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Venezuela, June 1994 (Bolívar and Monagas States),

CONTENTS

General Information
-           References
-           Itinerary (summary)
-           Descriptions of the sites visited in Venezuela:
*            Caño Colorado
*            Río Grande Forest Reserve
*            Imataca Forest Reserve
*            La Escalera
*            La Gran Sabana
*            Caura Forest Reserve
-           Daily Log
-           Systematic List of Birds

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following report is based on a birding trip to the states of Bolívar and Monagas in Venezuela in June 1994. I was accompanied by Vital van Gorp and Eric Wille. It was my second trip to this country. In 1988 Vital and I had already visited the western part of Venezuela and the Llanos.

The main objective of the trip was to see as many birds as possible and as many of the accessible tepui endemics as possible. We had a very limited time for birding. Inevitably, it was a rush and more time could have been spent everywhere, especially at Caño Colorado in Monagas.

Because of its large oil supplies, Venezuela is one of the most modern and stable Latin America countries, with good roads, good accommodations, and some excellent dining.

Venezuela is currently one of the most accessible countries of South America and holds a good proportion of the region's avifauna. Birdlife in Venezuela is prolific with more than 1360 species recorded, which is only exceeded by the number of species to be found in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. Few countries however have Venezuela's major advantage - a good illustrated field guide which allows the visiting birding enthusiast to identify most of what he sees.

The people in Venezuela are in general both friendly and helpful, making for a pleasant and relatively hassle-free trip.

Venezuela is widely recognized as an ideal country in which to gain an introduction to the diverse, and colourful birdlife of the South American continent, 'The Bird Continent'.

When you add to this the vast cloud forests, the endless savanna wetlands of the Llanos, the dramatic scenery of the high Andes, the good infrastructure of roads, the relative ease of accessibility to the various areas, the fine hotels, the excellent food and the friendliness of the people, Venezuela becomes the obvious choice for a birding trip to the South American continent.

Rainforest birding involves much time and patience due to weather and visibility problems.

Some birds are rather shy and some ground-species can only be seen by walking VERY silently along the trails.

Even so, sometimes long periods of time may pass before a mixed-species feeding flock appears or some shy and skulking individual is detected.

The list of birds mentioned in the daily log which follows is purely taken at random from each days events highlighting some of the more interesting species. For a detailed report of species and numbers please refer to the systematic list at the end of this report.

FLIGHT AND VISA

We booked our flight from Antwerp to Caracas for ¦ 1550,-- with KLM. This flight took approximately 10 hours and went via Amsterdam.

You do not need a visa for Venezuela if you intend to stay no more than 90 days. When you're leaving Venezuela, you are required to pay a departure tax of US$20.00. This is also payable in bolívars equivalent. Domestic flights (AeroPostal or Avensa) from Caracas to Barcelona take about ½ hour and we had to pay around ¦ 200.--.

MONEY AND ACCOMMODATION

The unit of currency in Venezuela is the Bolívar. The exchange rate in June 1994 was about 155 Bs to the dollar, although this is likely to change as inflation in Venezuela is very high.

The main problem with the currency in Venezuela is that you end up with a hugh wad of money as the notes do not come in large denomination notes. Also the shops in small villages sometimes cannot accept large denomination notes, as they do not have enough change.

Creditcards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the large shops of Caracas, Barcelona, Ciudad Bolívar and Maturin and the more expensive hotels.

In the largest cities, there is a wide range of places to stay.

Some prices (including tax and service) for a room for 3 persons:

Hotel El Morro, Puerto La Cruz                                                                        Bs  3,800
Hotel Friuli, Maturin                                                                                          Bs  3,700
Hotel Parador Taguapire, El Palmar                                                                  Bs  2,100
Hotel La Pilonera, San Isidro                                                                            Bs  1,200
Hotel Laja Real ****, Ciudad Bolívar                                                               Bs  5,800
Hotel Río Caura, Maripa                                                                                   Bs     800

FOOD AND DRINK

Meals in Venezuela are relatively inexpensive, even at the capital's finest hotels. For the most part, meals are likely to average no more than $10 to $20 (U.S.) per couple.

We frequently did our own breakfasts and lunches. Stay away from uncooked fruits and vegetables that you haven't peeled yourself, and don't use ice. It is best to avoid drinking the water unless you know it is boiled.

Drink bottled drinks. We ate at many restaurants and never were sick.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

A little caution and common sense should see you through Venezuela without problems. Venezuela is one of the safest destinations for travel in all of Latin America.

No immunizations are required in order to enter the country of Venezuela. However, as a health precaution getting them for typhoid, cholera and gamma globulin (the latter for hepatitis) would be helpful.

Consult your own doctor for up to date advice. Hepatitis A, a 10-year injection (three jabs at interval) is now available, doing away with the need to visit the doctor immediately before travel.

Be sure to get enough malaria tablets for your trip, and do take them! Many areas in the world are now reporting chloroquine resistance, which means a new antimalarial mefloquine (brand name Lariam) is being recommended. Nowadays with these Lariam tablets you only have to take one tablet a week

The grassy areas of Venezuela can be loaded with vicious little mites known as chiggers. These tiny mites raise welts, which itch like, well, like crazy. Chiggers attack wherever clothes fit tightly, such as around the beltline and sock tops. It is possible to buy good insect repellent in Venezuela. Spray your socks and pant-legs liberally with an insect repellent before going afield and take a hot soapy bath upon returning.

Watch out for ants. In 1988 at Henri Pittier National Park I was bitten by very nasty ants.

It is advisable to take a good medical kit with you as you are sometimes along way away from the nearest largest town.

Mosquitoes and flies are sometimes a problem. Insect repellent is necessary at these locations. However cautious visitors rarely get sick, even in the smallest towns.

Regarding safety, the same rules apply in Venezuela as elsewhere in the world. Do not leave your car unlocked or your valuables on the seat in full view.

LANGUAGE

Most people in Venezuela speak little or no English, particular away from the big cities. A short study of names of food in Spanish before departure will be of benefit to the traveller. At gas stations sign language for a fill-up, and reading the total on the pump works fine. Asking for directions may be a nightmare if you don't understand Spanish.

Always carry a Spanish-English dictionary. With just a slight knowledge of the language you will make out with few problems. We did not have any problems because Eric and I speak Spanish.

WEATHER

Normally it is hot all year around, especially along the northern part of the coast.

A hat is recommended in the mountains and necessary in the Oriente. The tropical sun is intense at altitude.

However the weather in Venezuela is unpredictable. At anytime of year at higher elevations, there may be rain, clouds and mist (La Escalera!).

Downpours can occur everywhere in Venezuela, but especially in the tropical zone they can last for hours. It was at the beginning of the rainy season. We got our share and experienced rain at most sites. An umbrella and rubber boots are very useful! The trails are sometimes very muddy (Río Grande and Guyana-trail).

TRANSPORT, ROADS AND ALCABALAS

Quite a lot of the good birding localities cannot be reached easily by public transport, so it's best to hire a car if you can afford it. For car rental, you will need a major credit card, a passport and a valid international driver's license.

Venezuela car rental options are pretty limited and all the majors appear to offer the same poor service.

We hired a Toyota Corolla in Barcelona from Nacional Car Rental. We payed Bs 9,900 a day (unlimited mileage).

The petrol was very cheap! We payed only ¦ 0,06 per litre.

We had no problems on returning the car and had driven many poor roads.

During our drive through the country we had several encounters with security points (alcabalas), manned by armed soldiers. Stay calm and keep smiling. Always carry your passport.

The main roads are usually well maintained and for these a normal car is fine.

When driving in Venezuela, you have to be very careful. A lot of Venezuelan drive like madmen. We saw some terrible accidents.

EQUIPMENT

A tape recorder and the tape of "Birds of Eastern Ecuador" by Peter H. English and Theodore A. Parker and "Voices of the New World Owls" by J.W. Hardy et al is quite useful for drawing in birds. With the help of the tape recorder we played the songs of a lot of birds. Often we recorded the song or call and played it back again.

A tape recorder is essential if you want to catch sight of secretive species like antbirds, antthrushes, antpittas and tapaculos. A good torch is a must. A telescope is useful at coastal sites and lakes and very useful for viewing canopy species especially from roadsides.

Photography is VERY difficult, as birds are difficult to approach and light conditions are bad in the forest.

Clothing can be T-shirt and short anywhere.

ENGLISH NAMES

I have decided to follow the English names of James F. Clements (July 1991, Birds of the World, A Check List).

MAPS AND SKETCH MAPS

Maps of Venezuela can be obtained at the airports, or from bookshops in Caracas.

The standard of the maps is not too high, and all the roads are not shown on them, but they do give you a bit of an idea as where to stay. The best road map readily available for Venezuela is put out by Seguros Progreso S.A., "Mapas de Carreteras de Venezuela".

Usually I draw maps of important sites, but the birding areas are so well described in the available reports (see references) that there is little point in giving exact locations for birds. However I have made some sketch maps of places. Nearly all sketch maps in this trip report are orientated so that north is at the top. Although I have tried to make all the maps as accurate as possible, please allow for the vagaries of memory.

The sketch maps are NOT to scale!

COMMON BIRDSPECIES

The following list of birds we saw frequently and if you spend any sort of time in the right habitats you will too:

Neotropic Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Great Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Swallow-tailed Kite, Plumbeous Kite, Savanna Hawk, Crested Caracara, Yellow-headed Caracara, Wattled Jacana, Eared Dove, Common Ground-Dove, Brown-throated Parakeet, Squirrel Cuckoo, Smooth-billed Ani, Band-rumped Swift, Fork-tailed Palm-Swift, Black Nunbird, Swallow-wing, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Screaming Piha, Tropical Kingbird, Social Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Tropical Mockingbird, Gray-breasted Martin, Blue-and-white Swallow, Bananaquit, Silver-beaked Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Palm Tanager, Blue-black Grassquit, Crested Oropendola.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to thank my friends Mark and Kathleen van Beirs for their great help and valuable advices in planning this trip. I also want to thank Peter Boesman. Without his assistance we never would have found Black-dotted Piculet.

RAINY SEASON

Each season has something special to offer and no season is likely to be best for all species.

Birders should never overlook an opportunity to visit tropical latitudes during the rainy season because a few hours lost to rain here and there will be compensated by heightened activity before and after the showers. And it is the moisture at the beginning of the rainy season that brings an abundance of food and in turn a quickening of breeding activity. A visit to Venezuela in June, is a visit at the height of a tropical nesting season.

So expect to see a hell of a lot of birds in Venezuela in June. We recorded in 2 weeks 425 species in Venezuela!

USEFUL ADDRESSES

A visit to the Venezuelan Audubon Society offices in Caracas is recommended.

These are located in the on the ground floor of the Paseo Las Mercedes shopping centre (opposite the Tamanaco Hotel). This is the same building where the Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes is located.

Postal Address:

Audubon de Venezuela
Apartado 80450
Caracas 1080-A Venezuela
Telephone 58 -2 -913813
Fax 58 - 2 - 910716

Peter Boesman
Vicson - Oriente C.A.
Manzana 49
Maturin
Telephone 58 - 91 - 417734 (office: 56140)
Fax 58 - 91 - 56404

REFERENCES

BOOKS

-                  Allen Altman & Byron Swift. Checklist of the Birds of South America.

-                  James F. Clements. Birds of the World. A Check List.

-                  JOHN S. DUNNING. SOUTH AMERICAN BIRDS, A PHOTOGRAPHIC AID TO IDENTIFICATION.

-                  Louise H. Emmons. Neotropical Rainforest Mammals. A Field Guide.

-                  Steven L. Hilty and William L. Brown. Birds of Colombia.

-                  MARY LOU GOODWIN. BIRDING IN VENEZUELA, SECOND EDITION (1990).

-                  Mary Lou Goodwin. Afterthoughts to Birding in Venezuela (1992).

-                  Robert S. Ridgely and Guy Tudor. The Birds of South America, The Oscine Passerines.

-                  RODOLPHE MEYER DE SCHAUENSEE AND WILLIAM H. PHELPS JR. A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF VENEZUELA.

REPORTS AND ARTICLES ON BIRDING LOCALITIES

-                  Rob Bouwman. Venezuela. 8th July - 8th August 1988.

-                  Koen van Dijken. Venezuela, 10 March - 20 May 1989.

-                  Nick Gardner. Birding Trip to Venezuela, 16th December 1988 - 8th January 1989.

-                  Jon Hornbuckle. Birding in SE Venezuela, February 1993.

-                  Dick Meijer. Venezuela: Sucre, Rio Grande, Rio Caura & Gran Sabana 1992.

-                  Mark Pearman. Bolivar, July 1990.

-                  Nigel Wheatley. A Birding Trip to Venezuela and Chile. December 22nd 1991 to January 26th 1992.

ITINERARY

SUMMARY

May           28      Antwerp * Amsterdam * Caracas * Barcelona
May           29      Barcelona * Guácharo National Park * Maturin
May           30      Maturin * Caño Colorado * Maturin * El Palmar
May           31      Río Grande Forest Reserve
June           1       Río Grande Forest Reserve
June           2       El Palmar * Imataca Forest Reserve * Las Claritas
June           3       La Escalera
June           4       La Escalera * La Gran Sabana
June           5       Imataca Forest Reserve (Guyana-trail) * La Escalera
June           6       La Escalera * La Gran Sabana
June           7       Imataca Forest Reserve * Ciudad Guayana * Ciudad Bolívar
June           8       Ciudad Bolívar * Caura Forest Reserve * Maripa
June           9       Caura Forest Reserve
June           10      Río Caura * Caura Forest Reserve * Ciudad Bolívar
June           11      Ciudad Bolívar * Barcelona * Caracas
June           12      Caracas * Curacao
June           13      Curacao*Amsterdam*Antwerp

DESCRIPTIONS OF A FEW SITES VISITED IN VENEZUELA

The list of birds mentioned at every site which follows is purely taken for the more interesting species and is certainly not complete.

CANO COLORADO

Monagas, varzae lowland rainforest

Accommodation: hotel Friuli at Maturin

An hour driving, east of Maturin is the small village of Caño Colorado and here you will find the end of the tarmac road. Follow the dirt road to the east a few kilometres, until you can't drive further in a normal car and here you will find the lowland varzae rainforest of Caño Colorado. From the varzae rainforest the track leads eastward into the delta of the "Golfo de Paria".

