JAGUARS AND BIRDS OF BRAZIL

Transcription

1 Helmeted Woodpecker at Intervales State Park, one of the top highlights on the 2017 Jaguars and Birds Tour (Eduardo Patrial) JAGUARS AND BIRDS OF BRAZIL JULY 2017 LEADER: EDUARDO PATRIAL It was simply outstanding the return of this Jaguars and Birds of Brazil What a nice two weeks trip to make in Brazil. Three different major biomes in the country (Pantanal, Atlantic Forest and Cerrado) and a fine selection of birds, this year with 434 species recorded and twenty mammals. In the heart of South America we admired the mighty Jaguar in its natural habitat, six in total including an amazing sight at Transpantaneira Road; the impressive Hyacinth Macaw, hundreds of water birds as Jabiru, Wood Stork, Southern Screamer, Sunbittern and Sungrebe, and even Agami and Zigzag Herons, flocks of Nacunda Nighthawk, Black-banded Owl, the comely Nanday Parakeet, the uncommon White-fronted Woodpecker and a fantastic array of Passerines including Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Black-bellied Antwren, White-eyed Atilla, Subtropical Doradito, White-bellied Tyrannulet, Red-crested Cardinal, Scarlet-headed Blackbird and hundreds more. Yet at the vast and humid Atlantic Forest in the amazing Intervales State Park (southeastern São Paulo State) we were bombed by the impressive number of endemics and also rarities, which 1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

2 embraces the threatened Black-fronted Piping Guan, Spot-winged Wood Quail, the small Red-and-white Crake, Black-capped and Long-tufted Screech Owls, Rusty-barred Owl, the rare and most-wanted Helmeted Woodpecker, White-throated and Scalloped Woodcreepers, the notorious antbird gallery including Giant and White-bearded Antshrikes, and Ferruginous, Dusky-tailed, Bertoni s and Squamate Antbirds, mind-blowing views of Variegated Antpitta, the endemics Hooded Berryeater and Slaty Bristlefront, and of course, colourful stunning tanagers such as Green-headed, Red-necked, Rufous-headed and Diademed Tanagers. Finishing up our fantastic journey, the monumental Serra da Canastra and its unique jewels were just the icing on the cake. There we got close to the critically endangered Brazilian Merganser and several Giant Anteaters. The beautiful grasslands, Cerrado and forests at Canastra provided an amazing list with Red-legged Seriema, White-eared Puffbird, the rare Campo Miner, the irresistible Cock-tailed and Streamer-tailed Tyrants, the tiny Sharp-tailed Tyrant and Grey-backed Tachuri, the localized endemic Brasilia Tapaculo, the rare Cinereous Warbling Finch, the stunning Blue Finch and the beautiful Collared Crescentchest. This Jaguars and Birds of Brazil tour started on July 16 th around eleven am at the airport of Cuiabá, capital of the state of Mato Grosso. From there we took a van straight to the great Pantanal, crossing the gate-town of Poconé. Arriving at the famous Transpantaneira Road after lunch we had to drive only seven kilometres to our first stay, the splendid Piuval Lodge. The arrival is always a productive introduction to the area where we found Greater Rheas, loads of water birds including Rufescent Tiger Heron, Limpkins, Roseate Spoonbill, Great, Snowy, Little Blue and Striated Herons, Snail Kites, Savanna Hawk, Amazon Kingfisher, Buff-necked, Bare-faced and Plumbeous Ibises and Guira Cuckoos. Check in done, we went out birding at three pm. A first stop provided a bunch of birds more, including our first Hyacinth Macaw, Black-collared Hawk, Ringed Kingfisher, Grey-necked Wood Rail, Solitary Cacique and Crested Oropendola. Later we visited a nest of Jabiru and Hyacinth Macaw in a small woodland, and it was amazing to see two big and iconic species nesting side by side. Further we took the new road across the woods to get to the Piuval bay, making productive stops which yielded decent views of Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Chestnut-vented Conebill, Largebilled Antwren, Forest Elaenia, the gorgeous White-eyed Attila, the endemic Chestnut-bellied Guan, Palecrested and Golden-green Woodpeckers, the amazing Red-billed Scythebill, the massive Great Rufous Woodcreeper and a bunch of fresh Jaguars footprints on the road. Near the bay we took a boardwalk to a small tower to enjoy the sunset. There, among many birds, we saw Monk Parakeet, Southern Screamer, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Grey-crested Cacholote, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, loads of Wood Storks and Jabirus and a good number of Nacunda Nighthawk. Returning in the evening, a stop in the woods provided a great sighting of Black-banded Owl, always a good one to see. Later in open fields we spotted Pauraque and a lovely female Scissor-tailed Nightjar to finish our excellent first day in the Pantanal. July 17 th. A serious an unexpected cold front was not a good surprise in the early morning. It was cold and windy. We kept with the plans anyway and started the day with short boat ride at the Piuval bay. There we saw some Black Skimmers, Large-billed Tern and happily managed to see well our main target species, the tiny Yellow-breasted Crake. Back to land we covered the deciduous woodland nearby but the wind and the cold weather didn t help much. We got views of Moustached Wren, Planalto Slaty Antshrike, Golden-collared Macaw, the gorgeous male Black-bellied Antwren and Saffron-billed Sparrow, Red Pileated Finch, Greyheaded and Silver-beaked Tanagers, and glimpses of Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant and Rusty-fronted Tody- Flycatcher. Heading to the next site we had some of the typical Pantanal birds (herons, storks, Ibises) for our daily list. Our session at Piuval was finished with good views of a pair of White-fronted Woodpecker, an uncommon bird in northern Pantanal and one of the stars of Piuval. We left Piuval around eleven am and headed south on the Transpantaneira for lunch at Pantanal Mato Grosso Hotel, bank of Rio Pixaim. Scarlet Flycatcher and White-rumped Monjita were spotted when leaving Piuval. We also had a pair of Maguari Stork at the beginning of Transpantaneira. Feeders and common area at lunch time provided Giant and Shiny Cowbirds, Greyish Baywing, Picui Ground Dove, Yellow-chevroned Parakeet and loads of Yellowbilled Cardinal and Saffron Finch. Continuing to Porto Jofre after lunch, we made a quick stop at a marsh for Scarlet-headed Blackbird. We saw two, what a stunning bird. We also stopped at the old abandoned Ibama base at Santa Isabel side road, a good forest site which provided good looks at a nesting pair of Bat Falcon, also Golden-collared Macaw, Scaly-headed Parrot, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Fawn-breasted Wren, Whitelored Spinetail, the Brazilian endemic Chestnut-bellied Guan and surprisingly a Brazilian Tapir feeding just beside the road. It was already dark when we got to the campo Jofre area. We stopped at the usual site for 2 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

