24 October - 7 November 2022

by Eduardo Patrial

What a superb debut it was for the first Brazil’s Far South & Southwest, a tour that combines wonderful landscapes and an impressive mix of special birds ranging from Atlantic Forest (the amazing Araucaria woods in the south), the coastal Pampa, the mighty Pantanal and the fascinating savanna from central Brazil, the Cerrado. Two delightful weeks with over 400 birds and so many ‘wanted’ ones from the huge and diverse Brazilian avifauna. Check out some of the highlights: Spotted Nothura, Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans, Ringed Teal, Scaled Chachalaca, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Bare-faced Curassow, Sickle-winged and White-winged Nightjars, Purple-crowned Plovercrest, Long-tailed Ground Dove, Dot-winged Crake, Pinnated Bittern, Cinereous and Long-winged Harriers, Chaco Eagle, Rusty-barred and Black-banded Owls, Chaco and Caatinga Puffbirds, Mottled Piculet, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-bellied Parrot, Vinaceous-breasted and Red-spectacled Amazons, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Hyacinth Macaw, Campo Miner, Henna-capped and Planalto Foliage-gleaners, Scalloped and Great Rufous Woodcreepers, Long-tailed Cinclodes, Striolated Tit-Spinetail, Straight-billed and Curve-billed Reedhaunters, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Speckle-breasted Antpitta, Planalto Tapaculo, Collared Crescentchest, Black-capped Piprites, Bearded Tachuri, Crested Doradito, Chapada Flycatcher, Black-and-white Monjita, Cock-tailed Tyrant, Helmeted Manakin, Azure, Plush-crested and Curl-crested Jays, Green-chinned Euphonia, Saffron-cowled Blackbird, White-striped Warbler, Glaucous-blue Grosbeak, Coal-crested and Black-masked Finches, the rare Cone-billed Tanager, Chestnut-backed Tanager, endemic Tropeiro Seedeater, Dark-throated, Chestnut and Marsh Seedeaters, and more!

The tour started at Porto Alegre’s airport in the morning of October 24th. After meeting the group, we took the van and drove up the hills in Rio Grande do Sul (Serra Gaúcha) to reach Ana Rech in the surroundings of Caxias do Sul for a one-night stay at the very nice Hospedaria Rio do Vento, which garden already provided the welcome with Olive Spinetail and the stunning Chestnut-backed Tanager. For the afternoon birding, we visited the beautiful area of Canyon Palanquinhos, a mixed of grasslands and Araucaria woods that offered us a great time and some very special birds: endemics Striolated Tit-Spinetail and the rare Tropeiro Seedeater, plus Short-tailed Hawk, Green-barred Woodpecker, Campo Flickers, Buff-necked, Bare-faced and White-faced Ibises, Green-billed Toucan, Chimango Caracara, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, distant view of Vinaceous-breasted Amazon, Firewood Gatherer, Planalto Tyrannulet, Small-billed and Olivaceous Elaenias, Crested Black Tyrant, Blue Manakin, Yellow-rumped Marshbird, Lesser Grass Finch, Grey-throated Warbling Finch and Diademed Tanager. Later we had a delicious pizza for dinner.

With a successful time at Palaquinhos on the previous day, we departed after breakfast from Ana Rech to Vacaria (further north in the state) having the late morning in the field, the whole afternoon and some hours of the evening, mainly covering open marshy habitats around Macena. Birding near Vacaria was again very rewarding as we saw several targets and other cool birds: Yellow-billed Teal, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Long-winged Harrier, Savanna Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Monk Parakeet, Pileated Parrot, endemic Long-tailed Cinclodes, Freckle-breasted Thornbird, uncommon Straight-billed Reedhaunter, Rufous-capped Antshrike, White-crested Tyrannulet, stunning Black-and-white Monjita, Tawny-headed Swallow, the rare Saffron-cowled Blackbird (the first ones of the trip), Pampa and Lesser Grass Finches, Black-and-rufous Warbling Finch, Grassland Yellow Finch and the main star of the place, the tiny and very impressive Sickle-winged Nightjar (amazing views of both male and female).

We departed Vacaria after an early breakfast, heading southeast in the state to the famous birding area of São Francisco de Paula. We arrived in time to enjoy a late morning of birding, first an incredible stop at open marshy habitat and later at dense Atlantic Forest (with Araucaria). The open marshy pass-by simply offered a huge (over 70 birds) flock of the uncommon Saffron-cowled Blackbird, such a happy and long observations we got of that gorgeous species. There was more of Crested Black Tyrant and Straight-billed Reedhaunter. Later in the forest, which was already quiet, we managed some good sightings: White-rimmed Warbler, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Variable Antshrike, female Blue-billed Black Tyrant, Golden-winged Cacique, Diademed Tanager and the shy endemic Blue-bellied Parrot. Lunch and hotel check-in in town, we visited in the afternoon the amazing Araucaria forest at Parador Hampel for a couple of hours. There we got excellent sightings of Araucaria Tit-Spinetails, Green-chinned Euphonias and a Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Then deeper in the forest, we managed breath-taking views of Speckle-breasted Antpitta. All that followed by a nice tea and cake before we finish the day in a very special way, the sunset at Red-spectacled Amazon’s roosting site, very successful again, providing superb views and a true special moment with many of this uncommon southern endemic among the best-looking Amazons. At same site, we still had White Woodpecker, Plumbeous Rail and Yellow Armadillo.

