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A panoramic view of
the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins with the Urubamba River
valley far below. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
This tour is one of my favorites for many reasons. It indeed has great birding, plus a visit to the world famous Machu Picchu ruins, excellent food, and nice accommodations, but Abra Malaga steals my heart and mind everytime. The view of Veronica during our hike up to the Polylepis forest, our descent into the valley, the blue skies and views of the Andes that roll on forever, and the quietness. That quietness I just love. Thanks to my fun and energetic group for sharing that moment with me. I will miss our time together: Nancy, Bill, Wanda, Ted, Lynn, Martin, Hans, and Ann-Margreth. It was a great time. Thanks to Lucretia for her excellent guiding, and thanks for allowing Rocio to come along! She too had a blast.
Birding highlights were many, but the Yungas Pygmy-Owl stole the show! Nice work team, but especially to Ted for finding that little guy. Rocio wanted to take him home! Other great birds we found included Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Andean Parakeets, an all too brief flyby Maroon-chested Ground-Dove, Bearded Mountaineer (!) and Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Conebill, Masked Fruiteater, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant (it ain't over until she sings!), White-winged Diuca-Finch, and Black Siskin.
Bird On. One Love.
Jesse Fagan aka Motmot
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for
individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I =
introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b =
boreal migrant
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Chloephaga melanoptera) – Rocio spotted three birds on the farm
fields at Huaypo Lake. There was a fourth bird spotted in
the water a bit further out. Not a regular bird on this
tour. A good one! TORRENT DUCK
(Merganetta armata) – We counted around 30 on the train ride to
Aguas Calientes. There were a few more in other places along
the Urubamba River. A nice looking duck (both male and
female).
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
(Anas discors) – One drake was at Huaypo Lake. Uncommon
boreal migrant (Oct-Apr), but a few hang around in the
austral winter. Nice spot. Ted.
CINNAMON TEAL
(Anas cyanoptera) – Common at Huaypo Lakes.
WHITE-CHEEKED
PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)
– Ted spotted several on Huaypo Lake.
YELLOW-BILLED
PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
– Fairly common at Huacarpay and Huaypo
Lakes.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) –
Also fairly common at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL
(Anas flavirostris) – Also known as Speckled Teal (subsp.
oxyptera). Not many on Huacarpay Lakes, but a few more in
the highlands around Abra Malaga and lower down at Huaypo.
Superficially similar to Yellow-billed Teal, but have much
more contrasting, darker heads.
RUDDY DUCK
(ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis
ferruginea) – At least 50 or
so individuals were on Huaypo Lake. Nice blue bills on the
males.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and
Curassows)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – We had nice looks at several individuals
in trees and flying across the tracks during our walk in the
Mandor Valley. Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – A few were around in nice (alternate)
breeding plumage at Huaypo Lake. Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – One was perched in a Cecropia tree along
the tracks through Mandor Valley. We had another on the
river. 
The beautifully
terraced grounds of Machu Picchu, complete with tourist
group and a grazing llama. (Photo by tour participant Bill
Denton)
BLACK-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax
nycticorax) – One adult
hunkered down in the marsh on our last stop before arriving
into Cusco.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis
ridgwayi) – Fairly common
throughout the tour. BLACK-FACED IBIS
(BRANICKII) (Theristicus
melanopis branickii) – We had
three on the east slope just over the pass, and another pair
on the west slope near the pass. Nice looking birds and only
found in the higher elevation grasslands and bogs.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – A good tour for condors this year. We had
at least 5 different individuals. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Lynn spotted one soaring over Huacarpay
Lakes on our first day of birding. A sharp looking adult.
CINEREOUS HARRIER
(Circus cinereus) – A few males and females around Huacarypay
Lakes.
HARRIS'S HAWK
(Parabuteo unicinctus) – Local in this region of Peru. We had one
on our drive back to Cusco. A lifer for Lucretia!
