casa maria hato pinero 2010 · 2011-11-21 · more than 260 species of birds while visiting several...

2010 VENT Casa María & Hato Piñero Birdlist. D. Ascanio.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

CASA MARIA & HATO PIÑERO

February 9-17, 2010

Leader: David Ascanio

Compiled by: David Ascanio

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, inc. 2525 Wallington Drive, Suite 1003

Austin, TX 78746 www.ventbird.com


Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

Casa María & Hato Piñero Feb. 9-17, 2010 Leader: David Ascanio

If there’s a perfect combination for a relaxed & easy tour in the Neotropics that one is our Casa Maria & Hato Piñero tour in Venezuela. Just looking at the number of bird species and the richness of each area will give you an idea of what I mean: In a 9 days tour we managed to see more than 260 species of birds while visiting several habitats from cloud forest to savanna, wetlands and grassland. Best of it, every day we didn´t spent longer than three hours and a half in the morning and only two to three hours in the afternoon. Our first location was Casa Maria. This lodge is arguably the best one in the country. Here, a combination of an insect and moth atracting light bulb, bird feeders and a inmense garden serves as home for several hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers and night birds. Add to this scene great meals, superb desserts and 3-dimmesional slide show given by one of the best enthomologists in Venezuela. While in Casa Maria we visited large tracks of cloud forest, shade coffee and citrus plantations and birded in easy-to-walk roads contiguous to the lodge. After this superb experience in the northern mountains of Venezuela we drove south to the northern plains to Hato Piñero. This ranch is located in a region unique to the continent occupying a third of Venezuela’s territory. Here the landscape is dominated by flatlands with watercourses draining into the Orinoco River. Grasslands dominate the area while patches of tropical dry forest and gallery forest breaks the homogenity of the region. This is the land were large concentrations of birds can be seen and a viable population of wild cats remains. Being a wildlife rich area we spent more days at the ranch and drove across the safari vehicles throughout the roads of it. As in the previous years we arranged an optional short night outing and still saw most of what you expect to see in a regular birding tour. This year was somehow different than any previous R&E tour to these locations. Since November 2009 most of northern South America have been under the influence of el Niño weather pattern


thus bringing a severe drought to the whole country. In fact, some time in March we registered the hottest day in Venezuela for the last 103 years! I believe that is the reason why we reported less number of individuals per species at the ranch.

Among the favorite bird species of the tour there was a mosaic of preferences. While some participants highlighted the avifauna of the ranch choosing King Vulture, Great Potoo and Gray Pileated Finch others thought that Scarlet Macaw, Long-billed Gnatwren and Sunbittern deserved such honor. Surprisingly, the list was longer than expected and included Whistling Heron, Sooty-capped Hermit, White Hawk, Guira Tanager, Horned Screamer, Northern White-fringed Antwren, Slate-headed Tody Flycatcher, Golden Tanager, Jabiru, Common Tody Flycatcher, Burnished-buff Tanager, Ringed Kingfisher and Stripe-backed Wren.

The birdlist enclosed hopes to refresh some of the great time we shared during the tour. In trying to give you an easy understanding of the continuous changing taxonomy I have added comments to each species when pertinent. Nevertheless, for an up-dated taxonomy of the birds of the Neotropical region please visit the South American Classficiation Committee (SACC) at <http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.html>. Also, for seeing several of the videos taken of the birds of both locations please visit the Internet Bird Collection at http://ibc.lynxeds.com/users/david-ascanio. I want to thanks Gertrudis Gamarra, Desiree Starke and Mario Garcia for sharing their knowledge and skills on locating of the avifauna of Piñero, and to Norbert Flauger for taking us into the wild areas surrounding Casa Maria and for a great slide show. Not to say the least, a big thank you goes to Gaby and her staff in Casa Maria for superb meals and unforgettable desserts! I hope to see you again in another R&E tour in a bird-rich country in the Americas. Maybe in our Trinidad & Tobago tour or the more strenuous Dominican Republic tour. Or, you may want to think about joining us in the easy-going Amazon Cruise or even in a short Puerto Rico tour. I will be very grateful to see you again. Thank you for coming with us!


The Birdlist. The birdlist follows the taxonomy and nomenclature of Birds of Venezuela by S. Hilty (2003) and include some recent taxonomic changes. Some of these changes have been inserted in the birdlist, but when a different English name is given in Hity (2003) such name appears in brackets. For further information regarding the current accepted taxonomy of the birds in the Neotropical region please visit the South American Classification Committee (SACC) at: http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.html Pelecanidae

Brown Pelican. Pelecanus occidentalis. This species was common along the Caribbean coast. Phalacrocoracidae

Neotropic Cormorant. Phalacrocorax brasilianus. We saw scattered individuals in Hato Piñero. Anhimidae

Anhinga. Anhinga anhinga. This time we reported only few individuals in Hato Piñero. Fregatidae

Magnificent Frigatebird. Fregata magnificens. We had scattered sights along the Caribbean Sea. Ardeidae

Whistling Heron. Syrigma sibilatrix. We saw a pairs almost daily along the road leaving the main house. This species is certainly one of the most beautiful herons in Venezuela.

Capped Heron. Pilherodius pileatus. We managed to enjoy great views of about 4 individuals in one afternoon. This year we have seen more individuals that in previous years, and is probably due to the severe drought.

Cocoi Heron. Ardea cocoi. Daily views in Piñero although not numerous. Great Egret. Ardea alba. Daily views although not numerous. Little Blue Heron. Egretta caerulea. 1 or 2 individuals were seen every day at Hato Piñero. Snowy Egret. Egretta thula. We saw only a pair in the east side of the ranch. Cattle Egret. Bubulcus ibis. Numerous. In our list it shows that it was seen daily in Casa

Maria and in Piñero. Black-crowned Night-Heron. Nycticorax nycticorax. We enjoyed views of individuals in

juvenile and adult plumage in Hato Piñero. Boat-billed Heron. Cochlearius cochlearius. We had superb views of few individuals

during the optional night outing in Hato Piñero. Rufescent Tiger Heron. Tigrisoma lineatum. We had superb views of juveniles and adults

in Hato Piñero. It is fascinating to see how this species remains quiet over small wetlands when fishing thus waiting for the moment to hit the bill against the water and catch the prey! Threskiornithidae Hato Piñero is a superb place for enjoying and learning about the ibises. In the ranch we were able to observe all six species to occur in the country.


