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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

Eastern Venezuela 14 - 30 December 2002,

David Van den Schoor

Other participants:

Ignace Ledegen
Bert Hoeybergs
Filiep 't Jollyn

For additional information, please contact :

David Van den Schoor
Vonckstraat 23 A
2270 Herenthout
Belgium
Tel. + Fax: ++32-14-51.13.95
e-mail: d.vdschoor@pi.be

INTRODUCTION

This report covers a 16-day trip to Eastern Venezuela taken by Ignace Ledegen, Bert Hoeybergs, Filiep 't Jollyn and David Van den Schoor.  Our main aim was to see as many birds as possible and as many of the accessible tepui endemic as possible. 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 1380 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'. 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. Birding in Venezuela is enhanced by the outstanding beauty of many of the birds, the unique richness and variety of landscape, and the pleasant tropical climate.  I'm not going to write a true "trip report", as good descriptions have been made in several reports (see references).

TOUR SERVICE

If you are limited in time, the best way to see the birds is to hire a vehicle and driver. The best company we had found was Kamadac Tours (see useful addresses).  The driver will be a birder / driver who knows all the sites and important endemic stake-outs, our guide was Orlando, who was quit good.  Kamadac Tours will pick you up from the airport and take you on your birding tour without having to waste time filling paper work / deposit or anything (all this was done at the start of the trip).  They charge a price of 475 US $ per person for a 16 day bird tour itinerary.  This price includes:

- Transport in an air-conditioned 4X4 Jeep with an English speaking bird watching driver guide;
- Taxes, assurances, fuel and unlimited mileage;
- All costs and lodgements for the driver.

Payment could be made either by credit card, cash or travellers cheques and they accept Visa or American Express Credit Cards.

FLIGHT AND VISA

We flew from Brussels to Caracas via Frankfurt with Lufthansa for 709,16 EUR return, taxes included.  The flights were punctual and trouble free.

Be sure to reconfirm your flight at least 72 hours before departure.  A permit valid for a less than 90 day stay, is issued free on arrival at the airport, otherwise you do need a visa from the embassy!

Note that air travel is relatively inexpensive in Venezuela, I paid for a domestic flight with Aeropostal from Puerto Ordaz to Caracas 92679,-Bs.

MONEY

The unit of currency in Venezuela is the Bolívar. The exchange rate in December 2002 was about 1302,- 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,  Ciudad Bolívar and Maturin and the more expensive hotels.

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. 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.

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. We were in the dry season and had excellent weather during our stay!

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels were in general very clean and good.  Where necessary there was air-conditioning  and hot showers  in the rooms. We stayed at following places:

Hotel Uchire, Boca de Uchire
25000,-Bs for a room for four persons

Hotel El Berra, Irapa 
12000,-Bs for a double room

private house at Caripe
25000,-Bs in total ! 
     
Hotel Chaima Inn, Maturin    
38000,-Bs for a double room

Hotel Parador Taguapire, El Palmar          
20000,-Bs for a double room 

Anocomba Lodge, Las Claritas    
30000,-Bs for a cabine for two persons       -

Hotel Las Américas, Caracas 
73125,-Bs for a double room 

USEFUL ADDRESSES  

KamadacTours    
Gran Sabana             
Ecoturismo, Viajes y Expediciones     
Calle Urdaneta 1615, Sta. Elena de Uairén, Edo.      
Bolivar - Venezuela              
Tel. 0414-8801437 Froilàn A. Dominguez Siso - Operations Manager         
www.abenteuer-venezuela.de      infokamadac@cantv.net  

Luis and Manuel Rodrigues (guides for Cerro Negro). For contact them, ask at the reception of the Caripe Oilbird caves (Guacharo National Park). They arrange the permission to enter the private range (coffee-plantations) and they know the small trail leading to the summit and the right places to look for the endangerd Grey-headed Warbler. We had to pay only 70000,-Bs in total!

For a visit to the Harpy Eagle nest, you can simply arrange it in Hotel Parador Taguapire. The manager know a few guides in the village who can bring you to the nest site. Price 50000,-Bs for the group.

TIME ZONE

CET - 5 hours

TELEPHONE / COMMUNICATIONS

Buy telephone cards in local shops. You usually need one even to make a toll free call with public telephones. You can buy them in units of about $3 and $5, and up. I was usually, though not always, able to get through with an MCI calling card in any town of size. The larger cities had Internet cafes, with very reasonable rates - often under a Dollar for an hour. Computer speeds were very slow everywhere - it takes some time just to download and read a few e mails.

ITINERARY

14 Dec.

Flight Brussels-Frankfurt and Frankfurt-Caracas with Lufthansa. Arrived after a long flight (circa 11 hrs) and collecting luggage, met Orlando in the airport and did the 5 hour drive to Boca de Uchire.  After a little searching we booked a room for  in Hotel Uchire.

15 Dec.

Laguna de Unare (6:30 till 10:00) and start long journey towards Irape (circa 6hrs) with a stop at  El Lazo (14:00 till 15:30). A 2-night stay in Hotel El Berra.

16 Dec.

Cerro Humo (7:00 till 14:00) and Laguna de Chacopato for the rest of the afternoon.

17 Dec.

Laguna de Chacopato (7:30 till 10:00) and drive to Caripe were we spend the rest of the day around the Oilbird caves (Guacharo National Park).

18 Dec.

Early start with our guides to the summit of Cerro Negro (5:00 till 11:30) and a second visit in the afternoon to the Oilbird caves and surrounding trails.

19 Dec.

 Leave early  for Maturin with a very successful stop at Lago de San Francisco  (7:00 till 10:00). First visit to Caño Colorado in the afternoon. Night in Hotel Chaima Inn.

20 Dec.

Another visit to the Caño Colorado (6:00 till 10:00).  After breakfast start to El Palmar with a few roadside stops. Nice were both species of River Dolphins on the ferry-cross over the Rio Orinoco! Arrived at 15 hour.  Check-in at the Hotel Parador Taguapire for a 3 nights stay.  Rest of the afternoon birding around the hotel and along the roadside.

21 Dec.

Picked-up our guide and start early (4:30) to the Rio Grande Forest Reserve in search of Harpy Eagle, one of the target species of the trip. Return around 16:00 after a very productive and succesfull day!

22 Dec.

Full day birding in the Rio Grande Forest Reserve (6:00 till 18:00).

23 Dec.

Again birding in the Rio Grande Forest Reserve (6:00 till 11:00). Journey towards Las Claritas (La Escalera Road) with some roadside birding. Arrived around dusk. Check-in for 5 nights in the pleasant Anacomba Lodge.

