List of birds of Paraguay
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Paraguay. The avifauna of Paraguay has 695 species, of which one is endemic, two have been introduced by humans, 39 are rare or accidental, and five are extirpated or extinct. An additional 27 species are hypothetical (see below).
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2016 edition.[1] The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Paraguay. Except as an entry is cited otherwise, the list of species is that of the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithologists' Union.[2] The taxonomy used by the SACC differs from "Clements", and significant differences in names are noted.[3] Differences from "Clements" in the sequence of orders, families, and species within families are not noted.
The following tags have been used to highlight certain categories, but not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Paraguay
- (E) Endemic - a species endemic to Paraguay
- (H) Hypothetical - a species recorded but with "no tangible evidence" according to the SACC
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Paraguay as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Rheas
Order: Struthioniformes Family: Rheidae
The rheas are large flightless birds native to South America. Their feet have three toes rather than four which allows them to run faster. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Greater rhea, Rhea americana
Tinamous
Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae
The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family, Tinamidae, within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes), that includes the rheas, emus and kiwis. Thirteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Solitary tinamou, Tinamus solitarius
- Brown tinamou, Crypturellus obsoletus
- Undulated tinamou, Crypturellus undulatus
- Small-billed tinamou, Crypturellus parvirostris
- Tataupa tinamou, Crypturellus tataupa
- Red-winged tinamou, Rhynchotus rufescens
- Brushland tinamou, Nothoprocta cinerascens
- White-bellied nothura, Nothura boraquira
- Lesser nothura, Nothura minor
- Spotted nothura, Nothura maculosa
- Chaco nothura, Nothura chacoensis (E)
- Dwarf tinamou, Taoniscus nanus (H)
- Quebracho crested-tinamou, Eudromia formosa
Screamers
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anhimidae
The screamers are a small family of birds related to the ducks. They are large, bulky birds, with a small downy head, long legs and large feet which are only partially webbed. They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and in territorial disputes. Two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Horned screamer, Anhima cornuta
- Southern screamer, Chauna torquata
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. Twenty-two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata
- Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
- Coscoroba swan, Coscoroba coscoroba
- Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
- Orinoco goose, Oressochen jubata (A)
- Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
- Ringed teal, Callonetta leucophrys
- Brazilian teal, Amazonetta brasiliensis
- Blue-winged teal, Anas discors (H)
- Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera
- Red shoveler, Anas platalea
- White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis
- Yellow-billed pintail, Anas georgica (A)
- Silver teal, Anas versicolor
- Yellow-billed teal, Anas flavirostris (A)
- Southern pochard, Netta erythrophthalma (H)
- Rosy-billed pochard, Netta peposaca
- Brazilian merganser, Mergus octosetaceus (extirpated)
- Black-headed duck, Heteronetta atricapilla
- Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus
- Lake duck, Oxyura vittata (A)
Guans, chachalacas, and curassows
Order: Galliformes Family: Cracidae
The Cracidae are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colorful facial ornaments. Six species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Chaco chachalaca, Ortalis canicollis
- Rusty-margined guan, Penelope superciliaris
- Dusky-legged guan, Penelope obscura (H)
- Blue-throated piping-guan, Pipile cumanensis
- Black-fronted piping-guan, Pipile jacutinga
- Bare-faced curassow, Crax fasciolata
New World quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Spot-winged wood-quail, Odontophorus capueira
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- White-tufted grebe, Rollandia rolland
- Least grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- Great grebe, Podiceps major (A)
- Silvery grebe, Podiceps occipitalis
Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Chilean flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. Three species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Maguari stork, Ciconia maguari
- Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana
Cormorants and shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colorful. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Anhingas
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape, and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga
Herons, egrets, and bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills. Fourteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Pinnated bittern, Botaurus pinnatus
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Stripe-backed bittern, Ixobrychus involucris
- Rufescent tiger-heron, Tigrisoma lineatum
- Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (A)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Whistling heron, Syrigma sibilatrix
- Capped heron, Pilherodius pileatus
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. Six species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi
- Green ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis
- Bare-faced ibis, Phimosus infuscatus
- Plumbeous ibis, Theristicus caerulescens
- Buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja
New World vultures
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion. Five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
- Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
- Andean condor, Vultur gryphus (H)
- King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. Thirty-five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Pearl kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
- Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
- Gray-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
- Crested eagle, Morphnus guianensis
- Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja
- Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
- Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
- Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizaetus melanoleucus
- Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
- Snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
- Rufous-thighed kite, Harpagus diodon
- Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
- Plumbeous kite, Ictinia plumbea
- Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni
- Cinereous harrier, Circus cinereus
- Gray-bellied hawk, Accipiter poliogaster
- Tiny hawk, Accipiter superciliosus
- Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
- Bicolored hawk, Accipiter bicolor
- Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens
- Savanna hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis
- Great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
- Chaco eagle, Buteogallus coronatus
- Roadside hawk, Rupornis magnirostris
- Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus
- White-rumped hawk, Parabuteo leucorrhous
- White-tailed hawk, Geranoaetus albicaudatus
- Black-chested buzzard-eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus
- Mantled hawk, Pseudastur polionotus (extirpated)
- Grey-lined hawk, Buteo nitidus
- Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni
- Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Speckled rail, Coturnicops notatus
- Ocellated crake, Micropygia schomburgkii
- Yellow-breasted crake, Hapalocrex flaviventer
- Rufous-sided crake, Laterallus melanophaius
- Gray-breasted crake, Laterallus exilis
- Red-and-white crake, Laterallus leucopyrrhus
- Rufous-faced crake, Laterallus xenopterus
- Giant wood-rail, Aramides ypecaha
- Gray-cowled wood-rail, Aramides cajaneus
- Slaty-breasted wood rail, Aramides saracura
- Russet-crowned crake, Anurolimnas viridis
- Spot-flanked gallinule, Porphyriops melanops
- Ash-throated crake, Mustelirallus albicollis
- Paint-billed crake, Mustelirallus erythrops
- Spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus
- Blackish rail, Pardirallus nigricans
- Plumbeous rail, Pardirallus sanguinolentus
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (called P. martinica by the SACC)[4]
- Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
- Red-gartered coot, Fulica armillata
- Red-fronted coot, Fulica rufifrons (A)
- White-winged coot, Fulica leucoptera
Finfoots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae
Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica
Limpkin
Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae
The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a greyer head and neck.
- Limpkin, Aramus guarauna
Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus melanurus
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. Seven species which have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Pied lapwing, Vanellus cayanus
- Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
- Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus (A)
- Rufous-chested dotterel, Charadrius modestus (A)
Painted-snipes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly colored. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- South American painted-snipe, Rostratula semicollaris
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (believed extinct)
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres (A)
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla (A)
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla (H)
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus (H)
- South American snipe, Gallinago paraguaiae
- Giant snipe, Gallinago undulata
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (A)
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, terns, and skimmers. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Thirteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Brown-hooded gull, Chroicocephalus maculipennis (A)
- Gray-hooded gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
- Laughing Gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
- Franklin's Gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (A)
- Yellow-billed tern, Sternula superciliaris
- Large-billed tern, Phaetusa simplex
- Gull-billed Tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (A)
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida (A)[5]
- Common Tern, Sterna hirundo (A)
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Snowy-crowned Tern, Sterna trudeaui (H)
- Royal Tern, Thalasseus maximus (H)
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Sixteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Pale-vented pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis
- Scaled pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa
- Picazuro pigeon, Patagioenas picazuro
- Spot-winged pigeon, Patagioenas maculosa
- Plain-breasted ground-dove, Columbina minuta
- Ruddy ground-dove, Columbina talpacoti
- Scaled dove, Columbina squammata
- Picui ground-dove, Columbina picui
- Blue ground-dove, Claravis pretiosa
- Purple-winged ground-dove, Claravis geoffroyi
- Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
- Violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea
- White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
- Gray-fronted dove, Leptotila rufaxilla
- Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Thirteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Guira cuckoo, Guira guira
- Greater ani, Crotophaga major
- Smooth-billed ani, Crotophaga ani
- Striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia
- Pheasant cuckoo, Dromococcyx phasianellus
- Pavonine cuckoo, Dromococcyx pavoninus
- Little cuckoo, Coccycua minuta (H)
- Ash-colored cuckoo, Coccycua cinerea
- Squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana
- Dark-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Pearly-breasted cuckoo, Coccyzus euleri
- Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus (A)
