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Brazil:The Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal, and the Cerrado

Trip report July 28 - August 19 2013

By Eduardo Ormaeche

Hyacinth Macaw

I’ve been traveling through the Neotropics for over ten years, and this particularly trip was by far my favorite tour. Brazil is a fascinating country, and this tour provided an amazing selection of birds and the best wildlife sightings in South America.

Starting from Cuiabá, we first flew to Alta Floresta to explore the Amazon rainforest of Cristalino in the far north of the state of Mato Grosso. Here we spent five nights and six days walking along forest trails, climbing 45-meter canopy towers, and exploring other great habitats like Amazonian rivers river islands. Cristalino Lodge is one of the best lodges in the Amazon, and our time there was top notch. We saw the majestic and elusive Harpy Eagle, the endemic Black-girdled Barbet, Gould’s Toucanet, Red-necked and Curl-crested Aracaris, Red-throated Piping Guan, Red-fan Parrot, Blue-and-yellow, Scarlet, and Red-and-green Macaws, White-bellied Parrot, and, of course, a great selection of antbirds, including Bare-eyed Antbird, the localized Planalto Slaty Antshrike, and Natterer’s Slaty Antshrike.

Harpy Eagle (Carlos Sanchez) Red-fan Parrot (Juan Carlos Ramirez)

Scarlet Macaw Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Curl-crested Aracari (Carlos Sanchez) White-bellied Parrot (Carlos Sanchez)

Then we flew back to Cuiabá and drove to the state of Goiás to Emas National Park. Emas was good in terms of birds, with sightings of the lovely Cock-tailed Tyrant, Red-shouldered Macaw, White-banded Tanager, and the most-wanted Collared Crescentchest. We had brief views of White-winged Nightjar and excellent views of Helmeted Manakin and Yellow-faced Parrot. However, sadly, two of our non-bird target never shows up, the maned wolf and giant anteater. This park is supposed to hold healthy populations of both, but we never crossed their paths. However, we had great views of lowland tapir and crab-eating fox. One of my favorite experiences at Emas was to see the landscape of dry, open savanna with hundreds of tall termite nests and dozens of Blue-and-yellow Macaws flying all over. After four days at Emas we returned to Cuiabá and took off for the Pantanal.

Cock-tailed Tyrant (Carlos Sanchez Collared Crescentchest

Helmeted Manakin

Red-shouldered Parrot (Ken Logan) Yellow-headed Parrot

Lowland tapir Crab-eating fox

The Pantanal conjures up visions of huge wetlands, thousands of birds, wildlife, and jaguars, and we saw them all!

Our first port of call was the Pousada Piuval, where we stayed for two nights. The area around the lodge was our introduction to this amazing ecosystem. Among the astonishing slate of Pantanal birds we had huge numbers of Jabiru, Wood Stork, Limpkin, Snail Kite, Black-collared Hawk, Boat-billed Heron roosting at day time, South American Snipe, and White-banded Mockingbird. We got also good views of Mato Grosso Antbird, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Grey-crested Cacholote, and flocks of Monk Parakeets. The accommodation and the food at Pousada Piuval were very good.

Jabiru (Johan Paulussen) Wood Stork

Snail Kite Limpkin

Yellow-chinned Spinetail Black-collared Hawk

We drove along the Transpantaneira road, leading like a red scar from north to south through the northern Pantanal, for 145 km all the way, in the process crossing over 120 small wooden bridges, until we reached the road’s end at Porto Jofre. We admired dozens of capybaras, hundreds of egrets and herons, and a couple of thousands of yacare caimans on our way. Birding in the afternoon provided excellent species, with views of Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Flavescent Warbler, White-eyed Attila, Masked Gnatcatcher, Rufous Casiornis, many fabulous Hyacith Macaws, and many more. Hotel Porto Jofre was the best of all the accommodations we had in Brazil, with great food buffet-style and the most fantastic cream caramel dessert I ever had.

Rufescent Tiger Heron Cocoi Heron and female Anhinga

Hyacinth Macaw Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant

Capybara Yacare caiman

Porto Jofre is the base for exploring the Cuiabá River in search of the enigmatic jaguar. Once these majestic cats were well distributed from Mexico to Argentina, but now there are not too many left. And even if some travelers have been very lucky to spot the jaguar in the forests of Belize and Honduras or in the Manú and Tambopata National Parks of Peru, the Cuiabá river in the Pantanal, with a few of its small tributaries, is possibly the best place in the world to see it.

We left the lodge in a motorized boat with room for six people, enough for all of us, and sailed upriver. While we were watching some birds, such as Rusty-backed Spinetail and Pale-legged Hornero, suddenly the boat driver turned the boat around and increased the speed; he had received a radio call from another boat driver, who had spotted a jaguar. A few minutes later there it was: a huge male lying on a sandbar, complete lazy. And then one was not even enough! After we had continued upriver, one of our participants spotted another jaguar not far from the shore. We proceeded as close as possible, watching this stunning creature, when suddenly a second one came out from the bush, and seconds later the silhouette of a third animal crossed behind the bushes. Fortunately we had enough time to breathlessly admire the animals and for photographs.

Pale-legged Hornero

Rusty-backed Spinetail

Jaguar Jaguar

In addition to the jaguar we were lucky enough to see the head of a lowland tapir coming up from the water at two meters from the boat. This individual was crossing the river at day time, and we watched it climbing out of the river and disappearing into the bushes.

Lowland tapir

And a little later, just to round out our morning, a family of giant otters was seen very close to the boat. This species is highly endangered and has become extinct in other South American countries like Argentina and Uruguay, but they still occur in the rivers of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. Incredibly, we saw three of the South American “big five” in one morning, a thing that can happen only in the Pantanal!

