21 SEPTEMBER – 05 OCTOBER 2022
Hyacinth Macaw, an iconic bird of the Pantanal (photo Eric Schroeder).
Overview
In September 2022 I traveled to Brazil to lead a Birding Ecotours tour with the Golden Gate Bird Alliance. After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, I was more excited than ever to return to one of my favorite destinations in the Neotropics! This trip was designed to give participants the opportunity to explore three important and iconic ecosystems in Brazil: Firstly, the Pantanal, the largest seasonal wetland in the world, home to a vast number of birds and wildlife, and famous for its Jaguar-viewing opportunities. Secondly, the Cerrado, a unique habitat of deciduous scrub and tropical savanna, which is unfortunately threatened due to deforestation and fires. Finally, the Atlantic Forest, a vast and diverse forest that extends across much of Brazil and within which the mighty Iguazú Falls, on the Brazil-Argentina border, is found.
The Devil’s Throat of Iguazú Falls from Argentina.
During this fantastic two-week birding tour, we recorded numerous fantastic species including Hyacinth Macaw, Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Greater Rhea, Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Agami Heron, Zigzag Heron, Helmeted Manakin, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Green-headed Tanager, Black Jacobin, Great Dusky Swift, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Red-billed Scythebill, Rufous-capped Motmot, Surucua, Black-throated and Blue-crowned Trogons, Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Black-fronted Piping Guan, Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Common and Great Potoos, Toco Toucan, White-rumped and Fulvous Shrike-Tanagers, and many others. In addition to our birding encounters, we had a variety of mammals, including four of Brazil’s ‘Big Five’: Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Lowland Tapir and Giant (River) Otter.This was a superb trip for birders, wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 21st September 2022. Arrival in São Paulo, and transfer to Argentina
The group met at the Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, before connecting with a domestic flight to Foz do Iguazú in the Brazilian state of Paraná. In Foz de Iguazú, we were welcomed by Pocho, our excellent Argentinean local guide who would be with us while in Iguazú. We arrived at the Argentina-Brazil border, which is easy to navigate for international travelers visiting the Urugua-í Park and its stunning waterfalls. This was the first time many of our group members had traveled to Brazil, Iguazú or the Pantanal, which added to the excitement of the adventure that awaited us.
We then traveled to our accommodation where we would stay for the next four nights, the Selva de Laurel Lodge, which is conveniently located near ‘600 Hectares’, a famous birding hotspot in the Argentinean state of Misiones. The crisscrossing of borders meant that we could immediately start adding birds to both our Brazilian and Argentinian country lists. We birded along the roads and around the immigration offices which produced Squirrel Cuckoo, Southern Lapwing, Picazuro Pigeon, Plumbeous Kite, White Woodpecker, Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, Crested Caracara, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Sayaca Tanager, Saffron Finch, Grey-breasted Martin, and Rufous Hornero. These were the first birds we could officially add to our Argentinian bird list. After an exciting first day, we returned to our accommodation and prepared for the following day.
Great Dusky Swifts at Iguazú Falls (photo Carl Wang).
Day 2, 22nd September 2022. Birding the Iguazú Falls and Jardin de los Picaflores
The next day we started birding around the lodge before leaving for Iguazú National Park which opens at 8 a.m. We heard Rufous-capped Motmot calling before dawn, but they were rather distant. We then saw Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Planalto Woodcreeper, Eared Pygmy Tyrant, Fuscous Flycatcher, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Plush-crested Jay, Golden-crowned Warbler, Swallow Tanager, and Red-rumped Cacique. We heard Ochre-collared Piculet, which unfortunately did not show for us, however the stunning Blond-crested Woodpecker was seen by everyone.
After a few hours of birding around the lodge we left for Iguazú National Park. We arrived at the park, and after dealing with the long lines and crowds, we made our way to the spectacular Devil’s Throat, which at a height of 269 feet (82 meters), is the largest waterfall of the Iguazú Falls. From the cliffs, we were able to get amazing scope views of Great Dusky Swifts roosting, as well as flying above the mighty waterfalls.
Along the boardwalks and above the waterfalls, we enjoyed sightings of Snail Kite, Neotropic Cormorant, Chestnut-vented Conebill, Saffron Finch, Red-rumped Cacique, and Scaly-headed Parrot. We also had some interesting wildlife encounters, with great views of South American Coati, Black-capped Capuchin, Iguazu Lava Lizard, Black Tegu and Granulated Catfish.
Black Jacobin, an Atlantic Forest hummingbird special (photo Carl Wang).
The rain arrived at midday, and by now we were ready for a meal at the restaurant in Iguazú National Park, which turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. We then headed to the Jardin de los Picaflores, a hummingbird garden in Puerto Iguazú. Here, we enjoyed our first sightings of these beautiful and unique avian jewels, and seeing as this was the only hummingbird feeding station we would visit on the trip, we appreciated our time here even more. We had a wonderful time at the bird feeders, enjoying views of Black Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, Glittering-bellied and Versicolored Emeralds, Violet-capped Woodnymph, White-throated and Swallow-tailed Hummingbirds, Gilded Sapphire, Planalto and Scale-throated Hermits, as well as Violaceous Euphonia and Variable Oriole. After a great day at the Iguazú Falls, we returned to the lodge to get some well-deserved rest, in preparation for the next day.
Day 3, 23rd September 2022. Exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls
Today we left Puerto Iguazú and crossed the border to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. Before we even got out of the bus, we spotted a Black-fronted Piping Guan, an Endangered Atlantic Forest endemic, which everyone was able to see. Shortly afterwards, we saw our first Toco Toucan, as well as the beautiful Green-headed Tanager. Seeing Black-fronted Piping Guan, one of the trip highlights, on the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls was an amazing start. Although the Argentinian side of the Iguazú Falls is better in terms of walking trails and convenient birding sites, the Brazilian side produced some unexpected surprises, and gave us even more spectacular views of the waterfall.
Before it started raining and was covered in mist, participants took the opportunity to photograph the waterfall. I felt sorry for those who arrived later and missed this photographic opportunity, but in terms of our birding successes, we were very content.
The Endangered Black-fronted Piping Guan, one of the highlights of Iguazú (photo Carl Wang).
In the evening, we went outside the lodge to try for Black-capped Screech Owl,which we heard, but unfortunately never saw. Although we tried hard for this bird, the bad weather and elusive nature of this individual meant that our efforts went unrewarded. This was a pity, but we returned to the lodge looking forward to the next day at the Urugua-í Park.