ROADSIDE HAWK
(Buteo magnirostris) – A trio were calling over the Machu Picchu
ruins as we birded down the road. Another was seen in flight
through the forest at Mandor.
VARIABLE HAWK
(Buteo polyosoma) – A number in the highlands around Abra
Malaga. The ones at the highest point could be called "Puna"
Hawk, if they ever decided that is a true species.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT
EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori)
– A fantastic bird. An adult was seen
very well soaring along the cliffs above Aguas Calientes
while we waited for the bus. Incredible luck.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Fairly common at different spots on the
tour. AMERICAN KESTREL
(Falco sparverius) – Also fairly common in the lower areas
along the Sacred Valley.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
A view of the
dry, rocky outcrops on the west slope of Abra Malaga, home
to endemics like Creamy-crested Spinetail and White-tufted
Sunbeam. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
COMMON GALLINULE
(Gallinula galeata) – Pretty common at both Huacarpay and
Huaypo Lakes.
SLATE-COLORED COOT
(Fulica ardesiaca) – Most that we saw had yellow shields. The
shield color varies from white, yellow, to even red.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Seen especially well up at the pass.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – One was along the shoreline at Huaypo
Lake. Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Lots along the Urubamba River and in the
agricultural fields. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Every day. A city-town bird. SPOT-WINGED PIGEON
(Patagioenas maculosa) – Lucretia spotted one in the tree behind
the hotel in Ollantaytambo. Ted and I (we determined later)
had a group of 5 or 6 flyover us near the train station.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON
(Patagioenas fasciata) – A few in the highlands around Abra
Malaga.
EARED DOVE
(Zenaida auriculata) – A few in Lima and in Cusco.
MAROON-CHESTED
GROUND-DOVE (Claravis
mondetoura) – Ted heard this
incredibly rare bamboo specialist calling up slope. We tried
to draw it in with tape, which to our amazement (and later
confirmation) excited the bird enough to fly to a different
perch. In flight, we could clearly see the white outer tail
feathers of a male. Too cool, but unfortunately we couldn't
locate it again in the scopes.
BARE-FACED
GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia
ceciliae) – Nice looks at a
small group near the bus while birding at Huacarpay Lakes.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE
(Leptotila verreauxi) – A few were around in the forest behind
the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) – Flyovers at Aguas Calientes and again a
group of 20 near the pass at (4000 meters!) on the east
slope. ANDEAN PARAKEET
(Bolborhynchus orbygnesius) – At least 5 were seen well feeding on some
berries down on the west slope of Abra Malaga. Near Maxima's
house! Nice spotting, Lynn.
SPECKLE-FACED
PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus
tumultuosus tumultuosus) – A
pair were seen well in the scope while birding in the Mandor
Valley.
Strigidae (Owls)
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – BIRD OF THE TRIP!!! Nice work by
everyone, but special thanks to Ted for spotting this little
guy down on the edge of the bamboo. We worked hard at the
tape bringing him in closer, but just when it all seemed to
be lost...SUCCESS. Great looks in the scope, a lifer for all
(including Hans!), and a lifer look for the leader. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) [*] Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Large kettling flocks were seen in Cusco
and again in Aguas Calientes. WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT
(Aeronautes montivagus) – The main swift around Aguas Calientes.
ANDEAN SWIFT
(Aeronautes andecolus) – Seen on our first day along the Urubamba
River. Possibly a couple (not many) were around Aguas
Calientes.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) SPARKLING
VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
– This was the dominant violetear seen
at Aguas Calientes. Most were feeding on the Inga flowers.
AMETHYST-THROATED
SUNANGEL (Heliangelus
amethysticollis) – One male
was in the large mixed-species flock down on the east slope
of Abra Malaga.
SPECKLED
HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia
melanogenys) – One feeding
low in the clearing above our hotel at Aguas Calientes. It
appeared rustier on the underparts than the book
illustration showed.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH
(Aglaiocercus kingi) – A few were the gardens in Aguas
Calientes. Also one in the garden at Pakaritampu.
