Dates: August 8 - 22, 2025

Leaders: Erik Bruhnke & Local Leader

E-bird

Total Species: 203 birds

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Overall Summary

Our Brazil Pantanal Safari tour offered an astounding whirlwind of diversity and exciting moments every day. Birding by foot, by boat, and by open-bed truck, the sights and sounds of this adventure were memorable, to say the least.

We started off in Cuiabá, making our way out of town toward the Transpantaneira, the legendary highway that takes travelers (like ourselves) deep into the Cerrado and Pantanal environments. An American Kestrel was seen in Cuiabá shortly after we left the hotel, as were Tropical Kingbirds and Rufous Horneros, each interacting with the city landscape in its own way. We enjoyed wonderful views of a pair of Blue-and-yellow Macaws allopreening each other. A little farther down the road, we locked our sights on Red-legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, and Toco Toucans. A stop at some nearby wetlands brought views of two gorgeous ibis species—Bare-faced and Buff-necked. Flashy Nacunda Nighthawks were seen flying along the edge of the pond. Later in the day, several Burrowing Owls were seen and appreciated, including a very inquisitive nestling that checked us out from within its burrow. There were so many highlights, and we were just getting started!

We savored a wonderful lunch at SouthWild Pantanal, our home-sweet-home for several days throughout the tour. Robust Picazuro Pigeons gathered near the feeding area as we were welcomed to our beautiful rooms. There was much to explore around the grounds and nearby waterways. An afternoon boat ride introduced us to the experience of birding by boat (one of a handful of boat rides we take on this tour). Fantastic views of Bare-faced Curassow and Ringed Kingfisher, along with hearing Little Woodpecker, ensued from the boats. Later in the afternoon, we made our way to look for an Ocelot; our first visit was Ocelot-free, but we did hear amazing birds like Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Little Nightjar, and Common Pauraque after sunset.

The next morning, after an early and delicious breakfast, we took a walk around the adjacent grounds—just under a mile of hiking round-trip through the forested trails, tallying 63 species for the morning! There were many highlights, including a gorgeous Golden-green Woodpecker, Pale-crested Woodpecker, and two White Woodpeckers. Rufous Cacholotes called as a Chotoy Spinetail kept watch, each dapper in its own way. Vibrant Orange-backed Troupials fed among the hot-pink ipê blossoms, beauty beyond description. There was much to enjoy on our first morning of birding the property! After a midday siesta, we birded by safari vehicle and enjoyed great views of birds like the tiny White-wedged Piculet, the regal Capped Heron, and Greater Thornbird, to name a few. Complementing all of this were periodic sightings of the immensely range-restricted Chestnut-bellied Guan visiting the lodge bird feeders and seen quite close at times. And on top of all this, we enjoyed views of an Ocelot before bed. What a day!

The next day we made our way down to new waters, where much wildlife resides and where our next home-sweet-home (the Jaguar Suites) awaited along the Piquiri River. On the drive down, we saw a plethora of wildlife, including Hyacinth Macaws and Wood Storks alongside their less common counterpart, the Maguari Stork. At times there were Snail Kites galore! Yacaré Caimans lounged and gathered around the waterlogged areas as the dry season commenced. We found a beautiful False Water Cobra while birding and got to study our first (of many) Black-capped Donacobius and majestic Hyacinth Macaws. After an arrival lunch and a little siesta at the Jaguar Suites, we made our way out to bird by boat along the nearby waters. It was very special to know that our “home” for this part of the tour was surrounded by so much potential wildlife diversity, which included seeing a JAGUAR on our first evening out! Earlier in the afternoon, we enjoyed the sights of amazing birds like Pied Plover, Guira Cuckoo, both Large-billed and Yellow-billed terns, and more.

Over the next few days at the Jaguar Suites, we enjoyed a collective TEN sightings of Jaguars while birding by boat! On our last morning excursion among the boating outings, we witnessed a Jaguar swimming and eventually pouncing on a Yacaré Caiman in the water. This was followed by moments of thrashing and splashing around, and then we watched the Jaguar drag its fresh catch up onto the shore and deep into the vegetation. It felt surreal, like a dreamy moment straight from a nature documentary . . . but right in front of us. I distinctly remember looking around the boat, jaw dropped, and seeing everyone with the identical expression—no words needed. Pantanal magic!