24 Dec.

Today we visit La Escalera Road (KM 98-125) and the fabulous Henry's Garden.

25 Dec.

Visits to the higher parts of La Escalera Road and the beginning of La Grand Sabana (KM 142-110) plus the Capucinebird Lek late afternoon, super!

26 Dec.

Birding at the lower parts of the park on the famous Guyana-trail (KM 73)

27 Dec.

Birding along La Escalera Rad (KM 123-110) and in the afternoon again along Las Claritas Road (KM 67-75)

28 Dec.

A last visit on the lower parts, hoping to see a few more specialities.  Long drive to Puerto Ordaz were I taked a domestic flight to Caracas.  Night at the Hotel Las Américas at the centre of Caracas.

29 Dec.

After some sight-seeing flight back to Brussels via Frankfurt.

30 Dec.

Arrival in Brussels-airport at 14:10.

REFERENCES

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

Birdlife International (2000): Threatened Birds of the World.

Birdquest . Checklist Eastern Venezuela.

Birdquest . Mark Van Beirs. Eastern Venezuela 19th December 1999 - 8th January 2000.

Birdquest. Southeast Venezuela 16 December 2001 - 5 January 2002.

Birdquest. Paul Coopmans. Eastern Venezuela February 2002.

Dave Klauber. Venezuela 7 February - 29 March 2001.

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

James F. Clements: Birds of the world.  A check list, (Fifth Edition 2000).

Jan Vermeulen.  South-eastern Venezuela 28 May-12 June 1994.

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

John van der Woude. Venezuela (Bolivar state) 27 Feb. TO 10 March 1995.

John van der Woude.  Birding trip report NE and NW Venezuela, 25 Dec. 1997 - 13 Jan. 1998.

Jon Hornbuckle. Birding in SE Venezuela, February 1993.

Jon Hornbuckle. Venezuela Birding Trip Report 19 January - 23 February 2001.

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

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

Mark Pearman. Bolivar, July 1990.

Martin R. de La Pêna and Maurice Rumboll.  Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (Collins Illustrated Checklist).

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

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

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

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

Peter Boesman. CD-Rom of Venezuelan Birds.

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

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

Robert S. Ridgely and Guy Tudor.  The Birds of South America, Volume II.  The Suboscine Passerines. Allen.

RODOLPHE MEYER DE SCHAUENSEE AND WILLIAM H. PHELPS JR. A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF VENEZUELA 1978.

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

Steven L. Hilty and David Ascanio. Eastern Venezuela and the Tepuis January 2-15, 1997.

Steven L. Hilty. Birds of VENEZUELA 2003.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many thanks to Mark Van Beirs for providing some good tapes and information.  Without his help this trip was surely less productive!

ANNOTATED BIRD LIST
Used abbreviations:

CC=      Caño Colorado
CH=      Cerro Humo
CL=      Chacopata Laguna
CN=      Cerro Negro
EL=       El Lazo
GT=      Guyana Trail
LE=       La Escalera Road
LF=       Lago de San Francisco
LU=      Laguna de Unare
OC=      Oilbird Caves (Guachaco National Park)
RG=      Rio Grande Forest Reserve

This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Checklist, Fifth Edition 2000) with a few exceptions of recent taxonomy decisions and name changes (see also www.ibispub.com/updates.html)

Some frequently used alternative names are also mentioned.

Notes of threatened species on the IUCN Red List were taken of "Threatened Birds of the World" - Birdlife International (2000).

See www.birdlife.net/species/species_search_results.cfm.

Species put between brackets were only heard.

For some species no details are given about their abundance, this automatically indicates that the species was seen regularly, it does however not necessarily mean that it is common. *denotes a species not seen by myself.

Least Grebe           Tachybaptus dominicus
LF-RG-LE - small numbers.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
LF - c.20 birds in total were seen.

Brown Pelican       Pelecanus occidentalis
LF - 3 birds seen, much more were seen en journey along the coast.

Brown Booby        Sula leucogaster
CL - a single observation on shore.

Neotropic (Olivaceous) Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
LU-CL-LF - a common species in suitable habitat.

Anhinga (Darter)  Anhinga anhinga
CL - a single. Another bird was seen en route from El Palmar to Las Claritas.

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
LU-EL-CL - commonly seen.

Black-crowned Night-Heron      Nycticorax nycticorax
LF - a single. Another bird was seen en route from El Palmar to Las Claritas.

Whistling Heron    Syrigma sibilatrix
RG - two birds seen twice.

Tricolored (Louisiana) Heron     Egretta tricolor
LU - c.1O birds seen.

Little Blue Heron  Egretta caerulea
LU - c.10 birds, a single was seen en route between El Palmar - Las Claritas.

Snowy Egret          Egretta thula
LU - c.1O birds were counted.

Capped Heron       Pilherodius pileatus
LF - 4 birds. A single observation en route between El Palmar - Las Claritas.

Cocoi (White-necked) Heron     Ardea cocoi
LU-CL-LF- A few records, a single en route.

Great Egret            Ardea alba
LU-LF-CC-RG - regularly seen, also en route.

Cattle Egret           Bubulcus ibis
A common species en suitable habitat, mostly seen along the roads.

Striated Heron      Butorides striatus
LU-LF-CC- small numbers.

Wood Stork (American Wood Ibis)  Mycteria americana
A single bird in the marshes just outside El Palmar.

Jabiru    Jabiru mycteria
A single observation en route between El Palmar - Las Claritas.

Scarlet Ibis            Eudocimus ruber
LU-EL-CL - c.60 birds were counted.

Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis
LF - two singles.

Roseate Spoonbill       Platalea ajaja
LU - A single observation.

Caribbean Flamingo   Phoenicopterus ruber
LU-CL - respectively c.130 and c.300 birds.

White-faced Whistling-Duck      Dendrocygna viduata
LU - 500+ birds were seen.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck     Dendrocygna autumnalis
c.20 birds in the marshes outside El Palmar.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
LU - c.10 birds.

White-cheeked (Bahama) Pintail    Anas bahamensis
LU - a total of c.100 birds.

Black Vulture        Coragyps atratus
Most common raptor, almost daily seen in good numbers.

Turkey Vulture      Cathartes aura
Common throughout the country.

*Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture       Cathartes burrovianus
 LE - a single from very close range in Las Claritas.

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture       Cathartes melambrotus
CC-RG - c.15 birds in total were counted.