Giant otter Giant otter

Sadly we had to leave Porto Jofre to continue, visiting another Pantanal lodge, Pousada Canto do Arancuã, which was strategically close to a spot where we found Agami Heron, American Pygmy-Kingfisher, and an adult male Scissor-tailed Nightjar. At night a family of crab-eating raccoon was seen coming to a feeder.

American Pygmy Kingfisher

Then we left the Pantanal and headed to our next destination, which was the Serra das Araras. Our accommodation there was not really a birding lodge, but a kind of health resort spa for a woman to go there and spend weekends focusing on losing weight. Birding here was good, however, with species like Brown Jacamar, Black-throated Antbird, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Ultramarine Grosbeak, and more. In the mammal department we enjoyed views of black-faced black spider monkey, but the best was a female giant anteater with a baby on her back at three meters from the vehicle. Incredible! This was the mammal of the trip, without hesitation. And now we had seen four of the South American “big five” – the only miss, though, was the maned wolf.

Giant anteater

Our final visit was to Chapada dos Guimarães National Park near Cuiabá. This is an amazing spot that protects huge extensions of Cerrado and savanna habitats. However, we birded most of the time outside of the park, looking for certain targets for which there is no overlap with species at Emas National Park. We spent two nights near Chapada, and we scored big with species like Chapada Flycatcher, White-banded Tanager, White-rumped Tanager, Rufous-winged Antshrike, White-eared Puffbird, Cliff Flycatcher, Pectoral Sparrow, and Southern Antpipit, and our magical moment arrived with a pair of Blue-winged

Macaws, found at the eleventh hour and just before dark, but with good light still for photos. What a great way to say goodbye!

Rufous-winged Antshrike

White-eared Puffbird (Carlos Sanchez) Blue-winged Macaw

This was a magnificent trip, one I recommend very much not only to serious birders but as an obligatory destination for any lover of nature. Come to Brazil, a land of friendship, great food, good infrastructure, amazing birds and wildlife, and good beer – not to speak of caipirinhas!

We recorded 457 bird species and 31 species of mammals during the trip

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1, July 28th Arrival at Cuiabá in the evening, transfer to Hotel TaináDay 2, July 29th Flight to Alto Floresta in the Amazon, transfer to Cristalino Jungle LodgeDay 3 – 6, July 30th - August 2nd

Full four days exploring the jungle around Cristalino Jungle LodgeDay 7, August 3rd Transfer to Alta Floresta and flight back to Cuiabá. Transfer to Jaciara. Overnight hotel Glória Day 8, August 4th Drive to the state of Goiás and Emas National Park. Overnight Pousada Farm HouseDay 9 – 11, August 5th August 7th Explore Emas National ParkDay 12, August 8th Long drive to the Pantanal. Overnight Pousada PiuvalDay 13, August 9th Birding in the Pantanal. Overnight Pousada PiuvalDay 14, August 10th Explore the Transpantaneira. Overnight Hotel Porto JofreDay 15, August 11th Full day exploring the Cuiabá River looking for jaguars. Overnight Hotel Porto JofreDay 16, August 12th Birding around Porto Jofre. Overnight Hotel Porto JofreDay 17, August 13th Birding along the Pantanal and transfer to Pousada Canto do Arancuã Day 18, August 14th Full day birding in the Pantanal. Overnight Pousada Canto do ArancuãDay 19, August 15th Transfer out of the Pantanal. Overnight Serra das Araras Day 20, August 16th Transfer to Chapada dos Guimarães, Explore Chapada dos Guimarães Day 21, August 17th Explore Chapada dos Guimarães, transfer to Cuiabá. Overnight Hotel TaináDay 22, August 18th Transfer out of Brazil to start a birding tour of Bolivia

BRAZIL SYSTEMATIC LIST, JULY – AUGUST 2013

Taxonomy: IOC, International Ornithological Congress, 4.1Abbreviations: (H) Heard only

(E) Country endemicNP National Park

TINAMIFORMESTinamidaeUndulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus Good views of one individual in the Pantanal. Undulated Tinamou produces the classic sound of the Amazon rainforest.

Brazilian Tinamou (H) Crypturellus strigulosus Heard only at Cristalino Lodge. Tinamous were very scarce during our stay in the Amazon.Tataupa Tinamou (H) Crypturellus tataupa Heard once at Chapada dos Guimarães Red-winged Tinamou Rhynchotus rufescens One bird seen well at Emas NPSpotted Nothura Nothura maculosa One bird was flushed in the grasslands of Emas NP.

RHEIFORMESRheidaeGreater Rhea Rhea americana Daily sightings at Emas NP. Classified as Near-threatened

ANSERIFORMESAnhimidaeHorned Screamer Anhima cornuta Two birds were seen on the marsh on the way to the state of Goiás. Southern Screamer Chauna torquata Seen in the Pantanal and Serra dos Araras. There are three species of screamers in the world; the third one is the Northern Screamer, restricted to Venezuela and Colombia and easy to find on our Colombia tour.AnatidaeWhite-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Seen along the Cuiabá RiverBlack-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Seen along the Pixaim River on the way to Cristalino LodgeMuscovy Duck Cairina moschata Seen at both the Pantanal and Cristalino LodgeBrazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis Excellent views on the marsh at Serra dos Araras

GALLIFORMESCracidaeChaco Chachalaca Ortalis canicollis Common in the PantanalRusty-margined Guan Penelope superciliaris Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesSpix’s Guan Penelope jacquacu Great views at Cristalino Lodge. Named after Johann Baptist von Spix (1781-1826), a German naturalist in BrazilChestnut-bellied Guan (E) Penelope ochrogaster Two birds were seen in the Pantanal. This is a Brazilian endemic with an extremely tiny area of distribution. centered on the northern Pantanal. Its total population is in the range of 2,500 – 110,000 birds. This species is classified as Vulnerable by IUCN and is treated as Endangered in “Threatened Birds of the World”.Red-throated Piping Guan Pipile cujubi Common around Cristalino LodgeBlue-throated Piping Guan Pipile cumanensis Seen in the Pantanal. Classified as VulnerableRazor-billed Curassow Mitu tuberosum Great views of one male along the river bank near Cristalino LodgeBare-faced Curassow Crax fasciolata Seen well at both Cristalino Lodge and in the Pantanal. One of the easiest Curassow species to see. The females are quite beautiful.