Barn-owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Sixteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Tropical screech-owl, Megascops choliba
- Black-capped screech-owl, Megascops atricapilla
- Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
- Tawny-browed owl, Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Least pygmy-owl, Glaucidium minutissimum (H)
- Ferruginous pygmy-owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata
- Black-banded owl, Ciccaba huhula
- Rusty-barred owl, Strix hylophila
- Chaco owl, Strix chacoensis
- Stygian owl, Asio stygius
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
- Striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator (The SACC places striped owl in genus Asio)[6]
- Buff-fronted owl, Aegolius harrisii
Nightjars and allies
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. Sixteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Nacunda nighthawk, Chordeiles nacunda
- Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis (H)
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
- Short-tailed nighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus
- Band-tailed nighthawk, Nyctiprogne leucopyga
- Band-winged nightjar, Systellura longirostris
- Common pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis
- White-winged nightjar, Eleothreptus candicans
- Sickle-winged nightjar, Eleothreptus anomalus
- Little nightjar, Setopagis parvula
- Spot-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis maculicaudus
- Scissor-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis torquata
- Long-trained nightjar, Macropsalis forcipata (A)
- Ocellated poorwill, Nyctiphrynus ocellatus
- Rufous nightjar, Antrostomus rufus
- Silky-tailed nightjar, Antrostomus sericocaudatus
Potoos
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Nyctibiidae
(The SACC places potoos in their own order, Nyctibiiformes)[7]
The potoos (sometimes called poor-me-ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars. There are seven species, of which three have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
- Long-tailed potoo, Nyctibius aethereus
- Common potoo, Nyctibius griseus
Swifts
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
(The SACC places swifts in their own order, Apodiformes)[8]
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. Six species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Sooty swift, Cypseloides fumigatus
- Great dusky swift, Cypseloides senex
- White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
- Biscutate swift, Streptoprocne biscutata (H)
- Sick's swift, Chaetura meridionalis
- Gray-rumped swift, Chaetura cinereiventris
Hummingbirds
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Trochilidae
(The SACC places hummingbirds in their own order, Trochiliformes)[9]
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. Twenty species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Black jacobin, Florisuga fusca
- Buff-bellied hermit, Phaethornis subochraceus (A)
- Planalto hermit, Phaethornis pretrei
- Scale-throated hermit, Phaethornis eurynome
- White-vented violetear, Colibri serrirostris
- White-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus guainumbi
- Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Chrysolampis mosquitus (H)
- Black-throated mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis
- Long-billed starthroat, Heliomaster longirostris (H)
- Blue-tufted starthroat, Heliomaster furcifer
- Amethyst woodstar, Calliphlox amethystina
- Glittering-bellied emerald, Chlorostilbon lucidus
- Purple-crowned plovercrest, Stephanoxis loddigesii
- Swallow-tailed hummingbird, Eupetomena macroura
- Fork-tailed woodnymph, Thalurania furcata
- Violet-capped woodnymph, Thalurania glaucopis
- White-throated hummingbird, Leucochloris albicollis
- Versicolored emerald, Amazilia versicolor
- Rufous-throated sapphire, Hylocharis sapphirina (H)
- Gilded hummingbird, Hylocharis chrysura
Trogons
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. Three species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Blue-crowned trogon, Trogon curucui
- Surucua trogon, Trogon surrucura
- Black-throated trogon, Trogon rufus
Motmots
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Momotidae
The motmots have colorful plumage and long, graduated tails which they display by waggling back and forth. In most of the species, the barbs near the ends of the two longest (central) tail feathers are weak and fall off, leaving a length of bare shaft and creating a racket-shaped tail. Two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Amazonian motmot, Momotus momota
- Rufous-capped motmot, Baryphthengus ruficapillus
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata
- Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
- Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
- Green-and-rufous kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda
- American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
Puffbirds
Order: Galbuliformes Family: Bucconidae
The puffbirds are related to the jacamars and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colors of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous, or grey, with large heads and flattened bills with hooked tips. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family. Four species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Buff-bellied puffbird, Notharchus swainsoni
- White-eared puffbird, Nystalus chacuru
- Spot-backed puffbird, Nystalus maculatus
- Rusty-breasted nunlet, Nonnula rubecula
Jacamars
Order: Galbuliformes Family: Galbulidae
The jacamars are near passerine birds from tropical South America, with a range that extends up to Mexico. They feed on insects caught on the wing, and are glossy, elegant birds with long bills and tails. In appearance and behavior they resemble the Old World bee-eaters, although they are more closely related to puffbirds. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Rufous-tailed jacamar, Galbula ruficauda
Toucans
Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae
Toucans are near passerine birds from the Neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous colorful bills which in some species amount to half their body length. Five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Saffron toucanet, Baillonius bailloni
