BRAZIL: AMAZONIA ON THE RIO ROOSEVELT JUNE 14-24, 2019 - Victor Emanuel ...
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BRAZIL: AMAZONIA
ON THE RIO ROOSEVELT
JUNE 14–24, 2019
Alta Floresta Antpitta – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
LEADER: ANDREW WHITTAKER
LIST COMPILED BY: ANDREW WHITTAKER
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC.
2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746
WWW.VENTBIRD.COM
BRAZIL: AMAZONIA ON THE RIO ROOSEVELT
JUNE 14–24, 2019
By Andrew Whittaker
Coming in to land at our wilderness paradise, the Pousada Rio Roosevelt– Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Our Rio Roosevelt experience was as fantastic as ever. Nowadays, any truly pristine Amazonian
wilderness experience (in the comfort of air-conditioned rooms) with an amazing panoramic
air-conditioned restaurant overlooking the mighty river is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We took off in our private charter flight from Porto Velho for a magical week in the exclusive
plush Pousada Rio Roosevelt in the heart of the Amazon. We launched ourselves back in time
to 1913–14, following in the footsteps of the famous US president Theodore Roosevelt on his
famous River of Doubt expedition. Teddy himself actually walked the trail by the falls to our
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
lodge base and camped on April 21, 1914 on its beach below the Santa Rita rapids where today
the magnificent Rio Roosevelt lodge stands.
The Santa Rita rapids certainly were a nightmare for Teddy’s expedition.
–Photo Andrew Whittaker
However, the great difference is that we enjoyed a luxury experience, 24-hour AC, delicious
fresh fish meals, great Brazilian food, ice cold drinks, roasted Brazil nuts, and special freshly
squeezed tropical fruit drinks and desserts so good as to die for. Certainly, very far from what
Roosevelt, Candido Rondon (the famous Brazilian explorer), and George Cherrie (a famous
American naturalist and explorer) and their men experienced!
Afternoon panoramic of the Rio Roosevelt – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
So famous was this expedition (to map the unchartered 1000-mile-long remote Rio da Dúvida, “River of Doubt”) that Brazil renamed it the Rio Roosevelt, in honor of the great man himself. Furthermore, in 1956 the Amazonian state of Rondônia was declared and named in honor of Cândido Rondon, while Cherrie (who collected specimens during the course of the expedition) including many new animals and insects, became famous too, with the likes of the sandy belt forest Cherrie’s Antwren named after him. Our first birding in Porto Velho Park was very rewarding with excellent studies of Turquoise Tanagers, Short-billed Honeycreeper, and Snow-capped Manakin. Other highlights included Blue-headed Parrot, Swallow-winged Puffbirds, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, and Southern Lapwing. Many of you had happily read the fascinating book about Roosevelt’s exploration of the River of Doubt, so were full of anticipation and great excitement as we boarded our private charter, our destination the famous pristine Amazonian wilderness of the Rio Roosevelt and our plush lodge. Soon we left behind the bustling town of Porto Velho, its murky white waters of the mighty Rio Madeira (visible on our left) before a vast green carpet of forest unfolded before us stretching to the horizon. Broken only by the huge Samuel hydroelectric dam, we were all mesmerized by the vast Amazon rainforest below, bisected by remote meandering rivers (both black and white water). Then we crossed the largest, the Ji-Parana (an important biogeographical barrier) too. Soon we began to spot mosaics of stunted sandy-belt campina forests and natural Amazonian savannahs bisected by taller gallery forest. This feature is what gives the name to the immense Campos Amazônicos National Park covering almost a million hectares, or 2.37 million acres, which is home to our lodge. After about one hour we started our gradual descent over the vast rainforest; soon we could pick out immense colorful pink flowering 150-foot emergents. At last there it was, our first breathtaking view of the remote and spectacular Rio Roosevelt! Its turbulent and infamous white-water rocky rapids were clearly visible amongst the black waters and the sandy beach of the lodge. Before we knew it, we had landed on the remote airstrip, the gateway to our Amazonian paradise, our home for the next exciting weeks of birding. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
The group freshly arrived at our Amazonian paradise – Photo: Andrew Whittaker Hard to believe, looking back, that we enjoyed in fantastic comfort one of the most remote places, apart from the Antarctic, on our planet! Best of all, we had the Pousada to ourselves with air-conditioned comfort—simply a perfect base, enabling us to explore and enjoy this amazingly rich Amazonian wilderness and its mega wildlife in real comfort, where we were pampered and spoiled like royalty! As usual, the cuisine was first class; the highlight for all was an incredible variety of scrumptious freshly caught and traditionally prepared Amazonian fish dishes, Brazil’s world-class beef, Brazil nuts freshly roasted in the traditional ribeirinho way, exotic fruits, and freshly squeezed fruit juices (even Acai was collected for us to enjoy), along with famous Minas Gerais Cheese and fudge, not to mention those wonderful homemade desserts! All in all, a true gourmet’s delight, and all of us could not help but gain some weight. As usual, we were treated like royals, even having all our laundry done for us for free, as was the beer. Life cannot get much better! Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Our exceptional fish barbecue along the Rio Madeirinha - Photo: Andrew Whittaker Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
After settling in and enjoying our first of many scrumptious meals, and after a midday break,
when the afternoon temperatures began to fall, we explored the forest trail to the canopy
tower. Our first bird was in-your-face, the much sought-after endemic White-breasted Antbird,
as a pair roared in, and one landed so close that binos were not even required!
