)
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO - Scytalopus femoralis. Heard only, at Abra Patricia. ENDEMIC.
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO – Scytolopus atratus. One seen at Venceremos reserve great views.
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.
SHORT TAILED ANTTHRUSH – Chamaeza campanisona. Heard only, many times at Plataforma.
Family: FURNARIIDAE (OVENBIRDS)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER - Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus. Seen several times Plataforma, one at Waqanki and at San Lorenzo. Note where you see these and what subspecies they are –they WILL be split as sure as death and taxes!
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER - Dendrocincla fuliginosa. One seen at San Lorenzo in lowland forest.
TSCHUDI’S WOODCREEPER - Xiphorynchus chunchotambo. 2 seen on the ridge trail at Plataforma and one more seen at the tunnels. SACC says The subspecies chunchotambo of the Andean foothills was formerly (e.g., Cory & Hellmayr 1925) treated as a separate species from Xiphorhynchus ocellatus, but they were considered conspecific by Peters (1951). Aleixo (2002) found that Xiphorhynchus ocellatus is paraphyletic with respect to X. pardalotus, and suggested that X. chunchotambo of the foothills of the Andes be recognized as a separate species from lowland X. ocellatus; this was followed by Marantz et al. (2003), who treated chunchotambo (with napensis and brevirostris) as a separate species ("Tschudi's Woodcreeper").
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER - Xiphorhynchus triangularis. Seen along the Barbet ridge and also at Abra Patricia.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER - Dendroplex picus. One seen at Upaquihua.
STREAKED XENOPS - Xenops rutilans. 2 on the ridge trail at Plataforma and near the Venceremos.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER - Berlepschia rikeri. 2 seen and great views on our way back from Moyobamba to Yurimaguas.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK - Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii. One seen near the mirador turistico alto ñieva in a mixed flock.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Philydor rufus. One seen along the ridge trail at Plataforma in a mixed flock.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Philydor rufus. Heard only, at Huembo reserve station.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER - Thripadectes holostictus. 1 seen near Triunfo Village on roadside nesting in a hollow.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER - Automolus ochrolaemus. One seen around plataforma and also at San Lorenzo.
PEARLED TREERUNNER - Margarornis squamiger. 2 seen at Abra Patricia.
[MARAÑON] RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD - Phacellodomus rufifrons peruvianus. Common at Upaquihua and 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.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL - Cranioleuca curtata. 2 seen around Venceremos in mixed flocks and also at the “llanteria” VULNERABLE.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL - Synallaxis azarae. One seen at Abra Patricia.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis gujanensis. One seen at Quebrada Upaquihua.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis albigularis hypospodia. 1 seen at Morro de Calzadas and 2 more heard.
CHESTNUT-THROATED SPINETAIL - Synallaxis cherrei. One seen on the trail at Waqanki lodge. Named for George Kruck Cherrie US Ornithologist and collector (1865 -1948). Range Restricted.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL - Synallaxis unirufa. Heard only, at Abra Patricia.
Family: TYRANNIDAE (TYRANT FLYCATCHERS)
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET - Phyllomyias plumbeiceps. One seen at the tunnels.
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET - Phyllomyias nigrocapillus. Two seen on our roadside birding at Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET - Tyrannulus elatus. Two seen at Waqanki lodge.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA - Elaenia flavogaster. Quite common at Waqanki.
LESSER ELAENIA - Elaenia chiriquensis. 4 seen at Waqanki.
SIERRAN ELAENIA - Elaenia pallatangae. Common at Abra Patricia – great views!!
SMALL BILLED ELAENIA – Elaenia parvirostris. 2 seen at Plataforma.
SOUTHERN-BEARDLESS TYRANNULET - Camptostoma obsoletum. One seen at Upaquihua.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET - Mecocerculus minor. 2 individuals seen in Mixed Flock below the Sendero Royal - great views.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET - Phaeomyias murina wagae. Common around Upaquihua and also Waqanki in Moyobamba of the wagae subspecies.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET – Phylloscartes gualaquizae. One seen at Abra Patricia nice views.
RED-BILLED TYRANNULET - Zimmerius cinereicapillus. 2 seen great views near Plataforma VULNERABLE.
MISHANA TYRANNULET - Zimmerius villarejoi. Good views below km 40 on the way to Plataforma. 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. 2 seen below Plataforma on our way out from it and also at Abra Patricia in mixed flocks.
VARIAGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT - Phylloscartes poecilotis. 3 seen near Venceremos at Abra Patricia.
