satipo tours northwestern argentina sep 27 oct 8,...

Satipo Tours Northwestern Argentina 2013

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Satipo Tours

Northwestern Argentina Sep 27 – Oct 8, 2013 By Thomas Plath

Participants: Thomas Plath, Linda Koch

Itinerary

Sep 27: flight from Buenos Aries to Tucuman; arrived 1300 hrs got rental car then at 1400 hrs

drove from Tucuman to Taffi de Valle, briefly birding the Yungas Reserve en route

Sep 28: morning birded El Infernillo – 2 C!, Yungas Reserve in 1000-1330 hrs, then Taffi de

Valle lake

Sep 29: birded Yungas Reserve and Taffi de Valle 0800-1130 hrs; El Infernillo for an hour,

briefly Aimacha de Valle then drove to Cafayate

Sep 30: birded Cafayate lodging grounds; drove to Cachi birding along the way

Oct 1: drove Cachi to Yala NP via Los Cardones NP; birded Yala NP in 1700-1800 hrs

Oct 2: birded Yala NP 0730-0930; drove to Abra Pampa; birded laguna 10 km north of Abra

Pampa

Oct 3: drove from Abra Pampa to Lago Pozuelas, birded Lago Pozuelos; drove to La Quiaca

Oct 4: birded grounds of lodging at La Quiaca early then drove to General San Martin with

roadside birding along the way, overnight General San Martin

Oct 5: birded Calilegua NP all day 0800 – 1600hrs

Oct 6: drove from General San Martin to J. V. Gonzales (JVG); birded km 40-45 JVG late PM

Oct 7: birded the chaco at km 30-60 JVG

Oct 8: left at 0400 hrs and birded the chaco at km 50-60 JVG; then drove to Tucuman

Highlights: Greater and Lesser Rhea, Elegant-crested, Ornate and Brushland Tinamou,

Coscoroba Swan, Torrent Duck, Red-faced Guan, Andean and James Flamingo, Buff-necked

Ibis, Andean Condor, Rufous-thighed Kite, White-winged Coot, Andean Avocet, Puna Plover,

Golden-spotted and Bare-eyed Ground-Dove, Large-tailed Dove, Sick’s Swift, Scissor-tailed

Nightjar, Red-tailed Comet, Blue-throated Starthroat, White-fronted, Dot-fronted and Black-

bodied Woodpecker, Grey-headed and Green-cheeked Parakeet, Burrowing and Tucuman

Parrot, Giant Antshrike, Sandy Gallito, Puna and Rufous-banded Miner, Scimitar-billed and

Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Rock and Straight-billed Earthcreeper, Crested Hornero, Brown-

capped and Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail, Lark-like Brushrunner, Maquis and Steinbach’s

Canastero, Brown and White-throated Cachalote, White-bellied and Sclater’s Tyrannulet,

Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, Cinereous and Plumbeous Black-Tyrant, Rufous Casiornis, White-

tipped Plantcutter, Rufous-throated Dipper, Andean Slaty Thrush, White-banded and Brown-

backed Mockingbird, Black-crested Finch, 6 species of Warbling-Finch, Tucuman Mountain-

Finch, Puna and Citron-headed Yellow-Finch, Many-colored Chaco-Finch, Rufous-bellied

Saltator, Yellow-striped and Fulvous-headed Brush-Finch

Annotated Bird and Mammal List

This trip list follows the taxonomic order and nomenclature of Clements 6th Edition (updated

version 2015). The status of the threatened bird species is taken from Birdlife International

(Threatened Species).


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NP – National Park * - Heard only birds

Rheas - Rheidae

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) Near-threatened: Approximately 20 observed on the drive

from San General de Martin to J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) Near-threatened: A group of four observed on the drive from Lago

Pozuelos to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Tinamous - Tinamidae

Ornate Tinamou (Nothoprocta ornate): One watched in the scrub at Infernillo Nov 28th and two

in the scrub on the drive to Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Brushland Tinamou (Nothoprocta cinerascens): One photographed in scrub on the drive from

J.V. Gonzales to Tucuman, Oct 8th.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Elegant-crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans): Around 40 were observed in small flocks and

photographed at Los Cardones N.P. Oct 1st.

Photo: Thomas Plath


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Ducks - Anatidae

Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba): One was along the lake edge at Taffi de Valle Oct

28th. Thirty seen at a wetland by the highway en route to Campana Oct 21st; 20 were seen at Punta

Rasa Oct 19th and 30 on Oct 20th.

Andean Goose (Oressochen melanopterus): Fairly common in the high puna wetlands of Taffi de

Valle, Abra Pampa and Lago Pozuelos. A flock of 75 were at wetlands near Taffi de Valle on Sep

27th and a flock of 200 were estimated en route to Cachi from Cafayate Sep 30th.

