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Could it be? Is the sky clearing? We are ready for those 70 F temps. Uhhh, hold up just a second. Photo by participant Jeanne Ryan taken from Abra Malaga looking down the drier west slope.
This was certainly a unique and memorable trip for me in many ways. First, Cory and I couldn't have asked for a better group. Y'all were fun, excited, energetic, knowledgeable but, most of all, patient and understanding. Some of us had to struggle with the issue of lost luggage, elevation, and all of us dealt with the repercussions of a bus strike and long lines, and then there was the weather! However, this group didn't let it stop us all from having a super duper time.
We had a great half-day with Lucretia in the Machu Picchu ruins. The luggage did show up, and we all eventually acclimated. ;-) And despite the weather at Abra Malaga (did we ever see the top of Veronica?!), we worked hard and dug out most of our target species, and on top of that, Royal Cinclodes! No doubt the weather was a big factor in helping us see this species, but the number of ground-tyrants, sierra-finches, and a low-soaring Andean Condor were probably all also affected by the weather (as the birds descended in elevation to escape the snow and cold temps). Indeed, I had never seen Abra Malaga so, well, dynamic.
Bird highlights were many, but there were some standouts. You loved the already mentioned Andean Condor (this is Peru), and the male Andean Cock-of-the-rock. The endemic Bearded Mountaineer somehow managed to make it on the list (duh!) as did the Royal Cinclodes (a lifer for EVERYBODY). However, the bird of the trip was one of the smallest, if not the cutest: Peruvian Pygmy-Owl. The experience of eating home-grown warm Peruvian potatoes at Maxima's house was one of the non-birding treats and experiences we will never forget.
Thanks to Lucretia and Cory for helping me out and doing such a great job. Also, thanks to Carlos, our driver, and all the staff at the various hotels and restaurants we visited. And, last but certainly not least, a big "thank you" to our group (you!) for visiting Peru with us and continuing to support Field Guides. Best wishes and birding for the remainder of 2016.
Jesse Fagan 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
Birding the Mandor Valley was an exceptional day of birds, great weather, and you couldn't beat the scenery--making for a happy group. Photo by participant Bonnie Schwartz.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus) – First seen in flight below the clouds on the east slope of Abra Malaga (AM). Also, at Huaypo Lake feeding in the agricultural fields where less expected.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – How many did we count on our train trip to Aguas Calientes?
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – One at Huarcarpay Lake and several again at Huaypo.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – We lucked out seeing this species at Huarcarpay Lake when it suddently flew in and flushed a Puna Teal we had been studying. This was our only one of the trip.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – Good numbers on the lakes in several places including at 14,500' near the pass.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Slighly less common than the previous species. The species has now been split into two species, Andean Teal (of northern Andes) and Yellow-billed Teal; before they were known as "Speckled" Teal.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – A few of these "blue billed stiff tails" were seen on Huaypo Lake. The populations in the Andes of South America are resident and the males have all black heads. The situation becomes more complicated in highland Colombia (O. j. andina) where male plumages are intergrades between white-faced (northern birds) and black-headed Andean birds. Some authorities treat "Andean" Duck as a separate species.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – Nice looks at several breeding males on Huaypo Lake.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – A first time having this species on the tour (though somewhat expected). We saw six individuals on Huarcarpay Lake and again (another six) at Huaypo Lake. Flamingos wander widely throughout the Andes (most populations breed in the south) and I have even seen them on the coast near Lima.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Becoming more common on this tour? Seen most days including along the Urubamba River at Aguas Calientes.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Several at Huarcarpay Lake on our first day of birding.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Not many, but seen a couple of times on this tour.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Good numbers in the Sacred Valley.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – We lucked out seeing this species on our last stop at Huaypo Lake where not expected.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – The weather every day at Abra Malaga was not good for seeing condors. We really lucked out seeing a juvenile descending the ridge at Maxima's house. It is something special to come to Peru and see condors soaring in the Andes.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – We called in one on the grounds of Inkaterra, Aguas Calientes.
Andean Motmot injected a lovely palette of colors into our birding. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – Too bad we didn't have longer looks at this rare forest raptor. It got away from us quickly during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – A few on several days while birding the highlands. The birds seen at the pass could be classified as "Puna" Hawk, but many authorities don't accept this distinction.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – One memorable low fly-by during our first stop at Huarcarpay Lake!
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – One (or two?) soaring above the jagged ridges at Aguas Calientes (while we waited in the long line to get on the bus up to the ruins).
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Nice, fun looks at several birds in the reeds at Huarcarpay Lake.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Good numbers along the reeds at Huarcarpay and Huaypo lakes.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Also known as "Andean" Coot. Seen well at Huarcarpay and Huaypo lakes.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Seen most days around Abra Malaga.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – One was at Huarcarpay Lake.
