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Field Guides Tour Report

SURINAME

Mar 5, 2011 to Mar 19, 2011Bret Whitney & Dan Lane

Nothing but huge granite outcroppings and otherwise unbroken rainforest as far as the eye can see: flying past the Voltzberg on the wayback to Paramaribo. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)

Many of you probably experienced the same thing: "Hey guys! I'm going to Suriname tomorrow!" "Um. It's in SouthAmerica!" "Get us a box of Krispy Kreme while you're there, would you?" Well, perhaps that's a bit far fetched, since onecan easily buy Krispy Kreme here in Baton Rouge, but you get the idea. Yes, Suriname is a bit off the beaten path. Which,as it turns out, is a good thing for wildlife. So few people go to Suriname, it's really still quite untouched! As we saw fromthe plane as we flew from the Paramaribo airport to our more distant destinations: there is still a lot of untouched forest outthere.

Suriname is rather an unusual country for the Americas: rather than Spanish, Portuguese, or (ahem) English, most folksspeak a mixture of Dutch, any of several Asian languages (Hindi, Urdu, or Indonesian) and the local creole tongue calledSranan Tongo. The last is a hybrid of many of the other languages listed (including Spanish, Portuguese, and English!) thatis the most commonly spoken language of the country...and effectively incomprehensible anywhere else! The people ofthis small country are equally as varied and from as many surprising origins. It really is a unique place to visit! And let'snot forget the wonderful spicy food (presumably also thanks to the Asian influence) to which we were treated by Gracia,our cook!

The culture provided a wonderful backdrop to the birding experiences we enjoyed while there. Yes, we saw someprecipitation, and yes, some footwear got soggy...but we saw some great stuff in the process! Our tour took us from thecapital, Paramaribo (or 'Parbo'), to the Raleigh Falls/Voltzberg area (we stayed on Foengoe Island while here), to Palumeuon the Tapanahoni River, and finally to the Brownsberg massif, where a small amount of elevation allowed us to feel likewe were in the mountains.

The memories we'll take away from this tour will include the colorful Crimson Topaz that sat low and in the open to lavishus with fine views, the many glowing male Guianan Cocks-of-the-rock that tolerated us so close, the muted colors of anotherwise bold Spotted Antpitta that flew in and perched only a few yards from us, the screaming and recently fledgedSpectacled Owl we enjoyed our last night at Brownsberg, the bizarre bald pate and mooing voice of the Capuchinbird, thesquealing troop of Bearded Saki monkeys that investigated us from overhead, the surprise Fasciated Tiger-Heron that we

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drank in at Raleigh Falls, the almost hidden-in-plain-sight Zigzag Heron that we relished from our canoe, and the whitetail tip of the male Band-tailed Antshrike.

There were so many more things we saw in addition to these, and I hope you cherish these memories as much as Bret andI will. Also, I hope you'll come along on another tour with us to experience yet new memories! Keep them bins warm untilthen!

--Dan

More information about this itinerary and future departures is available on our web page for Suriname: Wild &Wonderful.

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced,E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSTinamidae (Tinamous)

(Tinamus major) [*] (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]

(Crypturellus soui) [*] (Crypturellus erythropus) – A species restricted to northern South America, which we heard

at close quarters in the white sand woodland near the airport. [*] (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) (Ortalis motmot) – Called 'Little Chachalaca' at times, the taxonomy of this complex has

changed over the past 50 years. But don't let the species name 'motmot' fool you: motmots are still in a different orderof birds.

(Penelope marail) – Mostly heard in the distance, but a shadowy shape was seen by some in the higherbranches off the side of the road at Brownsberg.

(Pipile cumanensis) – A few lucky folks caught a glimpse of one on the Voltzbergtrail.

Odontophoridae (New World Quail) (Colinus cristatus) – Only one or two of us joined Bret in catching a glimpse of this attractive

open-country quail. (Odontophorus gujanensis) – Heard a very close quarters one afternoon (just before a major

rain!), but the pair refused to show themselves. [*]

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds) (Fregata magnificens)

Anhingidae (Anhingas) (Anhinga anhinga)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Zebrilus undulatus) – A nice surprise! One calling off the edge of the Tapanahoni River obliged by

coming in and offering us all fine views! Excellent! (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – Another surprise was this bird, a youngster perched amid the

rapids of a small waterfall. There are few records for Suriname (fewer than 10, it seems), but most are from the RaleighFalls area.

(Ardea cocoi) (Ardea alba)

GREAT TINAMOUCINEREOUS TINAMOULITTLE TINAMOURED-LEGGED TINAMOU

VARIEGATED TINAMOU

VARIABLE CHACHALACA

MARAIL GUAN

BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN

CRESTED BOBWHITE

MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD

ANHINGA

ZIGZAG HERON

FASCIATED TIGER-HERON

COCOI HERONGREAT EGRET


http://fieldguides.com/bird-tours/suriname

Looking for trumpeters? Brownsberg has got to be "the"place -- the Gray-winged Trumpeters parade around thecompound like they own the place! (Photo by guide Dan

Lane)

(Egretta thula) (Egretta caerulea) (Egretta tricolor) – Strongly coastal in South America, we saw them at Weg Naar Zee.

(Bubulcus ibis) (Butorides striata)

(Pilherodius pileatus) – A lovely heron, which (as Hilty puts it) has a French vanilla color about it! (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Jim spotted one flying over our hotel in Parbo one

morning.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) (Eudocimus ruber) – Another Steve spotting: small flocks flying offshore at Weg Naar Zee. Even at a

distance, that striking color is hard to miss! (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Common along the Tapanahoni River.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Coragyps atratus)

(Cathartes aura) (Cathartes

burrovianus) – Great comparisons among the three Cathartesvultures were had on this tour! This one is the yellowhead ofthe coastal marshes.

(Cathartesmelambrotus) – This is the yellowhead of the forest.

(Sarcoramphus papa) – Mostly distant birds,but seen on seven days!

