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A classic view of Machu Picchu from above -- an ancient city in the clouds. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
We had a really fun tour. The birding was excellent, the weather was dynamic, and our experiences were truly memorable. For some of you, the trip began with visits around Lima, to museums and birding destinations like Lomas de Lachay. Eventually, we all got together in the early morning for our flight to Cusco, then birded from Huacarpay Lakes north to our comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo. Some tried the cuy, others the alpaca. The train ride to Aguas Calientes had us all smiling and yelling out "Another Torrent Duck!" or in Jose's case, "Motmot!" Lucretia walked us through the phenomenal site of Machu Picchu; the impressively laid stones and the 360-degree view of jagged Andean peaks, well, it was almost too much to take in! Our experiences in Aguas Calientes didn't end there, as Mandor Valley offered a different perspective on the Incan site, as well as some awesome birding: what about that mega flock?! And the grounds of Inkaterra (coffee in hand) -- do we really have to leave?
Back to Ollantaytambo, and birding the pass of Abra Malaga with the high peak known as Veronica in her white dress. She's always lovely, but especially so in the early morning sun. We birded both slopes: the drier west side, and the more humid east. A visit to Maxima's house, enjoying her warm potatoes, and we marvelled at her strong, yet lonely existence. Plus, y'all climbed the ridge above the pass (14,500' or so), breaking trail through snow, to stand on hallowed ground. So quiet, peaceful, just the wind, the valley below... and soaring condors.
It was a pleasure guiding this group. I hope to see you again soon. Until then, safe travels and always good birding.
-- Jesse aka 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)
Andean Geese are well adapted to their high altitude lifestyle. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – This species is rarely seen on this tour. We found a pair in a small pond just over the pass.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – We counted 13 on the train ride into Aguas Calientes! Along the Urumbamba River they were fairly common.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Our first at Huarcarpay Lakes, then again at Chinchera Marsh.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – Their bright blue bills really stood out. We had fairly good numbers at Huacarpay Lakes, then a few more at Chinchera Marsh.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Also known as Speckled Teal. This was the most common waterfowl seen on the tour.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – We had a few at Huaypo Lake.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Lucretia spotted one in the top of a tree birding on the Inkaterra grounds. Nice looks and a bird that can easily be missed.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – Nice looks at several breeding plumaged birds at Huaypo Lake.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Just one flyby at Huaypo Lake.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – One immature spotted by Jose along the Urubamba River. Very cool watching it hunt.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – A couple along the marsh edges at Huacarpay Lakes.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – A second-year (calaco) bird was at Huacarpay Lakes.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – A couple with a few cows at Huacarpay Lakes. Not real common on this tour.
We had great looks at the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird around Aguas Calientes. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Lots in the Sacred Valley where they forage in agricultural fields along the Urubamba.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – A couple heard in flight, but we finally located a single bird just below the pass.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Such an amazing creature. We saw 14 or so individuals this year; the most I have had on tour. Plus several low adults made for plenty of "oohs" and "awws." Seeing a condor in Peru is real special.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – A couple on our last day back to Cusco.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Singles each day around Aguas Calientes.
The endemic Bearded Mountaineer provides an explosion of color when viewed at the right angle. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Lots during our time at Abra Malaga. The ones seen at this elevation are sometimes referred to as "Puna" Hawks.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – One adult soaring above the ridge in Ollantaytambo.
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – A great find for us were three birds soaring near the mountain peak above Aguas Calientes.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Close views at Chinchera Marsh.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Fairly common at the marsh sites visited.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Also known as Andean Coot. Most of the ones we saw had yellow bills (color varies). Fairly common at the marsh sites visited on this tour.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Good numbers at Huacarpay and again around Abra Malaga.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Fairly common along the Urubamba River, most in non-breeding plumage.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common in towns.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – This large native dove was seen well at the hotel in Ollantaytambo. It was fairly common in other places. Its white wing crescents made it easy to spot in flight.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Just one at Huacarpay Lakes, but seen well in the scope.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Common on the grounds of Inkaterra.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – We had one in the compost at Inkaterra that flushed before everyone had a chance to see it.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Not real common, but a few individuals in different places along the tour route.