One of several amazing sunsets we loved so much – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Most mornings we began our exciting days by motoring along the picturesque Rio Roosevelt as
the forest awoke around us, followed by a pleasant walk along one of the several well-kept
trails through towering rich rainforest. Countless birding highlights enchanted our walks while
we searched for dynamic mixed-species understory flocks, the famous army ant swarms,
productive fruiting trees, raptors and, of course, the amazingly high density of primates. Sadly,
this year we were rather unfortunate not to bump into any army ant swarms; however, we did
manage to see the endemic sought after White-breasted Antbird a few times, a true beauty.
Topping our observations certainly were the spectacular studies of both of the rarely seen
antpittas, Variegated and the recently described (2009) Alta Floresta, which were rightly voted
as no 1 and 7th best birds of the trip. Prolonged scope studies of the Variegated, a probable
split distincta, were truly memorable!
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
The spectacular Alta Floresta Antpitta – Photo: Andrew Whittaker Highlights were too many to include all here; however, two that really stand out were observing well two NEW as yet undescribed species! First, we enjoyed great studies of the exciting NEW Woodcreeper species (one I unraveled in the complex) with its formal description being worked on by my Brazilian friends. Second, another NEW unnamed taxon, this time of a Microxenops for which Kevin Zimmer and I are close to finishing the formal description, and we also enjoyed super looks too! Other noteworthy moments included wonderful looks at Amazonian Pygmy-Owl, Red-necked Aracari, Black-girdled Barbet, and Blue-cheeked and Great jacamars; great looks at Needle-billed Hermit; the delightful Snow-capped, Blue-backed (regina subspecies), and Red-headed manakins; Dwarf Tyrant Manakin; plus Rose-breasted Chat, Amazonian Royal Flycatcher, both the endemic Rondonia Scythebill and rare Hoffman’s Woodcreeper, Black-spotted Bare-eye and Manicore Warbling antbirds, Southern Chestnut- tailed and endemic Rufous-faced antbirds, and Ihering’s Antwren. We also marveled over the wondrous musical song (one of the best) of a skulky Musician Wren. I am sure the crazy high rainfall earlier in the year following a long drought caused most of the insectivores to breed early so, sadly, we experienced post breeding with many birds extremely unresponsive. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
An exciting new species of Microxenops being described by Kevin Zimmer and me - Photo:
Andrew Whittaker
Another highlight was our visit to the exciting newly constructed canopy tower, a short walk
behind the lodge, at dawn. We were held spellbound in this odd mysterious realm, the canopy
of terra firme forest, as unusual sounds and scents filled the air. At dawn the forest below
awoke, while at dusk the night shift sang in. Colorful avifauna were all at eye level, where we
enjoyed the mega bird of the trip, a majestic male Crimson Fruitcrow gleaming its vibrant
colors in the scope atop its treetop perch, followed by a pair of Kawall’s Parrots (described as
recently as 1989) all in the same tree! Other gems included Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Golden-
winged Parakeet, Blue-headed Parrot, Tooth-billed Wren, Paradise Tanager, and Pompadour
Cotinga, while a huge endemic Uniform Woodcreeper passed by below; and calling in the
multicolored Red-necked Aracari into our tree to check us all out, as did several Bare-necked
Fruitcrows. While sadly, at dusk, our Rufous Potoo would not respond, and a Southern Tawny-
bellied Screech-Owl played hard to get.
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
A group of lovely Blue-headed Parrots - Photo: Andrew Whittaker
The famous Santa Rita rapids graced us with incredible daily sightings of swirling flocks of
hundreds of colorful species of parrots coming in to eat vegetation off the riverbank boulders
in the early morning sun. We also enjoyed the vibrant colors of Blue-and-yellow Macaws as
they visited their favorite trees daily to extract beaks full of pulp holding specific chemicals
they require to help counteract the toxic chemicals they ingest eating unripe fruit. The noise of
mostly Blue-headed and Yellow-crowned parrots at the falls was at times in fact deafening!
Flocks of hundreds of parrots, mostly Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned, and Orange-cheeked,
were seen daily coming in to the Santa Rita waterfalls lick to get their algae hit – Photo:
Andrew Whittaker
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019A favorite of mine is always our very productive pilgrimage to a magical campina trail that I
located after much searching and opened way back in 2004. A pre-dawn start rewarded us with
a record 5 different Common Potoos! Entering the tall forest trail, we encountered a large
annoyed group of Woolly Monkeys, which showed well; I truly think we were the first ever
humans they had seen! It reminded me of the huge Puma encounter I had exactly here years
ago. However, to my complete surprise, they managed to flush a rarely seen Nocturnal
Curassow, sadly seen by me only, in flight, and despite much effort trying to relocate it, it
slipped away! Here we encountered the two newly described campina species in the stunted
white sandy forest; both described as Brazilian endemics in 2013, the Chico Tyrannulet
(discovered here) and the Aripuana Antwren, plus the recently rediscovered endemic Buff-
fronted Tody-Flycatcher. Other highlights were a flashy Flame-crowned Manakin, endemic
Natterer’s Slaty Antshrike, Blackish Nightjar, Pale-bellied Mourner, and flashy Bronzy Jacamars.
