Species Accounts

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The following section details the data on the near-threatened and vulnerable bird species found within the Tambopata region, following Collar et al. (1992) and Parker et al. (1996), with information regarding their population densities and future conservation status recommendations. Also included are data regarding those species restricted to the south-western Amazonia endemic bird area and other rare and new bird records for the Tambopata region, made during the 21-months of surveying.

Small-billed Tinamou (Crypturellus parvirostris)

This species was not recorded during VCP Sampling. However this was recorded in scrubby grassland secondary habitat near the Tambopata River at SACHA and on numerous farms located along the Tambopata River. The frequency of daily encounters of this species from neighbouring farms is indicative of the amount of suitable secondary habitat for this species, created by human settlement. Also heard and seen regularly around Puerto Tambopata in Puerto Maldonado.

This species was found to be more abundant than what previous records suggest, with densities of 1.8 pairs per sq. km of type H forest. This species was only located in the dryer older floodplain forests (type F) and Terra Firme forests (G and H). Described as being rare at EI by Parker et al. (1994) and Donahue (1994), this species was recorded on a daily basis in type H forest at the reserve. In the past it has undoubtedly been under-recorded. There are many reasons for this. Type H forest is usually situated further inland than other forest types and takes a lot of effort during the early hours of the morning to reach, since this species is only heard during predawn chorus 0045 hrs to 0530 hrs. Also in the past, many birders have confined their observations to the trail systems, whereby this species was often found off trails in type H forest (EI); in type F/B (CAPH) and F/G forest (SACHA). Like most other tinamous (except for Tinamus major and C. bartletti) this species is very rarely heard during night surveys.

Brazilian Tinamou (C. strigulosus)

This species was recorded on five occasions in type B forest at ECO, only 30 m from the main trail, within the principal 2.4 km of the main tourist trail. Recorded during dusk hours of 1745 hrs and 1845 hrs. However without further tape recordings and the lack of a specimen, these records still remain in doubt. If confirmed in future observations, this represents a major new location for this species. Despite having a massive distribution, populations are local and patchy, and nothing is known of its ecology. It is possible that the race in south-eastern Peru represents a distinct sub-species.

Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)

This species was recorded from all four locations. All but a few sightings were made on the exposed sand bars and shallows on the islands opposite the two lodges, ECO and CAPH, or from the sandbars and beaches opposite and adjacent to the main clay lick at the TRC. The largest flock of Jabiru ever recorded in and around the Tambopata province was recorded at the CAPH lodge, in April 1997. A flock of 204 individuals were seen flying low, from the south, heading in a northerly direction. At SACHA, individuals were observed on sandbars exposed at the bends of the Tambopata River. A flock of 39 birds was seen to land and forage at this sight at SACHA in November 1997. A week later another flock of four birds were seen at the same area.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)

Recorded from the Cerros del Tavara by Parker et al. (1994), there have been sporadic sightings of single birds or pairs of this species at various points along the Tambopata River since 1995 (Lloyd, pers obs.). This species was recorded on four occasions feeding in the shallows off the exposed sandbars of Monkey Island, ECO. In June 1998, a pair was seen foraging in the same area on four consecutive days. In September of the same year, groups of one to five birds were seen intermittently over an eight-day period in the same area. Recorded by Parker et al. (1994) as being ‘rare’ at the EI, there are sporadic records of this species along the Tambopata River (Lloyd, pers obs). Recorded on the Madre de Dios River, Bolivia by Davies et al. (1994).

Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis)

Status: Near threatened.

We made only one sighting of this species during two years of observations in Madre de Dios. One juvenile was seen flying through the subcanopy of the forest edge at the EI clearing, on the 10^th March 1997. Too few records to make any definitive conclusions regarding its conservation status, but this does appear to be the rarest member of the Accipitridae family in the Tambopata region.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)

Status: Near-threatened

Numerous reports of nest sites being located in Madre de Dios. One nest was found at the SACHA in 1997. This pair did not nest in 1998. Presumed parents seen at nearby oxbow lake, Lago SACHA, some 7 km from the river. Another pair was also seen and recorded on video at the Tambopata Research Centre in type E/F forest in August 1998. There are too few records to make any form of conclusions regarding the conservation of this species.