Crested Duck (Lophonetta specularioides): One at Abra Pampa Nov 2nd, fairly common at Lago

Pozuelos Nov 3rd with over 50 seen and two observed Nov 4th.

Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata): A female was observed at the Yungas Reserve, Taffi de

Valle Sep 28th, three were observed along the river the following day, and one at Yala NP Oct 1st.

Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera): One was at Taffi de Valle Sep 28th, two were seen en route

to Cachi Sep 30th; one at Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and 10 estimated at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis): Two were seen along the shore of the lake at Taffi de

Valle Sep 28th. Many were seen (100+) at high elevation wetlands of Abra Pampa and Lago

Pozuelos Oct 2-3rd.

Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica): Common at high elevation lakes with 100’s seen at the

lagunas at Abra Pampa Oct 4th and Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd. Common at wetlands near Taffi de

Valle Sep 27th.

Puna Teal (Anas puna): Five were at the wetland 10km north of Abra Pampa and 10 at Lago

Pozuelos Nov 3rd.

Yellow-billed (Speckled) Teal (Anas flavirostris): Ten were at wetlands near Taffi de Valle Sep

27th. Many were seen at high elevation wetlands of Abra Pampa and Lago Pozuelos Oct 2-3rd.

Ruddy (Andean) Duck (Oxyura (vittata) jamaicensis): Four were observed at Lago Pozuelas Oct

3rd.

Guans, Chachalacas - Cracidae

Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis): About 15 seen en route and at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th, 15

at J.V.G Oct 7th and two on Oct 8th.

Red-faced Guan (Penelope dabbenei): Excellent looks were obtained of roosting birds above the

road at Yala NP Oct 2nd.

*Dusky-legged Guan (Penelope obscura): Heard at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Grebes - Podicipedidae

Silvery Grebe (Podiceps occipitalis): About 15 were seen at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.


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Flamingos - Phoenicopteridae

Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) Near-threatened: Hundred’s were at Lago

Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Andean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus andinus) Vulnerable: Hundreds were at the wetlands 10 km

north of Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and dozens were observed at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicopterus jamesi) Near-threatened: Five of the smallest flamingo

were observed at the wetlands 10 km north of Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.

Storks – Ciconiidae

Maguari Stork (Ciconia maguari): Three were in fields near J. V. Gonzalez Oct 8th.

Cormorants - Phalacrocoracidae

Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus): Ten were at wetlands near Taffi de Valle

Sep 27th and a few were on the river at the Yungas Reserve near Taffi de Valle Sep 28-29th.

Herons - Ardeidae

Cocoi (Black-necked) Heron (Ardea cocoi): One was at wetlands near Taffi de Valle Sep 27th

and 28th.

Great Egret (Ardea alba): Four at wetlands near Taffi de Valle Sep 28th.


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Snowy Egret (Egretta thula): Two near at wetlands near Taffi de Valle Sep 28th.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis): One was near Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and five were in fields near en

route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.

Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax): A flock of 30 was observed flying over

the town of Cachi Oct 1st.

Ibises – Threskiornithidae

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi): Six were in fields near J. V. Gonzalez Oct 8th.

Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgwayi): Fifteen and 10 at wetlands near Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and 28th.

One was at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd and couple of others in highland fields.

Plumbeous Ibis (Theristicus caerulescens): One observed flying over and calling at lower

Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus): Small numbers were feeding in irrigated fields en route

to the chaco at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th.

Photo: Thomas Plath


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New World Vultures - Cathartidae

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus): About 30 were observed en route to Cachi Sep 30th; observed

daily in the J. V. Gonzales area Oct 6-8th.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura): A few were seen daily in the mountains Sep 28-30th and in

the Calilegua NP and J.V. Gonzales area.

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) Near threatened: Eight were observed en route to Cachi Sep

30th and two at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Hawks - Accipitridae

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus): One was observed en route to Yala NP Oct 1st and another

en route to San General San Martin Oct 4th.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus): One was seen at Yala NP Oct 1st and two at

Calilegua NP on Oct 5th.

Rufous-thighed Kite (Harpagus diodon): One was observed soaring at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus): One was at Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and two were seen at

Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus): One observed en route to Cachi Sep 30th.

Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis): One en route to the Chaco area at J. V. Gonzales Oct

7th.

Great Black-Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga): One observed perched en route to J. V. Gonzales

Oct 6th.

Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris): One was at the Yungas Reserve Sep 27th and two on

Sep 29th. Several were seen in the Chaco at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th and singles elsewhere the

following two days.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus): Two near Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Variable (Puna) Hawk (Geranoaetus (poecilochrous) polyosoma): One or two seen most days

in the highlands Sep 27-29th, Oct 1st and 3rd-4th.