Strigidae (Owls)
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – Fantastic! I loved the chase for this small owl and it eventually paid off. Close, lengthy scope views and we actually walked away from it!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – These large swifts were seen flying over us resembling falcons at Huacarpay Lakes.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Good numbers and good studies over the Urubamba River at Aguas Calientes.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Several in the Sacred Valley on our first day.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Several at the Inkaterra feeders.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – The most common violetear and seen well at the feeders in Ollantaytambo.
Chestnut-breasted Coronets proved to be the "bully boys" (and girls) around the Inkaterra feeders. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – A few during our walk in the Mandor Valley. One or two were singing, but they were a devil to locate in the lush vegetation.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – A single male was visiting the small garden in the Mandor Valley.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Several males were around the ornamentals (and flowering eucalyptus tree) at Pakaritampu.
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) – Best looks ever! Wow, the sun was hitting the male just right enough to make him glow.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – One briefly perched in the Polylepis on our final day. Not seen by everyone.
BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – One of the most striking birds you can look at, especially when the light catches the face and you get an explosion of color. A Peruvian endemic. We had lovely views and close studies of one visiting the hotel flowers. [E]
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis) – A few during our days birding Abra Malaga.
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – We froze our butts off trying to see one. We eventually saw several, but they were always a bit "flytie." [E]
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – This spectacular looking hummingbird visited the Inkaterra feeders and Heliconia plants a few times during our stay.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – The buffy tail is a good give-away in flight. Seen well on the east slope.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – This large hummingbird was seen mostly in flight around Penas.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The aggressive and dominant hummer at the Inkaterra feeders.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – A pair of females were visiting the Inkaterra feeders.
Eye candy on the Inkaterra banana feeders -- the gorgeous Blue-naped Chlorophonia. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – In direct contrast to the previous species, this tiny hummer made us think at times we were looking at a large bee. We saw well a couple of different females.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – The common hummingbird on the grounds of Pakaritampu.
GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – The endemic very similar to the previous species, but seen in the more humid forest around Aguas Calientes. [E]
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Everyone was excited to see the motmot! ;-)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – Most people got on this striking barbet. Always a good find, missed most years.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – Incredible views of this often difficult-to-see-well small woodpecker. We even had it in the scope for a time.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Seen well a couple of times around Aguas Calientes. Also on the hotel grounds.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Our first were at Huacarpay Lakes, but many more around Abra Malaga.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – The adults are striking in their black and white plumage. We saw many in flight around Abra Malaga, and one very close to the bus that was standing on the ground.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Common in the Sacred Valley.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – One was soaring over the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch -- another endemic we saw well. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Large flocks around Aguas Calientes.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A responsive pair was seen well during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Fantastic bird that cooperated very well for us. Long looks in the scope. Maxima has this bird on her backyard list.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
The Sierran Elaenia is widespread in the high Andes -- and on the isolated tepuis of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – One approached very close to us coming up from pretty far down the slope. Always a good day when you actually SEE a tapaculo.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Several during our hike along the Mandor Valley.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Always a good find. We had a pair in our first large mixed flock on the east slope of AM.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Took some coaxing, but we had nice looks at one at Chinchera Marsh. Pretty much like a Sedge Wren.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Common around Abra Malaga, but mainly on the drier, west slope.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – One all too briefly in the mega flock in the Mandor Valley.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – One foraging in the thick bromeliads on the east slop of AM.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – Sheran spotted this bird during our return through the snowy Polylepis forest. One of our targets!
WHITE-BROWED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – This Peruvian endemic was seen in the Polylepis forest on our final day. [E]
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – Very nice looks in the scrub along the shores of Huacarpay Lake.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – This one came right in and perched right up for us! Nice to appreciate the Asthenes like this, especially noting subtle plumage characteristics like the orange chin.