ANDEAN HILLSTAR
(Oreotrochilus estella)
BEARDED
MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha
nobilis) – Fantastic looks at
this endemic on the hotel grounds in Ollantaytambo.
[E]
TYRIAN METALTAIL
(Metallura tyrianthina) – A few females mainly up in the highlands
around Abra Malaga.
WHITE-TUFTED
SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis
castelnaudii) – Great looks
at this endemic low down on the west slope of Abra. Near
Penas. We had it in the scope a few times. [E]
COLLARED INCA
(GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata
omissa) – A sharp looking
hummingbird seen well on the hotel grounds in Aguas
Calientes. It was coming into the Heliconia flowers.
VIOLET-THROATED
STARFRONTLET (Coeligena
violifer) – One was in the
large mixed-species flock on the east side of Abra. We had a
few others briefly in flight. The large flash of rufous in
the tail is obvious when they are zipping around.
SWORD-BILLED
HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera
ensifera) – One female on the
east slope perched for a long time. Nice, close scope views.
Incredible bill (I bet that has been said a few times in the
past!).
GREAT SAPPHIREWING
(Pterophanes cyanopterus) – One or two around on the west slope near
Penas.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED
CORONET (Boissonneaua
matthewsii) – The common, and
aggressive hummingbird on the feeders at Aguas Calientes.
WHITE-BELLIED
WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus
mulsant) – One female put on
a performance, buzzing around like a little bee for us
during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
WHITE-BELLIED
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia
chionogaster) – One of the
more common hummingbirds on the grounds at Ollantaytambo.
Very similar to the next species.
GREEN-AND-WHITE
HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia
viridicauda) – This endemic
was common (near abundant) in the Aguas Calientes area where
they were feeding on the Inga flowers. Very similar to
White-bellied, but shows less white in the tail and prefers
more humid habitat. Bill is also a bit straighter, less
decurved. [E]
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – We counted a few on the train ride, but
nice looks were had of one feeding near the river's edge at
dusk. Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – A female was seen well in the Mandor
Valley. GOLDEN-OLIVE
WOODPECKER (Colaptes
rubiginosus) – Awesome looks
on the hotel grounds in Aguas Calientes. They are really
different looking in South America, being more golden above
than the olive-backed Central American birds. Lynn took some
nice photos.
ANDEAN FLICKER
(Colaptes rupicola) – We had a few flickers up near the pass. A
sharp looking bird. Nicely patterned and a favorite of
Rocio.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Fairly common on both slopes of Abra
Malaga. We had a darker plumaged, long-billed individual
that had us really thinking Royal Cincloides. However, the
pale wing pattern and paler vents would rule out Royal.
WHITE-WINGED
CINCLODES (Cinclodes
atacamensis) – A pair at a
nest cavity were flying around the Urubamba River near the
train station.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD
(Phleocryptes melanops) – A couple were in the marshes at Huacarpay
Lakes. Not seen really well, but it can be a tough one to
pull out.
TAWNY
TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura
yanacensis) – Seen very well
in the Polylepis above the pass.
WHITE-BROWED
TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura
xenothorax) – An endemic that
we had to work on a little while birding the Polylepis
forest. We eventually had nice looks at a couple of
different individuals. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL
(Synallaxis azarae) – A fairly common spinetail of scrubby
vegetation. We had several pairs in the Mandor Valley.
MARCAPATA
SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca
marcapatae) – Nice looks at
several birds tree-hopping while we birded the east slope.
[E]
LINE-FRONTED
CANASTERO (Asthenes
urubambensis) – A pair
approached us very closely just below the pass on the east
slope. All the canasteros are behaviorally interesting and
with subtle, yet pleasing plumage characteristics. This one
has heavy streaking on the underparts and a bit of orange on
the chin.
