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The lovely Cerro Veronica during our hike on the east slope of Abra Malaga. Photo by participant Theo Haugen.
I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable group. Loads of fun and I greatly appreciate your smiles and camaraderie. You might guess that I had a fun trip. Despite the teacher strikes and a mad dash from the Ollantaytambo train station (hey, it makes for good tour drama!), we had a memorable trip with a nice bird list, a visit to the famous Machu Picchu ruins, and maybe a few pisco sours. Yep, lots of bird highlights: the devil bird (as Kathy called it!), Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Andean Condor (Mary's most wanted, maybe), Rufous Antpitta (Patty really liked this one), Lyre-tailed Nightjar (Bob and others had to get up early, but it paid off), Andean Flicker (Rick's choice), Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager (Mark couldn't go wrong with this one), Versicolored Barbet (Martha thought it was tops, me too), Torrent Duck (how many did you count on the train ride, Pat?), and Puna Hawk (a subspecies of Variable Hawk which Theo enjoyed soaring on the east slope of Abra Malaga). Buuuut, the group had its favorites, including a tie with Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Yungas Pygmy-Owl.
We need to thank our excellent local guide, Lucretia, and our steady driver, Carlos. Great work, team! Until the next birding adventure...
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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii fulvescens) – We flushed one along the slope at Huarcarpay Lakes. Sometimes you get lucky!
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus) – Nice looks at several pairs at the pass. "Geese in the Mist."
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – Not seen on every tour. They move around a lot it seems. We had a pair just over the pass.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – How many did we count on the train ride to Aguas Calientes? 29!
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Good numbers on Huaypo Lake.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Small numbers at Huarcarpay, and seen again on Huaypo Lake.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – Both Huarcarpay and Huaypo lakes.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Common at all wetlands including the highland lakes. This was formerly one species, Speckled Teal, but was split from that northern species a few years ago.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Found on the deeper water at Huaypo Lake.
Junin Canastero is a Peruvian endemic found in the dense puna grassland. This one decided to poke its head out. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Just one in Aguas Calientes.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – This nice looking grebe (breeding plumage) was seen at Huarcarpay and Huaypo lakes. It is a South American version of Eared Grebe.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – Six were at Huacarpay Lake and another four birds were along the edge of Huaypo Lake. This species wanders widely in the non-breeding period.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Just two the entire tour!
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Good numbers in the Sacred Valley and at Abra Malaga.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – Finally caught up with this species at Huaypo Lake.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – A good bird for this tour. One was seen on our drive back to Cusco.
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Nice looks at soaring birds (one juv, one adult) on two different days at Abra Malaga. You can't visit Peru and not see a condor!
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – A vigilant search at the helipad paid off.
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – Nice looks at two birds feeding along the edge of Huaypo Lake.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – One took some interest to our group while we were birding on the helipad.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Several at the pass ("Puna Hawk"). The red back was obvious on one adult bird.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Two soaring above the high mountain at Aguas Calientes was unusual. This bird is not common in the humid forest as it is usually found higher up in semiarid habitat.
Watch out for the motmot! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Seen well at Huacarpay Lake.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Good numbers at both lakes.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Less common at Huacarpay Lake, but larger numbers were seen at Huaypo.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Fairly common in the highlands.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Several with breeding heads were seen. The pair hover gleaning below the pass was elegant and lovely to watch.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Seen most days in the cities and town. [I]
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Unlike the Rock Pigeon, this large columbid is native to the region. They are common in the Sacred Valley.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Our first were seen at Huacarpay Lake. Also on the grounds of the Pakaritampu.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – In the Aguas Calientes area.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – One was at the compost pile of the Inkaterra hotel.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Seen in the Cusco area.
Strigidae (Owls)
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – A fun bird to find. We had a walk-away experience with a bird that was being mobbed by Slaty Finches! Very cool.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – We got up real early to see this one, but it paid off!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – One was seen over Huacarpay Lake.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – This species was fairly common around Aguas Calientes.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – One was visiting the Heliconia on the Inkaterra grounds.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – These were common at the Inga trees in Aguas Calientes.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Seen at higher elevations than the previous species. Also prefers drier habitat. Common in Ollantaytambo.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – One was harassing the pygmy-owl.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – A few were seen in the Aguas Calientes area.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – Also, a few around the Inkaterra hotel.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – One adult male was seen the first day at Pakaritampu hotel.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – A female was photographed and seen also at the Pakaritampu Hotel.
BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – This fantastic Peruvian endemic was seen well at the Pakaritampu Hotel. It seemed to really like all the ornamental flowers. [E]
White-browed Conebill sitting on Chusquea bamboo down on the east slope of Abra Malaga. Photo by participant Bob Speare.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SMARAGDINICOLLIS) (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis) – This species was seen around the forest edge on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (COPPERY-NAPED) (Eriocnemis luciani sapphiropygia) – One was briefly perched up in the humid montane forest on the east slope of AM.