We started the day with great sightings of the Atlantic Forest endemic (and another fine Araucaria dweller) Vinaceous-breasted Amazon, in Araucaria and other trees around Parador Hampel. Scaly-headed Parrot and a group of Azure Jay made present there too. From there, we experienced an exceptional morning of birding in the gorgeous Araucaria Forest from São Francisco de Paula National Forest: Blue-bellied Parrot (better and long views), Grey-bellied Spinetail, Black-throated Trogon, White-spotted Woodpecker, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Brown-breasted Bamboo Tyrant, Rufous-tailed Attila, stunning Purple-crowned Plovercrest; Scalloped Woodcreeper, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Olive Spinetail, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Grey-throated Warbling Finch, Olivaceous Elaenia, Greenish and Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulets, Mottled Piculet and the rare Black-capped Piprites. Driving through open habitats around the National Forest, we still spotted Pampa Finch, Red-spectacled Amazons, Ibises, Hooded Siskins and even a Long-tailed Cinclodes. After a nice lunch at Café Tainhas, we visited more Araucaria woodlands in the touristic little town of Cambará do Sul. There we managed decent looks at Planalto Tapaculo, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Blue-billed Black Tyrant and more of previously seen birds. Owling was included today and with a long effort, we got the desired view of Rusty-barred Owl that evening back in São Francisco de Paula. Overnight in São F. de Paula.

Today was a fantastic day of birding. Early departure heading to the coast in Rio Grande do Sul, we birded the Gentil Lagoon near Tramandaí, having a very enjoyable first session in the coastal Pampa zone. There we got Firewood Gatherers, Grassland Yellow Fiches, Brown-and-yellow Marshbirds, Southern Screamer, Whistling Heron, Long-winged Harrier, a juvenile Cinereous Harrier, White-faced Whistling Duck, Brazilian Teal, Pampa and Lesser Grass Finches, Scarlet Flycatcher, White Monjita, Campo Flicker, Pantanal (South American) Snipe, Crested Doradito (our main target), Wren-like Rushbird, Large-billed Tern, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Tawny-headed Swallow, White-browed Blackbird, Chestnut-capped Blackbird (too many), Red-crested Cardinal and a nice pair of Long-tailed Reed Finch. After lunch in Nova Tramandaí, we continued south with a quick stop near Cidreira, a site where we had the uncommon Glaucous-blue Grosbeak and few others like, Gilded Sapphire, Silver Teal, White-backed Stilt and nice looks at Giant Wood Rail. Heading to Mostardas, the open fields provided much more to watch, like Maguari Storks, Great Egrets, Cocoi Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Savanna Hawks, some Greater Rheas, Red-crested Cardinals and thousands Chestnut-capped Blackbirds. Approaching Mostardas after three pm, we went straight for birding at Porto do Barquinho, a beautiful site by the Lagoa dos Patos. What a place it was to finish this already incredible day: Spotted Nothura, a group of eight Ringed Teals; Brazilian and Silver Teals, Plumbeous Ibis, large flocks of White-faced and Bare-faced Ibises, Pectoral Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, Pantanal Snipe, Lesser Yellowlegs, Brown-hooded Gull, Wood Stork, Neotropic Cormorants, Long-winged Harrier, Snail Kites (many), Great Black Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Monk Parakeet, Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Spectacled Tyrant, Small-billed Elaenia, Fork-tailed Flycatchers, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Short-billed Pipit (very close), White-bellied Tyrannulet, Barn Swallows, Masked Gnatcatcher, Creamy-bellied Thrush, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Green-winged Saltator, Rusty-collared Seedeater and breath-taking views of Spotted Rail. Great seafood and cold beer at our guest house in Mostardas to celebrate.

Today we had a full day of birding covering the wonderful Lagoa do Peixe National Park. In the morning, we did the edge of the proper lagoon along the Talha Mar Track, what a place. More water this made a whole difference, the place was full of birds with large flocks of White-rumped Sandpiper, flocks of Sanderling, Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans, Yellow-billed Teals, Rosy-billed Pochards (a happy surprise), Yellow-gartered and White-winged Coots, some Yellow-billed Pintails, a few Red Shovelers; White-tufted Grebe, White-backed Stilt, American Golden and Semipalmated Plovers, Hudsonian Godwit, lovely Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Brown-hooded and Grey-headed Gulls, Snowy-crowned Tern, American Oystercatcher, Maguari and Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Monk Parakeet, Firewood-gatherer, the nice Bay-capped Wren-Spinetail, simply shocking views of Dot-winged Crake, plenty of Correndera Pipit and Grassland Yellow Finch; some Pantanal Snipes and a quite intense search for South American Painted-snipe, paid off with near ten birds along a grassy muddy field. Back to Mostardas for lunch and siesta. The afternoon session happened along the Dunas Track in the National Park near Mostardas (the road that cuts the habitats until reaching the beach at Balneário Mostardense). We had a great time in that beautiful place. Great sightings of Pinnated Bittern, a large flock of Fulvous Whistling Duck, Giant Wood Rail, a very responsive Plumbeous Rail, a shy Curve-billed Reedhaunter, Spot-flanked Gallinule, Long-winged Harriers, Limpkins, Southern Screamers, Maguari Storks and a very nice Common Miner next to the sand dunes area. A final look at the beach we got Common and Yellow-billed Terns, American Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Kelp Gulls and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Overnight in Mostardas.

Morning transfer to Porto Alegre’s airport, with a good birding stop at the edge of Banhado dos Pachecos in Viamão. A nice stretch of marsh and woodland entertained us for more than an hour with some interesting birds: Scarlet-headed Blackbird, the endemic Scaled Chachalaca, Ultramarine Grosbeak, Diademed Tanager, Golden-crowned Warbler, Olivaceous Elaenia, Southern Yellowthroat, Masked Gnatcatcher, Swainson’s Flycatcher, Southern Screamer and few others.
Later in the airport, we had lunch and waited for the flights to Campo Grande, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state, where we arrived in the early evening, checking in at hotel next to the airport.