Buff-necked Ibis. Theristicus caudatus. Unlike most other ibises, this species avoids direct contact with water. We enjoyed close views of it while they were searching for arthropods in the fields with native grasses.

Sharp-tailed Ibis. Cercibis oxycerca. A pair was seen at dawn flying out of the roost near the main house.

Green Ibis. Mesembrinibis cayennensis. Unlike most other ibises, this species remains lonely and prefer areas either inside or close to forest. Also, unlike the Buff-necked Ibis this species is usually close to water in wet grasslands or muddy grounds. Only 4 individuals were seen in Piñero.

Bare-faced Ibis. Phimosus infuscatus. The least conspicuous of the ibis given its dull plumaje and pale face colors. At about 17 individuals were seen in Piñero.

Scarlet Ibis. Eudocimus ruber. We were rewarded one afternoon with great views of this astonishing ibis. Unlike the last year, this time we managed to see about 10 individuals.

Roseate Spoonbill. Ajaia ajaja. We observed loose groups or individuals in the small wetlands along the road to Hato Piñero. Ciconiidae

Wood Stork. Mycteria americana. Few individuals (9 Ind.) were reported in the ponds along the road or soaring.

Jabiru. Jabiru mycteria. 3 pairs were enjoyed feeding on eel, fish and small reptiles in drying ponds in Hato Piñero. Anhimidae

Horned Screamer. Anhima cornuta.We enjoyed great views of this weird species, the closest resemblance to a unicorn in the Americas! Anatidae

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. Dendrocygna autumnalis. The last year we observed more than 400 individuals flying around laguna Los Cerritos in Piñero. In contrast, this year we observed 14 individuals in the same location!

Muscovy Duck. Cairina moschata. We enjoyed a couple of groups of 4 inndividuals each in Hato Piñero. Cathartidae

Black Vulture. Coragyps atratus. Daily views. Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura.. Most sights were of individuals of the the North America

race (septentrionalis) while only one individual of the resident race ruficollis was seen near the biological station of Hato Piñero.

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. Cathartes burrovianus. A pair was soaring low over dry grasses in west side of the ranch.

King Vulture. Sarcoramphus papa. We had a great vulture experience when seeing most of the previous species plus 4 adults and 1 subadult feeding on a carcass found along the southern road of the ranch. Accipitridae

Osprey. Pandion haliaetus. We observed 3 individuals in a wetland along the road to the ranch.


Crane Hawk. Geranospiza caerulescens. This species was observed twisting the tarsi between cracks and inspecting holes on the wall near the main house as it was searching for bats and other prey. The crecent in each of the wings is indeed the best field mark when flying.

Double-toothed Kite. Harpagus bidentatus. A single individual wa seen at Palmichal reserve, Carabobo.

Plumbeous Kite. Ictinia plumbea. A single individual was seen soaring over the Palmichal reserve in Carabobo. This species has an unknown migratory pattern in N & E Venezuela.

Swallow-tailed Kite. Elanoides forficatus. This one was first seen soaring above Casa Maria, and later in Palmichal we observed 3 individuals chasing the Black-and-white Hawk Eagle.

Great Black-Hawk. Buteogallus urubitinga. A pair was seen from the bridge of Caño San Gerónimo, in Piñero.

Savanna Hawk. Buteogallus meridionalis. Several individuals were observed along the roads of Hato Piñero.

Black-collared Hawk. Busarellus nigricollis. A pair was enjoyed along the southern road of the ranch.

White Hawk. Leucopternis albicollis. We had great views of this wide-wings hawk soaring over Casa Maria.

Short-tailed Hawk. Buteo brachyurus. This bird of prey is found in most dry areas of northern Venezuela, although not numerous. In our trip we managed to see one individual in one stop along the road to Hato Piñero.

Roadside Hawk. Buteo magnirostris. Daily views. This is arguably the most ommon and widespread bird of prey in northern Venezuela.

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle. Spizaetus melanoleucus. A pair was seen at the Palmichal reserve, Carabobo. We enjoyed great studies of it! Falconidae

Crested Caracara. Caracara cheriway. This species was common in dry areas. Seen daily. Yellow-headed Caracara. Milvago chimachima. This species is as common as the rpevious

one, but usually more numerous. We reported more 30 individuals. Also, this species perches on top of the cattle and capybaras to feed on ticks and other ecthoprasites.

Laughing Falcon. Herpetotheres cachinnans. Heard from Casa Maria. American Kestrel. Falco sparverius. Seen near the main house in Piñero. Aplomado Falcon. Falco femoralis. Hato Piñero is probably the best location to see this

falcon in Venezuela. We enjoyed a male perched on a fence post every time we left the house for a field trip.

Merlin. Falco columbarius. A single individual perched atop a tree at the edge of the dry forest in the southern section of Hato Piñero is the first record of the species for the ranch in the last 10 years! It is listed as a rare species in the bird inventory. Cracidae

Rufous-vented Chachalaca. Ortalis ruficauda. Daily views I both locations, Casa Maria and Hato Piñero.

Yellow-knobbed Curassow. Crax daubentoni. We had daily views of this almost extinct species that have survived inside the ranch. We reported more than 30 individuals per day.