Day 4, 24th September 2022. Exploring Urugua-í Park
Urugua-í Park, named after local conservationist, Dr. Luis Honorio Rolon, protects habitat around the source of the Uruguaí River, which originates in the highlands of the Misiones Province. At 2,470 acres (84,000 hectares), this is perhaps one of the best places to see Black-fronted Piping Guan, as well as many other species. The birding started off slowly, with a few species showing well, including Green-backed Becard, and we had a great sighting of Chestnut-crowned Becard building a nest right next to the parking lot. We then had a Campo Flicker, and our first flock of Maroon-bellied Parakeet.Other species seen included the widespread Great Kiskadee, Streaked and Piratic Flycatchers, Red-rumped Caciques and Swallow Tanager. Despite it being quiet in the humid and misty Atlantic Forest, we soon found a Red-ruffed Fruitcrow.
Red-ruffed Fruitcrow in the Urugua-í Park (photo Carl Wang).
In the forest interior we found Surucua Trogon, Southern Beardless and Greenish Tyrannulets, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Southern Bristle Tyrant, White-necked Thrush, Golden-crowned Warbler, Tropical Parula, Red-crowned Ant Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Green-winged Saltator, and Riverbank Warbler, and with some local knowledge and good luck, we saw White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, a bird that does not always show well.
We left the forest and tried for a another sought-after Furnarid from this part of the world, the secretive Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper – a bird which is found in the Atlantic Forest, in the humid mountains of the Andes. We looked along the main road, and were lucky enough to be able to feast our eyes on this small and mysterious stream skulker. We heard a Black-fronted Piping Guan in the distance, but were unable to see it, so I was especially pleased that we had seen one on the previous day on the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. We saw Scaly-headed Parrots of the race melanoblepharus, distinguishable from the race maximiliani (which we later saw in the Pantanal) by the absence of a white eye ring.
After a great picnic lunch, where Pocho provided a variety of ‘Argentinean empanadas’ to keep our spirits up, we left Urugua-í Park and investigated an Araucaria woodland where we got great views of another special, Araucaria Tit-Spinetail,and we heard a Blacksmith Thrush which only a few participants had seen at Urugua-í Park.
We decided to have dinner outside of our accommodation seeing that Puerto Iguazú has many restaurant options, which Pocho helped us to choose from. After a great day of birding, we returned to the lodge to get ready for our last day in Iguazú.
The secretive White-eyed Foliage-gleaner at the Urugua-í Park (photo Carl Wang).
Day 5, 25th September 2022. Morning flight to São Paulo, with a connecting flight to Cuiabá
Today we returned to the Foz do Iguazú Airport in Brazil. We said goodbye to our Argentinian team and prepared for a long day of travel. Before we left Iguazú, on the way to the airport, we managed to see a pair of Burrowing Owls, which made several people very happy, especially Carl who had never seen one before. The first flight was from Foz do Iguazú to São Paulo, which was then followed by a connecting flight to Cuiabá, our rendezvous for the Pantanal and Cerrado trip. We arrived at Cuiabá and were transferred to our accommodation at Hotel Slaviero. Despite the heat and humidity, we were very excited about the prospect of exploring the Pantanal and the Cerrado over the next few days.
Day 6, 26th September 2022. Transfer to Chapada dos Guimarães, with birding en route
We left Cuiabá and birded en route as we headed towards Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and were immediately impressed with the red cliffs and mountains of this new landscape. Our first stop was near an impressive cliff known as ‘Hell’s Gate’, and along the way we encountered some interesting scrub species including Red-and-green Macaw, White-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Toco Toucan, Cliff (with more grey than white on the head, compared to the Andean tropical foothills population) and Boat-billed Flycatchers Burnished-buff and White-lined Tanagers, Chalk-browed Mockingbird, as well as one of the specials here, Blue-winged Macaw.
After having lunch in town, we moved to Pousada do Parque, our base for the next three nights, which was conveniently located on the outskirts of the Chapada do Guimarães National Park. Here, we had Guira Cuckoo, Southern Lapwing, Chopi Blackbird, Red Pileated Finch, and we saw a Planalto Hermit feeding in the flowers around the reception and pool.
We spent the rest of the afternoon birding around the scenic lodge grounds. Other species which showed well during the afternoon included Scaled Pigeon, Ruddy Ground and White-tipped Doves, Smooth-billed Ani, White-vented Violetear and Glittering-bellied Emerald, Amazonian Motmot, Swallow-winged Puffbird, Lettered Aracari, Yellow-tufted, Little, Lineated and Green-barred Woodpeckers, Creamy-bellied Thrush, Double-collared Seedeater, Black-faced Tanager, Small-billed Elaenia, and Masked Tityra. We also had Rufous Hornero, the Argentinean national bird, and Rufous-bellied Thrush, the Brazilian national bird.
Day 7, 27th September 2022. Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and Pousada do Parque
We spent the first hours of the morning birding along the main track on the way to the entrance of the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park. Along this road we found some interesting and widespread species such as Blue Dacnis, Amazonian Motmot, White Woodpecker, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Rufous Casiornis, Rufous Hornero, Helmeted Manakin (female), Short-crested Flycatcher, Masked Tityra, Sayaca Tanager, Flavescent Warbler, Red Pileated Finch, and Black-throated Saltator.
Although there is extensive Cerrado habitat outside of the park, we were able to find some of our target species in more accessible areas, such as Água Fria and the Geladeira Road, as well as the road that takes you to Stone City, where it is possible to see the Endangered Yellow-faced Amazon. Unfortunately, the road is not always in good condition, and it sometimes requires a 4×4 vehicle, depending on the time of year one is traveling.
We spent some time at the famous Bride’s Veil Waterfall, which is created by several streams that run down the slopes of the plateaus (Planalto in Portuguese) and discharge into the Cuiabá River and the Pantanal. Here, we managed to see flocks of White-eyed Parakeet, Red-and-green Macaw, Cliff Flycatcher, Blue-winged Macaw, and Cindi spotted a Great Dusky Swift roosting, which was great to see. We tried forCrested Black Tyrant, but unfortunately did not see one today.
Bride’s Veil in Chapada dos Guimarães.
We then visited Vale de Benção, one of the few remaining pockets of forest in the Cerrado, where it is possible to find interior forest species, and to find shade as the heat intensifies. As soon as we arrived, we had Amazonian Motmot, Black-fronted Nunbird, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Lettered Aracari, Red-shouldered Macaw, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Large-billed Antwren, Crested Oropendola, Variable Oriole, Buff-throated Saltator, Pale-breasted Thrush, and for the second time on this trip, we saw Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper.