- Chestnut-eared aracari, Pteroglossus castanotis
- Spot-billed toucanet, Selenidera maculirostris
- Toco toucan, Ramphastos toco
- Red-breasted toucan, Ramphastos dicolorus
Woodpeckers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- White-barred piculet, Picumnus cirratus
- Ochre-collared piculet, Picumnus temminckii
- White-wedged piculet, Picumnus albosquamatus
- White woodpecker, Melanerpes candidus
- Yellow-fronted woodpecker, Melanerpes flavifrons
- White-fronted woodpecker, Melanerpes cactorum
- White-spotted woodpecker, Veniliornis spilogaster
- Checkered woodpecker, Veniliornis mixtus
- Little woodpecker, Veniliornis passerinus
- Golden-green woodpecker, Piculus chrysochloros
- White-browed woodpecker, Piculus aurulentus
- Green-barred woodpecker, Colaptes melanochloros
- Campo flicker, Colaptes campestris
- Pale-crested woodpecker, Celeus lugubris
- Helmeted woodpecker, Dryocopus galeatus
- Blond-crested woodpecker, Celeus flavescens
- Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
- Black-bodied woodpecker, Dryocopus schulzi
- Robust woodpecker, Campephilus robustus
- Crimson-crested woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos
- Cream-backed woodpecker, Campephilus leucopogon
Seriemas
Order: Cariamiformes Family: Cariamidae
The seriemas are terrestrial birds which run rather than fly (though they are able to fly for short distances). They have long legs, necks and tails, but only short wings, reflecting their way of life. They are brownish birds with short bills and erectile crests, found on fairly-dry open grasslands. Both of the family's two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Red-legged seriema, Cariama cristata
- Black-legged seriema, Chunga burmeisteri
Falcons and caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. Twelve species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Barred forest-falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
- Collared forest-falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
- Southern caracara, Caracara plancus
- Yellow-headed caracara, Milvago chimachima
- Chimango caracara, Milvago chimango
- Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans
- Spot-winged falconet, Spiziapteryx circumcincta'
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
- Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
- Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
New World and African parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. Twenty-four species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus
- Yellow-chevroned parakeet, Brotogeris chiriri
- Pileated parrot, Pionopsitta pileata
- Scaly-headed parrot, Pionus maximiliani
- Yellow-faced parrot, Alipiopsitta xanthops
- Vinaceous-breasted parrot, Amazona vinacea
- Red-spectacled parrot, Amazona pretrei (H)
- Turquoise-fronted parrot, Amazona aestiva
- Orange-winged parrot, Amazona amazonica
- Blue-winged parrotlet, Forpus xanthopterygius
- Blaze-winged parakeet, Pyrrhura devillei
- Maroon-bellied parakeet, Pyrrhura frontalis
- Green-cheeked parakeet, Pyrrhura molinae
- Hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
- Glaucous macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus (believed extinct)
- Peach-fronted parakeet, Eupsittula aurea
- Nanday parakeet, Aratinga nenday
- Golden-capped parakeet, Aratinga auricapillus (A)
- Blue-winged macaw, Primolius maracana
- Yellow-collared macaw, Primolius auricollis
- Blue-and-yellow macaw, Ara ararauna
- Red-and-green macaw, Ara chloropterus
- Blue-crowned parakeet, Thectocercus acuticaudatus
- White-eyed parakeet, Psittacara leucophthalmus
Typical antbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thamnophilidae
The antbirds are a large family of small passerine birds of subtropical and tropical Central and South America. They are forest birds which tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat small invertebrates that leave their hiding places to flee from the ants. Many species lack bright color; brown, black and white being the dominant tones. Twenty-two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Spot-backed antshrike, Hypoedaleus guttatus
- Giant antshrike, Batara cinerea
- Tufted antshrike, Mackenziaena severa
- Large-tailed antshrike, Mackenziaena leachii
- Great antshrike, Taraba major
- Barred antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus
- Rufous-capped antshrike, Thamnophilus ruficapillus
- Rufous-winged antshrike, Thamnophilus torquatus
- Bolivian slaty-antshrike, Thamnophilus sticturus
- Variable antshrike, Thamnophilus caerulescens
- Plain antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis
- Stripe-backed antbird, Myrmorchilus strigilatus
- Black-capped antwren, Herpsilochmus atricapillus
- Rufous-winged antwren, Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
- Black-bellied antwren, Formicivora melanogaster
- Rusty-backed antwren, Formicivora rufa
- Bertoni's antbird, Drymophila rubricollis
- Dusky-tailed antbird, Drymophila malura
- Streak-capped antwren, Terenura maculata
- Mato Grosso antbird, Cercomacra melanaria
- White-backed fire-eye, Pyriglena leuconota
- White-shouldered fire-eye, Pyriglena leucoptera
Crescentchests
Order: Passeriformes Family: Melanopareiidae
- Collared crescentchest, Melanopareia torquata
- Olive-crowned crescentchest, Melanopareia maximiliani
Gnateaters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Conopophagidae
The gnateaters are round, short-tailed and long-legged birds, which are closely related to the antbirds. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- Rufous gnateater, Conopophaga lineata
Antpittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallariidae
Antpittas resemble the true pittas with strong, longish legs, very short tails and stout bills. Two specis have been recorded in Paraguay
- Variegated antpitta, Grallaria varia
- Speckle-breasted antpitta, Hylopezus nattereri
Tapaculos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhinocryptidae
The tapaculos are small suboscine passeriform birds with numerous species in South and Central America. They are terrestrial species that fly only poorly on their short wings. They have strong legs, well-suited to their habitat of grassland or forest undergrowth. The tail is cocked and pointed towards the head.
