Birds of Bolivia
Birds of the Aquicuana Reserve in Bolivia
The 20,000 hectares of Aquicuana Lake Reserve is home to many species of Amazonian flora and fauna. Our avifauna includes the threatened Masked Antpitta (endemic to Riberalta, Bolivia; recorded at several distinct locales inside the Reserve) and the threatened White-throated Toucan, as well as 4 species of large Ara macaws. Preliminary birding efforts have yielded 302 resident bird species recorded within an hour from the main Pisatahua lodge, including several important first registers for El Beni. With the help of guests and researchers, we hope to add more species to the list – we estimate there are more than 300 in total.
To view a full list of recorded birds, click here.
The density of species and variety of habitats including the lake, its surrounding marshes and varzeas (seasonally flooded forests), as well as a network of hiking trails through primary rainforest, make the Reserve a premier birding and wildlife viewing destination in Bolivia.
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
A famously odd-looking bird, camouflaged by day perched on tree stumps or high branches. Your best bet for seeing this bird is a nighttime boat ride along the river, scanning the trees for reflections of its eyes, or listening for its distinctive haunting call at dawn and dusk.
(Photo credit: Vincent Vos/CC BY-NC)
Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)
The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest of the American kingfishers at 38cm, and can be seen in flight over the water or diving from its perch. Also look out for its more diminutive cousins the Green and Rufous Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher, and the Amazon Kingfisher.
(Photo credit: Vincent Vos/CC BY-NC
Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda)
This alert and active bird may resemble a large hummingbird at first sight, with its shining green upperparts and large thick beak of around 5cm. They are solely insectivorous, usually spotted calmly sallying from their forest perch to catch flies.
(Photo credit: Vincent Vos/CC BY-NC)
Masked Antpitta (Hylopezus auricularis)
The Masked Antpitta is an uncommon bird endemic to Riberalta and its surroundings in the Bolivian Amazon, and is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ (IUCN) due to its limited range and ongoing habitat degradation. The Aquicuana Reserve is one of the few places where they can be found, and is likely their only legally protected habitat – it has been recorded at several distinct locales within the Reserve. It has a dark brown ‘mask’ around the eyes underneath a grey crown with a streaked throat and olive-brown upperparts. It is often more easily heard than seen with its distinctive vocalizations.
(Photo credit: Vincent Vos/CC BY-NC)