Odontophoridae Crested Bobwhite. Colinus cristatus. Despite being a widespread species, we only saw a single individual in Piñero. It might be the case that this single individual was the very last of a group! Opisthocomidae

Hoatzin. Opisthocomus hoazin. While observing this species we learned aspects of the natural history of one of the most fascinating bird species in our planet. The Hoatzin is an herbivorous species, having a long crop that functions as a rumen to allow digest its diet. In the past it was thought to be related with the cuckoos, but now it is believed to be related with a sub-saharan species: The Turaco, although some arguments persist about its closest living relative. Aramidae

Limpkin. Aramus guarauna. The melancholic calls of this species were heard at Piñero. We saw a pair feeding on Pomacea snails in a small pond near the main house. Rallidae

Gray-necked Wood-Rail. Aramides cajanea. Many individuals were seen along crossing the roads of the ranch. Eurypygidae

Sunbittern. Eurypyga helias. Daily views. The elegant plumage of the Sunbittern was enjoyed every day while in Hato Piñero. Definitive a favorite among the birders visiting the ranch! Jacanidae

Wattled Jacana. Jacana jacana. We had daily views in the wetlands of Hato Piñero. Recurvirostridae

Black-necked Stilt. Himantopus mexicanus. 5 individuals were seen along the road to the ranch. Burhunidae Double-striped Thick-Knee. Burhinus bistriatus. We enjoyed great views of up to 4 individuals hiding at the shade of the scrubby vegetation of the ranch. Charadriidae

Southern Lapwing. Vanellus chilensis. Daily views. Scolopacidae Opposite to previous years, we saw only one species of sandpiper. This is probably due to the drought in the country.

Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia. We observed about 6 individuals in Laguna Los Cerritos, Piñero.


Laridae Laughing Gull. Leucophaeus atricilla. 1 individual was observed while driving along the

Caribbean coast of Venezuela. Royal Tern. Sterna maximus. A pair was also observed while driving along the Caribbean

coast of Venezuela. Columbidae

Ruddy Pigeon. Patagioenas subvinacea. One was seen in Palmichal, Carabobo. Pale-vented Pigeon. Patagioenas (Columba) cayennensis. Daily views of individuals

perched and flying in forested areas inside the ranch and around Casa Maria. Eared Dove. Zenaida auriculata. Once heavily hunted by sport hunters, the species has

recovered in the last 20 years and in Piñero we observed several dozens of it. Common Ground-Dove. Columbina passerina. This is a common species in forest egde

and scrubby vegetation. It was seen in Caracas and in Hato Piñero. Ruddy Ground-Dove. Columbina talpacoti. This species was common and widepsread in

Casa Maria and in Hato Piñero. Plain-breasted Ground-Dove. Columbina minuta. A pair was seen in the short remnants of

wet grassland in the west side of Hato Piñero. Scaled Dove. Scardafella squammata. It is a common and widespread species in northern

Venezuela. Seen daily in both locations. White-tipped Dove. Leptotila verreauxi. This forest species is easy to see in Piñero

probably due to the tracks of forest. We enjoyed daily views of it. Usually shy in other regions. Psittacidae

Scarlet Macaw. Ara macao. We all enjoyed great views of several pairs and individuals in Hato Piñero. Having these wonderful macaws flying virtually everywhere while we were inside the ranch explained why is so important the conservation of large tracks of dry forest in the plains of Venezuela.

Chestnut-fronted Macaw. Ara severa. This is not a common species in the ranch. We enjoyed two individuals near the main house.

Scarlet-fronted Parakeet. Aratinga wagleri. We saw small groups flying over Casa Maria in the morning. This species have an interesting migration pattern across the valleys of the coastal cordillera in Venezuela.

Brown-throated Parakeet. Aratinga pertinax. This is a common species in the lowlands of Venezuela. We saw it almost every day of gthe tour.

Painted (Venezuelan) Parakeet. Pyrrhura picta (emma). A nice group of about 8 individuals was enjoyed and scoped in La Neblina farm. This species has an interesting taxonomic history. First described as a full species (P.emma) it was later considered to be a race of Maroon-faced Parakeet (P.leucotis). More recently, various authors re-elevated it to species rank and named it Venezuelan Parakeet (P.emma). Later, in 2007 Stotz < http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop306.html > recommended to remove the race emma from leucotis meaning that it was not related to Maroon-faced Parakeet but to Painted Parakeet. That last suggestion passed in the SACC with some interesting observations, some of which suggested to elevate emma to species rank. So, for now, lets call it Painted Parakeet, but bear in mind that in the short term this whole group might be reshuffle again.

Green-rumped Parrotlet. Forpus passerinus. We observed about 5 individuals on the road to Palmichal.


Orange-chinned Parakeet. Brotogeris jugularis. This species is apparently declining in the Llanos, and one of the reasons is the egg-eating behavior by the Capuchin Monkeys. In this trip we saw 4 individuals.

Blue-headed Parrot. Pionus menstruus. We observed few pairs flying over Casa Maria every morning and in the evening.

Yellow-crowned Parrot. Amazona ochrocephala. Few individuals to pairs were observed in Hato Piñero.

Orange-winged Parrot. Amazona amazonica. This species radiates across the Andes and the coastal cordillera in Venezuela. Only a pair was observed in Casa María. Cuculidae

Squirrel Cuckoo. Piaya cayana. One individual was observed in Casa María. Pavonine Cuckoo. Coccyzus pavoninus. This species was heard in the Palmichal reserve. Groove-billed Ani. Crotophaga sulcirostris. Found in scrubby vegetation and dry forest

egde. A small family group was seen in Piñero. Strigidae

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Glaucidium brasilianum. Heard in Casa Maria. Spectacled Owl. Pulsatrix perspicillata. We heard a pair in Hato Piñero, and saw one of

them! Great-horned Owl. Bubo virginianus. 1 individual was seen in the optional night outing in

Hato Piñero. Nyctibidae

Great Potoo. Nyctibius grandis. One individual was scoped in Hato Piñero. Caprimulgidae

Short-tailed Nighthawk. Lurocalis semitorquatus. We had nive views of a pair flying over Casa María at dawn.

Pauraque. Nyctidromus albicollis. One individual was seen in the optional night outing in Hato Piñero. Apodidae

White-collared Switf. Streptoprogne zonaris. A pair was soaring over the palmichal reserve.

Chestnut-collared Swift. Streptoprogne (Cypseloides) rutila. More than 12 individuals were seen flying from the road between Casa Maria and palmichal, at dusk.

Gray-rumped Swift. Chaetura cinereiventris. Few individual were identified flying over Palmichal.