- Crested gallito, Rhinocrypta lanceolata
Antthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Formicariidae
- Short-tailed antthrush, Chamaeza campanisona
Ovenbirds and woodcreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Furnariidae
Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. The woodcreepers are brownish birds which maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks. Fifty-eight species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Rufous-breasted leaftosser, Sclerurus scansor
- Campo miner, Geositta poeciloptera (A)
- Olivaceous woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus
- Plain-winged woodcreeper, Dendrocincla turdina
- Black-banded woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus
- Planalto woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes platyrostris
- White-throated woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes albicollis
- Great rufous woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes major
- Lesser woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus fuscus
- Red-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus trochilirostris
- Black-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus falcularius
- Scimitar-billed woodcreeper, Drymornis bridgesii
- Narrow-billed woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes angustirostris
- Scalloped woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes falcinellus
- Plain xenops, Xenops minutus
- Streaked xenops, Xenops rutilans
- Chaco earthcreeper, Tarphonomus certhioides
- Pale-legged hornero, Furnarius leucopus
- Rufous hornero, Furnarius rufus
- Crested hornero, Furnarius cristatus
- Sharp-tailed streamcreeper, Lochmias nematura
- Wren-like rushbird, Phleocryptes melanops
- Buff-winged cinclodes, Cinclodes fuscus (A)
- Sharp-billed treehunter, Heliobletus contaminatus
- Black-capped foliage-gleaner, Philydor atricapillus
- Buff-fronted foliage-gleaner, Philydor rufum
- White-browed foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia amaurotis (H)
- Ochre-breasted foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia lichtensteini
- Buff-browed foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla rufosuperciliata
- Russet-mantled foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla dimidiata
- Chestnut-capped foliage-gleaner, Clibanornis rectirostris
- Canebrake groundcreeper, Clibanornis dendrocolaptoides
- White-eyed foliage-gleaner, Automolus leucophthalmus
- Tufted tit-spinetail, Leptasthenura platensis (A)
- Rufous-fronted thornbird, Phacellodomus rufifrons
- Little thornbird, Phacellodomus sibilatrix
- Freckle-breasted thornbird, Phacellodomus striaticollis (H)
- Greater thornbird, Phacellodomus ruber
- Firewood-gatherer, Anumbius annumbi
- Lark-like brushrunner, Coryphistera alaudina
- Short-billed canastero, Asthenes baeri
- Sharp-billed canastero, Asthenes pyrrholeuca
- Rusty-backed spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpina
- Stripe-crowned spinetail, Cranioleuca pyrrhophia
- Olive spinetail, Cranioleuca obsoleta
- Bay-capped wren-spinetail, Spartonoica maluroides
- Rufous cacholote, Pseudoseisura unirufa
- Brown cacholote, Pseudoseisura lophotes
- Chotoy spinetail, Schoeniophylax phryganophilus
- Yellow-chinned spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomeus
- Rufous-capped spinetail, Synallaxis ruficapilla
- Gray-bellied spinetail, Synallaxis cinerascens
- Sooty-fronted spinetail, Synallaxis frontalis
- Pale-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis albescens
- Spix's spinetail, Synallaxis spixi
- Cinereous-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis hypospodia
- White-lored spinetail, Synallaxis albilora
- Ochre-cheeked spinetail, Synallaxis scutata
Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. One hundred one species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Southern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum
- Suiriri flycatcher, Suiriri suiriri
- Mouse-colored tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina
- Yellow tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola
- Bearded tachuri, Polystictus pectoralis
- Crested doradito, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri
- Subtropical doradito, Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis
- Dinelli's doradito, Pseudocolopteryx dinelliana
- Warbling doradito, Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris
- Ticking doradito, Pseudocolopteryx citreola (A)
- Gray elaenia, Myiopagis caniceps
- Greenish elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata
- Yellow-bellied elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster
- Large elaenia, Elaenia spectabilis
- White-crested elaenia, Elaenia albiceps
- Small-billed elaenia, Elaenia parvirostris
- Olivaceous elaenia, Elaenia mesoleuca
- Lesser elaenia, Elaenia chiriquensis
- Highland elaenia, Elaenia obscura
- Sooty tyrannulet, Serpophaga nigricans
- White-crested tyrannulet, Serpophaga subcristata
- White-bellied tyrannulet, Serpophaga munda
- Straneck's tyrannulet, Serpophaga griseicapilla
- Gray-hooded flycatcher, Mionectes rufiventris
- Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
- Southern bristle-tyrant, Phylloscartes eximius
- Mottle-cheeked tyrannulet, Phylloscartes ventralis
- São Paulo tyrannulet, Phylloscartes paulista
- Bay-ringed tyrannulet, Phylloscartes sylviolus
- Rough-legged tyrannulet, Phyllomyias burmeisteri
- Greenish tyrannulet, Phyllomyias virescens
- Reiser's tyrannulet, Phyllomyias reiseri
- Planalto tyrannulet, Phyllomyias fasciatus
- Southern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus modestus
- Plain tyrannulet, Inezia inornata
- Many-colored rush tyrant, Tachuris rubrigastra
- Sharp-tailed tyrant, Culicivora caudacuta
- Southern Antpipit, Corythopis delalandi
- Tawny-crowned pygmy-tyrant, Euscarthmus meloryphus
- Rufous-sided pygmy-tyrant, Euscarthmus rufomarginatus
- Greater wagtail-tyrant, Stigmatura budytoides
- Eared pygmy-tyrant, Myiornis auricularis
- Drab-breasted pygmy-tyrant, Hemitriccus diops
- Pearly-vented tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
- Ochre-faced tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps
- Rusty-fronted tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus latirostris
- Common tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum
- Yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens
- White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus
- Russet-winged spadebill, Platyrinchus leucoryphus
- Cliff flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea
- Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
- Euler's flycatcher, Lathrotriccus euleri
- Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
- Fuscous flycatcher, Cnemotriccus fuscatus
- Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus
- Austral negrito, Lessonia rufa
- Crested black-tyrant, Knipolegus lophotes
- Blue-billed black-tyrant, Knipolegus cyanirostris
- Cinereous tyrant, Knipolegus striaticeps
- White-winged black-tyrant, Knipolegus aterrimus
- Hudson's black-tyrant, Knipolegus hudsoni
- Spectacled tyrant, Hymenops perspicillatus
- Yellow-browed tyrant, Satrapa icterophrys
- Gray-bellied shrike-tyrant, Agriornis micropterus
- Lesser shrike-tyrant, Agriornis murinus
- Gray monjita, Xolmis cinereus
- Black-crowned monjita, Xolmis coronatus
- White-rumped monjita, Xolmis velatus
- White monjita, Xolmis irupero
- Black-and-white monjita, Xolmis dominicanus (H)
- Chocolate-vented tyrant, Neoxolmis rufiventris (H)
- Streamer-tailed tyrant, Gubernetes yetapa
- Shear-tailed gray tyrant, Muscipipra vetula
- Black-backed water-tyrant, Fluvicola albiventer
- Masked water-tyrant, Fluvicola nengeta (A)
- White-headed marsh tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala
- Cock-tailed tyrant, Alectrurus tricolor
- Strange-tailed tyrant, Alectrurus risora
- Long-tailed tyrant, Colonia colonus
- Cattle tyrant, Machetornis rixosa
- Large-headed flatbill, Ramphotrigon megacephalum
- Rufous-tailed attila, Attila phoenicurus
- Sibilant sirystes, Sirystes sibilator
- Rufous casiornis, Casiornis rufus
- Swainson's flycatcher, Myiarchus swainsoni
- Short-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox
- Brown-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus
- Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
- Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
- Rusty-margined flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis
- Social flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis
- Three-striped flycatcher, Conopias trivirgatus
- Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus
- Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius
- Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius
- Crowned slaty flycatcher, Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana
Sharpbill
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oxyuncidae
- Sharpbill, Oxyruncus cristatus
Cotingas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cotingidae
The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges in tropical South America. Comparatively little is known about this diverse group, although all have broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings and strong legs. The males of many of the species are brightly colored, or decorated with plumes or wattles. Four species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- White-tipped plantcutter, Phytotoma rutila
- Red-ruffed fruitcrow, Pyroderus scutatus
- Bare-throated bellbird, Procnias nudicollis
- Swallow-tailed cotinga, Phibalura flavirostris
Manakins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pipridae
The manakins are a family of subtropical and tropical mainland Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly colored, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries and insects. Five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Helmeted manakin, Antilophia galeata
- Swallow-tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia caudata
- White-bearded manakin, Manacus manacus
- Band-tailed manakin, Pipra fasciicauda
- Wing-barred piprites, Piprites chloris (considered incertae sedis by SACC)
Tityras and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