Later that afternoon we explored the open areas of the Cerrado, finding birds such as Red-legged Seriema, which gave us a great performance as it crossed the road. Other bird sightings included Chapada Flycatcher, Rusty-backed Antwren, Large Elaenia, Plumbeous Seedeater, Black-throated Saltator and Peach-fronted Parakeet. Red-winged Tinamou was heard,but we were unfortunately unable to see it on this occasion. We then returned to the Pousada do Parque Lodge to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Day 8, 28th September 2022. Chapada dos Guimarães and Pousada do Parque
Today we left very early in the morning to explore the open areas of the Cerrado. Close to the Estrada Água Fria, we found some interesting Cerrado specials such as Black-faced and Shrike-like Tanagers, and we saw White-rumped Tanagers doing a territorial display. We added several of the usual suspects, including great views of White-eared Puffbird and Campo Flicker.However, Collared Crescentchest proved elusive this year. After a morning of birding the Cerrado, we moved back to the lodge before a rainstorm descended upon us, with such strong winds that some tables and chairs blew off the ground. Some people went inside to get some rest, while others stayed outside to see the few birds that could endure the storm, which produced Chopi Blackbird and Purplish Jay. The rain continued for most of the afternoon, but eventually stopped and allowed us to continue birding around the lodge.
White-eared Puffbird at Chapada dos Guimarães.
We had productive birding within the lodge grounds, with Yellow-tufted, Lineated and Green-barred Woodpeckers Black-crowned Tityra, Barred Antshrike, White-lined Tanager all seen in the vicinity. We were also fortunate to see a Narrow-billed Woodcreeper building a nest which was interesting to watch. Beautiful Red-and-green Macaws are always a pleasure to see flying above the Cerrado and are a sign of hope in the face of the many threats this special habitat faces. Perhaps the most exciting sighting was the secretive Red-winged Tinamou,which was seen well by everyone as itwalked shyly above the grass along the fence-line.
Just before dusk we got to see Nacunda Nighthawk, as well as alarge number of bats emerging from a building that they had been nesting in. During our stay in Pousada do Parque, we did not see any Brazilian Cavy, and the small family group living in the lodge grounds was nowhere to be seen, possibly having been predated on by Crab-eating Foxes which are widespread in the Pantanal and Cerrado. The other culprit could have been the similar-looking Hoary Fox,a seldom-seen Brazilian endemic, which inhabits the Cerrado and can be tricky to tell apart at night, especially with brief views.
Day 9, 29th September 2022. Transfer to the Pantanal (Pouso Alegre), and birding en route
The next morning, those who were up early enough saw a male Scissor-tailed Nightjar near the pool. We then left the lodge and were transferred to the Geodesic stakeout, where we added another Red-winged Tinamou, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, White-collared Swift, Grey Monjita,as well as the other usual suspects, but we didn’t see any Crested Black Tyrants. Sadly, it was time to leave Chapadados Guimarães, and we headed back to Cuiabá to begin exploring the Pantanal.
Staying at Pousada do Parque is a highly recommended and worthwhile stopover, as it is located within the national park itself. This means that birds and wildlife are easy to find, and we also had easier access to nocturnal birds on our night drives. After some time birding at Iguazú and the Atlantic Forest, our time in the Cerrado was equally productive, with clients birding in the early mornings, enjoying a rest during the heat of the day, before more birding later in the day.
On the way back to Cuiabá, we stopped at a municipal park where we saw a few species we had already seen, but we were especially pleased when a Helmeted Manakin (male) showed well for us, which is very lucky, as the bird often only shows when play-back is used. We took our time to enjoy this bird, and then headed back to the restaurant at Cuiabá for a tasty lunch. After our lunch, we headed to Poconé with high expectations, and our first stop on the way was at a marshland, where we had a great number of aquatic species such as White-faced Whistling Duck, Brazilian Teal, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Wattled Jacana, Black-necked Stilt, Little Blue and Striated Herons, Yellow-chevroned Parakeets and Brown-chested Martin, amongst others.
A variety of aquatic species in the Pantanal (photo Ricardo Boschetti).
We then continued our journey to Piuval Lodge, our base from which we would explore the Pantanal. After a quick check-in, we had time to bird in the lodge vicinity, as well as in the seasonally flooded grasslands where we had Jabiru, Wood Stork, Cocoi Heron, Black Skimmer, Great, Snowy and Western Cattle Egrets, Bare-faced and Plumbeous Ibises, and Roseate Spoonbill. We were fortunate to spot a Crane Hawk, one of the less abundant open-country raptors in the Pantanal, and everyone had brilliant scope views of this individual. This was followed by Campo Flicker, White-eyed Parakeet, Rufous Cachalote, Red-crested Cardinal, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher. The Pantanal is also famous for having the world’s largest population of Capybara, and it was here that we had our first sighting of this large rodent.
After dinner we went on an open-vehicle 4×4 drive, finding our first Marsh Deer, as well as a few pairs of Crab-eating Foxes. In addition, we saw several Little Nightjars and Pauraques, giving participants the chance to see the differences between the two species, without having to rely on the call differences to separate them.
Day 10, 30th September 2022. Birding around the lodge, and transfer to Hotel Mato Grosso
Before dawn, we were out exploring the lodge surroundings when one of the ‘Big Five’ of Brazil, and one of the most desirable species of South America, the Giant Anteater was spotted. We were fortunate enough to have amazing views of this remarkable creature, which is still found in South American grasslands, savanna, and the Amazon Rainforest.
Then, without needing to return to the lodge at 730 a.m. for breakfast (which is customary at Pantanal and Cerrado lodges), we were able to take advantage of having the additional time to bird around the lodge at this productive time of day. We had a great time birding inside the lodge grounds in the open-vehicle 4x4s, affording us great views of birds we had seen regularly. We also had Sunbittern, Grey-cowled Wood Rail, Chaco Chachalaca, White-throated Piping Guan [White-throated Piping Guan (Pipile grayi) is a recent split from Blue-throated Piping Guan (P. cumanensis) based on differences in plumage, the shape and color of the wattle, and limited hybridization in contact zones in southeastern Peru], and Bare-faced Curassow. The Pantanal contains a healthy population of Bare-faced Curassows, making them particularly easy to see here compared to other parts of the New Word.