Vaux´s Swift. Chaetura vauxi. This species was the commonest one soaring over the Palmichal reserve. Several were seen. Trochilidae

Rufous-breasted Hermit. Phaethornis hirsutus. One individual visited the flowers in Casa Maria in both mornings.

Sooty-capped Hermit. Phaethornis augusti. This was the commonest hermit along the road between Casa María and Palmichal. In all three situations the individuals gleaned some flowers at


the edge of the forest and perched in the vicinity of it. Since this hermit also gleans in spider webs in walls of houses it is locally known as Limpiacasa (House cleaner).

Stripe-throated Hermit. Phaethornis striigularis. This species was seen three times around Casa Maria and have face an interesting taxonomic history. First considered as a valid specie, it was later lumped with Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus. More recently, Hinkelmann suggested a return of this species to the classification of Cory (1918) and Chapman (1926) being accepted by the SACC. For further information see the footnote n.12 in < http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline04.html>

Lazuline Sabrewing. Campylopterus falcatus. We enjoyed scope views of a male singing from a bare branch at the subcanopy.

White-necked Jacobin. Florisuga mellivora. A female was seen forraging for insects at the forest edge in Palmichal, Carabobo.

Violet-headed Hummingbird. Klais guimeti. This diminutive hummingbird was seen briefly in Plamichal while chasing a Golden-tailed Sapphire from a flowering vine.

Blue-tailed Emerald. Chlorostilbon mellisugus. A male was seen twice in Hato Piñero in a rather scrubby vegetation.

Golden-tailed Sapphire. Chrysuronia oenone. See the comments of this species in Violet-headed Hummingbird.

Glittering-throated Emerald. Amazilia fimbriata. We had daily views in Casa Maria and in Hato Piñero.

White-vented Plumeleteer. Chalybura buffonii. A male visited Casa María in both mornings. Trogonidae

Collared Trogon. Trogon collaris. This beautiful trogon was first heard around Casa María, and the day after a pair seen and scoped in the same spot. Cerylidae I guess that due to the severe drought this year we managed to see only one species of kingfisher. The kingfishers probably evolved in Africa and the species found in the Americas are likely to be the youngest of the family.

Ringed Kingfisher. Megaceryle torquata. Oonly a male was observed in Hato Piñero. This is the largest kingfisher in Venezuela. Galbulidae The jacamars are insectivorous species restricted to the neotropic. They are usually found in pairs or loose groups. In appareance they show resemblances with the old world bee-eaters but are not related with it. That represents a good example of convergent evolution where two unrelated species acquire similar biological traits.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Galbula ruficauda. This is a never-to-forget species. We all enjoyed pairs in both locations and were fortunate to see it every day. Bucconidae

Russet-throated Puffbird. Hypnelus ruficollis. We observed a pair in Hato Piñero. The heavy bill of this puffbird is to catch large insects and to break the shell of it. This puffbird will be split in two species (Russet-throated Puffbird and Two-banded Puffbird) so keep an eye on it!


Ramphastidae Groove-billed Toucanet. Aulacorhynchus sulcatus. Heard in the Palmichal reserve, Carabobo. Picidae

Red-crowned Woodpecker. Melanerpes rubricapillus. This is the commonest woodpecker in urban areas in Venezuela. Many individuals were seen in both locations.

Golden-olive Woodpecker. Colaptes rubiginosus. A single male was observed above Casa Maria.

Spot-breasted Woodpecker. Chrysoptilus punctigula. This species have a preference for gallery forest, although it may be found feeding on grasslands to hunt for insects. In this trip we saw it forraging on a branch of a tree along the west road of Hato Piñero.

Lineated Woodpecker. Dryocopus lineatus. A single male was observed on the bridge of the San Gerónimo stream.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker. Campephilus melanoleucos. We had daily views in Hato Piñero. Furnariidae What is known today as the Furnariidae formerly involved two families: The Ovenbirds (Furnariidae) and the woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptidae). Although there have been a historic controversy (For almost 100 years!) wheter if they should be treated as one or two separate families, DNA sequence published in 2002 have revealed that both must be considered as one family thus reverting all the species into the Furnariidae. The proposal for this change was made in September 2004 and was accepted by the SACC committee.

Pale-breasted Spinetail. Synallaxis albescens. One individual was seen pretty well along the road leading from Casa María to Palmichal.

Stripe-breasted Spinetail. Synallaxis cinnamomea. A skulky pair was observed in Palmichal.

Crested Spinetail. Cranioleuca subcristata. A pair was nesting in Casa María. Unlike the previous species, this is an arboreal one.

Yellow-chinned Spinetail. Certhiaxis cinnamomea. A single individual was observed in a wetland near the main house.

Plain Thornbird. Phacellodomus inornatus. Few individuals were observed searching for arthropods on the ground and on branches of the Saman tree. This is the species that builds the large hanging nests found in posts and hanging from branches of the Saman trees. These nests are also used as breeding site by some seedeaters and by the national bird of Venezuela, the Venezuelan Troupial.

Montane Foliage-gleaner. Anabacerthia striaticollis. Great views of a single individual with a feeding flock in the cloud forest near Casa Maria.

Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner. Philydor rufus. Great views of a single individual moving along with the feeding flock in the cloud forest above Casa Maria.

Guttulate Foliage-gleaner. Syndactyla guttulata. A pair quite unresponsive to playback was seen moving along twisted roots and branches in the understory of the cloud forest above Casa Maria. Endemic to Venezuela.

Plain Xenops. Xenops minutus. One individual was photograph by Jim in Casa Maria. Streaked Xenops. Xenops rutilans. A couple of individuals were seen with a feeding flock

in the cloud forest above Casa Maria.


Plain-brown Woodcreeper. Dendrocincla fuliginosa. We had superb views of a single individual visiting Casa María to feeed on moths and insects atracted by the night light bulb.

Olivaceous Woodcreeper. Sittasomus griseicapillus. This interesting species was seen every day while aty Casa Maria. It is likely to be split into two or three species and the one we saw will be placed with the populations occuring in Central America and northern Venezuela.