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Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus): Two were seen near El Infernillo

Sep 28th and three en route to Cachi Sep 29th.

Rails – Rallidae

Grey-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajanea): One observed at a small stream at a roadside stop

east of San General de Martin Oct 4th.

Plumbeous Rail (Pardirallus sanguinolentus): Two observed in a small wetland near Taffi de

Valle Sep 28th.

Common (Moorhen) Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus): One was at the lake near Taffi de Valle

Sep 28th.

Slate-colored (Andean) Coot (Fulica ardesiaca): Five were at the lake near Taffi de Valle Sep

28th; 10 were at the wetland north of Abra Pampa and 100’s were at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

White-winged Coot (Fulica leucoptera): About 30 were at the lake near Taffi de Valle Sep 28th.

Avocets - Recurvirostridae

Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus): Five were at wetlands near Taffi de

Valle Sep 27th and 15 on Sep 28th. Over 100 were at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd and small numbers at

wetlands Oct 4th and 6th.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina): Ten were in the Abra Pampa area Oct 2nd and eight at


Plovers - Charadriidae

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis): Common and widespread in fields and open areas in the

northwest.

Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens): Common in the high Andes: 10 at Los Cardones NP

Oct 1st, four at Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and over 20 at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Puna Plover (Charadrius alticola): One at the wetland 10 km north of Abra Pampa and eight at


Photo: Thomas Plath


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Sandpipers - Scolopacidae

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes): Seven were at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii): Ten were along the lakeshore Taffi de Valle Sep 29th; five

at Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and over a hundred were along the south shore at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos): Four were at the south shore at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor): Hundreds were at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Gulls - Laridae

Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus): One observed at wetlands near Taffi de Valle Sep

27th, 15 Sep 28th and five Sep 29th; five were seen at Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and 10 was at Lago

Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Pigeons - Columbidae

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia): Common and widespread in towns and villages in the northwest.

Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis): Two observed at J. V. Gonzales on Oct 6th.

Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro): One or two observed most days at lower elevations in

the northwest.

Spot-winged Pigeon (Patagioenas maculosa): Small numbers were seen on most days in the

northwest.

Bare-faced Ground-Dove (Metriopelia ceciliae): A few were seen at the grounds of our lodging

in La Quiaca Oct 4th.

Bare-eyed Ground-Dove (Metriopelia morenoi) Endemic: Four were seen near Taffi de Valle

Sep 28th.

Black-winged Ground-Dove (Metriopelia melanoptera): A flock of 15 was at El Infernillo Sep

29th, one at Abra Pampa Oct 2nd, three were at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd and La Quiaca Oct 4th.

Golden-spotted Ground-Dove (Metriopelia aymara): Six including great looks of a bird on the

ground at Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi): One or two observed daily in the Yungas Reserve Sep

28-29 and near Yala NP Oct 1st. Common near J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th.

Large-tailed Dove (Leptotila megalura): Great looks of one were had perched in the open at

Yala NP Oct 2nd.

Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata): Abundant in all areas outside high elevations in the northwest.


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Cuckoos - Cuculidae Guira Cuckoo (Guira guira): A flock of eight was seen at Taffi de Valle Sep 28th, one en route

to Cachi Sep 30th, three en route to General San Martin Oct 4th and five at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Owls - Strigidae

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia): One was seen at Taffi de Valle Sep 28th, another at Los

Cardones NP Oct 1st, and two at J. V. Gonzales Oct 8th.

Nightjars – Caprimulgidae

*Little Nightjar (Setopagis parvula): Two heard pre-dawn a km 40 J. V. Gonzales Oct 8th.

Scissor-tailed Nightjar (Hydropsalis torquata): A female was sitting on the road coming back

from the chaco at JVG Oct 6th and three were heard pre-dawn km 40-50 Oct 8th.

Swifts - Apodidae

White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris): A flock of 20 seen en route to Cachi Sep 30th, five

at Calilegua NP on Oct 5th and 10 on the 6th.

Sick’s (Ashy-tailed) Swift (Chaetura meridionalis (andrei): Two seen at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Andean Swift (Aeronautes andecolus): Small numbers were seen in the highlands Sep 29th to Oct

2nd and 10 Oct 4th.

Hummingbirds - Trochilidae

Planalto Hermit (Phaethornis pretrei): One seen well for a few seconds at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Red-tailed Comet (Sappho sparganurus): Single males of this stunning hummingbird were

observed at the Yungas Reserve Sep 28th – 30th, two were seen at Yala NP on Oct 2nd and about

10 at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.


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Photo: Linda Koch

Giant Hummingbird (Patagonia gigas): One was attending flowers at our lodging at Cafayate

Sep 29th and three were observed in the vicinity of our lodging in Cafayate the following day.