The moment we had all been waiting for on the tour finally arrived when the highly desirable Hyacinth Macaw, which is considered the largest parrot species, was seen flying above the beautiful Pantanal landscape, followed by an even closer view of a pair at the top of a tree. Everyone had great scope views of this obliging pair, and this was when Eric took the photo that appears on the cover of this trip report. Although other lodges have Hyacinth Macaws roosting in their gardens, the experience of seeing a pair attending a natural nest is simply magical and watching this species flying over the Pantanal woodlands is the best way to see these magnificent birds.
We continued birding for the rest of the morning, finding great species such as Pale-crested Woodpecker and Little Woodpeckers, Campo Flicker, Toco Toucan, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, White-lored Spinetail, Southern Scrub Flycatcher, Rufous Casiornis, Cattle Tyrant, Streaked Flycatcher, Masked Gnatcatcher, White-browed Blackbird, Orange-backed Troupial, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Chestnut-vented Conebill, Pale-breasted and Rufous-bellied Thrushes, Black-fronted Nunbird, and Great Black and Savanna Hawks. The bird that elicited the most excitement from the group must have been the impressive Red-billed Scythebill, which seemed to be playing a game of hide-an-seek at first, but then gave us fantastic views. We then had a Great Potoo roosting at its daytime roost, followed by White-vented Plumeleteer, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-vented Violetear, Picui Ground Dove, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Red-legged Seriema and our first Monk Parakeet. Later that morning, we retreated to the lodge, but not before we had a glimpse of a family of Azara’s Capuchins.
Red-billed Scythebill, a great find in the Pantanal.
After we checked out and had our lunch, we headed along the famous Transpantaneira Road, which is a 90-mile (145 kilometer) dirt road connecting Poconé to Puerto Joffre and contains over 120 bridges. This road crosses the northern Pantanal and is a paradise for birds and wildlife, as well as hosting several lodges, restaurants, and recreational activities along the way. Many of these lodges were once cattle ranches (fazendas in Portuguese) which have now been repurposed for ecotourism.
While driving along the Transpantaneira Road, we saw plenty of aquatic species, including a few new species for the trip including Maguari Stork, Capped Heron, Black-collared Hawk, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Black-backed Water Tyrant, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, as well as Jabiru at a nest.
As soon as we entered the Pantanal, we had a better understanding of the type of species that are typical of this habitat, starting with a large gathering of Yacare Caiman around the last-remaining lagoons and wetlands of the dry season. Yacare Caiman are now considered common in the Pantanal, and are classified as a species of Least Concern, but from 1970 to 1996 they were classed as ‘Endangered’ due the illicit trade of their skins. Today, Yacare Caiman are one of the main dietary sources of Jaguars, and as such are a critical part of the Pantanal’s ecosystem.
We arrived at Pouso Alegre where we found the endemic Chestnut-bellied Guan, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Bare-faced Curassow, Amazon Kingfisher, and Chaco Chachalaca. It was very hot when we arrived at the lodge, so we decided to rest and bird around the lodge grounds before we went on the open-vehicle 4×4 drive. Along the drive we saw Great Horned Owl, Common Potoo, Little Nightjar, Common Pauraque, and a roosting Toco Toucan. No new mammals were seen, but the lodge grounds provided good views of Crab-eating Foxes, and once we got back to the lodge itself, we had Lowland Tapir, anindividual which had become habituated, and would often sneak into the lodge vicinity to look for food.
Day 11, 1st October 2022. Birding around the lodge, and transfer to Mato Grosso Lodge
Today we took an early walk around the lodge, and in the woodland and scrub habitat we found White-lored Spinetail, Caatinga Cacholote, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Swainson’s Flycatcher, Flavescent Warbler, Thrush-like Wren, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Turquoise-fronted Amazon, Scaled Dove, Bare-faced Curassow, Blue-crowned Trogon, Greater Rhea, Chaco Chachalaca, Chestnut-bellied Guan, South American Coati and had further great views of Hyacinth Macaws flying over. We also had perhaps one of our best sightings of Great Rufous Woodcreeper,which was new for the trip.
Greater Rhea is found in the Cerrado and grasslands of the Pantanal.
After some productive birding, we headed to Mato Grosso Lodge, located next to the Pixaim River which provided access to a variety of habitats, including woodlands and gallery forest. In the afternoon we embarked on our much-anticipated boat ride, which allowed us to explore the Pixaim River. We saw widespread species such as Anhinga, Neotropic Cormorant, Cocoi Heron, Jabiru, Wood Stork, Green Ibis, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Black-collared Hawk, Boat-billed Heron at a daytime roosting spot, and although American Pygmy Kingfisher took some time to find, we eventually had great views of this cute, little bird. We also had Band-tailed Antbird skulking in the low vegetation, as well as Chestnut-eared Aracari, Pale-legged Hornero, Lesser Kiskadee, Rusty-backed Spinetail and Pale-vented Pigeon. We got very excited when we had our first Sungrebe, which was not easy to find at first, but we all eventually had superb views.
Lowland Tapir, the largest mammal in South America, gave us a great performance when it approached the shore and submerged itself in the water to cross the river. It was amazing to follow the trace of air bubbles as it made its crossing, before its head eventually emerged. By sunset we witnessed flocks of Band-tailed Nighthawks above the water, and we tried for the very secretive and seldom-seen Zigzag Heron, which although difficult to find elsewhere, is relatively easy in the Pantanal. It was great to be able to give all participants views of this most-wanted species.
Lowland Tapir gave us a great performance (photo Eric Schroeder).
Day 12, 2nd October 2022. Birding Mato Grosso Lodge, and transfer to Porto Joffre
We spent the early morning birding the lodge grounds, including the adjacent marsh and the gallery forest, enabling us to add several new birds to the trip list. The old airstrip is always a good place to start, and we had good views of Nanday Parakeets flying over. We then had excellent sightings of Chotoy Spinetail, Peach-fronted Parakeet, and Scaly-headed Parrot, of the Pantanal race siy, which shows white orbital skin, in comparison to the Atlantic Forest race which we saw around Iguazú. We then had White-bellied Seedeater, Buff-bellied Hermit, Bluish-grey Saltator, and Variable Oriole, followed by a handsome Marsh Deer watching us from the grasslands.