The borders of the campina found the rocks covered with terrestrial orchids (some in flower)
and even a bromeliad with a wild ripe pineapple! Not to forget catching our lunch for our
wonderful barbecued Peacock Bass on the lake edge, while we rocked in hammocks in the
trees’ shade!
Described as recently as 2013 this endemic Aripuana Antwren was seen well in the campinas–
Photo: Andrew Whittaker
During our stay we were constantly reminded and amazed by this precious wilderness, with
multiple outstanding encounters with groups of primates (totally oblivious of humans), or
enjoying a close-up encounter with a tame Razor-billed Curassow due to no hunting pressure.
This site certainly has to be one of the best Amazonian lodges ever to observe such a high
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019density of so many primates. We enjoyed observing various different species including the
delightful and odd-looking Red-nosed Bearded Saki, Common Woolly, Black Spider, and, for
me, the highlight was the rarely seen and very poorly-known Golden-white Tassel-eared
Marmoset! I remember this species fondly, as when I first visited the lodge in 2004 (with the
idea to get it opened up to birders), while cutting the first forest trails I got my first views of
this cute monkey and really thought it was a NEW species of primate to science!
The delightful endemic Golden-white Tassel-eared Marmoset was seen near the airstrip –
Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019Our afternoon boat trips were as popular as ever and a super nice relaxing way to bird.
Switching off the motors and drifting silently down the Roosevelt, there is no better way to
appreciate the amazing cacophony of unusual noises from the forest. So many neat birds
included a splendid Pavonine Cuckoo, and both Cryptic and Barred forest-falcons (sadly,
neither would show themselves despite coming in to tape). Other highlights included Red-
throated Piping-Guan; Green Ibis; Capped Heron; Bat Falcon; Black Caracara; Pied Plover; many
neat Ladder-tailed Nightjars; all five species of kingfishers; Sunbittern; Golden-green
Woodpecker; Black-eared Fairy; Green-tailed Goldenthroat; Collared Trogon; Pale-rumped and
Amazonian swifts; Hoatzins; Pompadour Cotinga; endemic Glossy Antshrike; and Dot-backed,
Blackish, and Black-chinned antbirds. Beaches held Black Skimmers, Yellow-billed Terns, and
countless concentrations of butterflies, mostly Sulphurs.
Rio Roosevelt beach with the gorgeous Pied Plover and Sulphur butterflies. Photo: Andrew
Whittaker
During our pleasant and relaxing afternoon boat trips we were also provided with some truly
spectacular fiery Amazonian sunsets, along with picture-book-perfect panoramas including an
amazing full moon!
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019Spectacular full moon over the Roosevelt – Photo: Andrew Whittaker Truly, what a fabulous fun group you were, with so many magical birding and nature experiences shared together in this Amazonian paradise! I really hope you enjoyed our delightful Amazonian wilderness experience and fantastic birding as much as I did. I do hope my enthusiasm and attempts to describe the incredible complexity of this, my favorite and fascinating biome (the richest and most diverse on our planet) rubbed off on you all! All too soon this fabulous trip was over, and as we flew back over untouched forest towards “civilization,” I was already missing this unique and wonderful Amazonian site, and I wondered what unexpected highlights my next trip in 2021 will bring! Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Boating/birding down the Roosevelt on a blissful Amazonian afternoon- Photo: Andrew
Whittaker
ITINERARY:
14 June: Departing US arriving in Brazil either via Manaus or Brasilia. Some folks arrived early to
rest up. Arriving in the bustling town of Porto Velho, the capital of Rondonia. Night and rest up
in our comfortable hotel.
15 June: We all met in the lobby before going out to enjoy our first of many excellent Brazilian
meals, this time a lovely buffet lunch. This afternoon as temperatures dropped, we took a short
drive in our air-conditioned van for some excellent introductions to the rich avifauna birding
areas in the nearby Parque Natural da Cidade, Porto Velho.
16 June: After our very short early van transfer to the airport, we boarded our private charter
flight out over the vast Amazonian wilderness, destination the famous Rio Roosevelt and its
plush Pousada Rio Roosevelt. On arrival we walked from the private airstrip following the
footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt himself on the Santa Rita falls portage down the well swept sandy
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019trail to the lodge. Followed by a scrumptious breakfast, we explored the trails behind the lodge
with an afternoon boat trip.