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – Seen in the puna grassland on the west slope, though it took some time to locate one.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – A pair approached very close to our group, creeping their way along the rocky grass. Nice looks.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) – Another cooperative Asthenes. This one lives along the edge of the humid subtropical forest and puna grassland.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) [E*]
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – Fairly common in mixed species flocks on the east slope of AM. Endemic to Peru. [E]
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – One of my favorites. Seen well on the drier west slope below Maxima's house. Also, endemic to Peru. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Good numbers (at least by voice) in the Mandor Valley.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – A pair in the humid subtropical forest on east slope of AM.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Fairly common on east slope of AM. The white throat really stands out.
ASH-BREASTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes alpinus) – A pair in the Polylepis forest. The snow didn't seem to bother them. Their white outer tail feathers really stand out in flight.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – These cute balls of energy were hanging around Maxima's house.
Some early morning birding on Cerro Veronica's flanks ranked among the tour's highlights. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Lots along the shores of Huacarpay Lakes. Most feeding on the pepper plant berries.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Singles around Aguas Calientes and again on the east slope.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – A few along the Urubamba River. Always a bit difficult to find due to their small size and color.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Nice looks several times around Aguas Calientes.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – Fairly common especially in the Mandor Valley.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – A rather local flycatcher, but in and around Aguas Calientes they can be quite common. Heard more often than seen.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Seen very well below eye-level while at the Machu Picchu ruins.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Fantastic looks at Chinchera Marsh.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Good numbers around the gardens at Inkaterra. Tiny little guy.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – One was in the mega flock; Mandor Valley.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Several in the Mandor Valley including a couple in the mega flock.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – On the Inkaterra grounds and again in the Mandor Valley. A good give away is their call "pip-pip-pip."
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Along the Urubamba River.
More eye candy in the form of a Blue-necked Tanager -- another regular visitor to the feeders. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – This large ground-tyrant was seen near the school with the coral and again up near the pass. Usually not very many on tour.
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus) – A single bird seen on our way up to the Polylepis forest.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – The most common ground-tyrant seen on the tour. We saw large numbers in the valley near Maxima's house on the west slope of AM.
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – Not many, but a few were sprinkled in with the .
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus) – A good bird; any bush-tyrant is good! Seen on the east slope of AM where it perched in the open on top of a bare tree.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Prettly common on east slope of AM.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – Less common than the previous species.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – A pair were seen at Huacarpay Lakes.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Around the grounds of the Inkaterra hotel.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Seen well during our walk in the Mandor Valley. Also on the grounds of the hotel.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Aguas Calientes area.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Seen on both slopes of Abra Malaga. Our first were near the ruins of Penas.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Jose had one from the train as we came into Aguas Calientes. He almost kept it to himself. ;-) However, we had a close young male/female in the pool area feeding on palm fruits. Very cool.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
A Stripe-headed Antpitta danced on the short turf high in the pass, giving us great opportunity for extended study. Maxima has this one on her yard list! Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Good numbers in the Mandor Valley. Most detected by their warbling song. They used to be called "Warbling" Vireo, before they were split.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – Singles most days at Aguas Calientes. This is the South American "Red-eyed" Vireo.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Lots around Aguas Calientes at lower altitude.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Seen higher up near the pass. Good numbers on our walk down the east slope flying low over the road.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Everyday of the tour!
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – One in the mega flock was a surprise, but again on the east slope of AM.
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) – Always a pain to see. Most of us saw them at the Machu Picchu ruins, and we struggled again to see them on the east slope of AM in all of that tangled mess of bamboo. [E]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Fairly common in the Aguas Calientes area. Very vocal.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Seen in the rapids of the Urubamba River.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
Saffron-crowned Tanager was one of the many stunners on this tour. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common on the west slop above Penas.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – In the lowlands e.g. Sacred Valley, this was the dominant, common Turdus.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – Seems all the pipits we saw in the bogs just over the pass were this species. Definitely variation in amount of color on underparts and streaking across chest.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common in the humid forest around Aguas Calientes.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – A pair was in the mega flock; Mandor Valley.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – We caught up with this species in the bamboo while birding the humid east slope of AM.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – Several in the mega flock, but in general, fairly common in the Mandor Valley.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Lots around at Aguas Calientes.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – A pair in the mega flock, but again in a mixed-species flock on the east slope of AM.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SLATY TANAGER (Creurgops dentatus) – Three individuals in the mega flock.