This rainforest was unknown to the birding world until Peter Boesman "discovered" this birdparadise in 1994.

During a morning stroll we counted nearly 100 species! Peter has seen here now more than 220 species.

Some interesting species:

Great & Little Tinamou, Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vulture, Gray-headed Kite, Pearl Kite, Bat Falcon, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, White-eyed & Golden-winged Parakeet, Blue-headed & Yellow-crowned Parrot, Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo, Short-tailed Swift, Rufous-breasted, Reddish & Little Hermit, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, White-chested Emerald, White-tailed Trogon, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Swallow-wing, Black-necked Aracari, Channel-billed & Red-billed Toucan, BLACK-DOTTED PICULET, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Common Thornbird, Barred & Eastern Slaty Antshrike, Jet & White-bellied Antbird, CRIMSON-HOODED MANAKIN, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied & Plain-crested Elaenia (both near Maturin), Tawny-crowned & Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, ROYAL FLYCATCHER, Cinnamon Attila, Grayish Mourner, Dusky-capped, Brown-crested, Variegated, Sulphury & White-ringed Flycatcher, Lesser Kiskadee, Black-tailed Tityra, Golden-fronted & Scrub Greenlet, Cocoa & Bare-eyed Thrush, Bicolored, Stripe-backed & Buff-breasted Wren, White-shouldered & Turquoise Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Saffron Finch (Maturin area), Lesson's & Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Large-billed Seed-Finch, GREAT-BILLED SEED-FINCH, Crested Oropendola, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Yellow Oriole, Red-breasted Blackbird, Velvet-fronted Grackle.

RÍO GRANDE FOREST RESERVE

Bolívar, tropical lowland Guianan rainforest

Accommodation: hotel Parador Taguapire in El Palmar.

One of the greatest birding areas in Venezuela, amid the low Sierra de Imataca hills, is the forest surrounding the Campamento Río Grande, within the Imataca Forest Reserve. Though recently logged this forest is still largely intact, and its birdlife is particularly rich.

Here in clearings, forest edges, and interior trails occur the full complement of lowland species and HARPY EAGLE.

During the dry season it should be possible to drive to the bridge across the Río Grande and past in a regularly vehicle. The Río Grande Road leads eastward into the forest of Delta Amacuro.

We were there at the beginning of the rainy season and had no problems in reaching the bridge. To reach the Harpy Eagle nesting site we needed a four-wheel drive.

Some interesting species:

Little, Great & Variegated Tinamou, Capped & Zigzag Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vulture, Gray-headed Kite, Double-toothed Kite, Common Black-Hawk, Gray-lined Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, CRESTED EAGLE, HARPY EAGLE, Tiny Hawk, Red-throated Caracara, Black Hawk-Eagle, Bat Falcon, Little Chachalaca, Marail & Spix's Guan, Black Curassow, SUNGREBE, Sunbittern, Ruddy Pigeon, Gray-fronted Dove, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Red-and-green Macaw, Painted Parakeet, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Blue-headed, Orange-winged, Black-headed, Caica, Mealy & Red-fan Parrot, Little & Dark-billed Cuckoo, Black-banded & Crested Owl, Tawny-bellied & Vermiculated Screech-Owl, Great, Long-tailed & Gray Potoo, Short-tailed Swift, White-bearded, Reddish & Gray-chinned Hermit, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Blue-tailed Emerald, White-chested Emerald, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, White-necked Jacobin, White-chested Emerald, Black-eared Fairy, White-tailed Trogon, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Green-tailed & Paradise Jacamar, Black Nunbird, Swallow-wing, Black-spotted Barbet, Green & Black-necked Aracari, Channel-billed & Red-billed Toucan, Yellow-tufted, Golden-collared, Lineated & Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Barred, Chestnut-rumped & Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Ruddy Spinetail, Barred Antshrike, Stipple-throated Antwren, Dusky & Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Spotted & Thrush-like Antpitta, Spangled Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Golden-headed Manakin, Painted Tody-Flycatcher, Slender-footed & Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Forest Elaenia, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, White-crested Spadebill, Long-tailed Tyrant, Bright-rumped Attila, Brown-crested & Variegated Flycatcher, Lesser Kiskadee, Black-crowned Tityra, Cayenne Jay, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Lemon-chested & Buff-cheeked Greenlet, Cocoa Thrush, Coraya Wren, Rose-breasted Chat, Magpie, Yellow-backed, Flame-crested, White-lined, Yellow-backed, Turquoise & Bay-headed Tanager, DOTTED TANAGER, Violaceous Euphonia, Green & Red-legged Honeycreeper, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Slate-colored Grosbeak, Crested & Green Oropendola, Yellow-rumped, Red-rumped & Yellow-billed Cacique, Yellow & Orange-crowned Oriole.

IMATACA FOREST RESERVE (km 0 - 84)

Bolívar, tropical lowland Guianan rainforest

Accommodation: Henry Clever's Barquila de Fresas at km 84, hotel El Parador at Las Claritas (km 85) or hotel La Pilonera at San Isidro at km 88.

The rich forested lowlands at the base of the Gran Sabana are worthwhile a visit. Start birding from the bridge over the Cuyuní (National Guard Checkpoint). Before too long you will be entering the beautiful Imataca Forest reserve.

A lot of the forest along the side of the road has already been cut down for small holdings.

The km posts are numbered from El Dorado. There are a few trails at km 27.8, 43/44 and 45.8.

The best part of the forest is the so-called "Guyana-trail" at km 67.3, a trail going to the border from the main road.

Some interesting species:

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vulture, Gray-headed Kite, Double-toothed Kite, Plumbeous Kite, Tiny Hawk, Black-and-white & Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Lined Forest-Falcon, Laughing Falcon, Bat Falcon, Marail Guan, GRAY-WINGED TRUMPETER, Violaceous Quail-Dove, Gray-fronted Dove, Painted Parakeet, Green-rumped & Dusky-billed Parrotlet, Black-headed, Orange-cheeked, Blue-headed, Mealy & Blue-cheeked Parrot, Black-banded Owl, Great & Gray Potoo, Gray-rumped, Short-tailed & Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Long-tailed, Rufous-breasted & Gray-chinned Hermit, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, White-necked Jacobin, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Crimson Topaz, Black-eared Fairy, Black-tailed, White-tailed & Violaceous Trogon, Brown, Yellow-billed, Green-tailed & Paradise Jacamar, Pied & White-necked Puffbird, Russet-throated Puffbird, Black Nunbird, Swallow-wing, Black-spotted Barbet, Green & Black-necked Aracari, Chestnut-tipped & Guianan Toucanet, Channel-billed & Red-billed Toucan, Golden-spangled Piculet, Yellow-tufted, Golden-collared, Lineated & Red-necked Woodpecker, Plain-brown, Wedge-billed & Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper, Curve-billed Scythebill, Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner, Olive-backed & Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenops, Mouse-colored, Fasciated, Dusky-throated & Cinereous Antshrike, White-plumed, Dusky, Warbling, Black-chinned, White-browed, Spot-winged, Rufous-throated & Scale-backed Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Thrush-like Antpitta, Dusky Purpletuft, Screaming Piha, GUIANAN RED-COTINGA, PURPLE-BREASTED COTINGA, SPANGLED COTINGA, Capuchinbird, BEARDED BELLBIRD, Tiny Tyrant-Manakin, Golden-headed & White-crowned Manakin, Olivaceous Flatbill, Cinnamon-crested Spadebill, Ruddy-tailed, Ochre-bellied, Sulphur-rumped, White-ringed, Streaked, Rusty-margined & Piratic Flycatcher, Ringed Antpipit, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Black-crowned Tityra, Cayenne Jay, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Wing-banded & Musician Wren, Pectoral Sparrow, Magpie, Fulvous-crested, Turquoise, Paradise, Spotted, Yellow-bellied & Flame-crested Tanager, BLUE-BACKED TANAGER, Blue & Black-faced Dacnis, Green Honeycreeper, Lesser Seed-Finch, RED-AND-BLACK GROSBEAK, Buff-throated Saltator, Crested & Green Oropendola, Moriche Oriole.

LA ESCALERA

Bolívar, Sierra de Lema, tepuis and tropical rainforest

Accommodation: Henry Cleaver's Barquila de Fresas at km 84, hotel El Parador at Las Claritas (km 85) or hotel La Pilonera at San Isidro at km 88. The place to stay is of course at Henry Cleaver's place. It is possible to make reservations through Paradise Expeditions in Caracas at 02-9517741 or contact the Audubon.

The tepuis, spectacular, isolated table mountains that are the remnants of a formerly vast sandstone plateau, dominate their surrounding landscape. Yet one need not scale to the top to find the special birds (36 endemics): 29 of the endemics occur on the slopes of the tepuis (La Escalera) and even in the adjacent rolling hill forest and grasslands.

The Escalera (the stairway) is the escarpment leading up onto the Gran Sabana, and one of South America's most exciting birding roads. La Piedra de la Virgen (km 98), is a huge rock that marks the start of the Escalera.

This rock also marks the boundary of Canaima National Park, one of the largest national parks in the world.

The forests of these lush, low mountains are rich with birds and along this lightly travelled road you will have a chance to see more than 25 of the tepui endemics.

La Escalera is a birdparadise and you need at least 5 days here to see most of the endemics. The Escalera presents the perfect opportunity to search for Tepui endemics, being the only road through these mountain forests.

Some interesting species:

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, Gray-headed Kite, Double-toothed Kite, White Hawk, CRESTED EAGLE, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Red-throated Caracara, Bat Falcon, Black Curassow, Spix's Guan, Red-and-green Macaw, Caica Parrot, Painted Parakeet, Fiery-shouldered Parakeet, Tepui Parrotlet, Blackish Nightjar, Tepui Swift, White-tipped Swift, Long-tailed & Straight-billed Hermit, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Rufous-breasted Sabrewing, White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Peacock Coquette, Green-bellied Hummingbird, Velvet-browed Brilliant, Crimson Topaz, Black-eared Fairy, Amethyst Woodstar, Black-tailed, White-tailed & Masked Trogon, Brown, Yellow-billed, Great & Green-tailed Jacamar, Pied Puffbird, Black-necked Aracari, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Red-billed Toucan, Golden-spangled Piculet, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-throated, Golden-olive, Waved, Scale-breasted, Lineated & Red-necked Woodpecker, RUFOUS-WINGED GROUND-CUCKOO, White-throated Foliage-gleaner, Plain-crowned Spinetail, Tepui Spinetail, Roraiman Barbtail, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Eastern Slaty, Streak-backed & Cinereous Antshrike, Todd's Antwren, Roraiman Antwren, Dusky, Black-throated, Rufous-throated, Scale-backed, Jet & Warbling Antbird, Caura Antbird, White-plumed Antbird, Short-tailed Antthrush, Brown-breasted & Scaled Antpitta, Screaming Piha, Rose-collared Piha, Pompadour Cotinga, Capuchinbird, WHITE BELLBIRD, BEARDED BELLBIRD, GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK, Sharpbill, Red-banded Fruiteater, SCARLET-HORNED MANAKIN, White-fronted Manakin, Thrush-like & Olive Manakin, McConnell's Flycatcher, Lesser Elaenia, Great Elaenia, Sierran Elaenia, Black-fronted Tyrannulet, Chapman's Bristle-Tyrant, Ruddy Tody-Flycatcher, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow-breasted, Ruddy-tailed & Cliff Flycatcher, Smoke-colored Pewee, Cayenne Jay, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Tepui Greenlet, Rufous-brown Solitaire, Yellow-legged, Black-hooded & Black-billed Thrush, Coraya Wren, Musician Wren, Flutist Wren, Hooded Siskin, Slate-throated Redstart, Tepui Redstart, Two-banded Warbler, Tepui Brush-Finch, Olive-backed Tanager, Fulvous Shrike-Tanager, Red-shouldered Tanager, White-winged, Turquoise, Paradise, Yellow-bellied, Speckled, Bay-headed, Burnished-buff, Black-headed & Opal-rumped Tanager, Plumbeous, Purple-throated, Finsch's, White-vented & Rufous-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Blue Dacnis, Green, Purple & Red-legged Honeycreeper, GREATER FLOWERPIERCER, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Blue-black Grosbeak, GOLDEN-TUFTED GRACKLE.

LA GRAN SABANA

Bolívar, a sea of rolling grasslands and forest with spectacular vistas of steep-sided, flat-topped tepuis.

Accommodation: Henry Cleaver's Barquila de Fresas at km 84, hotel El Parador at Las Claritas (km 85) or hotel La Pilonera at San Isidro at km 88. There are also some hotels at Santa Elena.

At the southern edge of the Sierra de Lema at the top of the Escalera is one of the most dramatic and abrupt habitat changes, where tall rainforest gives away within a few metres to the seemingly endless, undulating grasslands of the Gran Sabana. The landscape of La Gran Sabana is dominated by the spectacular Tepui scenery and by the distant waterfall-streaked mass of Mount Roraima. La Escalera is the northern boundary of the Gran Sabana. From here the Sabana slopes down gently towards Santa Elena de Uairen and the Brazilian border.

Some interesting species:

Maguari Stork, Greater & Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Great Black-Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Giant Snipe, Tepui Swift, White-collared Swift, Velvet-browed Brilliant, TEPUI GOLDENTHROAT, Brown Jacamar, Olive Manakin, Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Bearded Tachuri, Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant, Tawny-headed Swallow, Coraya Wren, Rufous-collared & Grassland Sparrow, Black-faced Tanager, Stripe-tailed & Grassland Yellow-Finch, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater.

CAURA FOREST RESERVE

Bolívar, lowland tropical rainforest

Accommodation: hotel Río Caura at Maripa or Campamento Río Caura (also known as Caura Cacao Camp) near Las Trincheras.

The lower reaches of the Río Caura offers particularly good birding because it straddles the southeastern limit of the llanos and the northern limit of the great rain forests of Southern Venezuela and Northern Brazil. The area offers an almost perfect setting for lowland birding in South America.

