131 Catharine Street, Cambridge, England, CB1 3AP.

Email: joetobias22@hotmail.com 

I stayed in Samaipata for several weeks in 2001, 2002 and 2003, mostly for work reasons. Finca La Vispera is a peaceful place to stay for anyone passing through Samaipata: it encompasses 6 ha of land 1 km from the town cente, and is ideally situated for anyone wanting to explore the area. Trips can be made independently one hour downhill to Los Volcanes (where you can find Bolivian Recurvebill with a bit of luck), and 1–2 hours uphill to Amboro National Park (try the cloud forest at La Yunga, or the property of Don Gilberto–one of Samaipata’s guides–who can probably show you Southern Horned Curassow if you have a couple of days to spare).

The following list is not comprehensive. It was compiled after various walks in the countryside around Samaipata, and from information posted in several reports by other observers, including Mark van Beirs, Brian Gee, Jon Hornbuckle, Sjoerd Mayer, Francisco Sagot, Jan Vermeulen and John van der Woude, It includes all habitat within or immediately adjacent to Samaipata, ie within c.500 m of habitation, and also the road to El Fuerte, the waterfall below El Fuerte (=Puente El Fuerte) and the first couple of kilometres along the pipeline track. 

The sequence follows the Lista Anotada de las Aves de Bolivia (Hennessey et al. 2003); where taxonomy varies from this source, species are marked with an asterisk (*). “Boreal migrant” indicates that the species breeds in North America and is usually found at Samaipata between October and April. “Austral migrant” indicates that the species breeds in Argentina and/or Chile, usually appearing around Samaipata between April and September. 

Key: 

[…] = provisional record

TATAUPA TINAMOU  Crypturellus tataupa 

Commonly heard in scrubby areas around town.

 

HUAYCO TINAMOU  Rhynchotus maculicollis 

Small numbers call from bushy or grassy hillsides above the town (regularly heard in scrub near the Eucalypts behind La Vispera).

  

DARWIN’S NOTHURA  Nothura darwinii 

Occasionally heard or seen in shrubby areas on hillsides near town (eg near El Fuerte).

  

STRIATED HERON  Butorides striatus 

Occasionally recorded at the small wooded ponds near the beginning of the pipeline track

  

COCOI HERON  Ardea cocoi 

Singles rarely seen flying over town.

  

BUFF-NECKED IBIS  Theristicus caudatus 

Occasional records in fields near Samaipata

  

TURKEY VULTURE  Cathartes aura 

Commonly seen circling over town and the surrounding hillsides. 

  

BLACK VULTURE  Coragyps atratus

Common throughout the area. 

  

KING VULTURE  Sarcorhamphus papa

Singles occasionally seen flying near town, especially over deciduous forests. 

  

ANDEAN CONDOR  Vultur gryphus 

Regular at cliff sites near Samaipata and 1–5 often seen flying high over the town itself. 

  

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE  Elanoides forficatus 

Small numbers occasionally seen flying over. 

  

WHITE-TAILED KITE  Elanus leucurus 

One or two pairs nest close to town and individuals are occasionally seen hunting over grassy areas, such as below La Vispera. 

  

PLUMBEOUS KITE  Ictinia plumbea 

Small numbers occasionally seen flying close to town. 

  

PLAIN-BREASTED HAWK  Accipiter ventralis* 

Occasionally seen circling near town (this form sometimes treated as Sharp-shinned Hawk A. striatus). 

  

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE  Geranoaetus melanoleucus 

Occasionally seen soaring near town, breeding near El Fuerte. 

  

ROADSIDE HAWK  Buteo magnirostris

Seen regularly at the edge of town, including around La Vispera. 

  

BROAD-WINGED HAWK  Buteo platypterus 

Boreal migrant. Ones or twos occasionally seen circling near town between November and March. 

  

SHORT-TAILED HAWK  Buteo brachyurus 

Occasionally seen circling or hunting over hillsides around town, including behind La Vispera and at Puente El Fuerte. 