Strong-billed Woodcreeper. Xiphocolaptes promeropirhyrnchus. This one was another species seen very well while coming to feed on moth atracted by the night bulb in Casa Maria.

Black-banded Woodcreeper. Dendrocolaptes picumnus. We had great studies of a single individual visiting the light bulb in Casa Maria.

Cocoa Woodcreeper. Xiphorhynchus susurrans. An individual was only heard in the farm above Casa Maria. This species was formerly a race of Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus.

Straight-billed Woodcreeper. Xiphorhynchus picus. A single individual was observed in Mata Carmelera, in Hato Piñero. The race phalara might be treated as a separate species in the future.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper. Lepidocolaptes souleyetii. A single individual was seen while in Casa María area. The distinctive field mark for field identification is the slightly curved bill.

Red-billed Scythebill. Campylorhamphus trochilirostris. We had a brief view of a non-responsive individual along the road above Casa Maria. Thamnophilidae Thamnophilidae, along with Formicariidae and Grallaridae comprised one family in the past. Nowadays, Thamnophilidae comprises small passerine, most with rounded wings and strong legs while the other two families comprises the antthrushes and the antpittas.

Great Antshrike. Taraba major. Seen daily in Casa María. This skulky species was observed well by all tour participants when it hopped towards the screen of the light bulb to feed on the moths attached to it.

Black-crested Antshrike. Sakesphorus canadensis. A male was enjoyed near Caño San Gerónimo in Hato Piñero. The specific name canadensis is another example of a misnomer in neotropical ornithology.

(Northern) White-fringed Antwren. Formicivora intermedia. A male was enjoyed in scrubby vegetation in Hato Piñero. Although Hilty (2003) followed Ridgely (in Birds of South America) in treating this as a separate species (calling it Northern White-fringed Antwren) the SAAC has not formally accepted it. Vocal differences between the populations E and W of the Essequibo suggest that the taxonomic division proposed by Ridgely might be accepted in the near future. Formicariidae The following species were originally treated along with the Thamnophilidae. In a further revision of the family, the antthrushes (Formicarius and Chamaeza) are now treated a separate family while the antpittas (Grallaria, Grallaricula, Hylopezus and other genera) have been placed into a different family, the Grallaridae.

Short-tailed Antthrush. Chamaeza campanisona. We were able to enjoy this species singing from inside the forest at Palmichal reserve. Scoped!


Pipridae Manakins are the quintessence of neotropical birds. Arranged with wonderful plumages, several males of this family display in selected arenas (technically named lek) to attract the females, which usually have duller plumage.

Lance-tailed Manakin. Chiroxiphia lanceolata. We were astonished when a male was observed at the Casa Maria property. This is a new species for Casa Maria backyard list!

Golden-headed Manakin. Pipra erythrocephala. A female was observed feeding on Melastomataceae berries in the cloud forest above Casa Maria. Tyrannidae The Tyrant-Flycatchers are one of the best representative of speciation in the neotropics. For the visitor to Venezuela it can be both frustrating and exciting to see a number of these species coming after the whistle of the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. In our tour we managed to see and learn how to identify 34 species as Casa María and Hato Pinero are without a doubt one of the best places in northern Venezuela to learn about this confusing family.

Sooty-headed Tyrannulet. Phyllomyias griseiceps. Pairs were observed several times in Casa Maria. The short bill is a diagnostic field mark.

Forest Elaenia. Myiopagis gaimardii. One individual was seen near Casa Maria, and later seen again in Hato Piñero. This is one of the hardest-to-identify Tyrannidae in Venezuela due to the lack of a contrasting plumage.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia. Elaenia flavogaster. This one was seen in a couple of times in Casa Maria and in Piñero. The split crest when excited is one of the main field marks.

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet. Camptostoma obsoletum. This is the little one to tell the other birds when a pygmy tyrant is in the vicinity. In fact, we nicknamed it Mr. hyperactive! Many were seen well in both locations.

Mouse-colored Tyrannulet. Phaeomyias murina. This is another speices easy to misidentify due to the lack of strong plumage contrasts. The distinctive eyebrow is one of the best ways to tell it apart form other species. Seen in Hato Piñero.

Paltry (Venezuelan) Tyrannulet. Zimmerius improbus. The Venezuelan Tyrannulet (Z.improbus) is currently considered one species with Paltry Tyrannulet (Z.vilissimus). According to the SACC a proposal to formaly consider it a separate species is badly needed. Once accepted as a full species, Venezuelan Tyrannulet will be restricted to Venezuela and N Colombia. We studied a couple of pairs near Palmichal.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher. Leptopogon superciliaris. We observed the same individual three times around the gardens of Casa Maria. The ear patch is the distinctive field mark.

Northern Scrub-Flycatcher. Sublegatus arenarum. The resemblance of this species with the Myiarchus flycatchers usually drives to a wrong identification. A pair of it was seen in Hato Piñero. All the tour participants noticed the distinctive short bill in comparison with the Myiarchus flycatcher bill size.

Pale-tipped Tyrannulet (Inezia). Inezia caudata. We enjoyed great studies of various individuals in Hato Piñero. The common name Inezia is waiting fort formal proposal to be recognize by the SACC.

Rufous-lored Tyrannulet. Phylloscartes flavientris. Great views of a single individual forraging along with the feeding flock in the cloud forest above Casa Maria. Endemic to Venezuela.

Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant. Lophotriccus pilaris. Good views of an “angry” individual approaching after the whistle of the Pygmy Owl in Hato Piñero.


Common Tody-Flycatcher. Todirostrum cinereum. Seen several times in Casa Maria, Canoabo and Hato Piñero. This psecies has a conspicuous voice despite its small size.

Yellow-olive (Flatbill) Flycatcher. Tolmomyias sulphurescens. This one is another easy to misidentify species in the field. It was seen various times in Casa María, and good studies of the bill were taken. The common name flatbill was resurrected in Ridgely & Greenfield Birds of Ecuador but unfortunately such change has not been accepted by the SACC. It is also named flatbill by Hilty (2003).

Yellow-breasted (Flatbill) Flycatcher. Tolmomyias flaviventris. Pairs and individuals were seen in Hato Piñero. See the text in the above species about the common name flatbill.