Peruvian Pygmy-Owl was the bird of the trip for most folks. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Common along the Urubamba River. A few had the black hoods of breeding adults.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common in cities and towns.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – This large native pigeon was seen well at our hotel in Ollantaytambo. It has the white flash in the wing like a White-winged Dove.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – A distant flock flying through the clouds on the east slope of AM.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Several in the scope along the rocky slope at Huarcarpay Lake.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – On the grounds at Inkaterra Hotel.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – We snuck up on one cooperative individual at the compost pile on the grounds of Inkaterra.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Fairly common in the Sacred Valley/Cusco.
Strigidae (Owls)
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – A very cool experience with this species behind our hotel in Ollantaytambo. Cute little guy.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – A fairly difficult bird to find on this tour, but we managed decent views while waiting in line at Aguas Calientes.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Seen on a couple of different days. A very large swift.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – These were seen well (and heard) during our time at Aguas Calientes.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Our picnic lunch stop on our way back to Cusco proved a great place for watching this species.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Fairly common at Aguas Calientes and on the grounds of Inkaterra.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – A bit more common than the previous species and also seen at Ollantaytambo.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Seen a couple of times during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – One was identifed visiting the flowers at our hotel in Ollantaytambo. Always difficult to separate from the next species, which was also visiting flowers at the hotel.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Several in the garden at Pakaritampu.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – A female showed well on two different days around the composite flowers where we saw the Royal Cinclodes.
BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – A spectacular bird that we thankfully so very well on the grounds of the Pakaritampu. [E]
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SMARAGDINICOLLIS) (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis) – This was the subspecies we saw on most days around Abra Malaga.
Do the snowflakes in the photo remind you of our morning at the Polylepis?! This Tawny Tit-Spinetail was super cooperative for us after we thought all was lost. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
SCALED METALTAIL (Metallura aeneocauda) – Fantastic catching up with this species on the east slope of AM. Missed most trips, but not this year! ;-)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (COPPERY-NAPED) (Eriocnemis luciani sapphiropygia) – One showed all too briefly.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis caumatonota) – My best year for this species and the next. We saw both sunbeams extremely well in a few different spots.
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – This showy endemic was seen well on the drier west slope of AM. There were lots around. [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Two different individuals in the Mandor Valley.
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – This sharp-looking subspecies of Collared Inca was seen well visiting the Heliconia at Inkaterra.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – The male and female of this large hummingbird were seen well at Penas.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The guardian of the hummingbird feeders at Inkaterra.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Several individuals were around the feeders at Inkaterra.
Rusty-fronted Canastero is a Peruvian endemic that we saw really well at Huarcarpay Lake. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – Seen high up on the ridge at Huarcarpay, but again on the drier west slope of AM.
GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – This endemic was common at Aguas Calientes. [E]
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – A good year for motmots. ;-) We saw several at Aguas Calientes. This species was once part of the "Blue-crowned" Motmot complex.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – Amazing spot by Cory. One of our targets for the Mandor Valley!
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – Also a great bird to find. We had at least three birds during our hike in the Mandor Valley. The subspecies we saw was 'versicolor.'
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – This small woodpecker showed well a few times during our time in Aguas Calientes. Most memorably at the helipad.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – One female was visiting a nest cavity just over the pool area at Inkaterra. Not a bad spot.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Far fewer than I would expected (possibly the weather?), but we managed good looks a few individuals.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Good numbers around AM.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen in the Sacred Valley a few times.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – We lucked out finding one perched on a telephone pole as we headed back towards Cusco.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One flyby over the hotel in Ollantaytambo. Would have been nice to see it longer, or perched.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Nice looks at several flocks feeding in the Inga trees at Inkaterra. Also seen in the scope in the Mandor Valley.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Large flocks (mostly in flight) were seen around Aguas Calientes.
That super-rare and endemic Royal Cinclodes we were so lucky to see(!), photographed by participant Pete Peterman.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A couple of pairs were seen during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Not often you see an antpitta walking on the road (or nearly)!
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (SOUTH PERUVIAN) (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) – Really great looks at this species on the east slope of AM, before the fog rolled in.
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) [*]
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) – It quietly made its way in and then surprised us by being only 4 feet in front of our faces! A really cool experience. This bird is named after Tom Schulenberg (LSU and Cornell Univ; coauthor of Birds of Peru) and described in 1994 by our own FGI guide, Bret Whitney.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Common in Aguas Calientes.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Heard at Huarcarpay, but seen well in the small marsh outside Chinchera.