Morning transfer to Pousada Aguapé near Aquidauana, South part of the Pantanal. The more than fifty kilometres of dirt road to the lodge was very enjoyable and with a number of good stops: Giant Anteater (one calmly crossing the road), Hyacinth Macaws and Nanday Parakeets, Greater Rheas, Savanna Hawk, White-faced and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Grey-cowled Wood Rail,
Plumbeous and Buff-necked Ibises, Toco Toucan, Red-legged Seriema, Monk and Yellow-chevroned Parakeets, White-rumped Monjita and more. Finally, at Aguapé, we delighted to find its amazing garden filled with dozens of Hyacinth and Blue-and-yellow Macaws, Nanday Parakeets, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Grey-crested Cacholote, stunning Plush-crested Jays, Greyish Baywing, Giant Cowbirds, Red-crested Cardinal, Chaco Chachalacas, Red-shouldered Macaw and others. Next to the river (Rio Aquidauna), we still had Thrush-like Wren, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Pale-legged Hornero, Orange-backed Troupial and Red-billed Scythebill. A cold front was arriving in the afternoon, being much cooler and quite windy. We first birded semi-open habitat next to the lodge in the afternoon session, achieving some great birds: a roosting Great Potoo, a couple of White-fronted Woodpeckers, Golden-collared Macaw, Bare-faced Curassow, the range-restricted Blaze-winged Parakeet, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, stunning Chestnut-eared Aracaris, Silver-beaked Tanager and the impressive Great Rufous Woodcreeper. Later at open fields, we got nice views of Pampas Deer, Long-tailed Ground Dove, Black-collared Hawk, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Pied Plover, Green Ibis, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Great Black Hawk, Purplish Jays, Crested Oropendola and a nice Chaco Puffbird. Overnight at Pousada Aguapé.

Today was surprisingly cold in the Pantanal. In the morning, we did the area called Vazante, mostly open habitats with a large wetland and a bit of forest edge. Besides the usual suspects, we also got this time Jabiru, Solitary Sandpiper, Blue-crowned Trogon, White-wedged Piculet, Aplomado Falcon, Scaly-headed Parrot, Peach-fronted Parakeet, Greater Thornbird, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Rusty-backed Antwren, Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-backed Water Tyrant, Gilded Sapphire, Variable Oriole, Rufous Casiornis, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Masked Gnatcatcher, Rusty-collared Seedeater, Yellowish Pipit, Saffron-billed Sparrow, Solitary Cacique, Yellow-billed Cardinal and Unicolored Blackbird. In the afternoon, we went for a nice boat trip, which yielded a few more interesting species: Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Plumbeous Kite, Osprey, the stunning male Band-tailed Manakin, Grey-headed Tanager, Fawn-breasted Wren, the uncommon Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner, White-lored Spinetail, Pale-vented Pigeon, Toco Toucans and others. We finished the day with amazing views of a Giant Anteater. Overnight at Aguapé.

For the last full day at Aguapé, we repeated a boat trip in the morning. We got Mato Grosso Antbird next to the bank before getting the boat. There were sightings of King Vulture, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Rusty-backed and White-lored Spinetails, Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner (2), Bat Falcon, Blue-crowned Trogon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Toco Toucans, Fawn-breasted Wren, Red-rumped Cacique, Golden-crowned Warbler, Amazonian Motmot and a very shy Buff-bellied Hermit that only showed up briefly after playback. Back to Aguapé, we birded woodland by the road until lunchtime. We finally got Pale-crested Woodpecker, a beautiful pair, and a few more: White-wedged Piculet, Forest Elaenia, Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet, Rufous Casiornis and Purple-throated Euphonia. We also enjoyed again the superb grounds of Aguapé with Yellow Armadillos, Red-legged Seriemas, numerous Macaws (Hyacinth, Blue-and-yellow, Red-shouldered), Scaly-headed Parrot, Nanday Parakeet, Purplish and Plush-crested Jays, Chaco Chachalacas… In the afternoon, we did a pleasant safari to the Vazante, with a few Jabirus this time, a nice Chotoy Spinetail, Muscovy Duck and Brazilian Teals, Gilded Sapphire, Long-tailed Ground Doves, Pied Plover, Solitary Sandpiper, Peach-fronted Parakeet, Orange-winged and Turquoise-fronted Amazons, Unicolored Blackbird, Rusty-collared Seedeater and a nice male Dark-throated Seedeater. Owling in the evening yielded Short-tailed Nighthawk and nice looks at Black-banded Owl.

We departed from Aguapé after the delicious and very enjoyable breakfast watching the birds at the feeders, just amazing. We left the Pantanal with more of the typical sightings – Greater Rheas, Savanna Hawks, Seriema, Herons, etc. Then we had a long drive north, crossing the border into Goiás state, more precisely at the little town of Chapadão do Céu. We arrived in time for about an hour birding next to the town in marshy grassland habitat, a site where we found a bunch of Seedeaters, including several Pearly-bellied Seedeater, a few Chestnut Seedeater and the common Double-collared Seedeater; Streamer-tailed Tyrant, White-tailed Goldenthroat, White-tailed Hawk, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Yellow-rumped Marshbird, Barn Swallow, Grassland Sparrow, Lesser Grass Finch and Horned Screamer. Overnight in Chapadão do Céu.