Blue-throated Piping Guan (Aburria cumanensis)

Recorded as ‘uncommon’ by Parker et al. (1994). This species appears to be in serious threat in the lower region of the Tambopata River, from the mouth of the River Malinowski, to Puerto Maldonado (see Figure 2.1). Only one bird was recorded in this stretch of habitat during the two years of Proyecto Tambopata. The massive habitat destruction caused by human settlement along the river banks has nearly obliterated this species from this stretch of river edge habitat. The population of this species in the lower region of the Tambopata River faces imminent local extinction due to clearance of river-edge habitat for human settlement, including the creation of tourist lodges, and hunting. Substantial populations exist in the Upper Tambopata region extending beyond the River Malinowski to the Tavara foothills, where there is no human settlement. In this region (i.e. at the TRC) this species was observed on a daily basis foraging on exposed rocky beaches and in tall trees along the river’s edge.

Razor-billed Currasow (Mitu tuberosa)

This cracid faces a similar situation to that of A cumanensis. Records for this species at the other four sites are cause for concern. During VCP and Nocturnal VDLT surveys, only one record of a single bird calling in type F forest in SACHA, a single bird was observed walking along the main trail in type G forest at EI, adjacent to a small swamp. The species was absent from CAPH but again recorded on one occasion from ECO, from type B forest, near a large aguajal, some 5km from the lodge, during the predawn chorus. As with A. cumanensis the lower Tambopata River and Madre de Dios population of M. tuberosa faces elimination despite the presence of the lodges. The fact remains that the lodges cannot protect these large cracids from local extirpation.

The species was recorded daily on the sides of the upper Tambopata River at the TRC, along rocky beaches, and calling from river edge forest. During VCP and VDLT surveys at TRC it was recorded from type E/F forest. Population densities calculated for this species in E/F forest is 8.2 individuals per sq. km. In the foothills, this species is also encountered daily (Parker et al. 1994; Lloyd pers. obs.) mirroring the situation for A. cumanensis. The likelihood of there being a substantial population of this species in the upper Tambopata region and foothills is under threat given the fact that oil exploration is underway in the foothills.

Pale-winged Trumpeter (Psophia leucoptera)

Recorded at three sites during VCP and VDLT Sampling, whilst also recorded at EI and CAPH during general observations. Absolute densities calculated for this species in type B forest are 3.0 breeding groups (10.8 individuals per group) per sq. km. Classified as ‘vulnerable by Parker et al (1996) this species seems to be of no immediate threat at either of the lodges except CAPH, where like all large terrestrial birds, it has probably been decimated by the high levels of hunting over the years. Its capture for the local pet trade does not appear to be a current cause for concern, with only four birds reported to be domesticated in and around the Puerto Maldonado area (Velasquez, pers. com).

Blue-headed Macaw (Propyrrhura colouni)

This species was recorded on five occasions at SACHA. Four sightings were of single birds calling and flying over the type F forest. On one occasion in June 1997, a pair was observed flying over the lodge clearing. At TRC single birds were recorded on several occasions, primarily during the hours of 0700 hrs to 0900 hrs. Mostly recorded flying over the area of the main clay lick, associated bamboo forest and the lodge clearing. Other pairs or individual birds were recorded flying over and perching momentarily in Type E/F forest some 4km from the lodge (records from December 1997, February and August 1998). More recently, groups of up to 8 individuals have been observed at close quarters, perched high in emergent Ficus trees only 400 m from the lodge (Valdez, pers. com.). Noted as ‘fairly common’ at this site by Parker et al. (1994), this site probably does have the largest known population of this species in Tambopata. At CAPH a pair of Blue-headed macaws were first recorded perching in a tall tree in the lodge clearing, in February 1997. Other individuals and pairs were seen flying over he nearby aguajal, in the east of the ‘reserve’. Last recorded at CA on two consecutive days in January 1998. In total we made 28 separate sightings of this species during VCP surveys and general observations and calculated mean group size of 1.8 individuals.

Nothing is known about its ecology or it’s breeding behaviour, yet this species is listed as being not globally threatened (CITES Appendix II) and one of the least known parrot species in South America. Its movements in lowland habitats in south-eastern Peru are described as ‘erratic’ (del Hoyo et al. 1997). Estimations on its population in Madre de Dios by local ornithologists may be as low as 350 pairs (Valdez, pers. com.). Possibly breeding between January and April. Unlike recent suggestions from observations in the Manu region and from the Beni region in Bolivia (del Hoyo et al. 1997), this species is not numerous in foothill regions. To date, it has yet to be recorded in the Tavara-Candamo foothills in the south of the TCRZ. Some authors (e.g. Parker et al. 1996; del Hoyo et al. 1997) suggest that its populations may increase due to patchwork clearances of forest. We can find no evidence for this other than observations of birds made from occupied areas. This species deserves the formal conservation status of Data Deficient/Near-threatened as its current status is not to our satisfaction given the lack of quantitative data it is based upon.

Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis)

Previously recorded from the Pampas del Heath in the BSNP (Parker et al. 1994). The other known location for this species in the region is from Lago Sandoval (12° 37’S, 69° 5’W) situated south of the Madre de Dios river, some 45 minutes from Puerto Maldonado (Walker, pers com). In March 1998, this species was observed flying high over the lodge clearing at ECO, heading north, from a south-easterly direction, on four occasions, in raucous flocks of between 14 to 18 individuals, between 1600hrs and 1715hrs. This species was recorded only once during VCP sampling, a single flock was observed flying high over the type B forest canopy in June 1998. In September of the same year, three birds were flushed from the crown of an Iriartea deltoidea palm tree in type B forest during mist net sampling.

Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet (Touit huetii)

Few records exist for this Touit parrotlet. Lack of detection maybe due to the species being temporarily patchy reflecting nomadism (Parker et al. 1996). This species was recorded on one occasion at TRC in February 1998, flying high over the type E/F forest canopy. There are two records for ECO, during VCP survey; a flock of unknown size was heard flying high overhead census stations. On September 1998, a flock of three birds were seen from the canopy platforms, flying from type B forest, circling noisily and then returning to the same direction. At SACHA large flocks of unknown size were heard on two occasions (May and July 1998) flying high above the type F forest canopy.

Amazonian Parrotlet (Nannopsittaca dachilleae)

Status: Near-threatened.

Only located at two sites during the two years during general observations, and not during VCP Sampling. Recorded at river edge bamboo habitat, near the lodge clearing at the SACHA. Also recorded in bamboo and river edge habitat adjacent and above the clay lick at TRC. We interviewed one local parrot trapper whilst examining captured wild Tui Parakeets (Brotogeris sanctithomae) in the INRENA headquarters in Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios. He described a species similar to N. dachilleae, and he has seen many on river islands, but he also said that he is aware of no one (including himself) trapping the species. Recorded from EI by Parker et al. 1994, but not by us, because our surveys were mainly concerned with forest-interior species in type H forest. With few records, we are unable to calculate population densities for this species. Locally threatened in Tambopata, due to the threats to floodplain forests and more specifically because of almost total deforestation of river edge habitat by human settlement. Another reason for the paucity of records could be due to the possible nomadic ecology of this species.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

A pair or Great Horned Owls were seen and tape-recorded in the E/F forest edge at the lodge clearing of the TRC. This pair was seen during two visits to the TRC, in December 1997 and February 1998. These owls have been resident here for a few years and have also been observed copulating (Valdez, pers com).

Long-tailed Potoo (Nyctibius aethereus)

This poorly known nocturnal canopy dweller was not recorded during nocturnal VDLT surveys, but it was recorded during general observations in the early hours of the morning at all sites except in the type B forest of ECO. Regularly encountered at SACHA, where one territory situated only 400 m from the lodge is regularly found active. Recorded less regularly at TRC. Its very difficult to census this species as its less vocal than the other two larger Potoo species. Only one territory was located at EI.

Nest of this species has recently been found in Manu Wildlife Centre (Walker, pers. com.). Seems to prefer the dryer floodplain forests (types E and F) and terra firme forests (G and H) rather than recently flooded forest types. We know now that this species is distributed more continuously along the Tambopata River. It is under no threat, and has been under-recorded. An intensive effort is needed to survey all the potoo species, with surveys continuing into the early hours and not just confined to the periods of dusk and dawn (Lloyd and Palomino, unpublished).

Little Nightjar (Caprimulgus parvulus)

A pair of C. parvulus were recorded during VCP sampling between the 2^nd and 6^th of August 1998 in Type E/F forest, only 350 m along one of the main tourist trails, from the TRC. The birds were seen and heard singing, only 3-4 m from the trail, sitting on the ground or a few m up on a nearby fallen tree, always during 0510–0525hrs. Parker et al. (1994) located an unknown species of Caprimulgus in 1994 at the TRC, but its not thought to be this species (possibly C. rufus or C. sericocaudatus, Kratter, pers. com.). This Nightjar has previously recorded from gallery forest in the Pampas del Heath, BSNP, and recorded on fewer than five occasions at the EI in ‘floodplain forest’ (Parker et al. 1994; Donahue, 1994).

