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A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
ARGENTINA, 11th February to 4th March 1995,
rubythroat@beachyhead500.freeserve.co.ukItinerary
11/2/95 : Arrived Buenos Aires, hired a car and drove to San Clemente birding
roadside lagoons. Slept in car as hotels in the area were very expensive.
12/2/95 : Punta Rasa marsh, wood and beach area. In afternoon visited Campo del Tuyu Reserve. Slept in car again.
13/2/95 : Attalaya area then drove back to Buenos Aires for afternoon flight to Salta where we hired another car.
14/2/95 : Yala River and Yala National Park all morning and then drove to Humahuaca with frequent roadside stops.
15/2/95 : Drove from Humahuaca to Abra Pampa with long birding stops in suitable areas. Birded the Abra Pampa marsh before driving to Lago Pozelos where we spent the late afternoon and evening birding.
16/2/95 : All morning at Laguna Larga, afternoon drive to Libertador San Martin.
17/2/95 : All day Calilegua National Park.
18/2/95 : Calilegua National Park entrance road during morning then drive to Palomites where we spent the afternoon and evening birding in the chaco habitat.
19/2/95 : Early morning spent birding the Palomites chaco then drove to Joaquin V. Gonzalez birding the chaco there late afternoon and evening.
20/2/95 : All day birding in the chaco at J.V.G.
21/2/95 : Early morning birding the chaco near J.V.G. then drove to Tafi del Valle birding along the river between Tucuman and Tafi del Valle.
22/2/95 : Tafi del Valle birding both sides of the town with afternoon drive to Cafayate with birding stops en route.
23/2/95 : Birded sandy area close to Cafayate, drove through the Andes stopping several times towards Salta and on to San Lorenzo.
24/2/95 : Birded San Lorenzo Yunga Forest before late afternoon drive back to Salta.
25/2/95 : Flight from Salta to Buenos Aires and then from Buenos Aires to Iguazu.
26/2/95 : All day Iguazu National Park.
27/2/95 : All day Iguazu National Park.
28/2/95 : All day Iguazu National Park.
1/3/95 : All day Iguazu National Park.
2/3/95 : All day Iguazu National Park.
3/2/95 : All day Iguazu National Park.
4/2/95 : Flight to Buenos Aires, birded the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve before our flight back to London.
Systematic List:
Greater Rhea - Rhea americana
A party of 9 were seen feeding in fields on the drive to San Clemente on the
11th. Listed as Near Threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Brown Tinamou - Crypturellus obsoletus
Superb views of a single bird walking out in the open down to 10 yards range
along the Sendero Macuso trail at Iguazu National Park on the 1st.
Darwin's Tinamou - Nothura darwinii
A single bird was flushed on the walk back from Laguna Larga on the 16th which
was immediately taken by an Aplomado Falcon. We were able to obtain the Tinamou
for full identification purposes and photographed it before returning it to
the Falcon which quickly made off with its kill. The outer web of the primaries
lacked the distinctive white spotting which was so obvious on the outer primaries.
Quebracho Crested-Tinamou - Eudromia formosa
Two were briefly seen on the ground before they took flight in the chaco at
JVG on the 20th. They were seen along the second track leading through the chaco.
White-tufted Grebe - Podiceps rolland
Around 40 were present on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the
11th and 10 were seen on a lagoon at Punta Rasa marsh on the 12th. Around 50
were present at Costanera Sur Reserve on the 4th.
Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps
A single bird was seen on roadside lagoons on the 11th and 2 were seen at Costanera
Sur on the 4th.
Great Grebe - Podiceps major
Four were seen on the roadside lagoons on the 11th and 2 were seen at Punta
Rasa marsh lagoon on the 12th. A single bird was seen at Costanera Sur on the
4th.
Anhinga - Anhinga anhinga
Three were seen along the river at Iguazu on the 27th and 2 on the 2nd.
Neotropical Cormorant - Phalacrocorax olivaceus
Small numbers on seven dates with a maximum of 10 seen on both the 11th and
12th.
White-necked Heron - Ardea cocoi
Five were seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th with 4 at Attalaya on the 13th. One
at Tafi del Valle on the 22nd and 3 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Rufescent Tiger-Heron - Tigrsoma lineatum
A single bird was seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th. It was seen in exactly the
same area as a bird we had seen there two years earlier.
Whistling Heron - Syrigma sibilatrix
Seen on 7 dates with a daily maximum of 20 on the 12th in the Punta Rasa and
Campo del Tuyu area.
Great Egret - Casmeroidius albus
Seen on 6 dates with a maximum of 20 on the 12th.
Snowy Egret - Egretta thula
Seen on 8 dates with a maximum of 150 on the 12th.
Cattle Egret - Bulbulcus ibis
Seen on 4 dates with a maximum of 500 being seen on the drive to San Clemente
on the 11th.
Little Blue Heron - Florida caerulea
An intermediate morph was seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax
Small numbers on 7 dates with a maximum of 15 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Striated Heron - Buteroides striatus
Singles were seen at the river on the drive to Tafi del Valle on the 21st and
at Iguazu on the 26th and 28th.
Wood Stork - Mycteria americana
A single bird seen soaring over the Andes near Cafayate on the 23rd.
Maguari Stork - Euxenura maguari
7 seen in fields on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th and 6 on the 12th.
A single bird was seen over Calilegua NP and 2 in flight near Palomites on the
19th.
Buff-necked Ibis - Theristicus caudatus
12 seen in a ploughed field in the middle of the chaco at Palomites on the 18th.
Green Ibis - Mesembrinibis cayennensis
5 seen at the camp site at Iguazu on the 2nd.
Bare-faced Ibis - Phimosus infuscatus
8 seen at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th, and 10 on the drive to Attalaya on the
13th and 15 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Puna Ibis - Plegadis ridgwayi
10 seen at Abra Pampa on the 15th and 25 near Humahuaca on the 16th.
White-faced Ibis - Plegadis chihi
80 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th, 20 at Punta Rasa
on the 12th and 10 seen near Attalaya on the 13th.
Roseate Spoonbill - Ajaja ajaja
2 seen on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th with 8 at
seen Campo del Tuyu on the 12th. Five seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Chilean Flamingo - Phoenicopterus chilensis
25 feeding at low tide on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th with 1 at Abra
Pampa marsh on the 15th. At least 700 were feeding at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th
with probably many more in the heat haze.
Andean Flamingo - Phoenicoparrus andinus
15 at Abra Pampa marsh on the 15th and at least 700 with probably many more
at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th. Listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994).
Puna Flamingo - Phoenicoparrus jamesi
At least 100 were seen at Largo Pozelos on the 15th. Listed as Vulnerable by
Collar et al. (1994).
Southern Screamer - Chauna torquata
20 seen on both drives on the 11th and 12th with a further 6 on the 13th. Also
6 present at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Comb Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos
2 flew into a flooded field near JVG on the 21st.
White-faced Tree Duck - Dendrocygna viduata
20 seen on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th.
Coscoroba Swan - Coscoroba coscoroba
10 seen on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th with 100
chiefly at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th, 5 near Attalaya on the 13th and 30 at
Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Black-necked Swan - Cygnus melancoryphus
50 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th with 350 chiefly at Campo del
Tuyu on the 12th and 200 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Andean Goose - Chloephaga melanoptera
20 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 40 at Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Crested Duck - Lophonetta specularoides
100 seen at Lago Pozuelos and 10 at Abra Pampa marsh on the 15th and 30 at Laguna
Larga on the 16th.
Chiloe Wigeon - Anas sibilatrix
50 were seen on a roadside lagoon near Campo del Tuyu on the 12th.
Yellow-billed Pintail - Anas georgica
Seen on 7 dates with a maximum of 40 seen on the 11th and 22nd.
Speckled Teal - Anas flavirostris
Seen on six dates with a daily maximum of 50 seen on the 12th and 15th.
Red Shoveler - Anas platalea
15 seen on roadside pools on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th with 10 at
Campo del Tuyu on the 12th and 20 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Cinnamon Teal - Anas cyanoptera
2 seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th and 1 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Puna Teal - Anas puna
8 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th.
Silver Teal - Anas versicolor
10 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th and 12 seen at Campo del Tuyu
on the 12th. 5 seen on the drive to Attalaya on the 13th and 20 at Costanera
Sur on the 4th.
Torrent Duck - Mergaetta armata
A female was seen on the river below Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Rosy-billed Pochard - Netta peposaca
40 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th with just 2 at Campo del Tuyu
on the 12th and 1 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Brazilian Duck - Amazonetta brasiliensis
A single bird was seen both in flight and swimming on a roadside lagoon on the
11th.