Blue-tufted Starthroat (Heliomaster furcifer): A beautiful male was observed at km 60 J. V.

Gonzales Oct 8th.

Glittering-bellied Emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus): Two were seen outside General San Martin

Oct 4th and at Calilegua NP Oct 6th.

White-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia chionogaster): One was at the Yungas Reserve Sep 28th

and three at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Toucans - Ramphastidae

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco): Eight were observed en route to General San Martin Oct 4th

including one ripping apart a Kiskadee nest and two at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Woodpeckers - Picidae

White-barred Piculet (Picumnus cirratus): One was observed at a roadside stop en route to Yala

NP Oct 1st two were at Calilegua NP Oct 5th and a single Oct 6th.

Ocellated Piculet (Picumnus dorbignyanus): One at a roadside stop en route to Jujuy Oct 1st.

White-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cactorum): Two were seen near our lodging at

Cafayate Sep 30th and pairs were at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7-8th.

Dot-fronted Woodpecker (Veniliornis frontalis): Good leisurely looks of two at Caligula NP

Oct 5th.

Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus): Singles observed at the Yungas Reserve Sep

28th, Yala NP Oct 2nd, and Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Green-barred Woodpecker (Colaptes melanochloros): Small numbers observed around Taffi de

Valle Sep 28th – 30th, and singles at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7-8th.

Andean Flicker (Colaptes rupicola): Five were at El Infernillo Sep 28th and two the following

day; four were observed en route to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Black-bodied Woodpecker (Dryocopus schulzi) Near-threatened: Two observed at J. V.

Gonzales Oct 7th and Oct 8th.

Falcons - Falconidae

Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus): One observed at Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and

four were seen near Lago Pozuelos Nov 3rd.


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Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus): Common and widespread with many seen all but one

day in the northwest.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango): Several seen daily in all days except at very high

elevation.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius): Widespread and fairly common in northwestern

Argentina. Two to five observed on all but one day in the northwest usually along the roadside

while driving.

Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis): One at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st and two at Lago Pozuelos

Oct 3rd.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): Two calling birds were at the Yungas Reserve, Taffi de

Valle Sep 29th.

Parrots - Psittacidae

Grey-hooded Parakeet (Psilopsiagon aymara): Four observed en route to El Infernillo Sep 28th

and two at Los Cardones NP Nov 1st.

Mountain Parakeet (Psilopsiagon aurifrons): A flock of 10 observed feeding on bushes along

the highway en route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus): Common with hundreds seen each day in the vicinity of

J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th-8th.

Tucuman Parrot (Amazona tucumana) Vulnerable: Four at the Yungas Reserve at Taffi de

Valle Sep 28th and one at La Quiaca Oct 4th.

Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva): Forty en route to San General de Martin Oct 4th,

eight at J. V. Gonzales on the 7th and 10 on Oct 8th.

Green-cheeked Parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae): A pair was observed feeding at close quarters at a

roadside stop en route to San General de San Martin Oct 4th.

Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus): Over 2,000 observed in flocks in the afternoon en

route to Cafayate Sep 29 and 200 en route to Cachi the following day.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Blue-crowned Parakeet (Thectocercus acuticaudatus): Common near J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th

(50 estimated Oct 6th).

Mitred Parakeet (Psittacara mitratus): Six observed at the Yungas Reserve, Taffi de Valle Sep

29th and 30 seen en route to General San Martin Oct 4th.

Order: Passeriformes

Antbirds - Thamnophilidae

Giant Antshrike (Batara cinerea): One watched leisurely in the open and photographed at

Calilegua NP Oct 5th.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Great Antshrike (Taraba major): A female en route to General San Martin Oct 4th and two at J.

V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens): Heard at Yala NP Oct 2nd; a female was seen

at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

*Stripe-backed Antbird (Myrmorchilus strigilatus): Three heard in the chaco scrub at J.V.

Gonzales Oct 7th.

Tapaculos - Rhinocryptidae

*Sandy Gallito (Teledromas fuscus) Endemic: About six heard Sep 30th at the dune habitat 10

km outside of Cafayate.

Ovenbirds - Furnariidae

Slender-billed Miner (Geositta tenuirostris): Good looks of one near El Infernillo Sep 28th.

Common Miner (Geositta cunicularia): A few identified as this species around Lago Pozuelos

Oct 3rd.

Puna Miner (Geositta punensis): Three observed near Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and near Lago

Pozuelos Oct 3rd.


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Rufous-banded Miner (Geositta rufipennis): Five were seen at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st, 15

around Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd and four the following day around La Quiaca.

Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper (Drymornis bridgesii): One was observed up close at a roadside

stop en route to General San Martin Oct 4th; and singles at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7-8th.

Narrow-billed Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris): One seen at J. V. Gonzales on Oct

6th and two were on Oct 7th. One was at Costanera Sur Oct 18th.

Rock Earthcreeper (Ochetorhynchus andaecola): Two observed en route to Lago Pozuelos Oct

3rd.

Straight-billed Earthcreeper (Ochetorhynchus ruficaudus): One seen and photographed at a

roadside stop en route to Jujuy Oct 1st.

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus): Fairly common and widespread in the northwest.

Crested Hornero (Furnarius cristatus): Four at J. V. Gonzales on Oct 7th.

Creamy- (Bar)winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes albiventris): Singles observed Oct 1-3rd at Abra

Pampa, Lago Pozuelos and La Quiaca.

White-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes atacamensis): One was along the river at the upper Yungas

Reserve Sep 28th, three on the 29th, and two en route to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata): One observed foraging on the

ground along a stream at Yungas Reserve Sep 29th; two at Yala NP Oct 2nd; and a couple at

Calilegua NP Oct 4-5th.

Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura fuliginiceps): One en route to Cachi Sep 30th, four

seen en route to Yala NP Oct 1st and another en route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.

Tufted Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura platensis): One observed at El Infernillo Sep 29th.

Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura aegithaloides): Two were seen en route to Abra

Pampa Oct 2nd.

Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus rufifrons): One en route to J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Little Thornbird (Phacellodomus sibilatrix): Four at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7th.

Lark-like Brushrunner (Coryphistera alaudina): Good looks of three at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7th

and two the following day.

Creamy-breasted Canastero (Asthenes dorbignyi): One at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st and five

seen between Abra Pampa and La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Cordilleran Canastero (Asthenes modesta): Five seen between Abra Pampa and La Quiaca Oct

3rd.


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Maquis Canastero (Asthenes heterura) Near-threatened: Four observed between Cachi and

Jujuy Oct 1st.

Stripe-crowned Spinetail (Cranioleuca pyrrhophia): Three were at Yala NP Oct 2nd; singles

were seen at Calilegua NP Oct 4-5th; and a couple at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7 and 8th.

Steinbach’s Canastero (Pseudasthenes steinbachi) Endemic: One with great looks en route to

Cachi Sep 30th.

Brown Cachalote (Pseudoseisura lophotes): Two were observed at J. V. Gonzales on Oct 6th,

five the following day, and two Oct 8th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

White-throated Cachalote (Pseudoseisura gutturalis) Endemic: Two seen and photographed at

the nest en route to Cafayate Sep 29th.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Sooty-fronted Spinetail (Synallaxis frontalis): One observed at Yala NP Oct 1st.

Tyrant Flycatchers - Tyrannidae

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum): Two were observed in the chaco at

60 km J. V. Gonzales.

(Chaco) Suiriri Flycatcher (Suiriri suiriri): One en route to General San Martin Oct 4th; and a

few seen daily in the chaco at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

White-throated Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus leucophrys): Three were seen at Yala NP Oct 2nd

and six at Calilegua NP Octth.

Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes flavirostris): One in the scrub near Cafayate Sep 30th and

three in the scrub near our lodging in Cafayate Oct 1st.

White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps): Singles were seen at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th.

Small-billed Elaenia (Elaenia parvirostris): One seen at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Highland Elaenia (Elaenia obscura): Singles were seen at the Yungas Reserve Sep 27-28, and

two Sep 29, and another at Calilegua NP on Oct 5th.

White-crested Tyrannulet (Serpophaga subcristata): One en route to Jujuy Oct 1st and two seen

at San Sebastian Lodge Oct 13th.

White-bellied Tyrannulet (Serpophaga munda): One in the Yungas Reserve Sep 29th and

another at Yala NP Oct 2nd.

Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes ventralis): One or two observed daily at the Yungas

Reserve, Taffi de Valle Sep 27-29th; another two seen at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Sclater’s Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias sclateri): One observed at the Yungas Reserve Sep 29th and

another at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Greater Wagtail-Tyrant (Stigmatura budytoides): Four seen in the vicinity of our lodge at

Cafayate Sep 30th.


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Pearly-vented Tody-Flycatcher (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer): One observed at J. V.

Gonzales Oct 6th about 10 heard on Oct 8th.

*Ochre-faced Tody-Tyrant (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps): Two heard at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus): One observed at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea): Two observed en route to Cafayate Sep 29th; over 20

seen between Cafayate and Cachi Sep 30th; several seen the following day through Los Cardones

NP and a single seen en route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.

Bran-colored Flycatcher (Myiophobus fasciatus): One seen at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7th.