Purus Jacamar (Galbalcyrhynchus purusianus)

Not recorded during VCP Sampling due to its lakeside and riverside habitat preferences. This species was seen on two occasions during general observations at ECO. A single bird was recorded fishing from a perch approximately 5 m above the water on a stream nearby to the lodge. In May 1998 a group of five birds were seen at an aguajal some 1.5km from the lodge. All five individuals were seen ‘sallying’ for winged termites above the observation platform at the aguajal (Samuels, pers.com). Recorded from the Department of Loreto (known as Chestnut Jacamar), and also along the Rio Yurua in western Brazil. There are very few other sightings in the lowlands of Peru.

Yellow-billed Nunbird (Monasa flavirostris)

This is one of the rarest bird species associated with bamboo. We did not record this species during VCP sampling at the two sites inundated with bamboo despite one of the authors (HL) being familiar with its vocalisations. We recorded this species only once, at SACHA, in a clearing surrounded with bamboo near the river bank. There it was seen daily foraging at mid levels in the bamboo edge. The bird was mist-netted, measured and photographed. We also recorded this species during general observations in the bluff-top bamboo habitat at the TRC. The lack of records is alarming, although it prefers to use bamboo and viney edge habitat. Thus given its association with patchy stands of bamboo, we consider this species to be vulnerable locally, given the fact that this habitat’s medium sensitivity to human disturbance.

Status: Least Concern.

This species is rare in Madre de Dios. From the Tambopata province it was only seen on few occasions in ‘lodge clearings’ around type B/F forest edges (EI), type B forest edges (ECO), type F forest edges (CAPH) and secondary forest edge habitat, bordering type F forest (SACHA). This species has always been observed foraging with mixed species flocks. There are too few records for us to estimate absolute population densities. Population density for this species estimated by Terborgh et al. (1990) at Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Manu National Park = 0.5 pairs sq. km of ‘early successional’ habitat. This habitat is threatened in large areas in Tambopata and in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. We recommend that this species’ conservation status be raised to Data Deficient.

Recorded by Denton (pers. com.) at the Wasai lodge along the Tambopata River, upriver from SACHA. Also recorded by Widdowson (1994) in the furthest regions of the Tambopata River, near the Tavara River, near the foothills, which he called the ‘Plateau Region’ (13° 21’ S, 69° 33’ W). It is not known which forest type it was recorded from, but several are described for this location in an unpublished TReeS report.

Rufous-headed Woodpecker (Celeus spectabilis)

This largely unknown species was not recorded during VCP sampling. However four territories were located at SACHA, whereby it was also found nesting (Lloyd, submitted). Another two territories were located in type B/G forest inundated with bamboo during general observations at the EI. Also recorded from forest bamboo habitat at the newly created Wasai Lodge (Denton, pers. com.). The main problem in detecting this species is that this woodpecker is largely silent, and rarely calls except when nesting (Lloyd, submitted). This creates problems for both Distance Sampling and Spot-mapping methods (Kratter, 1995a, 1997), which also fail to adequately calculate densities for the species. The woodpecker is sensitive to playback, this is how it is commonly located or by looking for drilled holes in bamboo stems. Often located, in mixed flocks of bamboo specialists, by listening for drumming sounds on bamboo stems.

Classified as ‘vulnerable’ by Parker et al. (1996), it formerly deserves Near Threatened status. This species has very low population densities. We estimate that this is approximately 1.9 pairs per sq. km of type F forest bamboo habitats. Kratter (1995) calculates a range of population estimates for this species in three different bamboo habitats. Habitat is rare, patchily distributed, and subject to mass seeding and natural death in a short space of time. It then takes a number of years for the bamboo to reach maturity to support a full complement of bamboo specialists.

Like most bamboo specialists, it probably relies on river-edge bamboo habitats for dispersal between other bamboo areas. Of the three bamboo habitat types discussed by Kratter, pure and extensive thickets of Guadua bamboo are very rare and localised, while the river-edge bamboo habitat under the greatest threat due to human settlement. Its nesting requirements are now known (Kratter, 1998; Lloyd, in press). Suitable nesting trees are rare, particularly at SACHA, where selective logging has taken place.