Black-headed Duck - Heteronetta atricapilla
5 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th. Listed as Near-threatened by Collar
et al. (1994).
Lake Duck - Oxyura vittata
4 seen on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th and 1 at
Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus
2 seen over Yala NP on the 14th and an amazing 70
including 40 in the air together on the spectacular drive through the Andes
from Cafayate to Salta on the 23rd. Some birds passed low over our heads allowing
good photographs to be obtained.
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura
Small numbers seen on 14 dates with a daily maximum of 10. Not seen on the coast.
Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus
Seen on 14 dates in good numbers but not seen on the coast. Daily maximum of
250.
King Vulture - Sarcoramphus papa
2 seen soaring with other Vultures at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle - Geranoaetus melanoleucus
1 seen on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th and 2 seen on the drive through
the Andes at Cafayate on the 23rd.
Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle - Spizastur melanoleucus
Three of these attractive Eagles were seen well at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Swallow-tailed Kite - Elanoides forficatus
9 were seen over forest below Tafi del Valle on 21st with 1 seen on the 27th
and 6 at Iguazu on the 28th.
White-tailed Kite - Elanus leucurus
3 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th, 2 near Attalaya on the 13th
and 1 at San Lorenzo on the 23rd and the 24th.
Plumbeous Kite - Ictinia plumbea
1 at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Harris's Hawk - Parabuteo unicinctus
4 seen on the drive to JVG on the 19th.
Snail Kite - Rostrhamus sociabilis
1 seen near Attalaya on the 13th and 1 seen near Tucuman on the 21st.
Long-winged Harrier - Circus buffoni
5 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th and 8 seen at Punta Rasa on
the 12th.
Cinereous Harrier - Circus cinereus
Single males seen near Campo del Tuyu on the 12th and at Abra Pampa marsh on
the 15th.
Bicolored Hawk - Accipiter bicolor
An adult showed well in flight at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Sharp-shinned Hawk - Accipiter striatus
1 along the Yala River on the 14th, 1 at Palomites on the 19th and 1 at JVG
on the 20th.
Roadside Hawk - Buteo magnirostris
Seen on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 4.
White-tailed Hawk - Buteo albicaudatus
1 seen on the 15th on the drive from Humahuaca and 2 in the same area on the
16th.
Red-backed Hawk - Buteo polysoma
1 seen at Calilegua NP on the 17th and 2 seen at Tafi del Valle on
the 22nd.
Solitary Eagle - Harpyhaliaetus solitarius
An adult was seen alongside a Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle which it dwarfed at
the high section of Calilegua NP on the 17th. Listed as Near-threatened by Collar
et al. (1994).
Savanna Hawk - Heterospizias meridionalis
Up to 2 were seen on three dates near JVG.
Mountain Caracara - Polyborus megalopterus
15 seen near Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 8 in the same area on the 16th.
Crested Caracara - Polyborus plancus
Seen on 14 dates with a daily maximum of 50. Only 1 individual seen at Iguazu
NP.
Chimango Caracara - Milvago chimango
Seen on 8 dates proving very common on the coastal strip with 150 seen on the
11th. Not seen at Iguazu.
Yellow-headed Caracara - Milvago chimachima
1 immature seen on the edge of the camp site at Iguazu NP on the 2nd.
Peregrine - Falco peregrinus
An adult was seen on a cliff-face along the entrance road to Calilegua NP on
the 18th.
Aplomado Falcon - Falco femoralis
1 seen near Abra Pampa on the 15th and 2 seen at Laguna Larga on
the 16th including the individual that took the Darwin's Tinamou. Singles seen
in the chaco at Palomites on the 18th and 19th and 2 seen in chaco near JVG
on the 20th and 21st.
American Kestrel - Falco sparverius
Seen on 14 dates with a daily maximum of 20 being seen on the 14th.
Chaco Chachalaca - Ortalis canicllis
3 seen in chaco at JVG on the 20th and 6 seen along the road in chaco near JVG
on the 21st.
Dusky-legged Guan - Penelope obscura
1 seen briefly along the Yala River on the 14th while 10 allowed prolonged views
at Calilegua NP on the 17th with 4 also seen there on the 18th.
Limpkin - Aramus guarauna
Small numbers seen on five dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen at Attalaya
on the 13th. All seen along coastal strip except 2 along the river near Tucuman
on the 21st.
Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail - Aramides saracura
A single bird walked along a forest trail near the camp site at Iguazu NP on
the 27th and a second individual spent 10 minutes in the open sunning itself
and stretching its wings on the same trail on the 2nd.
Plumbeous Rail - Rallus sanguinolentus
1 seen on a roadside lagoon on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th,
4 seen at Punta Rasa marsh on the 12th, 1 seen in a small marsh on the drive
through the Andes near Cafayate on the 23rd and 3 seen at Costanera Sur on the
4th.
Giant Coot - Fulica gigantea
2 were seen with Andean Coot at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th with probably more
in the haze and 4 were seen well at Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Andean Coot - Fulica americana
70 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th with several at the Abra Pampa marsh the
same day. 30 seen at Laguna Larga on 16th.
Red-gartered Coot - Fulica armillata
10 at Campo del Tuyu on 12th and 100+ at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
White-winged Coot - Fulica leucoptera
At least 200 seen on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th
and 100 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Red-fronted Coot - Fulica rufifrons
30+ seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th were the only ones identified.
Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
1 seen near Cafayate on the 23rd and 100 seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
American Purple Gallinule - Porphyrula martinica
3 (including 2 immatures) were seen at the marsh at Iguazu NP on 3 dates.
Wattled Jacana - Jacana jacana
1 seen near Punta Rasa on the 12th and 5 seen on a river close to Attalaya on
the 13th. 40 seen at Costanera Sur Reserve on the 4th.
South American Painted-Snipe - Nycticryphes semicollaris
6 of these superb birds were seen extremely well (including 1 on the ground)
at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th. One of the highlights of the trip.
American Oystercatcher - Haematopus palliatus
25 resting on a beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Andean Avocet - Recurvirostra andina
1 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 2 posing for the camera at Abra Pampa
marsh on the 16th.
Black-necked Stilt - Himantopus melanurus
Seen on 8 dates in suitable areas with daily maximum of 40 seen on both the
15th and the 4th.
Southern Lapwing - Vanellus chilensis
Seen on 16 dates including a pair ever-present in the car park at Iguazu NP.
Daily maximum recorded was 300 on 13th.
Andean Lapwing - Vanellus resplendens
20 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 8 at Laguna Larga the next day.
Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola
4 were seen Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Lesser Golden Plover - Pluvialis dominica
1 seen along the roadside near San Clemente on the 11th and 20 at Punta Rasa
marsh on the 12th and 5 at the Abra Pampa marsh on the 15th.
Two-banded Plover - Charadrius falklandicus
10 were watched feeding on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Puna Plover - Charadrius alticola
40 were seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th.
Greater Yellowlegs - Tringa melanoleuca
6 were seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th, 1 seen near Attalaya on the
13th and 15 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th.
Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes
4 were seen on roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th, 10
were seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th, 20 were seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th
and finally 20 were seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Turnstone - Arenaria interpres
1 seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Sanderling - Calidris alba
1 seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Knot - Calidris canutus
40 seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Pectoral Sandpiper - Calidris melanotos
6 were seen on roadside pools on the drive to San
Clemente on the 11th, 10 seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th, 10 at Abra Pampa marsh
on the 15th, 100 at Lago Pozuelos on 15th and 4 at Laguna Larga on
the 16th.
Baird's Sandpiper - Calidris bairdii
300+ were seen at Lago Pozuelos and a few at Abra Pampa marsh on the 15th
and 20 at Abra Pampa marsh on 16th.
White-rumped Sandpiper - Calidris fuscicollis
1 seen along the roadside to San Clemente and 50 at Punta Rasa beach on 12th.
Semipalmated Plover - Charadrius semipalmatus
2 were seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Hudsonian Godwit - Limosa haemastica
40 were seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th. This species is listed
as Near- threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Long-billed Dowitcher - Limnodromus scolopaceus
20 were seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th.
Paraguan Snipe - Gallinago paraguaiae
1 seen on a stream near Attalaya on the 13th and 3 seen at Costanera Sur on
the 4th.
Stilt Sandpiper - Micropalama himantopus
60 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 6 at Abra Pampa marsh on
the 16th.