Pandionidae (Osprey) (Pandion haliaetus) – Northern migrants.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Leptodon cayanensis)

(Chondrohierax uncinatus) – Amemorable male sitting in a Cecropia, clutching a snail, andchattering triumphantly at Peperpot!

(Elanoides forficatus) (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Chris, I hope you got the

kind of looks you'd been hoping for! (Helicolestes hamatus) – One seen

well at Peperpot. (Harpagus bidentatus)

(Ictinia plumbea) (Busarellus nigricollis) – Great

views near the coast. (Circus buffoni) – One seen from

a great distance near the coast was eclipsed by a couple ofsightings at the airport.

(Geranospiza caerulescens) (Leucopternis melanops) – A great experience with a rather retiring species: two birds came in

to playback, giving us lovely scope views. (Leucopternis albicollis)

(Buteogallus aequinoctialis) – A specialty of the north coast of South America, we got somenice views at both coastal sites we visited.

(Buteogallus urubitinga) (Buteogallus meridionalis)

SNOWY EGRETLITTLE BLUE HERONTRICOLORED HERONCATTLE EGRETSTRIATED HERONCAPPED HERONBLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

SCARLET IBIS

GREEN IBIS

BLACK VULTURETURKEY VULTURELESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE

GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE

KING VULTURE

OSPREY

GRAY-HEADED KITEHOOK-BILLED KITE

SWALLOW-TAILED KITESNAIL KITE

SLENDER-BILLED KITE

DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITEPLUMBEOUS KITEBLACK-COLLARED HAWK

LONG-WINGED HARRIER

CRANE HAWKBLACK-FACED HAWK

WHITE HAWKRUFOUS CRAB HAWK

GREAT BLACK-HAWKSAVANNA HAWK


(Buteo magnirostris) – Strangely rare in Suriname, or just on our tour? (Buteo nitidus) – Compared to the last species, this one is remarkably common (hence this remark).

(Buteo brachyurus) – Seen our last two days at Brownsberg. One light and one dark morph. (Spizaetus tyrannus) [*]

(Spizaetus ornatus) – A distant silhouetted bird seen, and another bird heard. (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – Again a distant bird seen on the Tapanahoni, but

the important field marks were seen. Chris and some others saw another at Brownsberg.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Micrastur gilvicollis) – Seen on the Voltzberg trail on two occasions.

(Micrastur semitorquatus) (Daptrius ater)

(Ibycter americanus) – A good looking bird... but MAN do they need voice coaching! (Milvago chimachima) – Common near the coast.

(Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Steve's sharp eye caught sight of one near the coast. (Falco rufigularis)

(Falco peregrinus) – Peter V saw the first one at Marienburg. Two others seen later.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Anurolimnas viridis) – One or two folks caught a glimpse of this grassland crake.

Strange that they weren't more obliging.

Psophiidae (Trumpeters) (Psophia crepitans) – Well now these gave us some pretty good looks. That is to say:

you probably can't see a trumpeter more easily anywhere in the world! It was interesting to see some of the behavior,too!

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Charadrius collaris) – Several pairs at the Palumeu airstrip were nice.

(Charadrius semipalmatus) – Migrants near the coast.

Jacanidae (Jacanas) (Jacana jacana)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Actitis macularius) – As with the other sandpipers here, these were migrants. Interestingly, the

chases between birds at Palumeu were always initiated by spotted birds chasing unspotted birds. (Tringa solitaria) (Tringa flavipes)

(Bartramia longicauda) – A nice bird to see out of context; the one at the airstrip at Palumeu wasunusual, but not completely unexpected (by Suriname standards).

(Numenius phaeopus) (Arenaria interpres)

(Calidris pusilla) (Calidris minutilla)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Thalasseus maximus)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) – Yup.

(Patagioenas cayennensis) (Patagioenas speciosa) – Interesting that this species seemed to outnumber the previous in most open

habitats. (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]

ROADSIDE HAWKGRAY HAWKSHORT-TAILED HAWKBLACK HAWK-EAGLEORNATE HAWK-EAGLEBLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE

LINED FOREST-FALCONCOLLARED FOREST-FALCONBLACK CARACARARED-THROATED CARACARAYELLOW-HEADED CARACARALAUGHING FALCONBAT FALCONPEREGRINE FALCON

RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE

GRAY-WINGED TRUMPETER

COLLARED PLOVERSEMIPALMATED PLOVER

WATTLED JACANA

SPOTTED SANDPIPER

SOLITARY SANDPIPERLESSER YELLOWLEGSUPLAND SANDPIPER

WHIMBRELRUDDY TURNSTONESEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERLEAST SANDPIPER

ROYAL TERN

ROCK PIGEONPALE-VENTED PIGEONSCALED PIGEON

PLUMBEOUS PIGEON


Blood-colored Woodpecker, one of the lovelyGuianan specialties of this tour (Photo by Dan

Lane)

(Patagioenas subvinacea) (Columbina passerina) – The same species that occurs into the USA.

(Columbina minuta) – A pair seen through foliage near the coast. (Columbina talpacoti)

(Leptotila verreauxi) (Leptotila rufaxilla)

(Geotrygon montana) [*]

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Pyrrhura picta) – A common parakeet that we saw or heard most days in the forest.

(Aratinga leucophthalma) [*] (Aratinga pertinax) – Several seen

in coastal second growth. This is a widespread species in northernSouth America and nearby offshore islands. The form we saw isprobably chrysophrys.

(Ara chloropterus) – Seen well aroundFoengoe Island. Not quite as large or loud as Scarlet... but it can holdits own!

(Ara macao) – Also at Foengoe, and definitelyloud. Hard to ignore.

(Ara ararauna) – Perhaps the mostcommon of the large macaws on the tour, it's lucky that it's also alooker!

(Orthopsittaca manilata) – As Bret told us,this species is a specialist of Mauritia palms, and is rare away fromthem. We only had a pair, heard and seen as silhouettes, while passingthrough the savannas.

(Diopsittaca nobilis) – A small macawthat we saw fairly well in the savannas.