PODICIPEDIFORMESPodicipedidaeLeast Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Seen at the marsh at Serra dos Araras

CICONIIFORMESCiconiidaeWood Stork Mycteria americana Common in the Pantanal

Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari Seen near Porto JofreJabiru Jabiru mycteria Splendid views in the Pantanal

PELECANIFORMESThreskiornithidaePlumbeous Ibis Theristicus caerulescens One of my favorites. Great views in the PantanalBuff-necked Ibis Theristicus caudatus Seen well at Emas NPGreen Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis One bird was seen well near Cristalino Lodge.Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus A few in the PantanalRoseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Seen well in the PantanalArdeidaeRufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum Seen near Cristalino LodgeAgami Heron Agamia agami A most-wanted species seen very well near Canto do Arancuã in the Pantanal. Classified as VulnerableBoat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius A roosting day sighting along the Transpantaneira roadBlack-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Common in the PantanalStriated Heron Butorides striata Seen in the Pantanal and at Alta Floresta. This bird is known for its bait-fishing practice, which consists in attracting fish by placing bait – insects, flowers, seeds, twigs, bread, even popcorn – on the water surface. The Striated Heron may also break off part of a twig to use for bait, making this bird not only one of the few tool using animals, but one of the very few that actually make their tools.Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and commonCocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Common in the PantanalGreat Egret Ardea alba CommonCapped Heron Pilherodius pileatus This nice-looking heron was seen well in the Pantanal.Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix Excellent views in the Pantanal and on the way to Emas NPLittle-blue Heron Egretta caerulea Several were seen in the Pantanal.Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common in the Pantanal

SULIFORMESPhalacrocoracidaeNeotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Seen both in the Pantanal and at Cristalino LodgeAnhingidaeAnhinga Anhinga anhinga Common in the Pantanal

ACCIPITRIFORMESCathartidaeTurkey Vulture Cathartes aura Regular sightings Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus Seen in the Pantanal and the CerradoGreater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus Seen at Cristalino Lodge Black Vulture Coragyps atratus CommonKing Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Seen at Cristalino LodgePandionidaeWestern Osprey Pandion haliaetus Seen at Cristalino LodgeAccipitridaeWhite-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Seen in the CerradoPearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii Good sightings in the CerradoSwallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Seen at Cristalino Lodge and Serra dos Araras

Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis Seen at Cristalino LodgeHook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeHarpy Eagle Harpia harpyja What an amazing moment! Thanks to the Cristalino Lodge staff we were made aware of a Harpy Eagle perched on a tree at 15 minutes downriver by boat. We ran to the boat and were reward by brilliant views of this mythical bird. One of the largest raptors in the world, it can feed on prey of 10 kg like red howler monkeys and black spider monkeys. Classified as Near-threatened Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni Brilliant views in the CerradoPlumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Several sightings throughout the tripBlack-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Great views of several birds in the PantanalSnail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Great views of this snail specialist in the PantanalCrane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens One bird was seen well at Serra dos Araras.Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Seen at several locationsGreat Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga Seen in the PantanalRoadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Common at several locations. It has recently been placed in the genus Rupornis.White-tailed Hawk Geranoaetus albicaudatus Excellent looks at Emas NPGrey-lined Hawk Buteo nitidus Seen from a lookout at the ridge trail at Cristalino Lodge

CARIAMIFORMESCariamidaeRed-legged Seriema Cariama cristata Great views at Emas NP. The seriemas are the sole extant members of the small and ancient clade Cariamidae, which is also the sole surviving lineage of the Cariamae group. Once believed to be related to cranes, they have been placed by one recent study near the falcons, as well as the extinct terror birds, the Phorusrhacids. Various names for these birds in the Tupian languages are siriema, sariama, çariama, which mean “crested”.

EURYPYGIFORMESEurypygidaeSunbittern Eurypyga helias Great views of a single bird at Cristalino Lodge

GRUIFORMESHeliornithidaeSungrebe Heliornis fulica Great views in the Pantanal. The smallest of the three finfootsRallidaeGrey-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajaneus Seen well in the PantanalCommon Gallinule Gallinula galeata Seen at the marsh in Serra dos Araras. A recent split from the Old World Common MoorhenPurple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus A couple of encounters throughout the tripAramidaeLimpkin Aramus guarauna At least 60 birds were seen on different occasions during our visit in the Pantanal

CHARADRIIFORMESRecurvirostridaeBlack-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus A single encounter in the PantanalCharadriidaeSouthern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Common at several places

Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus Seen along the Cuiabá River and at Cristalino LodgeCollared Plover Charadrius collaris Seen along the Cuiabá RiverScolopacidaeSolitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria A few encounters in the PantanalLesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Seen in the PantanalGreater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Seen in the PantanalSouth American Snipe Gallinago paraguaiae Great views of two birds in the Pantanal. Here the subspecies paraguaiae JacanidaeWattled Jacana Jacana jacana Common in the PantanalLaridaeLarge-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex Common in the Pantanal and ay Cristalino LodgeYellow-billed Tern Sternula superciliaris A couple of birds were seen along the Cuiabá RiverBlack Skimmer Rynchops niger Seen in the Pantanal