Wilson's Phalarope - Steganopus tricolor
40 were seen at Abra Pampa marsh on 15th and 16th, and 10 at Lago Pozuelos on
the 15th.
Grey-breasted Seedsnipe - Thinocorus orbignyianus
5 were seen along the track leading to Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 4 were
seen nearby on the 16th.
Arctic Skua - Stercorarius parasiticus
1 seen out to sea from Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Kelp Gull - Larus dominicanus
6 seen on the beach at San Clemente on 11th and 40 on the beach at Punta Rasa
on the 12th and 1 on the beach at Attalaya on the 13th.
Olrog's Gull - Larus olrogi
An adult in winter plumage was photographed at close range on the beach at Punta
Rasa on the 12th . A recent split from Band-tailed Gull. Listed as Vulnerable
by Collar et al. (1994).
Andean Gull - Larus serranus
2 seen at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th, 5 seen at Laguna Larga on 16th
and 5 seen near Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Grey-hooded Gull - Larus cirrhocephalus
Common on the coast with 200 seen on the 11th and 12th and 100 at Costanera
Sur on the 4th.
Brown-hooded Gull - Larus maculipennis
Common on the coast with 10 seen on the 11th, 100 on the 12th and 70 on the
13th. 20 seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Gull-billed Tern - Gelochelidon nilotica
6 seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Snowy-crowned Tern - Sterna trudeaui
6 of these attractive Terns were seen on roadside pools on the drive to San
Clemente on the 11th and 50 were seen on Punta Rasa beach on the 12th.
Common Tern - Sterna hirundo
Large numbers were passing out to sea past San Clemente on the 11th where in
a short period of time we saw an estimated 1,000 birds. Also 200 seen past Punta
Rasa on the 12th.
Yellow-billed Tern - Sterna superciliaris
2 were watched feeding at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th being somewhat of a surprise
there.
Sandwich Tern - Sterna sandvicensis
6 seen at Punta Rasa beach on the 12th.
Royal Tern - Sterna maxima
12 seen on the beach at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Black Skimmer - Rynchops nigra
400 seen on Punta Rasa beach on the 12th proving a fine sight when they all
took flight.
Picazuro Pigeon - Columba picazuro
Fairly common and widespread and seen on all but 7 days with a daily maximum
of 60.
Spot-winged Pigeon - Columba maculosa
4 seen in chaco near JVG on the 21st and 5 seen between Cafayate and Salta on
the 23rd.
Eared Dove - Zenaida auriculata
Very common and widespread but not seen at Iguazu. Up to 500 seen every day
in chaco habitat.
Picui Ground-Dove - Columbina picui
Very common in chaco with up to 100 seen daily but far less common in other
areas and just the odd bird at Iguazu.
Ruddy Ground-Dove - Columbina talpacoti
10 seen along the entrance road at Calilegua NP on the 18th and 10 on the drive
to JVG on the 19th and 2 near JVG on the 20th.
Golden-spotted Ground-Dove - Metriopelia aymara
5 of these fine doves located along the mountain road between Humahuaca and
Abra Pampa on the 15th and 15 were seen on the walk back from Laguna Larga on
the 16th. Tame and approachable with the gold-spotting only visible at certain
angles.
BARE-EYED GROUND-DOVE - Metriopelia morenoi
4 seen along the mountain road above Humahuaca on the 15th and 6 were seen around
the Tafi del Valle gullies on the 22nd.
White-tipped Dove - Leptotila verreauxi
Seen in small numbers on 6 dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 19th.
Large-tailed Dove - Leptotila megalura
Only seen at San Lorenzo forest where 1 showed well in the car park on the 23rd
and 2 on the 24th.
Grey-fronted Dove - Leptotila rufaxilla
Only seen at Iguazu NP usually walking on forest trails. Two seen on the 27th,
1 on the 28th, 2 on the 1st and 1 on the 2nd.
Golden-collared Macaw - Ara auricollis
A pair of these fine Macaws were located feeding in a fruiting tree along the
main track at lower elevation in Calilegua NP on the 17th. They were watched
using their feet to hold the fruit whilst feeding. One of the highlights of
the trip.
Mitred Parakeet - Aratinga mitrata
50 seen in Yala NP on the 14th and 6 below Tafi del Valle on the 21st.
Blue-crowned Parakeet - Aratinga acuticaudata
25 seen in chaco at JVG on the 20th and 30 in the sandy desert near Cafayate
on the 23rd.
White-eyed Parakeet - Aratinga leucopthalma
70 seen in Calilegua NP on 17th and seen on 5 days at Iguazu with a daily maximum
recorded of 30.
Burrowing Parrot - Cyanoliseus patagonus
Seen at the sandy soil area around Cafayate with 10 on the 22nd and 50 on the
23rd. Tame and very noisy.
Monk Parakeet - Myiopsitta monachus
Common along the coast and also seen in chaco near JVG. Seen on 7 days with
a daily maximum of 50 seen on the 12th.
Green-cheeked Parakeet - Pyrrhura molinae
15 seen along the entrance road to Calilegua NP on the 18th.
Reddish-bellied Parakeet - Pyrrhura frontalis
Seen on 4 days in Iguazu NP but never in excess of 10 a day.
Mountain Parakeet - Bolborhynchus aurifrons
A pair of these fine small Parakeets came into drink on two occasions at a small
stream high up on a mountain slope on the drive above Humahuaca on the 15th.
Blue-winged Parrotlet - Forpus xanthopterygius
Seen on five days but only at Iguazu NP with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the
28th.
Scaly-headed Parrot - Pionus maximiliani
Seen on 8 days with up to 30 a day seen at Calilegua and 15 a day seen at Iguazu
NP.
Turquoise-fronted Parrot - Amazona aestiva
7 were seen at JVG chaco on the 20th with 25 seen there on the 21st. Good views
were obtained of this impressive Parrot.
Alder Parrot - Amazona tucumana
9 seen in forest below Tafi del Valle on the 21st and 5 on the 22nd.
Dark-billed Cuckoo - Coccyzus melacoryphus
1 seen at Attalaya on the 13th, 10 seen in the Palomites area on the 18th, 6
seen in chaco on the 19th, 15 seen in chaco at JVG on the 20th and 6 on the
21st and finally 1 seen near Salta on the 23rd.
Smooth-billed Ani - Crotophaga ani
Seen on 12 dates being most numerous at Iguazu with up to 50 seen daily there.
Greater Ani - Crotophaga major
A party of 10 were seen at Iguazu NP on the 2nd with 1 there on the 3rd.
Guira Cuckoo - Guira guira
Seen virtually daily being common in various habitats. A daily maximum of 12
seen on the 11th and 12th.
Squirrel Cuckoo - Piaya cayana
Seen on 7 days at Calilegua and Iguazu NP with a maximum of 6 seen on the 28th.
Barn Owl - Tyto alba
1 flew in to the busy town square after dark at Libertador San Martin on the
16th.
Burrowing Owl - Speotyto cunicularia
2 seen at Attalaya on the 13th, 3 at Abra Pampa on the 15th, 3 seen at JVG on
the 20th and 4 there on the 21st and 3 on the 22nd.
Common Nighthawk - Chordeiles minor
1 seen hawking over chaco in the evening at JVG on the 19th.
White-collared Swift - Streptoprocne zonaris
400 flew up the Yala river on the 14th, 40 were seen high above the
chaco on the 19th and finally 30 were seen near Cafayate on the 23rd.
Great Dusky Swift - Cypseloides senex
A single individual seen at Iguazu waterfall on the 26th and 1000+ appeared
over the waterfall in cloudy weather on the 1st.
Ashy-tailed Swift - Chaetura andrei
Seen at Calilegua NP with 6 seen on the 17th and 15 on the 18th.
Grey-rumped Swift - Chaetura cinereiventris
Only seen at Iguazu with 15 being seen on the 25th and 2 on the 27th and 28th.
Andean Swift - Aeronautes andecolus
12 seen low during the early morning as we left Cafayate on the 23rd.
Scale-throated Hermit - Phaethornis eurynome
A single bird seen at Iguazu on the 26th.
Red-tailed Comet - Sappho sparganura
A superb Hummingbird with 1 watched at Tafi del Valle on the 21st,
up to 6 seen in gullies above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd and 2 seen
at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
White-sided Hillstar - Oreotrochilus leucopleurus
2 were watched feeding at red flowers high in the Andes on the drive to Abra
Pampa on the 15th.
Sparkling Violetear - Colibri coruscans
A male was seen with the previous species on the 15th.