17- 22 June: We thoroughly enjoyed six full days at this beautiful Amazonian paradise birding
the newly constructed canopy tower, along secluded well maintained forest trails on either
side of the Rio Roosevelt and up the Rio Madeirinha. Mornings normally birding forest trails,
after lunch a few hours of free time to rest up during the hottest hours (or to enjoy the forest
trails around the lodge) before our relaxing afternoon boating excursions along the Roosevelt
and several wonderful secluded forested streams too! Also, a late evening owling and potoo
trip.
23 June: Optional early am birding before we were picked up by our charter plane and flown
back to Porto Velho, where we all caught our direct connecting flights via Manaus for our
homebound international flights to the US.
24 June: Arriving home.
After popular request, here is the list of truly delicious freshly caught Amazonian fish we joyfully
tasted during many of our spectacular local meals. Traditionally roasted fresh Brazil nuts are so-
so good we all ate kilos of them!
Fish species we all so much enjoyed
Corvina – Wonderful, served at most meals. A relic pelagic species from the Pacific! We
even heard a shoal croaking one evening under the boat!
Peacock Bass – Superb, we even enjoyed seeing them being caught for our wonderful
fish barbecue on the beach!
Caxiara - The large striped catfish, the most commonly prepared fish
Jundiá – Tiger catfish, the spotted one caught only twice
Pacu prata – Odd looking and similar to a piranha but a great taste
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019Sami showing off the magnificent Peacock Bass – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Fresh Amazonian fruit juice specialties
Cupuaçu – We enjoyed so much as well the delicious dessert, a mousse made with
condensed cream. So good almost to die for!
Taperebá – Also loved and made into a superb mousse too.
Maracujá (Passion Fruit)
TOP 7 birds (as voted by the group)
1- Variegated Antpitta (endemic subspecies distincta)
2- Pavonine Cuckoo
3- Amazonian Pygmy-Owl
4- Crimson Fruitcrow
5- Razor-billed Curassow
6- Snow-capped Manakin (endemic)
7- Alta Floresta Antpitta (endemic) described only in 2012!
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019BIRDS: KEY: * Heard only. Important records/ poorly-known/ rarely seen species are in BLUE. E = Endemic PV = Porto Velho TINAMOUS (Tinamidae) Gray Tinamou (Tinamus tao) * Great Tinamou (Tinamus major) * White-throated Tinamou (Tinamus guttatus) * Cinereous Tinamou (Crypturellus cinereus) * Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui) Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus) * Brazilian Tinamou (Crypturellus strigulosus) * Variegated Tinamou (Crypturellus variegatus) * DUCKS, GEESE & WATERFOWL (Anatidae) Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) – Family party around falls. GUANS, CHACHALACAS & CURASSOWS (Cracidae) Speckeled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata) * Spix’s Guan (Penelope jacquacu) – Red-throated Piping-Guan (Pipile cujubi) - a near endemic. Nocturnal Curassow (Nothocrax urumutum) – Sadly flushed by us or the large group of Wooly’s despite searching a leader only in flight. Razor-billed Curassow (Mitu tuberosa) – Spectacular close up studies. A red carpet day to see this wonderful iconic Amazonian beuty! NEW WORLD QUAIL (Odontophoridae) Starred Wood-Quail (Odontophorus stellatus) * PIGEONS & DOVES (Columbidae) Pale-vented Pigeon (Columba cayennensis) Ruddy Pigeon (Columba subvinacea) Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreaux) Gray-fronted Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla) CUCKOOS (Cuculidae) Greater Ani (Crotophaga major) Pavonine Cuckoo (Dromococcyx pavoninus) – Superb studies along the river of this low density ghost of the forest! Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
Black-bellied Cuckoo (Piaya melanogastra)
NIGHTJARS (Caprimulgidae)
Blackish Nighjar (Nyctipolus nigrescens) – Nice looks at the campina.
Ladder-tailed Nightjar (Hydropsalis climacocerca) - Great daytime studies of both classy males
and females. Take a look.
Ladder-tailed Nightjar female roosting on river bank – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
POTOOS (Nyctibiidae)
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) – Multiple nice studies along the river early am on way to
the campina trail.
SWIFTS (Apodidae)
Amazonian Swift (Chaetura viridipennis) – Excellent repeated views coming into drink.
Short-tailed Swift (Chaetura brachyura)
Gray-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Pale-rumped Swift (Chaetura egregia) – Superb looks at distinctive pale rump when drinking.
Fork-tailed Palm-Swift (Neotropical Palm Swift) (Tachornis squamata) *
HUMMINGBIRDS (Trochilidae)
Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella) *
Needle-billed Hermit (Phaethornis phillipi) – Excellent studies as a couple of times birds came in
very close hovering at eye level to say hellos on forest trails.
Black-eared Fairy (Heliothryx auritus)
White-tailed Goldenthroat (Polytmus guainumbi)
Green-tailed Goldenthroat (Polytmus theresiae) –
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019Grey-breasted Sabrewing (Campylopterus largipennis)
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata)
White-chinned Saphire (Hylocharis cyanus)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomidae)
Hoatzin (Opsithocomus hoatzin) - Wonderul views of many flocks of this great pre- historic
looking bird.