Bar-bellied Woodcreeper (Hylexetastes stresemanni)

This species was recorded only once during two-years of VCP Sampling. In February 1998, a single bird was observed foraging at an army ant swarm, in type B forest at ECO. The bird was then attacked by an individual Dendrocolaptes picumnus and Dendrocincla fuliginosa flying to low-levels (~5m) hitching along tree trunks, with the other two species in pursuit. There are too few records to calculate absolute population densities. This species certainly deserves data deficient/ near-threatened status as its so poorly known throughout its range and highly sensitive to human disturbance. Classified as ‘vulnerable’ by Parker et al. (1996). There are maybe only six or more confirmed records of this species in Madre de Dios (Walker, pers. com.). Previously recorded from EI by Donahue (1994), but not Parker et al. (1994). Recent sighting of this species at the new Wasai lodge in the TCRZ (Denton, pers. com.).

Too few records were obtained during VCP Sampling to calculate an absolute population density for this bamboo specialist, at either TRC or the SACHA. This species has been under-recorded at both sites by us, due to the nature of its call. Kratter (1995b) calculates a range of population densities using a spot-mapping method. Based on that research, and the nature of bamboo ecology (see notes on C. spectabilis) the status of A. dorsalis is of medium concern for conservation biologists.

Peruvian Recurvebill (Simoxenops ucayalae)

Status: Near threatened.

This species was more abundant in E/F forest bamboo than F bamboo (population densities of 7.7 individuals per sq. km versus 4.7 individuals per sq. km, respectively). Both these estimations are lower than those calculated by Kratter (1995b) for floodplain forest bamboo habitat. We estimate that the total population level for the Recurvebill, in floodplain forest bamboo habitats in Tambopata ranges from 550 individuals to 8285 individuals. During VCP surveys this is one of the first bamboo specialists to begin vocalising during the dawn chorus along with Ramphotrigon megacephala, and it often remains largely silent for the rest of the day. This near obligate bamboo specialist is largely confined to the bamboo habitats of south-western Amazonia with other widely disjunct population’s further east in Brazil (Ridgley and Tudor, 1994).

Brown-rumped Foliage-Gleaner (Automolus melanopezus)

Fairly common in type F bamboo habitats with population density of 12.4 individuals per sq. km. Kratter (1995b) calculates the densities for this species in floodplain forest bamboo habitat at TRC as 15 pairs per sq. km. We calculate that the overall population size in Tambopata ranges from 1,451 individuals to 13,342 individuals. This species was recorded more often than not foraging with mixed species flocks with other Furnariids, with mixed flocks of bamboo specialists, and also foraging at army ant swarms.

Bamboo Antshrike (Cymbiliaimus sanctaemariae)

This near-obligate bamboo specialist, described in 1983, is restricted to bamboo habitats of south-western Amazonia. Tables 5.16 and 5.17 show the absolute densities calculated for this species in the two forest bamboo habitats. It is fairly common in these habitats, but once again, as with all the bamboo specialists, this habitat is rare and patchily distributed. Thus this, like all bamboo specialists must be given high conservation priority in the region. This antshrike species was also recorded during general observations in edge habitat around the lodge clearings at CA and ECO. These birds were recorded regularly during 1997 but were absent in 1998. Also recorded in bamboo habitats in type B/G forest, in the EI. Populations here are assumed to be smaller than those of other bamboo habitats due to the bamboo seeding on mass and dying during the early part of the decade (Kratter, 1995b). We estimate that the total population of the bamboo antshrike in forest bamboo habitats in Tambopata ranges from 725 to 8716 individuals.

Undulated Antshrike (Frederickena unduligera)

Previously recorded from the EI by Parker et al. (1994) and from the Pampas del Heath (BSNP) also by Parker et al. (1994). We first recorded F. unduligera at the TRC on 10^th August 1998. A male was seen calling during VCP Sampling and taped at 0550 am, in the understorey of E/F/forest, near an old regenerating forest gap, immediately adjacent to a large stream. A second bird, again a male, was seen and heard calling in a scrubby area of habitat at the forest edge of the ECO clearing. The bird was observed calling from a low perch (one metre from the ground) near the waste dump at the lodge. This species has also recently been recorded from dense undergrowth near streams at the new Wasai lodge within the TCRZ (Denton, pers. com.). This species has only been recorded twice from Bolivia (see Parker and Bailey, 1991 and Davies et al. 1996).

