three stork species (plate 14- 28), four ibis species, and a
dozen species of herons and egrets, most of which can be
found on any given day. Among the copses of palms, the
huge Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
can be seen, the Pantanal being the final stronghold for
this once abundant and majestic parrot (chapter 15).
Saving the best for last, the Pantanal is, in my opinion,
the best and most reliable place to see the Jaguar
(plate 14- 29). Ecotourist facilities provide boats with
experienced spotters, and a slow ride along the various
river tributaries in early morning (but really any time
of day) often results in a sighting of a Jaguar lounging
in the sun on the riverbank or even swimming across
a river. Sometimes you get fortunate enough to watch
one actually hunting a Capybara or caiman. Jaguars are
discussed more in chapter 16.Plate 14- 26. Large numbers of wading birds frequent Pantanal
marshes. Most of these birds are Great Egrets, but there is one
Jabiru stork among them. Photo by John Kricher.Plate 14- 27. Pantanal reedbeds are habitat for the
unmistakable Scarlet- headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus
holosericeus). Males and females look alike. Photo by John
Kricher.
Plate 14- 28. Jabirus nest on the Pantanal. Photo by John
Kricher.Plate 14- 25. Large wading birds such as the Great Egret (Ardea
alba) are abundant in the Llanos and Pantanal during dry
season, when they congregate in marshes. Photo by John
Kricher.
260 chapter 14 don’t miss the savannas and dry forests