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Birding the high alpine grasslands at Abra Malaga in search of ground-tyrants, canasteros, and more. (Photo by tour participant John Keith)
I couldn't have asked for a better group of people. I especially enjoyed our time before and after the tour, where some folks were able to visit with me in Lima for a few days. Indeed, an easy, compatible, and fun bunch of people. I hope to do it again soon with you. Reunion tour?!
This year we had very nice weather (Veronica was looking magnificent every day and it wasn't too cold most mornings, right?) and the birds cooperated. Though we never found the "mega" flock on the east slope, we did find some flocks with the help of the pygmy-owl tape. Nearly 200 species of birds ain't bad, but what really counts are those specialty birds and endemics. We had a bunch. Great birds like Inca Wren below the ruins, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Black-and-chestnut Eagle nearly as soon as we stepped off the train in Aguas Calientes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail in the Polylepis (another endemic), and the cooperative Black-streaked Puffbird in the towering Mandor Valley. The tops for the group, however, included Andean Condor, Masked Fruiteater, and Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, a yard bird for Maxima's which took top vote-getter. A quality week of birding!
You also tried alpaca and cuy (guinea pig) and we drank a few pisco sours. Don't forget Machu Picchu with Lucretia leading the way. I would like to thank Lucretia for her excellent work and guiding. Always a pleasure. All in all, a memorable Peruvian experience, I hope.
Bird On.
--Jesse Fagan a.k.a. Motmot (from Lima, Peru)
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)
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – A very nice find on our second day up at the pass. There were 6 individuals in the group.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – We counted 25 on the train ride to Aguas Calientes. Almost enough for a life long supply of beers on any FGI tours!...almost.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – One of our rare waterfowl sightings for the trip. A pair of drakes were at Huaypo Lake.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Both at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes. Several nice drakes among them.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Missed at Huacarpay, but seen well at Huaypo Lake.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – A sharp looking duck with a bright blue bill. Seen well at several spots.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Also known as Speckled Teal. Somewhat similar in appearance to Yellow-billed Pintail. Seen at both Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes along with several individuals in the puna bogs up higher.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Or "Andean Duck," seen well at both Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes. The males of this resident subspecies differ from North American populations by having completely black heads.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Three in the Mandor Valley.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – Almost all the individuals we saw were in their pretty breeding plumage.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – A couple along the Urubamba River. A good year for cormorants on this tour. Not usually seen.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
A denizen of open country high in the Andes, the Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant is among the most easily recognizable of the many ground-tyrant species. (Photo by tour participant Marshall Dahl)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – On our first day during the long drive to Ollantaytambo.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – A surprise fly over at dawn while waiting along the Urubamba River for the nightjar.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Fairly common at several places during the tour.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – Finally caught up with four birds just below the pass on the final day.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – One flew over Condor Lookout, as it should be.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – One of the highlights for the trip was seeing adult flying against the cliffs in Aguas Calientes. We had just stepped off the train!
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – A nice pick up on the last day as we drove into Cusco. One adult male was flying low over the agricultural fields.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Several in the Aguas Calientes area.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Fairly common on this tour. We saw several light morphs. The individuals seen at the pass may be "Puna Hawk" also known as Gurney's Hawk (G. poecilochrous). However, this taxon is not accepted by many folks.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – This large raptor was seen well around Huacarpay Lake.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Good looks along the marsh edge near the road on our drive back to Cusco.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Common at both large lakes on this tour.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Also known as Andean Coot. Common at both Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Common at various sites throughout the tour.
PUNA PLOVER (Charadrius alticola) – One of our highlights for the tour. Peter spotted this bird at Huacarpay Lake. It was a first for our tour. Nice work!
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – At least three were in the flats along Huacarpay Lake.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Common in the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba and at all of the lakes we visited.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Every day. Common in the small towns and villages.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Fairly common in the Sacred Valley, but especially around Ollantaytambo.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – A group of four were seen on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Several on our drives to and from Cusco.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Nice looks of a pair perched on a tiled roof at Huacarpay Lake.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Seen in flight several times, but also observed nicely at the compost pile behind the cabins in Aguas Calientes.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata) – Very close studies of a responsive pair behind the hotel in Aguas Calientes. George and Marshall both got some nice photos.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – A new one for the tour. We were surprised to find one perched atop a road marker on our early drive up to the pass.