Stipple throated Antwren (Myrmotherula haematonata)

This species was mist netted at three sites. The mist net captures from the TRC in type E/F forest representing the first record of the species from the TCRZ. Individuals were also mist-netted in type B forest at ECO, in April, and December of 1997, and in March, May and September of 1998. This species was also netted in Type B/F mosaic at CAPH. Davis et al. (1991) had previously only recorded this species in the region, from the CAPH reserve.

Manu Antbird (Cecromacra manu)

This habitat restricted bamboo specialist was not recorded during VCP sampling, but six territories were mapped out by HL during general observations during May-July 1998. Estimated number of pairs for this species in type F bamboo habitat are 3.7 per sq. km.. This bamboo specialist is more restricted to pure stands of Guadua bamboo, rather than forest bamboo habitat (Kratter, 1995b). The precise habitat requirements for this species are discussed by Kratter (1995b). Classified as ‘vulnerable’ by Parker et al. (1996) this species formerly deserves near-threatened status given the nature of the habitat it requires, the amount of suitable habitat in the region, and its known nesting and foraging behaviour (Kratter 1995b, 1998). Despite the species being ‘common’ in these habitats, the habitats themselves are rare and patchily distributed. Estimations for the total population for this species in the Tambopata province range from 3,961 pairs (Lloyd and Palomino, unpublished) to 8,514 pairs (Kratter, 1995b).

White-lined Antbird (Percnostola lophotes)

Another of the habitat restricted bamboo specialists. This species is the most abundant and least threatened of all the bamboo specialists in the Guadua bamboo habitats. Estimations range from 48.3 individuals per sq. km of type F forest bamboo, to 14.8 individuals per sq. km of E/F forest bamboo habitat (Tables 5.16 and 5.17). Despite this species being common in this habitat, the habitat itself is rare and patchily distributed (see notes on C. spectabilis). We also recorded this species in scrubby edge habitat, located on the periphery of the football pitch at ECO. Only two pairs were located here amongst a small number of very young stems of Guadua bamboo.

Spot-winged Antbird (Schistocichla leucostigma)

Only previously recorded in this region from CAPH by Davis et al. (1991). A juvenile female was netted in type F forest adjacent to a stream in April 1997. Another individual was found at the forest edge near the lodge clearing at the TRC. The female was in poor health and heavily infested with botfly larvae. This represents the first record of the species within the TCRZ.

This near-obligate bamboo specialist was found to be very common in both bamboo sites (see Tables 5.16 and 5.17). Not currently threatened as it was also encountered during VCP surveys at ECO, in aguajal edge habitat. Also heard in similar habitat at CAPH lodge, during ad hoc observations. However, density estimates for this antbird species in this latter habitat type are likely to be much lower than populations in bamboo habitats. Restricted to south-western Amazonia, we estimate a total population in Tambopata, in forest bamboo habitats, of between 2,516 to 33,464 individuals.

Dot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax punctulata)

One of the rarer Hylophylax species (Ridgley and Tudor 1994), a pair were mist netted in type B forest at ECO in October 1997. The only previous record for this species from the region comes from the EI, within the TCRZ (Parker et al. 1994).

This rare antthrush was recorded during VCP surveys only at SACHA and the TRC, although it was also recorded during ad hoc observations at CAPH. It naturally occurs at low densities with large territory sizes between pairs (Terborgh et al. 1990). Estimated densities range very little from 1.4 individuals per sq. km in type F forest to 1.6 individuals per sq. km in E/F forest. Not recorded at EI during the last five years (Lloyd, pers. obs). At the nearby Tambopata Jungle Lodge this species was found to be breeding in January/February 1998. Although a nest was never located, a pair flushed from a thicket in type E forest, performed an elaborate ‘injured wing feigning’ distraction display whilst leading the observers from the presumed nest location.

Rufous-fronted Antthrush (Formicarius rufifrons)

Status: Vulnerable.