STREAK-BACKED
CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti)
– An inhabitant of the puna grassland.
It showed well despite a little searching in the beginning.
STREAK-THROATED
CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis)
– This canastero likes the bare rocky
areas. We had several during our hike up to the Polylepis.
It seems to not respond to tape from Bolivia, having its own
set of calls, and I wonder if there is something different
here in Peru. (????)
PUNA THISTLETAIL
(Asthenes helleri) – Heard by all, only glimpsed by Ted.
A local resident
waits anxiously, wondering if Jesse will get the endemic
Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch in the scope before it
flies (he did!) (Photo by tour participant Bill Denton)
STREAK-FRONTED
THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus
striaticeps) [*]
PEARLED TREERUNNER
(Margarornis squamiger) – A couple on the east slope.
STREAKED XENOPS
(Xenops rutilans) – Fairly common in the humid forest around
Aguas Calientes. We had several each day.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A pair darted over our heads and quickly
dissolved into the thick understory vegetation. This was at
the start of our walk in the Mandor Valley. They have a soft
barking call. Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Great looks at one individual hopping out
in the open in Maxima's backyard! We had another in the
Polylepis forest. RUFOUS ANTPITTA
(Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*] PUNA TAPACULO
(Scytalopus simonsi) – Seen well in the puna grassland just over
the pass, but again for a few of us in the Polylepis forest.
This one shows brownish tones on flanks and tail.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – At least two were seen and heard calling
on the east slope around 3500 m. WHITE-THROATED
TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus
leucophrys) – One was on the
east slope.
ASH-BREASTED
TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes alpinus)
– Seen well in the Polylepis forest.
UNSTREAKED
TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes
agraphia) [E*]
YELLOW-BELLIED
ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
– A pair were on the hotel grounds in
Aguas Calientes.
WHITE-CRESTED
ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
– Fairly common around Huacarpay Lakes
and less common around Aguas Calientes.
HIGHLAND ELAENIA
(Elaenia obscura obscura) – Several were in the large mixed-species
flock on the east slope. They are larger than the other
possible elaenias and have more rounded heads (lacking an
obvious crest).
SIERRAN ELAENIA
(Elaenia pallatangae) – We had one calling close in the clearing
above our hotel in Aguas Calientes. Eventually we saw two
flitting around up slope. Darker headed than the other
elaenias.
TORRENT TYRANNULET
(Serpophaga cinerea) – A few were along the Urubamba River.
STREAK-NECKED
FLYCATCHER (Mionectes
striaticollis) – One was seen
well in the humid forest behind the hotel in Aguas
Calientes. We had another in the mixed-species flock on the
east slope.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED
TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes
ventralis) – Fairly common in
the Aguas Calientes area.
SCLATER'S
TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias
sclateri) – Quite common (at
least by voice) in the Aguas Calientes area. We had good
looks of one fairly low (normally a canopy species) on our
Mandor walk.
ASHY-HEADED
TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias
cinereiceps) – Heard around
the clearing above the hotel at Aguas Calientes. Lynn
eventually spotted one fairly low above our heads. Nice
looks. Rare to uncommon in the area.
MANY-COLORED RUSH
TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)
– A favorite for most everyone and
nearly the last bird we saw on the tour! Great looks were
had in the small side marsh along the road as we headed back
to Cusco. A really cool bird.
COMMON
TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum
cinereum) – A few were around
in the Inga trees above the pool at our hotel in Aguas
Calientes.
YELLOW-OLIVE
FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias
sulphurescens peruvianus) –
Seen well in the humid forest behind our hotel in Aguas
Calientes. This one has the really wide, horn-colored bill.
They sound very different from Central American birds. A
possible split?
CINNAMON
FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias
cinnamomeus) – A couple in
the Mandor Valley and again on east slope of Abra.
SMOKE-COLORED
PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
– Seen well in the Mandor Valley. Heard
a few more times "peep-peep-peep-peep."