  

VARIABLE HAWK  Buteo polyosoma* 

Rarely seen circling near town, including behind La Vispera (if split, the form here would be the Red-backed Hawk). 

  

ZONE-TAILED HAWK  Buteo albonotatus 

Once seen flying over hillsides behind La Vispera. 

  

MOUNTAIN CARACARA Phalcobaenus megalopterus 

Occasionally seen flying over hillsides at the edge of town, including behind La Vispera. 

  

SOUTHERN CRESTED-CARACARA  Caracara plancus* 

Occasionally seen drifting past town (sometimes known as Southern Caracara). 

  

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA  Milvago chimachima 

Sightings of this species were reported near Samaipata by Sjoerd Mayer (beware of juvenile Mountain Caracaras).  

  

AMERICAN KESTREL Falco sparverius 

Frequently seen around town, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

BAT FALCON  Falco rufigularis 

Occasionally seen at the edge of town, occasionally flying over La Vispera. 

  

PEREGRINE FALCON  Falco peregrinus 

Singles occasionally seen soaring over town, including at La Vispera. 

  

GREY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL  Aramides cajanea 

Occasionally seen in marshy gullies or wooded areas at the edge of town. 

  

SUNBITTERN  Europyga helias 

Occasionally seen along rivers near town. 

  

BAND-TAILED PIGEON  Columba fasciata 

Small groups regularly seen in wooded areas near town. 

  

PALE-VENTED PIGEON  Columba cayennensis 

A few resident in areas with trees near town. 

  

PLUMBEOUS PIGEON  Columba plumbea 

Occasionally seen/heard in wooded areas, eg behind El Fuerte. 

  

EARED DOVE  Zenaida auriculata 

Fairly common breeding bird in gardens around town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

RUDDY GROUND-DOVE  Columbina talpacoti

An iirregular visitor, sometimes common, sometimes absent. 

  

PICUI GROUND-DOVE  Columbina picui

Occasional sightings but irregular. 

  

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE  Leptotila verreauxi 

Common. Often seen and heard in shrubland and gardens as well as woods, including around La Vispera. 

  

LARGE-TAILED DOVE  Leptotila megalura 

Small numbers regularly seen or heard in wooded gullies or hillsides near town, eg along pipeline track, at Puente El Fuerte and behind El Fuerte itself. 

  

BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET  Aratinga acuticaudata 

Common: regularly seen around the edge of town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

MITRED PARAKEET  Aratinga mitrata 

Fairly common near town, especially in areas close to cliffs. Sometimes seen at La Vispera. 

  

GREEN-CHEEKED PARAKEET  Pyrrhura molinae 

Small flocks regularly seen in woodlands near town (eg pipeline trail and Puente El Furte); not usually seen actually flying over town. 

  

RED-BILLED PARROT  Pionus sordidus 

Reported around Samaipata, although usually a bird of the cloud forests in PN Amboró. 

  

SCALY-HEADED PARROT  Pionus maximiliani 

Small groups occasionally seen in wooded areas (eg around Puente El Fuerte). 

  

TURQUOISE-FRONTED AMAZON  Amazona aestiva* 

Small numbers seen or heard regularly in flight near the town; their appearance may be seasonal (also known as Blue-fronted Parrot). 

  

SQUIRREL CUCKOO  Piaya cayana 

Regular wherever there are a few taller trees (not pines or Eucalyptus) near town. 

  

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI  Crotophaga ani

Regularly seen or heard in small numbers around town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

GUIRA CUCKOO Guira guira 

Common around town, including La Vispera, and even visiting the central square. 

  

STRIPED CUCKOO  Tapera naevia 

Regularly heard (but more difficult to see) in shrubby areas at the edge of town, including La Vispera. 

  

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL  Otus choliba 

Regularly heard calling at night in gardens around the edge of town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL  Glaucidium brasilianum 

Occasionally seen in wooded areas near town, such as Puente El Fuerte. 

  

BAND-TAILED NIGHTJAR  Caprimulgus longirostris 

Occasionally seen sitting on roads after dark (eg en route to El Fuerte). 