Euler’s Flycatcher (Lathrotriccus euleri): Good looks of one at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Smoke-colored Pewee (Contopus fumigatus.): One seen at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans): One or two noted along the river at the Yungas Reserve Sep

27th-29th; and one at Yala NP Oct 1st.

Vermillion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus): Two were seen at J.V. Gonzales Oct 7-8th. Two

at Iguazu NP Oct 11th.

Austral Negrito (Lessonia rufa): One potentially this species was observed in a field en route to

Taffi de Valle Sep 27th.

Andean Negrito (Lessonia oreas): Six were seen en route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.

Plumbeous Black-Tyrant (Knipolegus (signatus) cabanisi): Great looks of one flycatching

along the bank of the river at Yungas Reserve Sep 29th.

Cinereous Tyrant (Knipolegus striaticeps): A female was seen at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7th and a

male the following day.

Spectacled Tyrant (Hymenops perspicillatus): One observed in agricultural lands en route to

Cachi Sep 30th and another en route to chaco at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Yellow-browed Tyrant (Satrapa icterophrys): One observed briefly perched then in flight at

Yala NP by TP Oct 2nd.

Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola maculirostris): A single at Taffi de Valle Sep 28th

and two on the 28th; one en route to Cachi Sep 30th and another at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st.

Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant (Muscisaxicola rufivertex): Five were seen at Taffi de Valle Sep

27th, a flock of 80 on the 28th, and two on Sep 30th; an out of place individual was at Calilegua NP

Oct 5th.

Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola capistratus): Two with Rufous-naped

Ground-Tyrants in fields at El Infernillo Sep 28th and one en route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.


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Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant (Agriornis montanus): One observed en route to Abra Pampa Oct

2nd.

Grey-bellied Shrike-Tyrant (Agriornis micropterus): Two observed en route to Abra Pampa Oct

2nd.

Lesser Shrike-Tyrant (Agriornis murinus): One along roadside at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st.

White Monjita (Xolmis irupero): One near our lodging at Yala NP Oct 2nd and two at J. V.

Gonzales Oct 8th.

Rufous Casiornis (Casiornis rufa): One observed flycatching low to the ground at J. V.

Gonzales Oct 7th.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer): One seen at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Swainson’s Flycatcher (Myiarchus swainsoni): One at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th, three Oct 7th and

five on Oct 8th.

Greater Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus): Fairly common and widespread in northwestern

Argentina.

Variegated Flycatcher (Empidonomus varius): One at Yala NP Oct 3rd.

Crowned Slaty-Flycatcher (Empidonomuss aurantioatrocristatus): One or two seen daily at J.

V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th.

Plantcutters – Cotingidae

White-tipped Plantcutter (Phytotoma rutila): One observed in riparian scrub en route to Cachi

Sep 30th and two en route to J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Vireos, Greenlets – Vireonidae

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus): One seen at the Yungas Reserve Sep 29th.

Jays - Corvidae

Plush-capped Jay (Cyanocorax chrysops): Fairly common and widespread in forested areas in

the northwest.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Swallows - Hirundinidae

Blue-and-White Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca): Common in the highlands especially in

towns.

White-rumped Swallow (Tachycineta leucorrhoa): Two en route to Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and

10 near a river en route to J. V. Gonzales.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica): Singles at Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and 29th; two at Yala NP Oct.

4th and five en route to J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Wrens - Troglodytidae

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon): Several seen and heard daily in the highlands.

Mountain Wren (Troglodytes solstitialis): One seen at Yala NP Oct 1st and two at Calilegua NP

Oct 5th.

Gnatcatchers - Polioptilidae

Masked Gnatcatcher (Polioptila dumicola): About 5 seen at JVG Oct 7-8th.

Dippers - Cinclidae

Rufous-throated Dipper (Cinclus schulzi) Vulnerable: One with scope looks along the river at

Yala NP Oct 1st.


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Thrushes - Turdidae

Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris): Widespread and fairly common in

forested/vegetated areas in the northwest. Two were seen at the Yungas Reserve Oct 10th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Creamy-bellied Thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus): One observed at close quarters at the

entrance to Calilegua NP Oct 5th. Two at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7th and five seen on Oct 8th.

(Andean) Slaty Thrush (Turdus nigriceps): One observed at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Chiguanco Thrush (Turdus chiguanco): Common in the highlands.

Glossy-black Thrush (Turdus serranus): One seen at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Mockingbirds - Mimidae

Patagonian Mockingbird (Mimus patagonicus): A few were seen and one photographed at Los

Cardones NP Oct 1st.

Chalk-browed Mockingbird (Mimus saturninus): A few seen daily around Taffi de Valle Sep

27-29th and between Cafayate and Cachi Sep 30-Oct1st.