Strigidae (Owls)
The compost pile at our Machu Picchu hotel has been excellent for White-throated Quail-Dove, an otherwise shy and retiring species that can be tough to see well. (Photo by tour participant Marshall Dahl)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – A pair flying over the pass at 14,500 feet!
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Almost a miss for us. George thought I was kidding when I pointed out the large kettling flock as we boarded the train to Ollantaytambo. Whew!
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – A couple along the Urubamba on our drive to Ollantaytambo.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – One seen in the Mandor Valley.
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Both violetears were common in the Aguas Calientes area; though Sparkling was probably the more common species seen.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – A pair (both male and female) seen on the east slope of Abra Malaga in the more humid temperate forest edge.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Several along the tracks in the Mandor Valley.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) – Singles (including a few males) around the hotel at Aguas Calientes.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – A nice find, seen well in the polylepis-puna grassland just over the pass. We had prolonged looks at a perched bird. Seen on about 25% of our trips.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – Fairly common on the more humid slope over the pass.
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (COPPERY-NAPED) (Eriocnemis luciani sapphiropygia) – One perched individual was seen well on the east slope of AM.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – One seen by a few folks on the drier slope where it is rare to uncommon.
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – This Peruvian endemic was seen in the scope a few times near Penas. A very good bird. [E]
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – This distinctive subspecies was seen perched on the grounds at our hotel in Aguas Calientes. A sharp looking bird with big white flashes in the tail when it is flying.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – This large hummingbird has big tawny flashes in the tail and was obvious in several places on the east slope of AM.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – One female came into the pygmy-owl tape and perched for a long period. Incredible bill.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – A couple seen on the east slope of AM.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The common (and aggressive) hummingbird at our hotel in Aguas Calientes.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Mostly females were seen in the Aguas Calientes area. Similar to female LT Sylph, but the females also show the brown "boots" of the males.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – One was doing its display flight about 1000 feet above our heads! This tiny hummingbird flies like a large bee and we didn't really see it all that well unfortunately.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – This was the common hummingbird on the hotel grounds at Ollantaytambo. Very similar to the next species.
GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – This endemic was common at Aguas Calientes feeding in the canopy of the Inga trees. [E]
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Also known as Highland Motmot, this species was seen several times at Aguas Calientes. It was once considered part of the larger complex known as Blue-crowned Motmot, but that complex has now been split into 5 species.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – We had this species in the scope for a long time. A very good bird for us. Seen in the Mandor Valley.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
A view of part of the magnificent complex of ruins at Machu Picchu, deservedly one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." (Photo by tour participant Marshall Dahl)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – The subspecies here is chrysogaster (Andean), but most of the South American birds look and sound different from northern populations. It seems some taxonomic revisions are in order for this species.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Common on the drier slope below the pass.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – The adults are sharply patterned. We saw a number on both slopes of Abra Malaga.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen on most days.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – One was perched just behind our hotel in Ollantaytambo. Also another distant pair on the east slope that Marshall spotted.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) – Fairly common especially in flight around Aguas Calientes.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Oddly, just one flyover for some in the Mandor Valley.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – Great looks at a pair while birding the Mandor Valley.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Excellent looks at one near Maxima's house.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – One approached to within feet of our group on our last day in the Polylepis forest. Incredible luck.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) – Very nice looks at a bird that poked its head out a few times from the ferny vegetation.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Common around the Aguas Calientes area.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – One seen all too briefly in the mixed species flock on the east slope. Not seen by everyone.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Heard a lot, but seen fairly well at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Common on the drier slope.
With the ever-changing taxonomy of motmots, this bird has had several monnikers over the years, but is currently known as Andean Motmot until further notice. (Photo by tour participant Marshall Dahl)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – At least four during our time on the east slope of AM. Always with mixed-species flocks.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – One of the specialties of the Polylepis forest.