  

SCISSOR-TAILED NIGHTJAR  Hydropsalis torquata 

A few seen in scrubby areas at the edge of town. 

  

ROTHSCHILD’S SWIFT  Cypseloides rothschildi 

Occasional groups (sometimes containing scores of individuals) of plain mid-brown swifts over half the size of Streptoprocne zonaris must be this species. They are larger, paler and more uniform than Streptoproce rutila, and lack the chestnut collar. 

  

CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT  Streptoprocne rutila 

Small groups of this species are regularly seen high over town. 

  

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT  Streptoprocne zonaris 

Fairly common but irregular. Occasionally large flocks pass over. 

  

WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT  Aeronautes montivagus 

This species breeds on cliffs nearby; individuals or small groups occasionally pass over Samaipata, including La Vispera. 

  

ANDEAN SWIFT  Aeronautos andicola 

Reported over town but much less common than previous species. 

  

BUFF-BELLIED HERMIT  Phaethornis subochraceus 

Occasionally seen in denser patches of remnant woodland, such as behind El Fuerte and above Puente El Fuerte. Usually a lowland species. 

  

PLANALTO HERMIT  Phaethornis pretrei 

Fairly common around town, usually in more open areas, including grounds of La Vispera. 

  

GREEN VIOLETEAR  Colibri thalassinus

Occasional in gardens and the edge of wooded areas (possibly seasonal). 

  

SPARKLING VIOLETEAR  Colibri coruscans 

Reported from near town (scarce or seasonal) 

  

BLACK-THROATED MANGO  Anthracothorax nigricollis 

Small numbers reported from Puente El Fuerte. 

  

GLITTERING-BELLIED EMERALD  Chlorostillbon aureoventris 

Common in gardens and around town; several individuals constantly in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

BLUE-TAILED EMERALD  Chlorostillbon mellisugus 

Regular near town in more wooded areas. 

  

FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH  Thalurania furcata 

Scarce in lower areas of woodland eg downhill along pipeline track and at Puente El Fuerte 

  

WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD  Amazilia chionogaster 

Not as common as Chlorostillbon aureoventris, but nevertheless often seen in shrubby areas at the edge of town, reularly visiting flowers at La Vispera and in the town square. 

  

RED-TAILED COMET  Sappho sparganura 

Scarce; occasionally seen near La Vispera. 

  

SLENDER-TAILED WOODSTAR  Microstilbon burmeisteri 

Occasionally reported at the edge of woodlands near town; scarce and perhaps seasonal. 

  

BLUE-CROWNED TROGON  Trogon curucui 

Scarce in remnant woodlands near town. 

  

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER  Chloroceryle aenea 

A few records from streams and ponds near town (eg near pipeline trail). 

  

WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD  Nystalus chacuru 

Sometimes encountered near town; more often heard than seen. 

  

SPOT-BACKED PUFFBIRD  Nystalus maculatus 

Regularly heard near town, but inconspicuous; often in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

OCELLATED PICULET  Picumnus dorbygnianus 

Fairly common (but much more often heard than seen) in scrubby or wooded areas round town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

WHITE-WEDGED PICULET  Picumnus albosquamatus 

Vocalisations of this bird sound exceedingly similar to those of the previous species (with which it might hybridize). Likewise it is occasionally observed in wooded areas near town (eg Pipeline track and behind El Fuerte). 

  

DOT-FRONTED WOODPECKER  Veniliornis frontalis 

Scarce in wooded areas near town, eg along pipeline track. 

  

LINEATED WOODPECKER  Dryocopus lineatus 

A few pairs remain in wooded areas near town. 