King Vulture          Sarcoramphus papa
RG - a pair in the forest on the 'Harpy-trail'.

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus
LU - 5+ were seen. Another en route between El Palmar and Las Claritas.

Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis
RG - a nice observation from close range.

Hook-billed Kite    Chondrohierax uncinatus
CC-RG - respectively 1 and 4 birds. c.5 singles more enroute.

Pearl Kite  Gampsonyx swainsonii
CC - a single. Two singles en route.

White-tailed Kite  Elanus leucurus
LF-CC - a single and c.5 birds respectively.

Double-toothed Kite   Harpagus bidentatus
LE - a single at KM 67.

Bicolored Hawk    Accipiter bicolor
Another single en journey between LU and Irapa.

Crane Hawk           Geranospiza caerulescens
CC - a nice observation in the clearing near the Manakin-lek.

White Hawk           Leucopternis albicollis
CH-LE - 2 an 3 birds in total were seen.

Common Black-Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
LU - a superb observation.

Great Black-Hawk       Buteogallus urubitinga
CH-RG - a pair and a single bird, all seen very well.

Savanna Hawk      Buteogallus meridionalis
RG - two observations, c.9 more en journey.

Black-collared Hawk  Busarellus nigricollis
CC-RG - respectively a single and 3 birds.

Roadside Hawk     Buteo magnirostris
Small numbers, mostly en journey.

Broad-winged Hawk   Buteo platypterus
LU-EL-LE - a total of c.7 birds.

White-tailed Hawk      Buteo albicaudatus
LE - a single, 2 more en route near CC.

Zone-tailed Hawk       Buteo albonotatus
CL - only one seen.

Harpy Eagle          Harpia harpyja
RG - an immature male near the nest-site for a few hours from close range was surely one of the highlights of the trip! Maybe even more spectacular was an adult female hunting over the big clearing near the bridge. What an impressive bird!

NOTE: Near Threatened qualified by Birdlife Internaional.

Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle   Spizastur melanoleucus
RG - a splendid observation in a dead tree along the road outside the park.

Black Hawk-Eagle       Spizaetus tyrannus
CC - a pair soaring over the forest.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle    Spizaetus ornatus
LE - a single observation near KM 117.

Laughing Falcon   Herpetotheres cachinnans
CC-LE- 3 and 1 bird were respectively seen.

Collared Forest-Falcon  Micrastur semitorquatus
LF - a roosting bird on a branch from a distant.

Black Caracara     Daptrius ater
CC - only one bird seen.

Red-throated Caracara  Ibycter americanus
RG - 3 birds along the 'Harpy-trail' were seen.

Northern Crested Caracara        Caracara cheriway
Seen on most places , up to 20 birds a day.

Yellow-headed Caracara            Milvago chimachima
Like previous species but less common, max. day-count c.6 birds.

American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Regularly seen en route, c.22 in total.

Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis
LU-CL - only 2 singles seen.

Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
CC-RG-LE - 7 seen in total, 2 more en journey towards Puerto Ordaz.

*Little Chachalaca      Ortalis motmot
RG - 2 briefly seen, more heard.

Band-tailed Guan Penelope argyrotis
OC - a single in the forest near the cave entrance before dusk.

Marail Guan           Penelope marail
RG - nice observation along the 'Harpy-trail'.

Spix's Guan           Penelope jacquacu
LE - a pair at KM 115.

Black Curassow    Crax alector
LE - a single on the road at KM 106.

Limpkin Aramus guarauna
LF - 4 birds were counted.

[Russet-crowned Crake]            (Anurolimnas viridis)
EL - 2 birds taped-in till a few metres but unfortunately not seen.

Grey-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea
LF - a pair.

Purple (American P.) Gallinule  Porphyrio martinicus
LF-CC-RG - c.5, 2 and a single bird. Also seen in the marshes outside El Palmar and at the start of the Guyana trail at KM 73.

Common Moorhen      Gallinula chloropus
LF - c.5 seen and c.20 seen in the marshes outside El Palmar.

Wattled Jacana    Jacana jacana
LF-CC-RG - c.25 in total. More were seen in the marshes outside El Palmar (c.40) and  2 at the start of the Guyana trail at KM 73.

Black-necked Stilt       Himantopus mexicanus
LU - c.30 birds in total.

Grey (Black-bellied) Plover       Pluvialis squatarola
LU - 3 birds were seen.

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
LU - 4 birds in total.

Wilson's (Thick-billed) Plover    Charadrius wilsonia
CL - c.20 birds were counted.

Southern Lapwing       Vanellus chilensis
LF - 3 seen, c.5 more en route to Irapa.

South American Snipe    Gallinago paraguaiae
RG - a single over the road before dusk.

Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus
LU-CL - both singles.

Greater Yellowlegs     Tringa melanoleuca
LU - c.100 in total.

Solitary Sandpiper      Tringa solitaria
CC-RG- 1 and 4 respectively, another single enroute from El Palmar to Las Claritas.

Spotted Sandpiper      Actitis macularia
LU-CL - both singles.

Willet     Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
LU - seen twice.

Short-billed Dowitcher   Limnodromus griseus
LU - a single observation.

Semipalmated Sandpiper           Calidris pusilla
LU - c.3000 birds.

White-rumped Sandpiper           Calidris fuscicollis
LU - a single bird was seen.

Stilt Sandpiper      Micropalama himantopus
LU - c.30 birds were counted.

Laughing Gull        Larus atricilla
LU - c.100 birds in total.

Gull-billed Tern     Sterna nilotica
LU - same total like previous species.

Royal TernSterna maxima
LU-CL - c.20 birds in total.

Cayenne Tern       Sterna (sandvicensis) eurignatha
LU - common, c.500 birds.

Common Tern       Sterna hirundo
LU - a single.

Yellow-billed Tern       Sterna superciliaris
LU - a single observation. 4 more were seen when crossing the Rio Orinoco.

Large-billed Tern  Phaetusa simplex
LU - 4 seen, c.30 birds were counted on the Rio Orinoco.

Black Skimmer      Rynchops niger
LU - a total of c.10 birds.

Rock Pigeon           Columba livia
LU-EL- common, also en journey near towns.

Scaled Pigeon       Columba speciosa
Only one seen en journey to Las Claritas.

[Bare-eyed Pigeon]    (Columba corensis)
CL - 3 birds only heard.

Pale-vented Pigeon    Columba cayennensis
CC-RG - Up to 100 at CC, 4 at the latter location and a few enroute near EL.

Scaled Dove          Columbina squammata
LU-CL-OC-CC - a common species.