SPETACLED BRISTLE TYRANT – Phylloscartes orbitalis. One seen near Venceremos with mixed flocks very good views.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET - Phylloscartes ventralis. Heard only, at owlet lodge.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER - Mionectes striaticollis. Seen at Abra Patricia on two consecutive days.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER - Mionectes olivaceus. 2 seen at Aconabikh hummingbird feeders and around the Barbet trail at Plataforma.
INCA FLYCATCHER - Leptopogon taczanowskii. 2 seen near Fondo alto Ñieva reserve. ENDEMIC.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCYACHER - Mionectes oleaginous. Seen twice at Plataforma and also at Waqanki.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Leptopogon superciliaris. Seen at Venceremos near Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-THROATED SPADEBILL – Platyrinchus flavigularis. A very difficult bird but we had great views at Plataforma. There are comparatively few areas where the species is regularly observed.
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL - Platyrinchus mystaceus. Another strange little bird seen with nice views at Waqanki.
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT - Myiornis albiventris. Nice looks of one individual at Quebrada Upaquihua. Range Restricted.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT - Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer. One individual. Very good views at Morro de Calzada.
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT - Hemitriccus granadensis. Heard only, 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 reserve on the Rusty-tinged Antpitta trail – missed by most tours– just sneaks into an inaccessible part of Ecuador. VULNERABLE, Range Restricted.
JOHNSON’S TODY-FLYCATCHER - Poecilotrccus luluae. A pair seen near Owlet lodge 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. Seen 2 individuals and great views at Waqanki.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY TYRANT – Lophotriccus pileatus. Two seen around Venceremos reserve good view.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER - Todirostrum cinereum. Seen at 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 one individual on the owlet trail.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER - Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus. Common at Abra Patricia.
BLACKISH PEWEE – Contopus nigrescens. Seen on two occasions great views on our travel day from Bellavista to Plataforma. Range Restricted.
CLIFF FLYCTACHER - Hirundinea ferruginea. Common at La Escalera “the tunnel” and also seen at Abra Patricia.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT - Muscisaxicola fluviatilis. One seen along the Huallaga River on an island with scope.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT - Colonia colonus. Common above Plataforma and two more around Moyobamba.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT - Ochthoeca rufipectoralis. Two near the owlet lodge.
GREAT KISKADEE - Pitangus sulphuratus. Several sightings.
LESSER KISKADEE – Pitangus lictor. One seen on our way from Tarapoto to Bellavista by a lake.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER – Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus. On 3 different days at Plataforma. The bird with the longest scientific name in the world!
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER - Legatus leucophaius. Seen at Morro de Calzadas and also at San Lorenzo in lowland forest.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes similis. Common in the lowlands.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Myiozetetes granadensis. Two seen around Yurimaguas.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER – Tyranopsis sulphurea. A pair on our way from Yurimaguas to Moyobamba in moriche palms where this species lives.
YELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER – Conopias parvus. One seen great view at San Lorenzo on our walk to White-masked Antbird in secondary forest.
THREE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER – Conopias trivirgatus. Seen two different days at San Lorenzo - great views.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER - Myiodynastes chrysocephalus. Seen a few times around Plataforma and Abra Patricia.
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.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus tuberculifer. Seen on several occasions throughout the tour.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus ferox. Fairly common around Moyobamba and also Yurimaguas.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER - Myiarchus cephalotes. Fairly common at Abra Patricia.
Family: COTINGIDAE (COTINGAS)
GREEN AND BLACK FRUITEATER - Pipreola rieferii. Seen several times and nice looks at Owlet lodge.
RED-RUFFED FRUITCROW – Pyroderus scutatus. One seen around the Venceremos.
FIERY-THROATED FRUITEATER - Pipreola chlorolepidota. Great views. One male observed for 15 minutes at fruiting tree at Waqanki.
SCARLET-BREASTED FRUITEATER - Pipreola frontalis. Seen on two consecutive days at Plataforma, males and females.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK - Rupicola peruvianus. Peru’s national bird – one seen female around Afluente.
GREY-TAILED PIHA - Snowornis subalaris. One seen - great views and also heard commonly on the Barbet ridge at Plataforma, Range Restricted.
SCREAMING PIHA - Lipaugus vociferans. Common in the San Lorenzo lowland forest.
OLIVACEOUS PIHA – Snowornis cryptolophus. One seen great view below the fondo alto ñieva.
Family: PIPRIDAE (MANAKINS)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN - Neopelma sulphureiventer. Three seen really well at Quebrada Upaquihua.