Nov 4th was our first day visiting a very special and important conservation unity in Brazilian Cerrado, the fascinating Emas National Park. Entering the park, first stop was right next to the gate, to meet Nena our lovely local guide and to see some of the good birds that were already calling around the entrance buildings, such as Curl-crested Jay, Black-throated Saltator and a couple Large-billed Antwren. Aiming the other far side of the park, we covered some ground until a next stop in beautiful open grassland savanna, an area where we saw a good number of Cock-tailed Tyrants, plus Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant, Rufous-sided Pygmy Tyrant, the uncommon Black-masked Finch, Red-legged Seriema, Wedge-tailed Grass Finch, Tawny-headed and American Cliff Swallows and Pampas Deer. By mid-morning, finally at Jacubinha, e visited a narrow gallery forest with seeding bamboo, a site where we got a pair of the very rare endemic Cone-billed Tanager. Great views of the responsive male; female shier in the background. There we also had Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch, Plumbeous Seedeater, Barred Antshrike and a glimpse on a Helmeted Manakin. After that, we still had some time to finish the morning in typical Cerrado (stricto sensu) at Mirante do Aviador, with a gorgeous view of the park. There we had a pair of Chapada Flycatcher, Plain-crested and Lesser Elaenias, White-eared Puffbird, Rufous-winged Antshrike, Shrike-like and White-rumped Tanagers. Time for a delicious and relaxing lunch at Nena’s house in the park. Afternoon session started well in typical Cerrado next to the headquarters, with a smart male Coal-crested Finch. Later we moved to the Brigadista Trail in the gallery forest of Rio Formoso. There we got the endemic White-striped Warbler, better views of Helmeted Manakin; Blond-crested Woodpecker and the uncommon Planalto Foliage-gleaner. Cerrado nearby provided Crane Hawk, nice looks at Caatinga Puffbird and at a group of Yellow-faced Parrot. We finished the in open grasslands deep in the park, hearing the very shy Lesser Nothura and watching the tiny (and rare) couple of Bearded Tachuri. At night, we delighted at least six sightings of the rare White-winged Nightjar (mostly females) along the open grasslands, simply fantastic. What a first day in Emas!

For the morning of our second day at Emas NP, we had punctual stops in typical Cerrado and grasslands, mainly along the main road that cuts the park to the north. New sightings include Pale-breasted Spinetail, amazing view of Collared Crescentchest, the rare Campo Miner; Grass Wren and White-vented Violetear. Plus, another satisfying dose of Bearded Tachuri, Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant, Cock-tailed Tyrants, Wedge-tailed Grass Finch, White-rumped and Shrike-like Tanagers, Lesser Elaenias, White-rumped and Grey Monjitas, White-eared Puffbird, Red-legged Seriema, Tawny-headed Swallow, Black-throated Saltator, Yellow-rumped Marshbird, Curl-crested Jay, Greater Rheas, Blue-and-yellow Macaws and more. In the afternoon, taking the park’s open truck, we covered a different road on the east side of park. The greatest prize was finding a Chaco Eagle perched on a small Cerrado tree, we watched it for a long time. In the evening, we repeated the night birding, having more sightings of White-winged Nightjars. Overnight in Chapadão do Céu.

Finishing our superb time in Emas, we had a very pleasant morning doing a southwest loop (more in typical Cerrado) and later sometime in the gallery forest from Brigadista Trail. The early morning star was a close group of Yellow-faced Parrot we saw feeding in low bushes and in perfect light. We also had White-tailed Hawk, White-tailed, Plumbeous and Swallow-tailed Kites, Greater Rhea, Little Woodpecker, Toco Toucan, Campo Flicker, Aplomado Falcon, White-vented Violetear, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Peach-fronted Parakeet, Red-shouldered Macaw, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Rusty-backed and Large-billed Antwrens, Cock-tailed and Streamer-tailed Tyrants, White-throated Kingbird, Rufous Casiornis, Helmeted Manakin, Masked Gnatcatcher, White-striped Warbler, Black-throated Saltator, Black-masked and Coal-crested Finches. We said goodbye to Emas and to our local support after a delicious lunch in the park. In the afternoon, the last birding session of the tour happened next to Chapadão do Céu. First, gallery forest added few records – Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, White-throated Spadebill and Burnished-buff Tanager. Later and finishing the day, we covered more of the big marsh. The nicest surprise this time was a gorgeous male Marsh Seedeater. Overnight in Chapadão do Céu and the following we had a transfer to Campo Grande and ended the tour around noon.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

BIRDS

Greater Rhea  Rhea americana

Brown Tinamou  Crypturellus obsoletus   Heard only.

Undulated Tinamou  Crypturellus undulatus   Heard only.

Red-winged Tinamou  Rhynchotus rufescens

Lesser Nothura ◊  Nothura minor   Heard only.

Spotted Nothura  Nothura maculosa

Horned Screamer  Anhima cornuta

Southern Screamer  Chauna torquata

White-faced Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna viduata

Black-bellied Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna autumnalis

Fulvous Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna bicolor

Coscoroba Swan  Coscoroba coscoroba

Black-necked Swan  Cygnus melancoryphus

Muscovy Duck  Cairina moschata

Brazilian Teal  Amazonetta brasiliensis

Ringed Teal ◊  Callonetta leucophrys   a group of eight at Lagoa dos Patos, Mostardas.

Silver Teal  Spatula versicolor

Red Shoveler  Spatula platalea

Yellow-billed Pintail  Anas georgica

Yellow-billed Teal  Anas flavirostris

Rosy-billed Pochard  Netta peposaca

Chaco Chachalaca ◊  Ortalis canicollis

Scaled Chachalaca ◊  Ortalis squamata   Endemic, seen near Porto Alegre.