20 kms east of Maripa you will reach the (bad) road going south to Guayabál and Las Trincheras. This gravel (sometimes tarmac) road at first goes through savannas but after about 15 kms you come to the Caura Forest Reserve.

Walking the road for a few days should provide you with many birds.

The lagoons near the Maripa bridge across the mighty Caura River, one of the Orinoco's large tributaries, are also worthwhile a visit, particularly at dawn and dusk. One morning we counted 4 species of Macaws.

Some interesting species:

Jabiru (savanna), Whistling, Capped & Cocoi Heron (all at the Maripa bridge), Green Ibis (Maripa bridge), King Vulture, Gray-headed Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Pearl Kite, Plumbeous Kite, Black & Red-throated Caracara,  Laughing Falcon, Aplomado Falcon (savannas), Collared Forest-Falcon, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Spix's Guan, Black Curassow, Marbled Wood-Quail, Sungrebe (Río Caura), Sunbittern (Río Caura), Large-billed Tern (Río Caura), Scarlet, Red-and-green Macaw, Red-bellied, Chestnut-fronted & Red-shouldered Macaw (both at Maripa bridge), Painted Parakeet, Black-headed, Caica, Mealy, Yellow-headed, Orange-winged & Festive Parrot, Squirrel, Black-bellied & Striped Cuckoo, Hoatzin (Maripa bridge), Burrowing Owl (savannas), Nacunda Nighthawk (Maripa), Blackish Nightjar, Tufted Coquette, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Long-billed Starthroat, White-chested & Glittering-throated Emerald, Black-eared Fairy, White-tailed & Black-throated Trogon, Ringed, Amazon & Green Kingfisher (Río Caura), Blue-crowned Motmot, Green-tailed, Brown & Bronzy Jacamar, Chestnut-capped, Pied & White-necked Puffbird, Rusty-breasted Nunlet, Black Nunbird, Swallow-wing, Black-spotted Barbet, Green & Black-necked Aracari, Channel-billed, Red-billed & Cuvier's Toucan, Golden-spangled Piculet, Yellow-tufted, Red-rumped, Yellow-throated, Chestnut, Lineated & Red-necked Woodpecker, Olivaceous, Wedge-billed & Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenops, Slender-billed Xenops, Cinereous & Fasciated Antshrike, Roraiman Antwren, Pygmy & Gray Antwren, Gray, Jet & Spot-winged Antbird, Caura Antbird, Grayish & Cinereous Mourner, Screaming Piha, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Golden-headed Manakin, FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Wing-barred Manakin, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Tropical Pewee, Drab Water-Tyrant (Río Caura), Pied Water-Tyrant (Maripa bridge), White-headed Marsh-Tyrant (Maripa Bridge), Streaked, Rusty-margined & Gray-capped Flycatcher, White-winged & Pink-throated Becard, Violaceous Jay, AZURE-NAPED JAY, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Long-billed Gnatwren, River Warbler, Rose-breasted Chat, Red-capped Cardinal (Maripa Bridge), Yellow-backed, Flame-crested, White-shouldered & Turquoise Tanager, Blue & Black-faced Dacnis, Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch (Maripa Bridge), Grassland Yellow-Finch (savannas), Plumbeous Seedeater (savannas), Lesson's Seedeater, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater (savannas), Slate-colored Grosbeak, Amazonian (Olive) Oropendola, Red-rumped Cacique, Red-breasted Blackbird (savannas), Eastern Meadowlark (savannas).

DAILY LOG

Saturday 28th May, Antwerp * Amsterdam * Caracas * Barcelona

We departed from Antwerp airport at 8.30 a.m. After a short flight to Amsterdam and a long KLM-flight of about nine hours we touched down in Caracas at Aeropuerto Maiquetía, a little later than scheduled.

At 17.00 o'clock we took an AeroPostal flight to Barcelona and 35 minutes later we were in the state of Sucre.

After the usual amount of bureaucracy we cleared customs and hired a Toyota Corolla. Then we drove to Puerto La Cruz. The light was already fading and the only birds we saw were a few Lesser Nighthawks.

In Puerto La Cruz we checked in at the hotel El Morro. I contacted Peter Boesman in Maturin and made an appointment with him for the following day.

Sunday 29th May, Barcelona * Guácharo National Park * Maturin

5.30 start today. On our first morning and indeed on many other occasions, we devoted much time to roadside birding. We took the spectacular coastal road towards Cumaná and saw many shorebirds. Then we took the road towards Caripe and made a stop in the vicinity of "Embalse Las Clavellinas". Amongst the bird we encountered here were Violet-headed Hummingbird, White-fringed Antwren, Bran-colored Flycatcher, Pileated Finch, Streaked Saltator and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

Then we took off for the large cave near Caripe which is home to the remarkable Oilbird. During the guided tour in the Guácharo cave we saw many Oilbirds. As these birds fly around in the cave they emit a clicking sound, something like dropping water hitting the ground. These extraordinary nightbirds fluttered around our heads, shrieking eerily or gazed comically from their breeding ledges. Afterwards we stayed a while near the Park Information Centre and noted amongst others Scarlet-fronted Parakeet and Green Jay.

Hereafter we drove to Maturin and checked in at the hotel Friuli and here we met our Belgian friend Peter Boesman. Peter, a very keen birder, lives already a few years in Venezuela and since last year he lives in Maturin.

The rest of the day we spent in the open fields surrounding Maturin. Amongst the many birds Peter showed us were Pearl Kite, Zone-tailed Hawk, Striped Cuckoo, Red-billed Toucan, Barred Antshrike, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow-bellied & Plain-crested Elaenia, Scrub Greenlet, Yellow Oriole, Stripe-backed Wren, Red-breasted Blackbird and Saffron Finch.

Afterwards we had a pleasant evening with Peter in a restaurant at Maturin.

Monday 30th May, Maturin * Caño Colorado * Maturin * El Palmar

Leaving Maturin long before dawn we drove to the lowland varzae rainforest near Caño Colorado.

We spent the whole morning on the tracks in this superb forest and noted many birds and of course a few lifers.

The first lifers we noted, were half a dozen Lesson's Seedeaters, newly arrived from their wintering grounds in Brazil, stationed along the track, all singing from the tops of grass stems.

The most important bird we saw was BLACK-DOTTED PICULET, a bird known only from a few specimen in museums. We noted at least 10 birds, but saw probably a few more. Eric even managed to film this rarely seen bird.

An American Pygmy Kingfisher gave superb views as it set motionless on a small branch along a pool in the dense forest. This beautiful area produced many other birds including Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vulture, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Jet & White-bellied Antbird, Crimson-hooded Manakin, Royal Flycatcher, Cinnamon Attila, Grayish Mourner, Buff-breasted Wren, Great-billed Seed-Finch and Velvet-fronted Grackle.

Then we drove back to Maturin and said goodbye to Peter.

At 14.00 hours we left Maturin and set off for Campamento Río Grande, south of the Río Orinoco in the state of Bolívar. At 16.00 p.m. we reached the ferry at the very large Río Orinoco.

We made a stop at a marshy area near Villa Lola, 20 km west of El Palmar and noted Green Aracari, Ringed Kingfisher, Whistling Heron, American Wood-Ibis and Yellow-hooded Blackbird.

It was already dark when we arrived in El Palmar and ...the gate of the only hotel was closed. We had to shout for 10 minutes before an old woman arrived at the gate.

We were lucky and were able to rent a room in the small hotel called Parador Taguapire. The restaurant of the hotel was closed, so we had to have dinner elsewhere in El Palmar.

Tuesday 31st May, Río Grande Forest Reserve

We arose at 5 o'clock and immediately headed to the famous Campamento Río Grande. At the closed bridge across the Río Grande a noisy generator disturbed the ambiance. We walked to the logging camp (campamento) and the woodcutters agreed to take us to the Harpy Eagle nesting site. It was raining very hard when we drove in a very old truck to the nesting site.

A nearly fullgrown Harpy Eagle sat on a branch a few metres above the nest. We waited ... and waited, but the adult eagles did not appear at the nest. At last we left the nesting site and drove back a few kilometres. The rest of the track to the campamento we walked. We squelched along the road and desperately tried to keep our optical equipment dry.

In spite of the weather we were rewarded by some good birds including Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Black-headed & Red-fan Parrot, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Golden-collared Woodpecker, Ferruginous-backed Antbird and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

The rest of the rainy day we spent along the main road to the Río Grande bridge.

The forest reserve gave us a whole new set of species such as Short-tailed Hawk, Great Black-Hawk, Bat Falcon, White-bearded Hermit, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Black Nunbird, Swallow-wing, Black-spotted Barbet, Channel-billed Toucan, Black-crowned Tityra, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Turquoise Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Green Honeycreeper, Red-rumped Cacique and Yellow Oriole.

We ended our day with a visit to the marsh near Villa Lola and noted among others Savanna Hawk, Purple Gallinule, Pale-breasted Spinetail and Slate-colored Seedeater.

In the restaurant that night we met our host Sr. Levis Stofikm. It was possible to secure a guide through the owner of the hotel ($20.00 a day), but we did not need one.

Wednesday 1st June, Río Grande Forest Reserve

A 5 o'clock start again and the weather had improved. We spent all day in the reserve, most of the time on the eastside of the bridge. Creeping up the narrow trails produced SUNGREBE, whilst perseverance brought further dividends with Little Tinamou, Double-toothed Kite, Reddish Hermit, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Green-tailed & Paradise Jacamar, Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper, Ruddy Spinetail, Barred Antshrike, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Slender-footed Tyrannulet, White-crested Spadebill, Long-tailed Tyrant, Bright-rumped Attila, Variegated Flycatcher, Cocoa Thrush, DOTTED TANAGER, Yellow-rumped, Red-rumped & Yellow-billed Cacique and Orange-crowned Oriole.

More open areas made for easier viewing and here Capped Heron, Red-and-green Macaw, Painted Parakeet, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Blue-headed & Orange-winged Parrot, White-tailed Trogon, Black Nunbird, Black-spotted Barbet, Black-necked Aracari, Channel-billed & Red-billed Toucan, Yellow-tufted, Lineated & Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Golden-headed Manakin, Forest Elaenia, Lesser Kiskadee, Black-crowned Tityra, Cayenne Jay, Coraya Wren, Magpie, White-lined & Bay-headed Tanager, Slate-colored Grosbeak, Crested & Green Oropendola were seen.

While watching a mixed-species flock of birds I found out why these flocks have gathered. Suddenly a colony of extremely voracious ants were crawling across my legs. A minute or so later my trousers were on the ground and I was swearing and trying to brush the ants off my legs and clothes. I warned Eric not to put the scene on video!

Unfortunately the rain got heavier and heavier and continued until dark so feeling rather frustrated we returned to our hotel. Dinner was excellent at the hotel in El Palmar.

Thursday 2nd June, El Palmar * Imataca Forest Reserve * Las Claritas

At dawn the following day we set off to drive through Bolívar to Las Claritas, our base for the next 5 days.

Some birding stops along the highway turned up our first Black-collared Hawk and Gray-necked Wood-Rail.

We made a stop in El Dorado for a well deserved lunch. As soon as we left El Dorado the countryside changed and we entered the Guianan rainforest.

At the National Guard checkpoint at the bridge over the Cuyuní we searched in vain for Black-collared Swallow.

As we entered the beautiful Imataca Forest Reserve the birding really started.

At km 12 we hit the jackpot immediately and encountered Gray Potoo, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Russet-throated Puffbird and one of the best birds of the trip a GUIANAN RED-COTINGA. Of course it was Eric who discovered this very rare bird.

The rest of the afternoon we birded this road to La Claritas. We made many roadside stops and sometimes drove into the forest. Most noteworthy of these forest birds were:

Laughing Falcon, Gray-chinned Hermit, White-necked Jacobin, White-chinned Sapphire, Brown, Green-tailed & Paradise Jacamar, Pied Puffbird, Golden-spangled Piculet, SPANGLED COTINGA, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Black-crowned Tityra, Cayenne Jay, Fulvous-crested & Spotted Tanager and Blue Dacnis.

We stopped at Henry Cleaver's place at km 84, finding it was closed..., so we proceeded to km 85 where we booked a room in the very noisy Hotel El Parador. Loud disco music came from the bar till 4.30.

Friday 3rd June, La Escalera

Early next morning found us at La Escalera. Soon we were winding our way upwards through lush rain forest.

We spent all day along this lightly travelled road. Most of our time we spent at km 110 - 112, where we were trying to find Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock.

We were fortunate to have perfect weather. Every kilometre we made a stop and listened. This really paid off and endemics and lifers were coming thick and fast.

At km 98 we spotted what was undoubtedly the ornithological highlight of the trip  - a soaring CRESTED EAGLE at "La Piedra de la Virgen". The very large eagle gave superb views.

Amongst the other highlights we encountered along the Escalera were Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Straight-billed Hermit, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Crimson Topaz, Black-eared Fairy, Black-tailed Trogon, Dusky Antbird, Pompadour Cotinga, WHITE BELLBIRD, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Cliff Flycatcher, Smoke-colored Pewee, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Flutist Wren, Two-banded Warbler, Olive-backed Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Finsch's & White-vented Euphonia and Purple & Red-legged Honeycreeper.

This evening we checked in at the Hotel La Pilonera at the infamous km 88 at San Isidro.

We had very dirty rooms and the loud disco music came from the bar till 3.00, as on every subsequent night.

Saturday 4th June, La Escalera * La Gran Sabana

Dawn the next morning saw us at La Escalera again. Most of the day we spent at the upper Escalera (km 121 - 134).

We started birding at km 100 where swirling clouds made observation difficult if not impossible at times.

Our first stop higher up produced an immature White Bellbird. At km 119 we had great views of a Bearded Bellbird.

Flocks of Golden-tufted Grackles swept through the treetops uttering their liquid bubbling calls.

Further on we became engrossed in lekking Scarlet-horned Manakins. Feeding flocks took advantage of a rich area of fruiting trees (km 132). In the feeding flocks we found Tepui Spinetail, Roraiman Antwren, White-fronted Manakin, Olive Manakin, Black-fronted Tyrannulet, Chapman's Bristle-Tyrant, Tepui Greenlet, Tepui Redstart, Two-banded Warbler and Tepui Brush-Finch.