Looking down the dry side of the pass at Abra Malaga. Photo by participant Bonnie Schwartz.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Fairly common on the drier slopes of AM.
ROYAL CINCLODES (Cinclodes aricomae) – Whoooaa, hold up, is that...can't be...it is! I am sure the weather helped us on this one. Such a fantastic bird, super rare, and a Peruvian endemic to boot!
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – A really fun experience finding a new patch of Polylepis forest with our three target birds. This was one of them!
WHITE-BROWED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – A Peruvian endemic that we found in our new patch of Polylepis forest. [E]
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – Seen briefly at Huarcarpay Lake.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – Fairly good looks (a bit far) at this scrub-puna species on the east slope of AM.
JUNIN CANASTERO (Asthenes virgata) – This puna specialist (and endemic) was seen on the drier west slope of AM. [E]
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – Far more common than the previous speices, but share the same habitat.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – This Asthenes likes the short grass and rocky slopes. A couple of birds showed well.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) – Wonderful looks at this often difficult to see species. It really couldn't have shown any better.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – We had to work on this endemic a bit. We had a couple of distant birds calling along the rocky slopes of Huarcarpay, but later found a very (very) cooperative pair. [E]
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – It was good to find this endemic before the fog rolled in and smothered our viewing. Seen on the east slope of AM. [E]
We lucked out in the fog finding Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, a Peruvian endemic. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – A sharp looking endemic that was seen nicely a few times in the scrub around Penas. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Heard and seen in the Mandor Valley.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Seen in the mixed-species flocks on the east slope of AM.
ASH-BREASTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes alpinus) – Another Polylepis target that we managed to squeak out!
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – A cutie that showed well near Maxima's house.
UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agraphia) – Sort of similar to the previous species, but this ones a Peruvian endemic. Despite its name, it does show a little streaking on the chest. This one was literally feet from our bins! [E]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen well at the Inkaterra helipad.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Fairly common in the pepper bushes around Huarcarpay Lake.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Seen a few times in the Aguas Calientes area.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Good numbers along the Urubamba. How many did you count on the train ride?
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Pretty common in the Mandor Valley.
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – One was seen well and recorded near the waterfall in the Mandor Valley.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – Heard more often than seen; though we had nice comparisons with the next species at the Inkaterra helipad.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – One of the best places to see this limited range species is in the Aguas Calientes area where quite common (at least by voice).
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Good numbers in the Mandor Valley, though far less common than the previous two species.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Folks really enjoyed seeing "Siete Colores."
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Cuty and tiny. Seen on the grounds of Inkaterra.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – A couple on our walk through the Mandor Valley.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Several in the Aguas Calientes area. Pip-pip-pip!
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Fairly common sitting on rocks along the Urubamba River.
ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas) – We managed to find a pair at Huarcarpay Lake, the only known spot for this species on the tour.
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris) – Singles at Huarcarpay Lake and near Maxima's house.
PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis) – Several in the flat bogs below AM. A bit difficult to separate from White-browed GT.
CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus) – Singles on two different days near AM.
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) – A few around on the drier west slope of AM.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – Good numbers at AM, but also seen at Huarcarpay Lake (our first ground-tyrant of the trip!).
We all went rushing for our cameras when this male Andean Cock-of-the-rock showed up! Photo by participant Charm Peterman.
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – Pretty common below AM. This one is an austral migrant to Peru (Apr-Oct).
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) – A very good find seeing this bird on the east slope of AM. Not found most years.
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Polioxolmis rufipennis) – A super find by Cory was this species at our substitute Polylepis patch. A very uncommon bird. Unfortunately, it didn't stick around long.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Fairly common on the east slope of AM.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – A bit more widespread at AM, found on both slopes.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – Prefers drier habitats. It was seen well at Huarcarpay Lake, but surprisingly, again at AM.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – A few around the grounds at Inkaterra and Aguas Calientes.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Pretty common in the Aguas Calientes area. One was quite confiding while we waited in line for the bus.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – Not seen most years, but we had two on different days. This is an austral migrant to Peru (mostly in the lowlands).
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Common at Aguas Calientes. Just another "TK."
Bearded Mountaineer, one of the star hummers of the tour, by participant Jeanne Ryan.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
MASKED FRUITEATER (Pipreola pulchra) – Woohoo! Finding this Peruvian endemic, and seeing it so well, was a real treat for us. [E]
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Definitely a highlight for most folks. We lucked upon a pair setting up a territory around the pool at Inkaterra. Show stopper!