Dusky-legged Guan ◊  Penelope obscura

Blue-throated Piping Guan  Pipile cumanensis

Bare-faced Curassow ◊  Crax fasciolata

Nacunda Nighthawk  Chordeiles nacunda   Heard only.

Short-tailed Nighthawk  Lurocalis semitorquatus

Pauraque  Nyctidromus albicollis

Sickle-winged Nightjar ◊  Eleothreptus anomalus

White-winged Nightjar ◊  Eleothreptus candicans

Great Potoo  Nyctibius grandis

Common Potoo  Nyctibius griseus

Sick’s Swift  Chaetura meridionalis

Fork-tailed Palm Swift  Tachornis squamata   Leader only.

Buff-bellied Hermit ◊  Phaethornis subochraceus

White-vented Violetear  Colibri serrirostris

White-tailed Goldenthroat  Polytmus guainumbi

Glittering-bellied Emerald  Chlorostilbon lucidus

Purple-crowned Plovercrest ◊  Stephanoxis loddigesii

Fork-tailed Woodnymph  Thalurania furcata

Violet-capped Woodnymph ◊  Thalurania glaucopis

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird  Eupetomena macroura

White-throated Hummingbird  Leucochloris albicollis

Gilded Sapphire (G Hummingbird)  Hylocharis chrysura

Guira Cuckoo  Guira guira

Greater Ani  Crotophaga major

Smooth-billed Ani  Crotophaga ani

Striped Cuckoo  Tapera naevia   Heard only.

Squirrel Cuckoo  Piaya cayana

Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral Pigeon)  Columba [livia] domestica

Picazuro Pigeon  Patagioenas picazuro

Pale-vented Pigeon  Patagioenas cayennensis

Plumbeous Pigeon  Patagioenas plumbea   Heard only.

Scaled Dove  Columbina squammata

Plain-breasted Ground Dove  Columbina minuta

Ruddy Ground Dove  Columbina talpacoti

Picui Ground Dove  Columbina picui

Long-tailed Ground Dove ◊  Uropelia campestris

White-tipped Dove  Leptotila verreauxi

Eared Dove  Zenaida auriculata

Ash-throated Crake  Mustelirallus albicollis   Heard only.

Spotted Rail  Pardirallus maculatus

Plumbeous Rail  Pardirallus sanguinolentus

Grey-cowled Wood Rail  Aramides cajaneus

Giant Wood Rail ◊  Aramides ypecaha

Slaty-breasted Wood Rail ◊  Aramides saracura

Spot-flanked Gallinule  Porphyriops melanops

Common Gallinule  Gallinula galeata

Red-gartered Coot  Fulica armillata

White-winged Coot  Fulica leucoptera

Dot-winged Crake ◊  Laterallus spiloptera

Red-and-white Crake ◊  Laterallus leucopyrrhus   Heard only.

Limpkin  Aramus guarauna

White-tufted Grebe  Rollandia rolland

American Oystercatcher  Haematopus palliatus

White-backed Stilt  Himantopus melanurus

Southern Lapwing  Vanellus chilensis

American Golden Plover  Pluvialis dominica

Semipalmated Plover  Charadrius semipalmatus

Pied Plover  Hoploxypterus cayanus

South American Painted-snipe  Nycticryphes semicollaris

Wattled Jacana  Jacana jacana

Hudsonian Godwit  Limosa haemastica

Sanderling  Calidris alba

White-rumped Sandpiper  Calidris fuscicollis

Buff-breasted Sandpiper  Calidris subruficollis

Pectoral Sandpiper  Calidris melanotos

Pantanal Snipe  Gallinago paraguaiae

Solitary Sandpiper  Tringa solitaria

Lesser Yellowlegs  Tringa flavipes

Greater Yellowlegs  Tringa melanoleuca

Black Skimmer  Rynchops niger

Brown-hooded Gull  Chroicocephalus maculipennis

Grey-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus

Kelp Gull  Larus dominicanus

Yellow-billed Tern  Sternula superciliaris

Common Tern  Sterna hirundo

Snowy-crowned Tern  Sterna trudeaui

Large-billed Tern  Phaetusa simplex

Wood Stork  Mycteria americana

Maguari Stork  Ciconia maguari

Jabiru  Jabiru mycteria

Magnificent Frigatebird  Fregata magnificens

Anhinga  Anhinga anhinga

Neotropic Cormorant  Nannopterum brasilianum

Plumbeous Ibis  Theristicus caerulescens

Buff-necked Ibis  Theristicus caudatus

Green Ibis  Mesembrinibis cayennensis

Bare-faced Ibis  Phimosus infuscatus

White-faced Ibis  Plegadis chihi

Roseate Spoonbill  Platalea ajaja

Rufescent Tiger Heron  Tigrisoma lineatum

Pinnated Bittern  Botaurus pinnatus

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Striated Heron  Butorides striata

Western Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis

Cocoi Heron  Ardea cocoi

Great Egret  Ardea alba

Whistling Heron  Syrigma sibilatrix

Snowy Egret  Egretta thula

King Vulture  Sarcoramphus papa

Black Vulture  Coragyps atratus

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture  Cathartes burrovianus

Osprey (American O)  Pandion [haliaetus] carolinensis

White-tailed Kite  Elanus leucurus

Swallow-tailed Kite  Elanoides forficatus

Rufous-thighed Hawk  Accipiter erythronemius

Long-winged Harrier  Circus buffoni

Cinereous Harrier  Circus cinereus   juvenile in Tramandaí.