Once on the trail, we continued birding which produced Mato Grosso Antbird, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Flavescent Warbler, Blue-crowned Trogon, Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Black-fronted Nunbird, Pearly-vented and Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrants and Yellow-olive Flatbill.A final visit to the marsh near to the lodge allowed us to find Long-tailed Ground Dove,which took some effort, but we all eventually managed to see it. We left Mato Grosso Lodge and continued along the Transpantaneira Road on the way to Porto Joffre, stopping at a few strategic places on the way, allowing us to find species such as Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Rusty-collared Seedeater, Black-capped Donacobius, Large-billed Tern, Black Skimmer, Southern Screamer, and Unicolored Blackbird.
The start of the Transpantaneira Road.
We arrived at the Hotel Pantanal Norte in Porto Joffre where we checked in and had a tasty lunch. After a short respite, we met at the lodge’s jetty to begin our journey by speed boat along the Cuiabá River where we hoped to find the highly prized Jaguar. This river flows to the Paraguay River, and then into La Plata in Argentina, eventually ending up in the Atlantic Ocean. The rivers of the Pantanal contain the largest concentration of Jaguars in the world, and the high numbers of Capybara and Yacare Caiman in the Pantanal provide the Jaguar population with a reliable food source. Jaguar sightings are therefore relatively easy, especially during the region’s dry months when the riverbanks are exposed. We were lucky to have our first encounter with Jaguars on the first afternoon on the riverbank, when an individual emerged from the bush, allowing us to have magnificent views. We also had encounters with birds such as Collared and Pied Plovers, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, and Large-billed Tern.
Day 13, 3rd October 2022. Jaguar viewing by boat and birding around Porto Joffre
We had another full morning to explore the Cuiabá River and to look for more Jaguar. We were extremely fortunate to see an adult female with two almost fully mature cubs, which was a very special wildlife encounter. We then had an awesome encounter with another most-wanted mammal in the Pantanal, the charismatic Giant (River) Otter, resulting in outstanding views of a family which demonstrated the species’ full repertoire of social and fishing behaviors. We then returned to the lodge to have lunch and to take a break, before heading out into the field for the afternoon.
We had wonderful Jaguar views in the Pantanal (photos Eric Schroeder).
In the afternoon, we explored the surrounding area of the Transpantaneira, where we found Solitary Cacique, Barred Antshrike and Striped Cuckoo.We tried hard for Grey-breasted Crake, which came close, but did not show.We also worked hard for Cinereous-breasted Spinetail,which took some time to find, but was eventually seen by everyone. The day ended on a high note when we saw Undulated Tinamou, which Freya spotted through the thick bush, while it was calling and sitting motionless. Everyone was delighted to have scope views of this elusive bird that we had heard so often in the Cerrado and Pantanal, but due to its shy-nature had not been seen until now.
We had wonderful Jaguar views in the Pantanal (photos Eric Schroeder).
Day 14, 4th October 2022. Birding the Transpantaneira Road, and transfer to Cuiabá
Today was our last day in the Pantanal, which was essentially a transfer day back to the city. We had planned a couple of strategic stops, including a lunch-stop. Although we were not expecting anything new, we enjoyed a few final photo opportunities of the Pantanal along with many of the wonderful birds we had seen previously on the trip. Perhaps the best surprise was when we spotted a young Yellow Anaconda disappearing from the road into the bushes, providing us with a glimpse of most of the snake. We finally reached Poconé and saw about three Blue-and-yellow Macaws, as well as a few more regularly seen species. We finally arrived at the hotel, and had supper at our favorite restaurant in town where we celebrated the end of a truly fantastic two-week birding trip of Brazil and Argentina.
Day 15, 5th October 2022. Departure from São Paulo
On our final day, participants were transferred to the Cuiabá Marechal Rondon International Airport to catch their connecting flights back to São Paulo where they eventually departed, bringing the tour to its conclusion.
Giant (River) Otters in the Pantanal (photo Ricardo Boschetti).
Bird List – Following IOC (13.1)
Birds ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, all other species were seen.
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following BirdLife International: VU = Vulnerable.
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
| Rheas (Rheidae) | |
| Greater Rhea | Rhea americana |
| Tinamous (Tinamidae) | |
| Undulated Tinamou | Crypturellus undulatus |
| Small-billed Tinamou | Crypturellus parvirostris |
| Red-winged Tinamou | Rhynchotus rufescens |
| Screamers (Anhimidae) | |
| Horned Screamer | Anhima cornuta |
| Southern Screamer | Chauna torquata |
| Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae) | |
| White-faced Whistling Duck | Dendrocygna viduata |
| Black-bellied Whistling Duck | Dendrocygna autumnalis |
| Muscovy Duck | Cairina moschata |
| Brazilian Teal | Amazonetta brasiliensis |
| Chachalacas, Curassows, Guans (Cracidae) | |
| Chaco Chachalaca | Ortalis canicollis |
| Chestnut-bellied Guan (Endemic) – VU | Penelope ochrogaster |
| White-throated Piping Guan | Pipile grayi |
| Black-fronted Piping Guan – EN | Pipile jacutinga |
| Bare-faced Curassow – VU | Crax fasciolata |
| Nightjars (Caprimulgidae) | |
| Nacunda Nighthawk | Chordeiles nacunda |
| Band-tailed Nighthawk | Nyctiprogne leucopyga |
| Pauraque | Nyctidromus albicollis |
