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 Green and Black Fruiteater |
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DAY BY DAY ACTIVITIES
June 22nd: First group arrives in Lima.
June 23rd: Full days birding at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa, Lima.
June 24th: Full day birding at Lomas de Lachay. Second part of group arrives in Lima.
June 25th: Travel to Chiclayo. Afternoon birding at Rafaan.
June 26th: Morning birding Batan Grande/Bosque de Pomac. Afternoon birding at Quebrada Limon guan canyon. Night at camp.
June 27th: Morning and early afternoon birding at guan canyon. Afternoon birding at Tocto trail. Night in Olmos.
June 28th: Morning birding Abra Porculla. Travel to Jaen. Night in Jaen.
June 29th: Morning birding Tamborapa, Jaen. Afternoon travel and birding Bagua region and onto Pomacochas. Night at Pomacochas.
June 30th: Morning birding La Florida. Afternoon birding at Abra Patricia. Night at Pomacochas.
July 1st: Full day birding at Abra Patricia.
July 2nd: Morning birding Affluente. Afternoon birding Abra Patricia. Night at Pomacochas.
July 3rd: Morning birding Abra Patricia. Travel and birding at Moro de Calzada. Travel to Tarapoto. Night at Pumarini Lodge.
July 4th: Birding Quebrada Upaquihau. Night at Pumarini Lodge.
July 5th: Birding Tarapoto area between lodge and Chasuta. Afternoon birding at Moro de Calzada. Night in Rioja.
July 6th: Day birding Affluente and Aguas Verde. Night at Pomacochas.
July 7th: Morning birding Abra Patricia. Afternoon travel to Leymebamba. Night at Leymebamba.
July 8th: Full day birding Abra Barro Negro. Night at Leymebamba
July 9th: Morning birding Abra Barro Negro and upper north west side of Maranon canyon. Afternoon birding lower area of canyon and Balsas. Night in camp at Balsas.
July 10th: Early start birding Balsas, area above camp and Hacienda Limon. Arrive Celendin in afternoon. Night in Celendin.
July 11th: Morning birding Cruz Congo. Afternoon travel to Cajamarca.
July 12th: Morning birding Rio Chonta area and San Marcos. Afternoon retreat to Cajamarca due to road blocks and strike. Night in Cajamarca.
July 13th: Morning birding coastal road from Cajamarca to Trujillo. First stop, Abra Gavilan. Then periodic stops between km 139 and km 122 in patches of Tumbesian forest. Late stop at Huamachuco for coastal birds. Night in Trujillo.
July 14th: Travel day: Trujillo, Lima, Cusco to Abancay. Night at Abancay. End of tour for three group members in Lima.
July 15th: Morning birding the road to Andashuaylas, area above Abancay and road to Huanipaca. Afternoon return to Sacred Valley. Night in Ollantaytambo.
July 16th: Morning birding eastern humid side of Abra Malaga. Afternoon birding semi-humid western slope. Meet final member of extension tour. Night in Ollantaytambo.
July 17th: Morning birding Polylepis woodland at Abra Malaga. Afternoon return to humid eastern slope. Night in Ollantaytambo.
July 18th: Morning travel to Machu Picchu and tour of ruins. Afternoon birding Puente Ruinas area. Night at Aguas Calientes.
July 19th: Morning birding Puente Ruinas area. Afternoon travel to Cusco. End of tour for three members of the group.
July 20th: Morning travel to Lima and Santa Eulalia. Afternoon birding Santa Eulalia road. Night at Santa Eulalia.
July 21st: Full day birding Santa Eulalia road. Night in Santa Eulalia.
July 22nd: Full day birding Marcapomacocha. Return to Lima. End of tour.
* = Heard Only
RR = Restricted-range species
Conservation Status follows Birdlife International (2004)
Taxonomy follows South American Check-list (2006)
Pale browed Tinamou RR Near-threatened Crypturellus transfasciatus
One seen at the guan canyon.
Tataupa Tinamou * Crypturellus tataupa
Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii
One seen at La Florida and another two seen on consecutive days at Santa Eulalia
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Five seen at Pantanos de Villa
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis juninensis
Two individuals seen on Marcapomacochas lakes
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Common at Pucusana and two seen at Huamachuco
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Common
Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvilli
Common at Pucusana
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi
Eight individuals seen at Pucusana
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Common along the coast at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea
Over half a dozen birds seen at Pantanos de Villa
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera
A pair seen at Marcapomacocha
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata turneri
Common along the Rio Urubamba. A pair were also seen at Aguas Verdes on the Rio Alto Mayo
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Five seen at Huacarpay lakes
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Seen at Abra Malaga
Crested Duck Anas specularoides
A total of 16 individuals seen at Marcapomacocha
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Good views at Pantanos de Villa of about half a dozen individuals
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Common
Great Egret Ardea albus
Common
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Common
Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Common at Pantanos de Villa. Another individual was seen at Pomacochas lake
Fasciated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum
One was seen along the Rio Utcabamba in north Peru. Another two birds were seen along the Rio Urubamba
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Least Bittern Ixobryhus exilis
Bill earned his first “supressor-finch” ribbing of the trip when he flushed one individual at Pantanos de Villa without anyone else seeing it!
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi
Common at Pantanos de Villa, Abra Malaga and Marcapomacocha
Andean Ibis Theristicus branickii
Five individuals seen snoozing alongside the first lake at Marcapomacocha.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus
Seen around Tarapoto and Rioja
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
Cracking scope views of a perched individual in the guan canyon, Quebrada Limon and further individuals seen at Tarapoto
Andean Condor Near-threatened Vultur gryphus
It won’t get better than this for most us. Six individuals seen at Abra Malaga, and four of these (two adults and two young) were constantly in view for up to two hours. We saw another the next day (claw-back for Nigel).
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
One seen at Pantanos de Villa
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Great views during four days in the north of Peru and always a pleasure to see.
Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii
Good scope views of one individual at a random birding stop along the road between Bagua and Pomacochas.
Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
In total, we saw three individualks during our time in the Tarapoto region
Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis
A pair were seen in some roadside fields en route to La Florida
Bay-winged Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
Confusing looks at several individuals at Lomas de Lachay and several looks at soaring birds at Rafaan and Batan Grande/Bosque de Pomac.
Black-chested Buzzard Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Common at Lomas de Lachay and another individual seen at Quebrada Limon
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Common
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
One adult seen flying at Moro de Calzada and another along the road from Pumarini lodhe to Chasuta, in Tarapoto
Variable Hawk Buteo polysoma
Several encounters throughout the trip. Taxonomy for this “group” is a little confusing. During the tour we saw “both Puna and Red-backed” forms which are sometimes considered to be separate species (Puna Hawk B. poecilochrous and Red-backed Hawk B. polyosoma). A recent publication has proposed that both forms are better considered as separate species. There are 27 morphs, all vocally identical, and wing formula represents an elevational cline. Furthermore recent genetic data are consistent with the earlier hypothesis that both forms are conspecific.
Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus
Two seen at Affluenete
Black-and-White Hawk Eagle Spizaetur melanoleucus
Cracking views of a perched bird along the Chasuta-Pumarini lodge road, at Tarapoto.
Black Caracara Daptrius ater
One seen along the Rio Huallaga
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus
Common
Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway
One seen on the ground along the road at the Tocto Trail near Olmos. Crested and Southern Caracara (C. plancus) were formerly considered conspecific but the ranges of cheriway and plancus are nearly parapatric with no sign of intergradation contrary to earlier interpretations.
Collard Forest-Falcon * Micrastur semitorquatus
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Common
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis
One seen at Marcapomacocha
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Good views of one bird at Abra Porculla
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata
Several seen around Abra Patirica and Affluente.
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii
We saw at least one individual at Abra Patricias in a cluster of large omnivorous and frugivorous birds feeding in a fruiting tree. But what stunning close quarter views we had at Leymebamba whilst trying for antpitta’s! Another pair were seen on consecutive days at Punete Ruinas, below Machu Picchu.
White-winged Guan RR Critically endangered Penelope albipennis
One of the birds of the trip for many on the tour and what a pleasure it is to see that this species is still extant. Five individuals seen in the guan canyon. This species still has an extremely small and fragmented population but captive breeding and the release of captive bred birds which are now successfully breeding in the area provide hope for the species continued persistence in the wild. Bit of birding trivia for you - the genus is named after the wife of Ulysses, King of Ithaca, but why this name was bestowed on these birds is unknown.
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii
What about this one then? Great scope views of its head and chest as it tried to hide from us after we had flushed it from the large group of frugivores feeding in a fruiting tree at Abra Patricia. A difficult bird to see in Peru.
Russet-crowned Crake* Anurolimnas viridis
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus
Two seen at Pantanos de Villa and another pair at Cruz Congo, near Celendin
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca.
Common at Pantanos de Villa
Giant Coot Fulica gigantea
What about those feet eh? A total of 16 individuals seend on two lakes at Marcapomoacocha. Not endanagered but considered scare throughout its range. Populations are apparently on the increase in Chile and Peru due to a ban on hunting and better gun control.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
Now we did see this fella at Pantanos de Villa. Taxonomy is a bit confusing. The SACC says “Himantopus mexicanus was formerly considered a subspecies of Old World H. himantopus ("Common Stilt"). Some authors have treated southern South American melanurus as a separate species. The six taxa in the genus Himantopus form a near-globally distributed superspecies and between one to six species-level taxa recognized by various authors. Virtually no data are available relevant to taxon-ranking of allopatric populations. The contact between mexicanus and melanurus in South America, where at least some hybridization occurs, affords one of the best opportunities for such study. Now we get it …right!?
Puna Snipe Gallinago andina
Gangbuster scope views of an individual we almost trod on at Marcapomacocha. Personally, the best views I have ever had of this sneaky species.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Oh joy … the waders! Lots of these guys at Pucusana
Peruvian Thicknee RR Burhinus superciliaris
A total of 15 individuals seen very well in scrub habitat along the road to Pucusana
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliates
Five individuals at Panatnos de Villa
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater
Three individuals seen during the mini-pelagic around Pucusana bay
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Half a dozen at Pantanos de Villa
Tawny-throated Dotteral Oreopholus ruficollis
Gangbuster views of seven individuals along the entrance road to Lomas de Lachay.
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
Common around Abra Barro Negro, Cruz Congo and Marcapomacocha
Diademed Sandpiper Plover Near-threatened Phegornis mitchellii
The famous DSP! Stunning close quarter views at our usual spot at Marcapomoacocha. Rare thoughout its range, this species is threatened by over-grazing, mining, and more recently, habitat destruction caused by people removing the top soil for cultivation of edible mushrooms for Lima restaurants.
Grey-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus
Good views at Marcapomacocha
Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus
Rufosu-bellied Seedsnipe * Attagis gayi
Good views at Lomas de Lachay
Belcher’s Gull Larus belcheri
Common at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa. This is a split from Band-tailed Gull. Larus belcheri and L. atlanticus were formerly considered conspecific, but recent publications provided rationale for treatment as separate species
Gray Gull Larus modestus
Common at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Common at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa
Gray-hooded Gull Larus cirrocephalus
Common at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa
Andean Gull Larus serranus
Seen throughout the southern Peru extension
Franklins Gull Larus pipixcan
One individual patroling the shore at Pantanos de Villa and another four seen at Huamachuco
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
OK, guilty as charged! I had no idea of the significance of this sighting when Bill found it (you all know my feelings about coastal birds!) because we were all concentrating on the male Ringed Teal at Pantanos de Villa (which as it turns out, is an escaped bird). This is only the second confirmed sighting ever for this species in Peru.
Elegant Tern Sterna elegans
Four individuals seen at Huamachuco
Inca Tern Larosterna inca
Common at Pucusana
Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa.
Two birds seen well at Affluente. Note that recent research has shown that the genus Columba is paraphyletic, with New World taxa being more closely related to Streptopelia than to Old World Columba pigeons. This is consistent with differences between New World and Old World Columba in terms of morphology, serology and behaviour. The suggestion was made to place all New World forms in the genus Patagioenas, and the AOU recently adopted this change in its latest checklist supplement
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa
Seen around the Sacred valley in southern Peru
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
Common
Peruvian Pigeon RR Vulnerable Patagioenas oenops
Excellent views of eleven birds over two consecutive days around Balas in the Maranon canyon, above Balsas.
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea
Two at Tarapoto
Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea
One at Affluente
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Common
Pacific Dove Zenaida meloda
Common. Formerly considered con-specific with White-winged Dove
Ruddy Ground-dove Columbina talpacoti
Common in Tarapoto
Ecuadorian Ground-Dove * Columbina buckleyi
Heard only at Tamborapa
Croaking Ground-Dove Columbina cruziana
Common – great voice eh?
Bare-faced ground Dove Metriopelia cecilae
Common at Lomas de Lachay, Santa Eulalia and one seen in the Maranon Canyon and
Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa
A couple seen at Moro de Calzada.
Black-winged Ground-dove Metriopelia melanoptera
Common at Santa Eulalia
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Common throughout the tour.
Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Aratinga wagleri
Seen at two locations during the trip – Abra Porculla and in the Maranon Canyon
White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus
A few seen around Affluente
Mitred Parakeet Aratinga mitrata
Ok, get ready for the taxonomy of this one. Firstly, we saw “three populations” of this guy. The first, around Leymebamba, the second around Abancay, and the third, at Puente Ruinas. According to a recent publication, these could represent three distinct species: However, this split is based solely on morphology and no genetic or vocalisation data were presented. Watch this space.