White-throated Hummingbird - Leucochloris albicollis
A fine Hummingbird with 2 showing well at Punta Rasa wood on the 12th.
White-bellied Hummingbird - Amazilla chionogaster
10 were seen on the 17th and 4 on the 18th at Calilegua NP, 4 were seen in
the forest below Tafi del Valle on the 21st and 1 near Salta on the 23rd.
Fork-tailed Woodnymph - Thalurania furcata
2 seen at Yala NP on the 14th.
Violet-capped Woodnymph - Thalurania glaucopis
At Iguazu a male was seen on the 28th and 2 were seen on the 2nd.
Glittering-bellied Emerald - Chlorostibon aureoventris
3 seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th, 1 seen near Attalaya on the 13th, 1 at Calilegua
NP on the 18th, 2 in chaco near JVG and 1 at Iguazu on the 26th.
Gilded Sapphire - Hylocharis chrysura
6 were seen at Attalaya on the 13th, 1 in forest below Tafi Del Valle on the
21st and 1 at Iguazu on the 25th.
Slender-tailed Woodstar - Microstilbon burmeisteri
A fine male showed well at San Lorenzo village feeding at some flowers outside
a garden on the 24th.
Giant Hummingbird - Patagona gigas
3 were seen above Humahuaca on the 15th and 1 on the drive back on the 16th.
Black-throated Trogon - Trogon rufus
A male showed extremely well at Iguazu on the 2nd.
Surucua Trogon - Trogon surrucura
Only seen at Iguazu with 2 seen on the 26th, a family party of 5 on the 27th,
2 on the 2nd and 2 on the 3rd.
Blue-crowned Trogon - Trogon curucui
A young male was taped in to view from some distance at Calilegua NP on the
17th.
Ringed Kingfisher - Ceryle torquata
A single bird was sat on overhead wires at a bridge near Attalaya on the 13th.
Green Kingfisher - Chloroceryle americana
One was seen near Attalaya on the 13th.
Spot-billed Toucanet - Selenidera maculirostris
A fine adult with a fully grown immature was found at the far end of the Sendero
Macuco trail at Iguazu NP on the 28th and another individual was seen in a large
fruiting tree at Puerto Canoas car park at Iguazu on the 2nd.
Chestnut-eared Aracari - Pteroglossus castantis
A party of 5 allowed good views as they moved through an area of trees in front
of the hotel at Iguazu NP during the early morning of the 27th.
Red-breasted Toucan - Ramphastos dicolorus
A party of 5 were found feeding in fruiting trees around the administration
buildings at Iguazu NP on the 27th and 2 showed well in a fruiting tree near
the car park at Iguazu on the 2nd. Quite superb.
Toco Toucan - Ramphastos toco
This splendid species proved one of the highlights of the trip with 2 seen at
Calilegua NP on the 17th and good numbers seen virtually daily at
Iguazu NP with several feeding low in a fruiting tree in the car park on our
first two days. Generally we saw around 12 a day although 25 were seen on the
27th and oddly only 1 on the 2nd. They were very obvious early in the morning
but would usually depart from view and were absent in the afternoons.
Rusty-breasted Nunlet - Nonnula rubecula
Singles were seen on three dates along the Sendero Yataratia trail at Iguazu
NP on the 26th, 28th and 3rd. The last individual allowed close approach and
some good photographs to be obtained.
Spot-backed Puffbird - Nystalus maculatus
A single bird was seen at Palomites on the 18th with 6 seen on the 19th chiefly
on the drive to JVG and 10 were seen on the drive from JVG on the 21st. The
species seemed to prefer more dry scrub areas close to chaco often along roadsides
rather that in true chaco habitat.
White-necked Puffbird - Notharchus macrorhynchus
A single bird was seen along the road leading to Puerto Canoas at Iguazu NP
on the 27th.
Field Flicker - Colaptes campestris
Seen on 3 days along the coastal strip with a maximum of 10 seen on the 13th
chiefly seen along the road. A pair was present on four dates in the Car Park
at Iguazu NP.
Andean Flicker - Colaptes rupicola
A pair showed well at the start of the track by the church leading to Laguna
Larga on the 16th and a single individual was seen in the gullies above Tafi
del Valle on the 22nd.
Golden-breasted Woodpecker - Colaptes melanolaimus
2 were seen in the Punta Rasa wood on the 12th and 1 was seen in the San Lorenzo
forest on the 24th.
Green-barred Woodpecker - Colaptes melanochloros
1 was seen at Iguazu NP on the 3rd.
Blond-crested Woodpecker - Celeus flavescens
This superb Woodpecker being surely one of the best in the world was seen extremely
well on two occasions in Iguazu NP on the 1st and 3rd.
Golden-olive Woodpecker - Piculus rubiginosus
2 were seen in Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Yellow-fronted Woodpecker - Melanerpes flavifrons
Another fine Woodpecker with 2 seen at Iguazu NP on the 28th.
White-fronted Woodpecker - Trichopicus cactorum
4 seen in chaco at Palomites on the 18th and 6 on the 19th. 3 seen at JVG on
the 20th and a party of 6 feeding in a large cacti near Cafayate on the 23rd.
Checkered Woodpecker - Dendrocopus mixtus
1 allowed good views to be obtained at Attalaya on the 13th and 4 were seen
along the entrance track to Calilegua NP on the 18th.
White-spotted Woodpecker - Veniliornis spilogaster
2 were seen in Iguazu NP on the 2nd and 1 there on the 3rd.
Dot-fronted Woodpecker - Veniliornis frontalis
2 were seen at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Ochre-collared Piculet - Picumus temminkii
6 were seen in Iguazu NP on the 28th and 1 on the 3rd.
White-barred Piculet - Picumnus cirratus
1 was seen in chaco along the road near JVG on the 21st.
Great Rufous Woodcreeper - Xiphocolaptes major
1 was seen during a roadside stop in chaco near JVG on the 21st. An impressive
Woodcreeper with a huge yellow bill.
Black-banded Woodcreeper - Dendrocolaptes picumnus
At Calilegua NP 3 were seen on the 17th.
Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper - Drymornis bridgesii
A highlight of the trip was 1 found feeding on the dirt road leading through
chaco on the 19th. It allowed close approach. We were surprised to find another
3 in chaco at JVG on the 20th and 1 in the same area on the 21st.
Narrow-billed Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes angustirostris
Seen in small numbers on a total of six dates but not seen in the Andes or at
Iguazu. A daily maximum of 4 being seen on the 19th.
Scaled Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes squammatus
A single bird was seen at Iguazu on the 27th.
Lesser Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes fuscus
Singles were seen at Iguazu on the 27th and 2nd.
Olivaceous Woodcreeper - Sittasomus griseicapillus
Seen on five days at Iguazu NP and 3 at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Rufous-banded Miner - Geositta rufipennis
6 were seen at high elevations in the Andes between Abra Pampa and Lago Pozuelos
on the 15th and 20 on the 16th.
Common Miner - Geositta cunicularia
2 were seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th and 10 were seen between Humahuaca and
Abra Pampa on the 15th and 1 on the 16th.
Puna Miner - Geositta punensis
Around 50 were seen on the drive up from Humahuaca through the Andes and around
Lago Pozuelos but only 8 were seen on the return drive on the 16th.
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper - Upucerthia jelskii
4 were seen well on the walk to Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Buff-breasted Earthcreeper - Upucerthia validirostris
4 seen in the Andes on the drive from Humahuaca to Abra Pampa on the 15th and
up to 12 seen on the walk to Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Chaco Earthcreeper - Upucerthia certhiodes
1 seen briefly in chaco at JVG on the 20th. Its white throat and long straight
bill were obvious field characters.
Rock Earthcreeper - Upucerthia andaecola
Excellent views were obtained of a pair on the drive from Humahuaca on the 15th
with 1 seen on the 16th. Tamer than other Earthcreepers.
Straight-billed Earthcreeper - Upucerthia ruficauda
On the drive through the Andes from Humahuaca to Abra Pampa 7 were seen on the
15th including a party of 6 in a small gully we walked.
White-winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes atacamensis
A large striking Cinclodes with 8 seen on the 16th mainly on the walk to Laguna
Larga. Also seen above Tafi del Valle where 3 were seen on the 22nd.
Bar-winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes fuscus
Singles seen along the Yala River on the 14th and on the drive to Lago Pozuelos
on the 15th, 2 near Laguna Larga on the 16th and 2 above Tafi del Valle on the
22nd.