- Black-tailed tityra, Tityra cayana
- Black-crowned tityra, Tityra inquisitor
- Masked tityra, Tityra semifasciata
- Greenish schiffornis, Schiffornis virescens
- White-naped xenopsaris, Xenopsaris albinucha
- Green-backed becard, Pachyramphus viridis
- Chestnut-crowned becard, Pachyramphus castaneus
- White-winged becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus
- Crested becard, Pachyramphus validus
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Three species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Rufous-browed peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis
- Rufous-crowned greenlet, Hylophilus poicilotis
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
Crows, jays, and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. Three species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Purplish jay, Cyanocorax cyanomelas
- Curl-crested jay, Cyanocorax cristatellus
- Plush-crested jay, Cyanocorax chrysops
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Fourteen species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Blue-and-white swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
- Black-collared swallow, Pygochelidon melanoleuca (H)
- Tawny-headed swallow, Alopochelidon fucata
- Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
- Purple martin, Progne subis
- Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
- Southern martin, Progne elegans
- Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera
- White-winged swallow, Tachycineta albiventer
- White-rumped swallow, Tachycineta leucorrhoa
- Chilean swallow, Tachycineta meyeni
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. Five species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
- Thrush-like wren, Campylorhynchus turdinus
- Buff-breasted wren, Cantorchilus leucotis
- Fawn-breasted wren, Cantorchilus guarayanus
Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish grey in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub which nest in bushes or trees. Two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Creamy-bellied gnatcatcher, Polioptila lactea
- Masked gnatcatcher, Polioptila dumicola
Donacobius
Order: Passeriformes Family: Donacobiidae
- Black-capped donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Seven species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens (A)
- Yellow-legged thrush, Turdus flavipes (extirpated)
- Pale-breasted thrush, Turdus leucomelas
- Rufous-bellied thrush, Turdus rufiventris
- Creamy-bellied thrush, Turdus amaurochalinus
- Slaty thrush, Turdus nigriceps
- White-necked thrush, Turdus albicollis
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their coloring tends towards dull-greys and browns. Two species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Chalk-browed mockingbird, Mimus saturninus
- White-banded mockingbird, Mimus triurus
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. Six species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Yellowish pipit, Anthus lutescens
- Short-billed pipit, Anthus furcatus
- Pampas pipit, Anthus chacoensis (A)
- Correndera pipit, Anthus correndera (A)
- Ochre-breasted pipit, Anthus nattereri
- Hellmayr's pipit, Anthus hellmayri
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Six species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Masked yellowthroat, Geothlypis aequinoctialis
- Tropical parula, Parula pitiayumi
- Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
- Flavescent warbler, Myiothlypis flaveola
- White-browed warbler, Myiothlypis leucoblephara
- Riverbank warbler, Myiothlypis rivularis
Tanagers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. Seventy species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Red-crested cardinal, Paroaria coronata
- Yellow-billed cardinal, Paroaria capitata
- Black-faced tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis (A)
- Cinnamon tanager, Schistochlamys ruficapillus (A)
- Magpie tanager, Cissopis leverianus
- White-banded tanager, Neothraupis fasciata
- Hooded tanager, Nemosia pileata
- Orange-headed tanager, Thlypopsis sordida
- Chestnut-headed tanager, Pyrrhocoma ruficeps
- White-rumped tanager, Cypsnagra hirundinacea
- Black-goggled tanager, Trichothraupis melanops
- Gray-headed tanager, Eucometis penicillata
- Ruby-crowned tanager, Tachyphonus coronatus
- White-lined tanager, Tachyphonus rufus
- Silver-beaked tanager, Ramphocelus carbo
- Diademed tanager, Stephanophorus diadematus (A)
- Fawn-breasted tanager, Pipraeidea melanonota
- Blue-and-yellow tanager, Pipraeidea bonariensis
- Sayaca tanager, Thraupis sayaca
- Palm tanager, Thraupis palmarum
- Chestnut-backed tanager, Tangara preciosa (A)
- Burnished-buff tanager, Tangara cayana
- Green-headed tanager, Tangara seledon
- Red-necked tanager, Tangara cyanocephala (H)
- Swallow tanager, Tersina viridis
- Blue dacnis, Dacnis cayana
- Guira tanager, Hemithraupis guira
- Chestnut-vented conebill, Conirostrum speciosum
- Common diuca-finch, Diuca diuca (H)
- Uniform finch, Haplospiza unicolor
- Black-crested finch, Lophospingus pusillus