BLACK PHOEBE
(WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis
nigricans latirostris) –
Numerous along the Urubamba River. This population is very
black below with white edging on the wing coverts.
WHITE-WINGED
BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus
aterrimus) – We saw a nice
male right at the start of the Machu Picchu ruins.
TACZANOWSKI'S
GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola
griseus) – The large
ground-tyrant with the dark eye-line seen on our hike up to
the Polylepis. Very similar to Cinereous GT.
CINEREOUS
GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola
cinereus) – Also seen well on
our hike to the Polylepis. It is smaller than Taczanowski's
and shows less contrast in the face with just the supralores
showing some white.
OCHRE-NAPED
GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola
flavinucha) – Seen well on
our hike up to the Polylepis.
RUFOUS-NAPED
GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola
rufivertex) – Pretty numerous
around Huacarpay Lakes in the drier fields. This species is
found lower down than the other ones seen on tour. The
subspecies was the widespread occipitalis.
STREAK-THROATED
BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes
striaticollis) – One was in
the mixed-species flock on the east slope.
RUFOUS-BREASTED
CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca
rufipectoralis) – Fairly
common in the sub-tropical forest edge on the east slope of
Abra Malaga.
BROWN-BACKED
CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca
fumicolor) – Fairly common in
the drier scrub on the west slope.
WHITE-BROWED
CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca
leucophrys) – Seen well at
Huacarpay Lakes.
DUSKY-CAPPED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
tuberculifer atriceps) – Seen
well in the large mixed-species flock on the east slope.
Incredibly dark "capped" and showed no rufous in the wing
coverts, very different from northern populations!
GOLDEN-CROWNED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
chrysocephalus) – One perched
on the powerlines at the bus stop was unexpected! Usually a
canopy bird.
STREAKED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
maculatus) – Not normally
seen on our tour. Some individuals are austral migrants
though some breeding does occur in Amazonia. However, our
elevation of roughly 9000' was very noteworthy.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD
(Tyrannus melancholicus) – Fairly common in the Aguas Calientes
area, but only in the open, second-growth habitat.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
MASKED FRUITEATER (Pipreola pulchra) – A real highlight of the tour. This
endemic was seen very well during our Mandor Valley walk
when we called one up pretty close. It came back for a
second look, crossing the tracks, and we had even better
looks. [E] 
Birding the
polylepis forest at Abra Malaga will leave you breathless-
quite literally, as you'll be up over 14000 feet in
elevation! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
ANDEAN
COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola
peruvianus) – Wanda had a
male on the hotel grounds at Aguas Calientes. Unfortunately,
others weren't able to catch up with it.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – A pair were canopy foraging during our
walk in the Mandor Valley. Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Several were singing (and one seen)
during our time at Aguas Calientes. RED-EYED VIREO
(MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo
olivaceus chivi) – One or two
around the hotel in Aguas Calientes. This subspecies has
dark irides.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) [*] Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Fairly common in the lowlands and less so
in the highlands. BROWN-BELLIED
SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
– The common swallow species in the
highlands. Good, eye-level studies were had on the east
slope.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius
eisenmanni) – Nice looks at
this local endemic on the road down from Machu Picchu.
[E] HOUSE WREN
(Troglodytes aedon) – Common. Seen nearly every day. There was
a youngster singing like a Black-throated Green Warbler on
the hotel grounds in Aguas.
MOUNTAIN WREN
(Troglodytes solstitialis) – A couple of these small arboreal wrens
were seen on the east slope.
GRAY-BREASTED
WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina
leucophrys) – Mainly heard,
but seen well at the start of our walk in the Mandor Valley.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – A nice looking bird. They were fairly
common along the Urubamba. Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Seen well in Aguas Calientes behind the
hotel and again in the Mandor Valley. WHITE-EARED
SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes
leucotis) – A sharp looking
bird. We had a responsive pair in the clearing behind the
hotel in Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, we didn't really
encounter them.