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – This endemic was seen in the scrubby hillside vegetation near Penas. [E]
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – A distinctive subspecies which was seen on the grounds of the Inkaterra Hotel.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – Brief flybys on the east slope of AM.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – Another quickly flyby at our first stop on the humid east slope of AM. You couldn't mistake that bill, however!
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – This large dark hummingbird was seen on both slopes of AM.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – Common "guardians of the feeders" at Inkaterra.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – A couple of females and a nice male were seen at the Inkaterra feeders.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – One was on the grounds of the Pakaritampu while another was seen over the Urubamba River.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – Females were seen in the Aguas Calientes area.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – This was the species in the Ollantaytambo area. Very similar to the next species, but they sort out by habitat while White-bellied shows more white in the tail.
GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – The endemic hummingbird seen in the Aguas Calientes area. Very common on the Inga trees. [E]
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Good numbers around Aguas Calientes including several from the train.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – We made a second attempt for this species on our walk back through the Mandor Valley. It paid off with nice looks at a responsive bird.
An Andean Gull hover-gleans below the pass at Abra Malaga. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – Always a good bird to find!
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – Several were heard and seen on our walk through the Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – This species was around the grounds of the Inkaterra hotel.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Not super common, but we had good looks at several pairs on the west slope of AM.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Common around the AM pass and on the drier west slope.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Good numbers on the power lines through the Sacred Valley.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Nice watching a pair soaring above the ridge at Huaypo Lake.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – A male was seen at Huacarpay Lake, while a larger (female) was seen at Huaypo Lake.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Close views of a flock along the tracks in the Mandor Valley.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Large flocks around Aguas Calientes. Mostly seen in flight.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Nice experience with a curious individual while birding the Polylepis forest on the last day.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (SOUTH PERUVIAN) (Grallaria rufula occabambae) – Wow. Always tough to see, but we managed good looks at one individual. Others were heard.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – Really good views of a bird that approached close in the Polylepis forest.
It was a lovely day at Machu Picchu. This awesome photo was taken by participant Bob Speare.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Lots (it seemed) in the Aguas Calientes area.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Good looks at several birds at Huacarpay.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Common on the dry slope of AM.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – A Polylepis specialist that we eventually were able to call in and see well.
WHITE-BROWED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – A Peruvian endemic seen in the Polylepis forest below AM. [E]
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – Several were seen in the pepper bushes at Huacarpay Lake.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – Likes the puna and taller bushes. One sat right up for us.
JUNIN CANASTERO (Asthenes virgata) – The endemic seen running around between the puna bunch grass. It sat up for us a few times. [E]
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – Also seen in the puna bunch grass near the Junin Canastero.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – A species that prefers the matted grass and rocks. We had a responsive pair below AM.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) – Wow. This one really performed for us. Despite its different common name, it is in the same genus as the canasteros.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – Another endemic seen well at Huacarpay Lake and heard again near Maxima's house. [E]
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – One was in the humid montane forest below AM. Very good looks. [E]
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – One of our favorites. A lovely looking spinetail, and an endemic! [E]
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant never looked so good (despite its name!). Photo by participant Bob Speare.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – One was seen in the humid montane forest on the east slope of AM.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – A bit more common than the previous species, but found in the same habitat.
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – One was seen behind the Pakaritampu hotel.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – A pair were seen at Maxima's house.
UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agraphia) – We found this endemic on the east slope of AM. Despite its name, there are light streaks on the chest! [E]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Several in the pepper bushes at Huacarpay, and again at Ollantaytambo.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Several on the east slope of AM.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – This tiny flycatcher was seen on the Urubamba River. It was also nesting somewhere near the drying clothes in Aguas Calientes!
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Seen in the Mandor Valley.
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – This endemic was seen near the waterfall in the Mandor Valley. A good bird at its southern most distribution in Peru.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – Small numbers in the Aguas Calientes area.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – Fairly common on the grounds of the Inkaterra and in the Mandor Valley.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Uncommon in the Aguas Calientes area.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Seen well at Huacarpay Lake. Also known as "siete colores."
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) [*]
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – A pair were seen in the Mandor Valley. Pay attention to this taxon as it will probably be split into 3 or 4 (or more) species at some point.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Several in the Mandor Valley and again on the east slope of AM.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Seen in the Mandor Valley.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Common along the Urubamba River.
PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis) – One was seen during our morning at the Polylepis forest.
OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) – A pair were seen on our final day at the Polylepis forest.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – A couple of birds were feeding around the edge of Huacarpay Lake.
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – Similar to Puna Ground-Tyrant. We saw one near Maxima's house, west slope of AM.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – This species was seen a few times on the east slope of AM.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – Seen on both slopes of Abra Malaga. The most common chat-tyrant seen on this tour.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – Several pairs in the semi-arid scrub around the edge of Huacarpay Lake.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Common (at least by voice) on the grounds of Inkaterra.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Common in the Aguas Calientes area.