3 Great-horned Owl and saw it well and active around the big mango trees. Not far from there, continuing the drive to Porto Jofre, a Jaguar was amazingly spotted on the roadside sitting between bushes, what a fantastic sight for that cold evening; the jaguar was only few meters from our van and stayed for some seconds. We finally got to Pantanal Norte Hotel near seven pm ready for a nice meal and checklist. Even with the cold it was a good day in the Pantanal. July 18 th was the day dedicated to see Jaguars along the Cuiabá River and tributaries (Three Brothers and Piquiri Rivers). From the Pantanal Norte Hotel s garden (full of Hyacinth Macaw, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Monk Parakeet, etc.) we took the fast boat up on the Cuiabá River. A bunch of Blue-throated Piping Guan and a Long-winged Harrier, an uncommon bird in the area, were spotted still in the early morning along the river, as well as many of the Pantanal water birds including the lovely Black Skimmer, Yellow-billed and Large-billed Terns, Pied and Collared Plovers and Sunbittern. We also had two sightings of Crane Hawk before having our first Jaguar by eleven am, a quick sight near the Three Brothers mouth. More exciting was the second one we had just before return to lunch, a beautiful female laying on the bank at Corixo Negro. That was an excellent morning indeed. Back on the river in the afternoon we were really lucky to be only the second boat to spot two Jaguars (a couple) together again next to the Three Borthers mouth. It was breathtaking to watch both walking for while along the bank right in front of us. To complete the Jaguar session we still had another relaxed female at Corixo Negro for a long time, while some noisy Giant Otters were notably upset with its presence. With the boat anchored we also had time to enjoy some birds such as Little Cuckoo, Lesser Kiskadee, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Orange-backed Troupial, Solitary Cacique, Greyish Saltator and few Band-tailed Nighthawks just before dusk. Then back to Pantanal Norte Hotel for a nice dinner and celebration. July 19 th. Still staying this day at Pantanal Norte Hotel we had a full day of birding at the Porto Jofre area. Hotel s garden provided good looks at Toco Toucan and Red-billed Scythebill. Later the early morning was spent at campo Jofre covering the typical open marshy stretch along the Transpantaneira Road. We had a great start finding and getting decent views of the austral migrant White-bellied Tyrannulet, for the first time on this tour. There we also saw Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Orange-headed Tanager (uncommon in the Pantanal), Southern Scrub Flycatcher (another austral migrant), Masked Gnatcatcher, White-bellied and Rusty-collared Seedeaters, Greater Thornbird, Ashy-headed Greenlet, White-backed Water Tyrant, Whiteheaded Marsh Tyrant, Little Cuckoo, the tiny Subtropical Doradito, Southern Yellowthroat, Great and Barred Antshrikes, Mato Grosso Antbird, the handsome Chotoy Spinetail, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Little Woodpecker, Crane Hawk, Great-horned Owl besides the usual common species around. By late morning we entered the good forest near the hotel, being also very productive with amazing views of Plain Inezia, Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant, Golden-crowned Warbler, the smart White-eyed Attila, the stunning male Bandtailed Manakin, Plain Antvireo, male Large-billed Antwren and a Buff-throated Woodcreeper. In the afternoon the same little trail in the forest provided this time a gorgeous Cream-colored Woodpecker. Not far from there in a different corner of the forest, Blue-crowned Trogon, another charismatic species, came as a nice addition to our list. At this site a little flock was attracted by tape so we saw some Hooded Tanagers, a female Guira Tanager, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Chestnut-vented Conebill and another Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant. Back to open habitat at late afternoon we found a Sungrebe from a bridge, also an American Pygmy Kingfisher, Variable Oriole and later at dusk two Spot-tailed Nightjars in flight finishing well the day. July 20 th. There was a little time spent at Pantanal Norte Hotel after our early breakfast. The traditional birds were around Hyacinth Macaw, Plumbeous Ibis, Toco Toucan, Southern Screamer, etc. From there we left towards Rio Claro Lodge, far back on the Transpantaneira. We made usual stops at campo Jofre which yielded superb looks at Rusty-fronted Tody-Flycatcher and the uncommon White-naped Xenopsaris. Later in the morning our next stop occurred near the Pixaim River, at the entrance road to Santa Teresa Farm. The semi-open habitat provided Rufous-fronted Thornbird, a family of Rusty-backed Antwren, Buff-breasted Wren and a Laughing Falcon. Soon we reached the access road to Rio Claro Lodge, where we made two quick stops before the check-in: first in woodland where we finally got Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and decent views of Pale-legged Hornero; second a nice spotting of Long-tailed Ground Dove just before the lodge in open country. We saw a lovely group of eight birds and surprisingly at the same place we found Suiriri Flycatcher. The garden of Rio Claro Lodge welcomed us with several Nanday Parakeet (Black-hooded P), 3 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

4 Monk Parakeet and some Scaly-headed Parrot. In the afternoon we started covering the short trail available in the riverine forest behind the lodge in search of few needs. The session was great with sightings of Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Rufous Casiornis, another Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Rustybacked Spinetail, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Hooded Tanager, Chestnut-vented Conebill, Yellow-olive Flatbill, the stunning Helmeted Manakin and a nice male Band-tailed Antbird. Coming back from the trail we still spotted some tame Chestnut-bellied Guans, Bare-faced Curassow and finally some Chestnut-eared Aracari. For the rest of the day we targeted few goodies during a very pleasant boat ride on the Rio Claro, starting with an amazing sighting of a Southern Tamandua high up in a tree. We also counted on many Bluethroated Piping Guan, Turquoise-fronted and Orange-winged Amazons, Golden-collared Macaw, a group of Boat-billed Heron and just before dusk an Agami Heron and the confiding Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. To finish this incredible day we had absolutely terrific views of the most wanted Zigzag Heron. July 21 st. On this day we had to depart from Rio Claro Lodge very early to get to Cuiabá s airport for our morning flight to São Paulo. We had a little time to enjoy some birds at the garden of Rio Claro the usual suspects, including a nice Red-crested Cardinal and some Campo Flickers. From the vehicle the Transpantaneira still provided the last sightings of the usual Pantanal birds. Unfortunately our flight was delayed and we only got to Guarulhos around four pm. Traffic to cross the city was very boring. We made a stop for dinner and finally near tem pm we reached the top site in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the fantastic Intervales State Park on the hills of southern São Paulo state. The Pantanal certainly offer one of the best wildlife experiences in South America, a true safari in the continent s heart. Bellow some photos from this impressive place: Yellow-billed Cardinals and a Shiny Cowbird (Eduardo P) Hyacinth Macaw (Eduardo Patrial) White-eyed Attila (Eduardo Patrial) Golden-collared Macaw (Eduardo Patrial) 4 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

5 We had wonderful encounters with Jaguars along the Cuiabá River and also at Corixo Negro (Eduardo Patrial) Two Jaguars together on the bank of Cuibá River (Eduardo Patrial) This one stayed for a long time at Corixo Negro (Eduardo Patrial) 5 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

6 Scissor-tailed Nightjar female (Eduardo Patrial) White-bellied Tyrannulet (Eduardo Patrial) Chotoy Spinetail (Eduardo Patrial) White-wedged Piculet (Eduardo Patrial) Toco Toucan (Eduardo Patrial) White-naped Xenopsaris (Eduardo Patrial) 6 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