YUNGAS MANAKIN - Chiroxiphia boliviana. 2 seen on the Barbet Trail at Plataforma initially a surprise to find here.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN – Machaeropterus pyrocephalus. One seen at Aconabikh trail on the way to the manakin lek.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN – Pipra erythrocephala. 6 individuals seen at the Aconabikh lek.
STRIPED MANAKIN – Machaeropterus regulus. Seen 2 around San Lorenzo great views along the trails.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN – Manacus manacus. One seen great view Puente machete antbird trail at san lorenzo.
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 along the roadside on the way to 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 and also at Waqanki.
Genera: INCERTAE SEDIS
WING-BARRED PIPRITES – Piprites chloris. Good views of two near the 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 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 with very good views on our way to Upaquihua.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET – Hylophilus olivaceus. One pair seen near the Venceremos.
TAWNY CROWNED GREENLET – Hylophilus ochraceiceps. One seen in a mixed flock at Waqanki.
Family: CORVIDAE (JAYS)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY - Cyanolyca viridicyana. Heard only, at Abra Patricia. Range Restricted.
[INCA] GREEN JAY - Cyanocorax yncas. Fairly common – seen 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.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN Progne chalybea. Fairly common around Tarapoto and Yurimaguas.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW - Tachycineta albiventer. Common along the Huallaga River and also at Yurimaguas.
Family: TROGLODYTIDAE (WRENS)
SCALY-BREASTED (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 two consecutive days at Abra Patricia.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN - Campylorhynchus turdinus. Very common and good views along the Barbet Ridge Trail at Plataforma.
CORAYA WREN - Pheugopedius coraya. A pair on our way from Tarapoto to Bellavista.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN - Cantorchilus leucotis. Very common at San Lorenzo Loreto.
SHARPE ́S WREN – Cinnycerthia olivascens. Good views near the Owlet Lodge. Range Restricted.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN - Henicorhina leucophrys. One seen around Abra Patricia.
WHITE BREASTED WOOD-WREN – Henicorhina leucosticte. One seen good views at Plataforma.
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN - Henicorhina leucoptera. A pair seen near the Fondo Alto Nieva reserve. Range Restricted.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN - Cyphorhinus thoracicus. Heard only, around Abra Patricia lodge!
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 3 in different days around Abra Patricia.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH - Turdus leucomelas. Seen at Waqanki and also at morro de calzada.
VARZEA THRUSH - Turdus sanchorum. Very good views at Waqanki. Range Restricted.
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 pair seen well near the Upaquihua.
MAGPIE TANAGER - Cissopis leverianus. Very common tanager in the Lowlands tarapoto, yurimaguas and San Lorenzo loreto.
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER - Sericossypha albocristata. Seen 4 individuals near the Mirador Turistico below Fondo Alto Ñieva great views. Behaves more like a Jay than a Tanager. VULNERABLE.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER - Creurgops verticalis. Two seen at Venceremos on our roadside birding - very good views.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER - Tachyphonus rufus. Seen around Upaquihua, Tarapoto and also Moyobamba.
BLACK-BELLIED (HUALLAGA) TANAGER - Ramphocelus melanogaster. Common at Waqanki – seen every day. ENDEMIC.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER - Ramphocelus carbo. Common in the Amazon lowlands.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER - Chlorornis riefferii. Nice views near the dining room at Abra Patricia.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER – Buthaupis montana. Two seen in Puete Ñieva great views at the alto mayo reserve.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN TANAGER - Anisognathus somptuosus. Seen at Alto Ñieva reserve and Venceremos during roadside birding.
YELLOW-SCARFED TANAGER - Iridosornis reinhardti. One of this endemic at the Owlet Lodge. ENDEMIC.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER - Chlorochrysa calliparaea. Two different days seen 4 individuals around Venceremos.
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 at Huembo.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER - Tangara ruficervix. One seen around Venceremos.
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 around Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER - Tangara xanthogastra. Great views at Plataforma and also at Waqanki.
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER - Thlypopsis sordida. In the lowlands.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER - Tangara nigroviridis. Quite common at Abra Patricia.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER - Tangara vassorii. Also seen at Abra Patricia.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER - Tangara cyanotis. Seen on two consecutive days near Venceremos.
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. One 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. Very common in mixed flocks at Alto Fondo Ñieva and also at Abra Patricia.