Then we reached the plateau and entered the Gran Sabana. We made a stop at Soldiers Monument and added Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Rufous-crowned Elaenia and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater to our list.

At the bridge over the Río Aponguao (km 140) we spotted our first Tawny-headed Swallows hawking overhead.

A few kilometres after the Army post, Luepa, we stopped and returned to the Escalera.

Returning downhill luck was with us when we spotted four Spix's Guans in a roadside tree. It was already almost dark!

The evening meal at our hotel was good and we were delighted to see that there was an ample supply of cold beers available.

Sunday 5th June, Imataca Forest Reserve (Guyana-trail) * La Escalera

A very early start the following morning ensured that we were at the famous Guyana-trail (km 67.3) by dawn.

We found the trail rather disappointing. A lot of the forest along the side the trail has already been cut down for small holdings and for banana plantations. Walking up the track we did not find many birds. Amongst the birds we encountered were: Gray-headed Kite, Plumbeous Kite, Gray-fronted Dove, Blue-headed, Mealy & Blue-cheeked Parrot, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Long-tailed Hermit, Amethyst Woodstar, Violaceous Trogon, Brown Jacamar, Golden-spangled Piculet, Red-necked Woodpecker, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, PURPLE-BREASTED COTINGA, BEARDED BELLBIRD, Olivaceous Flatbill and Cinnamon-crested Spadebill.

Then we returned to the Escalera and spent almost all our time between km 98 - 121.

Birds were very active this afternoon and amongst the flocks we encountered were some special birds like Brown Violetear, Todd's Antwren, Rose-collared Piha, Great Elaenia and Red-shouldered Tanager.

At km 121 some Tepui Swifts were amongst the dozens of White-tipped Swifts.

Returning downhill luck was once again with us. At km 108 we had magnificent views of the BLACKISH NIGHTJAR.

Monday 6th June, La Escalera * La Gran Sabana

Breakfast at dawn at km 111.5. Once again we tried for the Cock-of-the-Rocks and at last perseverance paid off.

We discovered a female in the top of a tree. I would have preferred a male, but the female was definitely a tick.

After a considerable amount of effort we managed to get superb views of CAPUCHINBIRD and Short-tailed Antthrush. Then we drove to the upper Escalera and at km 122 we saw the beautiful Rufous-breasted Sabrewing and at km 123.4 we noted Greater Flowerpiercer.

Our fourth day on the Escalera and new birds came quickly: Fiery-shouldered Parakeet, Roraiman Barbtail, McConnell's Flycatcher, Tepui Redstart, Fulvous Shrike-Tanager. Our search for the Red-banded Fruiteater was fruitless! Then we once more arrived at La Gran Sabana. The drive across the Sabana was scenic, blisteringly hot, but largely birdless. We made a stop at the "Quebrada de Pacheco" and admired the lovely waterfall.

Here we saw our first Grassland Yellow-Finches. The return journey was rapid, with only one stop at Soldier's Monument. The stroll along the monument added Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant and Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch to our list.

Tuesday 7th June, Imataca Forest Reserve * Ciudad Guayana * Ciudad Bolívar

At dawn the following day we set off to drive through Bolívar to Ciudad Bolívar.

Our first birding stop along the road (km 71) turned up our only Blue-backed Tanager.

We spent a few hours along the road to El Dorado, but no megaticks were noted. At the Río Cuyuní we searched again to no avail for the Black-collared Swallows.

At Upata we left the highway and stopped at a few marshy areas near El Pao. Amongst the more interesting species were Green Ibis, White-headed Marsh-Tyrant and Burnished-buff Tanager.

The afternoon was a non-birding afternoon as we headed to Ciudad Bolívar.

At 18.30 we checked into the luxurious air-conditioned Hotel Laja Real. At last we had a room with a decent bathroom!

Wednesday 8th June, Ciudad Bolívar * Caura Forest Reserve * Maripa

The next morning we set off for our final port of call, Caura Forest Reserve, a relatively unknown reserve along the Río Caura. Leaving Ciudad Bolívar we travelled westwards to Maripa. We made many roadstops on our way west and at the bridge across the Río Ano we discovered a large group of Black-collared Swallows on the rocks in the middle of the river. In the vicinity of La Tigrera near a small stream we found some of the most prized species of the tour, the stunning Azure-naped Jay. Fuscous Flycatcher and Red-eyed Vireo were amongst the other birds found en-route to Maripa.

In the late afternoon we arrived at Caura Forest Reserve. We made a stroll along the road in this beautiful rain forest. Many of the birds here were the same as at Imataca Forest Reserve, but inevitably we found several new ones like Green-tailed Jacamar, White-necked Puffbird, Pygmy Antwren, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Violaceous Jay, and Yellow-backed Tanager.

Hereafter we drove to Maripa, a frontier outpost, serving as supply centre to the Makiritare Indians.

We checked into the Hotel "Río Caura", in fact a shop with four decent rooms.

Our hosts were most welcoming, however, and made our stay very comfortable.

We ended our day with a visit to the brand-new bridge across the mighty Caura river and gazed over the lagoons swarming with activity. Here we noted Capped Heron and a particular highlight a Sunbittern. We also noted a Nacunda Nighthawk, which turned out to be the only one of the trip.

Thursday 9th June, Caura Forest Reserve

Dawn found us at Caura Forest Reserve. Today we explored this habitat more fully and we spent nearly all day along the road in the rain forest. During the many walks along this road and the drive to Las Trincheras we saw such an incredibly variety of birds, that we almost forgot the mosquitoes. Amongst the highlights were:

Aplomado Falcon (savanna), Red-and-green Macaw, Black-headed & Mealy Parrot, Blackish Nightjar, Tufted Coquette, White-chested Emerald, Black-throated Trogon, Blue-crowned Motmot, Green-tailed & Bronzy Jacamar, Pied Puffbird, Green & Black-necked Aracari, Red-billed & Cuvier's Toucan, Chestnut, Lineated & Red-necked Woodpecker, Olivaceous, Wedge-billed & Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Plain Xenops, Gray Antwren, Jet & Caura Antbird, Cinereous Mourner, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Wing-barred Manakin, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Tropical Pewee, White-winged & Pink-throated Becard, AZURE-NAPED JAY, Long-billed Gnatwren, Rose-breasted Chat, Turquoise Tanager, Grassland Yellow-Finch (savanna), Plumbeous Seedeater (savanna), Slate-colored Grosbeak, Amazonian Oropendola and Eastern Meadowlark (savanna).

Dinner at the local restaurant was good, but noisy.

Friday 10th June, Río Caura * Caura Forest Reserve * Ciudad Bolívar

We said goodbye to the very friendly owners of Hotel "Río Caura" and at dawn we were at the Caura river.

The lagoons were alive with waterbirds and noisy Macaws were everywhere, including Chestnut-fronted, Red-bellied and Red-shouldered.

Afterwards we drove to the small village of Aripao and managed to hire a boat from a local fisherman.

The fisherman made a boat trip with us on the Caura river. The short trip was not spectacular but we noted amongst others Anhinga, Sungrebe, Osprey, Black Caracara, Large-billed Tern and Drab Water-Tyrant.

Hereafter we drove to the Caura Forest Reserve for a last stroll in this great birding area. Here we encountered again some very large mixed-species flocks including Rusty-breasted Nunlet, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner, Slender-billed Xenops, Cinereous Antshrike, Spot-winged Antbird, Caura Antbird, FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN, Wing-barred Manakin, Golden-headed Manakin (a lek of more than 20 birds), Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Flame-crested Tanager.

We were very reluctant to leave this superb location, but sadly our time had run out. Leaving the Río Caura and its diverse habitats behind we drove in VERY bad weather to our luxurious hotel in Ciudad Bolívar.

Saturday 11th June, Ciudad Bolívar * Barcelona * Caracas

At 6.30 we left Ciudad Bolívar and set off for the airport at Barcelona. On our way north we made a stop at a marshy area near Anaco and saw a good variety of waterbirds amongst them Capped Heron, Whistling Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron and the final addition to our birdlist, a Cattle Tyrant.

In the early afternoon we flew to Caracas only to find our KLM-flight to Amsterdam seriously delayed.

Eventually our flight was cancelled altogether and we ended up being transported to the Sheraton hotel.

Sunday & Monday 12th/13th June, Caracas * Curacao * Amsterdam * Antwerp

Our extra day in Venezuela we spent at the beach and in the bar. At 22.00 hours at last we left Caracas and flew to Curacao. We had to wait a few hours at the airport before we were on our way to Amsterdam. 24 hours later than planned we arrived at Amsterdam. Forty minutes later we were in Antwerp, the end of the trip.

On any trip to the Neotropics, there are three types of birds: those you will see almost no matter what, those you must work diligently to find, and the rare ones that you know are there but you can never predict. The first birds exemplify the tremendous avian diversity of the region; the second give the thrill of the chase; and the third are what we all wait for....and we got more than our share of the last category. Crested Eagle, Rusty-breasted Nunlet, Black-dotted Piculet, Guianan Red-Cotinga, Purple-breasted Cotinga, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Azure-naped Jay and Blue-backed Tanager.

Our trip surprised my expectations. We saw almost everything I had hoped for and more. We did very well with the endemics and with a final list of 425 species, 50 more than I had expected to see, we finished the trip with a feeling of elation. I finished the two weeks with 151 lifers.

A visit to Venezuela in June at the infancy of the rainy season is probably the best time to visit Bolívar.

Jan Vermeulen
Bredaseweg 14
4861AH Chaam
The Netherlands
Telephone:     (031) – 161 - 491327
E-mail:              jem.vermeulen@wxs.nl

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF BIRDS

This list follows the sequence and scientific nomenclature of James F. Clements (July 1991, Birds of the World. A Check List and Supplement No. 1, 1992).

This specific treatment follows Dr. Charles Sibley and Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr (1990, Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World, Yale University Press).

Species in parentheses are the English names in "A Guide to the Birds of Venezuela" by de Schauensee et al, but only mentioned when these differ significantly from the Clements Check List. The Dutch names follow the translated "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds of the World" (Geïllustreerde Encyclopedie van de Vogels) of Dr. Christopher M. Perrins.

Data are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.

I have not listed exact numbers and sites of all species. I am sure that any birder can survive without knowing how many Carib Grackles we saw at Maturin or at Maripa.

The following abbreviations are used:

NP                  = National Park
100+               = at least 100 birds
*                     Tepui endemics

1.         GREAT TINAMOU, Tinamus major, Grote Tinamoe
                Several heard at Caño Colorado.

 2.            LITTLE TINAMOU, Crypturellus soui, Kleine Tinamoe
                Quite often heard at Caño Colorado and in the Río Grande Forest Reserve region.

 3.            MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD, Fregata magnificens, Amerikaanse Fregatvogel
                Small numbers along the coast in Barcelona and Caracas.

 4.            NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, Bigua-aalscholver
                Small numbers along the coast, rivers and lakes in all the visited areas.

 5.            ANHINGA, Anhinga anhinga, Amerikaanse Slangehalsvogel
                20+ at the marsh near Villa Lola, 5 along the Río Caura.

 6.            BROWN PELICAN, Pelecanus occidentalis, Bruine Pelikaan
                Fairly common along the coast at Barcelona and Caracas.

 7.            WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK, Dendrocygna viduata, Witwangfluiteend
                4 at the marsh near Villa Lola, 4 at the marsh near El Pao, 2 en route from Ciudad Bolívar

                to Maripa and 25+ at the marsh near Anaco.

 8.            WHISTLING HERON, Syrigma sibilatrix, Fluitreiger
                1 at the marsh near Villa Lola, 3 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura, 2 at the marsh near Anaco.

 9.            TRICOLORED HERON, Egretta tricolor, Witbuikreiger
                4 at Puerto La Cruz, 1 on the savannas north of the Caura Forest Reserve.

10.           SNOWY EGRET, Egretta thula, Amerikaanse Kleine Zilverreiger
                Common at Puerto La Cruz, 2 at the marsh near Villa Lola, 10+ at the lagoons near the (Maripa)   bridge across the Río Caura, a few at the marsh near Anaco.

11.           CAPPED HERON, Pilherodius pileatus, Kapreiger
                Single ones at Río Grande Forest Reserve and the marsh near Anaco, 4 at the lagoons near the  (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

12.           GREAT BLUE HERON, Ardea herodias, Amerikaanse Blauwe Reiger
                3 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura and 1 at the marsh near Anaco.

13.           COCOI (WHITE-NECKED) HERON, Ardea cocoi, Sokoi-reiger
                Single ones at the marsh near Villa Lola and near El Pao, 3 at the lagoons near the (Maripa)   bridge across the Río Caura.

14.           GREAT EGRET, Casmerodius albus, Grote Zilverreiger
                A common appearance in Monagas and Bolívar.

15.           CATTLE EGRET, Bubulcus ibis, Koereiger
                A fairly common appearance in Monagas and Bolívar.

16.           STRIATED HERON, Butorides striatus, Mangrovereiger
                Small numbers along streams, ponds and rivers in Monagas and Bolívar.

17.           RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON, Tigrisoma lineatum, Rosse Tijgerroerdomp
                2 near Río Grande Forest Reserve, 1 at the marsh near Anaco.

18.           GREEN IBIS, Mesembrinibis cayennensis, Groene Ibis
                Single ones at the marsh near El Pao and at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

19.           ROSEATE SPOONBILL, Ajaia ajaja, Rode Lepelaar
                20+ at Puerto La Cruz.

20.           WOOD STORK (AMERICAN WOOD-IBIS), Mycteria americana, Kaalkopooievaar
                25+ at the marsh near Villa Lola.

21.           BLACK VULTURE, Coragyps atratus, Zwarte Gier
                A common bird everywhere.

22.           TURKEY VULTURE, Cathartes aura, Roodkopgier
                A fairly common bird throughout the visited areas.

23.           GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE, Cathartes melambrotus, Grote Geelkopgier
                1 at Caño Colorado, a few at Río Grande Forest Reserve, every day 4-7 birds at Canaima NP,   2 at the Caura Forest Reserve.