  

NARROW-BILLED WOODCREEPER  Lepidocolaptes angustirostris 

Occurs in any area with taller trees, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

RUFOUS HORNERO  Furnarius rufus 

Often seen and heard around town. Two or more pairs nesting in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

SOOTY-FRONTED SPINETAIL  Synallaxis frontalis 

Common near town in hedgerows and scrub, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

AZARA’S SPINETAIL  Synallaxis azarae samaipatae 

Fairly common in taller scrub and woodlands around town (eg pipeline track and woodlands behind El Fuerte). If samaipatae is treated as a race of A. superciliosa, it is known as Buff-browed Spinetail. 

  

OCHRE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL  Synnalaxis scutata 

Occasionally seen or heard in scrubby woodland near town, but more common downhill towards Las Cuevas. Sometimes included in a separate genus, Peocilurus. 

  

STRIPE-CROWNED SPINETAIL  Cranioleuca pyrrhophia

Occasionally seen or heard in trees around town (where it creeps around in the canopy), including near La Vispera. 

  

THORNBIRD sp. Phacellodomus (presumably rufifrons or striaticeps) 

Reported in tall scrub near town. 

  

BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER  Syndactyla rufosuperciliata 

Occasional in wooded areas near town, eg pipeline track. 

  

SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER  Lochmias nematura 

Regularly seen above Puente El Fuerte (by the main road below the town). 

  

GIANT ANTSHRIKE  Batara cinerea 

Scarce in thick tall scrub or woodland near town, ie pipeline road area and near El Fuerte. 

  

GREAT ANTSHRIKE  Taraba major 

Occassionally encountered in extensively scrubby areas near town. 

  

CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE  Thamnophilus palliatus 

Occasionally seen (or more often heard) in scrubby or wooded areas near town. 

  

VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE  Thamnophilus caerulescens 

Fairly common in thicker scrub and woodland near the edge of town. 

  

RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE  Thamnophilus torquatus 

Regularly heard in gardens, gullies and dense shrubbery at the edge of town (including grounds of La Vispera). 

  

BLACK-CAPPED ANTWREN  Herpsilochmus atricapillus 

Found in small numbers in woodland near town (eg pipeline track and behind El Fuerte). 

  

WHITEBACKED FIREEYE  Pyriglena leuconota

Found in scraps of forest near town (eg along the pipeline track), but declining as habitat is destroyed. 

  

SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH  Chamaeza campanisoma 

Small numbers still present (but difficult to see) in woodland along the pipeline track. 

  

SLATY GNATEATER  Conopophaga ardesiaca 

Occasionally recorded, at least until recently, in wooded areas near town (eg pipeline track) but much harder to find now that much habitat has been destroyed. 

  

OLIVE-CROWNED CRESCENTCHEST  Melanopareia maximiliani 

Recorded along the pipeline track in newly cleared areas, and found breeding in shrubs alongside the rock at El Fuerte. 

  

SCLATER’S TYRANNULET  Phyllomyias sclateri 

Probably resident in forested areas such as the woods behind El Fuerte. 

  

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA  Elaenia albiceps 

Often reported from the area, and doubtless occurs at least as a migrant, but difficult to separate from the E. pallatangae. 

  

SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA  Elaenia parvirostris 

Small numbers breed in areas with scattered trees, including near the garden of La Vispera. 

  

LESSER ELAENIA  Elaenia chiriquensis 

A few seen or heard in scrubby habitat on hillsides around town, where this species seems to breed. 

  

HIGHLAND ELAENIA  Elaenia obscura 

Small numbers breed in thicker vegetation and shrubby gullies on hillsides near the edge of town. 

  

SIERRAN ELAENIA  Elaenia pallatangae 

A few seen or heard on higher bushy hillsides, including in shrubbery around El Fuerte. 

  

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS TYRANNULET  Camptostoma obsoletum 

Fairly common around town. Seen or heard in small numbers in scrubby growth or scattered trees, including at La Vispera. 

  

SUIRIRI FLYCATCHER  Suiriri suiriri 

Scarce and irregular in scrubby areas near town. 

  

WHITE-BELLIED TYRANNULET  Serpophaga munda 

Small numbers breeding in shrubby areas near town, regularly visiting the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

MOUSE-COLOURED TYRANNULET  Phaeomyias murina 

Fairly common in scrubby patches around town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER  Leptopogon superciliaris 

Fairly common in remnant woodlands near town (eg the wood behind El Fuerte). 