Common Ground-Dove  Columbina passerina
CL-LF-CC-RG-LE - common.

Plain-breasted Ground-Dove     Columbina minuta
LU - c.6 birds seen.

Ruddy Ground-Dove   Columbina talpacoti
OC-LF-CC-RG-LE- also a common bird.

Blue Ground-Dove      Claravis pretiosa
RG - a male.

White-tipped Dove     Leptotila verreauxi
RG - a single observation.

Grey-fronted Dove      Leptotila rufaxilla
LF-CC-RG - all singles.

Blue-and-yellow MacawAra ararauna
CC - 3 birds flew over.

Red-and-green Macaw  Ara chloropterus
RG-LE-GT - regularly seen, 21 birds seen in total. A few more where only heard.

White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus
CC-RG - daily seen, maximum day-count c40 birds.

Brown-throated Parakeet          Aratinga pertinax
OC-LF-CC-RG - regularly small groups.

Painted Parakeet Pyrrhura picta
RG-LE - 15 and c.30 birds were respectively seen.

Venezuelan Parakeet Pyrrhura emma
CH-CL-OC - good numbers, up to 40 a day.

NOTE: Endemic.

Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus
RG - daily seen, c.17 in total.

Golden-winged Parakeet            Brotogeris chrysopterus
RG-LE - respectively 8 and a single seen.

Tepui Parrotlet      Nannopsittaca panychlora
LE - c.45 birds were counted.

Black-headed Parrot  Pionites melanocephala
RG-GT-LE - 4,2 and 2 birds.

Caica Parrot          Pionopsitta caica
LE - seen twice.

Blue-headed Parrot    Pionus menstruus
RG-LE - c.17 and 4 respectively seen.

Red-billed Parrot  Pionus sordidus
CL - 2 birds seen.

Dusky Parrot         Pionus fuscus
RG-GT-LE - 3,1 and 3 seen.

Yellow-shouldered Parrot          Amazona barbadensis
A group of c.30 birds seen very well just outside Càriapa along the road to CL. Superb!

Yellow-crowned Parrot  Amazona ochrocephala
RG - c.8 birds were counted, especially along the 'Harpy-trail'.

NOTE: Vulnerable qualified by Birdlife International.

Orange-winged Parrot   Amazona amazonica
EL-CC-RG-LE - fairly common, also seen en journey. At CC were 500+ birds seen over the big clearing before dusk!

Mealy Parrot         Amazona farinosa
GT-LE - c.18 birds in total.

Red-fan Parrot      Deroptyus accipitrinus
RG - a total of c.12 birds.

Squirrel Cuckoo    Piaya cayana
CH-OC-LF-LE- almost all observations where singles.

Little Cuckoo         Piaya minuta
LE - a single in Henry's Garden.

Smooth-billed Ani       Crotophaga ani
Almost daily seen at all visited places.

Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
CL-OC - common.

Striped Cuckoo     Tapera naevia
CC - only one single seen.

[Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo]    (Neomorphus rufipennis)
RG - unfortunately only heard.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
CN-RG - nice observation after play-back at CN, only heard at latter location.

Burrowing Owl      Speotyto cunicularia
CL-CC- 3 and 1 bird were seen.

Oilbird    Steatornis caripensis
OC - many thousands of this enigmatic birds came out the caves at dusk, superb!

Great Potoo           Nyctibius grandis
RG - no less than 2 singles where found at a daytime roost. Both splendid observations.

Short-tailed Nighthawk  Lurocalis semitorquatus
RG - c.5 birds seen.

Least Nighthawk  Chordeiles pusillus
RG - like previous species, c.5 birds in total.

Pauraque  Nyctidromus albicollis
CC-RG - respectively 4 and 2 birds seen.

White-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus cayennensis
CL - a single observation.

Tepui SwiftStreptoprocne phelpsi
LE - c.5 birds on two days.

White-collared Swift   Streptoprocne zonaris
CC - a group of c.50 birds.

Band-rumped Swift    Chaetura spinicaudus
GT - c.5 birds were identified.

Grey-rumped Swift     Chaetura cinereiventris
OC-GT-EL - a total of c.25 birds was seen.

Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
EL-CH-OC-CC-RG-LE - commonest swift, small numbers daily.

White-tipped Swift      Aeronautes montivagus
RG-LE - respectively c.10 and c.5 birds seen.

Fork-tailed (Neotropical) Palm-Swift Tachornis squamata
EL-CC-RG-LE - c.23 birds in total.

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift       Panyptila cayennensis
LE - c.5 birds were seen.

Rufous-breasted HermitGlaucis hirsuta
RG-LE - c.12 birds in total.

Green Hermit        Phaethornis guy
OC - a single observation.

Eastern Long-tailed Hermit       Phaethornis superciliosus
GT-LE - 1 and 2 birds respectively seen.

Pale-bellied Hermit    Phaethornis anthophilus
CN - a single.

Straight-billed Hermit    Phaethornis bourcieri
LE - a single.

Sooty-capped Hermit    Phaethornis augusti
LE - again a single obsevation.

Reddish Hermit     Phaethornis ruber
RG - superb observation of a pair.

Little Hermit          Phaethornis longuemareus
EL-CH-CC-RG-GT - all singles except at CC where c.15 birds seen.

Blue-fronted Lancebill   Doryfera johannae
GT - a single.

Grey-breasted Sabrewing          Campylopterus largipennis
LE - seen twice.

Rufous-breasted Sabrewing      Campylopterus hyperythrus
LE - a single seen well.

White-tailed Sabrewing Campylopterus ensipennis
CH-CN - respectively 4 and 3 times was this beautiful Hummer seen.

NOTE: Near Threatened qualified by Birdlife International.

White-necked Jacobin   Florisuga mellivora
RG-LE - 3 birds at both places.

Brown Violet-ear  Colibri delphinae
LE - seen twice.

Green Violet-ear  Colibri thalassinus
CN - a single.

Sparkling Violet-ear   Colibri coruscans
LE - another single observation.

Black-throated Mango   Anthracothorax nigricollis
RG - 3 birds.

*Tufted Coquette Lophornis ornatus
RG - a female.

Peacock Coquette       Lophornis pavoninus
LE - a nice observation.

Blue-tailed Emerald   Chlorostilbon mellisugus
CL-CN-CC - c.9 birds in total.

Fork-tailed WoodnymphThalurania furcata
CH-LE - c.5 and 3 birds were counted.

*White-chinned Sapphire           Hylocharis cyanus
RG - a single.