24.           KING VULTURE, Sarcorhamphus papa, Koningsgier
                4 at Caño Colorado and 4 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

25.           OSPREY, Pandion haliaetus, Visarend
                Only seen at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

26.           GRAY-HEADED KITE, Leptodon cayanensis, Grijskopwouw
                Single ones at Caño Colorado, the Escalera, Guayana trail and at Caura Forest Reserve.

27.           HOOK-BILLED KITE, Chondrohierax uncinatus, Langsnavelwouw
                A single bird at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

28.           SWALLOW-TAILED KITE, Elanoides forficatus, Zwaluwstaartwouw
                Seen daily in quite good numbers. The last day at Caura Forest Reserve we saw a group of   more than 100 birds.

29.           PEARL KITE, Gampsonyx swainsonii, Parelwouw
                1 at Caño Colorado and 2 on the savannas north of the Caura Forest Reserve.

30.           WHITE-TAILED KITE, Elanus leucurus, Amerikaanse Grijze Wouw
                3 in the El Palmar region, 1 near Upata.

31.           DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE, Harpagus bidentatus, Tandwouw
                Single birds at Río Grande Forest Reserve and at the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve.

32.           PLUMBEOUS KITE, Ictinia plumbea, Donkergrijze Wouw
                Seen almost daily in quite good numbers, of up to 10 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

33.           CRANE HAWK, Geranospiza caerulescens, Langpootkiekendief
                Single ones at Caño Colorado, Río Grande Forest Reserve, en route from El Dorado to   La Escalera and at Caura Forest Reserve.

34.           WHITE HAWK, Leucopternis albicollis, Grote Bonte Buizerd
                1 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera (km 65) and 1 perched up in a tree at La Escalera.

35.           COMMON BLACK-HAWK, Buteogallus anthracinus, Zwarte Buizerd
                A single observation at (Campamento) Río Grande Forest Reserve.

36.           GREAT BLACK-HAWK, Buteogallus urubitinga, Zwarte Arendbuizerd
                Only seen at La Gran Sabana, where a total of 4 birds were seen.

37.           SAVANNA HAWK, Buteogallus meridioinalis, Savanne-buizerd
                A fairly common bird on the open plains in Bolívar.

38.           BLACK-COLLARED HAWK, Busarellus nigricollis, Moerasbuizerd
                1 near Ciudad Guayana, 2 at the marsh near Villa Lola.

39.           GRAY-LINED HAWK, Asturina nitida, Zuid-Amerikaanse Grijze Buizerd
                A single observation at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

40.           ROADSIDE HAWK, Buteo magnirostris, Wegbuizerd
                Reasonably common at most sites visited. They were commonest in the El Palmar area.

41.           SHORT-TAILED HAWK, Buteo brachyurus, Kortstaartbuizerd
                A single bird at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

42.           WHITE-TAILED HAWK, Buteo albicaudatus, Witstaartbuizerd
                2 at La Gran Sabana.

43.           ZONE-TAILED HAWK, Buteo albonotatus, Bandstaartbuizerd
                A single bird near Maturin.

44.           CRESTED EAGLE, Morphnus guianensis, Wurgarend
                Probably the best bird of the trip. A splendid observation, soaring high above the forest

                for minutes at the Piedra de la Virgen (Escalera) at km 98.

45.           HARPY EAGLE, Harpia harpyja, Harpij
                An eaglet on the branches above the nest in the Río Grande Forest Reserve region.

46.           BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE, Spizastur melanoleucus, Zwartwitte Kuifarend
                A single observation at La Escalera (km 97).

47.           ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE, Spizaetus ornatus, Bonte Kuifarend
                A splendid observation at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 67).

48.           BLACK CARACARA, Daptrius ater, Zwarte Caracara
                6 during the boattrip on the Río Caura.

49.           RED-THROATED CARACARA, Daptrius americanus, Roodkeelcaracara
                2 in the forest surrounding Río Grande Forest Reserve.

50.           CRESTED CARACARA, Polyborus plancus, Kuifcaracara
                A common bird in Monagas and Bolívar.

51.           YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA, Milvago chimachima, Geelkopcaracara
                A fairly common bird in Monagas and Bolívar.

52.           LAUGHING FALCON (HAWK), Herpetotheres cachinnans, Lachvalk
                2 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera.

53.           AMERICAN KESTREL, Falco sparverius, Amerikaanse Torenvalk
                Small numbers mostly en route while driving in open areas.

54.           APLOMADO FALCON, Falco femoralis, Aplomado-valk
                4 birds on the savannas north of Caura Forest Reserve.

55.           BAT FALCON, Falco rufigularis, Vleermuisvalk
                1 at Caño Colorado, 3 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 1 at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 67) and 5 at Caura Forest Reserve.

56.           RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA, Ortalis ruficauda, Roodbuikchachalaca
                A few birds were heard at Caño Colorado.

57.           SPIX'S GUAN, Penelope jacquacu, Spix' Sjakohoen
                4 at La Escalera (km 125).

58.           CRESTED BOBWHITE, Colinus cristatus, Kuifbobwhite
                Small numbers were seen daily in the El Plamar region, 2 near El Tigre.

59.           GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL, Aramides cajanea, Cayenne-bosral
                A single bird while crossing the main road near El Dorado.

60.           PURPLE GALLINULE, Porphyrio martinicus, Amerikaans Purperhoen
                3 at the marsh near Villa Lola, 1 at the marsh near El Pao and 1 near Maripa.

61.           COMMON MOORHEN, Gallinula chloropus, Waterhoen
                10+ at the marsh near El Pao.

62.           SUNGREBE, Heliornis fulica, Kleine Fuutkoet
                Single ones at Río Grande Forest Reserve and during the boattrip on the Río Caura.

63.           SUNBITTERN, Eurypyga helias, Zonneral
                A splendid observation at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

64.           WATTLED JACANA, Jacana jacana, Leljacana
                A common bird in the marshy areas in Bolívar.

65.           GREATER YELLOWLEGS, Tringa melanoleuca, Grote Geelpootruiter
                A single bird along the coast near Puerto La Cruz.

66.           LEAST SANDPIPER, Calidris minutilla, Kleinste Strandloper
                Several along the coast near Puerto La Cruz.

67.           BLACK-NECKED STILT, Himantopus mexicanus, Zwartneksteltkluut
                Small numbers along the coast near Puerto La Cruz and at the marsh near Anaco.

68.           GRAY (BLACK-BELLIED) PLOVER, Pluvialis squatarola, Zilverplevier
                2 along the coast near Puerto La Cruz.

69.           PIED LAPWING, Vanellus cayanus, Cayenne-kievit
                2 birds at Río Ano and also 2 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

70.           SOUTHERN LAPWING, Vanellus chilensis, Chileense Kievit
                Small numbers in the more open areas in Bolívar.

71.           LARGE-BILLED TERN, Phaetusa simplex, Grootsnavelstern
                Small numbers at Puerto La Cruz, along the Río Orinoco and along the Río Caura.

72.           LEAST TERN, Sterna antillarum, Amerikaanse Dwergstern
                A few at a pond near Puerto La Cruz (Sucre).

73.           BLACK SKIMMER, Rhynchops niger, Amerikaanse Schaarbek
                20+ at a pond near Puerto La Cruz.

74.           PALE-VENTED PIGEON, Columba cayennensis, Rosse Duif
                Several at Caño Colorado, Río Grande Forest Reserve and at Caura Forest Reserve.

75.           RUDDY PIGEON, Columba subvinacea, Purperduif
                A few at Caño Colorado and Río Grande Forest Reserve and 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

76.           EARED DOVE, Zenaida auriculata, Geoorde Treurduif
                Small numbers near Maturin, very common en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

77.           SCALED DOVE, Columbina squammata, Zuidamerikaanse Inkaduif
                Only seen 3 birds at Caracas.

78.           COMMON GROUND-DOVE, Columbina passerina, Musduif
                Small numbers throughout Monagas and Bolívar.

79.           RUDDY GROUND-DOVE, Columbina talpacoti, Steenduif
                Small numbers throughout Sucre, Monagas and Bolívar.

80.           GRAY-FRONTED DOVE, Leptotila rufaxilla, Grijskruinduif
                Commonly heard at lowland forest; seen a few at Caño Colorado and at Imataca Forest Reserve.

81.           BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW, Ara ararauna, Blauwgele Ara
                Only seen at Caño Colorado (5 birds).

82.           SCARLET MACAW, Ara macao, Geelvleugelara
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

83.           RED-AND-GREEN MACAW, Ara chloropterus, Groenvleugelara
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, up to 6 daily at La Escalera, 4 at Caura Forest Reserve.

84.           CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW, Ara severa, Dwergara
                At least 6 birds flying over at the Maripa bridge across the Río Caura.

85.           RED-BELLIED MACAW, Ara manilata, Roodbuikara
                6 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura, 4 at Caracas (!).

 86.          RED-SHOULDERED MACAW, Ara nobilis, Roodschouderara
                4 perched up in a tree at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

 87.          SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET, Aratinga wagleri, Waglers Aratinga
                10+ at Cueva del Guácharo NP.

 88.          WHITE-EYED PARAKEET, Aratinga leucophthalmus, Witoogaratinga
                20+ at Caño Colorado.

 89.          BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET, Aratinga pertinax, Maisparkiet
                A few in the Maturin area, 25+ en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

 90.          PAINTED PARAKEET, Pyrrhura picta, Bonte Parkiet
                10+ at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 7 at Imataca Forest (km 65), a few at Caura Forest Reserve.

 91.          FIERY-SHOULDERED PARAKEET, Pyrrhura egregia, Roodschouderparkiet
                A group of 12 birds at La Escalera (km 123).

 92.          GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET, Forpus passerinus, Groene Muspapegaai
                2 at El Palmar, a few at the Guyana-trail (Imataca Forest Reserve).

 93.          GOLDEN-WINGED PARAKEET, Brotogeris chrysopterus, Oranjevleugelparkiet
                25+ at Caño Colorado.

 94.          * TEPUI PARROTLET, Nannopsittaca panychlora, Tepui-parkiet
                6 at La Escalera (km 116).

 95.          BLACK-HEADED PARROT, Pionites melanocephala, Zwartkopcaique
                4 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 20+ at km 65 (Imataca Forest) and a few at Caura Forest Reserve.

 96.          ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT, Pionopsitta barrabandi, Barrabands Papegaai
                4 at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 12).

 97.          CAICA PARROT, Pionopsitta caica, Caicapapegaai
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and 10+ at Caura Forest Reserve.

 98.          BLUE-HEADED PARROT, Pionus menstruus, Zwartoormargrietje
                Small numbers at Caño Colorado and the Guyana-trail, 20+ at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 60).

 99.          BLUE-CHEEKED PARROT, Amazona dufresniana, Blauwwangamazone
                5 at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 67).

100.         YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT, Amazona ochrocephala, Geelvoorhoofdamazone
                A single observation at Caño Colorado.

101.         ORANGE-WINGED PARROT, Amazona amazonica, Oranjevleugelamazone
                The commonest parrot. Seen at Caño Colorado and at Imataca Forest Reserve.

102.         MEALY PARROT, Amazona farinosa, Grote Amazone
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 10+ at the Guyana-trail, a few at Caura Forest Reserve.

103.         RED-FAN PARROT, Deroptyus accipitrinus, Kraagpapegaai
                A single observation at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

104.         SQUIRREL CUCKOO, Piaya cayana, Eeekhoornkoekoek
                Small numbers encountered at nearly all the visited areas.

105.         LITTLE CUCKOO, Piaya minuta, Kleine Eekhoornkoekoek
                A single bird at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

106.         HOATZIN, Opisthocomus hoazin, Hoatzin
                2 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

107.         GREATER ANI, Crotophaga major, Grote Ani
                15+ at Caño Colorado.

108.         SMOOTH-BILLED ANI, Crotophaga ani, Kleine Ani
                Widespread and common in suitable grassy habitat throughout Monagas and Bolívar.

109.         GROOVE-BILLED ANI, Crotophaga sulcirostris, Groefsnavelani
                Only definitely seen near Río Grande Forest Reserve, but probably overlooked elsewhere.

110.         STRIPED CUCKOO, Tapera naevia, Gestreepte Koekoek
                2 near Maturin, 1 at Caura Forest Reserve and 1 at Aripao.

111.         BURROWING OWL, Speotyto cunicularia, Holenuil
                5 on the savannas north of Caura Forest Reserve.

112.         OILBIRD, Steatornis caripensis, Vetvogel
                The big colony at Cueva del Guácharo NP.

113.         GRAY POTOO, Nyctibius griseus, Grijze Reuzennachtzwaluw
                A single observation of a bird in a tree at km 12 en route from El Dorado to the Escalera.

114.         LESSER NIGHTHAWK, Chordeiles acutipennis, Texasnachtzwaluw
                3 at Puerto La Cruz.

115.         NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK, Podager nacunda, Nacunda-nachtzwaluw
                A single observation near Maripa.

116.         BLACKISH NIGHTJAR, Caprimulgus nigrescens, Roetnachtzwaluw
                Single ones at La Escalera and at the savannas north of Caura Forest Reserve.

117.         * TEPUI SWIFT, Cypseloides phelpsi, Tepui-gierzwaluw
                5 at La Escalera, 10+ at La Gran Sabana.

118.         WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT, Streptoprocne zonaris, Witkraaggierzwaluw
                15+ at La Gran Sabana.

119.         BAND-RUMPED SWIFT, Chaetura spinicauda, Witbandgierzwaluw
                The common swift in southeast Bolívar, with records on 6 dates.

120.         GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT, Chaetura cinereiventris, Grijsstuitgierzwaluw
                4 at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 67).

121.         SHORT-TAILED SWIFT, Chaetura brachyura, Kortstaartgierzwaluw
                Small numbers near Maturin and at Caño Colorado, also a few at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

122.         WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT, Aeronautes montivagus, Kleine Andesgierzwaluw
                25+ at La Escalera (km 121).

123.         PYGMY SWIFT, Tachornis furcata, Dwerggierzwaluw
                A few en route in the north in the state of Sucre.

124.         FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT, Tachornis squamata, Braziliaanse Palmgierzwaluw
                A fairly common swift in Monagas and Bolívar with records on 7 dates.