Rufous Hornero - Furnarius rufus
Large numbers were seen along the coastal strip with a daily maximum of 60 being
seen on the 13th and otherwise seen virtually daily although only a pair seen
at Iguazu - nesting in the Car Park.
Crested Hornero - Furnarius cristatus
6 seen well in chaco at JVG on the 20th.
Brown Cachalote - Pseudoseisura lophotes
A party of 4 of these fine birds were seen in chaco at JVG on the 20th. They
were large very noisy and excitable birds charging around on the ground proving
much better than expected being somewhat reminiscent of Roadrunners.
WHITE-THROATED CACHALOTE - Pseudoseisura gutturalis
2 were found in a valley with scrub at the start of the drive through the Andes
fairly close to Cafayate on the 23rd. The birds were terrestrial running around
the scrub and often keeping underneath the shrubs. The crest was generally held
flat and they had
noticeably paler underparts than illustrated in the Handbook to the Birds of South America although the white throat and black line around the throat were obvious.
White-eyed Foliage-gleaner - Automolus leucophthalmus
Only seen at Iguazu along the Sendero Macuco trail keeping low in the vegetation
with 1 seen on the 1st and 2 on the 3rd
Curve-billed Reedhaunter - Limnornis curvirostris
A single bird was seen in sedge and reeds at the start of the disused railway
track at Attalaya on the 13th. Skulking.
Wren-like Rushbird - Phleocryptes melanops
7 seen well at Punta Rasa and 5 at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th.
Bay-capped Wren-Spinetail - Spartonoica maluroides
6 seen at the Punta Rasa marsh and Campo del Tuyu on the 12th. Juveniles lack
the rufous forehead. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et
al. (1994).
Stripe-crowned Spinetail - Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
Singles were seen at Yala NP on the 14th, in chaco at Palomites on the 18th,
at JVG on the 20th and below Tafi del Valle on the 21st.
Firewood-gatherer - Anumbius annumbi
1 seen at its nest near Campo del Tuyu on the 12th and 4 on the drive to Attalaya
on the 13th in a hedgerow close to the village.
Chestnut Canastero - Asthenes steinbachi
2 seen whilst driving in the Andes to Cafayate on the 22nd. Listed as Vulnerable
by Collar et al. (1994).
Creamy-breasted Canastero (Rusty Vented Canastero)
- Asthenes dorbignyi
1 seen with others heard in a dry cactus area on the lower slopes of the Andes
on the 14th. 10 were seen in various gullies we walked above Humahuaca on the
15th. Around 10 were also seen along the dry stone wall on the walk to Laguna
Larga on the 16th.
Cordilleran Canastero - Asthenes modesta
2 seen in a grassy rocky area close to the road whilst driving back from Laguna
Larga on the 16th.
Hudson's Canastero - Asthenes hudsoni
5 seen at Punta Rasa marsh on the 12th.
Chotoy Spinetail - Schoeniophylax phryganophila
A single bird was seen poorly in a hedgerow near Attalaya on the 13th.
Buff-browed Spinetail - Synallaxis superciliosa (Azaras
Spinetail)
1 showed well low down along the river trail at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
Sooty-fronted Spinetail - Synallaxis frontalis
4 seen at Palomites in chaco on the 18th and 19th and 2 at the JVG chaco on
the 20th.
Pale-breasted Spinetail - Synallaxis albescens
2 in the JVG chaco on 20th and 1 nearby on the 21st.
Ochre-cheeked Spinetail - Synallaxis scutata
6 in low vegetation at Calilegua NP on the 17th and 4 on the 18th. Skulking.
Chicli Spinetail - Synallaxis spixi
4 seen along the ditch running along the road close to the railway line at Attalaya
on the 13th.
Tufted Tit-Spinetail - Leptasthenura platensis
1 seen well in Punta Rasa wood on the 12th.
Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail - Leptasthenura fuliginiceps
JFC saw 2 in the gully above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail - Leptasthenura aegithaloides
3 seen in bushes above Humahuaca in the Andes on the 15th and 2 seen near Laguna
Larga on the 16th. Singles seen near Cafayate on the 22nd and 23rd.
Rufous-fronted Thornbird - Phacellodromus rufifrons
At Palomites 4 were seen on the 18th and 2 on the 19th and 1 at JVG on the 20th.
Little Thornbird - Phacellodromus sibilatrix
1 at Attalaya on the 13th and 3 in chaco at JVG on the 20th.
Freckle-breasted Thornbird - Phacellodromus striaticollis
4 seen at Attalaya on the 13th.
Spotted-breasted Thornbird - Phacellodromus maculipectus
1 seen at the church at the start of the track to Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner - Syndactyla rufosuperciliata
3 seen at Calilegua NP on the 17th and 1 seen at San Lorenzo on the 23rd and
8 on the 24th.
Black-capped Foliage-gleaner - Philydor atricapillus
Seen along the Sendero Macuco trail at Iguazu where 1 was seen briefly on the
1st and 4 were seen well on the 3rd.
Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner - Philydor lichtensteini
Seen on 4 days at Iguazu NP with 2 on 26th, 6 on 27th, 1 on 2nd and 2 on 3rd.
Streaked Xenops - Xenops rutilans
At Calilegua 2 were seen on the 17th and at Iguazu 2 were seen on the 28th.
Giant Antshrike - Batara cinerea
A female showed well and the male was heard nearby in response to tape playback
at Calilegua NP. Superb.
Tufted Antshrike - Mackenziana severa
A male was taped into view at Iguazu NP on the 28th. Others were heard but not
seen.
Rufous-capped Antshrike - Thamnophilus ruficapillus
A male was seen well at the start of the disused railway track at Attalaya on
the 13th.
Variable Antshrike - Thamnophilus caerulescens
3 were seen at Attalaya on the 13th, 3 at Calilegua on the 17th and 1 on the
18th, 1 in JVG chaco on the 20th and 1 at Iguazu on the 27th.
Great Antshrike - Taraba major
At Palomites 2 were seen in chaco on the 19th and 2 on the 20th and 1 seen in
JVG chaco on the 21st.
White-shouldered Fire-Eye - Pyriglena leucoptera
A male responded to the tape along the ranger station trail at Iguazu NP on
the 27th. It showed on the edge of the forest for several minutes.
Stripe-backed Antbird - Myrmorchilus strigilatus
Two stunning males were watched walking on the ground close to the pathway running
through chaco at JVG on the 19th.
Plain Antvireo - Dysithamnus mentalis
Seen on 4 days in Iguazu NP with a pair seen on the 26th, a male on the 28th,
3 on the 1st and 4 on the 3rd.
Rufous-winged Antwren - Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
1 seen feeding in the canopy at Iguazu NP on the 28th and 3 there on the 2nd.
White-throated Antpitta - Grallaria albigula
As we stopped to cross the first river by the entrance to Calilegua NP on the
18th we heard the Antpitta calling. After several minutes we played a tape and
located the bird in a thick bush by the edge of the track. We watched the bird
calling back to the tape from down to a few yards.
Rufous Gnateater - Conopophaga lineata
Singles were seen well at Iguazu NP on the 26th and 3rd. Excellent.
Crested Gallito - Rhinocrypta lanceolata
2 were watched in JVG chaco on the 19th and 5 responded well to the tape early
the next morning even coming onto the path to have a 'run-around' ! An absolutely
stunning spectacle.
SANDY GALLITO - Teledromas fuscus
Our gamble paid off when we played the tape in the sandy area and obvious sand
dunes around 5kms outside Cafayate on the Salta road on the 23rd. Several birds
responded to the tape and we were able to locate 4 different birds. They remained
shy and would not tolerate close approach, often running at high speed over
the sand although at other times would sit in the open on top of a sand dune
or a small bush calling back to the tape.
Black-crowned Tityra - Tityra inquisitor
Only 3 seen - all at Iguazu on the 28th.
Crested Becard - Platypsaris rufus
A party of 3 were seen at Yala NP on the 14th.
White-naped Xenopsaris - Xenopsaris albinucha
An unexpected find was a male performing well along the track leading through
chaco at JVG on the 19th.
Swallow-tailed Manakin - Chiroxiphia caudata
A female was seen in Iguazu NP on the 26th.
Greenish Manakin - Schiffornis virescens
A single individual was seen at Iguazu NP on the 3rd.
Grey-bellied Shrike-Tyrant - Agriornis microptera
1 was seen well at Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Black-bellied Shrike-Tyrant - Agriornis montana
A pair was present on a small cliff high up in the Andes on the drive to Abra
Pampa on the 15th and a single bird was watched at Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
The white tail was a striking feature in flight.