Rediscovered in 1982 by the late Ted Parker III, this species is only known from the type locality at the mouth of the Rio Colorado, from the mouth of the Rio Inambari, and from six localities in the TCRZ (but see Kratter, 1995a), along with five locations in the Manu Biosphere Reserve - Cocha Salvador, Cocha Cashu Biological Station, Cocha Juarez, Manu Wildlife Centre, and also near the Blanquillo clay lick (Kratter, 1995; Walker, pers. com.). Also recorded from the Extractive Reserve of the upper Rio Juruá, Acre, Brazil in 1995, and from Cobija, Pando, Bolivia in 1996. For a description of its ecology and habitat preferences see Kratter (1995a).

This species was recorded at three of the four locations – the first site being the TRC. Two territories were located, corresponding to two areas (1a and 1c) located by Kratter (1995a) at the same site. Birds were heard calling in December 1997, and February 1998 at location 1a but only heard calling at location 1c during December 1997 and February 1998. Two further territories were located at the CAPH lodge in February 1997, representing the first records of this species in the lower region of the Madre de Dios River from the TCRZ to the Bolivian border. The two territories were located in Type F forest edge scrubby habitat at the lodge clearing, some 30 m from the river. Birds were often heard calling from 0700 hrs to 1700 hrs from both areas. On the 26^th April 1997, at one territory directly adjacent to the lodge’s tourist bungalows, a female was caught, measured and weighed, photographed and released at the point of capture (weight = 55.0g, wing length = 8.2 cm, tail length = 6.5 cm, culmen = 1.5 cm, tarsus = 3.7 cm). These two territories were in occupation during three further 18 day visits to the site (April 1997, March 1998, July 1998) and were still present in September 1998 although extensive damage was being done to their habitat, caused by lodge reconstruction. To date these two territories of this globally threatened species (Collar et al. 1992) at this site are under immediate danger from the lodge’s activities. New tourist accommodation is being constructed directly on top of the two territories, and urgent decisions on the part of the lodge administration are required to prevent local extinction of this species.

In June 1998 at ECO, a single territory was located near the canopy platforms, 6 km from the lodge. A seemingly unfamiliar habitat for the species as most of the understorey has been cleared in the vicinity of the platforms for a tourist resting area, and the fact that it’s at the juxtaposition of Type B forest, scrub, and the permanently flooded Swamp type A forest. On two occasions (June 1998 and September 1998), a single bird was observed singing around the base of the two trees supporting the platforms.

Purple-throated Cotinga (Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema)

Status: Least Concern

This species has only been recorded from the EI within the TCRZ, where there are fewer than three records in over 20 years of observations of the bird communities (Parker et al. 1994). On the 15^th September 1998, a male was seen perched in the canopy at the type B forest edge at ECO clearing. The male was seen preening itself at 0730 hrs and was observed for a further nine minutes before it joined a mixed canopy flock and returned into the forest interior. Also an unconfirmed report of this species seen at the edge of an oxbow lake at the new Bahuaja Research Lodge, 5 km upriver from the EI, in 1997. Its habitat requirements and nesting behaviour are unknown.

This species is probably more common than records might suggest, due to its canopy dwelling nature, and unfamiliarity with its song. Readily observed from the Manu Wildlife Centre, Manu Biosphere Reserve (Walker, pers. com.). We concur with Whittaker (1996) that this species will probably be found also in north-eastern Bolivia. Population densities calculated for this species in ‘floodplain forest’ in Manu region, by Terborgh et al. (1990) = 2 individuals per sq. km.

Black-faced Cotinga (Conioptilon mcilhennyi)

Status: Near threatened.

Previously recorded by Davis et al. (1991) at CAPH and formerly only described from the Department of Madre de Dios (Ridgley and Tudor 1994). This species was regularly encountered during VCP Sampling and during general observations recorded in pairs or groups of 4 to six individuals, in Type B forest at ECO. Population densities for this species in this forest type are 0.9 individuals per sq. km. Sometimes the species was observed roosting in pairs in the subcanopy of tall canopy trees. More commonly recorded foraging with flocks of Brotogeris parakeets, always in the vicinity of streams. Pairs and groups of up to four individuals were also observed foraging with mixed canopy flocks (Thraupinae, Vireonidae, etc.) feeding on the fruits of Pourouma trees and other species situated immediately around the lodge clearing. This is only the second recorded location for this species in the lower region of the Madre de Dios River (Lloyd, in press)

At CAPH the species was recorded throughout the 1997-1998 period foraging in type F/ B forest. Population densities for this species are slightly higher in this forest, than in type B forest; 1.7 individuals per sq. km (Lloyd, in press).