Red-masked Parakeet RR Near-threatened Aratinga erythrogenys
Great views of this Tumbesian restricted-range species during our time at Quebrada Limón
Mountain Parakeet Bolborhynchus aurifrons
Eleven individuals seen well during the second day at Santa Eulalia
Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius
Four birds seen flying low around Moro de Calzada
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis
Common
Yellow-faced Parrotlet RR Vulnerable Forpus xanthops
One of the birds of the trip. Sensational views of this Maranon restricted-range species on our second day in the Maranon Canyon – first, just scattered individuals and pairs around and just above Balsas, and then stunning views of over 40 birds as they came down to drink and bathe at a quebrada, flashing the electric blue colouration in their wings! Alan (Grimbesian Grip-Tyrant)’s top bird of the trip
Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera gustavi
Common around Quebrada Upaquihau and Moro de Calzada. The unusal thing about this subspecies is the yellow markings on the wing, and has some blue colour on the head. This may represent a separate species, restricted to the lower Huallaga Valley
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
Common
Speckle-faced Parrot Pionus seniloides
Only seen in flight at Abra Barro Negro but common in the fruting trees at Puente Ruinas below Machu Picchu
Scaly-naped Parrot Amazona mercenaria
Fifteen seen at Abra Patricia
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Common at Affluente
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Common
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
Common throughout the tour in arid areas.
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia
Finally saw one in the Maranon Caynon!
Tropical Screech-Owl Megascops choliba
Great views at predawn at Quebrada Upaquihau, near Tarapoto. Heard also at Pumarini lodge. Recent analyses of genetic and vocal differences confirm a major division of the screech-owls into New World Otus and Old World groups. Consequently, the AOU placed all New World Otus (except O. flammulatus) in the genus Megascops.
Peruvian (Maranon) Screech-Owl RR * Megascops roboratus roboratus
Heard only just before dawn at Tamborapa. Responded vocally to tape but the two birds were buried deep in a thick tangle.
Peruvian Screech-Owl RR * Megascops roboratus pacificus
Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl * Megascops watsonii
Cinnamon Screech Owl RR * Megascops petersoni
The most annoying owl in the world! Got some advice from the Maranon Screech Owl and did exactly the same thing!
(Apurimac) Screech Owl RR Megascops sp.nov
Awesome views of one member of a pair at predawn at our usual site along the road from Abancay to Andahuaylas, in the Apurimac Valley.
Crested Owl * Lophostrix cristata
Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota
Amazing pre-dawn close-ups at Pumarini Lodge
Peruvian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium peruanum
Three individuals seen during the main tour and another at Santa Eulalia
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl * Glaucidium brasilianum
Common Potoo * Nyctibius griseus
Andean Potoo * Nyctibius maculosus
Denied!!
Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
Seen along the track at Tamborapa
Scrub Nightjar RR Caprimulgus anthonyi
Stunning views of a male of this Tumbesin restricted range species as it responded aggressively during pre-dawn playback at Batan Grande.
Rufous Nightjar Caprimulgus rufus
Not often do you get to see nightjars like this! Stunning close quartwer views of a perched female during the day at Moro de Calzada, and we also flushed a male nearby. We saw another male in flight after a long predawn singing bout at Quebrada Upaquihau.
Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata
Great views of a male as it attacked me in response to playback at Abra Barro Negro. Another male was seen flying around Abra Patricia along owlet ridge.
Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutilus
Common. Note that females look entirely uniform blacka and these were the fairly none descript swifts at Pumarini Lodge, Tarapoto.
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Common
Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris
Two seen at the guan canyon, Quebrada Limon
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
Seen around Tarapoto, Moro de Calzada
White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus
Several sightings at Abra Patricia and along the Utcabamba valley during the journey to Leymnebamba. More were seen at Puente Ruinas.
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus
Common in the Apurimac Canyon and at Santa Eulalia.
Neotropical Palm-Swift Tachornis squamata
Common at Moro de Calzada
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy
Good views of individuals at Tarapoto and Puente Ruinas
Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis
Only brief views at Tamborapa.
Grey-chinned (Porculla) Hermit RR Phaethornis griseogularis porcullae
Good views of four individuals at Abra Porculla
Napo Sabrewing RR Near-threatened Campylopterus villaviscensio
Three individuals seen during our time at Affluente
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans
Common
Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus
Common at Machu Picchu
AND THE IDENTITY OF THE MYSTERY HUMMINGBIRD AT AFFLUENTE THAT THE GROUP, WHO INITIALLY WERE SOOOOOO SUPER CONFIFDENT THAT THEY COULD IDENTIFY WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE GUIDE, BUT THEN FELL INTO A RAMBLING, HELPLESS MASS OF ORNITHOLOGICAL BLUNDER ..ISSSZZZZ…
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata
Female! Ha!
White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus
Great views of a perched singing male at Moro de Calzada
Tumbes Hummingbird RR Leucippus baeri
Good views of this Tumbesian restricted range species at our lunch table at Quebrada Limon
Spot-throated Hummingbird RR Leucippus taczanowskii
Common at several arid places during the tour.
White-bellied Hummingbird Leucippus chionogaster
Common in the garden of the Ollantaytambo hotel. Two also seen at La Florida, Pomacochas.
Green and White Hummingbird RR Leucippus viridicauda
Common at Manchu Picchu
Many-spotted Hummingbird RR Taphrospilus hypostictus
Two individuals seen at Affluenete
Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia
Common at Batan Grande and around the Olmos area.
Andean Emerald Aygyrtria franciae
Seen at Tamborapa and Balsas
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys
Seen at Abra Patricia, and Machu Picchu
Ecuadorian Piedtail * RR Phlogophilus hemileucurus
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Two seen at the Ollantaytambo hotel but over a dozen seen at Santa Eulalia
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis
Seen on our way into the Maranon Canyon
Gould’s (Collard) Inca RR Coeligena (coeligena) inca
Gangbuster views of a male at Puente Ruinas. We saw the inca form with the rufous chest band. The SACC does not recognize the split. Schuchmann (1999) treated the southern inca subspecies group as a separate species from Coeligena torquata, a return to an older classification, but provided little evidence for the split. Looks good to me!
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena
Seen at Abra Patricia and Machu Picchu
Violet-throated Starfrontlet RR Coeligena violifer osculans
Seen well at Abra Malaga
Rainbow Starfrontlet RR Coeligena iris
Great views of this species at Abra Barro Negro
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Seen at Abancay and Abra Malaga (great spot by Graham)
Sword-billed Hummingbird Enisfera enisfera
Nothing I could write in a trip report could reflect the sheer delight and amazement at seeing this thing at Abra Barro Negro and then again at Abra Malaga (another great spot by Graham).
Chesnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
One seen at Abra Patricia on consecutive days and several more seen by Nigel at Aguas Calientes.
Purple-throated Sunangel Least Concern Heliangelus viola
Great views of males and females at La Florida whilst we all waited for the Spatuletail to show.
Royal Sunangel RR Endangered Heliangelus regalis
Excellent views of a male along the knife-edge ridge at Alta Nieve, Abra Patricia.