Golden-tailed Sapphire  Chrysuronia oenone
CN - a single male.

Tepui Goldenthroat     Polytmus milleri
LE - 3 birds around the Soldier's Monument.

NOTE: Endemic.

Buffy Hummingbird    Leucippus fallax
CL - c.5 birds.

White-chested Emerald Amazilia chionopectus
CC-RG - 2 and c.10 birds were seen.

Copper-rumped Hummingbird  Amazilia tobaci
EL-CH-CN - c.5 on first two places, a single on the latter.

Crimson Topaz      Topaza pella
RG-LE - respectively a male and a female were seen.

Black-eared Fairy       Heliothryx aurita
RG-LE - both singles.

Long-billed Starthroat   Heliomaster longirostris
EL-CH-LE - singles and 3 birds on the last location.

Amethyst Woodstar   Calliphlox amethystina
LE - a single male.

Rufous-shafted Woodstar          Chaetocercus jourdanii
CN - 2 birds in the plantations.

Amazonian White-tailed Trogon      Trogon viridis
RG- 2 pairs, a single male at the GT.

Collared Trogon    Trogon collaris
CL - a male.

Black-throated Trogon   Trogon rufus
GT - a pair.

Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata
LF-CC-GT - all singles. 2 en route from El Palmar to Las Claritas.

Amazon Kingfisher      Chloroceryle amazona
CC-RG - 1 and 5 respectively.

Green Kingfisher   Chloroceryle americana
LF-CC-RG - 1,2 and 2 observations.

Green-and-rufous Kingfisher     Chloroceryle inda
CC - splendid observation of a female.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar   Galbula ruficauda
LF-CC - a single and a total of 11 birds on the latter location.

Green-tailed Jacamar    Galbula galbula
RG - seen twice.

Paradise Jacamar       Galbula dea
RG - seen on two days with c.8 and 3 birds in total.

Great Jacamar      Jacamerops aureus
RG - a nice male!

White-necked Puffbird   Notharchus macrorhynchos
LE - seen twice.

Pied Puffbird          Notharchus tectus
RG - 3 different birds in total.

Two-banded Puffbird  Hypnelus bicinctus
CL-CC - 5 and a single observation respectively.

Black Nunbird        Monasa atra
RG - 6 birds in total, 3 more were seen en journey towards Las Claritas.

Swallow-wing (S-w Puffbird)     Chelidoptera tenebrosa
RG-LE - 5 and 2 seen, 5 more in total en route.

Black-spotted Barbet Capito niger
RG-GT - 2 at both places.

Groove-billed Toucanet Aulacorhynchus sulcatus
CH-OC - 4 and 2 birds seen, 4 more in Caripe.

NOTE: Endemic.

Chestnut-tipped Toucanet         Aulacorhynchus derbianus
LE - 5 birds at KM 124.

Green Aracari        Pteroglossus viridis
RG-LE - c.20 birds were count in total.

Black-necked Aracari Pteroglossus aracari
CC-RG-LE - regularly seen, c.50 birds in total.

Channel-billed Toucan   Ramphastos vitellinus
CC-RG- respectively a single and c.8 birds. 2 en journey towards Las Claritas.

White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus
RG-LE - c.16 and 5 birds.

Golden-spangled Piculet            Picumnus exilis
RG - a single observation.

Black-spotted (-dotted) Piculet      Picumnus nigropunctatus
CC - 4 seen, a few more heard.

NOTE: Endemic.

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker        Melanerpes cruentatus
RG-LE - 6 and c.12 birds were seen.

Red-crowned Woodpecker         Melanerpes rubricapillus
The commonest seen Woodpecker, seen at almost all visited places.

Red-rumped Woodpecker          Veniliornis kirkii
A male at Caripe.

Golden-collared Woodpecker    Veniliornis cassini
LE - seen twice.

Golden-olive Woodpecker          Piculus rubiginosus
CH-OC-LE - single males on the two first and 3 birds on the latter location.

Yellow-throated Woodpecker   Piculus flafigula
RG - a single.

Waved Woodpecker   Celeus undatus
RG - also a single bird.

*Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans
RG - seen twice.

Lineated Woodpecker    Dryocopus lineatus
LF-CC-RG-LE - good numbers, 11 birds in total.

Red-necked Woodpecker           Campephilus rubricollis
GT - a pair.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker  Campephilus melanoleucos
LE - a male near the Capucinebird-lek.

Pale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens
CH - a single.

Stripe-breasted Spinetail           Synallaxis cinnamomea
CH - c.10 birds were seen.

Tepui Spinetail      Cranioleuca demissa
LE - 3 birds in total.

Crested Spinetail Cranioleuca subcristata
OC-CN - 2 and 1 respectively seen.

Rusty-backed Spinetail  Cranioleuca vulpina
CC - seen twice.

Yellow-chinned Spinetail            Certhiaxis cinnamomea
6 birds in the marshes outside El Pamar.

Common (Rufous-fronted) Thornbird Phacellodomus inornatus
CC - a total of c.15 birds.

White-throated BarbtailPremnoplex tatei
CN - after missing at CH, finally one bird seen very well.

NOTE: Endemic and Vulnerable qualified by Birdlife International.

Guttulated Foliage-gleaner       Syndactyla guttulata
CN - a single.

NOTE: Endemic.

Plain Xenops         Xenops minutus
CC - seen twice.

Plain-brown Woodcreeper         Dendrocincla fuliginosa
CH - c.5 birds seen.

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper       Glyphorynchus spirurus
RG-LE - c.5 and 4 birds respectively.

Strong-billed Woodcreeper        Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
OC - a single observation.

Black-banded Woodcreeper      Dendrocolaptes picumnus
CH - seen twice.

Buff-throated Woodcreeper      Xiphorhynchus guttatus
RG-GT - both singles.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper    Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
EL - another single observation.

Red-billed Scythebill  Campylorhamphus trochilirostris
CH - one seen.

Black-throated Antshrike           Frederickena viridis
GT - a female taped-in.

Great Antshrike    Taraba major
RG - nice views of a pair along the river-trail.

Black-crested AntshrikeSakesphorus canadensis
LU-EL-CC - all singles, 2 females and a male at the last location.

Barred Antshrike  Thamnophilus doliatus
CC - seen twice.

Mouse-colored Antshrike           Thamnophilus murinus
GT - 2 seen, more heard.

Plain Antvireo       Dysithamnus mentalis
RG-LE - both singles.

Pygmy Antwren    Myrmotherula brachyura
RG-GT-LE - respectively a pair,2 and a single.