Hoatzin flock looking wary at our close approach – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS (Raillidae)
Gray-cowled Wood-Rail (Aramides cajaneus) *
Russet-crowned Crake (Anurolimnas viridis) * - Would not come into tape!
PLOVERS AND LAPWING (Charadriidae)
Pied Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus) – What a beauty this shorebird is!
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis cayanensis) – As I explained at some stage its going to be
split from the southern birds in southern Chile and Argentina that are the true Southern
Lapwing. This will probably be called Cayanne Lapwing.
GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS (Laridae)
Yellow-billed Tern (Sternula superciliaris) – Delicate.
Large-billed Tern (Phaetusa simplex) – Great studies of these birds apparently attempting to
breed.
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) – I had never noted the ribbing on the bill until I checked my photo. Take a look. A male Black Skimmer showing off its incredible bill adaptation – Photo: Andrew Whittaker SUNBITTERN (Eurypygidae) Sunbittern (Europyga helias) – Lovely studies of a couple feeding and in flight on our boat trip. STORKS (Ciconiidae) Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) – Last morning a migrant family dropped in. ANHINGAS (Anhingidae) Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) CORMORANTS & SHAGS (Phalacrocoracidae) Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – leader only HERONS & EGRETS (Ardeidae) Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoa) Great Egret (Ardea alba) Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Stiated Heron (Butorides striata) Agami Heron (Agamia agami) – Sadly flushed and only one boat saw in flight. Capped Heron (Pilherodias pileatus) - after the Agami Heron the best looking Neotropical heron, especially in breeding plumage. IBIS & SPOONBILLS (Threskiornithidae) Green Ibis (Mesembrinbis cayennensis) Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
NEW WORLD VULTURES (Cathartidae) King Vulture (Sarcoraphus papa) - Many superb views this year of adults. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura rufficollis) – As explained some already split this as its resident in and call it Neotropical Turkey Vulture. Greater Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes melambrotos) OSPREY (Pandionidae) Osprey (Panidon haliaetus) HAWKS, EAGLES & KITES (Accipitridae) Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) – Just Darrell Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) - * Sadly heard only near the Wooly Monkeys but would not come into tape! A poor trip for raptors this year sadly. Great Black-Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga) Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris) White-browed Hawk (Leucopternis kuhli) * Gray lined Hawk (Asturina nitida) * - Split from Gray Hawk. TYPICAL OWLS (Strigidae) Southern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl (Megascops usta) * Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata) * Amazonian Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium hardyi) – After much trying finally excellent scope studies in the day. TROGONS (Trogonidae) Black-tailed Trogon (Trogon melanurus) * Green-backed Trogon (Trogon viridis) – Nice studies of this White-tailed split. Amazonian Trogon (Trogon ramonianus) * Blue-crowned Trogon (Trogon curucui) * Collard Trogon (Trogon collaris) - WOW! Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 22 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Green-backed Trogon female – Photo: Andrew Whittaker MOTMOT (Momotidae) Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota) * KINGFISHER (Alcedinidae) Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda) - Good studies of birds flying close by. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 23 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Amazon Kingfisher male – Photo: Andrew Whittaker PUFFBIRDS (Bucconidae) White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus macrorhynchos) * Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus) * Spotted Puffbird (Bucco tomatia) * Collared Puffbird (Bucco capensis) * Natterer’s Striolated-Puffbird (Nystalus striolatus) * - Despite a lot of effort a response or two but we could not find it! Rufous-capped Nunlet (Nonnula ruficapila) * Black-fronted Nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons) White-fronted Nunbird (M. morphoeus) * Swallow-wing (Puffbird) (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Not as common as normally, worrying! JACAMARS (Galbulidae) Brown Jacamar (Brachygalba lugubris) – leader only in flight. Blue-cheeked Jacamar (Galbula cyanicollis) - Very cool looker and great studies thanks to Darrell! Rufous-tailed Jacamar (G. ruficauda) – Bronzy Jacamar (G. leucogastra) - Wonderful scope studies of this gem. Paradise Jacamar (Galbula dea) - Lovely scope views of this canopy beauty. Great Jacamar (Jacamerops aurea) - Good looks thankfully now off Bobs jinx list! NEW WORLD BARBETS (Capitonidae) Black-girdled Barbet (Capito dayi) – Excellent looks of wonderful pair of this near endemic seen near endemic. Even enjoying them doing the bowing song! TOUCANS (Rampastidae) Red-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus bitorquatus) – Several wonderful scope studies of another near endemic! Gould’s Toucanet (Selendeira gouldii) – A true kalidrascope of colours! Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 24 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
White- throated Toucan (Ramphastos toucanus cuvieri)
Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus)
WOODPECKERS (Picidae)
Bar-breasted Piculet (Picumnus aurifrons) PV – Seen by Darrell and Lee-Ann. Only heard at
Roosevelt.
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cruentatus)
Red-stained Woodpecker (Veniliornis affinis)
Red-necked Woodpecker (Campephilus rubricollis) *
Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Ringed Woodpecker (Celeus torquatus) *
Cream-colored Woodpecker (Celeus flavus) *
Chestnut Woodpecker (Celeus elegans jumanus)- Nice studies. Possible splits in the future!