Among the Jaguar sightings were so many incredible bird sightings and wildlife encounters, including several views of endangered Giant Otters socializing and feeding along the rivers. During this tour we saw not one, not two, but five American Pygmy Kingfishers during our time on the water. Crisp, up-close views of a Snail Kite were incredible, along with numerous Roadside Hawks daily. Great study and comparison opportunities involving Great Kiskadee, Lesser Kiskadee, Boat-billed Flycatcher, and Rusty-margined Flycatcher followed. A White-naped Xenopsaris was a special treat, being a species uncommon for the tour. We delved into the world of antbirds with a Band-tailed Antbird at one point. Adult and juvenile Rufescent Tiger-Herons were seen remarkably well, as were Green Ibis and Capped Heron. Among the many up-close views of previously mentioned birds were several hawk-watching moments when we learned how to identify White-tailed Hawk and Plumbeous Kite at a distance from the boat—which is quite possible to do! Closer still was a Crane Hawk that we watched walk along a branch and plunge its long legs deep within a hollow tree cavity, shortly afterward pulling out a frog that it began to eat on a branch. Two different Long-winged Harriers were seen patrolling low through the air. Along the peaceful meandering stretches of river, we enjoyed the sight of adorable Proboscis Bats resting together on the underside of a tree, each camouflaged in its own way against the trunk. Amid this whirlwind of life, we saw numerous Capybaras every day while exploring the waterways from the Jaguar Suites. They are such neat animals, being the world’s largest rodents! Seeing a very rare Maned Wolf one evening was truly incredible, and on the boat ride home from the wolf sighting, we saw baby Large-billed Terns and not one but two Brazilian Tapirs!

On our last morning while still birding by boat out of the Jaguar Suites, we enjoyed views of a sneaky Striped Cuckoo and a Rufescent Tiger-Heron that contemplated for many minutes what to do with the too-large fish it had caught. It was tough to leave such a beautiful location, and we said goodbye to the wonderful staff at the Jaguar Suites. Upon arriving back on land, we made our way back to SouthWild Pantanal for another visit, including a casual stroll around the property. We were treated to amazing views of the Jabiru nesting right on site, fantastic views of the dapper Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, and some treetop-perching Turquoise-fronted Amazons.

We had one more full day in store for birding at SouthWild Pantanal, and we started off by birding by boat. As with the past days of the tour, our morning boat ride was lots of fun. Yellow-collared Macaws flew over us, and we saw a beautiful female Black-tailed Tityra and a Great Antshrike, all among an exciting plethora of wading birds. Canopy-dwelling White-throated Piping-Guans didn’t disappoint either. There was much to cherish during our last boat ride of the trip, with numerous adventures still awaiting us on land. An afternoon trek around the property offered views of Blue-tufted Starthroat and Gilded Hummingbird, in addition to up-close Green-barred Woodpeckers and a Rusty-backed Antwren.

The next morning we enjoyed a delicious early breakfast, followed by one last stroll around the SouthWild Pantanal property. It was exciting to see Brown-chested Martins and one of the sought-after birds of the morning, TWO Red-crested Finches! It felt like time stood still while we watched this beautiful species, initially in poor light but eventually out in the open with the sun at our backs. Pousada Piuval, our last home-sweet-home of the tour, was on the agenda for the evening, but not before some birding and lunch en route. During lunch we savored views of Nanday Parakeets just feet from us, while Buff-necked Ibises and Hyacinth Macaws enjoyed the surroundings. A White-rumped Monjita was seen just before we “hit the road.” Once at Pousada Piuval, a late-day truck ride had us looking at Burrowing Owls, punk-rock-crested Guira Cuckoos, Nacunda Nighthawks, and several Grassland Sparrows, which were new for our trip!

Our final series of birding excursions took place around the grounds of Pousada Piuval. While birding by open-bed truck, we found ourselves among Red-legged Seriemas and Campo Flickers. One of the biggest highlights was seeing two Giant Anteaters and also a Brazilian Tapir in the early morning hours. It all felt like a dream. Thrush-like Wrens were seen, as were Bare-faced Curassows and even a Sunbittern. At one point, we watched a juvenile Crested Caracara being allopreened by a Black Vulture. This remarkable behavior continued for several minutes and was quite fascinating to observe, as interspecies allopreening is extremely rare anywhere in the world. One night we set our sights on a Black-banded Owl, a joyous moment that rewarded our patience. Hearing a nighttime Short-tailed Nighthawk was also very special, as this locally uncommon bird is often not on our birding radar.

On our last morning before heading back to Cuiabá, we did some local birding and spotted a White-fronted Woodpecker, an uncommon habitat-specialized bird of the area. (We look for them on every visit to Pousada Piuval, and they can be tricky to find.) Nice views of this species ensued in the savanna-like surroundings. Earlier in the morning, around breakfast time, no fewer than 1,500 Western Cattle Egrets were seen flying around the vast clearings. And with all of this, viewing a few more Hyacinth Macaws before departing felt special in its own way. We made our way back to Cuiabá later that afternoon, where the tour concluded.