(Forpus passerinus) (Brotogeris chrysoptera) – Mostly

seen flying overhead, we did manage to see several where the golden-orange wing patch was visible.

(Touit batavicus) – A real treat! Aflock was foraging in a Clusia, and we got to enjoy them through ascope for several minutes!

(Pionites melanocephalus) (Pyrilia caica) – Not an easy one to see well. Our first perched bird was spotted by Nancy while we

motored along the Tapanahoni River. (Pionus menstruus)

(Pionus fuscus) – Never seen well, we had them at several sites. (Amazona dufresniana) – Disappointing that we didn't see them, but we heard them flying

over the canopy near Palumeu. [*] (Amazona amazonica) – The common Amazon parrot most places.

(Amazona farinosa) – Really restricted to good forest compared to Orange-winged. (Deroptyus accipitrinus) – A strange parrot, and one we really enjoyed seeing and hearing!

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Coccycua minuta)

(Piaya cayana) (Piaya melanogaster) – A surprising sighting (from a canoe!) along the Tapanahoni

resulted in pretty good looks for all! (Crotophaga ani)

RUDDY PIGEONCOMMON GROUND-DOVEPLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVERUDDY GROUND-DOVEWHITE-TIPPED DOVEGRAY-FRONTED DOVERUDDY QUAIL-DOVE

PAINTED PARAKEETWHITE-EYED PARAKEETBROWN-THROATED PARAKEET

RED-AND-GREEN MACAW

SCARLET MACAW

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW

RED-BELLIED MACAW

RED-SHOULDERED MACAW

GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLETGOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET

LILAC-TAILED PARROTLET

BLACK-HEADED PARROTCAICA PARROT

BLUE-HEADED PARROTDUSKY PARROTBLUE-CHEEKED PARROT

ORANGE-WINGED PARROTMEALY PARROTRED-FAN PARROT

LITTLE CUCKOOSQUIRREL CUCKOOBLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI


Strigidae (Owls) (Megascops watsonii) [*]

(Megascops guatemalae roraimae) – These birds in Suriname werefirst discovered on a FG tour in 1995. It is a small, outlying population of the form from the Tepuis farther east. Thelarger Vermiculated S-O complex (or, if you want to cast your net even larger, the Variable S-O complex) is a bit of amess. But since the Tepui birds and those from the Andes sound pretty much the same, chances are they won't beseparated from one another. Central American populations, on the other hand...

(Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Peter G, not to mention others, was particularly pleased to have caughtup with this one. What a loud teenager! No wonder its parents abandoned it!

(Glaucidium hardyi) – Mostly heard, but a few caught glimpses of it flying from perch toperch.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*] (Caprimulgus nigrescens) – A great daytime view on the Voltzberg plate.

(Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Peter G spotted a female from a moving canoe, whichresulted in a great view. Later a male was also seen along the river.

Nyctibiidae (Potoos) (Nyctibius grandis) – A good view of this large bird with a great glowing eye was a nice reward for our

night boat trip from Palumeu.

Apodidae (Swifts) (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Steve spotted some at Brownsberg the last morning.

(Chaetura chapmani) – The mostly-dark swifts we saw over Foengoe Island. (Chaetura brachyura) – Most common on the coast. (Chaetura spinicaudus)

(Panyptila cayennensis) – Seen several times, particularly early in the trip. Bretpointed out its sock-like nest on a high tree limb.

(Tachornis squamata) – Most common over the savannas, where they nest in theMauritia palms.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Topaza pella) – Voted most enjoyed bird of the trip was that colorful male that posed so nicely for

us near Palumeu! (Florisuga mellivora)

(Glaucis hirsutus) – Brief views only. (Phaethornis bourcieri) – This and the next species were mostly heard as they sped by,

but occasionally one would pull up beside us to check us out. (Phaethornis superciliosus)

(Phaethornis ruber) (Heliothryx auritus) – Some nice views of birds feeding at Heliconias at Brownsberg.

(Polytmus theresiae) – The common hummer of the savannas. (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – Some lucky folks had birds at the flowering tree by our

lodge at Brownsberg. (Anthracothorax viridigula)

(Discosura longicaudus) – Chris and I had a female at the Brownsberg overlook. (Lophornis ornatus) – A female at Brownsberg gave us all reasonable looks.

(Campylopterus largipennis) (Thalurania furcata) – One of the most common forest hummers.

(Amazilia leucogaster) – Mostly coastal, we eventually all caught up with it. (Amazilia fimbriata)

(Hylocharis sapphirina) – Several sporting their red bills at the Brownsberg

TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWLVERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL (RORAIMA)

SPECTACLED OWL

AMAZONIAN PYGMY-OWL

COMMON PAURAQUEBLACKISH NIGHTJARLADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR

GREAT POTOO

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFTCHAPMAN'S SWIFTSHORT-TAILED SWIFTBAND-RUMPED SWIFTLESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT

FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT

CRIMSON TOPAZ

WHITE-NECKED JACOBINRUFOUS-BREASTED HERMITSTRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT

LONG-TAILED HERMITREDDISH HERMITBLACK-EARED FAIRYGREEN-TAILED GOLDENTHROATRUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD

GREEN-THROATED MANGORACKET-TAILED COQUETTETUFTED COQUETTEGRAY-BREASTED SABREWINGFORK-TAILED WOODNYMPHPLAIN-BELLIED EMERALDGLITTERING-THROATED EMERALDRUFOUS-THROATED SAPPHIRE


River birding from the canoe, with guide Bret Whitney onthe lookout at the bow (Photo © participant Steve

Matherly)

overlook.

Trogonidae (Trogons) (Trogon melanurus) (Trogon viridis) – Until recently considered part of White-tailed Trogon (a name now

only applied to birds west of the Andes), but due to vocal and DNA differences, the two populations have been split. (Trogon violaceus) – Until recently considered part of ViolaceousTrogon (a name now only

applied to birds west of the Andes), but due to vocal and DNA differences, a three-way split has been done:Violaceous, Gartered (most of Amazonia), and Guianan.