7 Southern Tamandua (Eduardo Patrial) Zigzag Heron (Eduardo Patrial) July 22 nd was our first day exploring the superb Intervales State Park. First we met Betinho, our excellent local guide at Intervales.The weather was good (actually drier than expected) and we started the day covering the clearings, forest edge and marsh around the common area near the lodge and reception. The crakes feeder in the marsh was ridiculous. In seconds we had long views of Rufous-sided Crake, Blackish Rail and Red-and-white Crake. The same area provided a bunch of nice birds, including a roosting pair of Tropical Screech Owl, the endemics Pallid Spinetail and Pale-browed Treehunter, Planalto Tyrannulet, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Planalto Woodcreeper, Black-goggled Tanager, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Rufous-capped Antshrike and Orange-breasted Thornbird. Next stop was to see the usually illusive Variegated Antpitta that the locals are feeding nowadays. This fantastic bird gave us a show. Few hundred meters down a trail we checked another feeding station, but first we came across with a mixed flock on the way which provided good looks at Squamate Antbird, Streaked Xenops, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Rufousheaded Tanager and Sharpbill. At the feeder there was a tame group of Spot-winged Wood Quail, feeding basically at our feet, unreal Later we covered the forest near the research station, including the beginning of Carmo road for the rest of morning, being amazingly productive. Decent views of Cliff Flycatcher, Diademed Tanager, the endemic Hooded Berryeater, Long-billed Gnatwren, Streak-capped Antwren, Black-throated Trogon, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, the endemics Brown and Olive-green Tanagers, Grey-hooded Flycatcher and White-spotted Woodpecker (besides many other heard). At lunch we still had Masked Water Tyrant and Black Hawk-Eagle soaring over the area. In the afternoon near the Pica-pau Lodge we started with Ochre-collared Piculet, the endemic Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Green-winged Saltator and Golden-winged and Red-rumped Caciques. Back to Carmo road, we stopped further this time near the sign 5. There we got the stunning Rufous-capped Motmot, Red-necked Tanager, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, the rare Black-fronted Piping Guan (one very close), the endemic Crescent-chested Puffbird, Eared Pygmy Tyrant and a Large-headed Flatbill. At dusk we still saw some Slaty-breasted Wood Rail before taking the road outside the park to try some owls. Happily we managed great views of Rusty-barred Owl and also Long-tufted Screech Owl. What an incredible day. July 23 rd. This second day at Intervales was another good one. First thing in the morning was checking some tanagers by the Pica-pau lodge Azure-shouldered, Ruby-crowned and Green-headed Tanager. Rufousthighed Hawk also showed up around the lodge. Then we went birding at the Lageado area for the whole morning, mainly along the entrance road. It started a bit slow in the dark forest but soon activity came up and we enjoyed several good birds. It s worth to mention Lesser Woodcreeper, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-rimmed Warbler, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, the amazing endemic Slaty Bristlefront; a little flock with Sao Paulo and Oustalet s Tyrannulets, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Surucua Trogon, Rufous Gnateater, a nice male Green-chinned Euphonia, a female Black-cheeked Gnateater, Scalloped Woodcreeper, the stunning Blue Manakin, the rare White-bearded Antshrike, White-throated Spadebill, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Brazilian Ruby, White-eyed, Ochre-breasted and White-browed Foliage-gleaners, a male Uniform Finch, Sibilant Sirystes and a gorgeous Squamate Antbird. There was more time at the lodge feeder after lunch with the usual suspects, including Red-necked, Burnished-buff and Olive-green Tanagers and both Caciques (Red-rumped and Golden-winged). Surprisingly a Giant Antshrike started calling just beside the lodge and luckily in seconds after some playback we got simply shocking views of a female. That 7 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

8 beast was just stuck in the tree in front of us for about twenty minutes. Breath recovered, we went to the research station area. There we covered the clearing and also did part of the uphill trail to the lookout, staying in the forest until gets dark. The session produced few nice species Dusky-tailed Antbird, a breath sight of Dusky-throated Hermit, the endemic Star-throated Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, a Whitethroated Woodcreeper at dusk and a quick but good view of the very shy Black-capped Screech Owl. July 24 th. Our last morning at Intervales began in an incredible way. Basically our first bird was the mega Helmeted Woodpecker just behind the Pica-pau Lodge. It was surprisingly heard when back from breakfast. Very responsive, it approached fast and performed calmly just few meters from us, simply an amazing sighting of that rare woodpecker. Later we took the research station area again, hoping to spot some of the Bare-throated Bellbirds that were calling around, but unfortunately from there we just couldn t get it in view. But we saw the nice Grey-hooded Attila and another Surucua Trogon in the clearing before taking the uphill trail to the lookout again. On our way to the top we found Riverbank Warbler, White-throated Woodcreeper (much better view this time), Brown-breasted Bamboo Tyrant, Bertoni s Antbird, males Tufted and Whitebearded Antshrikes, White-collared Foliage-gleaner and few other common species. On the hilltop, about a thousand meters above sea level, we admired the beautiful view of the endless forested hills of Serra do Paranapiacaba. From the lookout we got a distant scope view of Bare-throated Bellbird and the lovely Rufous-backed Antvireo, an endemic usually from higher altitudes available on the hilltops of Intervales. On our way down we walked the whole trail back to Pica-pau Lodge, getting a few more species Greenish Schffornis, the uncommon White-browed Foliage-gleaner and a small group of Spot-winged Wood Quail on the trail. Before lunch, already packed to leave Intervales, we made a last stop for the Araucaria restricted Araucaria Tit-Spinetail which behaved well for us. After a very nice meal we were on the road heading north to a stopover at Fazenda Nova in Mococa, São Paulo border with Minas Gerais state. Eared Doves, Roadside Hawks and some other common stuff were spotted on the highway. We arrived near seven thirty pm. The Intervales State Park is one of those places for birding that you certainly will never forget; a paradise in the so threatened and unique Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Hilltop at Intervales (Eduardo Patrial) 8 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

9 Variegated Antpitta (Eduardo Patrial) Spot-winged Wood Quail (Eduardo Patrial) Black-fronted Piping Guan (Eduardo Patrial) Rufous-capped Motmot (Eduardo Patrial) Rusty-barred Owl (Eduardo Patrial) Green-chinned Euphonia (Eduardo Patrial) 9 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

10 Giant Antshrike - female (Eduardo Patrial) Helmeted Woodpecker male (Eduardo Patrial) July 25 th. Fazenda Nova with its old building style, great food, nice garden and lovely people is definitely a good stopover before we get to our last destination on this tour, the fabulous Serra da Canastra National Park in Minas Gerais state. We enjoyed the first light at Fazenda Nova s garden, finding Masked Water Tyrant, Social Flycatcher, White-eyed, Yellow-chevroned and Peach-fronted Parakeets, White-barred Piculet, Flavescent Warbler, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Rufous-fronted Thornbird the Brazilian endemic Golden-capped Parakeet. After a delicious breakfast we hit the road towards Canastra, arriving at the little São Roque de Minas early in the afternoon. Few birds were spotted along the road, including a Short-tailed and White-tailed Hawks and some Toco Toucans. At our hotel Chapadão da Canastra we enjoyed the fruit feeder before going out for an introductory session around the town, where we had nice males Puplethroated Euphonia, Palm Tanager, Saffron Finch and Double-collared Seedeater. The rest of day was spent covering some narrow gallery forests in rural area near the town. There we put a good effort to find the uncommon Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner which unfortunately didn t show up. On the other hand we had a pleasant start at Canastra, enjoying goodies such as a nice male Guira Tanager, Planalto Tyrannulet, the endemics Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher and Crescent-chested Puffbird (the last a nice surprise in the area), Blue Dacnis, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, a glimpse of Black-capped Antwren, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, two Redlegged Seriemas, Campo Flicker, a small group of Yellow-rumped Marshbird, the handsome Plush-crested Jay, plenty of Pale-breasted Thrush and a Lineated Woodpecker. There was time to check a little marsh near the town, which also provided the favourite Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Yellow-bellied Seedeater, better views of the Marshbird, Toco Toucans, Bare-faced Ibis and Black-capped Donacobius. July 26 th. Our first full day in Canastra began focused on its major star, the critically endangered and very shy Brazilian Merganser. At the mighty Rio São Francisco (its beginning, the low part of Canastra National Park tableland) we covered the usual sites to find it. With the good help of Toninho, the local guide, and this time with a pair of radios, soon in that morning we had our group watching closely from the bank a single merganser moving quietly in a pool for a good time, a terrific sighting for sure. Some other birds were spotted in riverine forest and open habitats while looking for Brazilian Merganser, such as Variable Antshrike, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Toco toucan, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Green-barred Woodpecker, Crested Oropendola and a Grey-headed Kite very briefly. The rest of morning was spent at the scenic low part of Canastra National Park (Casca D anta Waterfall), birding the interesting semi-deciduous forest which mixes both typical Atlantic Forest and Cerrado gallery forest species. There we had a productive session with nice views of Helmeted Manakin, Golden-crowned Warbler (hypoleucus ssp.), the smart Southern Antpipit, the endemic Velvety Black Tyrant, Green-winged Saltator, Planalto Tyrannulet, Rufous-headed Tanager, Yellowbellied Seedeater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Streaked Xenops, the colourful endemic Gilt-edged Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Grey Elaenia, Yellow-olive Flatbill, three King Vultures and a group of Sooty Swift flying by the beautiful Casca D anta waterfall. Before we leave the park, the forest still provided good sightings of Blackcapped Antwren, Grey-eyed Greenlet and a female White-bearded Manakin. Later a few Blue-winged Parrotlets were seen on a quick stop on our way back to São Roque de Minas. There we spent the rest of the afternoon in a nice Cerrado habitat close to Hotel Chapadão, and finished the day with amazing views of White Woodpecker, the most-wanted Collared Crescentchest and White-vented Violetear. 10 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