A big thank you goes out to our two local guides, Lailson and Yamil. Lailson’s top-notch birding expertise enriched our tour tremendously with many fun moments in the field, and Yamil’s zenful approach to birding connected us with so many exciting experiences, not only through bird identification but also through a personal connection to the many animals we saw. It was a joy to bird with both of them. And an important thank you goes out to the boat drivers, lodging staff, and van drivers who made our tour as memorable as it was. There was much to be thankful for. I’m already looking forward to next year’s tour!

Day-by-Day Summary

August 8 - We arrived in Cuiabá and began our journey toward the Pantanal along the legendary Transpantaneira. Highlights included American Kestrel, Blue-and-yellow Macaws, Red-legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, and Burrowing Owls.

August 9 - We settled into SouthWild Pantanal and enjoyed our first boat excursion, with sightings of Bare-faced Curassow, Ringed Kingfisher, and nocturnal birds including Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and Common Pauraque.

August 10 - Morning forest walks produced 63 bird species, including Golden-green Woodpecker, White Woodpecker, and Orange-backed Troupial. Afternoon safari birding added White-wedged Piculet and Capped Heron, and we enjoyed our first Ocelot sighting.

August 11 - We traveled south to the Jaguar Suites along the Piquiri River. Along the way we observed Hyacinth Macaws, Snail Kites, Yacaré Caimans, and False Water Cobra. Our first evening boat ride produced our first Jaguar sighting.

August 12 - We explored the waterways by boat, enjoying excellent views of Jaguars, Giant Otters, American Pygmy Kingfishers, and numerous raptors and wading birds.

August 13 - Another full day of wildlife viewing brought additional Jaguar sightings along with Crane Hawk, White-naped Xenopsaris, Band-tailed Antbird, and close encounters with Capybaras.

August 14 - We continued birding and wildlife watching along the rivers, highlighted by sightings of Long-winged Harriers, Proboscis Bats, and a rare Maned Wolf.

August 15 - One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip occurred when we watched a Jaguar swim, capture a Yacaré Caiman, and drag it ashore before our eyes.

August 16 - Our last boat excursion produced Striped Cuckoo and Rufescent Tiger-Heron before we returned to SouthWild Pantanal. Back at the lodge, we enjoyed Jabiru, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, and Turquoise-fronted Amazons.

August 17 - Morning birding by boat featured Yellow-collared Macaws, Black-tailed Tityra, Great Antshrike, and White-throated Piping-Guans. Afternoon walks added Blue-tufted Starthroat and Rusty-backed Antwren.

August 18 - We birded around SouthWild before heading toward Pousada Piuval. Highlights included Red-crested Finches, Nanday Parakeets, White-rumped Monjita, and evening sightings of Guira Cuckoos and Grassland Sparrows.

August 19 - Open-bed truck excursions around Piuval produced Giant Anteaters, Brazilian Tapir, Campo Flicker, Thrush-like Wren, and Bare-faced Curassow.

August 20 - We continued exploring the area and enjoyed memorable sightings of Sunbittern, Black-banded Owl, and nighttime Short-tailed Nighthawk.

August 21 - Our final morning featured White-fronted Woodpecker, thousands of Western Cattle Egrets, and more Hyacinth Macaws before returning to Cuiabá.

August 22 - We departed Cuiabá after an unforgettable Pantanal adventure filled with extraordinary birds, mammals, Jaguars, and incredible wildlife encounters.

Wildlife Seen: 

MAMMALS:

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) 

Black-tailed Marmoset (Mico melanurus) 

Tufted Capuchin (Sapajus apella) 

Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya) 

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) 

Azara’s Agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) 

Long-nosed (Proboscis) Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso) 

Lesser Bulldog Bat (Noctilio albiventris) 

Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus) 

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) 

Jaguar (10 sightings!) (Panthera onca) 

Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) 

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) 

Brazilian Rabbit (Common Tapeti) (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) 

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) 

Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) 

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) 

Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) 

Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana) 

REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS: 

Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare) 

Ameiva Lizard (Ameiva ameiva) 

Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) 

Black-and-white Tegu (Salvator merianae) 

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) 

False Water Cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas) 

Mato Grosso Snouted Tree Frog (Scinax acuminatus) 

BUTTERFLIES: 

Southern Red Rim (Biblis hyperia) 

Many-banded Daggerwing (Marpesia chiron) 

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia) 

White Admiral (Anartia jatrophae) 

Gray Cracker (Hamadryas februa) 

 
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