| Little Nightjar | Setopagis parvula |
| Potoos (Nyctibiidae) | |
| Great Potoo | Nyctibius grandis |
| Common Potoo | Nyctibius griseus |
| Swifts (Apodidae) | |
| Great Dusky Swift | Cypseloides senex |
| White-collared Swift | Streptoprocne zonaris |
| Sick’s Swift | Chaetura meridionalis |
| Grey-rumped Swift | Chaetura cinereiventris |
| Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) | |
| Black Jacobin | Florisuga fusca |
| Scaly-throated Hermit | Phaethornis eurynome |
| Buff-bellied Hermit | Phaethornis subochraceus |
| Planalto Hermit | Phaethornis pretrei |
| Black-throated Mango | Anthracothorax nigricollis |
| White-vented Violetear | Colibri serrirostris |
| Blue-tufted Starthroat | Heliomaster furcifer |
| Glittering-bellied Emerald | Chlorostilbon lucidus |
| Fork-tailed Woodnymph | Thalurania furcata |
| Violet-capped Woodnymph | Thalurania glaucopis |
| Swallow-tailed Hummingbird | Eupetomena macroura |
| Sapphire-spangled Emerald | Chionomesa lactea |
| Versicolored Emerald | Chrysuronia versicolor |
| White-throated Hummingbird | Leucochloris albicollis |
| Glittering-throated Emerald | Chionomesa fimbriata |
| Gilded Sapphire | Hylocharis chrysura |
| Cuckoos (Cuculidae) | |
| Guira Cuckoo | Guira guira |
| Greater Ani | Crotophaga major |
| Smooth-billed Ani | Crotophaga ani |
| Striped Cuckoo | Tapera naevia |
| Squirrel Cuckoo | Piaya cayana |
| Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae) | |
| Rock Dove (Introduced) | Columba livia |
| Scaled Pigeon | Patagioenas speciosa |
| Picazuro Pigeon | Patagioenas picazuro |
| Scaled Dove | Columbina squammata |
| Ruddy Ground Dove | Columbina talpacoti |
| Picui Ground Dove | Columbina picui |
| Blue Ground Dove | Claravis pretiosa |
| Long-tailed Ground Dove | Uropelia campestris |
| White-tipped Dove | Leptotila verreauxi |
| Eared Dove | Zenaida auriculata |
| Finfoots (Heliornithidae) | |
| Sungrebe | Heliornis fulica |
| Rails, Crakes & Coots (Rallidae) | |
| Grey-cowled Wood Rail | Aramides cajaneus |
| Grey-breasted Crake (H) | Laterallus exilis |
| Limpkin (Aramidae) | |
| Limpkin | Aramus guarauna |
| Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae) | |
| Black-necked Stilt | Himantopus mexicanus |
| Plovers (Charadriidae) | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis |
| Collared Plover | Charadrius collaris |
| Pied Plover | Hoploxypterus cayanus |
| Jacanas (Jacanidae) | |
| Wattled Jacana | Jacana jacana |
| Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae) | |
| Spotted Sandpiper | Actitis macularius |
| Solitary Sandpiper | Tringa solitaria |
| Lesser Yellowlegs | Tringa flavipes |
| Greater Yellowlegs | Tringa melanoleuca |
| Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (Laridae) | |
| Black Skimmer | Rynchops niger |
| Large-billed Tern | Phaetusa simplex |
| Sunbittern (Eurypygidae) | |
| Sunbittern | Eurypyga helias |
| Storks (Ciconiidae) | |
| Wood Stork | Mycteria americana |
| Maguari Stork | Ciconia maguari |
| Jabiru | Jabiru mycteria |
| Anhingas, Darters (Anhingidae) | |
| Anhinga | Anhinga anhinga |
| Cormorants, Shags (Phalacrocoracidae) | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Nannopterum brasilianum |
| Ibises, Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) | |
| Plumbeous Ibis | Theristicus caerulescens |
| Buff-necked Ibis | Theristicus caudatus |
| Green Ibis | Mesembrinibis cayennensis |
| Bare-faced Ibis | Phimosus infuscatus |
| Roseate Spoonbill | Platalea ajaja |
| Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae) | |
| Rufescent Tiger Heron | Tigrisoma lineatum |
| Agami Heron – VU | Agamia agami |
| Boat-billed Heron | Cochlearius cochlearius |
| Zigzag Heron | Zebrilus undulatus |
| Black-crowned Night Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax |
| Striated Heron | Butorides striata |
| Western Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis |
| Cocoi Heron | Ardea cocoi |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba |
| Capped Heron | Pilherodius pileatus |
| Whistling Heron | Syrigma sibilatrix |
| Little Blue Heron | Egretta caerulea |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula |
| New World Vultures (Cathartidae) | |
| King Vulture | Sarcoramphus papa |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura |
| Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture | Cathartes burrovianus |
| Ospreys (Pandionidae) | |
| Western Osprey | Pandion haliaetus |
| Kites, Hawks, Eagles (Accipitridae) | |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus |
| 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 |
| Roadside Hawk | Rupornis magnirostris |
| White-tailed Hawk | Geranoaetus albicaudatus |
| White Hawk | Pseudastur albicollis |
| Grey-lined Hawk | Buteo nitidus |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus |
| Owls (Strigidae) | |
| Burrowing Owl | Athene cunicularia |
| Ferruginous Pygmy Owl | Glaucidium brasilianum |
| Great Horned Owl | Bubo virginianus |
| Tropical Screech Owl | Megascops choliba |
| Black-capped Screech Owl (H) | Megascops atricapilla |
| Trogons (Trogonidae) | |
| Blue-crowned Trogon | Trogon curucui |
| Surucua Trogon | Trogon surrucura |
| Black-throated Trogon | Trogon rufus |
| Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) | |
| Amazon Kingfisher | Chloroceryle amazona |
| American Pygmy Kingfisher | Chloroceryle aenea |
| Green Kingfisher | Chloroceryle americana |
| Green-and-rufous Kingfisher | Chloroceryle inda |
| Ringed Kingfisher | Megaceryle torquata |
| Motmots (Momotidae) | |
| Amazonian Motmot | Momotus momota |
| Rufous-capped Motmot | Baryphthengus ruficapillus |
| Jacamars (Galbulidae) | |
| Rufous-tailed Jacamar | Galbula ruficauda |
| Puffbirds (Bucconidae) | |
| White-eared Puffbird | Nystalus chacuru |
| Black-fronted Nunbird | Monasa nigrifrons |
| Swallow-winged Puffbird | Chelidoptera tenebrosa |
| Toucans (Ramphastidae) | |