11 July 27 th. It was a day spent at the high part of Canastra National Park, mainly covering the vast grasslands, but also some rocky outcrops ( campo rupestre ) and a few small islands of woodland. We had an excellent start that day with few stops on our way up still outside the national park. These stops provided us some Toco Toucans, Crested Black Tyrants, the rare endemic Cinereous Warbling Finch, a gorgeous male Stripebreasted Starthroat (another Brazilian endemic), Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, the handsome White-eared Puffbird, Plain-crested Elaenia, Rufous-winged Antshrike, Grey Pileated Finch, Hooded Siskin, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Chopi Blackbird and some Tawny-headed Swallows. Up on the top later, in the national park, we made a stop at a campo rupestre site. It was windy up there but even though we managed to find the tiny localized endemic Grey-backed Tachuri. Near the famous São Francisco River source we had to walk a little through the grasslands to reach a small patch of woodland, which happily provided splendid views of Brasilia Tapaculo, another localized Brazilian endemic. It wasn t easy to keep birding the grasslands with all that wind and slowly we were collecting some other species such as Firewood Gatherer, Stripe-tailed Yellow Finch, White-rumped Monjita and the uncommon Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant. At another woodland island we got good views of the endemic White-striped Warbler and also White-crested Tyrannulet. Later a little area of short Cerrado habitat produced the specialties White-rumped and Shrike-like Tanagers, and the most-wanted male Cock-tailed Tyrant (which this time took us a good time to find). With patience, a little further, we could find a stunning male Blue Finch at another rocky spot. But in general the activity was slow due to the wind. The end of the day was not bad for Giant Anteaters, we found at least five of this amazing animal on our way back to São Roque de Minas. July 28 th was our last full day at Canastra and again we repeated the grasslands at the National Park s high part, staying there the whole day. Two Dusky-legged Guans were spotted at hotel s ground before we leave to the park very early. Our way up yielded a nice group of Curl-crested Jay and a lovely male Red Tanager (Lowland Hepatic T) at park s gate. The day was a bit windy again and this time we crossed the whole park to get to the Sacramento gate, more than sixty five km from São Roque across the vast grassy tableland. Up there on this day we spotted a group of Greater Rhea (uncommon species in the park), Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-eared Puffbird again, Campo Flickers, loads of Southern Crested Caracara, few American Kestrel, White-tailed Hawk, Peach-fronted and White-eyed Parakeets, Spix s Spinetail, the rare Campo Miner (a special stop at a recent burnt area, one single bird), Plain-crested Elaenia, Sooty Tyrannulet, Whiterumped and Grey Monjitas, Streamer-tailed and Cock-tailed Tyrants, White-rumped, Blue-and-white and Tawny-headed Swallows, Chalk-browed Mockingbird, Hooded Siskin, Yellow-rumped Marshbird, many Rufous-collared Sparrow, Blue Finch again, Grassland Sparrow, Stripe-tailed Yellow Finch, the endemic Cinnamon Tanager, White-rumped and Shrike-like Tanagers again and Black-throated Saltator. The good news on this day, and for the first time on this tour, was finding the recently described Chapada Flycatcher in a taller Cerrado habitat near the Sacramento gate on the other side of the park. We had a very responsive pair after few tapes played in the area. Suriri Flycatcher was seen there too and we could compare their similar field marks and different behaviours. Our last day in the scenic Canastra tableland was also very good for Giant Anteaters, some amazing close sightings on this day and a total of twelve animals, just impressive. We stayed in the park until dusk to try few nightjar species, but unfortunately this time we had no luck with any of the possible species (basically that was the last birding session on the tour once the following day was spent on the road to São Paulo). Later in São Roque we had a very nice dinner and celebrated the end of this very successful tour. What a special place is Canastra National Park. Home of Brazilian Merganser, land where begins the great Rio São Francisco, land of vast grasslands, unique ecosystems and very special birds. Some of the images captured on the tour: 11 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

12 The Rio São Francisco at Casca D anta Waterfall and its most illustrious inhabitant, Brazilian Merganser (Eduardo Patrial) Crescent-chested Puffbird (Eduardo Patrial) White Woodpecker (Eduardo Patrial) White-eared Puffbird (Eduardo Patrial) Curl-crested Jay (Eduardo Patrial) 12 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

13 Grey-backed Tachuri (Eduardo Patrial) Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant (Eduardo Patrial) White-rumped Tanager (Eduardo Patrial) Cock-tailed Tyrant (Eduardo Patrial) Campo Miner (Eduardo Patrial) Chapada Flycatcher couple (Eduardo Patrial) 13 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

14 Canastra National Park, view from Garagem de Pedra (Eduardo Patrial) Wonderful sightings of Giant Anteater (Eduardo Patrial) 14 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

15 Canastra National Park, typical landscape (Eduardo Patrial) July 29 th was a travel day back to São Paulo. We left São Roque after breakfast and arrived at São Paulo in the afternoon. The long drive was fine and everybody got to Guarulhos airport in good time for their connecting flights. So that was the end of the Jaguars and Birds 2017 tour. SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR The species names and taxonomy used in the report mostly follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). IOC World Bird Names. This list is updated several times annually and is available at Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species marked with the diamond symbol ( ) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered special birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species). Greater Rhea Rhea americana A good number at Piuval Lodge and Transpantaneira road and very few in Canastra. Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus (NL) Commonly heard in the Pantanal, and eventually spotted in forest. Tataupa Tinamou Crypturellus tataupa (H) Heard at Intervales. Red-winged Tinamou Rhynchotus rufescens (H) Only heard at Canastra NP this time. Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa (NL) Spotted crossing the road at Canastra NP. Southern Screamer Chauna torquata Several at Pantanal. Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis At least one large flocks seen at Pantanal. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata At Pantanal, near Intervales and also at Canastra. Brazilian Teal (B Duck) Amazonetta brasiliensis A pair in the Pantanal. Brazilian Merganser Mergus octosetaceus Superb close looks at one bird calmly at a pool on the river, Canastra. Chaco Chachalaca Ortalis canicollis Really abundant in the Pantanal the voice of the same. Dusky-legged Guan Penelope obscura Two at hotel in São Roque de Minas. Chestnut-bellied Guan Penelope ochrogaster A nice number seen in the Pantanal. Blue-throated Piping Guan Pipile cumanensis Several sightings in the Pantanal. See note. Black-fronted Piping Guan Pipile jacutinga One nicely seen at Intervales. Bare-faced Curassow Crax fasciolata A good number observed in the Pantanal. Spot-winged Wood Quail Odontophorus capueira Amazing views at the feeder in Intervales. Wood Stork (American Wood Ibis) Mycteria americana Abundant in the Pantanal. Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari Only a pair along the beginning of Transpantaneira Road. Jabiru Jabiru mycteria Common in the Pantanal. Plumbeous Ibis Theristicus caerulescens Quite common at Pantanal. Buff-necked Ibis Theristicus caudatus Common in the Pantanal, also seen at Intervales and Canastra. Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis Several seen in the Pantanal. Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus A good number at Pantanal; also seen at Canastra. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Some observed in the Pantanal. Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum Common in the Pantanal. Agami Heron Agamia agami A brief but good view at dusk at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius A roosting group at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus Superb close views at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Numerous in the Pantanal. Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striata Very common in the Pantanal. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Frequently seen throughout the tour. See note. Cocoi Heron (White-necked H) Ardea cocoi Common (hundreds) in the Pantanal. Great Egret Ardea alba Very common (thousands) in the Pantanal, more sightings along the tour. 15 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