White-banded Mockingbird (Mimus triurus): One was at our lodging Cafayate Sep 29th, two

were seen the following day en route to Cachi; and a couple were seen daily at J. V. Gonzales Oct

6-8th.


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Brown-backed Mockingbird (Mimus dorsalis): One was seen near Cafayate Sep 30th and two at

La Quiaca Oct 4th.

Pipits - Motacillidae Short-billed Pipit (Anthus furcatus): About five wee seen in the dry grasslands around wetlands

north of Abra Pampa Oct 2nd.

Wood Warbler - Parulidae

Tropical Parula (Setophaga pitiayumi): One was observed at the Yungas Reserve Sep 28th and

many were seen in Calilegua NP and J. V. Gonzales Oct 4th – 8th.

Pale-legged Warbler (Myiothlypis signata): Three at Calilegua NP on Oct 5th and a single the

next day.

Brown-capped Redstart (Myioborus brunniceps): Eight seen at the Yugas Reserve Sep 29th,

three at Yala NP Oct 1st; and two at Calilegua NP on Oct 4th and a single Oct 5th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Tanagers and allies - Thraupidae

Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata): One was observed at J. V. Gonzales on Oct 6th, six

on Oct 7th and two on Oct 8th.

Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Pipraeidea bonariensis): Two seen at Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and

several between Cafayate and Cachi Sep 30th.


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Sayaca Tanager (Thraupis sayaca): Fairly common in the Yungas Reserve Sep 27-29 and at

Calilegua NP Oct 4-5th.

Black-hooded Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus atriceps): Six were seen along the roadside en route to

Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and around 10 observed en route to Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Grey-hooded Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus gayi): One was observed in a brushy draw en route to

Jujuy Oct 1st.

Mourning Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus fruticeti): One was seen Sep 30th, two on Oct 1st, 50 on en

route to Abra Pampa Oct 2 and 100’s from Abra Pampa to La Quiaca on Oct 3rd.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Plumbeous Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus unicolor): Two were seen en route to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus plebejus): Five were observed en route to Abra Pampa

Oct 2nd 100’s seen on the drive from Abra Pampa to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Band-tailed Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus alaudinus): Two seen with other finches from Abra Pampa

to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Common Diuca-Finch (Diuca diuca): Two were seen en route to Cachi Sep 30th and greater than

10 were seen at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st.

Black-crested Finch (Lophospingus pusillus): One at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th and three Oct 7th.

Rufous-sided Warbling-Finch (Poospiza hypochondria): One was seen at the Yungas Reserve

and another near Yala NP Oct 1st.

Rusty-browed Warbling-Finch (Poospiza erythrophrys): Eight seen at Yala NP Oct 2nd and four

at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Cinnamon Warbling-Finch (Poospiza ornata) Endemic: Approximately 15 were observed

between Cafayate and Cachi Sep 30th.

Black-and-(chestnut) Rufous Warbling-Finch (Poospiza (whitii) nigrorufa): Two observed at

Taffi de Valle in a mixed flock of other finches Sep 27th.

Ringed Warbling-Finch (Poospiza torquata): Two were seen en route to Cafayate Sep 29th and

many between Cafayate and Cachi Sep 30th.


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Black-capped Warbling-Finch (Poospiza melanoleuca): Small numbers observed near General

San Martin, Calilegua NP and J. V. Gonzales.

Tucuman Mountain-Finch (Compsospiza baeri) Endemic, Vulnerable: Good but brief looks of

one at km 68 El Infernillo Sep 29th.

Puna Yellow-Finch (Sicalis lutea): About 10 were seen in the yellow-finch flocks from Abra

Pampa to Lago Pozuelos Oct 3rd.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch (Sicalis uropygialis): Thirty were seen near El Infernillo Sep 28th,

four en route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and 100’s between Abra Pampa and La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Citron-headed Yellow-Finch (Sicalis luteocephala): Four were seen at La Quiaca Oct 4th.

Greenish Yellow-Finch (Sicalis olivascens): Thirty were seen at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st, 75 en

route to Abra Pampa Oct 2nd and 100’s between Abra Pampa and La Quiaca Oct 3rd.

Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola): Five were at Taffi de Valle Sep 27th and four on Sep 30th;

common in agricultural lands between Cafayate and Cachi Sep 30th; and four seen en route to

General San Martin Oct 4th.

Grassland (Misto) Yellow-Finch (Sicalis luteola): One en route to J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th and

two Oct 7th and about 10 from Abra Pampa to La Quiaca Oct 3rd.


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Great Pampa-Finch (Embernagra platensis): One seen en route to Cachi Sep 30th and three near

General San Martin Oct 4th; a few seen daily at fields near J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-8th.