C. mcilhennyi has recently been recorded outside Madre de Dios. It has been recorded at Balta, Department of Ucayali, and along the Rio Camisea (Alto Urubamba), in the Department of Cusco. In Manu this species has been recorded from the clay lick located above Cocha Cashu Biological Station, along the length of the Manu River. Its distribution continues along the Madre de Dios River as far as the Manu Wildlife Centre and the Blanquillo clay lick. However, this species seems to be absent from upriver of Boca Manu. Likewise, it has never been recorded south of the Madre de Dios River. This river is probably a significant barrier for this species, representing its southern most limit in its small distribution, thus explaining its absence from the TCRZ. Recently recorded on the upper Rio Tejo and Rio Juruá, near Taumaturgo, Acre, extreme western Brazil (Whittaker & Oren, in press).

Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus)

Primarily a foothill species (Ridgley and Tudor, 1994), M. olivaceus was first recorded by Parker et al. (1994) at the TRC in ‘upland’ and ‘floodplain’ forest, due to the relative proximity of this location to the Tavara foothills. We mist netted individuals at TRC on a number of occasions. All captures were made 10 m from one of the main tourist trails at two or our census stations in type E/F forest. At SACHA, two individuals were mist netted in type F forest, in 1998. It is now widely accepted that this species has a wider distribution outside the foothill region than what was previously thought. Previously recorded at a minimum elevational range of 500 m by Ridgley and Tudor (1994), we have now shown it to occur at an elevation of 217 m.

Other recent records of this species include individuals recorded from forest habitat immediately beneath the Tavara foothills, in the upper Tambopata River region (Widdowson, 1994, unpublished), and from the Bolivian side of the River Heath, in ‘riverine forest’ near the BSNP, by Helme (1996).

Dusky-tailed Flatbill (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda)

This near obligate bamboo specialist was often recorded during VCP surveys in mixed species flocks of bamboo specialists, foraging above and amongst live bamboo foliage at the SACHA. Population density for this species in type F forest bamboo habitat was estimated at 4.3 individuals per sq. km. Although recorded at census stations located in E/F forest bamboo at TRC, there were too few records to calculate an absolute population density for this species at this site. Kratter (1995b) estimates a higher population density for this species in floodplain forest bamboo habitat at TRC (7.5 pairs per sq. km). We estimate the total population in floodplain forest bamboo habitats in Tambopata, to range between 503 to 4,627 individuals.

White-cheeked Tody-Tyrant (Poecilotriccus albifacies)

Status: Near threatened.

Endemic to only two Departments in south and south-eastern Peru. This obligate bamboo specialist was found to be more common in type F forest bamboo of the SACHA (population density of 4.4 individuals per sq. km) than in type E/F forest at TRC (too few records for density estimation) . At SACHA it was recorded quite frequently during VCP surveys, sometimes only 200 m from the lodge clearing. This species is totally dependent on stands of Guadua bamboo habitat (see Kratter 1995b, which provides further details on its habitat requirements and foraging behaviour). We recorded this species foraging in pairs, in mixed flocks of bamboo specialists, at heights of 2-5 m, amongst live and dead bamboo foliage, and also seen breaking open dead-leaf curls. This species is now absent from B/F forest bamboo habitat at EI since the bamboo seeded and died in the early part of the decade. The current stands of bamboo there are thought to be not yet mature enough to hold a population of this tody-tyrant (see Kratter 1995b). We estimate that the total population size for this species in floodplain forest habitats, in Tambopata ranges from 515 to 4,734 individuals.

Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaemus melanurus)

The only previous records for this species are from the TRC by Parker et al. (1994). This species was observed in three different locations at ECO, in June and September 1998. Pairs were always observed foraging in densely packed viney tangles, from mid to sub canopy level, in both type B forest, and in dense viney tangles located around the type B forest edge of the lodge clearing. This species was always observed accompanying understorey and canopy mixed species flocks.

Grey-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata)

This rare tanager was not recorded during VCP surveys due to the fact that the census stations were not located in river edge habitat. The first record we have of this species was that of an individual seen and later mist netted, in type B forest edge, around the lodge clearing at ECO. We also recorded this species foraging in secondary river edge habitat at the EI. Only previously recorded from Tambopata at EI (Donahue, 1994).

Conclusions

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