16 Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus Few encounters in the Pantanal. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Few in the Pantanal. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common (hundreds) in the Pantanal. Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Phalacrocorax brasilianus Very common in the Pantanal. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Common in the Pantanal. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Frequently seen throughout the tour. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Savanna V) Cathartes burrovianus Common in the Pantanal. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus An everyday bird. Zigzag Heron (Eduardo Patrial) King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Three birds seen at Casca D anta Waterfall at Canastra NP. Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis One bird at the low part of Canastra. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus Nice view at Intervales State Park. Rufous-thighed Hawk Accipiter erythronemius One soaring at Intervales. See note. Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor One crossing the river at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Long-winged Harrier Circusbuffoni One spotted along the Cuiabá River, Pantanal. Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Abundant at Pantanal. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Same as above. Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens Four birds seen this at Pantanal. Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Commun in the Pantanal. Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga Few sightings in the Pantanal; also recorded at Canastra. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris Commonly seen throughout the tour. White-tailed Hawk Geranoaetus albicaudatus A few in the Pantanal, a good number in Canastra. Black-chested Buzzard-eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus One seen in flight near the gate of Canastra NP. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Spotted on the way to Canastra. Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata Spotted entering the Pantanal and later at Canastra. Sunbittern Eurypyga helias Good sightings at Cuiabá River and Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Sungrebe Heliornis fulica Two sightings in the Pantanal. Rufous-sided Crake Laterallus melanophaius Two at the feeder in Intervales. Grey-breasted Crake Laterallus exilis (H) Heard in the Pantanal. Red-and-white Crake Laterallus leucopyrrhus At the amazing feeder of Intervales. Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Common in the Pantanal, also heard at Canastra. 16 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

17 Slaty-breasted Wood Rail Aramides saracura Seen well at Intervales. Ash-throated Crake Porzana albicollis (H) Only heard in the Pantanal. Yellow-breasted Crake Porzana flaviventer Amazing views at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans Seen well at Intervales. Purple Gallinule (American P G) Porphyrio martinicus One at Piuval Lodge. Limpkin Aramus guarauna Common in the Pantanal. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Frequently seen throughout the tour. White-backed Stilt Himantopus melanurus (NL) Spotted in the Pantanal. See note Collared Plover Chradrius collaris Two seen at Pantanal. Pied Plover (P Lapwing) Hoploxypterus cayanus Few seen on sandbanks by the Cuiabá River, Pantanal. Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Common in the Pantanal. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger A fairly number along the Cuiabá River, Pantanal. Yellow-billed Tern Sternula superciliaris Same as above. Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex Widespread in the Pantanal, numerous along Cuiabá River. Rock Dove (feral) Columba livia As usual found in anthropic areas. Picazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro Very common throughout the tour. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Some sightings in the Pantanal and some in Canastra. Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea (H) Heard at Intervales. Scaled Dove Columbina squammata Seen at Pantanal and Canastra. White-wedged Piculet (Eduardo Patrial) Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Common throughout the tour. Picui Ground Dove Columbina picui Several at Pantanal. Long-tailed Ground Dove Uropelia campestris A group of eight at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Common at Pantanal; also seen at Canastra. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata First at Pantanal, later common along the road to Canastra. Guira Cuckoo Guira guira Common in the Pantanal, also seen at Canastra and during drives. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Very common in open areas throughout the tour. Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia (H) Heard at Pantanal and Canastra. Pavonine Cuckoo Dromococcyx pavoninus (H) Heard at Intervales. Little Cuckoo Coccycua minuta Great views at Pantanal. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Sightings at Pantanal, Intervales and Canastra. 17 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

18 Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba A pair roosting by the reception of Intervales. Black-capped Screech Owl Megascops atricapilla A good one at Intervales. Long-tufted Screech Owl Megascops sanctaecatarinae Same as above. Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus A pair at the campo Jofre, Pantanal; day roost. Rusty-barred Owl Strix hylophila Fantastic view of two birds at Intervales. Black-banded Owl Strix huhula A write-in bird, at the amazing Piuval Lodge. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Seen well at Pantanal and at Canastra. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Seen at Canastra area. Nacunda Nighthawk Chordeiles nacunda Numerous Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Band-tailed Nighthawk Nyctiprogne leucopyga Several seen at Pantanal. Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis Seen at Pantanal and Intervales. Spot-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis maculicaudus Two seen at Pantanal. Scissor-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis torquata A lovely female closely observed at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Sooty Swift Cypseloides fumigatus Seen at Casca D anta Waterfall at Canastra NP. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Sightings at Intervales and Canastra. Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen at Intervales. Scale-throated Hermit Phaethornis eurynome (H) Heard at Intervales. Planalto Hermit Phaethornis pretrei Seen at Canastra. Dusky-throated Hermit Phaethornis squalidus Brief sightings along Carmo Road, Intervales. Swallow-tailed Hummingbird Eupetomena macroura Seen at Fazenda Nova and Canastra. White-vented Violetear Colibri serrirostris Good sightings in Canastra. Glittering-bellied Emerald Chlorostilbon lucidus Few observed in Canastra. See note. Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Common W) Thalurania furcata Seen well in the Pantanal. Violet-capped Woodnymph Thalurania glaucopis Seen at Intervales. Gilded Sapphire Hylocharis chrysura Few birds seen at Pantanal. Glittering-throated Emerald Amazilia fimbriata Seen at Rio Claro, Pantanal. Brazilian Ruby Clytolaema rubricauda A nice female seen at Intervales. Stripe-breasted Starthroat Heliomaster squamosus A stunning male at Canastra NP road. Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina One male seen at Intervales. Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui Good views at Pantanal. Surucua Trogon Trogon surrucura Two good sightings at Intervales. Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus Great views at Intervales. American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Two sightings in the Pantanal. Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda One in the last minute at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana A fair number seen at Pantanal. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Common in the Pantanal. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Same as above. Rufous-capped Motmot Baryphthengus ruficapillus Great views at Intervales. Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda Seen at Pantanal and at Canastra. White-eared Puffbird Nystalus chacuru Good sightings at Canastra NP. Crescent-chested Puffbird Malacoptila striata Seen at Intervales and at Canastra. Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Seen in the Pantanal. Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Seen well at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Green-billed Toucan (Red-breasted T) Ramphastos dicolorus (H) Heard distantly at Intervales. Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco Several sightings at Pantanal, common in the Canastra area. White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus Great views at Fazenda Nova and at Canastra. Ochre-collared Piculet Picumnus temminckii Great views at Intervales. White-wedged Piculet Picumnus albosquamatus Seen well in the Pantanal. See note. White Woodpecker Melanerpes candidus Amazing views at Canastra. Yellow-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes flavifrons A beautiful species at Intervales. White-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes cactorum Good looks at a pair at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus Good observations at Pantanal and at Canastra. White-spotted Woodpecker Veniliornis spilogaster Good view at Intervales. Golden-green Woodpecker Piculus chrysochloros A female at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. 18 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