(Trogon rufus) – A yellow-bellied trogon of forest understory.

(Trogon collaris)

Momotidae (Motmots) (Momotus momota) – Formerly

called Blue-crowned Motmot, but recent evidence shows thatthis complex is best considered five species (the other four areBlue-diademed of Middle America, Whooping of Panama tocoastal Venezuela and northern Peru, Andean--formerly calledHighland--and Trinidad). We heard many more than we saw,but we had a nice view of one our last day.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Megaceryle torquata) – Several

encountered, but particularly interesting was that morning ofchattering and flight displays in the savanna. What was that allabout?

(Chloroceryle amazona) (Chloroceryle americana) – Strangely,

the kingfisher we saw least! (Chloroceryle inda) –

Eventually good views along the Tapanahoni River. (Chloroceryle aenea) –

One bird seen well our first morning near Parbo.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds) (Notharchus macrorhynchos) – Peter V

spotted one in the canopy on our first walk on the Voltzbergtrail. Towards the end of the trip, we had some other goodviews of a usually-hard bird! Originally part of White-neckedPuffbird, but plumage, voice, and DNA data caused these two to be split.

(Notharchus tectus) – Great views along the Tapanahoni and at Brownsberg. (Nonnula rubecula) – Maddeningly unviewable. [*]

(Monasa atra) – The Guianan representative of this genus, and as easy to see as most of the others. (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Great views, particularly at Foengoe Island, where they

must have been nesting around the buildings.

Galbulidae (Jacamars) (Galbula albirostris) – A responsive group of 5 near Palumeu was nice.

(Galbula galbula) (Galbula leucogastra) – Seen in the taller white-sand forest near the airport.

(Galbula dea) – Attractive and a canopy-dweller, David's keen eyes seemed to pick them outrepeatedly along the Tapanahoni.

(Jacamerops aureus) – One male seen well our first afternoon at Palumeu.

Capitonidae (New World Barbets)

BLACK-TAILED TROGONGREEN-BACKED TROGON

GUIANAN TROGON

BLACK-THROATED TROGON

COLLARED TROGON

AMAZONIAN MOTMOT

RINGED KINGFISHER

AMAZON KINGFISHERGREEN KINGFISHER

GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER

GUIANAN PUFFBIRD

PIED PUFFBIRDRUSTY-BREASTED NUNLETBLACK NUNBIRDSWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD

YELLOW-BILLED JACAMARGREEN-TAILED JACAMARBRONZY JACAMARPARADISE JACAMAR

GREAT JACAMAR


(Capito niger) – Now, I'm not admitting to being a barbet fanatic... but this bird is prettydad-burned sharp!

Ramphastidae (Toucans) (Pteroglossus viridis) – The aracari with an all-yellow belly.

(Pteroglossus aracari) – The aracari with the red band across the belly. (Selenidera culik) – That first bird was a female at Foengoe Island that was apparently stuck to

her perch with glue. Later we had several, seen well, at Brownsberg. (Ramphastos tucanus) – Sometimes split into Red-billed and Cuvier's toucans. The

Guianan birds are the Red-billed. (Ramphastos vitellinus) – Oddly, more common than the previous bird in most areas.

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Picumnus exilis) – Seen well at Voltzberg.

(Picumnus minutissimus) – Also called Guianan Piculet. Sometimes lumped with White-wedged, White-barred, and/or Ocellated piculets. Easier to consider it a Guianan endemic, ain't it?

(Melanerpes cruentatus) (Veniliornis cassini) – In canopy flocks in the forests in the interior of the

country. (Veniliornis sanguineus) – A Guianan specialty that we saw well around Parbo.

(Piculus flavigula) (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A variable 'flicker' that may be up for a split in the future.

The subspecies that is suspected to be present in Suriname is nigriceps, presumably allied to the northern Andean group. (Celeus undatus) – One of the four attractive Celeus woodpeckers we saw on the trip. This

was the one in the canopy of the interior forest. (Celeus elegans) – What a looker! The form in the northeast of South America (the

elegans group) shows that lovely golden crest. (Celeus flavus) – This attractive woodpecker showed itself off to us our first

morning at Peperpot. (Celeus torquatus) – The rarest of the four, we spotted it in the canopy of the forest along the

Voltzberg trail. (Dryocopus lineatus)

(Campephilus rubricollis) (Campephilus melanoleucos)

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) (Synallaxis albescens)

(Synallaxis macconnelli) – Local in northeastern South America, we saw this spinetail inthe second growth at Palumeu airstrip.

(Synallaxis gujanensis) – Seen as bits and pieces through thick second growth atPalumeu. There is a taxonomic reshuffling due with this species: most of the southern populations (not including theones we saw) will likely be moved into the White-lored Spinetail (presently found in south central Brazil).

(Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) (Berlepschia rikeri) – A strange furnariid with a very strong specialization on

Mauritia palms. One bird performed very well for us! (Philydor erythrocercum) – One seen briefly in a mixed-species flock in

the mid-story at Palumeu. (Philydor pyrrhodes) [*]

(Automolus infuscatus) [*] (Xenops tenuirostris) – A rare and poorly-known species in the Guianas, Bret spotted one

in a canopy flock at Brownsberg. (Xenops minutus)

(Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET

GREEN ARACARIBLACK-NECKED ARACARIGUIANAN TOUCANET

WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN

GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULETARROWHEAD PICULET

YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKERGOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER

BLOOD-COLORED WOODPECKERYELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKERGOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER

WAVED WOODPECKER

CHESTNUT WOODPECKER

CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER

RINGED WOODPECKER

LINEATED WOODPECKERRED-NECKED WOODPECKERCRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER

PALE-BREASTED SPINETAILMCCONNELL'S SPINETAIL

PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAILPOINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER

RUFOUS-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER

CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANEROLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANERSLENDER-BILLED XENOPS

PLAIN XENOPSPLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER


(Glyphorynchus spirurus) (Dendrocolaptes certhia)

(Dendrocolaptes picumnus) (Dendroplex picus) – Seen our first day at Peperpot.