White Monjita - Xolmis irupero
Seen on four days with 5 seen on the drive away from Yala NP on the 14th. A
single bird was seen on the drive to Libertador San Martin on the 16th, 2 near
Tucuman on the 21st and 5 near Salta on the 24th.
Cinereous Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola cinerea
A recent split from Plain-capped, 8 were seen on the walk to Laguna Larga on
the 16th and 1 above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola maculirostris
15 seen on the walk to Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Rufous-backed Negrito - Lessonia rufa
3 were seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Andean Negrito - Lessonia oreas
3 were seen near Abra Pampa marsh and 2 at Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 6 were
seen on the drive from Laguna Larga on the 16th.
White-browed Chat-Tyrant - Ochthoeca leucophrys
2 were found in the gully above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd despite the drizzle
and low cloud.
D'Orbigny's Chat-Tyrant - Ochthoeca oenanthoides
A tame and approachable bird found on the walk back from Laguna Larga on the
16th.
Spectacled Tyrant - Hymenops perspicillata
A single male sat on a fence at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th and another male
seen whilst driving near Salta on the 23rd.
Black Phoebe - Sayornis nigricans
2 were seen along the Yala River on the 14th with 1 on the drive to Cafayate
and 2 on the river at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
White-winged Black-Tyrant - Knipolegus aterrimus
A single male seen on the drive from Yala NP towards Humahuaca on the 14th.
Plumbeous Tyrant - Knipolegus cabanisi
A female was seen in the San Lorenzo forest along the river on the 24th.
Cinereous Tyrant - Knipolegus striaticeps
3 were seen in chaco at JVG on the 20th.
Variegated Flycatcher - Empidonomus varius
6 were seen in chaco at Palomites and JVG on the 19th and 2 at Iguazu on the
21st and 1 on the 3rd.
Streaked Flycatcher - Myiodynastes maculatus
6 seen at Yala on 14th, 4 at Calilegua NP on the 17th and 2 on the 18th and
singles at Iguazu on the 27th and 3rd.
Cattle Tyrant - Machetornis rixosus
Seen in small numbers on eight dates in scattered locations.
Yellow-browed Tyrant - Satrapa icterophrys
2 seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th, 1 at Attalaya on the 13th and 4 along the
Yala river on the 14th and 2 along the river valley below Tafi del Valle on
the 22nd.
Piratic Flycatcher - Legatus leucophaius
6 were seen in San Lorenzo gardens on 24th and at Iguazu 1 was seen on 24th
and 2 on 1st.
Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus
Common being seen on 15 dates with daily maximum of 25 seen on 13th.
Social Flycatcher - Myiozetetes similis
Only seen at Iguazu with 2 seen on both the 26th and 28th.
Three-striped Flycatcher - Conopias trivirgata
Only seen at Iguazu NP with 2 seen on the 28th and 1 on the 3rd.
Tropical Kingbird - Tyrannus melancholicus
Very common and seen on all but 2 days.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher - Muscivora tyrannus
Common being seen on 13 dates with a daily maximum of 100 being seen on the
13th.
Sirystes - Sirystes sibilator
Singles seen at Iguazu NP on the 26th, 28th and 3rd.
Crowned Slaty Flycatcher - Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus
Common in chaco with 10 seen on the 18th, 20 on 19th, 10 on 20th and 6 on the
21st.
Brown-crested Flycatcher - Myiarchus tyrannulus
Singles seen at the Palomites chaco on the 18th and 19th and at JVG on the 20th.
Swainson's Flycatcher - Myiarchus swainsoni
Singles seen in the JVG chaco on 19th, 20th and 21st.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher - Myiarchus tuberculifer
2 were seen well in the Yala NP on the 14th.
Greater Pewee - Contopus fumigatus
A single bird was found in the San Lorenzo forest on the 24th.
Euler's Flycatcher - Empidonax euleri
Just 2 identified for certain - at ~JVG on the 20th.
Suiriri Flycatcher - Suiriri suiriri
Only identified in the JVG chaco with 1 seen on the 19th and 2 on the 20th.
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant - Myiotheretes striaticollis
6 found at Yala NP on the 14th.
Cliff Flycatcher - Hirundinea ferruginea
2 seen around a cliff face on the drive through the Andes on the 23rd.
Cinnamon Flycatcher - Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
5 seen in forest along the river valley below Tafi del Valle on the 21st and
4 at the San Lorenzo Forest on the 24th.
Bran-coloured Flycatcher - Myiophobus fasciatus
6 were seen at Attalaya on the 13th and 1 at Palomites on the 19th.
Large-headed Flatbill - Ramphotrigon megacephala
At Iguazu 2 were seen on the 26th and 2 on the 28th.
Yellow-olive Flycatcher - Tolmomyias sulphurescens
At Calilegua NP 3 were seen on the 17th.
Drab-breasted Pygmy-Tyrant - Hemitriccus diops
A single bird was seen at Iguazu on the 26th.
Ochre-faced Tody-Tyrant - Todirostrum plumbeiceps
2 showed well at Calilegua on the 17th and 1 on the 18th.
Eared Pygmy-Tyrant - Myiornis auricularis
Only seen at Iguazu NP with 2 seen on 28th and 4 on 2nd.
Southern Bristle-Tyrant - Phylloscartes eximius
2 seen at Iguazu NP on the 28th and 1 on the 1st. This species is listed as
Near- threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet - Phylloscartes ventralis
1 was seen at Calilegua NP on the 17th, 3 at San Lorenzo on the 24th
and 1 on the 26th and 2 on the 2nd at Iguazu.
Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant - Euscarthmus meloryphus
1 was seen in chaco at Palomites.
Vermilion Flycatcher - Pyrocephalus rubinus
5 were seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th.
Greater Wagtail-Tyrant - Stigmatura budytoides
Quite common in chaco with 8 seen at Palomites on the 18th and 6 there the next
day and 4 at JVG on the 20th. Also seen at a small marsh close to the road
near Cafayate where we saw 6 on the 23rd.
White-crested Tyrannulet - Serpophaga subcristata
4 were identified at Palomites on the 18th and 2 on the 19th.
White-bellied Tyrannulet - Serpophaga munda
2 were seen at Calilegua NP on the 17th.
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant - Anairetes flavirostris
2 were seen on a dry andean slope above Humahuaca on the 15th.
White-throated Tyrannulet - Mecocerculus leucophrys
1 was seen at Yala NP on the 14th and 1 below Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Yellow Tyrannulet - Campsiempis flaveola
4 were seen on the 27th and 2 on the 28th at Iguazu.
Greenish Tyrannulet - Xanthomyias virescens
4 were seen on the 27th and 2 on the 28th at Iguazu NP.
Highland Elaenia - Elaenia obscura
5 were seen in Yala NP on the 14th.
Large Elaenia - Elaenia spectabilis
2 were seen in the JVG chaco on the 19th and 4 on the 20th.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia - Elaenia flavogaster
Singles were seen in an area near the marsh at Iguazu NP on the 26th and the
2nd.
Slaty Elaenia - Elaenia strepera
1 identified in the yungas forest at Yala NP on the 14th.
White-crested Elaenia - Elaenia albiceps
A single bird was seen in a scrubby area on a roadside stop on the drive from
Yala on the 14th.
Small-billed Elaenia - Elaenia parvirostris
Fairly common along the coastal strip with 5 seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th
and 8 at Attalaya on the 13th. Also, 2 seen at Yala NP on the 14th and 4 at
JVG on the 20th.
Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet - Phaeomyias murina
1 identified in yungas forest at Yala NP on the 14th.
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet - Camptostoma obsoletum
At Palomites 2 were seen on the 18th and 1 on the 19th.
Sclaters Tyrannulet - Xanthomyias sclateri
6 were seen at the San Lorenzo Yungas forest on the 24th.
Southern Antpipit - Corythopis delalandi
Singles seen at Iguazu NP on the 28th and 1st with 2 on the 3rd. Located by
listening for the bill snapping sound.
White-tipped Plantcutter - Phytotoma rutila
10 were seen on the drive from Yala on the 14th.
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica
2 were seen on the 12th and 1 on the 15th.
Southern Martin - Progne modesta
12 were seen on the drive from Palomites on the 19th with 3 seen at JVG on the
20th and 1 on the drive from Cafayate on the 23rd.
Grey-breasted Martin - Progne chalybea
Recorded on nine dates with a maximum of 20 seen on the 11th and the 4th - on
both occasions along the coastal strip.