19 Spot-winged Wood Quail (Eduardo Patrial) Yellow-browed Woodpecker (White-browed W) Piculus aurulentus (H) Heard at Intervales. Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros Nice views at Canastra. Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris Seen at Pantanal and more frequently at Intervales and Canastra. Pale-crested Woodpecker Celeus lugubris One at Piuval and another at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Cream-colored Woodpecker Celeus flavus Great views near Porto Jofre, Pantanal. Helmeted Woodpecker Celeus galeatus A breath-taking view at the Pica-pau Lodge at Intervales. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen at Canastra. Robust Woodpecker Campephilus robustus (H) Heard at Intervales. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos One seen at Canastra. Southern Crested Caracara (Southern C) Caracara plancus Common throughout the tour. See note. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Seen at Pantanal, Intervales and Canastra. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans One seen at Pantanal. Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus Seen at dusk at Intervales entrance road. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Few at Canastra. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis Good views in the Pantanal. Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Common in the Pantanal. Plain Parakeet Brotogeris tirica (H) Heard at Intervales. Yellow-chevroned Parakeet Brotogeris chiriri Frequent in the Pantanal, few more at Canastra. See note. Blue-bellied Parrot Triclaria malachitacea (H) Heard at Intervales. Scaly-headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani Good views at Pantanal and at Intervales. Turquoise-fronted Amazon (T-f Parrot, Blue-fronted P) Amazona aestiva Frequent in the Pantanal. Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica Few seen at Rio Claro, Pantanal. Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius A small group at Canastra. Maroon-bellied Parakeet (M-b Conure) Pyrrhura frontalis Seen at Intervales and at Canastra. Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus First at Piuval Lodge, later at Porto Jofre, both at Pantanal. Peach-fronted Parakeet Aratinga aurea Seen at Pantanal and at Canastra. Nanday Parakeet (Black-hooded P) Aratinga nenday About eight birds at Rio Claro s garden. Golden-capped Parakeet Aratinga auricapillus At Fazenda Nova and on the way to Canastra. See note. Golden-collared Macaw (Yellow-collared M) Primolius auricollis At least three sightings in the Pantanal this year. White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalma Very common around Canastra. Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus Few sightings at Pantanal. Rufous Hornero Furnarius rufus Common throughout the tour. 19 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

20 Araucaria Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura setaria A special one to see at Intervales. Chotoy Spinetail Schoeniophylax phryganophilus Great views of few birds in the Pantanal, Transpantaneira road. Rufous-capped Spinetail Synallaxis ruficapilla Good views at Intervales. Grey-bellied Spinetail Synallaxis cinerascens Great view at Intervales. Cinereous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis hypospodia Good view at the campo Jofre, Pantanal. Spix's Spinetail (Chicli S) Synallaxis spixi Perfect views at Canastra NP. White-lored Spinetail Synallaxis albilora Excelent views at Pantanal. See note. Rusty-backed Spinetail Cranioleuca vulpina Seen well at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Pallid Spinetail Cranioleuca pallida Good sightings at Intervales. Yellow-chinned Spinetail (Yellow-throated S) Certhiaxis cinnamomeus Frequent at Pantanal. Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Plain T, Common T) Phacellodomus rufifrons At Pantanal and Canastra. Greater Thornbird Phacellodomus ruber Few sightings at Pantanal. Orange-breasted Thornbird (Red-eyed T) Phacellodomus ferrugineigula An obliging pair at Intervales. Firewood-Gatherer Anumbius annumbi Well observed at Canastra NP, high part. Grey-crested Cacholote (Rufous C) Pseudoseisura unirufa A couple times observed at Pantanal. See note. Buff-browed Foliage-Gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata Good views at Intervales. Brazilian Merganser (Eduardo Patrial) Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner Philydor lichtensteini One seen at Intervales. Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufum Quite common in mixed flocks at Intervales. White-collared Foliage-Gleaner Anabazenops fuscus Good sightings at Intervales. Pale-browed Treehunter Cichlocolaptes leucophrus Great looks, Intervales. White-eyed Foliage-gleaner Automolus leucophthalmus Well observed at Intervales. Rufous-breasted Leaftosser Sclerurus scansor Seen at Intervales. Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper Lochmias nematura Seen at Intervales and at Canastra. Sharp-billed Treehunter Heliobletus contaminatus Good views at Intervales, mixed flock. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus (H) Heard at Intervales. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Seen at Intervales and Canastra. Plain-winged Woodcreeper (Thrush-like W) Dendrocincla turdina (H) Heard at Intervales. See note. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus At Pantanal, Intervales and Canastra. White-throated Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes albicollis Beautiful views at Intervales. Great Rufous Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes major Two amazing sightings in the Pantanal. Planalto Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes platyrostris Well seen at Intervales. 20 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

21 Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus Good sighting at Pantanal. Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus One seen near Porto Jofre Hotel, Pantanal. Narrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris Seen in the Pantanal. Scalloped Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes falcinellus Two at Intervales. See note. Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris At least two sightings in the Pantanal. Spot-backed Antshrike Hypoedaleus guttatus (H) Only heard at Intervales. Giant Antshrike Batara cinerea A breath-taking sighting of a female at Intervales. Tufted Antshrike Mackenziaena severa A skulking male at Intervales. Great Antshrike Taraba major Few sightings at Pantanal, heard many times. White-bearded Antshrike Biatas nigropectus Two good sightings at Intervales. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Easy at Pantanal. Planalto Slaty Antshrike Thamnophlius pelzelni Close views at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. See note. Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens At Intervales and at Canastra. Rufous-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus torquatus Well observed at Canastra. Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus Well observed at Intervales. Spot-breasted Antvireo Dysithamnus stictothorax (H) Only heard at Intervales. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Seen at Pantanal. Rufous-backed Antvireo Dysithamnus xanthopterus A hilltop special at Intervales. Star-throated Antwren Myrmotherula gularis A nice endemic at Intervales. Black-capped Antwren Herpsilochmus atricapillus Seen at Canastra NP, low part. Large-billed Antwren Herpsilochmus longirostris Few sightings at Pantanal. Black-bellied Antwren Formicivora melanogaster Close views of a male at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Rusty-backed Antwren Formicivora rufa Amazing sightings at Pantanal. Ferruginous Antbird Drymophila ferruginea Reasonable view at Intervales. Bertoni's Antbird (Rufous-necked A) Drymophila rubricollis Nice looks at few birds in Intervales. Ochre-rumped Antbird Drymophila ochropyga (H) Only heard at Intervales this time. Dusky-tailed Antbird Drymophila malura Seen at Intervales. Streak-capped Antwren Terenura maculate Nice views at Intervales. Mato Grosso Antbird Cercomacra melanaria At least two good sightings at Pantanal. White-shouldered Fire-Eye Pyriglena leucoptera Seen three times at Intervales. Band-tailed Antbird Hypocnemoides maculicauda A nice pair at Rio Claro, Pantanal. Squamate Antbird Myrmeciza squamosa Beautiful views at Intervales. Rufous-capped Antthrush Formicarius colma Brief views at Intervales. Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona (H) Heard at Intervales. Variegated Antpitta Grallaria varia Paralysing views of this usually mega-skulker, now being fed at Intervales. Rufous Gnateater Conopophaga lineata One seen at Intervales. Black-cheeked Gnateater Conopophaga melanops A female seen well at Intervales. Slaty Bristlefront Merulaxis ater Fantastic female seen at Intervales. White-breasted Tapaculo Eleoscytalopus indigoticus (H) Heard at Intervales. Brasilia Tapaculo Scytalopus novacapitalis Obliging again at Canastra NP. Collared Crescentchest Melanopareia torquata Great view in Cerrado at São Roque de Minas, Canastra. Wing-barred Piprites (W-b Manakin) Piprites chloris Seen at Intervales. Planalto Tyrannulet Phyllomyias fasciatus Seen at Intervales and at Canastra. Rough-legged Tyrannulet Phyllomyias burmeisteri Seen at Intervales. Forest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii Frequent at Pantanal. 21 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