125.         LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT, Panyptila cayennensis, Cayenne-gierzwaluw
                A few at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 73).

126.         RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT, Glaucis hirsuta, Roodborstheremietkolibrie
                2 at Caño Colorado.

127.         LONG-TAILED HERMIT, Phaethornis superciliosus, Langstaartheremietkolibrie
                3 at La Escalera and 5 (lek) at the Guyana-trail.

128.         WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT, Phaethornis hispidus, Witbaardheremietkolibrie
                A single bird at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

129.         STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT, Phaethornis bourcieri, Priemsnavelheremietkolibrie
                A single observation at La Escalera.

130.         REDDISH HERMIT, Phaethornis ruber, Rode Heremietkolibrie
                2 at Caño Colorado, 1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

131.         GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT, Phaethornis griseogularis, Grijskinheremietkolibrie
                Only seen 1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

132.         LITTLE HERMIT, Phaethornis longuemareus, Kleine Heremietkolibrie
                10+ (lek) at Caño Colorado.

133.         GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING, Campylopterus largipennis, Grijsborstsabelvleugel
                Single ones at Río Grande Forest Reserve, La Escalera and along the Guyana-trail.

134.         * RUFOUS-BREASTED SABREWING, Campylopterus hyperythrus, Roodborstsabelvleugel
                Only seen at La Escalera (km 122).

135.         WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN, Florisuga mellivora, Witnekkolibrie
                A total of 6 birds seen at Imataca Forest Reserve (kms 12 & 65) and at La Escalera.

136.         BROWN VIOLET-EAR, Colibri delphinae, Bruine Violetoorkolibrie
                2 at La Escalera (km 111). It is a common but easily overlooked species, as we probably did.

137.         BLACK-THROATED MANGO, Anthracothorax nigricollis, Zwartkeelmango
                A single bird at La Escalera (km 112).

138.         RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD, Chrysolampis mosquitus, Muskietkolibrie
                A single observation at La Escalera (km 92).

139.         VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD, Klais guimeti, Paarskopkolibrie
                A single bird in the vicinity of Cueva del Guácharo NP.

140.         TUFTED COQUETTE, Lophornis ornatus, Gekuifde Koketkolibrie
                3 at Caura Forest Reserve.

141.         * PEACOCK COQUETTE, Lophornis pavoninus, Pauwkoketkolibrie
                A single observation at La Escalera (km 134).

142.         BLUE-TAILED EMERALD, Chlorostilbon mellisugus, Blauwstaartsmaragdkolibrie
                Only seen at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

143.         FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH, Thalurania furcata, Vorkstaartbosnimf
                4 at Caño Colorado, 1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and also 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

144.         WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE, Hylocharis cyanus, Witkinsaffierkolibrie
                Single ones at Caño Colorado and at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 12).

145.         WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT, Polyhmus guainumbi, Witstaartgoudkeelkolibrie
                3 at Imataca Forest Reserve (kms 12 & 65).

146.         * TEPUI GOLDENTHROAT, Polytmus milleri, Tepui-goudkeelkolibrie
                2 near Soldiers Monument at La Gran Sabana.

147.         WHITE-CHESTED EMERALD, Amazilia chionopectus, Witborstamazilia
                4 at Caño Colorado, 1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and also 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

148.         GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD, Amazilia fimbriata, Franje-amazilia
                A single bird at Caura Forest Reserve.

149.         * VELVET-BROWED BRILLIANT, Heliodoxa xanthogonys, Tepui-briljantkolibrie
                3 at La Escalera (km 121 - 134).

150.         CRIMSON TOPAZ, Topaza pella, Topaaskolibrie
                3 (all males) at La Escalera (kms 93, 113 & 113.9).

151.         BLACK-EARED FAIRY, Heliothryx aurita, Zwartoorfeeenkolibrie
                A total of 4 birds seen at La Escalera.

152.         AMETHYST WOODSTAR, Calliphlox amethystina, Amethistboself
                A single bird at Imataca Forest Reserve (Guyana-trail).

153.         BLACK-TAILED TROGON, Trogon melanurus, Zwartstaarttrogon
                A single bird was seen at La Escalera (km 93).

154.         WHITE-TAILED TROGON, Trogon viridis, Witstaarttrogon
                2 at Caño Colorado, 5 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 en route from La Escalera to   El Dorado and also 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

155.         MASKED TROGON, Trogon personatus, Maskertrogon
                3 at La Escalera (km 111).

156.         BLACK-THROATED TROGON, Trogon rufus, Zwartkeeltrogon
                Only 1 bird seen at Caura Forest Reserve.

157.         VIOLACEOUS TROGON, Trogon violaceus, Violette Trogon
                A pair along the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve.

158.         RINGED KINGFISHER, Ceryle torquata, Amerikaanse Reuzenijsvogel
                2 at the marsh near Villa Lola, 2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 5 along the Río Caura.

159.         AMAZON KINGFISHER, Chloroceryle amazona, Amazone-ijsvogel
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

160.         GREEN KINGFISHER, Chloroceryle americana, Groene IJsvogel
                1 at Puerto La Cruz, 2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 1 at the marsh near El Pao, 1 along  the Río Ano, 5+ along the Río Caura.

161.         AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER, Chloroceryle aenea, Groene Dwergijsvogel
                A splendid observation at Caño Colorado and also 1 seen at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

162.         BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT, Momotus momota, Blauwkapmotmot
                3 at Caura Forest Reserve.

163.         BROWN JACAMAR, Brachygalba lugubris, Bruinkeelglansvogel
                9 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera (5 at km 67).

164.         RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR, Galbula ruficauda, Roodstaartglansvogel
                2 at Caño Colorado.

165.         GREEN-TAILED JACAMAR, Galbula galbula, Groenstaartglansvogel
                1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera, 3 at Caura Forest Reserve.

166.         BRONZY JACAMAR, Galbula leucogastra, Bronskleurige Glansvogel
                A single bird, seen at Caura Forest Reserve, was the only one recorded.

167.         PARADISE JACAMAR, Galbula dea, Paradijsglansvogel
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 8 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera (Imataca Forest Reserve).

168.         PIED PUFFBIRD, Notharchus tectus, Bonte Baardkoekoek
                6 at Imataca Forest Reserve (kms 43 & 68), 1 at La Escalera, 2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

169.         WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD, Notarchus macrorhynchos, Witnekbaardkoekoek
                A single bird at Caura Forest reserve.

170.         RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD, Hypnelus ruficollis, Roestkeelbaardkoekoek
                A single observation at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 12).

171.         RUSTY-BREASTED NUNLET, Nonnula rubecula, Roodborstrappist
                A single bird was seen at Caura Forest Reserve.

172.         BLACK NUNBIRD, Monasa atra, Zwarte Trappist
                Seen in quite good numbers at Río Grande Forest Reserve, Imataca Forest Reserve and at  Caura Forest Reserve.

173.         SWALLOW-WING, Chelidoptera tenebrosa, Zwaluwbaardkoekoek
                4 at Caño Colorado, fairly common en route from El Dorado to La Escalera (Imataca Forest Reserve), a few en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

174.         BLACK-SPOTTED BARBET, Capito niger, Zwarte Baardvogel
                6 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera  (Imataca Forest Reserve), 2 at La Escalera, 7 at the Guyana-trail and 4 at Caura Forest Reserve.

175.         GREEN ARACARI, Pteroglossus viridis, Groene Arassari
                2 in the Río Grande Forest Reserve region, 7 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera (Imataca Forest Reserve),  3 at La Escalera, 11 at Caura Forest Reserve.

176.         BLACK-NECKED ARACARI, Pteroglossus aracari, Zwartnekarassari
                1 at Caño Colorado, quite good numbers at Río Grande Forest Reserve, at Imataca Forest Reserve and at Caura Forest Reserve.

177.         CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN, Ramphastos vitellinus, Groefsnaveltoekan
                1 at Caño Colorado, small numbers at Río Grande Forest Reserve, common near the  Guyana-trail, 6 at Caura Forest Reserve.

178.         RED-BILLED TOUCAN, Ramphastos tucanus, Roodsnaveltoekan
                2 at Caño Colorado, fairly common at Río Grande Forest Reserve, a few at La Escalera and en route from La Escalera to El Dorado, 10+ at Caura Forest Reserve.

179.         CUVIER'S TOUCAN, Ramphastos cuvieri, Cuviers Toekan
                A single bird at Caura Forest Reserve.

180.         GOLDEN-SPANGLED PICULET, Picumnus exilis, Kleine Dwergspecht
                5 at La Escalera, 2 along the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve.

181.         * BLACK-DOTTED PICULET, Picumnus nigropunctatus, Zwartgevlekte Dwergspecht
                10+ at Caño Colorado (only known from 3 specimen in the museum).

182.         YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER, Melanerpes cruentatus, Geelbrauwspecht
                Seen quite commonly at Río Grande Forest Reserve, La Escalera and Caura Forest Reserve,

                where up to 10 birds were seen daily.

183.         RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER, Melanerpes rubricapillus, Roodkruinspecht
                Seen quite frequently in open areas and villages in Sucre, Monagas and Bolívar.

184.         RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER, Veniliornis kirkii, Roodstuitspecht
                1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

185.         GOLDEN-COLLARED WOODPECKER, Veniliornis cassini, Goudkraagspecht
                Only 1 seen at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

186.         YELLOW-THROATED WOODPECKER, Piculus flavigula, Geelkeelspecht
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

187.         GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER, Piculus rubiginosus, Olijfrugspecht
                3 at La Escalera.

188.         CHESTNUT WOODPECKER, Celeus elegans, Vaalkuifspecht
                A pair at Caura Forest Reserve.

189.         CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER, Celeus flavus, Strogele Specht
                A splendid observation at the nest in Caño Colorado.

190.         LINEATED WOODPECKER, Dryocopus lineatus, Gestreepte Helmspecht
                7 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 8 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera, 1 along the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve, 3 at Caura Forest Reserve.

191.         RED-NECKED WOODPECKER, Campephilus rubricollis, Roodnekspecht
                3 along the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve, 2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

192.         CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER, Campephilus melanoleucos, Zwartkeelspecht
                Seen only at Río Grande Forest Reserve, where 2 birds were seen on different days.

193.         OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER, Sittasomus griseicapillus, Grijze Muisspecht
                Single ones at Río Grande Forest Reserve and at Caura Forest Reserve.

194.         WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER, Glyphorhynchus spirurus, Wigsnavelmuisspecht
                8 along the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve, 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

195.         STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus, Streepkopmuisspecht
                1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

196.         CHESTNUT-RUMPED WOODCREEPER, Xiphorhynchus pardalotus, Roodkeelmuisspecht
                A single one at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

197.         BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER, Xiphorhynchus guttatus, Geelkeelmuisspecht
                2 at Caño Colorado.

198.         PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL, Synallaxis albescens, Temmincks Stekelstaart
                Only one seen at the marsh near Villa Lola.

199.         PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL, Synallaxis gujanensis, Cayenne-stekelstaart
                A single bird at La Escalera (km 123).

200.         RUDDY SPINETAIL, Synallaxis rutilans, Rode Stekelstaart
                Only seen a single bird at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

201.         * TEPUI SPINETAIL, Cranioleuca demissa, Tepui-stekelstaart
                4 at La Escalera (3 at km 123 & 1 at km 125).

202.         COMMON (PLAIN-FRONTED) THORNBIRD, Phacellodomus rufifrons, Roodkapstekelkruin
                Small numbers in the Maturin area and at Caño Colorado.

203.         * RORAIMAN BARBTAIL, Roraimia adusta, Roraima-boomloper
                2 at La Escalera (km 123.4).

204.         RUSTY-WINGED BARBTAIL, Premnornis guttuligera, Roestvleugelboomloper
                2 at La Escalera (km 111).

205.         CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER, Philydor pyrrhodes, Kaneelstuitbladspeurder
                A single bird at Caura Forest Reserve.

206.         SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS, Xenops tenuirostris, Streepstaartxenops
                2 in a mixed feeding-flock at Caura Forest Reserve.

207.         PLAIN XENOPS, Xenops minutus, Sparrmanns Xenops
                5 along the Guyana-trail in Imataca Forest Reserve, fairly common at Caura Forest Reserve.

208.         BARRED ANTSHRIKE, Thamnophilus doliatus, Gebandeerde Mierklauwier
                2 in the Maturin area, 2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and heard along the Guyana-trail in

                Imataca Forest Reserve.

209.         EASTERN SLATY ANTSHRIKE, Thamnophilus punctatus, Oostelijke Gevlekte Mierklauwier
                2 at Caño Colorado.

210.         CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE, Thamnomanes caesius, Temmincks Mierklauwier
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

211.         PYGMY ANTWREN, Myrmotherula brachyura, Dwergmiersluiper
                A single bird at Caura Forest Reserve.

212.         GRAY ANTWREN, Myrmotherula menetriesii, Bonte Miersluiper
                A single observation at Caura Forest Reserve.

213.         TODD'S ANTWREN, Herpsilochmus stictocephalus, Todds Miersluiper
                2 at La Escalera (km 110).

214.         * RORAIMAN ANTWREN, Herpsilochmus roraimae, Roraima-miersluiper
                2 at La Escalera (km 124).

215.         WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN, Formicivora grisea, Witbandmiersluiper
                2 near Cueava del Guácharo NP.

216.         GRAY ANTBIRD, Cercomacra cinerascens, Grijze Miervogel
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

217.         DUSKY ANTBIRD, Cercomacra tyrannina, Tiranmiervogel
                A pair at La Escalera (km 92.5).

218.         JET ANTBIRD, Cercomacra nigricans, Rouwmiervogel
                1 at Caño Colorado, 3 at Caura Forest Reserve.

219.         WARBLING ANTBIRD, Hypocnemis cantator, Orpheusmierkruiper
                Only seen at La Escalera, where a total of 7 birds were seen.

220.         SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD, Percnostola leucostigma, Vlekvleugelmiervogel
                A few at Caura Forest Reserve.