Brown-chested Martin - Phaeoprogne tapera
Seen on six dates chiefly along the coast with a daily maximum of 40 on the
13th.
White-rumped Swallow - Tachycineta leucorrhoa
Around 60 were seen over roadside lagoons on the drive to San Clemente and 10
seen at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th and 1 at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
White-winged Swallow - Tachycineta albiventer
10 were seen hawking over the river at Iguazu NP on the 27th with 4 in the same
area on the 2nd.
Blue-and-white Swallow - Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
Common being recorded on 12 dates with a daily maximum of 60 on the 14th.
Black-collared Swallow - Atticora melanoleuca
10 were seen hawking for insects over the marsh at Iguazu NP on the 26th.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
100 seen whilst driving on the 16th with 6 seen on the 21st, 10 on the 26th
and 4 on the 2nd.
Plush-crested Jay - Cyanocorax chrysops
Quite common in the north-west, at Iguazu NP but not seen at the coast. Seen
on 12 dates in forest areas with a daily maximum of 15 seen at Calilegua on
the 17th.
Rufous-throated Dipper - Cinclus schulzi
Our most wanted bird of the trip and we were not disappointed. 2 performed extremely
well for nearly 2 hours with good photographs being obtained along the Yala
River on the 14th and a third bird was located further up the river later in
the day. A single bird was also seen along the river below Tafi del Valle on
the 22nd. Listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994).
House Wren - Troglodytes aedon
Common being seen on 14 days with up to 6 seen on a day.
Mountain Wren - Troglodytes solstitialis
1 seen in forest below Tafi del Valle on the 21st with 2 there on the 22nd.
Proved to be very common along the trail at San Lorenzo Yungas forest with a
minimum of 20 seen on the 24th.
Brown-backed Mockingbird - Mimus dorsalis
4 seen on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th and 6 seen the following morning
on the drive above Humahuaca to Abra Pampa.
White-banded Mockingbird - Mimus triurus
Seen on drives to and from Humahuaca with 2 seen on the 14th, 2 on the 15th
and 1 on the 16th.
Chalk-browed Mockingbird - Mimus saturninus
Seen on four days along the coastal strip with 2 on the 11th, 5 on the 12th,
10 on the 13th and 4 on the 4th.
Patagonian Mockingbird - Mimus patagonicus
Very common in the cactus and scrub in the Andes between Yala and Humahuaca
with at least 100 seen on the 14th. On the return journey a mere 16 were seen.
Also seen near Cafayate with 4 on the 22nd and 10 on the 23rd.
Swainson's Thrush - Catharus ustulatus
2 seen at San Lorenzo Yungas forest on the 24th.
Creamy-bellied Thrush - Turdus amaurochalinus
Seen in small numbers on six dates with a maximum of 6 seen on the 21st.
Pale-breasted Thrush - Turdus leucomelas
Seen on five dates but only in Iguazu NP with a daily maximum of 8 on the 2nd.
Rufous-bellied Thrush - Turdus rufiventris
Fairly common in all areas and seen on 15 dates with a daily maximum of 10 on
the 17th at Calilegua NP.
White-necked Thrush - Turdus albicollis
At Iguazu 2 were seen on the 1st and 1 on the 3rd.
Chiguanco Thrush - Turdus chiguanco
6 seen on lower slopes of the Andes on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th and
1 in the same area on the 16th and also seen in the vicinity of Tafi del Valle
with 1 on the 21st and 6 on the 22nd.
Short-billed Pipit - Anthus furcatus
Singles identified in short grassland near Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 16th.
Correndera Pipit - Anthus correndera
2 seen well feeding in grassland at Abra Pampa marsh on the 19th.
Yellowish Pipit - Anthus chii
6 seen on the lowland grasslands at Campo del Tuyu on the 12th.
Masked Gnatcatcher - Poolioptila dumicola
Recorded in small numbers at widespread locations on six dates with a daily
maximum of 8 in the chaco at JVG on the 20th.
Red-eyed Vireo - Vireo olivaceus
Seen in fair numbers on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the 17th
at Calilegua NP.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike - Cyclarhis gujanensis
2 seen at Attalaya on the 13th, 2 at Calilegua on the 18th and 1 at Palomites
on the 19th.
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
Seen on 12 dates around habitation.
River Warbler - Basileuterus rivularis
One walked ahead of us along the wet Sendero Yararatia
track at Iguazu NP on the 28th with it being seen again briefly on the 3rd.
Superb.
Two-banded Warbler - Basileuterus bivittatus
At Calilegua 3 were seen on the 17th and 2 on the 18th.
Golden-crowned Warbler - Basileuterus culicivorus
Only seen at Iguazu but on all 6 days being common on forest trails with a daily
maximum of 8 seen on the 3rd.
Brown-capped Redstart - Myioborus brunniceps
1 seen at Yala, 3 at Calilegua on the 18th, 5 below Tafi del Valle on the 22nd
and 3 at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
Tropical Parula - Parula pitiayumi
Seen in small numbers on 11 days with a daily maximum of 6 seen on the 17th
and 20th.
Masked Yellowthroat - Geothlypis aequinoctialis
Seen on six days with a daily maximum of 5 seen at Attalaya on the 13th.
Bananaquit - Coerba flaveola
Only seen at Iguazu NP with 2 seen on the 28th and 1st and 1 on the 2nd.
Blue Dacnis - Dacnis cayana
Seen at Iguazu with 1 on the 27th and 2 on the 28th and 3rd.
Blue-hooded Euphonia - Euphonia musica
A male was seen below Tafi del Valle on the 21st.
Purple-throated Euphonia - Euphonia chlortic
At Calilegua 3 were seen on the 17th and 3 were seen below Tafi del Valle on
the 21st and 2 at Iguazu on the 28th.
Violaceus Euphonia - Euphonia violacea
Only seen at Iguazu with 2 seen on the 1st and 1 on the 2nd.
Chestnut-bellied Euphonia - Euphonia pectoralis
4, including a male, were seen in bushes around the car park at Iguazu NP on
the 2nd.
Guira Tanager - Hemithraupis guira
Singles were seen at Iguazu NP on the 28th and 2nd.
Common Bush-Tanager - Chiorospingus opthalmicus
At Calilegua 12 were seen on the 17th and 10 on the 18th, with 1
seen below Tafi del Valle on the 21st and 10 at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
Green-headed Tanager - Tangara seledon
Only seen at Iguazu NP with 10 seen on the 28th, 2 on the 1st and 4 on the 3rd.
Magpie Tanager - Cissopis leveriana
At Iguazu up to 3 were recorded daily on five dates.
Black-goggled Tanager - Trichothraupis melanops
Seen on five dates in Iguazu NP with a maximum of 12 being seen on the 28th.
White-lined Tanager - Tachyphonus rufus
At Iguazu 2 were seen on the 28th and 1 on the 3rd.
Sayaca Tanager - Thraupis sayaca
Common being seen on 10 days with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the 14th.
Fawn-breasted Tanager - Pipraeidea melanonota
2 seen at Yala NP on the 14th and 4 at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager - Habia rubica
2 skulking individuals seen at Iguazu on the 28th and 3rd.
Blue-and-yellow Tanager - Thraupis bonariensis
Absent from Iguazu but common elsewhere being seen on ten dates although we
never saw more than 6 on a day.
Hepatic Tanager - Piranga flava
2 seen at Calilegua on the 18th and singles seen in the JVG chaco on the 20th
and 21st.
Orange-headed Tanager - Thlypopsis sordida
At Calilegua 20 seen on the 17th and 6 on the 18th.
Golden-billed Saltator - Saltator aurantirostris
4 were seen at Yala on the 14th with 3 seen at Palomites on the 19th and 3 on
the 20th, 2 at JVG on the 23rd and 2 near Cafayate on the 23rd.
Greyish Saltator - Saltator coerulescens
At Calilegua 1 seen on the 17th and 2 on the 18th and in the chaco at JVG 1
seen on the 20th and 21st.
Red-crested Cardinal - Paroaria coronata
Singles seen at Punta Rasa on the 12th, near JVG on the 21st and at Costanera
Sur on the 4th.
Black-backed Grosbeak - Pheucticus aureoventris
Along the Yala River 1 was seen on the 14th and at Calilegua 1 was seen on the
17th with 3 seen at Palomites on the 19th and 2 seen near Tafi del Valle on
the 22nd.