Band-tailed Seedeater (Catamenia analis): Two observed at Taffi de Valle Sep 28th and 10 en

route to Cachi Sep 30th.

Red-crested Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus): Four observed en route to General San Martin

Oct 4th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Many-colored Chaco-Finch (Saltatricula multicolor): One seen at J. V. Gonzales Oct 7th and

three on Oct 8th.

Grayish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens): One observed closely at a roadside stop en route to

General San Martin Oct 4th, four seen at J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Golden-billed Saltator (Saltator aurantiirostris): Several observed on a few days in brushy areas

throughout the northwest.

Rufous-bellied Saltator (Saltator rufiventris) Near-threatened: One observed at Yala NP Oct

2nd.

Sparrows – Emberizidae


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Common (Bush-Tanager) Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus flavopectus): Three seen at the

Yungas Reserve Sep 29th, two in Yala NP, and six in Calilegua NP.

Stripe-capped Sparrow (Rhynchospiza strigiceps): One observed at the grounds of our lodging

outside Yala NP Oct 2nd.

White-browed (Stripe-headed) Brush-Finch (Arremon torquatus): One watched at Yala NP

Oct 2nd and two at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Saffron-billed Sparrow (Arremon flavirostris): One seen at the Yungas Reserve Sep 29th and

another at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis): Widespread and common throughout the

highlands.

Fulvous-headed Brush-Finch (Atlapetes schistaceus): Four were at Yala NP Oct 1st and one on

Oct 3rd; two were observed at Calilegua NP Oct 5th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Yellow-striped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes citrinellus) Endemic: Around six were observed some at

close range at the Yungas Reserve Oct 29th.

Grosbeak Cardinals - Cardinalidae

Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava): Singles were seen at Yungas Reserve Sep 29th, en route to

Cachi Sep 30th and at J. V. Gonzales on Oct 8th.


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Black-backed Grosbeak (Pheucticus aureoventris): Singles were seen at Yala NP Oct 1-2nd; one

was at Calilegua NP Oct 4th and two at J. V. Gonzales Oct 8th.

Ultramarine Grosbeak (Cyanocompsa brissonii): One seen at Cafayate Sep 29th with two the

following day; singles were observed at Calilegua NP Oct 4-5th; and two were at J. V. Gonzales

Oct 7th.

Blackbirds - Icteridae

Long-tailed Meadowlark (Sturnella loyca): One observed en route to Cachi Sep 30th.

Chopi Blackbird (Gnorimopsar chopi): One observed by the road en route to Cachi Sep 30th.

Grayish Bay-wing (Cowbird) (Agelaioides badius): Fairly common around Cafayate and Cachi

also seen around J. V. Gonzales Oct 6-7th.

Screaming Cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris): Two observed en route to Cachi Sep 30th and

many seen Oct 2nd en route to Abra Pampa from Yala NP.

Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis): Common around Taffi de Valle and agricultural areas

around Cafayate. Small numbers also observed around J. V. Gonzales.

Solitary (Black) Cacique (Cacicus solitarius): One observed en route to chaco at J. V. Gonzales

Oct 7th.

Golden-winged Cacique (Cacicus chrysopterus): Two observed at the Yungas Reserve Sep 29th

and one was seen by Linda at Yala NP Oct 2nd.

Crested Oropendola (Psaracolius decumanus): One seen en route to General San Martin and 10

were seen en route to J. V. Gonzales Oct 6th.

Finches, Euphonias - Fringillidae

Hooded Siskin (Spinus magellanicus): Two at Taffi de Valle Sep 28th, 10 en route to Cachi Sep

30th and two en route to General San Martin Oct 4th.

Black Siskin (Spinus atratus): A flock of about 15 at El Infernillo Sep 28th and 20 the following

day.


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Mammals

Carnivores – Carnivora

Andean (Colpeo) Red Fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus): One seen crossing the road en route to

Cachi Oct 1st.

Deer – Artiodactyla

Gray Brocket Deer (Mazama gouazoubira): One young one, still speckled was watched and

photographed crossing the road km 50-55 JVG Oct Oct 7th.

Photo: Thomas Plath

Vicuna (Vicugna vicugna): Four seen at Los Cardones on Oct 1st. Many small herds were seen

during the drive from Abra Pampa to La Quiaca Oct 2-3rd.


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Photo: Thomas Plath

Rodents - Rodentia

(Mountain) Common Yellow-toothed Cavy (Galea musteloides): About five were seen at Los

Cardones NP Oct 1st.

Rabbits – Lagomorpha

European Hare (Lepus europaeus): Two seen at Los Cardones NP Oct 1st and one at Punta Rasa

Oct 20th.

satipo tours northwestern argentina sep 27 oct 8,...

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