| Lettered Aracari | Pteroglossus inscriptus |
| Chestnut-eared Aracari | Pteroglossus castanotis |
| Channel-billed Toucan – VU | Ramphastos vitellinus |
| Toco Toucan | Ramphastos toco |
| Woodpeckers (Picidae) | |
| Ochre-collared Piculet (H) | |
| White-wedged Piculet | Picumnus albosquamatus |
| White Woodpecker | Melanerpes candidus |
| Yellow-tufted Woodpecker | Melanerpes cruentatus |
| Yellow-fronted Woodpecker | Melanerpes flavifrons |
| Little Woodpecker | Veniliornis passerinus |
| Green-barred Woodpecker | Colaptes melanochloros |
| Campo Flicker | Colaptes campestris |
| Pale-crested Woodpecker | Celeus lugubris |
| Blond-crested Woodpecker | Celeus flavescens |
| Lineated Woodpecker | Dryocopus lineatus |
| Seriemas (Cariamidae) | |
| Red-legged Seriema | Cariama cristata |
| Caracaras, Falcons (Falconidae) | |
| Crested Caracara | Caracara plancus |
| Yellow-headed Caracara | Milvago chimachima |
| Laughing Falcon | Herpetotheres cachinnans |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius |
| Bat Falcon | Falco rufigularis |
| African & New World Parrots (Psittacidae) | |
| Monk Parakeet | Myiopsitta monachus |
| Yellow-chevroned Parakeet | Brotogeris chiriri |
| Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet | Forpus xanthopterygius |
| Scaly-headed Parrot | Pionus maximiliani |
| Blue-headed Parrot | Pionus menstruus |
| Turquoise-fronted Amazon | Amazona aestiva |
| Orange-winged Amazon | Amazona amazonica |
| Maroon-bellied Parakeet | Pyrrhura frontalis |
| Maroon-tailed Parakeet | Pyrrhura melanura |
| Hyacinth Macaw – VU | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus |
| Peach-fronted Parakeet | Eupsittula aurea |
| Nanday Parakeet | Aratinga nenday |
| Golden-collared Macaw | Primolius auricollis |
| Blue-winged Macaw | Primolius maracana |
| Blue-and-yellow Macaw | Ara ararauna |
| Red-and-green Macaw | Ara chloropterus |
| Red-shouldered Macaw | Diopsittaca nobilis |
| White-eyed Parakeet | Psittacara leucophthalmus |
| Ovenbirds (Furnariidae) | |
| Olivaceous Woodcreeper | Sittasomus griseicapillus |
| Plain-winged Woodcreeper | Dendrocincla turdina |
| Wedge-billed Woodcreeper | Glyphorynchus spirurus |
| Planalto Woodcreeper | Dendrocolaptes platyrostris |
| White-throated Woodcreeper | Xiphocolaptes albicollis |
| Great Rufous Woodcreeper | Xiphocolaptes major |
| Buff-throated Woodcreeper | Xiphorhynchus guttatus |
| Red-billed Scythebill | Campylorhamphus trochilirostris |
| Narrow-billed Woodcreeper | Lepidocolaptes angustirostris |
| Plain Xenops | Xenops minutus |
| Streaked Xenops | Xenops rutilans |
| Pale-legged Hornero | Furnarius leucopus |
| Rufous Hornero | Furnarius rufus |
| Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper | Lochmias nematura |
| Black-capped Foliage-gleaner | Philydor atricapillus |
| White-browed Foliage-gleaner | Anabacerthia amaurotis |
| Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner | Anabacerthia lichtensteini |
| White-eyed Foliage-gleaner | Automolus leucophthalmus |
| Araucaria Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura setaria |
| Rufous-fronted Thornbird | Phacellodomus rufifrons |
| Greater Thornbird | Phacellodomus ruber |
| Rusty-backed Spinetail | Cranioleuca vulpina |
| Grey-crested Cacholote | Pseudoseisura unirufa |
| Yellow-chinned Spinetail | Certhiaxis cinnamomeus |
| Chotoy Spinetail | Schoeniophylax phryganophilus |
| White-lored Spinetail | Synallaxis albilora |
| Cinereous-breasted Spinetail | Synallaxis hypospodia |
| Antbirds (Thamnophilidae) | |
| Streak-capped Antwren | Terenura maculata |
| Rusty-backed Antwren | Formicivora rufa |
| Large-billed Antwren | Herpsilochmus longirostris |
| Plain Antvireo | Dysithamnus mentalis |
| Barred Antshrike | Thamnophilus doliatus |
| Spot-backed Antshrike (H) | Hypoedaleus guttatus |
| Mato Grosso Antbird | Cercomacra melanaria |
| Band-tailed Antbird | Hypocnemoides maculicauda |
| Antthrushes (Formicariidae) | |
| Short-tailed Antthrush (H) | Chamaeza campanisona |
| Tyrant Flycatchers, Calyptura (Tyrannidae) | |
| Greenish Elaenia | Myiopagis viridicata |
| Large Elaenia | Elaenia spectabilis |
| Plain-crested Elaenia | Elaenia cristata |
| Lesser Elaenia | Elaenia chiriquensis |
| Southern Beardless Tyrannulet | Camptostoma obsoletum |
| Mouse-colored Tyrannulet | Phaeomyias murina |
| Southern Antpipit | Corythopis delalandi |
| Southern Bristle Tyrant | Pogonotriccus eximius |
| Sepia-capped Flycatcher | Leptopogon amaurocephalus |
| Chapada Flycatcher | Guyramemua affine |
| Southern Scrub Flycatcher | Sublegatus modestus |
| Bran-colored Flycatcher | Myiophobus fasciatus |
| Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant | Hemitriccus striaticollis |
| Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant | Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer |
| Eared Pygmy Tyrant | Myiornis auricularis |
| Common Tody-Flycatcher | Todirostrum cinereum |
| Yellow-olive Flatbill | Tolmomyias sulphurescens |
| Cliff Flycatcher | Hirundinea ferruginea |
| Fuscous Flycatcher | Cnemotriccus fuscatus |
| Vermilion Flycatcher | Pyrocephalus obscurus |
| Grey Monjita | Nengetus cinereus |
| Black-backed Water Tyrant | Fluvicola albiventer |
| White-headed Marsh Tyrant | Arundinicola leucocephala |
| Long-tailed Tyrant | Colonia colonus |
| Cattle Tyrant | Machetornis rixosa |
| Piratic Flycatcher | Legatus leucophaius |
| Rusty-margined Flycatcher | Myiozetetes cayanensis |
| Social Flycatcher | Myiozetetes similis |
| Great Kiskadee | Pitangus sulphuratus |
| Lesser Kiskadee | Philohydor lictor |
| Streaked Flycatcher | Myiodynastes maculatus |
| Boat-billed Flycatcher | Megarynchus pitangua |
| Variegated Flycatcher | Empidonomus varius |
| Tropical Kingbird | Tyrannus melancholicus |
| Fork-tailed Flycatcher | Tyrannus savana |
| Rufous Casiornis | Casiornis rufus |
| Swainson’s Flycatcher | Myiarchus swainsoni |
| Short-crested Flycatcher | |