(Xiphorhynchus pardalotus) – The Xiphorhynchus that most often joinedunderstory flocks in forest.

(Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – The most vocal woodcreeper on the tour, we heard itmost forested areas, but saw it far less. Vocally variable over its range, the birds here were probably polystictus.

(Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – Generally a canopy woodcreeper, we saw a pair well atPalumeu out in an isolated tree by the airstrip.

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) (Cymbilaimus lineatus)

(Frederickena viridis) – A large antshrike with a big, honking bill! Bret called ayoung male up to us where we got great views! Brownsberg may be among the easiest places to see this local and rarespecies.

(Taraba major) (Sakesphorus canadensis)

(Thamnophilus doliatus) – Usually rather retiring, but one female really sat out in the open forus!

(Thamnophilus murinus) (Thamnophilus punctatus) – Recently the focus of a major splitting operation (one

of the authors of which was our own venerated Dr. Whitney). The Guianan form is the original 'punctatus'. The twosubspecies in Peru are still retained with this species, whereas there are another five forms that were awarded speciesstatus.

(Thamnophilus melanothorax) – A Guianan specialty, and one that (eventually)performed well for us. Both the male and female plumages are striking, but the white tipped tail of the male isparticularly bizarre for an antshrike!

(Thamnophilus amazonicus) – The male is similar in plumage to the Northern Slaty-Antshrike, but the female is rather distinctive. We saw them best at Foengoe Island.

(Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – This and the next were regular 'indicators' of mixed-species understory flocks.

(Thamnomanes caesius) (Pygiptila stellaris)

(Epinecrophylla gutturalis) (Myrmotherula brachyura)

(Myrmotherula surinamensis) (Myrmotherula guttata) – Onegaudy male seen well on the trail at Raleigh Falls. (Myrmotherula axillaris) – A species that is likely to be split up in the near future. The

Guianan populations are nominate, so the name 'axillaris' will still apply to the ones we saw. (Myrmotherula longipennis) – Yet another potential splitting target, and again the

Guianan birds are nominate, so the name 'longipennis' will apply to them. (Myrmotherula menetriesii)

(Herpsilochmus sticturus) – Seen high in the canopy several times, but near the end of ourvisit to Brownsberg, a pair was low overhead, allowing far better views.

(Herpsilochmus stictocephalus) – Vocal in various canopy flocks on the tour; a pair building a nestwere seen (distantly) at Palumeu.

(Microrhopias quixensis) (Formicivora grisea) – A handsome bird that we saw well in the highbush savanna

habitat near the airport. (Terenura spodioptila) – Heard in several flocks in the canopy, but very hard to see.

(Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]

WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPERAMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPERBLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPERSTRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPERCHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER

BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER

LINEATED WOODCREEPER

FASCIATED ANTSHRIKEBLACK-THROATED ANTSHRIKE

GREAT ANTSHRIKEBLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKEBARRED ANTSHRIKE

MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKENORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE

BAND-TAILED ANTSHRIKE

AMAZONIAN ANTSHRIKE

DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE

CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKESPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKEBROWN-BELLIED ANTWRENPYGMY ANTWRENGUIANAN STREAKED-ANTWRENRUFOUS-BELLIED ANTWRENWHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN

LONG-WINGED ANTWREN

GRAY ANTWRENSPOT-TAILED ANTWREN

TODD'S ANTWREN

DOT-WINGED ANTWRENWHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN

ASH-WINGED ANTWRENGRAY ANTBIRD


Common in mangroves and second growth alongthe coast, Spotted Tody-Flycatchers seldom perch

long enough in one spot for a photo, as this one didfor guide Dan Lane.

(Cercomacra tyrannina) – Seen on the Voltzberg trail, heard elsewhere. (Cercomacra nigrescens) – A pair was among the first birds we saw on the tour at Peperpot. Yet

another potential splitting target, and again the Guianan birds are nominate, so the name 'nigrescens' will apply to them. (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Heard fairly frequently at Foengoe Island, where a few were

seen well, as well. Remarkably faster-voiced than what I'm used to hearing in Peru! (Hypocnemis cantator) – Recently split from the 'Warbling Antbird', but as with so

many Guianan forms, this is the nominate form, so the name 'cantator' is retained. A pair responded very well on theVoltzberg trail.

(Hypocnemoides melanopogon) [*] (Sclateria naevia) – As Bret pointed out to us on

the tour, the birds from northeastern South America are darker andmore streaked than those from elsewhere in Amazonia. Happily,should there ever be a split, the Suriname birds will retain the name'naevia' (Suriname, in a surprise move, is the type locality!).

(Percnostola rufifrons rufifrons) – Heardrather a lot inside forest near gaps. A few birds along the Voltzbergtrail gave us nice looks.

(Myrmeciza ferruginea) – Areally handsome terrestrial antbird that gave us stonking views onFoengoe Island!

(Myrmornis torquata) – A rather unsualantbird, but not as responsive as we'd hoped. It took some work to seethis one as he scaled slopes and tossed leaves.

(Pithys albifrons) – Several folks got fairlooks of this antswarm-follower with its gaudy plumes, but theantswarms weren't as active as we'd expected.

(Gymnopithys rufigula) [*] (Hylophylax naevius) – Good views on the

Voltzberg trail. (Willisornis poecilinotus) – As we

mentioned at the checklist, this species has recently be proposed for asplit, with this population part of the group now called 'CommonScale-backed Antbird.' If splitting ever goes any further, it's good toknow that the Guianan birds are nominate, so 'poecilinotus' will applyhere (assuming you can pronounce it).

Formicariidae (Antthrushes) (Formicarius analis) [*]

Grallariidae (Antpittas) (Hylopezus macularius) – A fine performace from an attractive antpitta really spiced up our last

morning at Palumeu! (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) (Camptostoma obsoletum) [*]

(Phaeomyias murina) – A rather nondescript small tyrannid of second growth, wesaw it near Marienburg.