221.         * CAURA ANTBIRD, Percnostola caurensis, Caura-miervogel
                Only seen at Caura Forest Reserve, where 2 birds were seen at different days.

222.         WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD, Myrmeciza longipes, Witbuikmiervogel
                1 at Caño Colorado.

223.         FERRUGINOUS-BACKED ANTBIRD, Myrmeciza ferruginea, Roodrugmiervogel
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

224.         SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH, Chamaeza campanisona, Kortstaartmierlijster
                One was seen at La Escalera (km 111.5). It was originally heard calling and after playing a tape,  it eventually came out onto a fallen log.

225.         GUIANAN RED-COTINGA, Phoenicircus carnifex, Rode Cotinga
                A splendid observation en route from El Dorado to La Escalera (km 12) in the Imataca Forest Reserve.

226.         CINEREOUS MOURNER, Laniocera hypopyrra, Grauwe Treurtiran
                A single bird was seen at Caura Forest Reserve.

227.         SCREAMING PIHA, Lipaugus vociferans, Schreeuwpiha
                A single bird was seen perched up in a tree at Caura Forest Reserve. Many others were heard calling at most of the visited areas, but no attempt was made to see any others.

228.         * ROSE-COLLARED PIHA, Lipaugus streptophorus, Rozekraagpiha
                A single bird at La Escalera (km 121).

229.         PURPLE-BREASTED COTINGA, Cotinga cotinga, Purperborstcotinga
                Only 1 seen at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 68).

230.         SPANGLED COTINGA, Cotinga cayana, Halsbandcotinga
                A pair at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 69).

231.         POMPADOUR COTINGA, Xipholena punicea, Pompadourcotinga
                3 at La Escalera (km 92.5).

232.         PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW, Querula purpurata, Purperkeelvruchtenkraai
                1 at Imataca Forest reserve, 20+ at Caura Forest Reserve.

233.         CAPUCHINBIRD, Perissocephalus tricolor, Capuchonvogel
                3 heard, 1 seen at La Escalera (km 111.5).

234.         WHITE BELLBIRD, Procnias alba, Witte Klokvogel
                Commonly heard from km 68 southwards, 2 seen at La Escalera (kms 129 & 134).

235.         BEARDED BELLBIRD, Procnias averano, Baardklokvogel
                Commonly heard from km 67 southwards (Guyana-trail), 3 seen at La Escalera (kms 121.5 & 125).

236.         GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK, Rupicola rupicola, Oranje Rotshaan
                Only one female seen at La Escalera (km 111.5).

237.         SHARPBILL, Oxyruncus cristatus, Scherpsnavel
                3 at La Escalera (kms 108 & 134)

238.         CRIMSON-HOODED MANAKIN, Pipra aureola, Roodkruinmanakin
                1 heard and 4 males seen at Caño Colorado.

239.         GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN, Pipra erythrocephala, Goudkopmanakin
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 20+ at a lek at Caura Forest Reserve.

240.         SCARLET-HORNED MANAKIN, Pipra cornuta, Kuifmanakin
                A total of 10 birds seen at La Escalera (kms 123 & 134).

241.         WHITE-FRONTED MANAKIN, Pipra serena, Witvoorhoofdmanakin
                3 at La Escalera (kms 133.5 & 134).

242.         FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN, Machaeropterus pyrocephalus, Vuurkapmanakin
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

243.         * OLIVE MANAKIN, Chloropipo uniformis, Roraima-manakin
                2 at La Escalera (kms 123.5 & 134).

244.         SAFFRON-CRESTED TYRANT-MANAKIN, Neopelma chrysocephalum, Geelkuiftiranmanakin
                A single observation at Caura Forest Reserve.

245.         WING-BARRED MANAKIN, Piprites chloris, Streepvleugelmanakin
                A female at Caura Forest Reserve.

246.         MCCONNELL'S FLYCATCHER, Mionectes macconnelli, Macconnells Pipratiran
                One definitely seen at La Escalera (km 115).

247.         PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT, Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer, Witbuiktodietiran
                A single bird at La Gran Sabana (km 136).

248.         SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER, Todirostrum sylvia, Grijskeelschoffelsnavel
                1 at Caño Colorado and 2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

249.         COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER, Todirostrum cinereum, Geelbuikschoffelsnavel
                4 in the Maturin area, 2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

250.         SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET, Zimmerius improbus, Slankpootvliegenvanger
                A single observation at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

251.         SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET, Camptostoma obsoletum, Zuidelijke Chaparralvliegenpikker
                2 in the Maturin area, 2 at Caño Colorado and small numbers at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

252.         MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET, Phaeomyias murina, Wenkbrauwvliegenpikker
                2 near the bridge over the Río Ano en route from Ciuadad Bolívar to Maripa.

253.         YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET, Tyrannulus elatus, Geelkruinvliegenpikker
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

254.         FOREST ELAENIA, Myiopagis gaimardii, Boselenia
                Only 1 bird seen at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

255.         YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA, Elaenia flavogaster, Geelbuikelenia
                A single bird in the Maturin region.

256.         PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA, Elaenia cristata, Kap-elenia
                2 in the vicinity of Maturin.

257.         RUFOUS-CROWNED ELAENIA, Elaenia ruficeps, Roodkruinelenia
                A single bird at La Gran Sabana (Soldiers Monument).

258.         LESSER ELAENIA, Elaenia chiriquensis, Kleine Elenia
                1 at La Escalera (km 111).

259.         * GREAT ELAENIA, Elaenia dayi, Duida-elenia
                2 at La Escalera (km 133).

260.         SIERRAN ELAENIA, Elaenia pallatangae, Andes-elenia
                3 at La Escalera (km 132 - 134).

261.         TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT, Euscarthmus meloryphus, Witbuikdwergtiran
                4 in the Maturin area.

262.         * BLACK-FRONTED TYRANNULET, Phylloscartes nigrifrons, Zwartvoorhoofdlooftiran
                A single observation at La Escalera (km 133.5)

263.         * CHAPMAN'S BRISTLE-TYRANT, Phylloscartes chapmani, Chapmans Looftiran
                2 at La Escalera (km 134).

264.         SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT, Myiornis ecaudatus, Kortstaartdwergtiran
                A splendid observation at Caño Colorado.

265.         HELMETED PYGMY-TYRANT, Lophotriccus galeatus, Helmdwergtiran
                1 seen and 1 heard at Caño Colorado, 1 at La Escalera.

266.         PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT, Atalotriccus pilaris, Bleekoogdwergtiran
                2 at La Gran Sabana (Soldiers Monument).

267.         OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus, Groene Breedbektiran
                1 at Imataca Forest Reserve along the Guyana-trail.

268.         YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, Tolmomyias flaviventris, Geelbuikbreedbektiran
                6 at Caño Colorado, 1 at La Escalera.

269.         CINNAMON-CRESTED SPADEBILL, Platyrinchus saturatus, Bruinkopbreedbektiran
                1 at Imataca Forest Reserve along the Guyana-trail.

270.         WHITE-CRESTED SPADEBILL, Platyrinchus platyrhynchos, Witkuifbreedbektiran
                3 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

271.         ROYAL FLYCATCHER, Onychorhynchus coronatus, Amazone-kroontiran
                A pair at Caño Colorado.

272.         BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER, Myiophobus fasciatus, Roesttiran
                A single bird near Embalse Las Clavellinas.

273.         RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER, Myiobius erythrurus, Roodstaarttiran
                2 at La Escalera (km 110).

274.         SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER, Myiobius barbatus, Geelstuittiran
                2 at Imataca Forest Reserve along the Guyana-trail.

275.         CLIFF FLYCATCHER, Hirundinea ferruginea, Zwaluwtiran
                Only 2 birds were seen at La Escalera near the quarry at km 117.

276.         FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER, Cnemotriccus fuscatus, Vinktiran
                2 near Ciudad Bolívar en route to Maripa.

277.         SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE, Contopus fumigatus, Leigrijze Piewie
                Every day a few at La Escalera.

278.         TROPICAL PEWEE, Contopus cinereus, Spixpiewie
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

279.         VERMILION FLYCATCHER, Pyrocephalus rubinus, Rode Tiran
                1 at the marsh near El Pao, 2 en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

280.         DRAB WATER-TYRANT, Ochthornis littoralis, Vale Tapuittiran
                6 during the boattrip on the Río Caura.

281.         PIED WATER-TYRANT, Fluvicola pica, Bonte Watertiran
                1 at Puerto La Cruz, 2 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura, 4 at the marsh near Anaco.

282.         WHITE-HEADED MARSH-TYRANT, Arundinicola leucocephala, Witkopwatertiran
                1 at the marsh near Villa Lola, 3 in the vicinity of Upata, 4 at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

283.         LONG-TAILED TYRANT, Colonia colonus, Langstaarttiran
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

284.         CATTLE TYRANT, Machetornis rixosus, Vee-tiran
                1 at the marsh near Anaco, 2 in Caracas (hotelgrounds Sheradon).

285.         CINNAMON ATTILA, Attila cinnamomeus, Kaneelatilla
                2 at Caño Colorado.

286.         BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA, Attila spadiceus, Goudstuitatilla
                A single bird was seen at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

287.         GRAYISH MOURNER, Rhytipterna simplex, Grijze Treurtiran
                A pair at Caño Colorado.

288.         DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER, Myiarchus tuberculifer, Monnikskaptiran
                A single observation at Caño Colorado.

289.         BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, Myiarchus tyrannulus, Cayenne-tiran
                Single ones near Maturin and at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

290.         TROPICAL KINGBIRD, Tyrannus melancholicus, Tropische Koningstiran
                A common bird, and seen at most sites visited.

291.         FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER, Tyrannus savana, Vorkstaartkoningstiran
                2 near Maturin, 6 in the Villa Lola area, 2 near El Pao, common en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa and en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Barcelona.

292.         VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER, Empidonomus varius, Bonte Tiran
                1 near Maturin, seen daily in small numbers at Río Grande Forest Reserve and at Caura Forest Reserve.

293.         SULPHURY FLYCATCHER, Tyrannopsis sulphurea, Zwaveltiran
                Only 1 seen at Caño Colorado.

294.         BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER, Megarhynchus pitangua, Bootsnaveltiran
                A single observation at Río Grande Forest Reserve. The species is undoubtedly more numerous than this one record suggests.

295.         WHITE-RINGED FLYCATCHER, Conopias albovittata, Witringtiran
                2 at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 64).

296.         STREAKED FLYCATCHER, Myiodynastes maculatus, Gestreepte Tiran
                6 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 at the Guyana-trail (Imataca Forest Reserve), fairly common

                at Caura Forest Reserve.

297.         RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER, Myiozetetes cayanensis, Roestvleugeltiran
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and 1 at the Guyana-trail (Imataca Forest Reserve).

                Undoubtedly we have overlooked this bird many times.

298.         SOCIAL FLYCATCHER, Myiozetetes similis, Roodkruintiran
                A common bird, and seen at most sites visited.

299.         PIRATIC FLYCATCHER, Legatus leucophaius, Piraattiran
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 1 near Río Ano.

300.         LESSER KISKADEE, Philohydor lictor, Kleine Kiskadie
                A single observation at Caño Colorado.

301.         GREAT KISKADEE, Pitangus sulphuratus, Grote Kiskadie
                A very common bird everywhere.

302.         WHITE-WINGED BECARD, Pachyramphus polychopterus, Witvleugelbekarde
                Only 1 seen at Caura Forest Reserve.

303.         PINK-THROATED BECARD, Pachyramphus minor, Roodkeelbekarde
                A pair at Caura Forest Reserve.

304.         BLACK-TAILED TITYRA, Tityra cayana, Zwartstaarttityra
                5 at Caño Colorado.

305.         BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA, Tityra inquisitor, Zwartkruintityra
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 8 en route from El Dorado to La Escalera, 3 en route from

                Maripa to Ciudad Bolívar.

306.         VIOLACEOUS JAY, Cyanocorax violaceus, Violetgaa
                5 at Caura Forest Reserve.

307.         AZURE-NAPED JAY, Cyanocorax heilprini, Azuurnekgaai
                4 en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa, the birds were seen in the La Tigrera area,

                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

308.         CAYENNE JAY, Cyanocorax cayanus, Cayenne-gaai
                3 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 7 at Imataca Forest Reserve (kms 12 & 63).

309.         GREEN JAY, Cyanocorax yncas, Inkagaai
                5 at Cueva del Guácharo National Park.

310.         RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE, Cyclarhis gujanensis, Roodbrauwpeperklauwier
                4 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 3 at the Guyana-trail (Imataca Forest Reserve).

311.         SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO, Vireolanius leucotis, Grijskapklauwiervireo
                Only 1 seen at La Escalera (km 113.9).

312.         RED-EYED VIREO, Vireo olivaceus, Roodoogvireo
                Single ones at La Escalera (km 109) and en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

313.         LEMON-CHESTED GREENLET, Hylophilus thoracicus, Geelborstvireo
                2 at La Escalera (km 113.9).

314.         * TEPUI GREENLET, Hylophilus sclateri, Tepui-vireo
                2 at La Escalera (kms 131 & 134).

315.         BUFF-CHEEKED GREENLET, Hylophilus muscicapinus, Bruinwangvireo
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

316.         GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET, Hylophilus aurantiifrons, Goudvoorhoofdvireo
                4 at Caño Colorado.

317.         SCRUB GREENLET, Hylophilus flavipes, Struikvireo
                2 in the Maturin region.

318.         TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET, Hylophilus ochraceiceps, Okerkapvireo
                A splendid observation of a single bird in a mixed flock at Caura Forest Reserve.

319.         RUFOUS-BROWN SOLITAIRE, Cichlopsis leucogenys, Roodbruine Solitaire
                A single bird at La Escalera (km 134).

320.         BLACK-HOODED THRUSH, Turdus olivater, Kapucijnerlijster
                Small numbers at La Escalera (km 122 - 134).