  

SOUTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER  Sublegatus modestus 

Occasionally seen in broken habitat, shrubby areas or scattered trees near town. 

  

[PLAIN TYRANNULET  Inezia inornata] 

A “probable” record mentioned for Samaipata by Brian Gee. 

  

GREATER WAGTAIL-TYRANT  Stigmatura budytoides 

Scarce in shrubby areas around town, sometimes appearing in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT  Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer 

Fairly common and vocal in scrubby habitat around the edges of town 

  

OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER  Todirostrum plumbeiceps 

Present, but inconspicuous, in wooded areas near town (eg pipeline track and behind El Fuerte) 

  

YELLOWOLIVE FLYCATCHER  Tolmomyias sulphurescens 

Uncommon: small numbers survive in patches of trees near town, mostly along river-courses or pipeline track etc. 

  

BRAN-COLOURED FLYCATCHER  Myiophobus fasciatus 

Occasionally seen in scrubby habitat around the edges of town, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

CLIFF FLYCATCHER  Hirundinea ferruginea 

Fairly common around the edges of town, regularly visiting the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

BLACK PHOEBE  Sayornis nigricans 

Regularly seen along rivers (eg at Puente El Fuerte). 

  

WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT  Knipolegus aterrimus 

Fairly common breeding bird in open scrubby or rocky habitat surrounding town (occasionally in the grounds of La Vispera). 

  

YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT  Satrapa icterophrys 

Regularly seen (and sometimes common) in grassy or bushy areas around town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT  Myiotheretes striaticollis 

Occasionally found on dry hillsides near town, eg near El Fuerte and on hillsides above La Vispera. 

  

GREAT KISKADEE  Pitangus sulphuratus 

Reported from near town. 

  

GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER  Myiodynastes chrysocephalus 

Occasionally seen around Puente El Fuerte, and possibly present in other woodlands near town 

  

STREAKED FLYCATCHER  Myiodynastes maculatus 

Regularly seen around town, breeding in remnant woodlands. 

  

VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER  Empidonomus varius 

Regularly seen around town in scrubby habitat, including in the grounds of La Vispera (seems to breed nearby). 

  

CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER  Griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus 

Migrants occasionally observed at the edge of woods near town (eg behind El Fuerte). 

  

TROPICAL KINGBIRD  Tyrannus melancholicus 

Common throughout, including thee grounds of La Vispera. 

  

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER  Tyrannus savana 

A few records of small numbers during migration periods. 

  

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER  Myiarchus tuberculifer 

Regular in remnant woodlands near town (eg behind El Fuerte) 

  

PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER  Myiarchus cephalotes 

Occasionally sighted in the pipeline road area and at El Fuerte, but certainly not as common as the previous species. 

  

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER  Myiarchus tyrannulus 

Occasionally seen in bushy and scrubby habitat surrounding town. 

  

WHITE-WINGED BECARD  Pachyramphus polychopterus 

A few pairs hold territories in wooded areas along the pipeline track. 

  

CRESTED BECARD  Pachyramphus validus 

Occasionally seen in more wooded habitat near town. 

  

WHITE-TIPPED PLANTCUTTER  Phytotoma rutila 

Fairly common in scrub and gardens around town 

  

RUFOUSBROWED PEPPERSHRIKE  Cyclarhis gujanensis

Common and noisy breeding bird in scrubby areas around town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

BROWN-CAPPED VIREO  Vireo leucophrys 

A few seen in woodland behind El Fuerte. 

  

REDEYED VIREO  Vireo olivaceus 

Common and vocal breeding bird around town, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

PURPLISH JAY  Cyanocorax cyanomelas 

Present in woodlands near town, including behind El Fuerte. 

  

PLUSH-CRESTED JAY  Cyanocorax chrysops 

Fairly common in gullies with tall shrubs or trees near town, including along the road above La Vispera. 