WHITE-BROWED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – Several individuals were seen in the Polylepis forest. A target endemic species for us. [E]
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – Seen very well at Huacarpay Lake on the drier slope. It approached very closely and perched in the open.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – Nice looks just over the pass within the Polylepis-puna mix.
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – Seen well perched atop the puna bunch grass on the drier slope.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – This species like the short grass and scattered rocks. A pair approached us closely and perched in the open several times.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – This endemic was seen at Huacarpay Lake and again on the drier west slope of AM. [E]
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – This endemic was seen in the mixed-species flocks on the east slope. [E]
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – Another Cranioleuca endemic seen very well near Penas in the dry scrub. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Several during our walk in the Mandor Valley. Synallaxi spinetails prefer the understory and usually hang out near the ground. This one gave us fits, but we eventually got good looks.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – A number seen during our day on the east slope.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Common on the east slope.
ASH-BREASTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes alpinus) – This Polylepis specialist was seen on our last day above the ridge.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – Several around Maxima's house.
UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes agraphia) – A local endemic that we saw quite well on the east slope. [E]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Numerous around Huacarpay Lake. The birds we saw probably consist of resident (urubambae) birds and some austral migrants (chilensis).
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Seen well at Aguas Calientes and again on the east slope. Very similar to White-crested, but more olive above and yellow below. Some birds are very difficult to separate.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Common along the Urubamba.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – One for some folks on our walk back to the Mandor Valley.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – One bird in a mixed-species flock in the Mandor Valley.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – A few were seen well in the Aguas Calientes area.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – The most common tyrannulet (it seems) in the Aguas Calientes area despite the fact that this bird is fairly local and uncommon throughout most of its range.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Several seen well at our hotel in Aguas Calientes. Another local and uncommon tyrannulet.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – A pair were seen at Huacarpay Lake on our first day.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – At Aguas Calientes.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – A few were seen at Aguas Calientes and again on the east slope.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – One during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Great looks at several individuals in the Mandor Valley and again at the hotel.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – This subspecies shows extensive black below and white wing panels. Common along the Urubamba River.
The high elevation lakes and marshes between Cuzco and Ollantaytambo are home to a good variety of waterfowl and other wetland specialties, including Crested Duck, Plumbeous Rail, and the stunning Many-colored Rush-Tyrant. (Photo by tour participant John Keith)
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris) – A couple in the fields around Huacarpay Lake.
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – One was up at the pass on our final day. This is the large ground-tyrant with a dark eyeline and no color on the nape.
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) – A pair at the pass on the final day.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – Numerous in the fields around Huacarpay Lake.
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus) – A lifer for the guide. A rare Andean bush-tyrant that we saw well in the scope. Great bird!
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (KALINOWSKI'S) (Ochthoeca frontalis spodionota) – This difficult to find bird was seen in the thick vegetation on the east slope.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Numerous and common the east slope. They prefer the wooded edge habitat.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – In the drier scrub on the east slope and near the pass.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – Seen around Huacarpay Lake.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Aguas Calientes. Sound very different from northern populations. Need some taxonomic work.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Fairly common in the Aguas Calientes area.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Ditto above.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
MASKED FRUITEATER (Pipreola pulchra) – Awesome studies of this bird in the scope during our walk in the Mandor Valley. A local Peruvian endemic! [E]
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Several perched up in the canopy on the east slope.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – At least two females were seen on the grounds at InkaTerra hotel.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Several pairs were seen in the Aguas Calientes area.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Fairly common in the canopy at Aguas Calientes.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – This subspecies has dark eyes and is colder in appearance than northern migratory populations (which aren't around at this time of year).
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Seen most days up to 3500 meters or so.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Usually replaces Black-and-white Swallow at higher elevations. Indeed, a few were seen near the pass (at 4300 meters).
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Most days. This is the Southern House Wren, which has many subspecies in South America. The one in our area was carabayae.
The delightful Tufted Tit-Tyrant is a curious and often confiding little bird we regularly encounter on Abra Malaga's dry western slope. (Photo by tour participant Marshall Dahl)
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) – Very nicely below the entrance to Machu Picchu, but also common on the east slope of AM. [E]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Most days around the hotel at Inkaterra.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Fairly common along the Urubamba River.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Finally caught up with a pair behind the hotel at Aguas Calientes. Their ethereal calls are heard often, but seeing them can be tough.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common up high around AM (both slopes).