22 Helmeted Woodpecker (Eduardo Patrial) Grey Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps A pair at Canastra NP, low part. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Few sightings at Canastra area. Plain-crested Elaenia Elaenia cristata Well seen at Canastra. Highland Elaenia Elaenia obscura Same as above. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Frequently seen throughout the tour. Suiriri Flycatcher Suiriri suiriri Seen at Pantanal and at Canastra NP. Chapada Flycatcher Suiriri affinnis Seen at Canastra by us for the first time. Sooty Tyrannulet Serpophaga nigricans Good observations at Canastra NP. White-crested Tyrannulet Serpophaga subcristata Same as above. White-bellied Tyrannulet Serpophaga munda A nice addition to our Pantanal list, seen at campo Jofre. Grey-backed Tachuri Polystictus superciliaris Decent views at Canastra NP, high part. Subtropical Doradito Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis At least four birds seen at campo Jofre, Pantanal. Southern Antpipit Corythopis delalandi Superb views at Canastra NP, low part. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis (H) Heard at Intervales. Sao Paulo Tyrannulet Phylloscartes paulista Great sightings at Intervales. Oustalet's Tyrannulet Phylloscartes oustaleti Nice studies of this little endemic at Intervales. Bay-ringed Tyrannulet Phylloscartes sylviolus Another one well observed at Intervales. Grey-hooded Flycatcher Mionectes rufiventris Few sightings at Intervales. Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus A widespread species, but seen only at Intervales. Southern Scrub Flycatcher Sublegatus modestus Seen well at campo Jofre, Pantanal. See note. Plain Inezia (P Tyrannulet) Inezia inornata Seen well at Pantanal near Porto Jofre. Bran-coloured Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus (H) Heard at several places. Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant (S-t Tyrant) Culicivora caudacuta Not so easy at Canastra this time. Drab-breasted Bamboo Tyrant (D-b Pygmy Tyrant) Hemitriccus diops (H) Heard at Intervales. Brown-breasted Bamboo Tyrant (B-b Pygmy Tyrant) Hemitriccus obsoletus Good views at Intervales. Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus striaticollis Great views near Porto Jofre Hotel, Pantanal. Hangnest Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus nidipendulus Well observed at Intervales. Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer A good sighting at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Eared Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis auricularis Great views at Intervales. Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps Same as above. Rusty-fronted Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus latirostris few sightings at Pantanal. 22 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

23 Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher (Grey-headed T-f) Todirostrum poliocephalum Nice looks at Canastra area. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Seen well in the Pantanal. Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens At Pantanal, Intervales and Canastra. White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus Seen at Intervales. Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Good observations at Intervales and Canastra. See note. Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus Heard in the Pantanal but seen at Canastra. Scarlet Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Frequently recorded at Pantanal. Crested Black Tyrant Knipolegus lophotes Frequently recorded at Canastra. Grey Monjita Xolmis cinereus Seen at Canastra. White-rumped Monjita Xolmis velatus Quite common at Canastra NP, high part. Also seen at Piuval. Streamer-tailed Tyrant Gubernetes yetapa Superb views at a marsh in Canastra. Black-backed Water Tyrant Fluvicola albiventer Several in the Pantanal. See note. Masked Water Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta At Intervales, Fazenda Nova and Canastra. White-headed Marsh Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala Few encounters at Pantanal. Cock-tailed Tyrant Alectrurus tricolor It took time to find them in Canastra NP this time. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Seen at Intervales and Canastra. Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa Frequently seen throughout the tour. Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Frequent at Pantanal. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Seen at Fazenda Nova and Canastra. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Common throughout the tour. Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor A couple encounters at Pantanal. Three-striped Flycatcher Conopias trivirgatus Seen at Intervales. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Seen at Pantanal. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus At Pantanal. Sibilant (Eastern) Sirystes Sirystes sibilator Good view at Intervales and Canastra. See note. Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufus Good views at Pantanal, Rio Claro Lodge. Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox Recorded at most places. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Good sighting in the Pantanal. Large-headed Flatbill Ramphotrigon megacephalum Seen at Intervales. White-eyed Attila (Dull-capped A) Attila bolivianus Seen twice in the Pantanal. Grey-hooded Attila Attila rufus A nice endemic at Intervales. Hooded Berryeater Carpornis cucullata Spotted once at Intervales, beautiful endemic. Bare-throated Bellbird Procnias nudicollis A distant scope view at Intervales. Cinnamon-vented Piha Lipaugus lanioides (H) Heard at Intervales. Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin Neopelma chrysolophum Close view at Intervales. See note. Pin-tailed Manakin Ilicura militaris Seen at Canastra NP low part, including a male. White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus A female spotted at Canastra NP. Helmeted Manakin Antilophia galeata Terrific views at Pantanal and Canastra. Blue Manakin (Swallow-tailed M) Chiroxiphia caudata Nice male at Intervales. Band-tailed Manakin Pipra fasciicauda Amazing views at Porto Jofre, Pantanal. Sharpbill Oxyruncus cristatus Seen twice at Intervales. Greenish Schiffornis (G Manakin) Schiffornis virescens Good views at Intervales. 23 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

24 Giant Antshrike (Eduardo Patrial) White-naped Xenopsaris Xenopsaris albinucha Close looks at campo Jofre, Pantanal. Chestnut-crowned Becard Pachyramphus castaneus Seen at Intervales. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus (H) Heard at Pantanal. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Seen at Pantanal and Intervales. Rufous-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus poicilotis Great sightings at Intervales. Grey-eyed Greenlet Hylophilus amaurocephalus Two birds well seen at Canastra NP, low part. Ashy-headed Greenlet Hylophilus pectoralis Well observed at Pantanal. Purplish Jay Cyanocorax cyanomelas Common at Pantanal. Curl-crested Jay Cyanocorax cristatellus A nice group at Canastra NP. Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops One at the low part of Canastra. White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Common at Pantanal. White-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa Seen at Pantanal and Canastra. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Few spotted at Pantanal. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Seen at Intervales and Canastra. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis A good number at Pantanal and Canastra. Tawny-headed Swallow Alopochelidon fucata Great views at Canastra. Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla Frequently recorded at Pantanal. Also at Canastra. See note. Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Frequent at Pantanal. Moustached Wren Pheugopedius genibarbis Well observed at Pantanal. Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis Same as above. Fawn-breasted Wren Cantorchilus guarayanus Nice views near Porto Jofre hotel, Pantanal. House Wren Troglodytes aedon Observed at Intervales and Canastra. See note. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus One seen at Intervales. Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola A couple encounters at Pantanal. Chalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus Frequently recorded along the tour. Rufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris Frequently recorded along the tour. Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas Seen at Canastra. White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis Spotted at Intervales. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Frequent at anthropic areas. Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens (H) Heard at Piuval Lodge. 24 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