We were rewarded by our persistence with great close scope studies of a very cooperative Yungas Pygmy-Owl. Photo by participant Jose Padilla-Lopez.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – Just one, and not very cooperative, in the Mandor Valley.
THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus trifasciatus) – More than a few while birding the east slope. This seems to be the most common hemispingus in this forest.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A recent addition to the Mandor avifauna. Only the second time I have had them on this tour.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – A couple of these beauties were seen on the humid east slope.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia castaneoventris) – Always a good find. A pair was in a mixed-species flock on the humid east slope.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – A few around Aguas Calientes and again in Ollantaytambo.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – The most dominant tanager at the Inkaterra feeders. The South American form has extensive white wing patches.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – A couple at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Fantastic looks during our Machu Picchu tour.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – A regular to the Inkaterra feeders. The race in this area has more chesnut (rather than gold) napes.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Also known as "Silver-backed" Tanager, which I prefer.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – One of the more spectacular Tangara tanagers to visit the feeders.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Always a good find and more often missed on the tour. We had a pair feeding on Cecropia fruit in the Mandor Valley, and again on the Inkaterra grounds.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – A show-stopper for sure. Good numbers in the Mandor Valley and again at the feeders.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Uncommon in the Aguas Calientes area. We saw a few males and females.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – A few on the grounds at our hotel in Ollantaytambo.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor) – Mainly in-flight, fleeting views while birding the humid subtropical forest at AM.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – Lots in the mega flock.
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – A couple on the east slope of AM. The white brow really stands out.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – A small group were around Maxima's house. That bright blue bird!
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – Our most common flowerpiercer on tour. Occupies many different habitats.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Seen well on the grounds of Pakaritampu.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Not many this trip, but we did see a couple on the humid east slope.
The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu dates back to the early 1400s. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – Good numbers on the west slope of AM.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – Similar to the previous species, but smaller and paler. Also common the drier west slope of Abra Malaga.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – We were lucky to find a pair foraging on the short grass in the big valley below the pass. Seen maybe 50% of the time.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – This lovely endemic was first seen at Penas. [E]
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – Large flocks were flying around the marshes at Chinchera. We scoped a few perched on the tall marsh grasses.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Small numbers at Huacarpay Lakes and later on the hotel grounds at Ollantaytambo.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Always good to find. We had three or so around Maxima's house.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – One was first seen at the bridge to Manu, but fairly common on the dry west slope.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – This skulky bird was seen during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
GRAY-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon assimilis) – Not great, but most people saw something on this bird, which was even skulkier than the previous species.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Wait, what is this?! Oh, just another Rufous-collared Sparrow. We saw a bunch of roofies this trip.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Two birds were in the mega flock.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – This was the dominant species in the mega flock.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – A few in the Mandor Valley, at least one at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Surprising to see just one. They may have been nesting which meant they were being quiet and less conspicuous.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
A fine gang of traveling companions. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Good numbers on the grounds of Inkaterra.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Males, females, and immatures were at the Inkaterra feeders.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – One male was in the mega flock; Mandor Valley.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – A pair (thankfully!) visited the Inkaterra banana feeders.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – A big flock in flight were our only ones.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – We had three in flight while birding on the helipad. Missed most tours.
MAMMALS
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – One at the Inkaterra compost; not seen by all.
NORTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum) – Always a good mammal (cool looking, too) to find. Seen at the ruins of Machu Picchu.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 194 bird taxa and 2 mammal taxa