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Common at Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga. Here the southern subspecies sapphiropygia which has been considered a separate species from E. luciani but most subsequent classifications treat them as conspecific. There is currently a proposal pending with the SACC to recognize sapphiropygia as a separate species. Intermediate specimens between the two forms exist however and I personally think this is a very dubious split.
Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis alinae
Two seen at Abra Patricia
Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
Great close-quarter views of a foraging male at Afluente and Aguas Calientes
Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna
Seen at Ollantaytambo and the Rio Chonta comet quebrada, near Cajamarca
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis
Common
Coppery Metailtail RR Metallura theresiae
Stunning views of a perched bird in the elfin forest fragments at Abra Barro Negro!
Black Metailtail RR Metallura phoebe
Great views of a male at Abra Gavilan, outside Cajamarca
Blue-mantled Thornbill RR Chalcostigma stanleyi
Great looks at this species in the Abra Malaga Polylepis
Olivaceous Thornbill Chalcostigma olivaceum
Common at Marcapomacocha
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi
Two seen at Affluente
Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella
One male in the Abra Malaga Polylepis woodland
Black-breasted Hillstar RR Oreotrochilus melanogaster
Stunning views of a male and female at Marcapomoacocha
Bearded Mountaineer RR Oreonympha nobilis
Brief views of a male in the Ollantaytanbo valley
Bronze-tailed Comet RR Polyonymus caroli
Two males seen well at Santa Eulalia
Grey-bellied Comet RR Endangered Taphrolesbia griseiventris
Until about five years ago, no-one was able to find this species with any form of regularity anywhere in Peru. Luckily about five years ago we found this current stake-out near the Rio Chonta and since then many people have been able to enjoy this spectacular endemic and highly threatened hummingbird. We had to wait about three hours but then we had views of the resident male foraging around us. Stunning!
Marvellous Spatuletail RR Endangered Loddigesia mirabilis
We had to wait a couple of hours and after a couple of brief glimpses, in came the male to forage at a flowering shrub, right bang in front of everyone! Highly memorable.
Peruvian Sheartail RR Thaumastura cora
Nine males seen at Abra Porculla and five more at Santa Eulalia
Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper
One seen at Abra Porculla
Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny
Common throughout the tour.
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant
Several great views
Short-tailed Woodstar Myrmia micrura
Two seen at the guan canyon, Quebrada Limon
(Amazonian) White-tailed Trogon Trogon viridis (viridis)
Two males seen along the Cahsuta-Pumarini Lodge road, Tarapoto. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) considered the subspecies chionurus of the Chocó region to be a separate species from Trogon viridis but this has not been accepted by SACC because of insufficient published data
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus
One seen at Abra Patricia
Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui
One seen at Moro de Calzada, right next to the following species
(Amazonian) Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus (violaceus)
Foraging in the taller forest at Moro de Calzada, next to the previous species. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) considered caligatus (Northern Violaceous Trogon) of Middle America and northwestern South America to be a separate species from Trogon violaceus but SACC did not recognize this split because of insufficient published data.
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
One seen at Batan Grande
Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota
One seen at Quebrada Upaquihau
Highland Motmot Momotus momota aequatorialis
Seen well at Puente Ruinas. The SACC lumps this with Blue-crowned Motmot. Fjeldså & Krabbe (1990) proposed that the Andean form aequatorialis was a separate species from M. momota, and other authors agree. However, no formal analysis has ever been published, and the published evidence in support of treating aequatorialis as a species-level taxon is weak.
Bluish-fronted Jacamar Galbula cyanescens
Seen at Quebrada Upaquihau
Great Jacamar Jacamerops aureus
Cracking views of one bird at Aguas Verdes
Black-streaked Puffbird Malacoptila fulvogularis
Stunning, close quarter views on consecutive days of a pair in the cloud forest habitat at Puente Ruinas, Aguas Calientes.
Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons
Three seen at Pumarini lodge area, Tarapoto
White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus
One seen at Affluente
Swallow-wing Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Seen along the Chasuta-Pumarini Lodge road
Versicolored Barbet Eubucco versicolor
One male seen at Affuente
Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus atrogularis
Great views of two birds at Abra Patricia. Some authors have recently split this “complex” into several species. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) suggested that Aulacorhynchus prasinus may consist of more than one species-level taxon, but see Short & Horne (2001) who pointed out that the allopatric taxa are no more distinctive than those known to intergrade. All subspecies are similar vocally, bill pattern varies relatively little and all interbreed with each other wherever they meet.
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis
Common at Moro de Calzada and Aguas Verdes
Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan Near-threatened Andigena hypoglauca
Quality prolonged views of three birds at Abra Barro Negro.
Channel-billed Toucan * Ramphastos vitellinus
Black-mandibled Toucan * Ramphastos ambiguus
Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi
Good looks at both Quebrada Upaquihua and Aguas Verdes
Speckle-chested Piculet RR Vulnerable Picumnus steindachneri
Gave us a lot of trouble but we finally got it at Affluente.
Ocellated Piculet Picumnus dorbygnianus
One male seen at Puente Ruinas
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus
Four seen at Moro de Calzada
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus
Common at Tamborapa, Quebrada Limon and Batan Grande.
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus
One seen briefly at Abra Patricia but better views at Abra Barro Negro.
Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus
Two seen at Afluente.
Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
Common at quebrada limon guan canyon (subspecies rubripileus) and one seen at Affluente. More were seen at Puente Ruinas (subspecies buenavista)
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii
Great views of a pair at Abra Patricia
Black-necked Woodpecker RR Colaptes atricollis
Seen very well in the Maranon canyon, above Balsas, and also along the Santa Eulalia road
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola
Common at a few localities.
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
One seen at Batan Grande
Guayaquil Woodpecker * RR Campephilus gayaquilensis
Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos
Great views at Quebrada Upaquihau
Crimson-bellied Woodpecker Campephilus haematogaster:
Very brief views of one individual at Affluente
Coastal Miner RR Geositta peruviana
Common at Lomas de Lachay. A couple more were seen at Rafaan
Slender Miner Geositta tenuirostris
Two seen at Marcapomacocha, one constructing a nest
Dark-winged Miner RR Geositta saxicola
Five seen well at Marcapomacocha
Thick-billed Miner RR Geositta crassirostris
Common at Lomas de Lachay where we saw eleven different individuals
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia jelskii
Seven seen at Marcapomacocha
Striated Earthcreeper RR Upucerthia serrana
Great views of one individual in response to playback at Cruz Congo
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus rivularis
Common
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis
Good views at Rio Chonta, where a pair were nesting, and also at Marcapomacocha
White-bellied Cinclodes RR Endangered Cinclodes palliatus
Close quarter views of this massive species at Marcapomacocha. This one is in big trouble with only about 500-600 inidividuals remaining.
Surf Cinclodes RR Cinclodes taczanowskii
Great views from our lunch table at Pucusana! Wish they all did that.
Royal Cinclodes Critically Endangered RR Cinclodes aricomae
Great spot by Alan as we saw a pair at Abra Malaga. Another cinclodes species in real trouble with less that 200 pairs remaining and is without doubt, one of the most threatened birds in the world. It is now the focus of an intense forest restoration program in the Cordillera Vilcanota.