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Several in the Aguas Calientes area.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Also common in the Aguas Calientes area.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – This non-migratory Red-eyed, which doesn't have a red eye, was seen a few times in Aguas Calientes.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – A small group was seen near the waterfall in the Mandor Valley.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Seen at lower elevations around Aguas Calientes.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Seen higher up near the pass at AM.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Common. Seen every day of the tour.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – One was in the Mandor Valley, but also again on the east slope of AM.
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) – We heard them at the ruins, but caught up with them again for nice looks below the pass at Abra Malaga. They like the bamboo. [E]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Heard most often, but one cooperated super well at the start of our hike along the train tracks through the Mandor Valley.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Good numbers along the Urubamba River.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) [*]
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common around the pass at AM.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – This one is common at lower elevations within the Sacred Valley.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – Nice finding this species below the pass at AM. It was seen well in the scope.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Seen well in Aguas Calientes where common.
We caught up with Parodi's Hemispingus on our return day to the east slope of Abra Malaga. A flock was foraging in the bamboo near the bus. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – The moist forest near the waterfall was a good place to find this species. And we did.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – This one is very similar to the next species, but found at slightly higher elevation. We saw several on the east slope of AM.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata) – Several seen in the Mandor Valley.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – Their melodic song is a common feature of the humid sub-tropical forest around Aguas Calientes.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Super common in the Aguas Calientes region.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Nice to find this species in the Mandor Valley, but also again on the east slope of AM.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
PARODI'S HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus parodii) – We were totally stoked to find a small group working the bamboo near our bus. They continued to forage right up to us, where we enjoyed great looks. A Peruvian endemic! [E]
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – Several were seen in the Mandor Valley.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – One female was photographed at the Inkaterra feeders. Rare in the Aguas Calientes region.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Increasingly more common in the Aguas Calientes area. We saw three individuals during our time there. Unfortunately, this is a bird of open country and edge, so it may mean that increased opening of the forest is allowing this species to expand into the region.
We enjoyed warm Peruvian potatoes at Maxima's house. Photo by participant Jeanne Ryan.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Always nice to see!
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Fairly common in drier habitats. The females can be a bit confusing to identify.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Common at Aguas Calientes.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Just singles at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – One was seen while we waited in line for a bus to leave the Machu Picchu ruins.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – Not many, but several individuals seen in the Aguas Calientes region. We saw the "inca" subspecies.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Common at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Such a sharp looking Tangara and poorly named! Seen very well visiting the feeders at Inkaterra.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Just one feeding on a Cecropia fruit in the Mandor Valley.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Good numbers seen in the Mandor Valley and again at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – One female seen in the Mandor Valley.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – A bird of drier country; several were seen in the garden at our hotel in Ollantaytambo. Sort of reminds you of a female Black-throated Blue Warbler.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – Seen every day at Aguas Calientes. Serious sexual dimorphism here!
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – Seen on the east slope of AM.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – A male was seen on the east slope of AM. This was a good pickup for us.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – A singing bird was a real treat.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – The most common flowerpiercer on this tour. Seen on the grounds of Pakaritampu and again around AM.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Small numbers around Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – One near the MP ruins and again on the east slope of AM.
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Super find! We lucked out seeing one adult in bamboo on two different days. Possibly the same individual?
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – One of my favorites. This sharp looking bird was seen a few times on the west slope of AM.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – Larger and darker than the next species, good numbers were seen around Maxima's house.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – Smaller and paler than the previous species, it was slightly less common than Plumbeous.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – Always a good find. Never common and missed on some years.
Participant Charm Peterman captured this spectacular view of the Urubamba River cutting between the Urubamba and Vilcabamba cordilleras.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – A very sharp looking Peruvian endemic. Our first was at Penas. [E]
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – One was on the roof of a building as we came back into Ollantaytambo. Our only one of the trip. Go figure!
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – One male was seen near the entrance to the Inkaterrra hotel.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Common in the Sacred Valley.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – This species was seen at higher elevations on the drier west slope of AM.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – Several in the Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Always nice to see. Fairly common in the Sacred Valley, especially around the grounds of Pakaritampu.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – Several in a mixed-species near the Mandor waterfall.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Watch for the white throat, not the chestnut cap!
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Common in the Sacred Valley.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Seen well on the grounds of Pakaritampu.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Like a Red-winged Blackbird with yellow. Seen in the marshes of Huarcarpay and Huaypo lakes.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Their bizarre song was a common feature of the Inkaterra grounds.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Very common in the Aguas Calientes region. Like to mimic and the females aren't much to look at.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – A big surprise was a female photographed at the Inkaterra feeders. It is rare species here.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – Always a treat. The males are just darn nice to look at.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – The most common siskin of mid to lower elevations and drier country.
MAMMALS
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis) – The only mammal of the tour, but hey, we will take it!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 197 bird taxa and 1 mammal taxa