(Tyrannulus elatus) (Myiopagis gaimardii)

(Myiopagis flavivertex) – Seen at Peperpot our first morning out. (Elaenia flavogaster) – Peter V. spotted an active nest at Weg Naar Zee. Nice job!

(Elaenia cristata) – A pointy-crested elaenia of open savannas. (Elaenia ruficeps) – A peculiar elaenia (?) of the highbush savanna. We had some

DUSKY ANTBIRDBLACKISH ANTBIRD

WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD

GUIANAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD

BLACK-CHINNED ANTBIRDSILVERED ANTBIRD

BLACK-HEADED ANTBIRD

FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD

WING-BANDED ANTBIRD

WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD

RUFOUS-THROATED ANTBIRDSPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD

SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH

SPOTTED ANTPITTA

THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULETMOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULETFOREST ELAENIAYELLOW-CROWNED ELAENIAYELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIAPLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIARUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA


very nice views! (Mionectes oleagineus) – Like the next but with wingbars. Seen at the Voltzberg.

(Mionectes macconnelli) – Seen the same day as the previous. Similar, but lacks thewing markings.

(Leptopogon amaurocephalus) (Zimmerius gracilipes) – This species has been split in the aftermath of a

publication or two, with birds from the Guianan area called Guianan Tyrannulet (novel, no?), Zimmerius acer. This maynot be the last word, though, as 'acer' reportedly may have more than one species in it.

(Inezia caudata) – Seen in the coastal scrub our first day. (Corythopis torquatus) – Remarkably similar to our North American Ovenbird in behavior and

plumage. We had some very nice views of this often hard-to-see forest floor species. (Lophotriccus galeatus) – Heard far more than seen, but seen well at the airstrip at

Foengoe Island. (Hemitriccus josephinae) – A Guianan specialty that we enjoyed on the Voltzberg

trail. (Hemitriccus zosterops)

(Todirostrum maculatum) – Great views of a pair at Marienburg our first afternoon.Mostly heard otherwise.

(Todirostrum cinereum) (Todirostrum pictum) – Well named, and a striking little bird. We saw one bird well

at Peperpot, but heard it otherwise. (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) [*]

(Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – A complex of several forms with distinctive voices(if not plumage). We saw it at Foengoe Island.The form here is cherriei.

(Tolmomyias assimilis) – Another complex (although less complex than theprevious species'). The form here is extaminatus.

(Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – Nowhere near as complex as the previous twospecies, but the Guianan birds (sclateri) do sound a little different from western Amazonian ones.

(Tolmomyias flaviventris) – As seems to be epidemic to all the Tolmomyias,this is a complex of several forms that have strong vocal differences. The form here is collingwoodi.

(Terenotriccus erythrurus) (Myiobius barbatus) – Also called 'Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher' in some books.

(Fluvicola pica) – Called 'Pied' because it looks like an oreo-and-cream pie has hit it, scatteringblack and white over its body. Note: $.05 must be sent to Nabisco every time oreos are mentioned in print.... so keepthis bit of intel on the QT, ok?

(Arundinicola leucocephala) (Colonia colonus)

(Attila cinnamomeus) [*] (Attila spadiceus) [*]

(Rhytipterna simplex) (Myiarchus ferox)

(Pitangus lictor) [*] (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Hard to miss in Suriname... they are like starlings in Parbo!

(Megarynchus pitangua) (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Encountered nearly every day of the tour.

(Myiozetetes luteiventris) (Conopias parvus) – Often overlooked, this species is a canopy-loving

flycatcher that can be hard to see. Luckily, we managed to see it anyway. (Myiodynastes maculatus) – Spotted at Peperpot our first day. Another species that may

have some splits in its future. The subspecies here is maculatus. (Legatus leucophaius) – Named for its habit of stealing nests from other species. Usually seen

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHERMCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER

SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHERSLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET

PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULETRINGED ANTPIPIT

HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT

BOAT-BILLED TODY-TYRANT

WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANTSPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHERPAINTED TODY-FLYCATCHER

OLIVACEOUS FLATBILLYELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER

YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER

GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER

YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER

RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHERWHISKERED FLYCATCHERPIED WATER-TYRANT

WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANTLONG-TAILED TYRANTCINNAMON ATTILABRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILAGRAYISH MOURNERSHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERLESSER KISKADEEGREAT KISKADEEBOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHERRUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHERDUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHERYELLOW-THROATED FLYCATCHER

STREAKED FLYCATCHER

PIRATIC FLYCATCHER


Yes, those orange spots beyond the group in thisphoto are a couple of male Guianan Cocks-of-the-rock near the Voltzberg! (Photo by Dan Lane)

around colonies of caciques or oropendulas. (Empidonomus varius)

(Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – Another species that specializes on Mauritia palms. (Tyrannus melancholicus)

(Tyrannus dominicensis) – Probably migrants that were staging before heading north to theirCaribbean island nesting grounds.

(Tyrannus savana) – Jim's bird (well spotted!) at Poti Hill was our only one.

Cotingidae (Cotingas) (Phoenicircus carnifex) – A young male responded well to Bret's playback and allowed us

all scope views. (Rupicola rupicola) – Despite the fear that we wouldn't be able to get there, we

managed to get to the Voltzberg lek and see many colorful males. Nice! (Querula purpurata)

(Perissocephalus tricolor) – Great views of thesestrange looking and sounding birds on the Poti Hill trail!

(Cotinga cayana) – Several of these seen alongthe Tapanahoni.

(Lipaugus vociferans) – Sorry, what? I can't hearyou over the din!

(Xipholena punicea) – Mostly females seen.

Pipridae (Manakins) (Neopelma

chrysocephalum) – Great looks of this somewhat dull bird in the tallwhite sand woodland.

(Tyranneutes virescens) – "Nicky theGreek" (or "Gimme the Bread") was a frequent sound at FoengoeIsland.