Plumbeous Kite  Ictinia plumbea

Black-collared Hawk  Busarellus nigricollis

Snail Kite  Rostrhamus sociabilis

Crane Hawk  Geranospiza caerulescens

Savanna Hawk  Buteogallus meridionalis

Great Black Hawk  Buteogallus urubitinga

Chaco Eagle ◊  Buteogallus coronatus   amazing sighting at Emas.

Roadside Hawk  Rupornis magnirostris

White-tailed Hawk  Geranoaetus albicaudatus

Short-tailed Hawk  Buteo brachyurus

American Barn Owl  Tyto furcata

Burrowing Owl  Athene cunicularia

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl  Glaucidium brasilianum

Great Horned Owl  Bubo virginianus   Heard only.

Tropical Screech Owl  Megascops choliba

Rusty-barred Owl ◊  Strix hylophila

Black-banded Owl  Strix huhula

Blue-crowned Trogon  Trogon curucui

Black-throated Trogon  Trogon rufus

Amazon Kingfisher  Chloroceryle amazona

Green Kingfisher  Chloroceryle americana

Ringed Kingfisher  Megaceryle torquata

Amazonian Motmot  Momotus momota

Rufous-tailed Jacamar  Galbula ruficauda

White-eared Puffbird  Nystalus chacuru

Caatinga Puffbird ◊  Nystalus maculatus

Chaco Puffbird  Nystalus striatipectus

Chestnut-eared Aracari  Pteroglossus castanotis

Green-billed Toucan ◊ (Red-breasted T)  Ramphastos dicolorus

Toco Toucan  Ramphastos toco

White-wedged Piculet  Picumnus albosquamatus

Mottled Piculet  Picumnus nebulosus

White Woodpecker  Melanerpes candidus

White-fronted Woodpecker  Melanerpes cactorum

Little Woodpecker  Veniliornis passerinus

White-spotted Woodpecker  Veniliornis spilogaster

Yellow-browed Woodpecker ◊  Piculus aurulentus   Heard only.

Green-barred Woodpecker  Colaptes melanochloros

Campo Flicker  Colaptes campestris

Pale-crested Woodpecker ◊  Celeus lugubris

Blond-crested Woodpecker ◊  Celeus flavescens

Lineated Woodpecker  Dryocopus lineatus  

Crimson-crested Woodpecker  Campephilus melanoleucos

Red-legged Seriema  Cariama cristata

Crested Caracara (Southern C C)  Caracara [plancus] plancus

Yellow-headed Caracara  Milvago chimachima

Chimango Caracara  Milvago chimango

American Kestrel  Falco sparverius

Aplomado Falcon  Falco femoralis

Bat Falcon  Falco rufigularis

Monk Parakeet  Myiopsitta monachus

Yellow-chevroned Parakeet  Brotogeris chiriri

Pileated Parrot ◊  Pionopsitta pileata

Blue-bellied Parrot ◊  Triclaria malachitacea   Endemic.

Scaly-headed Parrot  Pionus maximiliani

Blue-headed Parrot  Pionus menstruus

Yellow-faced Parrot ◊  Alipiopsitta xanthops  

Vinaceous-breasted Amazon ◊  Amazona vinacea

Red-spectacled Amazon ◊  Amazona pretrei   Endemic.

Turquoise-fronted Amazon  Amazona aestiva

Orange-winged Amazon  Amazona amazonica

Blaze-winged Parakeet ◊  Pyrrhura devillei

Maroon-bellied Parakeet  Pyrrhura frontalis

Hyacinth Macaw ◊  Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

Peach-fronted Parakeet  Eupsittula aurea

Nanday Parakeet (Black-hooded P)  Aratinga nenday

Golden-collared Macaw ◊  Primolius auricollis

Blue-and-yellow Macaw  Ara ararauna

Red-shouldered Macaw  Diopsittaca nobilis

White-eyed Parakeet  Psittacara leucophthalmus

Rufous-breasted Leaftosser ◊  Sclerurus scansor

Common Miner  Geositta cunicularia

Campo Miner  Geositta poeciloptera

Olivaceous Woodcreeper  Sittasomus griseicapillus

Great Rufous Woodcreeper  Xiphocolaptes major

Lesser Woodcreeper ◊  Xiphorhynchus fuscus   Heard only.

Red-billed Scythebill  Campylorhamphus trochilirostris

Narrow-billed Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes angustirostris

Scalloped Woodcreeper ◊  Lepidocolaptes falcinellus

Pale-legged Hornero  Furnarius leucopus

Rufous Hornero  Furnarius rufus

Wren-like Rushbird  Phleocryptes melanops

Curve-billed Reedhaunter ◊  Limnornis curvirostris

Long-tailed Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes pabsti   Endemic.

Sharp-billed Treehunter  Heliobletus contaminatus

Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner  Syndactyla rufosuperciliata   Heard only.

Planalto Foliage-gleaner ◊ (Russet-mantled F-g)  Syndactyla dimidiata

Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner ◊ (Chestnut-c F-g)  Clibanornis rectirostris

Striolated Tit-Spinetail ◊  Leptasthenura striolata   Endemic.

Araucaria Tit-Spinetail ◊  Leptasthenura setaria

Freckle-breasted Thornbird  Phacellodomus striaticollis

Greater Thornbird  Phacellodomus ruber

Firewood-gatherer  Anumbius annumbi

Straight-billed Reedhaunter ◊  Limnoctites rectirostris

Rusty-backed Spinetail  Cranioleuca vulpina

Olive Spinetail ◊  Cranioleuca obsoleta

Bay-capped Wren-Spinetail ◊  Spartonoica maluroides

Grey-crested Cacholote ◊  Pseudoseisura unirufa

Yellow-chinned Spinetail  Certhiaxis cinnamomeus

Chotoy Spinetail  Schoeniophylax phryganophilus

Grey-bellied Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis cinerascens

White-lored Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis albilora

Spix’s Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis spixi   Heard only.