COLUMBIFORMESColumbidaeRock Dove Columba livia CommonScaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesPicazuro Pigeon Patagioenas picazuro Many sightings throughout the trip. Picazuro means “sour” in the Guaraní Indian language. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Fairly common in the PantanalPlumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Seen and heard at Cristalino LodgeEared Dove Zenaida auriculata A few encounters in the CerradoRuddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti CommonPicui Ground Dove Columbina picui Common in the PantanalLong-tailed Ground Dove Uropelia campestris Great views at Emas NP. This species is restricted to central Brazil and adjacent Bolivia.Scaled Dove Columbina squammata Common at Emas NP and in the PantanalWhite-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Seen in the PantanalGrey-fronted Dove (H) Leptotila rufaxilla Heard at Chapada dos GuimarãesRuddy Quail Dove Geotrygon montana A flushed bird was seen in the forest at Cristalino Lodge

CUCULIFORMESCuculidaeGuira Cuckoo Guira guira Common throughout the tour. Guira is a Guaraní Indian word, meaning “bird”.Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia One bird was seen in the PantanalGreater Ani Crotophaga major Common at Cristalino LodgeSmooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani CommonSquirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana CommonBlack-bellied Cuckoo Piaya melanogaster Nice views of one bird from the canopy tower at Cristalino LodgeLittle Cuckoo Coccycua minuta Great views in the Pantanal

STRIGIFORMESStrigidaeTawny-bellied Screech Owl (H) Megascops watsonii Heard at Cristalino Lodge

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus One bird was seen nicely roosting at day time on our way to Porto JofreCrested Owl (H) Lophostrix cristata Heard at Cristalino LodgeAmazonian Pygmy Owl Glaucidium hardyi One bird seen well at Cristalino LodgeFerruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Seen in the PantanalBurrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Great views in the Pantanal

CAPRIMULGIFORMESNyctibiidaeGreat Potoo Nyctibius grandis One bird seen roosting at day time in the PantanalCaprimulgidaeNacunda Nighthawk Chordeiles nacunda Seen in the Pantanal and at Cuiabá airportShort-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semiroequatys Seen at Cristalino LodgeBand-tailed Nighthawk Nyctiprogne leucopyga Great views of one bird in the PantanalPauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Seen at Cristalino LodgeLittle Nightjar Setopagis parvula Seen in the PantanalBlackish Nightjar Nyctipolus nigrescens Great views of one bird at Cristalino LodgeScissor-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis torquata Excellent views of a male in the PantanalLadder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacocerca Seen well at Cristalino LodgeWhite-winged Nightjar Eleothreptus candicans This range-restricted species was seen briefly flying by at Emas NP. Classified as Endangered

APODIFORMESApodidaeWhite-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Common throughout the tripPale-rumped Swift Chaetura egregia Seen at Cristalino LodgeShort-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura Flying over Cristalino Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen at Cristalino LodgeSick’s Swift Chaetura meridionalis Seen at Cristalino LodgeMato Grosso Swift (E) Chaetura viridipennis Seen at Cristalino LodgeLesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis A few encounters during the tripNeotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata Seen well at Cristalino LodgeTrochilidaeBuff-bellied Hermit Phaethornis subochraceus Great views in the PantanalSwallow-tailed Hummingbird Eupetomena macroura Excellent views at Emas NPWhite-vented Violetear Colibri serrirostris Seen well at Chapada dos Guimarães and Emas NPBlack-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Seen at Cristalino LodgeWhite-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Seen well at Cristalino LodgeGlittering-bellied Emerald Chlorostilbon lucidus CommonFork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata A few encounters White-tailed Goldenthroat Polytmus guainumbi Excellent views at Emas NPGlittering-throated Emerald Amazilia fimbriata A couple in the PantanalLong-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris Seen in Chapada dos Guimarães Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina Only one encounter on the trip

TROGONIFORMESTrogonidae

Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis Seen at Cristalino LodgeBlue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui Seen at Cristalino LodgeBlack-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus Seen at Cristalino Lodge

CORACIIFORMESAlcedinidaeRinged Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Common in the PantanalAmazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Common in the PantanalGreen Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Seen in the Pantanal and at Cristalino LodgeGreen-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda Seen in the PantanalAmerican Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea One bird was seen in the PantanalMomotidaeAmazonian Motmot Momotus momota Seen at Chapada dos Guimarães and Cristalino LodgeRufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Seen at Cristalino Lodge

PICIFORMESGalbulidaeBrown Jacamar Brachygalba lugubris Great views of one bird at Chapada dos GuimarãesRufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda Good views in the PantanalBronzy Jacamar Galbula leucogastra Excellent views at Chapada dos GuimarãesParadise Jacamar Galbula dea Great views at Cristalino Lodge, where is commonBucconidaeWhite-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperrhynchus Seen from the canopy tower at Cristalino LodgeBrown-banded Puffbird Notharchus ordii This most-wanted puffbird was seen well from the canopy tower at Cristalino Lodge.White-eared Puffbird Nystalus chacuru Common at Chapada dos Guimarães and Emas NPRufous-capped Nunlet Nonnula ruficapilla Great views of one bird along the forest trails at Cristalino LodgeBlack-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Seen well at Cristalino LodgeWhite-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus Seen well at Cristalino LodgeSwallow-wing Puffbird Chelidoptera tenebrosa Common along the Cristalino RiverCapitonidaeBlack-girdled Barbet (E) Capito dayi Awesome views of a couple at Cristalino Lodge. One of the lodge’s specialties. Classified as VulnerableRamphastidaeChestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Seen in the PantanalLettered Aracari Pteroglossus inscriptus Seen at Cristalino LodgeRed-necked Aracari Pteroglossus bitorquatus Great views of this range-restricted species at Cristalino Lodge, Classified as Near-threatenedCurl-crested Aracari Pteroglossus beauharnaesii Seen well from the canopy tower at Cristalino LodgeGould’s Toucanet Selenidera gouldi Another range-restricted species seen very well at Cristalino LodgeWhite-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus Common at Cristalino LodgeChannel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesToco Toucan Ramphastos toco Great views in several areas except at Cristalino LodgePicidaeWhite-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus Seen well on a few occasionsWhite-wedged Piculet Picumnus albosquamatus Seen well