- Long-tailed reed finch, Donacospiza albifrons
- Black-and-rufous warbling-finch, Poospiza nigrorufa
- Gray-throated warbling-finch, Poospiza cabanisi (A)
- Ringed warbling-finch, Poospiza torquata
- Black-capped warbling-finch, Poospiza melanoleuca
- Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola
- Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
- Wedge-tailed grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola
- Lesser grass-finch, Emberizoides ypiranganus
- Great Pampa-finch, Embernagra platensis
- Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
- Lined seedeater, Sporophila lineola
- White-bellied seedeater, Sporophila leucoptera
- Copper seedeater, Sporophila bouvreuil
- Pearly-bellied seedeater, Sporophila pileata
- Tawny-bellied seedeater, Sporophila hypoxantha
- Dark-throated seedeater, Sporophila ruficollis
- Marsh seedeater, Sporophila palustris
- Rufous-rumped seedeater, Sporophila hypochroma
- Chestnut seedeater, Sporophila cinnamomea
- Chestnut-bellied seed-finch, Sporophila angolensis
- Yellow-bellied seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis (H)
- Double-collared seedeater, Sporophila caerulescens
- Temminck's seedeater, Sporophila falcirostris
- Buffy-fronted seedeater, Sporophila frontalis (H)
- Plumbeous seedeater, Sporophila plumbea
- Rusty-collared seedeater, Sporophila collaris
- Black-masked finch, Coryphaspiza melanotis
- Red-crested finch, Coryphospingus cucullatus
- Yellow cardinal, Gubernatrix cristata (H)
- Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola
- Dull-colored grassquit, Tiaris obscurus
- Sooty grassquit, Tiaris fuliginosus
- Many-colored Chaco finch, Saltatricula multicolor
- Black-throated saltator, Saltator atricollis
- Grayish saltator, Saltator coerulescens
- Green-winged saltator, Saltator similis
- Golden-billed saltator, Saltator aurantiirostris
- Black-throated grosbeak, Saltator fuliginosus
Buntings and New World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. Four species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Stripe-capped sparrow, Rhynchospiza strigiceps
- Grassland sparrow, Ammodramus humeralis
- Saffron-billed sparrow, Arremon flavirostris
- Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Six species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Hepatic tanager, Piranga flava
- Red-crowned ant-tanager, Habia rubica
- Black-backed grosbeak, Pheucticus aureoventris
- Blackish-blue seedeater, Amaurospiza moesta
- Glaucous-blue grosbeak, Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea
- Ultramarine grosbeak, Cyanocompsa brissonii
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. Twenty species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
- Saffron-cowled blackbird, Xanthopsar flavus
- Yellow-winged blackbird, Agelasticus thilius (A)
- Unicoloured blackbird, Agelasticus cyanopus
- Chestnut-capped blackbird, Chrysomus ruficapillus
- White-browed meadowlark, Sturnella superciliaris
- Grayish baywing, Agelaioides badius
- Screaming cowbird, Molothrus rufoaxillaris
- Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
- Giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus
- Variable oriole, Icterus pyrrhopterus
- Red-rumped cacique, Cacicus haemorrhous
- Golden-winged cacique, Cacicus chrysopterus
- Solitary black cacique, Cacicus solitarius
- Crested oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus
- Yellow-rumped marshbird, Pseudoleistes guirahuro
- Brown-and-yellow marshbird, Pseudoleistes virescens (A)
- Scarlet-headed blackbird, Amblyramphus holosericeus
- Chopi blackbird, Gnorimopsar chopi
- Orange-backed troupial, Icterus croconotus
Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Seven species have been recorded in Paraguay.
- Purple-throated euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica
- Violaceous euphonia, Euphonia violacea
- Green-throated euphonia, Euphonia chalybea
- Golden-rumped euphonia, Euphonia cyanocephala
- Chestnut-bellied euphonia, Euphonia pectoralis
- Blue-naped chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea
- Hooded siskin, Spinus magellanica
Old World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. One species has been recorded in Paraguay.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
See also
References
- ↑ Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2016. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2016. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ retrieved 11 August 2016
- ↑ Del Castillo, Hugo, and Rob Clay, Arne Lesterhuis, and Paul Smith . 2016. Species lists of birds for South American countries and territories: Paraguay. Version of 4 August 2016. http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCCountryLists.htm
- ↑ http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm A Classification of the Bird Species of South America, hereafter SACC List. Accessed 7 November 2016.
- ↑ SACC List
- ↑ Clay, Rob (2016) A first for South America - by a whisker. Neotropical Birding 19:56-58.
- ↑ SACC List
- ↑ SACC List
- ↑ SACC List
- ↑ SACC List
External links
- Birds of Paraguay - World Institute for Conservation and Environment