Olive-sided Flycatcher. Contopus cooperi. A single individual was seen perched atop a dead branch at the cloud forest edge of Palmichal.

Euler’s Flycatcher. Lathrotriccus euleri. Heard in Palmichal reserve, Carabobo. Vermilion Flycatcher. Pyrocephalus rubinus. This one is a conspicuous and easy to

identify bird. 3 individuals were seen in Hato Piñero. Smoke-colored Pewee. Contopus fumigatus. A single individual was observed in Palmichal

reserve, Carabobo. Pied Water-Tyrant. Fluvicola pica. Daily encounters around the main house in Hato

Piñero. This species is fond to areas close to water and visits gardens of houses with ditches. White-headed Marsh-Tyrant. Arundinicola leucocephala. Various pairs were seen in

Piñero. Like the previous species, fond to areas with water and floating vegetation. Cattle Tyrant. Machetornis rixosus. Two pairs were observed in grassland and pastures in

the vicinity of the biological station. Rusty-margined Flycatcher. Myiozetetes cayanensis. This one was regularly seen in Casa

Maria and Hato Piñero. The yellow-breasted flycatchers are hard to tell apart unless habitat, habits and song is known .In the case of this species the mournful and melancholic whistle is one of the key field marks.

Social Flycatcher. Myiozetetes similis. Many pairs were observed in Casa Maria and in Hato Piñero. This one looks like a bleached out in comparison with Rusty-margined Flycatcher. The voice also differs, being sharp and short.

White-bearded Flycatcher. Phelpsia inornata. After a good search we located a pair of this near-endemic species of Venezuela in Hato Piñero. The short bill and the prominent and immaculate white beard and eyebrow tells it apart from other similar species.

Great Kiskadee. Pitangus sulphuratus. This one was common and widespread in both locations. Several were seen throughout the trip. The prominent bill and the reddish wings are diagnostic.

Lesser Kiskadee. Pitangus (Philohydor) lictor. Basically it is a miniature of Great Kiskadee, but having with thinner bill and preferring areas near water. Only a pair was seen in Caño San Gerónimo in Hato Piñero.

Streaked Flycatcher. Myiodynastes maculatus. A singlew individual was seen in Casa Maria. The bird observed was of the resident race difficilis.

Boat-billed Flycatcher. Megarynchus pitangua. This one was quite conspicuous in Casa Maria where we saw about 6 individuals. It seems like a bird attached to a huge bill!

Tropical Kingbird. Tyrannus melancholicus. It was common and widespread as it was seen daily. Further studies are needed to determine the local migration pattern of this species.

Gray Kingbird. Tyrannus dominicensis. Various pairs were seen in Piñero. Unmistakable. Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Tyrannus savana. The breeding behavior of this flycatcher in

Venezuela is still as mistery as no nesting have been reported in the llanos but there are sight records for all year round! About 8 individuals were seen and heard in Hato Piñero.


The Myiarchus flycatchers are among the most difficult-to-identify in the field. We were able to learn the field marks and voice of three species, out of a genus containing of 22 species!

Dusky-capped Flycatcher. Myiarchus tuberculifer. Two pairs were observed in the cloud forest above Casa Maria and in palmichal reserve.

Short-crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus ferox. There is a regular individual at the entrance of the main house in Piñero, and we saw it well. Best told by voice.

Brown-crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus tyrannulus. A single individual was seen and heard in Hato Piñero. It is similar to the previous species but overall larger and with rufous edges at the tail. Tityridae Studies published in 1989 and 1990 concluded that Tityra, Schiffornis and Pchyramphus formed a distinct group, separated from the rest of Tyrannidae. In September 2007 Prum proposed to adopt the family Tityridae, being accepted by the SACC. In Hilty´s field guide these species were treated as incerta sedis, meaning that they appeared to be related with the tyrant flycatchers but of uncertain affinity.

Cinereous Becard. Pachyramphus rufus. A male was observed in an afternoon outing in Hato Piñero.

Chestnut-crowned Becard. Pachyramphus castaneus. A pair giving its sad and soft whistle was seen around Casa Maria.

Cotingidae

Handsome Fruiteater. Pipreola formosa. We enjoyed g views throughout the scope of a male in Palmichal reserve, Carabobo. Endemic to Venezuela.

Hirundidae

Gray-breasted Martin. Progne chalybea. We saw a pair in Hato Piñero. Blue-and-white Swallow. Notiochelidon cyanoleuca. Few individuals were seen near

Bejuma, on route to Casa Maria. This is quite a low elevation for the resident race. Southern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx ruficollis. We enjoyed few individuals

on the road above Casa Maria. In the mountains this species have a preference to feed in the vicinity of narrow streams.

Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica. Few individuals were flying over open grasslands in Piñero. Troglodytidae

Black-capped Donacobius. Donacobius atricapillus. What a bird with a personality! In fact, it is usually hard to forget the first encounter with this species. In our trip we observe a pair and enjoyed much of the display of it while moves the tail side ways as the body goes up and down, showing at the same time the conspicuous orange cheeks.

Bicolored Wren. Campylorhynchus griseus. This is another conspicuous wren given its size and unique voice. A pair was seen along the road west of the ranch.

Stripe-backed Wren. Campylorhynchus nuchalis. A small family group of 4 individuals was seen bringing nesting material and basically taking over the top part of a nest structure of the Plain Thornbird.


Whiskered Wren. Thryothorus mystacalis. This species was formerly as a race of Moustached Wren (Thryothorus genibarbis). We heard one pair in the San Isidro forest, above Casa Maria.

Rufous-breasted Wren. Thryothorus rutilus. This species was first heard in Casa Maria and later seen in the farm above Casa Maria.

Buff-breasted Wren. Thryothorus leucotis. We enjoyed one individual in Hato Piñero. This is another species likely to be split in the future.

Rufous-and-white Wren. Thryothorus rufalbus. A couple of pairs were seen in Casa Maria. This species has a beautiful and suit song.

House Wren. Troglodytes aedon. This one was common in populated areas and in scrubby vegetation. It was seen in both locations.