(Corapipo gutturalis) – I don't thinkwe ever saw an adult male, but many female and young males were seen.

(Lepidothrix serena) – Great views of males our last afternoon in Brownsberg. (Manacus manacus) [*]

(Xenopipo atronitens) – A couple of males chased in front of us in the highbush savanna. (Pipra pipra) – We had a few glimpses of females, but a great view of a male at

Brownsberg our last day was the best. This is a species with some impressive vocal variation (but relatively littleplumage variation) that is likely to be split. If so, the Guianan form is nominate pipra.

(Pipra aureola) – Peter G got us on a stonking male at the botanical gardens at Parbo! (Pipra erythrocephala) – A female was seen our last afternoon at Brownsberg.

(Piprites chloris)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) (Tityra cayana)

(Tityra inquisitor) – Seen well at the airstrip at Palumeu. (Laniocera hypopyrra) – Briefly seen at Foengoe Island.

(Pachyramphus viridis) – According to the checklist of birds of Suriname, our record is thefirst documented record for the country! There have been three sight records previously.

(Pachyramphus rufus) – A nice look at a male at Peperpot. (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Also seen well at Peperpot. (Pachyramphus minor)

Vireonidae (Vireos) (Vireo olivaceus)

VARIEGATED FLYCATCHERSULPHURY FLYCATCHERTROPICAL KINGBIRDGRAY KINGBIRD

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER

GUIANAN RED-COTINGA

GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK

PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROWCAPUCHINBIRD

SPANGLED COTINGA

SCREAMING PIHA

POMPADOUR COTINGA

SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN

TINY TYRANT-MANAKIN

WHITE-THROATED MANAKIN

WHITE-FRONTED MANAKINWHITE-BEARDED MANAKINBLACK MANAKINWHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN

CRIMSON-HOODED MANAKINGOLDEN-HEADED MANAKINWING-BARRED PIPRITES

BLACK-TAILED TITYRABLACK-CROWNED TITYRACINEREOUS MOURNERGREEN-BACKED BECARD

CINEREOUS BECARDWHITE-WINGED BECARDPINK-THROATED BECARD

RED-EYED VIREO


(Hylophilus thoracicus) – Usually just a voice from the canopy, we eventually hadpretty good looks at Palumeu.

(Hylophilus pectoralis) – Fairly common in the mangroves and forest on the coast. (Hylophilus muscicapinus) – A species I have long wanted to see ever since I noticed a

typo somewhere where the 'f's were replaced by 't's. (Hylophilus ochraceiceps) (Vireolanius leucotis)

(Cyclarhis gujanensis)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Cyanocorax cayanus) – Sometimes hard to see, we had lovely views in the savanna near the airport.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Pygochelidon melanoleuca) – A rather range-restricted species found around rocky

riffles in rivers. We had nice views at Foengoe and Palumeu. (Atticora fasciata) – The "photo negative" of the previous swallow in some respects, but

occurs with it. (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

(Progne chalybea) – Numerous in most open habitats. (Progne tapera) (Tachycineta albiventer)

(Hirundo rustica) – Migrants were staging at the coast on our visits to Weg Naar Zee.

Troglodytidae (Wrens) (Pheugopedius coraya)

(Cantorchilus leucotis) (Troglodytes aedon)

(Henicorhina leucosticta)

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) (Microbates collaris) – A rather lucky view of this skulker!

(Ramphocaenus melanurus) – A small bird with a long, thin bill and longish tail that weglimpsed a few times in vine tangles and flocks, but heard often. There is some variation in this species, and it's quitelikely it will be split up. The form in the Guianas is albiventris.

(Polioptila plumbea) – A rather variable species over its range. The form we encounteredin Suriname is nominate plumbea.

Donacobiidae (Donacobius) (Donacobius atricapilla)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Turdus leucomelas)

(Turdus fumigatus) – Primarily heard at Foengoe Island. (Turdus albicollis) – Mostly heard, but a few folks caught glimpses at Raleigh Falls or

Brownsberg.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) (Mimus gilvus) – So similar to our Northern Mockingbird, yet still quite different.

Parulidae (New World Warblers) (Parula pitiayumi) (Dendroica petechia) – Migrants present near the coast.

(Dendroica striata) – Steve spotted a bird at the Voltzberg plate.

Coerebidae (Bananaquit) (Coereba flaveola) – One of the few species encountered daily on the tour.

LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET

ASHY-HEADED GREENLETBUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET

TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLETSLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREORUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE

CAYENNE JAY

BLACK-COLLARED SWALLOW

WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWGRAY-BREASTED MARTINBROWN-CHESTED MARTINWHITE-WINGED SWALLOWBARN SWALLOW

CORAYA WRENBUFF-BREASTED WRENHOUSE WRENWHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN

COLLARED GNATWRENLONG-BILLED GNATWREN

TROPICAL GNATCATCHER

BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS

PALE-BREASTED THRUSHCOCOA THRUSHWHITE-NECKED THRUSH

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD

TROPICAL PARULAYELLOW WARBLERBLACKPOLL WARBLER

BANANAQUIT


A fine view of a male Chestnut Woodpecker on our firstmorning, showing the golden crest of this subspecies. (Photo

by Dan Lane)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Schistochlamys melanopis) – One of our last new birds, a few seen in the savannas by the

airport. (Lamprospiza melanoleuca) – A handsome, rather large tanager that travels in noisy

groups. We saw it at Voltzberg and again at Brownsberg. (Conirostrum bicolor) – A warbler-like tanager of coastal mangroves.

(Hemithraupis flavicollis) – A few folks got on this small tanager high in the canopywhen we were engrossed in that big flock the afternoon we headed in to Brownsberg.

(Lanio fulvus) (Tachyphonus cristatus)

(Tachyphonus surinamus) (Tachyphonus luctuosus)

(Tachyphonus rufus) (Tachyphonus phoenicius) –

Similar to the last species, but the female plumages differ(trying to see the red shoulder is mostly a waste of time!).Mostly seen on the granite plates and savannas.