Bar-breasted Piculet Picumnus aurifrons Great views of one bird at Cristalino LodgeWhite Woodpecker Melanerpes candidus Seen well at Emas NPYellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeLittle Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus Seen in the PantanalYellow-throated Woodpecker Piculus flavigula Seen at Cristalino LodgeGreen-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros Seen in the PantanalGolden-green Woodpecker Piculus chrysochloros Seen in PantanalCampo Flicker Colaptes campestris Seen at Emas NP Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans Seen at Cristalino LodgePale-crested Woodpecker Celeus lugubris Seen at Serra das ArarasLineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeWhite-throated Woodpecker Piculus leucolaemus Seen at Cristalino LodgeCrimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos Seen at Cristalino Lodge

FALONIFORMESFalconidaeBlack Caracara Daptrius ater Seen over the Cristalino RiverYellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Seen at several locationsSouthern Crested Caracara Caracara plancus CommonLaughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Seen at Cristalino LodgeCryptic Forest-Falcon (H) Micrastur mintoni Heard along the Cristalino Lodge trails. This species has only been recently described (2003).Orange-breasted Falcon Falco deiroleucus Great views in the Pantanal. Classified as Near-threatenedBat Falcon Falco rufogularis Seen in the PantanalAplomado Falcon Falco femoralis Seen in the Cerrado. Aplomado refers to the lead-colored upperparts of the bird (plomo means “lead”).American Kestrel Falco sparverius Seen in the Cerrado

PSITTACIFORMESPsittacidaeHyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus One of the birds of the trip! This amazing bird was seen well in Porto Jofre and along a few spots in the gallery woodland in the Pantanal. Classified as EndangeredScarlet Macaw Ara macao Nice views from the canopy tower at Cristalino LodgeRed-and-green Macaw Ara chloropterus Seen well at Cristalino LodgeBlue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna Amazing views at Cristalino Lodge and Emas NPRed-shouldered Macaw Diopsittaca nobilis Great views at Emas NP Golden-collared Macaw Primolius auricollis One couple was spotted in the PantanalBlue-winged Macaw Primolius maracana A memorable moment of the tour. At the eleventh hour and just before the end of the day we had a couple flying above of us; they then perched in front for close-up views and photos. Classified as Near-threatenedBlue-crowned Parakeet Thectocercus acuticaudatus Seen in the PantanalWhite-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus CommonDusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii Seen at Cristalino LodgePeach-fronted Parakeet Eupsittula aurea Great views at Emas NPNanday Parakeet Aratinga nenday Excellent views in the Pantanal. This is the Guaraní Indian native name, ñendáy, for the Black-hooded Parakeet.

Crimson-bellied Parakeet Pyrrhura perlata Great views of one pair of this smart species at Cristalino Lodge. Restricted to central Brazil and adjacent Bolivia. Classified as Near-threatenedMonk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Common in the PantanalYellow-chevroned Parakeet Brotogeris chiriri Many excellent sightingsWhite-bellied Parrot Pionites leucogaster Excellent views from the canopy tower at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as VulnerableOrange-cheeked Parrot Pyrilia barrabandi Excellent views from the canopy tower at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as Near-threatenedBlue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Common at Cristalino LodgeScaly-headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani A couple of birds were seen well in the gallery woodland in the Pantanal.Yellow-faced Parrot Alipiopsitta xanthops Great views of this range-restricted species at Emas NP. Classified as Near-threatenedTurquoise-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva Several encountersOrange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica Seen at Cristalino LodgeMealy Amazon Amazona farinosa Seen at Cristalino LodgeKawall’s Amazon (E) Amazona kawalli Great views at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as Near-threatenedRed-fan Parrot Deroptyus accipitrinus One of my favorite birds of the trip. Glorious views from the canopy tower at Cristalino

PASSERIFORMESFurnariidaePale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus Seen along the rivers in the PantanalRufous Hornero Furnarius rufus Common in open areas. Their domed mud nests are a real feature of the countryside and, because of their fancied resemblance to a Dutch oven, have given rise to the often-used English name of ovenbird for the genus and the family. This is the national bird of Argentina.Chotoy Spinetail Schoeniophylax phryganophilus Great views of this handsome spinetail in the PantanalPale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens Seen in the PantanalWhite-lored Spinetail Synallaxis albilora Seen in the PantanalRuddy Spinetail Synallaxis rutilans One bird responded well to the tape along the Cristalino Lodge trails.Cinereous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis hypospodia Seen in the Pantanal. This species is also found on our Northern Peru tour.Yellow-chinned Spinetail Certhiaxis cinnamomeus Great views in the PantanalRusty-backed Spinetail Cranioleuca vulpina Seen along the rivers in the PantanalSpeckled Spinetail Cranioleuca gutturata Great views at Cristalino LodgeGreater Thornbird Phacellodomus ruber Seen on several occasions in the PantanalPoint-tailed Palmcreeper Berlepschia rikeri One bird seen well during our way to Cristalino Lodge.Grey-crested Cacholote Pseudoseisura unirufa Seen in the PantanalBuff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus Seen at Cristalino LodgeStreaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Only one encounter during the tripPlain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Seen at Cristalino LodgeOlivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen at Cristalino LodgeGreat Rufous Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes major Great views in the PantanalCinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Dendrexetastes rufigula Seen in the PantanalPlanalto Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes platyrostris Seen well at Chapada dos GuimarãesStraight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus Seen in the Pantanal and at Cristalino Lodge

Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus Seen at both Chapada dos Guimarães and Cristalino LodgeNarrow-billed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes angustirostris Seen well in open areasLineated Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes albolineatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeRed-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris Seen at Cristalino Lodge

ThamnophilidaeFasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeGreat Antshrike Taraba major Seen at Cristalino LodgeGlossy Antshrike (E) Sakesphorus luctuosus One of the special birds at Cristalino LodgeBarred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Seen in the PantanalPlanalto Slaty Antshrike (E) Thamnophilus pelzelni Seen well at Cristalino LodgeNatterer’s Slaty Antshrike (E) Thamnophilus stictocephalus One male seen in the driest areas of Cristalino Lodge. Named after Johann Natterer (1787-1843) an Austrian zoologist and collector resident in BrazilRufous-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus torquatus Great views at Emas NPWhite-shouldered Antshrike Thamnophilus aethiops Seen at Cristalino LodgePlain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus Seen at Cristalino LodgeAmazonian Antshrike Thamnophilus amazonicus Seen at Cristalino LodgeCinereous Antshrike Thamnomanes caesius Seen at Cristalino LodgeSpot-winged Antshrike Pygiptila stellaris Seen at Cristalino LodgePlain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Seen at Cristalino LodgeAmazonian Streaked Antwren Myrmotherula multostriata Seen at Cristalino LodgeWhite-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Seen at Cristalino LodgePygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura Seen at Cristalino LodgeLong-winged Antwren Myrmotherula longipennis Seen at Cristalino LodgeGrey Antwren Myrmotherula menetriesii Seen at Cristalino LodgeRufous-winged Antwren (H) Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus Heard only at Cristalino LodgeBlack-bellied Antwren Formicivora melanogaster Seen well at Emas NPLarge-billed Antwren Herpsilochmus longirostris Seen in the PantanalRusty-backed Antwren Formicivora rufa Great views in Chapada dos GuimarãesSpix’s Warbling Antbird (E) Hypocnemis striata Seen at Cristalino Lodge. Named after Johann Baptist Von Spix, a 19th century German naturalist in BrazilGrey Antbird Cercomacra cinerascens Seen well at Cristalino LodgeManu Antbird Cercomacra manu Good views in the bamboo of Cristalino LodgeMato Grosso Antbird Cercomacra melanaria Seen in the Pantanal. Named after the Brazilian state of Mato GrossoWhite-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota Seen in Chapada dos GuimarãesWhite-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys Good views of a male at Cristalino LodgeBand-tailed Antbird Hypocnemoides maculicauda Seen well at Cristalino LodgeBlack-throated Antbird Myrmeciza atrothorax Great views of a male in Chapada dos GuimarãesSilvered Antbird Sclateria naevia Brief views of one male at Cristalino LodgeBare-eyed Antbird (E) Rhegmatorhina gymnops Brief views of two birds at an army ant swarm party at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as VulnerableGrallariidaeVariegated Antpitta (H) Grallaria varia Heard several times at Cristalino LodgeMelanopareiidae

Collared Crescentchest Melanopareia torquata Great views of one bird at Emas NP. There are four members of the family, and two can be seen on our Northern Peru tours, while the other is normally seen on our Bolivia and Northern Argentina tours.

TyrannidaeWing-barred Piprites Piprites chloris Brief views in the subcanopy at Cristalino LodgeSouthern-beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Seen in the PantanalYellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeChapada Flycatcher Suiriri islerorum Great views of two individuals at Chapada dos Guimarães. Classified as Near-threatenedForest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii Seen at Cristalino LodgeYellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Seen at Emas NPLarge Elaenia Elaenia spectabilis Only one encounter during the tripSmall-billed Elaenia Elaenia parvirostris Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesPlain-crested Elaenia Elaenia cristata Seen at Emas NPPlain Inezia Inezia inornata Seen in the PantanalAmazonian Inezia Inezia subflava Seen on the river islands of Cristalino LodgeGuianan Tyrannulet Zimmerius acer Seen from the canopy tower at Cristalino LodgeSouthern Antpipit Corythopis delalandi Great views of one bird in the woodlands of Chapada dos GuimarãesStripe-necked Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus striaticollis Seen in the PantanalPearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer Seen in the PantanalCommon Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Several seen in the PantanalRusty-fronted Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus latirostris Seen in the PantanalGrey-crowned Flatbill Tolmomyias poliocephalus One seen on the forest trails of Cristalino LodgeGolden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus One seen very well at Cristalino LodgeWhite-crested Spadebill Platyrinchus platyrhynchos One seen well at Cristalino LodgeVermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Many observations in the PantanalGrey Monjita Xolmis cinereus Seen at Emas NPWhite-rumped Monjita Xolmis velatus Seen at Emas NPBlack-backed Water Tyrant Fluvicola albiventer A few seen in the Pantanal marshesWhite-headed Marsh Tyrant Arundinicola leucocephala Seen well in the screamer marsh on the way to Emas NPCock-tailed Tyrant Alectrurus tricolor This near-endemic species was seen well at Emas NP. Classified as VulnerableStreamer-tailed Tyrant Gubernetes yetapa Seen well at Emas NPCliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea We had one individual in Chapada dos GuimarãesCattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa CommonLarge-headed Flatbill Ramphotrigon megacephalum Seen on the bamboo trail of Cristalino LodgeWhite-eyed Attila Attila bolivianus Great views of one bird in the Pantanal near Hotel Porto Jofre Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufus Seen in the PantanalShort-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox A few encounters Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesGreat Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Seen in the PantanalLesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor Seen in the Pantanal and at Cristalino LodgeBoat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua One encounter only Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Seen in the Pantanal

Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis CommonPiratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Seen at Cristalino LodgeVariegated Flycatcher Empidonomus varius Seen in the PantanalFork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana Seen in open countryTropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus CommonTityridaeAmazonian Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus Seen from the canopy tower at Cristalino LodgeRuddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Seen at Cristalino LodgeCrested Becard Pachyramphus validus One encounter onlyBlack-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana Seen at Chapada dos Guimarães and in the PantanalMasked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen at Cristalino LodgeBlack-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesWhite-browed Purpletuft Iodopleura isabellae One seen nicely from the lookout at Cristalino LodgeBrown-winged Schiffornis Schiffornis turdina Seen at Cristalino Lodge. This is a recent split from Thrush-like Schiffornis.PipridaeDwarf Tyrant Manakin Tyranneutes stolzmanni Common by call at Cristalino Lodge, where one was seen wellRed-headed Manakin Dixiphia rubrocapilla Great views at Cristalino LodgeHelmeted Manakin Antilophia galeata Seen at both Emas NP and Cristalino LodgeFlame-crowned Manakin Heterocercus linteatus A couple was seen well at Cristalino LodgeCotingidaeSpangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana Seen at Cristalino LodgeScreaming Piha (H) Lipaugus vociferans Heard at Cristalino Lodge. Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus One seen flying near Cristalino LodgeVireonidaeRufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis CommonRed-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus A few encounters throughout the tripAshy-headed Greenlet Hylophilus pectoralis Seen in the PantanalGrey-chested Greenlet Hylophilus semicinereus Seen at Cristalino LodgeCorvidaePurplish Jay Cyanocorax cyanomelas Common in the PantanalCurl-crested Jay Cyanocorax cristatellus Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesHirundinidaeWhite-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Common along the Amazon riversWhite-rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa Seen in the PantanalBrown-chested Martin Progne tapera Seen in the PantanalGrey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Seen in the PantanalBlue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca A few birds were seen this time.White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Seen near Cristalino LodgeSouthern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Common in the PantanalTroglodytidaeThrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Common in the PantanalTooth-billed Wren Odontorchilus cinereus Great views of one bird at Cristalino Lodge. Another range-restricted species special of Cristalino LodgeMoustached Wren Pheugopedius genibarbis Seen at Cristalino LodgeBuff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis Seen well at Cristalino Lodge

House Wren Troglodytes aedon Regular encountersPolioptilidae Masked Gnatcatcher Polioptila dumicola Excellent views in the PantanalDonacobiidaeBlack-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla Common in the PantanalTurdidaeRufous-bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris Several encounters with the national bird of BrazilPale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas Seen at Emas NPCreamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus A couple seen in the PantanalMimidaeChalk-browed Mockingbird Mimus saturninus Seen in the PantanalWhite-banded Mockingbird Mimus triurus A scarce visitor in the Pantanal areaMotacillidaeYellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens Seen in the PantanalParulidaeTropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi One seen in the PantanalSouthern Yellowthroat Geothlypis velata Seen in the Pantanal. This is an IOC split from Masked Yellowthroat, but SACC requires more documentation Flavescent Warbler Myiothlypis flaveola Great views in the gallery woodland in the PantanalGolden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus Seen at Emas NPWhite-striped Warbler (E) Myiothlypis leucophrys This endemic was quite shy this year, allowing only glimpses along the Brigadista trail at Emas NP. Only one of us managed to have a full view of the species.CoerebidaeBananaquit Coereba flaveola Few encountersEmberizidaeRufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Very few were seenGrassland Sparrow Ammodramus humeralis Seen in the Pantanal and Emas NPPectoral Sparrow Arremon taciturnus Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesSaffron-billed Sparrow Arremon flavirostris Excellent views of this handsome sparrowIcteridaeCrested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Seen in the PantanalYellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Common in the PantanalSolitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius Seen in the PantanalVariable Oriole Icterus pyrrhopterus Seen in the PantanalOrange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus Seen in the PantanalUnicolored Blackbird Agelasticus cyanopus Seen in the PantanalWhite-browed Blackbird Sturnella superciliaris Seen in the PantanalScarlet-headed Blackbird Amblyramphus holosericeus Great views in the PantanalChopi Blackbird Gnorimopsar chopi Only two birds seen in the PantanalBaywing Agelaioides badius CommonShiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Seen in the PantanalThraupidaeWedge-tailed Grass-Finch Emberizoides herbicola Seen well in the PantanalYellow-billed Cardinal Paroaria capitata Common in the PantanalRed Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Seen in the PantanalBlack-faced Tanager Schistochlamys melanopis Seen at Emas NPShrike-like Tanager Neothraupis fasciata Common at Emas NP. Classified as Near-threatened