Gray-breasted Wood-Wren. Henicorhina leucophrys. A pair was heard in the cloud forest above Casa Maria.

Polioptilidae

Tropical Gnatcatcher. Polioptila plumbea. A pairs was seen in Hato Piñero. Despite its small size, this species is conspicuous as it perches in open areas, calling regularly while wagging the tail.

Long-billed Gnatwren. Ramphocaenus melanurus. We enjoyed great views of a single individual in Casa Maria and another along the road between Casa Maria to Palmichal. This secretive species is usually heard before seen and the number of birders that actually get to see it is very low! Turdidae

Pale-breasted Thrush. Turdus leucomelas. Pairs or trios were seen regularly in Casa Maria. Also seen (less numerous) in ato Piñero.

Spectacled (Bare-eyed) Thrush. Turdus nudigenis. A pair was seen twice in Casa María. Just recently the SACC have accepted the new English name. Mimidae

Tropical Mockingbird. Mimus gilvus. Various pairs were observed in Hato Piñero. Although the North American relative of this species is known for its capacity to mimic other species song the Tropical Mockingbird is not the equivalent of it in the neotropics. Look at the end of this birdlist to find more out about the mockingbird in northern South America! Vireonidae

Brown-cappped Vireo. Vireo leucophrys. Two pairs were seen above Casa Maria. Red-eyed Vireo. Vireo olivaceus. The individual seen in Casa María is presumably of the

North American (migrant) race olivaceus. Golden-fronted Greenlet. Hylophilus aurantiifrons. Two pairs were seen regularly near

Casa María. In the mountains this species likes to follow feeding flocks as they search for insects from the midstorey to subcanopy.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Cyclarhis gujanensis. We all enjoyed a great view of an individual coming to feed on moths in Casa Maria bulb light.


Thraupidae Chestnut-vented Conebill. Conirostrum speciosum. We saw only a pair in Hato Piñero, but

what a view! This species is usually found in pairs or small groups and this time it was located in a flowering tree along the access road of the ranch.

Guira Tanager. Hemithraupis guira. A small family group was seen near Casa Maria in all mornings.

Hooded Tanager. Nemosia pileata. Two pairs were observed forraging along with Chestnut-vented Conebill in Hato Piñero.

Gray-headed Tanager. Eucometis penicillata. This is an army ant specialist, meaning that feeds almost exclusively on arthropods chased by army ants. Every morning we had a pair coming to the light bulb of Casa María to feed on small moth.

Fulvous-headed Tanager. Thlypopsis fulviceps. A pair was observed in the cloud forest above Casa Maria.

White-lined Tanager. Tachyphonus rufus. This one was a coommon species in Casa María. It si so dimorphic that it was once believed to be two separate species!

Summer Tanager. Piranga rubra. A pair was seen in Casa María. The pale bill and the crested-shaped nape were distinctive field marks.

Silver-beaked Tanager. Ramphocelus carbo. This species was common in Casa María but rare in Hato Piñero.

Blue-gray Tanager. Thraupis episcopus. This one was common and widespread, and numerous in both locations!

Glaucous Tanager. Thraupis glaucocolpa. This species can be easily confused with the previous species. One or two individuals came to the bird feeder loaded otherwise with several blue gray Tanagers and a pair of Red-crowned Woodpecker.

Palm Tanager. Thraupis palmarum. Daily views although not numerous. Seen in Casa María.

Speckled Tanager. Tangara guttata. 4 individuals were seen along the road between Casa María and Palmichal.

Golden Tanager. Tangara arthus. One individual was noticed in Palmichal reserve. Bay-headed Tanager. Tangara gyrola. This one was commoner than the previous species.

About eight individuals were seen around Casa María. Burnished-buff Tanager. Tangara cayana. This is probably the most widespread Tangara

in the lowlands in northern Venezuela. We had daily views in Casa María and in Hato Piñero. Blue-necked Tanager. Tangara cyanicollis. What a beauty! Seen twice near Casa María

joining the mob after the whistle of the pygmy-owl. Black-headed Tanager. Tangara cyanoptera. A pair was seen in the farm above Casa

María. Keep an eye of this species, as the race occuring in the Andes and northern Venezuela (cyanoptera) might be treated as a separate species in the near future.

Purple Honeycreeper. Cyanerpes caeruleus. More than four individuals were seen along the road between Casa Maria and Palmichal.

Red-legged Honeycreeper. Cyanerpes cyaneus. A female was observed in Casa Maria. Incertae sedis Species with an uncertain taxonomic position and sharing a historic controversy wheter they should be treated as a Thraupidae or to Emberizidae.

Red-capped Cardinal. Paroaria gularis. (Named Masked Cardinal Paroaria nigrocincta in Birds of Northern South America Restall et al). Pairs and groups of up to four individuals were


seen in Hato Piñero. The race to occur in the Orinoco watershed has been proposed to be treated as a separate species but for the moment it remains as a race of Red-capped Cardinal.

Bananaquit. Coereba flaveola. We enjoyed daily views of individuals feeding on fruit and nectar. This conspicuous species may well be split in more than 3 species sometime in the future! Emberizidae

Yellow-browed Sparrow. Ammodramus aurifrons. We observed about 3 individuals in the south side of Hato Piñero.

Streaked Saltator. Saltator striatipectus. A single individual was seen in Casa Maria, and later a pair was observed on the drive to Hato Piñero.

(Southern) Grayish Saltator. Saltator coerulescens. A pair was observed at the Saman tree where the Orinocan Saltator was first seen, in hato Piñero. Not seen in Casa Maria, although it was common there in the 2009 tour.

Buff-throated Saltator. Saltator maximus. This speices was a regular visitor to the bird feeder in Casa Maria. It ws observed daily.

Orinocan Saltator. Saltator orenocensis. We were surprised by a pair coming to search for arthropods at a Saman tree in Hato Piñero. This species have been really hard this year in Hato Piñero as most of the tours have missed it! Almost endemic to Venezuela.

Blue-black Grosbeak. Cyanocompsa cyanoides. A male was seen very well coming to the Casa Maria gardens early in the morning.