  

PURPLE MARTIN  Progne subis 

Boreal migrant. Small numbers occasionally seen hawking over the town between October and March. 

  

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW  Notiochelidon cyanoleuca

Common breeding bird around town, including La Vispera and the town square. 

  

BARN SWALLOW  Hirundo rustica 

Migrants occasionally seen near town. 

  

MOUSTACHED WREN  Thryothorus genibarbis 

A few regularly encountered in remnant woodlands near town (eg behind El Fuerte). 

  

HOUSE WREN  Troglodytes aedon 

Very common breeding bird around town, including the grounds of La Vispera 

  

MASKED GNATCATCHER  Polioptila dumicola 

Small numbers regular in wooded areas around town, including grounds of La Vispera. 

  

SWAINSON’S THRUSH  Catharus ustulatus 

Boreal migrant. Occasionally seen near La Vispera and fairly common in remnant woodlands near town between October and March. 

  

GREAT THRUSH  Turdus fuscater 

Reported from near Samaipata, possibly a seasonal visitor (or confused with the previous species). 

  

CHIGUANCO THRUSH Turdus chiguanco 

A breeding species in scrubby cliffs and hillsides near town (eg around El Fuerte) 

  

RUFOUS-BELLIED THRUSH  Turdus rufiventris 

Common breeding bird around town, including grounds of La Vispera. 

  

CREAMY-BELLIED THRUSH  Turdus amaurochalinus

Common breeding bird, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

HELLMAYR’S PIPIT  Anthus hellmayri 

One seen and heard displaying near El Fuerte. 

  

BANANAQUIT  Coereba flaveola 

Scarce visitor to wooded areas around town. 

  

ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER  Thlypopsis sordida 

A few records from shrubby or wooded areas near town. 

  

BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER  Trichothraupis melanops 

Regularly observed in wooded areas such as behind El Fuerte, and the waterfall on the main road below (Puente El Fuerte). 

  

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER  Ramphocelus carbo 

Occasionally seen near town, but quite scarce. 

  

SAYACA TANAGER  Thraupis sayaca 

Fairly common in tall scrub or gardens, including at La Vispera. 

  

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER  Thraupis bonariensis 

Fairly common in tall scrub or gardens, including at La Vispera. 

  

FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER  Pipraeidea melanonota 

Regularly reported from remnant woodlands near town. 

  

BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER  Tangara cayana 

One report from near La Vispera, although this is an unusually high altitude for this species. 

  

SWALLOW-TANAGER  Tersina viridis 

Reported from wooded areas near town. 

  

GUIRA TANAGER  Hemithraupis guira 

Found in small numbers in woodlands near town. 

  

RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER  Diglossa sittoides 

Scarce and inconspicuous in degraded habitats with scattered trees near town. 

  

COMMON BUSH-TANAGER  Chlorospingus ophthalmicus 

A few in woodlands behind El Fuerte. 

  

HEPATIC TANAGER Piranga flava 

Occasionally seen in patches of scattered trees near town. 

  

PURPLETHROATED EUPHONIA  Euphonia chlorotica

Fairly common in areas where trees remain, including near La Vispera. 

  

GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA  Euphonia cyanocephala 

Reported from wooded areas near town. 

  

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW  Zonotrichia capensis 

Common, including around La Vispera. 

  

GRASSLAND SPARROW  Ammodramus humeralis 

A few in grassy areas around town and along the pipeline track. 

  

GREY-CRESTED FINCH  Lophospingus griseocristatus 

Occasionally seen in scrubby areas near town, including close to La Vispera. 

  

BOLIVIAN WARBLING-FINCH  Poospiza boliviana 

Scarce in low shrubs and partially cleared areas around town (including garden of Mahikari). 

  

BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT WARBLING-FINCH  Poospiza nigrorufa* 

Scarce in scrubby areas near town. If this form is treated as conspecific with P. whitii from the lowlands of Brazil/Argentina etc, it is called Black-and-rufous Warbling-finch. 