(Pacific) Hornero RR Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus
Commonly seen and heard throughout the tour. The subspecies cinnamomeus of W. Ecuador and NW. Peru merits recognition as a separate species from F. leucopus (Ridgely & Tudor 1994) and was treated as such by recent authors. However, although distinct vocal and behavioral differences have been reported, no real analysis has been published to support these splits. Therefore the SACC have not yet split the two simply due to insufficient published data.
Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail RR Leptasthenura pileata cajabambae
Three inidividuals were seen at Rio Chonta in the comey quebrada
Streak-backed Tit Spinetail RR Leptasthenura striata superciliaris
Great views of one bird foraging on a flowering Agave along the Santa Eulalia road
White-browed Tit-Spinetail RR Endangered Leptasthenura xenothorax
Four individuals of this highly endangered species were seen well in the Polylepis woodland at Abra Malaga
Tawny Tit-Spinetail RR Near threatened Leptasthenura yanacensis
Great close views of this species at Abra Malaga
(Peruvian) White-chinned Thistletail RR Schizoeaca fulginosa peruana
Once again, great close views of this species at Abra Barro Negro. This peruviana subspecies is restricted to Northern Peru and may deserve full species rank.
Puna Thistletail RR Schizoeaca helleri
Great views of a pair in the disturbed elfin forest habitat at roadside at Abra Malaga
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptus melanops
Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae
Common at Abra Patricia and Puente Ruinas
Apurimac Spinetail RR Vulnerable Synallaxis courseni
Frustratiung but good looks in the remnant patches of cloud forest along the road to Huanipaca, above Abancay. Taxonomic status of this species is in need of review.
Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis
One seen at Affluente
Cinereous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis hypospodia
Gave us no end of trouble but we eventually got a pair at Moro de Calzada
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa
Good views of a single bird at Abra Patricia
Marañón Spinetail RR Vulnerable Synallaxis maranonica
Great views (eventually) of a few individuals foraging in dense tangles, at all heights in the dry forests at Tamborapa.
Plain-crowned Spinetail Synallaxis gujanensis
Great views of a pair of this undescribed subspecies at Quebrada Upaquihau. They are darker gray than even S. maranonica, and based on LSU specimens that have been identified as "huallagae", the latter are very similar to birds from elsewhere in western Amazonia as far as the shade of gray (or rather gray-brown) on the head and underparts.
Necklaced Spinetail Synallaxis stictothorax
Common at Rafaan, Quebrada Limon and at Batan Grande.
Chinchipe Spinetail RR Synallaxis chinchipensis
Fairly common in the dry deciduous forests at Tamborapa. Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Necklaced Spinetail.
Great Spinetail RR Vulnerable Siptornopsis hypochondriacus
What about this one then? We got stunning views of a pair along the track at San Marcos, whilst the whole of Peru went into strike mode all around us. This species probably merits the conservation status of Endangered due to continuing loss and fragmentation of its breeding habitat due to overgrazing by sheep and goats.
Baron’s Spinetail RR Cranioleuca baroni
Great views at Cruz Conga and Abra Barro Negro. Cranioleuca baroni was formerly considered conspecific with C. antisiensis (Line-cheeked Spinetail) by numerous authors. Although most current references treat baroni as a species, evidence for considering this species separate from C. antisiensis is exceptionally weak. It appears that the closest geographic populations of antisiensis and baroni are more similar to one another than they are to other subspecies within their respective "species", and drawing a line between these two is arbitrary, even though the extremes differ radically. Watch this space.
Line-cheeked Spinetail Least Concern Cranioleuca antisiensis
Seen well in the remnant forests at Abra Porculla. Depending on future taxonomic studies, its conservation status may change (see above).
Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata
Seen well at Affluente
Marcapata Spinetail RR Cranioleuca marcapatae marcapatae
One of my favourite spinetails – we got repeated good looks of three birds at Abra Malaga
Creamy-crested Spinetail RR Cranioleuca albicapilla albigula
Great close views of four birds at Abra Malaga and another seen by Nigel the next day also at Abra Malaga
Rusty-fronted Canastero RR Asthenes ottonis
Nice looks of this arid montane scrub species at Abra Malaga
Canyon Canastero RR Asthenes pudibunda
Great looks at Santa Eulalia
Pale-tailed Canastero RR Vulnerable Asthenes huancavelicae usheri
Again, great looks at a pair responding very aggressively to playback at our usual spot along the Andahuaylas road, below Abancay.
Cactus Canastero RR Asthenes cactorum
One inidividual seen in the barren desert habitat at Lomas de Lachay
Streak-throated Canastero Asthenes humilis
Seen in the Abra Malaga valley
Junin Canastero RR Asthenes virgata
Two seen at the periphery of the Abra Malaga Polylepis woodlands. One was also seen badly at Marcapomacocha.
Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata taczanowskii
Good views of a single bird in response to tape ast Cruz Conga
Russet-mantled Softtail RR Vulnerable Phacellodomus berlepschi
Despite extensive deforestation at Abra Barro Negro, this species is still at our usual spot. Great to see because this is one that’s also in big trouble and probably merits conservation status of Endangered due to continued habitat loss.
(Maranon) Rufous-fronted Thornbird RR Phacellodomus rufifrons peruvianus
Good views everal sightings Tamborapa. Here the subspecies peruvianus, often referred to as a distinct species (Marañón or Peruvian Thornbird).
Chestnut-backed Thornbird RR Vulnerable Phacellodomus dorsalis
Great views of a highly responsive pair above Hacienda Limon.
Equatorial Greytail RR Near threatened Xenerpestes singularis
Eventually we got this thing at Affluente after numerous failed attempts. Four individuals seen.
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger
Seen at Abra Patricia, Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga
Streaked Tuftedcheck Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Great views of a bird foraging in moss and lichen at Abra Malaga and Abra Barro Negro
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis
Seen at Affluente
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus
Two at Affluente
Rufous-tailed Foliage-glaener Philydor ruficaudatus
One seen at Aguas Verdes
Henna-hooded Foliage Gleaner RR Vulnerable Hylocryptus erythrocephalus
A beast of a furnariid, we got to see bits a pieces of two birds at Abra Porculla.
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans
Seen at Affluente and Puente Ruinas
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
Seen at Affluente. Sittasomus griseicapillus almost certainly consists of multiple species with at least five subspecies groups possibly deserving separate species status.
Strong-billed Woodcreeper * Xiphorhynchus promeropirhynchus
Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus
Seen at Quebrada Upaquihau. Note that this species has NOT been formerly split!
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis
A total of four individuals seen around Affluente
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Several seen at Quebrada Limon and Batan Grande
Collared Antshrike Sakesphorus bernardi bernardi
Great views at Quebrada Limon and Batan Grande
Antshrike sp nov RR Sakesphorus bernardi shumbae
Brilliant views of a male along the road from La Florida to Jaen. This is a distinctive subspecies, with a different song and plumage characteristics. A manuscript for the proposed split is currently being prepared.