Yellow-throated Woodpecker (Piculus flavigula)
Golden-green Woodpecker (Piculus chrysochlorus) – Nice looks at a male.
FALCONS & CARACARAS (Falconidae)
Barred Forest-Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis concentricus) - A very responsive bird came in but
would not show. As I explained this subspecies concentricus is a great candidate to be split
from nominate brown-backed and rufous collared forms from eastern Brazil. Morphologically
is very distinct being gray-backed with no rufous collar as well as vocally distinct!
Cryptic Forest-Falcon (Micrastur mintoni) * Again heard only once all trip despite much
playback!
Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus) *
Black Caracara (Daptrius ater)
Red-throated Caracara (Daotrius americanus) *
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
Bat Falcon – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 25 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019PARROTS & ALLIES (Psittacidae) Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet (Touit purpuratus) * Golden-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris chrysopterus) Orange-cheeked Parrot (Pionopsitta barrabandi) - Gave fantastic looks as they perched on rocks at the falls! Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) – WOW who will ever forget the 750+ flying around the falls in morning light. I have never seen such a large concentration! Yellow-crowned Parrot (Amazona ochrocephala nattereri) – Mega views of this distinct looking orange shouldered subspecies! Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) Kawall’s Parrot (Amazona kawalli) (E) – Good scope looks at this poorly-known parrot; described only in 1989, and confirmed in the wild as recently as the early 1990’s. Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica) * Crimson-bellied Parakeet (Pyrrhura rhodogastra) – Only in flight this year this near endemic frustrating but seen multiple times. Madeira Parakeet (Pyrrhura snethlage) (E)– Also mostly in flight. Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilata) – Poor numbers this year. Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara araruna) - As always simply stunning views of this mega bird! I could not believe how they have eaten the lick tree almost all to the ground! Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus) Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severa) - Wonderful looks of this beauty. TYPICAL ANTBIRDS (Thamnophilidae) Ash –winged Antwren (Euchrepornis spodioptila) * Fasciated Antshrike (Cymbilaimus lineatus) Glossy Antshrike (Sakesphorus luctuosus) (E) - Wonderful studies of both male and a very cool looking female too. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 26 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
The endemic male Glossy Antshrike put on a show: Photo Andrew Whittaker Plain-winged Antshrike (Thamnophilus schistaceus) * Natterer’s Slaty Antshrike (Thamnophilus stictocephalus) (E) - Good looks at this sometimes hard to see endemic. White-shouldered Antshrike (Thamnophilus aethiops) – Always sneaky. Amazonian Antshrike (Thamnophilus amazonicus) * Saturnine Antshrike (Thamnomanes saturninus) Cinereous Antshrike (Thamnomanes caesius) Spot-winged Antshrike (Pygiptila stellaris) * White-eyed Antwren (Epinecrophylla leucophthalma) Roosevelt (Stipple-throated) Antwren (E. dentei) (E) * - Recently described in 2013 alas heard only and non responsive. Ornate Antwren (E. ornata) - Leader only. Pygmy Antwren (Myrmotherula brachyura) Sclater’s Antwren (Myrmotherula sclateri) Amazonian Streaked Antwren (Myrmotherula multostriata White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris) Long-winged Antwren (Myrmotherula longipennis) * Ihering’s Antwren (Myrmotherula iheringi) (E) – Nice looks at this rare endemic in a mixed species understory flock. Gray Antwren (Myrmotherula menetriesii) Aripuana Antwren (Herpsilochmus stotzi) (E) - Another trip highlight just described in 2013. Stunning views of pairs of this neat Brazilian endemic! Rufous-winged Antwren (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) * Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis) – Multiple great looks. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 27 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
White-fringed Antwren (Formicivora grisea) – Brief distant looks along airstrip. Heard in campina. Spix’s Warbling-Antbird (Hypocnemis striata) (E) - Wonderful studies. Manicore Warbling-Antbird (Hypocnemis rondoni) (E) – Described recent as 2013 to science! Blackish Antbird (Cercomacra nigrescens) - Good close studies. Gray Antbird (Cercomacra cinerascens) Black-faced Antbird (Myrmoborus myotherinus) * Black-chinned Antbird (Hypocnemoides maculicauda) Silvered Antbird (Sclatera naevia) * Rufous-faced Antbird (Percnostola rufifacies) (E) - Brazilian endemic we had superb views. (Southern) Chestnut-tailed Antbird (Sciaphylax hemimelaena hemimelaena) – Seen well this may well represent a new species, being worked on by colleagues. If not at least a new subspecies. White-breasted Antbird (Rhegmatorhina hoffmannsi) (E) – Stunner and exceptional views twice even despite no antswarms this year! Spot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax naevius) * – Non responsive sadly Dot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax punctulata) - Stunning views. Common Scale-backed Antbird (Wilisiornis poecilinota) -Good looks by some of a male. Black-spotted Bare-Eye (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) - Seen well by most a snazzy bird indeed! Male (Southern) Chestnut-tailed Antbird or maybe a new species – Photo: Andrew Whittaker ANTPITTAS (Grallariidae) Variegated Antpitta (Grallaria varia disjuncta) – My trip highlight an endemic subspecies seen so well for minutes in the scope as it was on its song perch! Alta Floresta Antpitta (Hylopezus whittakeri) (E) – Excellent studies of this recently described species, named only in 2012 and I am proud to say in my honor. Tapajos Antpitta (Myrmothera subcanescens) (E)* We tried but heard only alarm calls. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 28 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