Pale-breasted Spinetail  Synallaxis albescens

Sooty-fronted Spinetail  Synallaxis frontalis

Rusty-backed Antwren  Formicivora rufa

Large-billed Antwren ◊  Herpsilochmus longirostris

Barred Antshrike  Thamnophilus doliatus

Variable Antshrike  Thamnophilus caerulescens

Rufous-winged Antshrike  Thamnophilus torquatus

Rufous-capped Antshrike  Thamnophilus ruficapillus

Great Antshrike  Taraba major

Giant Antshrike ◊  Batara cinerea   Heard only.

Dusky-tailed Antbird ◊  Drymophila malura

Mato Grosso Antbird ◊  Cercomacra melanaria

Short-tailed Antthrush  Chamaeza campanisona   Heard only.

Rufous-tailed Antthrush ◊  Chamaeza ruficauda

Variegated Antpitta  Grallaria varia   Heard only.

Speckle-breasted Antpitta ◊  Cryptopezus nattereri

Marsh Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus iraiensis   Heard only.

Planalto Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus pachecoi

Mouse-coloured Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus speluncae   Endemic. Heard only.

Collared Crescentchest ◊  Melanopareia torquata

Black-capped Piprites ◊  Piprites pileata

Planalto Tyrannulet ◊  Phyllomyias fasciatus

Greenish Tyrannulet ◊  Phyllomyias virescens

Forest Elaenia  Myiopagis gaimardii

Greenish Elaenia  Myiopagis viridicata

Yellow-bellied Elaenia  Elaenia flavogaster

Small-billed Elaenia  Elaenia parvirostris

Olivaceous Elaenia ◊  Elaenia mesoleuca

Plain-crested Elaenia  Elaenia cristata

Lesser Elaenia  Elaenia chiriquensis

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet  Camptostoma obsoletum

White-crested Tyrannulet  Serpophaga subcristata

White-bellied Tyrannulet  Serpophaga munda

Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet  Phaeomyias murina

Bearded Tachuri ◊  Polystictus pectoralis

Crested Doradito ◊  Pseudocolopteryx sclateri

Rufous-sided Scrub Tyrant ◊  Euscarthmus rufomarginatus

Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet  Phylloscartes ventralis

Chapada Flycatcher ◊  Guyramemua affine

Bran-coloured Flycatcher  Myiophobus fasciatus

Many-colored Rush Tyrant  Tachuris rubrigastra

Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant ◊  Culicivora caudacuta

Brown-breasted Bamboo Tyrant ◊  Hemitriccus obsoletus

Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant  Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer   Heard only.

Common Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum cinereum

White-throated Spadebill  Platyrinchus mystaceus

Euler’s Flycatcher  Lathrotriccus euleri

Fuscous Flycatcher  Cnemotriccus fuscatus   Heard only.

Scarlet Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus rubinus

Yellow-browed Tyrant  Satrapa icterophrys

Spectacled Tyrant  Hymenops perspicillatus

Blue-billed Black Tyrant ◊  Knipolegus cyanirostris

Crested Black Tyrant  Knipolegus lophotes

White-rumped Monjita  Xolmis velatus

White Monjita  Xolmis irupero

Grey Monjita  Nengetus cinereus

Streamer-tailed Tyrant  Gubernetes yetapa

Black-backed Water Tyrant  Fluvicola albiventer

White-headed Marsh Tyrant  Arundinicola leucocephala

Black-and-white Monjita ◊  Heteroxolmis dominicana

Cock-tailed Tyrant ◊  Alectrurus tricolor

Cattle Tyrant  Machetornis rixosa

Rusty-margined Flycatcher  Myiozetetes cayanensis

Great Kiskadee  Pitangus sulphuratus

Streaked Flycatcher  Myiodynastes maculatus

Boat-billed Flycatcher  Megarynchus pitangua   Heard only.

White-throated Kingbird  Tyrannus albogularis

Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus

Fork-tailed Flycatcher  Tyrannus savana

Rufous Casiornis  Casiornis rufus

Swainson’s Flycatcher  Myiarchus swainsoni

Short-crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus ferox

Brown-crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus tyrannulus

Rufous-tailed Attila ◊  Attila phoenicurus

Bare-throated Bellbird ◊  Procnias nudicollis   Heard only.

Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin  Neopelma pallescens

Helmeted Manakin  Antilophia galeata

Blue Manakin ◊  Chiroxiphia caudata

Band-tailed Manakin  Pipra fasciicauda

White-winged Becard  Pachyramphus polychopterus

Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis

Chivi Vireo  Vireo chivi

Azure Jay ◊  Cyanocorax caeruleus

Purplish Jay  Cyanocorax cyanomelas

Curl-crested Jay ◊  Cyanocorax cristatellus

Plush-crested Jay  Cyanocorax chrysops

White-rumped Swallow  Tachycineta leucorrhoa

White-winged Swallow  Tachycineta albiventer

Blue-and-white Swallow  Pygochelidon cyanoleuca

Tawny-headed Swallow  Alopochelidon fucata

Southern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

Brown-chested Martin  Progne tapera

Grey-breasted Martin  Progne chalybea

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

American Cliff Swallow  Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Thrush-like Wren  Campylorhynchus turdinus

Grass Wren  Cistothorus platensis

Fawn-breasted Wren  Cantorchilus guarayanus

House Wren (Southern H W)  Troglodytes [aedon] musculus

Masked Gnatcatcher  Polioptila dumicola

Chalk-browed Mockingbird  Mimus saturninus

Creamy-bellied Thrush  Turdus amaurochalinus

White-necked Thrush  Turdus albicollis   Heard only.