White-rumped Tanager Cypsnagra hirundinacea This cerrado specialist was common at Emas NP.Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesFawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota Only one bird seen during the tourRed-billed Pied Tanager Lamprospiza melanoleuca Two birds were seen from the canopy tower at Cristalino Lodge.Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata Seen in the PantanalFlame-crested Tanager Tachyphonus cristatus Seen at Cristalino LodgeWhite-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesWhite-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Several birds were seen.Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Common in the PantanalSayaca Tanager Thraupis sayaca Common in the PantanalPalm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Regular sightingsBlue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis Seen at Alta Floresta Hotel before our trip to Cristalino LodgeParadise Tanager Tangara chilensis Seen at Cristalino LodgeBlack-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata Seen at Cristalino LodgeBlue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Regularly recordedPurple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Seen at Cristalino Lodge Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen at Cristalino LodgeYellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis Seen at Cristalino LodgeBurnished-buff Tanager Tangara cayana Seen at Emas NP and Chapada dos GuimarãesChestnut-vented Conebill Conirostrum speciosum Seen at Chapada dos GuimarãesSwallow Tanager Tersina viridis CommonSaffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Several birds were seen in the PantanalBlue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina CommonCoal-crested Finch Charitospiza eucosma Great views of this range-restricted species at Emas NP. Classified as Near-threatened Plumbeous Seedeater Sporophila plumbea Seen at Chapada dos Guimarães and Emas NPRusty-collared Seedeater Sporophila collaris Seen at Emas NPLined Seedeater Sporophila lineola Seen at Emas NPDouble-collared Seedeater Sporophila caerulescens Seen at Chapada dos Guimarães and Emas NPWhite-bellied Seedeater Sporophila leucoptera Seen at Emas NPChestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis Seen along the Transpantaneira roadCardinalidaeRose-breasted Chat Granatellus pelzelni Great views of one bird at Cristalino LodgeGreen-winged Saltator Saltator similis Seen at Emas NPGreyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Common in the PantanalBlack-throated Saltator Saltator atricollis Great views at Emas NPUltramarine Grosbeak Cyanocompsa brissonii Seen well at Serra das ArarasBlack-backed Grosbeak Pheucticus aureoventris Seen well at Cristalino LodgeFringillidaePurple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Seen in the Pantanal and CerradoThick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Seen at Cristalino Lodge

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

MAMMALSCINGULATA

DasypodidaeYellow armadillo Euphractus sexcinctus One crossing the road on the way back from Emas NP

GILOSAMyrmecophagidaeGiant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla Mammal of the trip! After several frustrating tries we found one individual with its offspring on the back during our night search at Serra dos Araras. Classified as VulnerableSouthern tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla Great views of one individual at Cristalino Lodge

RODENTIADasyproctidaeAzara’s agouti Dasyprocta azarae Seen at Cristalino LodgeCaviidaeBrazilian guinea pig Cavia aperea Seen in the PantanalCapybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Large groups of this amazing creature were seen in the Pantanal

CARNIVORAFelidaeJaguar Panthera onca Four individuals were seen in total during our boat search along the Cuiabá River. A truly formidable cat, and the major terrestrial predator in the Amazon rainforest. Classified as near-threatenedMustelidaeGiant otter Pteronura brasiliensis A family of this magnificent animal was seen along the Cuiabá River. Classified as EndangeredNeotropical Otter Lontra longicaudis One individual was seen along the Cristalino Lodge RiverTayra Eira barbara Seen in the PantanalGreater grison Galictis vittata Seen in the PantanalCanidaeCrab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous Seen at Emas NPProcyonidaeSouth American coati Nasua nasua Seen in the PantanalCrab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus A whole family was seen coming to the feeder at Pousada Canto do ArancuãMephitidaeMolina’s hog-nosed skunk Conepatus chinga Seen during our night drive at Emas NP

ARTIODACTYLACervidaePampas deer Ozotoceros bezoarticus Common at Emas NP. Classified as Near-threatenedMarsh deer Blastocerus dichotomus Seen in the Pantanal. Classified as VulnerableRed brocket Mazama americana Seen at Cristalino LodgeGray brocket Mazama gouazoubira Seen at Cristalino LodgeTayassuidaeCollared peccary Pecari tajacu Seen at Cristalino LodgeWhite-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari A large group was encountered at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as Vulnerable

PERISSODACTYLA

TapiridaeLowland tapir Tapirus terrestris Three individuals were seen in total during the trip, including the magic view of one crossing the Cuiabá River. Classified as Vulnerable

PRIMATESCallitrichidae.Silvery marmoset Mico argentatus Seen in the PantanalCebidaeBearded capuchin Cebus libidinosus Seen in the PantanalAtelidaeBlack-and-gold howler monkey Alouatta caraya Seen in the PantanalBlack-faced black spider monkey Ateles chamek Seen at Serra das Araras. Classified as EndangeredWhite-cheeked spider monkey Ateles marginatus Great views at Cristalino Lodge. This is an endemic monkey of Brazil. Classified as EndangeredPitheciidaeWhite-nosed bearded saki Chiropotes albinasus Great views at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as Endangered

CHIROPTERAMegadermatidaeGhost bat Macroderma gigas One individual was seen roosting under a huge leaf at Cristalino Lodge. Classified as VulnerableNoctilionidaeGreater bulldog bat Noctilio leporinus Seen in the PantanalLesser bulldog bat Noctilio albiventris Seen in the Pantanal

REPTILESCROCODYLIACrocodylidaeYacare caiman Caiman yacare Thousands in the PantanalAlligatoridaeDwarf caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus One individual was seen at Cristalino Lodge

SQUAMATATeiidaeBlack-and-white tegu Salvator merianae Seen at Emas NPBoidaeGreen Anaconda Eunectes murinus A baby individual was seen in the Pantanal, not the size you expect to see.