Another fantastic photo by participant Bob Speare. A male Torrent Duck hunts in the rapids.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Several on both slopes of AM.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – What an experience! Two males approached right over our heads giving us all memorable looks!
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Good numbers with the mixed-species flocks in the Mandor Valley.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Common in Aguas Calientes.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – Less common than the previous species, but several seen in Aguas Calientes. This is a resident, South American population.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Seen at lower elevations like at Aguas Calientes.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – The highland replacement of the previous species.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Seen or heard most days on tour.
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) – We had our first looks in the bamboo at Machu Picchu, then again on the east slope of AM. [E]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Common on the grounds of Inkaterra and in the Mandor Valley.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Just one or two along the Urubamba River. We saw one on a nest during our walk through the Mandor Valley. How often do you see that?!
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – An early morning songster. Seen during our walk to the Mandor Valley.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Good numbers on the west slope of AM where it replaces Chiguanco Thrush.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Common in the Sacred Valley.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – We had two approach us while birding the Polylepis edge.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common in Aguas Calientes.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock was one of the group's favorites. A pair of birds was seen well in the Mandor Valley. Photo by participant Bob Speare.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – We had to walk way up into the Mandor Valley to find this species.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – This species replaces Pale-legged at higher elevations. Seen on the east slope of AM.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata) – Seen in the Mandor Valley.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – Common in the Aguas Calientes area. Their song was a common feature of the sounds here.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Very common in the Aguas Calientes region.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – We lucked out finding several pairs in the Aguas Calientes area, but also again on the east slope of AM.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
PARODI'S HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus parodii) – This very local endemic was seen super well at our first stop on the east slope of Abra Malaga. [E]
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – Similar to the previous species, but found lower down like in the Mandor Valley where we saw two individuals.
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – This small tanager was seen in the Mandor Valley. Females lack the orange head.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A female was seen near the entrance to the botanical gardens. Rare in the Aguas Calientes area.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Several were seen in the Mandor Valley. Recently expanding in the region as the forest opens up.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – This lovely tanager was found on the east slope of AM.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TANAGER (Iridosornis jelskii) – A really great bird! A pair were foraging on a steep vegetated slope on the east side of AM.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Fairly common in all semi-arid, dry habitats, but also in Aguas Calientes.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Birds in the Aguas Calientes area have white wing patches, a feature of Amazonian birds.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Seen a number of times in the Aguas Calientes region.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – One was seen down on the east slope of AM.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – A few times around the Inkaterra. The subspecies here is inca.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Common at the Inkaterra feeders and in the surrounding forest.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Not a great name for this beautiful species. Blue-hooded?
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Always a treat to see this species.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Seen at the Inkaterra feeders as well as in the Mandor Valley.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Both males and females in the Aguas Calientes region.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – Sort of like a female Black-throated Blue Warbler? Seen on the grounds of the Pakaritampu.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – Not real common, but a few seen in the Mandor Valley.
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – One showed well at our feet while birding the east slope of AM.
Can you find the Yungas Pygmy-Owl? And there is an Amethyst-throated Sunangel, too. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – We called in one close just at the edge of the Yungas forest.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – Fairly common in the Sacred Valley and up at Abra Malaga.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – The most common and widespread flowerpiercer.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Several on the east slope of AM.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Despite its name, not endemic, but still nice to look at.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – Common on the west slope of AM.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – One was at Huacarpay Lake where rare. More common on the drier, west slope of AM.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – We lucked out finding this species near AM.
SLATY FINCH (Haplospiza rustica) – A great bird to find. We had a pair mobbing the Yungas PO. A first for the tour!
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – Unfortunately, just seen by one person (fortunate for that person, however!). Maybe nesting at this time of year b/c we didn't hear them either? [E]
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – A big flock was near the hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – In the Sacred Valley.
Participant Martha Worthy captured this young girl near the pass just perfectly.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Singles on the west slope of AM.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – Fairly uncommon and local in Peru. We saw this species during our long walk through the Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Fairly common in the Sacred Valley.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – A good bird for us to find. We saw this species in flocks near the waterfall in the Mandor Valley.
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis) – Fairly obliging as several were foraging along the road edge on the east slope of AM.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Look for the white throat!
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – We popped roofies most days.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – One or two were visiting the feeders at Inkaterrra.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Seen on the grounds of the Pakaritampu. Quite responsive to the pygmy-owl tape!
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Seen at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes in the taller marsh grass.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Common in the Aguas Calientes region.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Males and females were visiting the feeders at Inkaterra.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – This lovely species (especially those males!) were around the Inkaterra feeders in good numbers.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Surprisingly absent during this tour (siskins do like to move around), but we had a few below AM on the west slope.
MAMMALS
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – One visiting the compost at Inkaterra.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 188 bird taxa and 1 mammal taxa