Saffron Finch. Sicalis flaveola. This is a common species in Hato Piñero. Several adult and juveniles were seen at the ranch.

Grassland Yellow-Finch. Sicalis luteola. A couple of groups varying from 4 to 5 individuals each was flying over the field along the road to El Banco, Hato Piñero.

Pileated Finch. Coryphospingus pileatus. We enjoyed a pair twice forraging in the northern scrubby vegetation of Hato Piñero. This species is named Gra Pileated Finch in Hilty (2993).

Blue-black Grassquit. Volatinia jacarina. 2 adult and 2 sub-adult individuals were seen in Hato Piñero.

Gray Seedeater. Sporophila intermedia. This is a fairly common species in Hato Piñero. Some of these individuals were of the race insularis, treated as a separate species in Birds of Northern South America as Ring-necked Seedeater, Sporophila insularis.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater. Sporophila nigricollis. Few males and juveniles were observed along the road between Casa Maria and Palmichal. Parulidae

Tennessee Warbler. Vermivora peregrina. An individual was seen in Casa Maria. Tropical Parula. Parula pitiayumi. This species was fairly common over the last year. This

time we saw only one individual in Casa Maria. Yellow Warbler. Dendroica aestiva. Various sights. A pair was observed in Hato Piñero. Blackburnian Warbler. Dendroica fusca. A pair was observed in the vicinity of Casa

Maria. Cerulean Warbler. Dendroica cerulea. For the fourth consecutive year we are finding that

Palmichal and its surroundings is a key wintering area for this species. This time we saw only a male. In the wintering grounds this species likes to follow mix species feeding flocks.

Black-and-white Warbler. Mniotitta varia. A male was observed in the same area where we had nice views of Cerulean Warbler.

American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla. Several pairs were seen around Casa Maria.


Northern Waterthrush. Seiurus noveboracensis. More than five individuals were seen in Caño San Gerónimo as well.

Slate-throated Whitestart (Redstart). Myioborus miniatus. A very active individual was enjoyed foraging with the mixed species feeding flock in the cloud forest above Casa Maria.

Golden-crowned Warbler. Basileuterus culicivorus. Various pairs were seen around Casa María. Icteridae

Red-breasted Blackbird. Sturnella militaris. A male was seen along the road to Mata Carmelera, in Piñero.

Carib Grackle. Quiscalus lugubris. This species was observed several times along the roads inside and outside Hato Piñero.

Giant Cowbird. Molothrus oryzivora. We observed a group of about 10 individuals flying before dusk above Casa María.

Yellow Oriole. Icterus nigrogularis. This one was seen various times in Hato Piñero. Venezuelan Troupial. Icterus icterus. We had daily views in Hato Piñero. This is the

national bird of Venezuela. Yellow-rumped Cacique. Cacicus cela. Various groups were seen in Hato Piñero. This is

the one that replaces the Northern Mockingbird habits in Venezuela. By listening a male in a nesting colony we could perceive the voices of Lineated Woodpecker and Gray-necked Wood-Rail out of the repertoire of it!

Crested Oropendola. Psarocolius decumanus. This one is commoner than the next species as it tolerates more open areas. Many were seen in Casa Maria and the large flock we see every year in Piñero was observed as well this time. In fact, we counted about 60 individuals roosting at the bamboo in Hato Piñero.

Russet-backed Oropendola. Psarocolius angustifrons. Seen in La Neblina farm, above Casa Maria. This species prefers more forested areas than the previous species. Fringillidae

Lesser Goldfinch. Carduelis psaltria. More than 10 individuals were seen along the road between Casa Maria and Palmichal.

Trinidad Euphonia. Euphonia trinitatis. Two pairs were spotted in Hato Piñero. The validity of this species maybe questioned in the future because of its resemblance with the widespread amazonian species Purple-throated Euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica.

Thick-billed Euphonia. Euphonia laniirostris. Various individuals were seen in Casa Maria. The thick bill is the main field mark.

Orange-bellied Euphonia. Euphonia xanthogaster. A pair was observed in Palmichal. This is the commonest Euphonia in forested areas in the slopes of northern Venezuela.

Other species list. Ocelot. Leopardus pardalis. Seen twice in Hato Piñero. We had a great experience when

spotting a male laying on the grassland resting for several minutes. Red-tailed Squirrel. Sciurus granatensis. Hato Piñero. This speices was not very numerous

in the ranch. Crab-eating Fox (Common Zorro). Cerdocyon thous. Hato Piñero. Several pairs. Crab-eating Racoon. Procyon cancryvorus. Hato Piñero. A single individual was seen in

the afternoon.


Little Brown Bat. (Molossidae). Hato Piñero. This one was a common species around the main house. We might have seen more than this species, but I cannot tell you which one!

Capybara. Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris. Hato Piñero. We found the rodent a very common species near the wetlands. Found always in small groups. This is the largest rodent in the world.

White-tailed Deer. Odocoileus virginianus. Hato Piñero. This species was widespread and numerous in pasture and native grasses in the ranch.

Weeping Capuchin Monkey. Cebus olivaceus. Hato Piñero. A small group came to the trees around the main house.

Red-howler Monkey. Alouatta seniculus. Hato Piñero. Only heard. Brazilian Rabbit. Sylvilagus brasiliensis. Hato Piñero. Few individuals were crossing the

roads of the ranch. Iguana. Iguana iguana. Hato Piñero. Spectacled Cayman. Cayman crocodilus. Hato Piñero. We saw the eye shy of several

individuals in wetlands during the optional night outing. Llanos Side-necked Turtle. Podocemis vogli. Hato Piñero. This is the commonest turtle in

the ranch. It was always seen in wetlands. Yellow-headed Side-necked Turtle. Podocnemis inifilis. Hato Piñero. A single individual

was seen and photographed at the first pond west of the biological station. Armored Catfish. Hato Piñero.

casa maria hato pinero 2010 · 2011-11-21 · more than 260 species of birds while visiting several...

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Transcript of casa maria hato pinero 2010 · 2011-11-21 · more than 260 species of birds while visiting several...