TAPACULOS (Rhinocryptidae) Rusty-belted Tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus) * - Once called in distance sadly this year. ANTTHRUSHES (Formicariidae) Rufous-capped Antthrush (Formicarius colma) * Again only one song of this common species. Black-faced Antthrush (Formicarius analis) * OVENBIRDS & WOODCREEPERS (Furnariidae) Short-billed Leaftosser (Sclerurus rufigularis) * Woodcreeper sp. (Sittasomus sp. novum) – Seen very well my colleagues whom are working on its formal description. Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus inornatus) - Subspecies inornatus to be split and an endemic. Multiple species are found in this widespread complex. Long-billed Woodcreeper (Nasica longirostris) * Non responsive very odd! Hoffmann’s Woodcreeper (D. hoffmannsi) (E) – Great studies of a responsive pair of this poorly-known endemic species Uniform Woodcreeper (Hylexetastes perrotii uniformis) – Seen near the tower. Striped Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) Elegant Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus elegans) - Well seen. Buff-throated Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) * Rondonia Scythebill (Campylorhamphus probatus) (E) – Wonderful studies of a responsive bird Rondonia Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes fuscicapillus) (E) - Another recent split off the Lineated Woodcreeper complex that I was involved in and described in HBW in 2013. Seen well after working hard on it. Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus) Microxenops sp. novum - A NEW species currently being described by Kevin Zimmer and myself. We had exceptional views. Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner (Philydor erythrocercum) Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner (Philydor erythropterum) * Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner (Philydor pyrrhodes) – Very flighty bird sadly, would not land and stay still enough for a good look! Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) – Good studies in a canopy flock. Chestnut-winged Hookbill (Ancistrops strigilatus) * Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner (Automolus ochralemus) * Para Foliage-gleaner (Automolus paraensis) (E) * I am sure its post breeding for many Furnarids as they were mostly silent. TYRANT FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannidae) White-lored Tyrannulet (Ornithion inerme) Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum) * Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus) * Forest Elaenia (Myiopagis gaimardii) Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus) * Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 29 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Sepia-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) * Chico’s Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chicomendesi) (E) – Great studies of this recently described species only in 2013. Very vocal this year. Slender-footed Tyrannulet (Zimmerius gracilipes) * Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant (Myiornis ecaudatus) Snethlage’s Tody -Tyrant (Hemitriccus minor) * Heard only this year. Zimmer’s Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus minimus) * Tried but a devil as always! Buff-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus senex) (E) – Good studies of this recently re- discovered endemic. Spotted Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum maculatum) * Yellow-margined Flycatcher (Tolmomyias assimilis) Gray-crowned Flycatcher (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) * Yellow-breasted Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris) * Golden-crowned Spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus) * White-crested Spadebill (Platyrinchus platyrhynchos) * Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus) – Nice looks. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus) * Euler’s Flycatcher (Lathrotriccus euleri) * Fuscous Flycatcher (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) * Drab Water Tyrant (Ochthornis littoralis) – Abundant. Rufous-tailed Flatbill (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) * Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus) * White-rumped Sirystes (Sirystes albocinereus) * Grayish Mourner (Rhytipterna simplex) Pale-bellied Mourner (Rhytipterna immunda) – Leader only. Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) * Short-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus ferox) * Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) Rusty-margined Flycatcher (Myiozetetes cayanensis) Dusky-chested Flycatcher (Myiozetetes luteiventris) Variegated Flycatcher (Empidonomus varius) Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) COTINGAS (Cotingidiae) Black-necked Red-Cotinga (Phoenicircus nigricollis) – Quick looks in flight in Campina. Crimson Fruitcrow (Haematoderus militaris) – A stunning adult male off the tower nice looks in the scope. A very rarely seen Cotinga and one of the most difficult in South America! Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana) Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vocieferons) - Well named and what a voice! Pompadour Cotinga (Xipholena punicea) - Wonderful views of several females no males sadly! Bare-necked Fruitcrow (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Multiple grea views off the tower. MANAKINS (Pipridae) Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Nice looks of this tiny bird. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 30 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Blue-backed Manakin (Chiroxiphia pareola regina) – Amazing off the tower in the canopy feeding a stunning male of this cool yellow crowned race. Snow-capped Manakin (Pipra nattereri) – Grea studies in PV park and on our Roosevelt trails of gorgeous males of this near endemic. Flame-crowned Manakin (Heterocercus linteatus) – Fantastic male studied at close quarters. Fire-capped Manakin (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) * Red-headed Manakin (Pipra rubrocapilla) Wing-barred Piprites (Piprites chloris) TITYRAS & ALLIES (Tityidae) Brown-winged Schiffornis (Schiffornis turdina) - Very naughsty flyby only. White-browed Purpletuft (Idoplura isabellae) * Black-capped Becard (Pachyramphus marginatus) VIREOS, Shrike-Babblers & Erpornis (Vireonidae) Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis) * Grey-chested Greenlet (Hylophilus semicinereus) Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo (Vireolanius leucotis) * Buff-cheeked Greenlet (Pachysylvia muscicapina) Chivi Vireo (Vireo chivi) SWALLOWS (Hirundinidae) Black-collared Swallow (Atticora melanoleuca) – So cool to see with such high water flocks on the boulders with many juvs a good breeding season. White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata) - Just as always so attractive in the sun showing off their metallic blue colors. Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) - Surprisingly very few this year. Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer) WRENS (Troglodytidae) Tooth-billed Wren (Odontorchilus cinereus) – Lovely looks off the tower of this odd looking but distinct canopy wren. Thrush-like Wren (Campylorhynchus turdinus) * Moustached Wren (Pheugopedius genibarbis) * Buff-breasted Wren (Cantorchilus leucotis) * Musician Wren (Cyphorhinus arada) GNATCATCHERS (Polioptilidae) Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus) THRUSHES & ALLIES (Turdidae) Hauxwell’s Thrush (T. hauxwelli) White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis) * Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 31 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
FINCHES, EUPHONIAS & ALLIES (Fringillidae) Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) * Golden-billed Euphonia (Euphonia chrysopasta) Rufous-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia rufiventris) * NEW WORLD SPARROWS (Passerellidae) Yellow-browed Sparrow (Ammodramus aurifrons) TROUPIALS & ALLIES (Icteridae) Green Oropendola (Psarocolius viridis) Olive Oropendola (Psarocolius bifasciatus) – Nice studies. Epaulet Oriole (Icterus cayanensis) Giant Cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus) NEW WORLD WARBLERS (Parulidae) Buff-rumped Warbler (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) * – A great voice. CARDINALS & ALLIES (Cardinalidae) Red-crowned Ant-Tanager (Habia rubica) * Rose-breasted Chat (Granatellus pelzelni) – Hard work to get this vine tangle specialist but seen well by all. Amazonian Grosbeak (Cyanoloxia rothschildii) * TANAGERS &ALLIES (Thraupidae) Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis) – Not too common this year. Flame-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus cristatus) Fulvous-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus surinamus) White-winged Shrike-Tanager (Lanio versicolor) * Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo) Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) Dotted Tanager (Ixothrupis varia) * Alas heard only. Spotted Tanager (Ixothrupis punctata) Turquoise Tanager (Tangara mexicana) Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis) - A real crowd pleaser as always with great looks off the tower. Opal-rumped Tanager (Tangara velia) Green-and-gold Tanager (Tangara schrankii) – A cracker! Swallow-Tanager (Tersina viridis) – Males are just so crippling. Yellow-bellied Dacnis (Dacnis flaviventer) – Males are suoer cool. Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) Short-billed Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes nitidus) – Great close looks in PV of a stunning male. Yellow-backed Tanager (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – Wonderful looks off the tower. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 32 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatina jacarina) Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak (Parkerthraustes humeralis) * Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus) Slate-colored Grosbeak (Saltator grossus) – Nice studies and what a bill! Total 312 bird species! MAMMALS: MARMOSETS & TAMARINS (Callitrichidae) Golden- white Tassel-eared Marmoset (Callithrix humeralifer chrysoleuca) (E) - Rarely seen and what a lovely little critter last day by the airstrip! NEW WORLD MONKEYS (Cebidae) Prince Bernhard’s Titi Monkey (Callicebus bernardi) (E) * - New primate species only described in 2002! Red-nosed Bearded Saki Monkey (Chiropotes albinasus) (E) - What good looks at this odd looking primate with the bright pink noses! Gray Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha) - We enjoyed watching their antics multiple times. The group on the way to the campina did not like us, probably a first contact with us humans! LARGE NEW WORLD MONKEYS (Atelidae) Black Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus chamek) – SQUIRRELS (Sciuridae) Amazon Dwarf Squirrel (Microsciurus flaviventer) – Seen well from the tower. SHEATH-TAILED BATS (Emballonuridae) Long-nosed Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso) Ghost Bat (Diclidurus albus) BULLDOG BATS (Noctilionidae) Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctillo lepornius) WEASELS, OTTERS & ALLIES (Mustelidae) Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) – Two by esperanca creek flushed. PECCARIES (Tayassuidae) Collared Peccary (Pecari tajuca) – Nice looks first afternoon on our walk, plus at lick! We certainly heard and smelt their close cousins the White-lipped behind the lodge one afternoon where there was a huge group! Total 11 species! Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 33 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019
REPTILES:
Black Caiman (Melamosuchus niger) - We tried hard to see, water too high for them to be seen
this year sadly.
Ameiva Lizard (Ameiva ameiva) – common blue and green lizard by the lodge.
Butterfly heaven at Roosevelt – Photo: Andrew Whittaker
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 34 Brazil: Amazonia on the Rio Roosevelt, 2019You can also read