SLATY THRUSH
(Turdus nigriceps) – At least three of these austral migrants
were in the humid forest behind the hotel in Aguas.
GREAT THRUSH
(Turdus fuscater) – Common around Abra Malaga in the scrubby
vegetation down on the west slope.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH
(Turdus chiguanco) – Seen every day. Common, but only in the
lowlands.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – We had nice studies (and questions about
the illustrations) of three birds around the bogs just over
the pass. Uniformly buff below with light necklace of
streaks across the breast were the strongest field marks.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Fairly common (at least by voice) in the
humid forest at Aguas Calientes. CITRINE WARBLER
(Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – Several were on our walk in the Mandor
Valley.
RUSSET-CROWNED
WARBLER (Myiothlypis
coronatus) – Again in Mandor
Valley, but also in the forest behind the hotel.
SLATE-THROATED
REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
– Birds in South America are all yellow
below, but there is an obvious cline from red in Mexico to
orange in Guatemala to yellow in Costa Rica continuing into
S.A.
SPECTACLED
REDSTART (Myioborus
melanocephalus) – A nice
looking bird that we saw at several different locations.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
Another view of
Machu Picchu; it's easy to understand why it was named one
of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." (Photo by tour
participant Bill Denton)
BLACK-CAPPED
HEMISPINGUS (WHITE-BROWED) (Hemispingus
atropileus auricularis) – All
the individuals we saw were yellow below with the
contrasting black crowns. In this plumage they can look a
little like Superciliared.
PARODI'S
HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus
parodii) – An endemic that is
locally common on the east slope. Seen very well. [E]
SUPERCILIARIED
HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus
superciliaris) – Seen a few
times, the urabambae subspecies looks very much like the
yellow version of Black-capped.
OLEAGINOUS
HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus
frontalis) – An odd name for
a bird, but we saw it well in the Mandor Valley.
RUST-AND-YELLOW
TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps)
– Fairly common in the Aguas Calientes
area, but also again on east slope of Abra.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL
(Conirostrum cinereum) – One on the hotel grounds that Martin and
Ted saw, but also in the Polylepis forest (with Giant!).
BLUE-BACKED
CONEBILL (Conirostrum
sitticolor) – Several in the
large mixed-species flock on the east slope.
CAPPED CONEBILL
(Conirostrum albifrons) – These were around the grounds at our
hotel in Aguas. Fairly common in this area.
WHITE-BROWED
CONEBILL (Conirostrum
ferrugineiventre) – Just a
couple in the Abra Malaga area.
GIANT CONEBILL
(Oreomanes fraseri) – Lynn and Martin had pretty good looks at
a pair in the Polylepis. Unfortunately, they got away too
fast for everyone to see. A great bird to find.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS
(Xenodacnis parina) – A female was working the scrub near
Maxima's house. Surprisingly our only one of the trip.
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – There was a pair in the bamboo at our
lowest spot on the east slope. They showed for a few
seconds, crossed the road, then dissapeared.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER
(Thraupis episcopus) – Common in Aguas Calientes. Birds in S.A.
show a lot of white in the wings.
PALM TANAGER
(Thraupis palmarum) – Also coming to the feeders at the hotel
in Aguas Calientes.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW
TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis)
– Fairly common at various spots on our
tour.
SCARLET-BELLIED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus
igniventris) – Seen well on
both slopes of Abra Malaga.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Delothraupis
castaneoventris) – We saw at
least two different birds on the east slope of Abra.
Superficially looks like Fawn-breasted Tanager which we also
had.
FAWN-BREASTED
TANAGER (Pipraeidea
melanonota) – Nice looks at
this sharp "tanager" in the large mixed-species flock at
Abra.
SAFFRON-CROWNED
TANAGER (Tangara
xanthocephala) – Bill liked
this one the best. Indeed, a very pleasant looking bird. We
had great looks in the Mandor Valley (feeding on flowers)
and others at the hotel feeders.