Guianan (G.Streaked) Antwren Myrmotherula surinamensis
RG - a pair.

White-flanked Antwren  Myrmotherula axillaris
GT - a pair seen.

Grey Antwren        Myrmotherula menetriesii
LE - c.6 birds were seen.

Todd's Antwren    Herpsilochmus stictocephalus
RG-GT - a single and 2 birds respectively.

Roraiman Antwren      Herpsilochmus roraimae
LE - small groups, c.12 in total.

Northern White-fringed Antwren     Formicivora intermedia
CL - a single male.

Grey Antbird          Cercomacra cinerascens
LE - a female.

Dusky Antbird       Cercomacra tyrannina
RG - regularly seen, c.14 in total.

Jet AntbirdCercomacra nigricans
CC - 2 males taped-in.

Warbling Antbird  Hypocnemis cantator
LE - seen on two days with 3 and 4 birds.

Black-chinned Antbird   Hypocnemoides melanopogon
RG - c.5 birds.

Black-throated Antbird  Myrmeciza atrothorax
LE-GT - 2 and 4 birds seen, more heard on the latter location.

White-plumed Antbird   Pithys albifrons
RG - a male and one more heard along the river-trail.

Spot-backed Antbird  Hylophylax naevia
GT - a single male, another heard.

Rufous-capped Antthrush          Formicarius colma
RG - one crossing the beginning of the 'Harpy-trail'.

Black-faced Antthrush   Formicarius analis
CH - Seen twice, more heard.

[Thrush-like Antpitta]    (Myrmothera campanisona)
RG - a least 5 heard, seen but to briefly to write-in.

[Tepui (Brown-breasted) Antpitta] (Myrmothera simplex)
LE - unfortunately, also c.5 birds only heard.

[Slate-crowned Antpitta]           (Grallaricula nana)
CN - heard twice.

Handsome Fruiteater Pipreola formosa
CN - a pair seen.

NOTE: Endemic.

Screaming Piha    Lipaugus vociferans
RG-LE-GT - 5 seen in total, c.35 more heard.

Purple-throated Fruitcrow         Querula purpurata
RG - 2 birds seen.

Capuchinbird         Perissocephalus tricolor
LE - At least 7 birds seen at the well know lek, really superb birds!

White Bellbird       Procnias alba
LE-GT - regularly heard, 2 seen at the latter location took some time!

[Bearded Bellbird]      (Procnias averano)
LE - only one heard, more easy later in the season.

Guianan Cock-of-the-rock         Rupicola rupicola
LE - seen on all visits at the well know spot around KM 111,5. In total were 7 males and one female seen, a few more were heard to.

Crimson-hooded Manakin          Pipra aureola
CC - 6 and 4 birds seen on two visits.

Golden-headed Manakin Pipra erythrocephala
RG-GT-LE - regularly observed with respectively 5,c.10 and c.6 birds.

Scarlet-horned Manakin Pipra cornuta
LE - 2 males and an immature on different days.

White-crowned Manakin Pipra pipra
RG-GT - male and female on the first, and 2 males and a female on the latter location.

Orange-bellied (Tepui) Manakin      Lepidothrix suavissima
LE - c.12 birds were seen.

Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata
EL - male and 2 females.

Blue-backed Manakin Chiroxiphia pareola
RG - 2 birds seen.

Striped Manakin   Machaeropterus regulus
LE - an unexpected record of a single in a small flocks near KM 117.

Black Manakin       Xenopipo atronitens
LE - a single at KM 115.

Olive Manakin       Chloropipo uniformis
LE - 3 single observations.

Wing-barred Piprites (Manakin)      Piprites chloris
LE - seen twice in flocks.

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher            Mionectes oleagineus
EL - a single.

MacConnell's Flycatcher            Mionectes macconnelli
RG - a single along the river-trail.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher            Leptopogon superciliaris
EL - another single observation.

Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant       Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
CL - one seen.

Ruddy Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum russatum
EL - a single near the check-post at KM 122.5.

Common Tody-Flycatcher         Todirostrum cinereum
CH-CC-RG - a single,3 and c.10 birds respectively seen.

Golden-faced Tyrannulet            Zimmerius chrysops
CH - seen twice.

White-lored Tyrannulet Ornithion inerme
RG - a single.

Yellow tyrannulet       Capsiempis flaveola
EL-CC - 1 and 6 birds in total.

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet       Camptostoma obsoletum
LU - only one seen.

Northern Scrub-Flycatcher        Sublegatus arenarum
CC - 3 birds.

Amazonian Scrub-Flycatcher    Sublegatus obscurior
RG - a single in the scrub towards the forest.

Forest Elaenia      Myiopagis gaimardii
CC - 2 seen.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia   Elaenia flavogaster
CC-RG - 2 and a single seen, 2 more at Caripa.

White-throated Tyrannulet        Mecocerculus leucophrys
CN - a single.

Chapman's Tyrannulet (Bristle-Tyrant)          Phylloscartes chapmani
LE - one in big flock at KM 113.

NOTE: Endemic.

Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant        Myiornis ecaudatus
LF - one in the scrub.

Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant            Lophotriccus galeatus
CC-RG - at least 4 seen, more heard.

Olivaceous Flatbill      Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
GT - a single observation.

Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Flatbill)    Tolmomyias sulphurescens
OC-LE - 3 and 1 bird observed.

Ruddy-tailed FlycatcherMyiobius erythrurus
RG - a single seen.

Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
CH - 3 birds.

Cliff Flycatcher     Hirundinea ferruginea
LE - a pair on the 'Virgin Rock' at KM 98.

Smoke-colored Pewee   Contopus fumigatus
LE - 4 birds in total on different days.

Western Wood-Pewee   Contopus sordidulus
LE - identified twice.

Black Phoebe        Sayornis nigricans
CH - one near the village.

Vermilion Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus rubinus
LU-EL - a pair and a single male respectively.

Pied Water-Tyrant      Fluvicola pica
LU-LF - 2 and 5 birds. c.5 more in the marshes outside El Palmar.

White-headed Marsh-Tyrant     Arundinicola leucocephala
LF-CC-RG - daily a few seen, also 3 in the marshes from El Palmar.

Long-tailed Tyrant      Colonia colonus
RG-LE - 7 birds in total.

Cattle Tyrant         Machetornis rixosus
LU-LF-CC - small numbers, less than 10 in total.

Bright-rumped Attila  Attila spadiceus
RG - a single.

Short-crested Flycatcher           Myiarchus ferox
EL - only one identified.