25 Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus Seen at Canastra. Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Common by the feeder at hotel in Canastra. Green-chinned Euphonia Euphonia chalybea Amazing sighting at Intervales. Chestnut-bellied Euphonia Euphonia pectoralis Good view at Intervales. Variegated Antpitta (Eduardo Patrial) Southern Yellowthroat Geothlypis velata Well observed at Pantanal. See note. Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Sightings at Intervales and Canastra. White-striped Warbler Myiothlypis leucophrys A pair at Canastra NP, high part. Flavescent Warbler Myiothlypis flaveola At Pantanal and Fazenda Nova. White-rimmed Warbler (White-browed W) Myiothlypis leucoblephara Well seen at Intervales. Riverbank Warbler Myithlypis rivularis One seen at Intervales. Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus At Intervales (ssp. hypoleucus at Pantanal and Canastra). Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus A good number at Pantanal and at Canastra. Solitary Cacique (S Black C) Cacicus solitarius Frequent at Pantanal. Golden-winged Cacique Cacicus chrysopterus Good views at Intervales. Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Frequent at the gardens of Porto Jofre Hotel, Pantanal. Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous Few at Intervales. Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus Good views at Pantanal. See note. Variable Oriole Icterus pyrrhopterus Few sightings at Pantanal, also seen at Canastra. See note. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Several seen at Pantanal. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Plenty in the Pantanal, also seen on the road to Canastra. Scarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus Spotted on the way to Porto Jofre, Pantanal. Chopi Blackbird Gnorimopsar chopi Seen at Pantanal at Canastra. Greyish Baywing (Baywing) Agelaioides badius Common at Pantanal. See note. Unicolored Blackbird Agelasticus cyanopus Abundant at the campo Jofre area, Pantanal. Chestnut-capped Blackbird Chrysomus ruficapillus Few birds seen at a marsh in Canastra. Yellow-rumped Marshbird Pseudoleistes guirahuro Good close views at Canastra. 25 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

26 White-rumped Tanager (Eduardo Patrial) Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Sightings at Pantanal, Intervales and Canastra. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Frequent from Intervales to Canastra. Grassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis Quite common at Canastra. Blue Finch (Yellow-billed B F) Porphyrospiza caerulescens Two good sightings at Canastra NP, high part. Saffron-billed Sparrow Arremon flavirostris Seen at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Brown Tanager Orchesticus abeillei Great views of this uncommon endemic at Intervales. Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata Only at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Yellow-billed Cardinal Paroaria capitata Common at Pantanal. Cinnamon Tanager Schistochlamys ruficapillus Great views at Canastra NP, high part. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Good views at Intervales. Olive-green Tanager Orthogonys chloricterus Good views of this large tanager at Intervales. Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sordida Spotted at Pantanal. White-rumped Tanager Cypsnagra hirundinacea Great views at Canastra NP, high part. Black-goggled Tanager Trichothraupis melanops Several sightings at Intervales. Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata A couple sightings at Pantanal. Ruby-crowned Tanager Tachyphonus coronatus Quite common at Intervales, few more sightings at Canastra. Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Common at Pantanal. Sayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca Frequent along the tour. Azure-shouldered Tanager Thraupis cyanoptera Several sightings of this nice endemic at Intervales. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Few records throughout the tour. Diademed Tanager Stephanophorus diadematus Seen at Intervales. Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota Seen at Intervales and at Fazenda Nova. Shrike-like Tanager (White-banded T) Neothraupis fasciata Superb views at Canastra NP, high part. Green-headed Tanager Tangara seledon Quite common at Intervales, stunning bird. Red-necked Tanager Tangara cyanocephala Seen at Intervales, another stunning tanager. Gilt-edged Tanager Tangara cyanoventris A nice group at Canastra NP, low part. Burnished-buff Tanager Tangara cayana First at Intervales, more common at Canastra. Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Seen at fazenda Nova. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Seen at Intervales and Canastra. Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira Seen at Pantanal and at Canastra. Rufous-headed Tanager Hemithraupis ruficapilla Great views at Intervales and Canastra. Chestnut-vented Conebill Conirostrum speciosum Seen at Pantanal and Fazenda Nova. 26 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

27 Grey Pileated Finch Coryphospingus pileatus Seen at Canastra. Red Pileated Finch (Red-crested F) Coryphospingus cucullatus Well seen at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Uniform Finch Haplospiza unicolor Seen at Intervales. Cinereous Warbling Finch Poospiza cinerea A pair at our stake out in Canastra, a rare endemic. Stripe-tailed Yellow Finch Sicalis citrina Abundant this time at Canastra. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Common throughout the tour. Wedge-tailed Grass Finch Emberizoides herbicola Good views at Canastra. Black-throated Grosbeak Saltator fuliginosus (H) Heard at Intervales. See note. Green-winged Saltator Saltator similis Seen at Intervales and Canastra. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Several times at Pantanal. Black-throated Saltator Saltator atricollis Seen at Canastra. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Seen at Canastra. Giant Anteater (Eduardo Patrial) Rusty-collared Seedeater Sporophila collaris Couple sightings at Pantanal. Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis Good views at hotel s feeder in Canastra. Double-collared Seedeater Sporophila caerulescens Seen at Intervales and at Canastra. White-bellied Seedeater Sporophila leucoptera Seen at Pantanal. Red Tanager (Lowland Hepatic-T) Piranga flava Seen at Canastra. 27 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

28 Southern Tamandua (Eduardo Patrial) MAMMALS Giant Anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla Remarkable close views at Canastra NP, high part. Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla Great spotting at Rio Claro Lodge, Pantanal. Forest Rabbit (Tapiti) Sylvilagus brasiliensis Seen at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal. Guianan Squirrel Sciurus aestuans One observed at Intervales. Azara s Agouti Dasyprocta azarai Spotted twice in the Pantanal. Capybara Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris Common at Pantanal. Jaguar Panthera onca Six in total at Pantanal. One was along the road. Crab-eating Fox Cerdocyon thous Seen at Pantanal and at Intervales. Neotropical River Otter (Southern River O) Lutra longicaudis A brief view of one at Rio Claro Lodge (boat trip). Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis Fantastic sighting at Cuibá River, Pantanal. Lesser Fishing Bat (Lesser Bulldog Bat) Noctilio albiventris Some at dusk in the Pantanal. Black Howler Monkey Alouatta caraya Two seen at Piuval Lodge, Pantanal Black-striped Tufted Capuchin Cebus libidinosus Several sightings at Pantanal. Black-tufted Capuchin Sapajus nigritus (H) Heard at Intervales. Black-tufted Marmoset Callithrix penicillata Seen at our hotel in Canastra. Black-tailed Marmoset Callithrix melanura Great views at Rio Claro. Pampas Deer Ozotoceros bezoarticus Two seen at Canastra NP, high part. Red Brocket Mazama americana One along Transpantaneira Road. Marsh Deer Blastocerus dichotomus Two along Transpantaneira Road. Brazilian Tapir Tapirus terrestris One at the road to Santa Isabel, Pantanal near Jofre. 28 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil

29 Jaguar (Eduardo Patrial) NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Blue-throated Piping Guan Pipile cumanensis The population found in south-western Brazil and Bolivia (the one possible on this tour) has a mainly white dewlap and is sometimes split off as a separate species White-throated Piping Guan P. grayi. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Many authors use the name Cattle Egret for this species, but it has been renamed following the splitting off of Eastern Cattle Egret B. coromandus. Rufous-thighed Hawk Accipiter erythronemius Many authors lump this form in Sharp-shinned Hawk A. striatus. Southern Crested (or Southern) Caracara Caracara plancus Northern Crested Caracara (or Northern Caracara) C. cheriway is often lumped in this species, with the name Crested Caracara being used for the enlarged species. Golden-capped Parakeet Aratinga auricapillus This form in sometimes lumped in Sun Parakeet A. solstitialis Yellow-chevroned Parakeet Brotogeris chiriri This form is sometimes lumped in Canary-winged Parakeet B. versicolurus. Glittering-bellied Emerald Chlorostilbon lucidus Many authors still use the specific name aureoventris for this species, but this name was shown to be mistaken by J.F. Pacheco and B.M. Whitney in White-wedged Piculet Picumnus albosquamatus 29 BirdQuest Tour Report: Jaguars and Birds of Brazil