GREEN AND GOLD TANAGER - Tangara schrankii. Fairly common in the lowlands – seen at the Barbet ridge trail at Plataforma and also in san Lorenzo lowland forest. Named for Franz von Paula Schrank (1747-1835), German theologian, entomologist, botanist and collector.
GOLDEN TANAGER - Tangara arthus. Seen twice around Venceremos.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH-TANAGER – Cnemoscopus rubrirostris. Twice seen around the Owlet Lodge.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER – Eucometis penicillata. One seen at san Lorenzo WMA trails.
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. Seen twice whilst travelling to Plataforma.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER - Cyanerpes caeruleus. Also seen at La Escalera.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER - Chlorophanes spiza. Seen at the tunnel and also at Waqanki.
GUIRA TANAGER - Hemithraupis guira. One seen at Waqanki.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER – Tachyphonus rufiventer. Seen twice great views at Waqanki.
RED-SHOULDERED TANAGER – Tachyphonus phoenicius. One seen with a good view at Morro de Calzadas.
VERMILION TANAGER – Calochaetes coccineus. 3 individuals in mixed flocks near the Venceremos reserve.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa sittoides. 2 seen at Huembo.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa albilatera. Common around the Owlet Lodge.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa caerulescens. Seen twice at Abra Patricia, just outside the dining room.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER - Diglossa cyanea. Seen on two consecutive days at Owlet Lodge.
SAFFRON FINCH - Sicalis flaveola. 2 seen on our way Moyobamba to Tarapoto also at Rioja.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT - Volatinia jacarina. Most common on our trip.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEEDEATER - Sporophila castaneiventris. Seen a few times in the Lowlands – common around Yurimaguas.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH - Sporophila angolensis. Seen just one near Moyobamba.
BLACK-BILLED SEED-FINCH – Sporophila atrirostris. 3 seen around Rioja and Nueva Cajamarca great views in grassland water swamps.
WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH – Emberrizoides herbicola. One individual seen near the Masked Duck small lagooon at Moyobamba.
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. Seen twice at Aconabikh.
BANNANAQUIT - Coereba flaveola. Seen in several places throughout the tour! We saw intermedia but it changes to mangnirostris in the Maranon.
Family: EMBERIZINAE (BUNTINGS & SPARROWS)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW - Zonotrichia capensis. Seen at Bella vista, Tarapoto, Moyobamba and Owlet Lodge.
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 1 around the Owlet lodge at Abra Patricia.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH - Atlapetes latinuchus. Seen twice on the Monkey trail at Owlet Lodge.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS - Chorospingus ophthalmicus. Seen every day at Abra Patricia and Venceremos.
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS - Chlorospingus vigularis. Twice seen on our way to Plataforma in mixed flocks.
ASH-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS – Chlorospingus canigularis. 3 seen around Venceremos great views in mixed flocks.
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 Venceremos in mixed flocks, male and female.
SUMMER TANAGER – Piranga rubra. A pair near Yurimaguas.
CARMIOL'S TANAGER - Chlorothraupis carmioli. Great views of 2 at the tunnel and also at Aconabikh.
Family: PARULIDAE (NEW WORLD WARBLERS)
TROPICAL PARULA - Setophaga pitiayumi. Common.
CITRINE WARBLER - Myiothlypis luteoviridis. One seen 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. A few seen 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. Several in a big flock with Green Jays below the Royal Sunangel spot.
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE - Cacicus solitaries. Heard only, around Plataforma.
EPAULET ORIOLE - Icterus cayanensis. Seen fairly commonly at Plataforma.
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD - Gymnomystax mexicanus. One seen along the Huallaga River and 2 more at Tarapoto.
PALE-EYED BLACKBIRD - Agelaius xanthophthalmus. 3 seen in the grassland between Rioja and Nueva Cajamarca. Range Restricted.
GIANT COWBIRD - Molothrus oryzivorus. Also on the Huallaga River at Yurimaguas.
Family: FRINGILLIDAE (FINCHES)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN - Spinus olivacea. A few seen around Abra Patricia.
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA - Euphonia chlorotica. Common in dry habitats, seen around Upaquihua, Tarapoto & Waqanki.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA - Euphonia laniirostris. Seen at La Escalera (tunnel) and Waqanki.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA - Euphonia cyanocephala. Seen a pair during roadside birding 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 and also Cordillera Escalera.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA - Euphonia minuta. A male seen at Waqanki.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA - Euphonia rufiventris. One seen at San Lorenzo lowland forest.
Family: PASSERIDAE (OLD WORLD SPARROWS)
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus. In Tarapoto and Yurimaguas.