321.         BLACK-BILLED THRUSH, Turdus ignobilis, Zwartsnavellijster
                3 at La Escalera (km 132).

322.         COCOA THRUSH, Turdus fumigatus, Cacao-lijster
                1 at Caño Colorado and 1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

323.         BARE-EYED THRUSH, Turdus nudigenis, Naaktooglijster
                2 near Maturin, 1 at Aripao.

324.         WHITE-NECKED THRUSH, Turdus albicollis, Witneklijster
                5 at Caracas.

325.         TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD, Mimus gilvus, Tropische Spotlijster
                A common bird throughout the visited areas.

326.         BICOLORED WREN, Campylorhynchus griseus, Tweekleurige Winterkoning
                A pair at Caño Colorado.

327.         STRIPE-BACKED WREN, Campylorhynchus nuchalis, Streeprugwinterkoning
                Heard in the Maturin region, 2 seen at Caño Colorado.

328.         CORAYA WREN, Thryothorus coraya, Coraya-winterkoning
                1 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and 2 at La Escalera (km 121).

329.         BUFF-BREASTED WREN, Thryothorus leucotis, Witoorwinterkoning
                2 at Caño Colorado, 2 at Caura Forest Reserve and 2 at Aripao.

330.         HOUSE WREN, Troglodytes aedon, Huiswinterkoning
                A fairly common bird at most sites visited, more heard than seen.

331.         FLUTIST WREN, Microcerculus ustulatus, Fluitwinterkoning
                A splendid observation of a pair at La Escalera (km 111.4).

332.         LONG-BILLED GNATWREN, Ramphocaenus melanurus, Zwartstaartmuggensluiper
                2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

333.         TROPICAL GNATCATCHER, Polioptila plumbea, Amazone-muggenvanger
                3 in the Maturin region, 7 en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

334.         BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN, Phaeoprogne tapera, Bruinborstzwaluw
                Up to 4 daily in the Campamento Río Grande area.

335.         GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN, Progne chalybea, Grijsborstpurperzwaluw
                Recorded on 8 dates and many roadside stops (a group of 200+).

336.         BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW, Notiochelidon cyanoleuca, Blauw-witte Zwaluw style='

                A fairly common bird in the La Escalera region, small numbers en route throughout the visited areas.

337.         BLACK-COLLARED SWALLOW, Atticora melanoleuca, Zwartkraagzwaluw
                30+ resting on rocks in the midstream of Río Ano en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

338.         TAWNY-HEADED SWALLOW, Stelgidopteryx fucata, Bruinkopzwaluw
                20+ at La Gran Sabana.

339.         SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, Zuidamerikaanse Ruwvleugelzwaluw
                Small numbers in the Maturin area and at Caño Colorado.

340.         HOODED SISKIN, Carduelis magellanica, Zwartkopsijs
                A male at La Escalera.

341.         TROPICAL PARULA, Parula pitiayumi, Maskerparulazanger
                3 at La Escalera.

342.         SLATE-THROATED REDSTART, Myioborus miniatus, Menie-zanger
                6 at La Escalera.

343.         * TEPUI REDSTART, Myioborus castaneocapillus, Tepui-zanger
                7 at La Escalera (km 122 - 134).

344.         TWO-BANDED WARBLER, Basileuterus bivittatus, Dubbelbandzanger
                Up to 3 daily at La Escalera.

345.         ROSE-BREASTED CHAT, Granatellus pelzelni, Roze Granaatzanger
                A male at Caura Forest Reserve.

346.         RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW, Zonotrichia capensis, Roodkraaggors
                20+ at La Gran Sabana.

347.         GRASSLAND SPARROW, Ammodramus humeralis, Graslandgors
                2 in the Maripa region.

348.         * TEPUI BRUSH-FINCH, Atlapetes personatus, Tepui-struikgors
                9 at La Escalera (km 123 - 133).

349.         RED-CAPPED CARDINAL, Paroaria gularis, Zwartkeelkardinaal
                Only seen 1 bird at the lagoons near the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

350.         BANANAQUIT, Coereba flaveola, Suikerdiefje
                Fairly common and widespread with records on 12 dates.

351.         BLACK-FACED TANAGER, Schistoclamys melanopis, Sluiertangare
                7 at La Gran Sabana.

352.         MAGPIE TANAGER, Cissopis leveriana, Ekstertangare
                Small numbers daily at Río Grande Forest Reserve and Imataca Forest Reserve, a few en

                route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

353.         YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER, Hemithraupis flavicollis, Geelstuittangare
                5 at Caura Forest Reserve.

354.         * OLIVE-BACKED TANAGER, Mitrospingus oleagineus, Olijfrugtangare
                Up to 15 daily at La Escalera.

355.         FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER, Lanio fulvus, Bruine Klauwiertangare
                4 at La Escalera (km 110).

356.         FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER, Tachyphonus cristatus, Vuurkuiftangare
                A splendid observation at Caura Forest Reserve.

357.         FULVOUS-CRESTED TANAGER, Tachyphonus surinamus, Goudkuiftangare
                Only 1 seen at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 65).

358.         WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER, Tachyphonus luctuosus, Witschoudertangare
                1 near Maturin, 2 at Caño Colorado, a few at Caura Forest Reserve.

359.         WHITE-LINED TANAGER, Tachyphonus rufus, Zwarte Tangare
                Small numbers at Cueva del Guácharo NP, at Caño Colorado and at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

360.         RED-SHOULDERED TANAGER, Tachyphonus phoenicius, Roodschoudertangare
                5 at La Escalera (km 116).

361.         WHITE-WINGED TANAGER, Piranga leucoptera, Witvleugeltangare
                5 at La Escalera (km 116).

362.         SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER, Ramphocelus carbo, Fluweeltangare
                Common and widespread with records on 13 dates.

363.         BLUE-GRAY TANAGER, Thraupis episcopus, Bisschopstangare
                Abundant and widespread with records on all days.

364.         PALM TANAGER, Thraupis palmarum, Palmtangare
                Rather common and widespread with records on 10 dates.

365.         BLUE-BACKED TANAGER, Cyanicterus cyanicterus, Siertangare
                A single bird was seen at Imataca Forest Reserve (km 71).

366.         PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA, Euphonia chlorotica, Purperkeelorganist
                A single observation at La Escalera (km 121).

367.         FINSCH'S EUPHONIA, Euphonia finschi, Finsch' Organist
                2 at La Escalera (km 117).

368.         VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA, Euphonia violacea, Violette Organist
                10+ at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

369.         WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA, Euphonia minuta, Witbuikorganist
                A single bird was seen at La Escalera (km 112).

370.         RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA, Euphonia rufiventris, Roodbuikorganist
                2 at La Escalera (km 114).

371.         BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA, Chlorophonia cyanea, Blauwnekorganist
                A male at La Escalera (km 123).

372.         TURQUOISE TANAGER, Tangara mexicana, Turkooistangare
                2 at at Caño Colorado, 10+ at Río Grande Forest Reserve, a few at Imataca Forest Reserve

                en route from El Dorado to Las Claritas, 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

373.         PARADISE TANAGER, Tangara chilensis, Paradijstangare
                20+ at La Escalera.

374.         YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER, Tangara xanthogastra, Geelbuiktangare
                Up to 10 daily at La Escalera.

375.         SPOTTED TANAGER, Tangara punctata, Druppeltangare
                2 at the nest in Imataca Forest Reserve (km 62).

376.         SPECKLED TANAGER, Tangara guttata, Spikkeltangare
                A single observation at La Escalera (km 123).

377.         DOTTED TANAGER, Tangara varia, Stippentangare
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

378.         BAY-HEADED TANAGER, Tangara gyrola, Okerkaptangare
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 9 at La Escalera.

379.         BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER, Tangara cayana, Sabeltangare
                Single ones at El Pao and at the Río Ano bridge.

380.         BLACK-HEADED TANAGER, Tangara cyanoptera, Zwartkoptangare
                5 at La Escalera.

381.         BLUE DACNIS, Dacnis cayana, Blauwe Pitpit
                2 at Caño Colorado, 6 at Imataca Forest Reserve, 1 at La Escalera and also 1 at Caura Forest Reserve.

382.         GREEN HONEYCREEPER, Chlorophanes spiza, Groene Suikervogel
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 at La Escalera and 1 at Imataca Forest Reserve.

383.         PURPLE HONEYCREEPER, Cyanerpes caeruleus, Purperen Suikervogel
                Up to 6 daily at La Escalera.

384.         RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER, Cyanerpes cyaneus, Blauwe Suikervogel
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, up to 10 daily at La Escalera, several at Caura Forest Reserve.

385.         PILEATED FINCH, Coryphospingus pileatus, Grijze Kroongors
                3 near Embalse Las Clavellinas.

386.         ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH, Sicalis columbiana, Dwergsaffraangors
                6 near the lagoons at the (Maripa) bridge across the Río Caura.

387.         SAFFRON FINCH, Sicalis flaveola, Gewone Saffraangors
                2 in the Maturin region.

388.         GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH, Sicalis luteola, Graslandsaffraangors
                A pair at La Gran Sabana (km 237), 20+ on the savannas north of the Caura Forest Reserve.

389.         WEDGE-TAILED GRASS-FINCH, Emberizoides herbicola, Wigstaartgrasgors
                Only 1 seen at La Gran Sabana (Soldiers Monument).

390.         BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT, Volatinia jacarina, Jacarinagrasgors
                A very common and widespread species.

391.         SLATE-COLORED SEEDEATER, Sporophila schistacea, Leigrijs Dikbekje
                2 near El Palmar.

392.         GRAY SEEDEATER, Sporophila intermedia, Blauwgrijs Dikbekje
                Small numbers in the El Palmar region, 2 near El Pao.

393.         PLUMBEOUS SEEDEATER, Sporophila plumbea, Loodgrijs Dikbekje
                20+ on the savannas north of the Caura Forest Reserve.

394.         LESSON'S SEEDEATER, Sporophila bouvronides, Lessons Dikbekje
                6 at Caño Colorado, 7 near El Palmar and a few near Maripa.

395.         YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER, Sporophila nigricollis, Geelbuikdikbekje
                3 in the Maturin region.

396.         RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER, Sporophila minuta, Dwergdikbekje
                15+ at La Gran Sabana, a few on the savannas north of the Caura Forest Reserve.

397.         LARGE-BILLED SEED-FINCH, Oryzoborus crassirostris, Dikbekzaadkraker
                4 at Caño Colorado.

398.         GREAT-BILLED SEED-FINCH, Oryzoborus maximiliani, Grootsnavelzaadkraker
                2 at Caño Colorado.

399.         LESSER SEED-FINCH, Oryzoborus angolensis, Zwartkopzaadkraker
                5 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, a few en route from Las Claritas to El Dorado.

400.         SOOTY GRASSQUIT, Tiaris fuliginosa, Zwartborstgrondvink
                2 en route from El Tigre to Barcelona.

401.         * GREATER FLOWER-PIERCER, Diglossa major, Grote Berghoningkruiper
                2 at La Escalera (km 123.4).

402.         YELLOW-GREEN GROSBEAK, Caryothraustes canadensis, Geel-groene Kardinaal
                7 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 9 at La Escalera.

403.         SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK, Pitylus grossus, Witkeelkardinaal
                4 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, 2 at Caura Forest Reserve.

404.         BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR, Saltator maximus, Bontkeelsaltator
                Small numbers almost daily in Bolívar.

405.         GRAYISH SALTATOR, Saltator coerulescens, Grijze Saltator
                4 near Maturin and a few at Caño Colorado.

406.         STREAKED SALTATOR, Saltator albicollis, Gestreepte Saltator
                A single bird near Embalse Las Clavellinas.

407.         BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK, Cyanocompsa cyanoides, Blauwrugbisschop
                2 at La Escalera.

408.         ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK, Cyanocompsa brissonii, Ultramarijnbisschop
                A single bird near Embalse Las Clavellinas.

409.         CRESTED OROPENDOLA, Psarocolius decumanus, Kuiforopendola
                Fairly common at Caño Colorado and Río Grande Forest Reserve, a few at Imataca Forest Reserve.

410.         GREEN OROPENDOLA, Psarocolius viridis, Groene Oropendola
                Small numbers at Río Grande Forest Reserve and at Imataca Forest Reserve.

411.         AMAZONIAN (OLIVE) OROPENDOLA, Gymnostinops bifasciatus, Para-oropendola
                Small numbers at Caura Forest Reserve.

412.         YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE, Cacicus cela, Geelstuitbuidelspreeuw
                A few at Caño Colorado and at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

413.         RED-RUMPED CACIQUE, Cacicus haemorrhous, Roodstuitbuidelspreeuw
                10+ at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

414.         YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE, Amblycercus holosericeus, Geelsnaveltroepiaal
                6 at Río Grande Forest Reserve.

415.         YELLOW ORIOLE, Icterus nigrogularis, Gele Troepiaal
                2 near Maturin, 3 at Río Grande Forest Reserve, small numbers en route from Ciudad Bolivar to Maripa.

416.         ORANGE-CROWNED ORIOLE, Icterus auricapillus, Oranjekaptroepiaal
                2 at Río Grande Forest Reserve and 2 en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

417.         TROUPIAL, Icterus icterus, Oranje Troepiaal
                A single bird en route from Ciudad Bolívar to Maripa.

418.         YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD, Agelaius icterocephalus, Geelkaptroepiaal
                50+ at the marsh near Villa Lola, 2 at the marsh near El Pao, a few at the marsh near Anaco.

419.         RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD, Leistes militaris, Zwartkopsoldatenspreeuw
                1 in the Maturin area, 4 in the El Palmar area, 4 in the Maripa region.

420.         EASTERN MEADOWLARK, Sturnella magna, Witkaakweidespreeuw
                4 on the savannas north of Caura Forest Reserve.

421.         VELVET-FRONTED GRACKLE, Lampropsar tanagrinus, Pluchekoptroepiaal
                20+ at Caño Colorado.

422.         * GOLDEN-TUFTED GRACKLE, Macroagelaius imthurni, Goudokseltroepiaal
                Up to 12 each day at La Escalera.

423.         CARIB GRACKLE, Quiscalus lugubris, Caribische Troepiaal
                Common on the coast and near Maturin.

424.         SHINY COWBIRD, Molothrus bonariensis, Glanskoevogel
                Small numbers in the Maturin area and at El Palmar.

Venezuela Index
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