(Ramphocelus carbo) (Thraupis episcopus) – This species

has two distinct plumage 'groups': east of the Andes (as here inSuriname), they show a silvery shoulder and white wingbar.West of the Andes, the shoulder is deep blue, and there is nowingbar. Interestingly, the type locality of the name 'episcopus'is Suriname! So the silver-shouldered birds include thenominate taxon.

(Thraupis palmarum) (Tangara mexicana) – The common

Tangara of the trip. (Tangara punctata)

(Tangara gyrola) – A few aroundthe Brownsberg lodging.

(Dacnis cayana) (Chlorophanes spiza) (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – The

yellow legs of this one always catch me off guard. How canskin look so flourescent?

(Cyanerpes cyaneus) – Afairly common, and attractive, tanager of forest and edge. Oneof the nice features these show is a flash of yellow under thewing!

(Saltator coerulescens) (Saltator maximus) (Saltator grossus)

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Volatinia jacarina)

(Sporophila americana) – The common seedeater on the coast. (Oryzoborus angolensis) – Strangely absent from the usual open habiats where

they'd be found elsewhere in South America... "Strange" until you realize that they've been trapped out by locals whoare keeping them in cages!

(Arremon taciturnus)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

BLACK-FACED TANAGER

RED-BILLED PIED TANAGER

BICOLORED CONEBILLYELLOW-BACKED TANAGER

FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGERFLAME-CRESTED TANAGERFULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGERWHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGERWHITE-LINED TANAGERRED-SHOULDERED TANAGER

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGERBLUE-GRAY TANAGER

PALM TANAGERTURQUOISE TANAGER

SPOTTED TANAGERBAY-HEADED TANAGER

BLUE DACNISGREEN HONEYCREEPERPURPLE HONEYCREEPER

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER

GRAYISH SALTATORBUFF-THROATED SALTATORSLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUITWING-BARRED SEEDEATERCHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH

PECTORAL SPARROW


(Caryothraustes canadensis) – A canopy grosbeak that we caught up with atBrownsberg.

(Periporphyrus erythromelas) – One heard our last morning at Brownsberg, but itrefused to come in. A real heart-breaker.

(Granatellus pelzelni) – Long considered a wood-warbler, this species is now known to bemore closely related to the Passerina buntings (such as Indigo and Lazuli, etc.). We had a few nice views on theVoltzberg trail.

(Cyanocompsa cyanoides)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (Sturnella militaris) – Mostly along the coast, but a lone female at the Palumeu airstrip

made us do a double-take. (Sturnella magna) – Hard to imagine an 'old friend from back home' in such different

circumstances, but there they were! (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – A flock at Marienburg was our first view, but some

sitting birds at Weg Naar Zee gave us even better looks. (Molothrus bonariensis) (Molothrus oryzivorus) (Icterus nigrogularis) – Wow, after spending an afternoon searching the coast, Bret managed to spot

one 'over the shoulder' as we were leaving our hotel for the drive to Brownsberg! Nicely done sir! (Cacicus haemorrhous) – A few glimpses early on were remedied by some fine views at

Brownsberg. (Cacicus cela)

(Psarocolius viridis) – Scarser than the next species in general, we had a fair number during thecourse of the tour.

(Psarocolius decumanus)

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Euphonia plumbea) [*]

(Euphonia finschi) – A good scope look at Peperpot was great... we never encountered another... (Euphonia violacea) – Briefly called Thick-billed Euphonia, but we were able to correct

that error during the course of the trip. This was the most common euphonia we encountered. (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Also called (perhaps more accurately) White-lored

Euphonia. Seen best at Palumeu. (Euphonia cayennensis) – A fetching little bird that eluded us until our last day at

Palumeu.

MAMMALS (Myotis lucifugus) – Bret was saying the local species was M. nigrescens (which I could not

find on our database list), so I used this as a proxy. (Saguinus midas) – A rather attractive little monkey with a great scientific name!

(Saimiri sciureus) (Alouatta seniculus) – Heard often, and seen several times.

(Chiropotes satanas) – A rather rare and seldom seen monkey which we saw atVoltzberg.

(Cebus apella) (Ateles paniscus) – Heard screaming it up most places!

(Choloepus didactylus) – We saw remarkable numbers of these at Palumeu thanks tothe sharp eyes of our local guide David.

(Bradypus tridactylus) – Our guide Chris spotted one at Peperpot. (Dasypus novemcinctus) – A couple seen in the white sand woodland.

(Sciurillus pusillus) – Bret's ears picked up the sharp, high 'chip' sounds of theseminiscule squirrels in the trees over the building at Brownsberg.

YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK

RED-AND-BLACK GROSBEAK

ROSE-BREASTED CHAT

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK

RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD

EASTERN MEADOWLARK

YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD

SHINY COWBIRDGIANT COWBIRDYELLOW ORIOLE

RED-RUMPED CACIQUE

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUEGREEN OROPENDOLA

CRESTED OROPENDOLA

PLUMBEOUS EUPHONIAFINSCH'S EUPHONIAVIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA

GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA

GOLDEN-SIDED EUPHONIA

LITTLE BROWN MYOTIS

GOLDEN-HANDED TAMARINCOMMON SQUIRREL MONKEYRED HOWLER MONKEYBROWN BEARDED SAKI MONKEY

BROWN CAPUCHINBLACK SPIDER MONKEYSOUTHERN TWO-TOED SLOTH

PALE-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTHNINE-BANDED ARMADILLONEOTROPICAL PYGMY SQUIRREL


(Dasyprocta agouti) – Equally as annoying at Brownsberg as the damned trumpeters!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Red-tailed Boa (Boa constrictor)

Ameiva Lizard (Ameiva ameiva)

Tegu Lizard (Tupinambis sp.)

Three-striped Dart Frog (Epidobates trivittatus)

'Depth Charge' Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus)

Red-eyed Planthoppter (Lystra lanata)

Totals for the tour: 387 bird taxa and 12 mammal taxa

RED-RUMPED AGOUTI


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