  

RINGED WARBLING-FINCH  Poospiza torquata 

Small numbers regularly found in shrubby areas near town. 

  

BLACK-CAPPED WARBLING-FINCH  Poospiza melanoleuca

Common in scrub and scattered trees around town, including grounds of La Vispera. 

  

SAFFRON FINCH  Sicalis flaveola 

Very common around town; breeding at La Vispera, competing against House Wrens for nest boxes. 

  

GREAT PAMPA-FINCH  Embernagra platensis 

One or two singing in grassland beside El Fuerte. 

  

BLUEBLACK GRASSQUIT  Volatinia jacarina

Small numbers breeding in grassy areas near town. 

  

DOUBLECOLLARED SEEDEATER  Sporophila caerulescens

Common breeding bird in open or bushy areas near town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

WHITE-BELLIED SEEDEATER  Sporophila leucoptera 

Scarce breeder in bushy areas around town (including gardens of Mahikari). This distinctive form is sometimes treated as a separate species S. bicolor. 

  

DARK-THROATED SEEDEATER  Sporophila ruficollis 

Seasonal visitor in small numbers to grassy areas near town. 

  

BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER  Catamenia analis 

Small numbers regularly found in drier hillsides or shrubby habitat near the village. 

  

DULL-COLOURED GRASSQUIT  Tiaris obscura 

Occasionally seen (or heard seasonally) in grassy and bushy areas near town, but usually scarce. 

  

SAFFRON-BILLED SPARROW  Arremon flavirostris

Fairly common in wooded habitats near town, wherever a few trees survive along watercourses etc. 

  

STRIPE-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH  Buarremon torquatus 

Reported from wooded areas near town, eg pipeline track. 

  

RED-CRESTED FINCH  Coryphospingus cucullatus 

Fairly common in scrubby areas, roadside and gardens around town, including the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK  Pheucticus aureoventris 

Quite often observed in woodlands near town. Probably seasonal in occurrence, disappearing in the wet season. 

  

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR  Saltator maximus 

Recorded in small numbers in wooded areas near town. 

  

GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR  Saltator aurantiirostris 

A common breeding bird around town, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

ULTRAMARINE GROSBEAK  Cyanocompsa brissonii 

Fairly common in shrubby gullies near town, including in the grounds of La Vispera. 

  

TROPICAL PARULA  Parula pitiayumi 

Small numbers breeding in areas where trees or tall shrubs remain, including near La Vispera. Fairly common in remnant woodlots (eg Pipeline track and El Fuerte). 

  

MASKED YELLOWTHROAT  Geothlypis aequinoctialis 

Fairly common in bushy or grassy areas near town, including along the road above La Vispera. 

  

BROWN-CAPPED REDSTART  Myioborus brunniceps 

Fairly common in tall scrub and gullies with trees or shrubs near town; more often heard than seen. 

  

TWOBANDED WARBLER  Basileuterus bivittatus 

Regular along the pipeline track and in woodlands behind El Fuerte. 

  

CRESTED OROPENDOLA  Psarocolius decumanus 

Small numbers nest around Puente El Fuerte and the lower pipeline track 

  

EPAULET ORIOLE  Icterus cayanensis 

Occasionally observed in taller dry woods near town. 

  

CHOPI BLACKBIRD  Gnorimopsar chopi 

Small parties occasionally seen near town, but scarce. 

  

BAY-WINGED COWBIRD  Moluthrus badius 

Fairly common around town (numbers seem to fluctuate seasonally, lowest in the wet season). 

  

SHINY COWBIRD  Molothrus bonariensis 

Fairly common around town, including La Vispera (young birds here being fed by Rufous Horneros). 

  

HOODED SISKIN  Carduelis magellanica 

Fairly common in scrubby habitat and gardens around town, including La Vispera 

  

YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN  Carduelis xanthogastra 

Occasional records from semi-wooded areas around town. 

  

HOUSE SPARROW  Passer domesticus 

Resident around the village square.