Pale-breasted Thrush  Turdus leucomelas

Rufous-bellied Thrush  Turdus rufiventris

House Sparrow (introduced)  Passer domesticus

Yellowish Pipit  Anthus chii

Short-billed Pipit  Anthus furcatus

Correndera Pipit  Anthus correndera

Hooded Siskin  Spinus magellanicus

Purple-throated Euphonia  Euphonia chlorotica

Green-chinned Euphonia ◊  Euphonia chalybea

Grassland Sparrow  Ammodramus humeralis

Saffron-billed Sparrow  Arremon flavirostris

Rufous-collared Sparrow  Zonotrichia capensis

White-browed Blackbird  Leistes superciliaris

Crested Oropendola  Psarocolius decumanus

Solitary Cacique  Cacicus solitarius

Golden-winged Cacique  Cacicus chrysopterus

Red-rumped Cacique  Cacicus haemorrhous

Orange-backed Troupial  Icterus croconotus

Variable Oriole  Icterus pyrrhopterus

Giant Cowbird  Molothrus oryzivorus

Shiny Cowbird  Molothrus bonariensis

Scarlet-headed Blackbird  Amblyramphus holosericeus

Chopi Blackbird  Gnorimopsar chopi

Greyish Baywing  Agelaioides badius

Yellow-winged Blackbird  Agelasticus thilius

Unicolored Blackbird  Agelasticus cyanopus

Chestnut-capped Blackbird  Chrysomus ruficapillus

Saffron-cowled Blackbird ◊  Xanthopsar flavus

Brown-and-yellow Marshbird ◊  Pseudoleistes virescens

Yellow-rumped Marshbird ◊  Pseudoleistes guirahuro

Southern Yellowthroat  Geothlypis velata

Tropical Parula  Setophaga pitiayumi

White-striped Warbler ◊  Myiothlypis leucophrys   Endemic.

Flavescent Warbler  Myiothlypis flaveola

White-rimmed Warbler ◊  Myiothlypis leucoblephara

Golden-crowned Warbler  Basileuterus culicivorus

Glaucous-blue Grosbeak ◊  Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea

Ultramarine Grosbeak  Cyanoloxia brissonii

Coal-crested Finch ◊  Charitospiza eucosma

Black-masked Finch ◊  Coryphaspiza melanotis

Pampa Finch  Embernagra platensis

Lesser Grass Finch ◊  Emberizoides ypiranganus

Wedge-tailed Grass Finch  Emberizoides herbicola

Blue Dacnis  Dacnis cayana

Black-throated Saltator ◊  Saltatricula atricollis

Green-winged Saltator  Saltator similis

Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola

Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina

Cone-billed Tanager ◊  Conothraupis mesoleuca   Endemic.

Grey-headed Tanager  Eucometis penicillata

Red Pileated Finch  Coryphospingus cucullatus   Leader only.

Silver-beaked Tanager  Ramphocelus carbo

Double-collared Seedeater  Sporophila caerulescens

Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch  Sporophila angolensis

Plumbeous Seedeater  Sporophila plumbea

Tropeiro Seedeater ◊  Sporophila beltoni   Endemic.

Rusty-collared Seedeater  Sporophila collaris

Dark-throated Seedeater ◊  Sporophila ruficollis

Pearly-bellied Seedeater ◊  Sporophila pileata

Chestnut Seedeater ◊  Sporophila cinnamomea

Marsh Seedeater ◊  Sporophila palustris

Black-and-rufous Warbling Finch  Poospiza nigrorufa

Long-tailed Reed Finch ◊  Donacospiza albifrons

White-rumped Tanager  Cypsnagra hirundinacea

Grey-throated Warbling Finch ◊  Microspingus cabanisi

Chestnut-vented Conebill  Conirostrum speciosum

Saffron Finch  Sicalis flaveola

Grassland Yellow Finch  Sicalis luteola

Fawn-breasted Tanager  Pipraeidea melanonota  Heard only.

Blue-and-yellow Tanager  Rauenia bonariensis

Shrike-like Tanager (White-banded T)  Neothraupis fasciata

Diademed Tanager ◊  Stephanophorus diadematus

Red-crested Cardinal  Paroaria coronata

Yellow-billed Cardinal  Paroaria capitata

Sayaca Tanager  Thraupis sayaca

Palm Tanager  Thraupis palmarum

Chestnut-backed Tanager ◊  Stilpnia preciosa

Burnished-buff Tanager  Stilpnia cayana

MAMMALS

Giant Anteater  Myrmecophaga tridactyla

South American Coati  Nasua nasua

Striped Hog-nosed Skunk  Conepatus semistriatus

Nine-banded Armadillo  Dasypus novemcinctus

Yellow Armadillo  Euphractus sexcinctus

Crab-eating Fox  Cerdocyon thous

Pampas Fox  Lycalopex gymnocercus

Collared Peccary  Dicotyles tajacu 

Marsh Deer  Blatocerus dichotomus

Red Brocket Deer  Mazama americana

Brown Howler  Alouatta guariba   Heard only.

Black-and-gold Howler  Alouatta caraya

Tapeti (Brazilian Cottontail)  Sylvilagus brasiliensis

Azara’s Agouti  Dasyprocta azarae

Capybara  Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Coypu  Myocastor coypus