Brown-crested Flycatcher         Myiarchus tyrannulus
CL - c.5 birds seen.

Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus
Daily seen, common throughout the country.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher   Tyrannus savana
CL-CC- singles. On journey south of the Orinoco c.30 birds in the grasslands.

Variegated Flycatcher   Empidonomus varius
OC-RG-LE - 2,c.9 and a single respectively seen.

Boat-billed Flycatcher   Megarynchus pitangua
LF-RG - seen twice, probably more en journey but not identified.

Yellow-throated Flycatcher       Conopias parva
RG - c.9 birds in total were counted.

Golden-crowned Flycatcher      Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
OC - 3 birds seen.

Streaked Flycatcher   Myiodynastes maculatus
CH-CC - both singles.

Rusty-margined Flycatcher       Myiozetetes cayanensis
LU-EL-RG - c.20 birds in total.

Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Fairly common, seen on most visited places.

Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
RG - 4 in total.

Lesser Kiskadee   Philohydor lictor
LF-RG - 2 and c.5 seen respectively. In Caripa were 4 birds identified.

Great Kiskadee     Pitangus sulphuratus
LU-EL-CH-CL-CN-LF-CC-RG - daily small numbers.

White-winged Becard    Pachyramphus polychopterus
CC - a pair and a single male.

Black-capped Becard Pachyramphus marginatus
RG-LE - a male and a pair respectively.

Pink-throated Becard Pachyramphus minor
RG - seen twice.

Black-tailed Tityra      Tityra cayana
RG - 2 birds in a flock.

Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor
CC - seen twice.

[Sharpbill] (Oxyruncus cristatus)
LE - a single in a big flock was only heard.

White-winged Swallow  Tachycineta albiventer
A common bird in suitable habitats.

Grey-breasted Martin    Progne chalybea
RG-LE - a single and c.15 seen. Common en journey south of the Rio Orinoco towards Las Claritas.

Brown-chested Martin   Progne tapera
CL-CC - c.6 at both places.

Blue-and-white Swallow            Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
OC-RG-LE - regularly seen, 30+ in total.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow    Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Another common Swallow in suitable habitats.

Black-capped Donacobius          Donacobius atricapilla
LF-CC - a single and 2 birds.

Bicolored Wren     Campylorhynchus griseus
3 birds in the park-centre of Caripe.

Stripe-backed Wren   Campylorhynchus nuchalis
EL-CC - 4 and c.5 respectively seen.

Coraya Wren         Thryothorus coraya
RG-LE-GT - 10 in total.

Rufous-breasted Wren   Thryothorus rutilus
OC - 3 birds.

Rufous-and-white WrenThryothorus rufalbus
CH - seen twice.

Buff-breasted Wren    Thryothorus leucotis
CC - c.7 seen.

House Wren          Troglodytes aedon
LU-OC-LF-CC-RG-LE - small numbers, mostly seen near towns.

White-breasted Wood-Wren     Henicorhina leucosticta
RG - a single.

Musician Wren      Cyphorhinus aradus
RG - a single male seen very well, 2 more heard. Easy to taped-in.

Tropical Mockingbird  Mimus gilvus
Common in suitable habitats.

Rufous-brown Solitaire  Cichlopsis leucogenys
LE - 3 singles.

Black-hooded Thrush Turdus olivater
LE - 5 birds were seen.

Pale-breasted Thrush    Turdus leucomelas
EL-LF - both singles, 2 more in the park-centre of Caripe.

Black-billed Thrush     Turdus ignobilis
LE - c.5 birds.

Cocoa Thrush        Turdus fumigatus
RG - seen twice.

Yellow-eyed Thrush   Turdus nudigenis
LF-CC - c.8 in total, 4 more in the park-centre of Caripe.

White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis
LE - only one observation.

Straight-billed Gnatwren            Ramphocaenus melanurus
LF-LE-GT - 4 birds in total.

Tropical Gnatcatcher  Polioptila plumbea
EL-CL-CN-LF - c.13 birds were counted.

Cayenne Jay         Cyanocorax cayanus
RG - a pair seen, shy! More heard at LE.

Inca Jay    Cyanocorax yncas
OC-CN - 4 and 2 respectively. Also 7 in the forest around Caripe.

Tepui Greenlet      Hylophilus sclateri
LE - 2 singles.

Golden-fronted Greenlet            Hylophilus aurantiifrons
CH - a single observation.

Scrub Greenlet      Hylophilus flavipes
CL-LF-CC - a few, more common at the latter location.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike    Cyclarhis gujanensis
CC-RG - 2 and 1 bird seen.

Hooded Siskin       Carduelis magellanica
LE - a single at the 'Soldier's Monument'.

Lesser (Dark-backed) Goldfinch      Carduelis psaltria
CH-OC-RG - 2 at all places, also at Caripe.

Tennessee Warbler     Vermivora peregrina
LU-CH - c.5 and a single respectively.

Tropical Parula      Parula pitiayumi
EL-CH-OC-CN-RG-LE - small numbers, c.16 birds in total.

Yellow Warbler     Dendroica petechia
EL-LF-RG - 5 birds in total.

Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca
CH - seen twice.

Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata
LE - a single.

Northern Waterthrush    Seiurus noveboracensis
LF-RG - singles.

American Redstart      Setophaga ruticilla
CH-LF - 2 and 1 bird.

Slate-throated RedstartMyioborus miniatus
OC-CN-LE - c.5,2 and 4 birds respectively.

Tepui (Brown-capped) Redstart      Myioborus castaneocapillus
LE - seen on three days, 5 birds in total.

Paria (Yellow-faced) Redstart  Myioborus pariae
CH- c.8 birds were counted.

NOTE: Endemic and Endangered qualified by Birdlife International.

*Roraiman Warbler     Basileuterus roraimae
LE - a single in a flocks at KM 113.

Grey-headed Warbler    Basileuterus griseiceps
CN - a male responded well to the tape, good views! Probably the rarest bird of our trip.

NOTE: Endemic and Endangered qualified by Birdlife International.

Golden-crowned Warbler           Basileuterus culicivorus
EL-CH-OC - 4 birds in total.

Three-striped Warbler   Basileuterus tristriatus
CH - seen twice.

Neotropical River Warbler          Basileuterus rivularis
RG - 3 birds seen.

Rose-breasted Chat   Granatellus pelzelni
RG - a male in a flock near the Harpy roost.

Bananaquit            Coereba flaveola
Daily seen, common throughout the country.

Bicolored Conebill       Conirostrum bicolor
LU-EL - c.10 and a single observation.