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – More common near sea-level up to around 3000 meters. We had them on the hotel grounds at Ollantaytambo, among other places.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – Marshall spotted one very near the bus. We didn't even have to get out. Nicely done!
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common at Aguas Calientes.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata) – Nice looks in the Mandor Valley. The subspecies here is flavovirens, which is very similar to Citrine Warbler, but showing less black on the lateral crown stripes.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – Common in the understory of the Inkaterra grounds.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – One of the most common birds (it seemed) in the Aguas Calientes area.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Seen in the Mandor Valley and again on the humid east slope.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris) – Nice studies of three birds in a mixed-species flock that crossed the road at our picnic spot on the east slope. Often missed on tour.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – Good looks in the Mandor Valley where several flocks were present.
THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus trifasciatus) – One of the more common Hemispingus on the east slope. We saw several there.
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata) – New for our tour. A good tanager to find. Seen well by most on the east slope.
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – A few at Aguas Calientes and on the east slope.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – A pair in the Mandor Valley were nice to look at.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – The South American populations have extensive white edging in the wing. This was the most common tanager at the feeders in Aguas Calientes. The subspecies is urubambae.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Singles at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – One was seen on the grounds at Inkaterra, but again on the east slope. Somewhat similar to Blue-and-yellow Tanager.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis) – Found in most habitats on this tour.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – This sharp mountain-tanager is, thankfully, fairly common on the east slope. We saw several.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Delothraupis castaneoventris) – Oddly (but, thankfully!), we saw a bunch on the east slope. Normally, this is a difficult one to find. Missed on most tours.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – A few at the Inkaterra feeders.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Uncommon around the Inkaterra grounds.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – One of the sharper looking Tangara tanagers on this tour. Thankfully, we saw it well a bunch of times around Aguas Calientes.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Another nice looking Tangara seen at Aguas Calientes.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Seen in the Inga trees on the hotel grounds at Aguas Calientes.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – Common on the grounds of the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – Seen in the Mandor Valley a few times. The females look quite different from the males.
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – A couple seen on the east slope early on, but surprisingly absent later in the day.
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – One perched in the open for several seconds inside the Polylepis forest. Nice looks at this rare Polylepis specialist.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – Seen a couple of different times on both slopes of AM. Another species where the female looks much different from the male.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – Not common. Seen on the east slope of AM by some folks.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – One of the more common flowerpiercers on this tour. Seen on both slopes of AM including at the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Also on the grounds of the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – A couple on the east slope of AM.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – We did well with the following three species of sierra-finches. All seen well over the course of our three days around Abra Malaga. The Peruvian is the least common of three species.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus)
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – One of the more difficult highland finches to find. We found six individuals on the west slope below the pass. Nice bird.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – A Peruvian endemic on the yard list at Maxima's house! [E]
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – A pair at Huacarpay Lake.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – Several were in the grassy weeds along the train tracks in the Mandor Valley.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Common around Huacarpay Lake and again in Ollantaytambo.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Common in the drier scrub on the west slope of AM.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Seen on the hotel grounds at Aguas Calientes. The white throat is really visible in the dark understory!
WHITE-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon torquatus) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Seen most days, but not so common in the Aguas Calientes area.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – A pair at the feeders in Aguas Calientes.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – A few came into the pygmy-owl tape behind the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Common in the marshes at Ollantaytambo and Huaypo lakes.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Fairly common in the humid forest at Aguas Calientes.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – One of the more common visitors to the fruit feeders at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – A lovely looking bird, especially the brightly colored males. Our patience at the feeders paid off with a visit by the male-female pair.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – The common siskin on this tour. Seen a bunch of times in the Abra Malaga area. Found in a variety of habitat types.
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus) – We spotted two down near the school on the west slope of AM feeding on yellow composites.
MAMMALS
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – In the compost pile behind the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 196 bird taxa and 1 mammal taxa