GOLDEN-NAPED
TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
– I love those Tangara tanagers! This
one was at the hotel feeders in Aguas.
BLUE-NECKED
TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
– A sweet looking tanager that is
thankfully fairly common at Aguas Calientes.
BLUE-AND-BLACK
TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
– Our only ones were in the large
mixed-species flock on the east slope.
SILVERY TANAGER
(Tangara viridicollis) – Fairly common at Aguas Calientes. A poor
name for this species, I think. The females look very
different from the males.
BLUE DACNIS
(Dacnis cayana) – Mainly females, but a few males were also
seen. Aguas Calientes only.
GOLDEN-BILLED
SALTATOR (Saltator
aurantiirostris) – Our first
was on the hotel grounds in Ollantaytambo, but more were
seen around Abra Malaga.
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and
Allies)
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Maxima had this species on her yard list.
PLUMBEOUS
SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus
unicolor) – Pretty common on
the west slope of Abra.
ASH-BREASTED
SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus
plebejus) – A bit more common
than Plumbeous. Seen on the drier west slope.
WHITE-WINGED
DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca
speculifera) – Lucretia
spotted this species which is not seen every year on the
tour. A great bird! We had probably 8 or 9 individuals.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED
MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza
caesar) – A Peruvian endemic
seen very well at Maxima's house and down lower at Penas.
[E]
YELLOW-BELLIED
SEEDEATER (Sporophila
nigricollis) – A young male
was in the clearing above the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
BAND-TAILED
SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
– A bunch were around the Huacarpay
Lakes. Another was up higher near Abra Malaga.
PLAIN-COLORED
SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
– At least four were in the clearing,
foraging on the ground, near Maxima's house.
DULL-COLORED
GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
– One was seen well at the start of our
walk in the Mandor Valley.
BLACK-THROATED
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
brunneiventris) – Generally,
pretty common on both slopes of Abra Malaga.
RUSTY
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
sittoides) – This species was
regular at the flowers around the hotel in Ollantaytambo. It
will also forage at canopy levels like the one we had in the
Inga flowers in Mandor.
MASKED
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
cyanea) – Several in various
flocks on both slopes of Abra. Our first were in the early
morning at Penas.
GREENISH
YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis
olivascens) – A small flock
was seen in the dry scrub along the edge of Huacarpay Lakes.
We had them in the scope for a few seconds.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED
BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon
brunneinucha) [*]
WHITE-BROWED
BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon
torquatus) – Seen very well,
a favorite of Rocio, down on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
We studied closely the grayish supercilium and broad black
chest. Several marked subspecies in this group.
CUZCO BRUSH-FINCH
(Atlapetes canigenis) – All too briefly in a mixed-species flock
on the east slope. They got away quickly. [E]
RUFOUS-COLLARED
SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
– Common in the drier open areas.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Several on the drier west slope of Abra
Malaga and one nicely at the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Pretty common in the tall marsh grass at
Huacarpay Lakes and Huapoy. DUSKY-GREEN
OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius
atrovirens) – Uncommon, but
around the hotel in Aguas Calientes. A few individuals were
feeding on the bananas near the pool. Love their calls!
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and
Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The common euphonia on this tour (and the
only one with a yellow throat!). BLUE-NAPED
CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia
cyanea) – Lynn photographed
this one near her cabin, and later the group got to see the
spectacular photos! Ha ha ha.
HOODED SISKIN
(Spinus magellanicus) – Seen on most days. The common siskin on
this tour.
BLACK SISKIN
(Spinus atratus) – Several feeding on the yellow flowers on
the west slope of Abra Malaga. We had a nice male in the
scope for a long period. A lifer for Hans!
MAMMALS
NORTHERN MOUNTAIN
VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum)
– One was taking in some sun on the
ruins at Machu Picchu.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 194 bird taxa and 1 mammal taxa