Black-faced Tanager  Schistochlamys melanopis
LE - 6 birds seen, all at the end of the forest and the beginning of La Gran Sabana.

Magpie Tanager    Cissopis leveriana
RG - seen on two days with 2 and 3 birds.

Guira Tanager       Hemithraupis guira
CH - Only 2 seen.

Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis
RG - 2 in a flock near the Harpy roost.

Olive-backed Tanager    Mitrospingus oleagineus
LE - 3 birds were seen.

Fulvous Shrike-TanagerLanio fulvus
RG-LE - 2 single males.

White-shouldered Tanager        Tachyphonus luctuosus
RG - daily a few, c.11 in total.

White-lined Tanager   Tachyphonus rufus
Seen at almost all visited places, maximum day-count c.10 birds.

Red-shouldered Tanager            Tachyphonus phoenicius
LE - 5 birds at the beginning of La Gran Sabana.

Highland Hepatic Tanager          Piranga lutea
LE - only a single male seen.

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
EL-CH - 3 and 1 bird respectively.

White-winged Tanager  Piranga leucoptera
CH-LE - a female and a pair at the latter location.

Silver-beaked Tanager  Ramphocelus carbo
Fairly common in cultivated landscapes, up to c.30 a day at CC.

Blue-grey Tanager      Thraupis episcopus
A common species throughout the country.

Glaucous Tanager       Thraupis glaucocolpa
LU-CL - c.10 and c.5 birds respectively.

Palm Tanager        Thraupis palmarum
Another common Tanager throughout, 100+ birds at a roost in Las Claritas.

Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala
CH-CN - c.30 and c.5 birds seen.

Purple-throated Euphonia          Euphonia chlorotica
LE - c.8 birds in total.

Violaceous Euphonia  Euphonia violacea
RG-GT-LE - c.22 birds were seen.

Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
CH - 3 birds seen.

White-lored (Golden-bellied) Euphonia          Euphonia chrysopasta
LE - a pair at Henry's Garden.

Orange-bellied Euphonia            Euphonia xanthogaster
LE - c.13 birds were counted.

Turquoise Tanager      Tangara mexicana
RG-LE - c.16 and 3 respectively.

Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis
LE - a group 5 birds near the Capucinebird-lek.

Yellow-bellied Tanager  Tangara xanthogastra
LE - seen twice.

Spotted Tanager  Tangara punctata
CH-LE - c.10 and c.20 birds respectively.

Speckled Tanager       Tangara guttata
LE - c.6 birds in total.

Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
CH-LE - c.10 and c.30 birds were counted.

Burnished-buff Tanager Tangara cayana
RG-LE - respectively a male and 2 females seen.

Black-headed Tanager   Tangara cyanoptera
LE - 3 males and a female around the 'Soldier's Monument'.

Blue Dacnis           Dacnis cayana
CC-LE-GT - seen twice at all locations.

Green Honeycreeper  Chlorophanes spiza
RG-LE - 3 and a single observation.

Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus
EL-RG-LE - c.23 birds in total seen.

Red-legged Honeycreeper         Cyanerpes cyaneus
RG-LE - a single and 3 birds.

Pectoral Sparrow Arremon taciturnus
GT - a male.

Black-striped Sparrow   Arremonops conirostris
LF-CC - 2 singles.

Ochre-breasted Brush-Finch     Atlapetes semirufus
OC - 3 birds were seen.

Tepui Brush-Finch       Atlapetes personatus
LE - 3 birds in total.

Stripe-headed Brush-Finch       Atlapetes torquatus
OC - a single was seen.

Lesser Seed-Finch      Oryzoborus angolensis
RG - 7 birds seen.

Black-faced Grassquit    Tiaris bicolor
CL - c.5 birds.

Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina
A common bird in grasslands.

Grey Seedeater    Sporophila intermedia
CC-RG - c.25 and c.7 birds respectively.

Lesson's Seedeater    Sporophila bouvronides
CC - c.10 birds in total.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater           Sporophila nigricollis
CH-CC-RG - c.12 in total.

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater       Sporophila minuta
LF-RG-LE - 2,4 and 4 respectively seen.

Rufous-collared Sparrow            Zonotrichia capensis
LE - 20+ birds, most seen at the beginning of La Gran Sabana.

Stripe-tailed Yellow-Finch         Sicalis citrina
LE - c.10 birds around the 'Souldier's Monument'.

Saffron Finch         Sicalis flaveola
OC-RG - c.5 and c.20 birds in total.

Wedge-taled Grass-Finch          Emberizoides herbicola
LE - 2 around the 'Souldier's Monument'.

Greyish Saltator   Saltator coerulescens
LU-CH-CN-CC-RG- regularly seen, maximum day-count at CC with c.15 birds.

Yellow-green Grosbeak Caryothraustes canadensis
RG - seen twice.

Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus
RG-LE - 2 singles.

Blue-black Grosbeak  Cyanocompsa cyanoides
GT - a male seen very well, responded heavy to the tape.

Oriole Blackbird    Gymnomystax mexicanus
LU-CL-CN-LF - c.17 birds in total.

Yellow-hooded Blackbird           Agelaius icterocephalus
RG - 3 birds seen in the marshes outside El Palmar.

Red-breasted Blackbird Leistes militaris
LF-CC-RG - singles and 2 birds on the latter location.

Eastern Meadowlark   Sturnella magna
RG - 3 birds, 3 more seen en journey in farmlands towards Las Claritas.

Carib Grackle        Quiscalus lugubris
A common species in suitable habitats.

Shiny Cowbird       Molothrus bonariensis
OC - only 4 birds were identified.

Giant Cowbird       Molothrus oryzivorus
LF-RG - a single and 4 birds respectively seen.

Moriche Oriole      Icterus chrysocephalus
RG - 3 birds observed.

Yellow Oriole         Icterus nigrogularis
CL-LF-RG - a few seen, also in Caripe.

Orange-crowned Oriole Icterus auricapillus
CN-RG - a single and 3 birds seen respectively.

Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela
CC-RG-LE - c.33 birds in total, including 9 in the centre of Caripe.

Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous
RG-LE-GT - a common species, groups up to 100 birds.

Crested Oropendola   Psarocolius decumanus
A common bird throughout the country.

Green Oropendola       Psarocolius viridis
LF-RG-GT - a single, c.15 and c.10 birds respectively seen.

Golden-tufted (Tepui Mountain) Grackle         Macroagelaius imthurni
LE - seen twice with groups of c.15 and c.5 birds.

 

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