Saffron-billed Sparrow - Arremon flavirostris
At Calilegua 6 were seen on the 17th and 1 on the 18th. In the chaco at JVG
2 were seen on the 20th and 1 at Iguazu on the 1st.
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch - Atlapetes torquatus
4 seen at Calilegua on the 17th.
Fulvous-headed Brush-Finch - Atlaptes fulviceps
At San Lorenzo forest 3 were seen on the 24th.
YELLOW-STRIPED BRUSH-FINCH - Atlaptes citrinellus
Below Tafi del Valle 2 were seen on the 21st and 4 on the 22nd.
Ultramarine Grosbeak - Cyanocompsa brissonii
At Palomites 3 were seen in chaco on the 18th with 2 there on the 19th and in
the JVG chaco 3 were seen on the 20th and 1 on the 21st.
Blue-black Grassquit - Volatinia jacarina
Recorded in chaco and agricultural areas in small numbers on four dates.
Dull-coloured Grassquit - Tiaris obscura
Only 4 positively identified on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th.
Double-collared Seedeater - Sporophila caerulescens
Common being seen on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen on the 14th.
Lined Seedeater - Sporophila lineola
At Calilegua 1 was seen on the 17th and 4 on the 18th and singles seen at JVG
on 20th and 21st.
Dark-throated Seedeater - Sporophila ruficollis
A fine male was singing from a fence in an agricultural area near Salta on the
24th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).
Lesser Seed-Finch - Oryzoborus angolensis
Only seen in the marshy area at Iguazu with 1 seen on the 26th, 3 on the 2nd
and 2 on the 3rd.
Band-tailed Seedeater - Catamenia analis
2 seen on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th and 2 seen on the drive to Abra
Pampa on the 15th.
Plain-coloured Seedeater - Catamenia inornata
10 seen on the walk to Laguna Larga on the 16th.
Common Diuca-Finch - Diuca diuca
2 were found in bushes on the sandy soil near Cafayate on the 23rd being unexpected
and much better than expected.
Grassland Yellow-Finch - Sicalis luteola
Only seen along the coastal strip with 6 seen on the 11th, 20 on the 12th and
10 on the 4th.
Saffron Finch - Sicalis flaveola
Common with up to 10 seen on 15 dates.
Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch - Sicalis uropygialis
5 were seen at the Abra Pampa village on the 15th.
Puna Yellow-Finch - Sicalis lutea
40 seen above Humahuaca on the 15th and 10 on the return drive on the 16th.
Greenish Yellow-Finch - Sicalis olivascens
10 seen on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th with 30 towards Abra Pampa on
the 15th and 2 seen on the 16th. Also, 2 were seen at Tafi del Valle on the
22nd and 6 near Cafayate on the 23rd.
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus alaudinus
3 seen on the walk back from Laguna Larga on the 16th and 1 above Tafi del Valle
on the 22nd.
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus unicolor
1 near Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 10 on the walk to Laguna Larga on the 16th
and 10 were seen in the gullies above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus plebeus
Very common on the drive to Lago Pozuelos with 100 seen on the 15th with 200
seen in the vicinity of Laguna Larga and the return drive to Humahuaca. 6 were
seen above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Grey-hooded Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus gayi
A pair were found in a gully in the dry slopes of the Andes on the drive down
from Tafi del Valle to Cafayate on the 22nd and 1 on the drive through the Andes
near Cafayate on the 23rd.
Black-hooded Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus atriceps
10 were seen on the drive to Lago Pozuelos on the 15th and 8 were seen at Laguna
Larga and the return drive on the 16th.
Mourning Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus fruticetti
2 were seen towards Humahuaca on the 14th, 25 whilst driving to Lago Pozuelos
on the 15th and 15 in the vicinity of Laguna Larga on the 16th. Also 4 seen
above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
TUCUMAN MOUNTAIN-FINCH - Compsospiza baeri
A fine adult was located and showed very well in a gully with a stream above
Tafi del Valle on the 22nd. Listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994).
Red-crested Finch - Coryphospingus cucullatus
Common in chaco at both Palomites and JVG being seen on four dates with a daily
maximum of 30 seen on the 18th. Also seen at Iguazu in small numbers on 3 dates.
Stripe-capped Sparrow - Aimophila strigiceps
12 seen above Yala on the 14th, 8 at Palomites on the 19th and 3
near Salta on the 24th.
Rufous-collared Sparrow - Zonotrichia capensis
Common everywhere except Iguazu where there were only a few birds seen.
Long-tailed Reed-Finch - Donacospiza albifrons
2 were seen in some reeds near Campo del Tuyu.
CINNAMON WARBLING-FINCH - Poospiza ornata
4 showed well in bushes on the sandy soil as we left Cafayate on the 23rd.
Rusty-browed Warbling-Finch - Poospiza erythrophrys
10 seen at Yala NP on the 14th and 1 at San Lorenzo on the 24th.
Rufous-sided Warbling-Finch - Poospiza hypochondria
1 was watched feeding on a slope as we drove through the Andes above Tafi del
Valle on the 22nd.
Black-and-rufous Warbling-Finch - Poospiza nigrorufa
1 was seen at Attalaya on the 13th and 1 was seen at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Black-and-chestnut Warbling-Finch - Poospiza whitii
6 were seen on the drive to Humahuaca on the 14th and 2 near Salta on the 23rd.
Ringed Warbling-Finch - Poospiza torquata
10 were seen in the sandy soil area as we left Cafayate on the 23rd.
Black-capped Warbling-Finch - Poospiza melanoleuca
1 was seen at Calilegua NP on the 17th and several were seen there on the 18th.
Quite common in chaco at Palomites and JVG being seen on all four days with
a daily maximum of 20 seen on the 18th.
Many-coloured Chaco-Finch - Saltatricula multicolor
Small numbers seen on all four days in chaco at Palomites and JVG with a daily
maximum of 6 seen on the 18th. Also 2 seen on the sandy soil near Cafayate on
the 23rd.
Great Pampa-Finch - Embernagra platensis
Seen on eight dates in lowland grassy areas although not at Iguazu. A daily
maximum of 30 were seen at Punta Rasa marsh on 12th.
Black Siskin - Carduelis atrata
Seen twice, firstly high up on the drive to Abra Pampa on the 15th and secondly
above Tafi del Valle on the 22nd.
Hooded Siskin - Carduelis magellanica
Small numbers on 11 dates although absent at Iguazu. A daily maximum of 8 was
recorded.
Crested Oropendola - Psarocolius decumanus
At Calilegua 20 were seen on 17th and 5 on 18th with nests seen along the entrance
road there.
Golden-winged Cacique - Cacicus chrysopterus
A single individual was seen on two occasions at Yala NP on the 14th.
Red-rumped Cacique - Cacicus haemorrhous
Only seen at Iguazu NP where it proved common around the car park in the early
morning being seen on all six days with a daily maximum of 20.
Epaulet Oriole - Icterus cayanensis
At Calilegua 6 were seen on the 17th with singles at JVG on the 19th,
at Iguazu on the 27th and 1st and at Costanera Sur on the 4th.
Screaming Cowbird - Molothrus rufoaxillaris
Only identified on 3 dates with 4 near Campo del Tuyu feeding with Bay-winged
Cowbirds and 10 seen on the 21st and 20 on the 22nd.
Shiny Cowbird - Molothrus bonariensis
Identified on 9 dates with up to 50 recorded on a day.
Bay-winged Cowbird - Molothrus badius
Very common in secondary areas seen on 12 dates and once in Iguazu NP.
Yellow-winged Blackbird - Agelaius thilius
Seen on four dates along the coastal strip with a maximum of 20 at Campo del
Tuyu on the 12th.
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird - Pseudoleistes virescens
40 seen on the drive to San Clemente on the 11th, 80 at Punta Rasa on the 12th,
60 at Campo del Tuyu and 20 on the drive to Attalaya on the 13th.
Long-tailed Mockingbird - Sturnella loyca
A single bird seen between Yala and Humahuaca on the 14th.
White-browed Blackbird - Sturnella superciliaris
20 seen close to San Clemente on the 11th, with 1 there on the 12th
and 2 near Attalaya on the 13th.
References:
Birds of Argentina and Uruguay - A Field Guide, Narosky and Yzurieta, 1989.
Birds
to Watch 2, Birdlife International, Collar, Crosby and Stattersfield
1994.
Birds of the High Andes, Fjeldsa and Krabbe. 1990.
The
Birds of South America, Ridgely and Tudor.
Where
to Watch Birds in South America, Wheatley. 1994.
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