Barred Antshrike * Thamnophilus doliatus
Chapman’s Antshrike RR Thamnophilus zarumae
Great views of a male at Abra Porculla.
Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus
Great views of an underestimated looking species at Afluente
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor
Great views of a male along the trail at owlet ridge.
Northern (Marañón) Slaty-Antshrike RR Thamnophilus leucogaster leucogaster
Stunning views of several birds at Tamborapa.
Northern (Huallaga) Slaty-Antshrike RR Thamnophilus leucogaster huallagae
Truly an honour to get amazing views of this endemic species, which, until 6 or 7 years ago, was unknown in life, until its rediscovery by Barry Walker. In my opinion, this form is vocally and morphologically distinct from the Maranon Slaty-Antshrike (see above).
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens
Common at Puente Ruinas and three also seen at Abra Patricia
Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus
Stunning views of a male at Abra Barro Negro. Just how close did he get? Here, the subspecies jaczewskii.
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis
A pair showed well at dawn at Afluente.
Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus
One seen well foraging with a ixed flock at Affluente
Stripe-chested Antwren Myrmotherula longicauda
Seen at Affluente
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
We saw two males of the undescribed race found at Quebrada Upaquihau and Moro de Calzada. This subspecies has distinct vocal differences.
Ash-throated Antwren * RR Endangered Herpsilochmus parkeri
Denied! It was so close but just a couple of feet from view.
Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris
Easily seen Affluente
Rufous-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
Beautiful looks at four birds foraging mid- to subcanopy height in the taller trees at Quebrada Upaquihau.
Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudate
Seen along the trail at owlet ridge, Abra Patricia.
Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens
Two seen at Affluente
Black Antbird * Cercomacra serva
White-backed Fire-eye * Pyriglena leuconota marcapatensis
White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys
Seen at Quebrada Upaquihau
Peruvian Warbling Antbird * Hypocnemis peruvianus
We heard only a bird along the road from Pumarini Lodge to Chasuta.
Stripe-headed Antpitta RR Grallaria andicola
Great views at Marcapomacocha and Abra Malaga
Rufous (Urubamba) Antpitta * RR Grallaria rufula occabambae
Rufous Antpitta (Fulvous) * RR Grallaria rufula obscura
Rufous Antpitta (Cajamarca)* RR Grallaria rufula cajabambae
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla
Sometimes you just gotta be in the right place at the right time (and lisaten to the tour leader!). Both Graham’s were in the right spot at Abra Porculla and Abra Barro Negro.
Rusty-tinged Antpitta * RR Grallaria przewalski
Elegant Crescentchest Melanopareia elegans
Stunning response to tape at Abra Porculla
Marañón Crescentchest RR Near threatened Melanopareia maranonica
The number one bird of the trip. We all have our memories of this guy at Tamborapa. It did exactly what I said it would do and made me look like a right genius for five minutes! Utterly beautiful views!
Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans
Two seen well in response to tape at Abra Barro Negro and several others were heard in the area. Here the subspecies intermedius (often misidentified by others as being anything other than Blackish Tapaculo).
Unicoloured Tapaculo RR Scytalopus unicolor
Great views of three individuals at Abra Gavilan
Rufous-vented Tapaculo * RR Scytalopus femoralis
White-crowned Tapaculo* Scytalopus atratus
Trilling Tapaculo Scytalopus parvirostris
Came out right at my feet and took everyone by surprise at Abra Malaga!
Puna Tapaculo RR Scytalopus simonsi
This little fella came charging at us down the slope at Abra Malaga and perched directly in front of us! Who says Tapaculos never come into view?
(Ampay) Tapaculo sp. nov RR Scytalopus sp nov
Brilliant looks at one bird in elfin forest fragments above Abancay
Diademed Tapaculo RR Scytalopus schulenbergi
Seen on consecutive days at Abra Malaga
Peruvian Plantcutter RR Endangered Phytotoma raimondii
Stunning views of about half a dozen birds at Batan Grande, with the best views certainly of the first male we encountered. Once again, this species was on many peoples’ “most-wanted” list. The species probably merits the conservation status of Critical due to ongoing habitat destruction.
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristata
In total, several seen at both Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga
Chesnut-crested Cotinga Ampelion rufaxilla
Three individuals seen at Abra Patricia
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii
Four birds, two males and two females seen Abra Patricia following several previous failed attempts.
Masked Fruiteater RR Pipreola pulchra
Stunning bird, with good looks of a pair at Puente Ruinas
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruviana
The national bird of bird didn’t disappoint and we saw several in total, at Affluente and Puente Ruinas.
Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin Neopelma sulphureiventer
One bird came in silently to playback but perched up for all to see at Quebrada Upaquihau
Fiery-capped Manakin Machaeropterus pyrocephalus
Great to see a male along the road between Pumarini lodge and Chasuta.
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum
Common throughout the tour.
Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina
One individual seen
Tumbesian Tyrannulet RR Phaeomyias tumbezana
Seen at Quebrada Limon and Batan Grande (subspecies inflava)
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus
Seen at Moro de Calzada.
Pacific Elaenia RR Myiopagis subplacens
We had great views of three birds in response to tape, at Quebrada Limon.
Grey-and-white Tyrannulet RR Pseudelaenia leucospodia
Common at Quebrada Limon
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
One seen at Moro de Calzada
Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae
Common at Machu Picchu and Abra Patricia.
Lesser Elaenia Elaenia chiriquensis
One seen at Moro de Calzada.
Highland Elaenia Elaenia obscura
One seen at Abra Patricia
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus
Two adults seen feeding three young in cloud forest fragments along the Huanipaca road, above Abancay
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys
Good looks at Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor
A pair seen well at Abra Patricia
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea
Common along the Rio Urubamba
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis
Two seen at Abra Patricia
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus
One seen very well at Aguas Verdes
Inca Flycatcher RR Leptopogon taczanowski
Two seen foraging with a mixed flock at Abra Patricia
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
Seen at Afluente and Aguas Verdes
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes ophthalmicus
One seen in a mixed flock at Puente Ruinas
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet RR Phylloscartes gualaquizae
Good looks at one bird at Afluente and we also found two adults feeding two young at Aguas Verdes.
Mottled-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis
Common at Puente Ruinas
Sclaters Tyrannulet Phyllomyias sclateri
Common at Macchu Picchu
Ashy-Headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereicapillus
One seen at Punete Ruinas
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias uropygialis
One pair seen at Abra Malaga
Eulers Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri
Great views of a singing bird at Affluente
Peruvian Tyrannulet Zimmerius viridiflavus
Often mistaken (by pretty much everyone else) as Golden-faced Tyrannulet, this species is common at Afluente. These are Peruvian Tyrannulets – vocally identical to those found in Central Peru.
Black-crested Tit-Tyrant RR Anairetes nigrocristatus
Two birds were seen at Cruz Conga, along the road from Cajamarca – Celendín.
Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant RR Anairetes reguloides
Two seen at Rio Chonta and four further birds seen at Santa Eulalia
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris
Common at Santa Eulalia
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Seen at four locations throughout the tour
Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant RR Endangered Anairetes alpinus
Gangbuster views of over ten different individuals at Abra Malaga
Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant RR Uromyias agraphia
Common, foraging in flocks of over a dozen individuals at Abra Malaga
Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra
Three seen at Pantanos de Villa
Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus
Common throughout the tour
White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant RR Myiornis albiventris
Stunning views of this restricted-range species at Quebrada Upaquihua. This is really the only known site for the species (where you can find it with any regularity) throughout its narrow range.
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
Seen at Afluente
Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus vitiosus
Great views of one bird along the road from Pumarini Lodge to Chasuta, Tarapoto
Johnsons Tody-Tyrant RR Poecilotriccus luluae
This wonderful flycatcher was seen on two days at Abra Patricia. The scientific name (and the original vernacular name) is from the late Lulu May Von Hagen for her support of research in avian genetics.
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitrccus granadensis
Good looks of this little guy at Abra Patricia.
Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant * RR Near threatened Hemitrccus cinnamomeipectus
Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
Great looks of one bird at Quebrada Upaquihau.
Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus striaticollis
Again, good views of one individual at Quebrada Upaquihau.
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
Common
Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher * RR Todirostrum calopterum
Zimmers Tolmomyias Tolmomyias assimilis
Geat close views of a pair at Aguas Verdes
(Yellow-breasted) Olive-faced Tolmomyias Tolmomyias viridiceps (flaviventris)
One seen along the road from Pumarini Lodge to Chasuta. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) used the English group name "Flatbill" for the species of Tolmomyias, returning to an older classification. However there is already a long established genus which carries the name Flatbill (Ramphotrigon) so I feel its best to use Tolmomyias.Tolmomyias flaviventris almost certainly involves more than one species (Ridgely & Tudor 1994). The subspecies viridiceps is almost certainly a distinct species but However, Zimmer (1939a) and Fitzpatrick (2004) considered them conspecific. Go figure!
Grey-crowned Tolmomyias Tolmomyias poliocephalus
One seen along the road from Pumarini Lodge to Chasuta
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus
Great views of a pair at Affluente.
Bran-coloured Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus
Seen at Tamborapa and Affluente.
Olive-chested Flycatcher Myiophobus cryptoxanthus
One seen well in secondary vegetation along the roadside at Affluente on consecutive days
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
Commonly encountered at a few localities.
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea
Great views at Abra Patricia
Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus
A couple of birds at Abra Patricia and another at Puente Ruinas
Tumbes Pewee RR Contopus punensis
Great views at Quebrada Limon where it appears to be very common.
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Regular sightings
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Common throughout the tour – thankfully! Great bird!
Piura Chat-Tyrant RR Ochthoeca piurae
We got great views of this restricted-range species at Abra Porculla where it can be difficult to track down unless one is familiar with its subtle and partly inaudible song. Not currently listed as globally threatened but its status is under review due to severe deforestation of its habitat.
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis
Seen at Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor
Several seen at Cruz Congo, Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga.
D’Orbignys Chat Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides
One seen at Marcapomacocha
White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys
Conspicuous at Abancay, Abra Malaga, and Santa Eulalia
Jelski’s Chat Tyrant RR Ochthoeca jelskii
Gangbuster stuff again as one bird came in to tape at our lunch stop into the Maranon Canyon.
Tumbes Tyrant RR Near-threatened Tumbezia salvini
One of the most striking flycatchers to be found on the Maranon circuit, we got amazing views of two birds in the guan canyon at Quebrada Limon
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis
Good views at the Maranon Canyon and Santa Eulalia
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montana
Two were seen around Cruz Conga, along the road between Cajamraca and Celendin, and another three were seen above Abancay.
White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant RR Vulnerable Agriornis andicola
Great spot by Alan at Cruz Conga. The bird perched fairly close to us on a fence post. This species is readily identified from Black-billed here by its overall size, and the form and colour of its bill.
Rufous-webbed Tyrant Polioxolmis rufipennis
Excellent looks at two birds in a small area of scrub/open area above Cruz Congo. Another bird was seen above Abancay.
Short-tailed Field-Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda
Great looks at Lomas de Lachay and along the Tocto Trail
Spot-billed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris
One seen above Abancay. Five more individuals seen along the Santa Eulalia road
Little Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola fluviatilis
One seen in Tarapoto
Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufivertex
One seen at Abra Malaga
Puna Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola juninensis
Seen above Abancay and also at Abra Malaga
White-browed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora
Sixty plus seen along the road above Cruz Conga. Another was seen at Marcapomoacocha
Taczanowski’s Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola alpina
Five seen at Abra Malaga and another two individuals at Marcapomacocha
White-fronted Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albifrons
Common at Marcapomacocha
Black-fronted Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola frontalis
Two seen at Marcapomacocha
Cinereous Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinerea
Two seen well at Marcapomacocha
Rufous-tailed Tyrant Knipolegus poecilurus
Same individual seen on two different days at Affluente
White-winged Black-Tyrant Knipolegus aterrimus
Good views of a male at San Marcos.
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus
Seen at Afluente.
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus
A singing bird on the forest edge along the road from Pumarini Lodge to Chasuta
Rufous Flycatcher RR Least Concern Myiarchus semirufus
One the the target birds of the trip, we got sensational views of at least five different birds along the road through Batan Grande and at Rafan. This species is probably globally threatened due to the ongoing deforestation of its habitat (the same as the Peruvian Plantcutter) and merits Near-threatened status.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Several sightings
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus
A couple of birds were seen at Quebrada Upaquihau.
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox
Seen at Moro de Calzada.
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Two birds seen between Bagua and La Florida
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
Sightings from Quebrada Upaquihau and Tarapoto.
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similes
Common
Baird’s Flycatcher RR Myiodynastes bairdii
Great views on several occasions at Quebrada Limon, Batan Grande, and along the coastal road from Abra Gavilan to Trujillo.
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculates
Seen well at Moro de Calzada, the Tarapoto region, Afluente and Puente Ruinas
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Common.
Lemon-browed Flycatcher Conopias cinchoneti
One seen at Aguas Verdes
Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys
One male at Tamborapa
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor
Good looks at Puente Ruinas
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
Good looks at Quebrada Upaquihau
Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus
Several birds at Tamborapa
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Seen at several localities. Here the subspecies chivi which is probably resident in Peru and sometimes regarded as a separate species, the Chivi Vireo V. chivi.
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucphrys
Common at Puente Ruinas
Ashy-headed Greenlet Hylophilus pectoralis
Caused us a bit of stress and the two birds we eventually did see were rather unrevealing with their habits, but we eventually got them at Quebrada Upaquihau.
Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus
Six individuals seen well singing their guts out in response to playback at Affluente
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis
Several good views
Green (Inca) Jay Cyanocorax yncas
Common at several locations throughout the tour. Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) and Hilty (2003) consider Central American populations as a separate species, C. luxosus ("Green Jay") from South American C. yncas ("Inca Jay"), but no data has been published on this proposed split. Watch this space.
White-tailed Jay Cyanocorax mystacalis
Stunning views of nine birds at Batan Grande and Quebrada Limon.
White-collared Jay RR Cyanolyca viridicyana
Great close views of Two birds at Abra Patricia
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus
One seen on the Rio Alto Mayo at Aguas Verdes. Other individuals were seen along the Rio Urubamba below Machu Picchu,
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
Seen at Affluente
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
Common throughout the tour.
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
Common at Abra Barro Negro and Abra Malaga.
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata
Two seen flying over rice fields between Rioja and Moro de Calzada
Andean Swallow Stelgidopteryx andeacola
Two seen at Marcapomacocha
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Several encounters
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus
Three seen well after responding to tape at Affluente.
Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus
Common at several sites
Grey-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii
A total of six birds seen on two days at Affluente, foraging with mixed flocks
Speckle-breasted (Maranon) Wren * RR Thryothorus sclateri maranonica
Speckle-breasted Wren Thryothorus sclateri paucimaculatus
Great views of four birds at Quebrada Limon guan canyon
Superciliated Wren Thryothorus superciliaris
Common at Batan Grande and Abra Porculla.
Inca Wren RR Thryothorus eisenmanni
Great comedy views of three birds in the bamboo patches at Abra Malaga.
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
One seen in a mixed flock at Abra Barro Negro and another at Puente Ruinas
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Common throughout the trip.
Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis
One seen performing its crazy display in response to playback at Cruz Conga
Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
One was eventually seen at Abra Patricia. Far easier to see at Machu Picchu
Bar-winged Wood-Wren * RR Near threatened Henicorhina leucoptera
Southern Nightingale-Wren * Microcerculus marginatus
Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea
OK, so we actually saw two different subspecies. We first encountered this species at Batan Grande, where we we saw the Tumbesian bilineata subspecies. The second subspecies we saw was at Quebrada Upaquihau - a black-capped male and paler female of the Amazonian parvirostris subspecies.
Marañón Gnatcatcher RR Polioptila maior
Seen well in the Maranon canyon, San Marcos and at Tamborapa
Andean Solitaire * Myadestes ralloides
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Common around the Cajamarca region
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater
Common throughout the tour.
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus
Nice views of a singing male at Abra Patricia on two different occasions.
Plumbeous-backed Thrush RR Least Concern Turdus reevei
Brief views of two birds at Quebrada Limon.
Marañón Thrush RR Least Concern Turdus maranonicus
Great views of two birds at Hacienda Limon, in the Maranon Canyon. Prior to that, we got bried views of two individuals in the Utcubamba valley en route to Leymebamba.
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis
One seen at Afluente
Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus
Mockers!!!! You love them really!!!
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen around Lima and Jaen
Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis
Great scope views of a perched bird at Cruz Congo
Yellowish Pipit RR Anthus lutescens peruvianus
One seen briefly at Lomas de Lachay. Here the subspecies peruvianus, isolated on the Pacific coast of Peru and northern Chile.
Thick-billed Siskin RR Carduelis crassirostris
Great views of a male in the Abra Malaga Polylepis woodland
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica urubambensis
Common
Olivaceous Siskin Carduelis magellanica olivacea
Two individuals seen at Afluente and many more seen at Abancay and Puente Ruinas
Black Siskin Carduelis atrata
Seven individuals seen well at Marcapomacocha
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria
Two seen at La Florida.
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Common at a number of sites throughout the tour.
Black-lored Yellowthroat Geothlypis auricularis
One seen well at Balsas
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
Common
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus
Common
Citrine Warbler Basileuterus luteoviridis
Six individuals were seen at Abra Malaga
Pale-legged Warbler Basileuterus signatus signatus
Common at Puente Ruinas below Machu Picchu
Black-crested Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus
Cracking views at Cruz Conga and Abra Gavilan. Alan had got it earlier at Abra Porculla
Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus
Denied at Abra Patricia but seen well at Puente Ruinas, Machu Picchu
Three-banded Warbler RR Basileuterus trifasciatus
Finally, good views of four individuals following a mixed understory flock at Abra Porculla
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
Seen at Aguas Verdes.
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
Hmph!
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonatrichia capensis
Need I say anything?
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons
One seen at Afluente
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
Common
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons
Seen at Afluente and Machu Picchu
White-browed Conebill RR Conirostrum ferrugineiventre
Great close-up views at Abra Malaga
Giant Conebill Near-threatened Oreomanes fraseri
Great views of three individuals seen at Abra Malaga
Black-faced Tanager Schistochlamys melanopis
Fine views of one bird at Moro de Calzada.
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana
Regular sightings at Affluente and around Tarapoto.
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii
Seen at Abra Patricia and at Abra Barro Negro
White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata
Scope views only at Abra Patricia, but good enough!
Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
Seen at Afluente and Abra Patricia
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis
Only seen at Puente Ruinas, Machu Picchu
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris leucogaster
We saw two birds during our visit to Abra Barro Negro. This distinctive subspecies merits full species rank. Here the subspecies insignis but in my experience, it’s identical to leucogaster (lump the two subspecies folks!).
Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis
Common at Puente Ruinas area below Machu Picchu
Parodi’s Hemispingus RR Hemispingus parodi
Super-common in the elfin forest habitat at Abra Malaga
Three-striped Hemispingus RR Hemispingus trifasciatus
Great views of several birds feeding with mixed flocks at Abra Malaga
Drab Hemispingus Hemispingus xanthophthalmus
One seen at Abra Barro Negro
Rust-and-Yellow Tanager Thlypopsis ruficeps
Seen at Abra Malaga
Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata
Seen along the Santa Eulalia road
Buff-bellied Tanager RR Thlypopsis inornata
Excellent looks at Tamborapa.
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
One male seen briefly at Tamborapa
Slaty Tanager RR Creurgops dentata
Great close views of a male and female at Machu Picchu
Yellow-crested Tanager RR Tachyphonus rufiventer
Two males at Affluente
Fulvous-crested Tanager Tachyphonus surinamus
One seen at Abra Patricia
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
Seen at Afluente.
Olive Tanager Chlorothraupis carmiolii
One seen at Affluente
Highland Hepatic-Tanager Piranga lutea
Several encounters
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
Lovely views of two pairs at Afluente.
Red-hooded Tanager Piranga rubriceps
A Lloydy-lifer even! One male seen and taped singing at Abra Patricia pass. Female was close behind but poor views of her.
Huallaga Tanager RR Ramphocelus melanogaster
This striking tanager was seen on a small number of occasions at Afluente
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo
One seen along the journey from Tamborapa
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Common throughout the tour
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala
Common throughout the tour
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Common throughout the tour
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis
Common at the end of the north Peru circuit and very common during the south Peru and central highway extension.