| White-eyed Attila | Attila bolivianus |
| Bright-rumped Attila | Attila spadiceus |
| Cotingas (Cotingidae) | |
| Red-ruffed Fruitcrow | Pyroderus scutatus |
| Manakins (Pipridae) | |
| Helmeted Manakin | Antilophia galeata |
| Band-tailed Manakin | Pipra fasciicauda |
| Tityras, Becards, Sharpbill (Tityridae) | |
| Black-crowned Tityra | Tityra inquisitor |
| Black-tailed Tityra | Tityra cayana |
| Masked Tityra | Tityra semifasciata |
| Green-backed Becard | Pachyramphus viridis |
| Chestnut-crowned Becard | Pachyramphus castaneus |
| Vireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblers (Vireonidae) | |
| Ashy-headed Greenlet | Hylophilus pectoralis |
| Chivi Vireo | Vireo chivi |
| Crows, Jays (Corvidae) | |
| Purplish Jay | Cyanocorax cyanomelas |
| Plush-crested Jay | Cyanocorax chrysops |
| Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae) | |
| White-winged Swallow | Tachycineta albiventer |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca |
| Southern Rough-winged Swallow | Stelgidopteryx ruficollis |
| Brown-chested Martin | Progne tapera |
| Grey-breasted Martin | Progne chalybea |
| Black-capped Donacobius (Donacobiidae) | |
| Black-capped Donacobius | Donacobius atricapilla |
| Wrens (Troglodytidae) | |
| Thrush-like Wren | Campylorhynchus turdinus |
| Fawn-breasted Wren | Cantorchilus guarayanus |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon |
| Gnatcatchers (Polioptilidae) | |
| Masked Gnatcatcher | Polioptila dumicola |
| Mockingbirds, Thrashers (Mimidae) | |
| Chalk-browed Mockingbird | Mimus saturninus |
| Thrushes (Turdidae) | |
| Blacksmith Thrush | Turdus subalaris |
| Creamy-bellied Thrush | Turdus amaurochalinus |
| White-necked Thrush | Turdus albicollis |
| Pale-breasted Thrush | Turdus leucomelas |
| Rufous-bellied Thrush | Turdus rufiventris |
| Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches (Passeridae) | |
| House Sparrow (Introduced) | Passer domesticus |
| Finches, Euphonias (Fringillidae) | |
| Purple-throated Euphonia | Euphonia chlorotica |
| Chestnut-bellied Euphonia | Euphonia pectoralis |
| Violaceous Euphonia | Euphonia violacea |
| New World Sparrows (Passerellidae) | |
| Saffron-billed Sparrow | Arremon flavirostris |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis |
| Oropendolas, Orioles, Blackbirds (Icteridae) | |
| White-browed Blackbird | Leistes superciliaris |
| Russet-backed Oropendola | Psarocolius angustifrons |
| Crested Oropendola | Psarocolius decumanus |
| Solitary Cacique | Cacicus solitarius |
| Yellow-rumped Cacique | Cacicus cela |
| Red-rumped Cacique | Cacicus haemorrhous |
| Orange-backed Troupial | Icterus croconotus |
| Variable Oriole | Icterus pyrrhopterus |
| Epaulet Oriole | Icterus cayanensis |
| Giant Cowbird | Molothrus oryzivorus |
| Shiny Cowbird | Molothrus bonariensis |
| Scarlet-headed Blackbird | Amblyramphus holosericeus |
| Chopi Blackbird | Gnorimopsar chopi |
| Greyish Baywing | Agelaioides badius |
| Unicolored Blackbird | Agelasticus cyanopus |
| New World Warblers (Parulidae) | |
| Southern Yellowthroat | Geothlypis velata |
| Tropical Parula | Setophaga pitiayumi |
| Flavescent Warbler | Myiothlypis flaveola |
| White-rimmed Warbler | Myiothlypis leucoblephara |
| Riverbank Warbler | Myiothlypis rivularis |
| Golden-crowned Warbler | Basileuterus culicivorus |
| Cardinals & Allies (Cardinalidae) | |
| Red-crowned Ant Tanager | Habia rubica |
| Tanagers & Allies (Thraupidae) | |
| Swallow Tanager | Tersina viridis |
| Blue Dacnis | Dacnis cayana |
| Green-winged Saltator | Saltator similis |
| Blue-grey Saltator | Saltator coerulescens |
| Buff-throated Saltator | Saltator maximus |
| Bananaquit | Coereba flaveola |
| Blue-black Grassquit | Volatinia jacarina |
| Black-goggled Tanager | Trichothraupis melanops |
| Red Pileated Finch | Coryphospingus cucullatus |
| White-lined Tanager | Tachyphonus rufus |
| Ruby-crowned Tanager | Tachyphonus coronatus |
| Fulvous Shrike-Tanager | Lanio fulvus |
| Silver-beaked Tanager | Ramphocelus carbo |
| Rusty-collared Seedeater | Sporophila collaris |
| White-bellied Seedeater | Sporophila leucoptera |
| Plumbeous Seedeater | Sporophila plumbea |
| White-rumped Tanager | Cypsnagra hirundinacea |
| Chestnut-vented Conebill | Conirostrum speciosum |
| Saffron Finch | Sicalis flaveola |
| Fawn-breasted Tanager | Pipraeidea melanonota |
| Black-faced Tanager | Schistochlamys melanopis |
| Red-crested Cardinal | Paroaria coronata |
| Yellow-billed Cardinal | Paroaria capitata |
| Sayaca Tanager | Thraupis sayaca |
| Palm Tanager | Thraupis palmarum |
| Burnished-buff Tanager | Stilpnia cayana |
| Bay-headed Tanager | Tangara gyrola |
| Green-headed Tanager | Tangara seledon |
| Total Seen | 325 |
| Total Heard | 5 |
| Total Recorded | 330 |
Mammal List
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: EN = Endangered.
| Common name | Scientific name |
| Giant Anteater | Myrmecophaga tridactyla |
| Capybara | Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris |
| Azara’s Agouti | Dasyprocta azarae |
| South American Coati | Nasua nasua |
| Crab-eating Fox | Cerdocyon thous |
| Hoary Fox | Lycalopex vetulus |
| Jaguar | Panthera onca |
| Giant Otter | Pteronura brasiliensis |
| Azara’s Capuchin | Sapajus cay |
| Black-capped Capuchin | Sapajus apella |
| Black-and-gold Howler Monkey | Alouatta caraya |
| Red Brocket | Mazama americana |
| Marsh Deer | Blastocerus dichotomus |
| Lowland Tapir | Tapirus terrestris |
| Collared Peccary | Pecari tajacu |
| Total seen | 14 |
Reptile List
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: VU = Vulnerable.
| Common name | Scientific name |
| Yacare Caiman | Caiman yacare |
| Yellow Anaconda | Eunectes notaeus |
| Iguazu Lava Lizard | Tropidurus catalensis |
| Black Tegu | Tuginambis teguixin |
| Total seen | 4 |
This is a sample trip report. Please email us ([email protected]) for more trip reports from this destination.
