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Our hike to the ridge above Abra Malaga couldn't have been more magical. Cerro Veronica in the background and feeding alpaca in the foreground, that is the Andes in Peru. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
I hope that you found Peru to be overwhelmingly beautiful. The food, the people, the Andes, the humid forest, Machu Picchu, and, of course, the birds. Indeed, this is my second home, and so I hope you felt welcomed here and decide to return soon. Peru is big (really big!) and there is much, much more to see.
The birding was very good and a few highlights stood out for everyone. These included Andean Motmot, Pearled Treerunner, Plumbeous Rail, Versicolored Barbet, and Spectacled Redstart. However, a majority of the group thought seeing Andean Condors, well, in the Andes (!) was pretty darn cool. Black-faced Ibis feeding in plowed fields against Huaypo lake was a memory for a few others. I was glad to see one of my favorite birds stood out, the shocking Bearded Mountaineer (plus, maybe I am just partial to the "bearded" part). But you couldn't beat Andean Cock-of-the-Rock for shock value and the female on a nest was something you don't see everyday.
Thanks to our team of drivers, and Lucrecia, our informative and always pleasant local guide. I hope to see you again soon. All the best for a remaining 2018.
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) – One was seen very briefly in the scrubby hillside along Huacarpay Lakes.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus) – A pair (or two?) were hanging out near the pass at Abra Malaga. Their white plumage is striking against the creamy browns of the Andean highlands.
A nice group photo taken by our fabulous local guide, Lucrecia, as we birded the humid east slope of Abra Malaga.
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – A good bird to find. A trio was on the boggy lakes over the pass. Seen 50% of the time on this tour.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – 18 were counted on the train ride to Aguas Calientes!
PUNA TEAL (Spatula puna) – Seen well at Huacarpay Lakes on the first day.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors) – Sometimes missed on this tour. October is a good month for this species (we don't see it normally in June-Aug.). I know you all were excited about this one!
CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera) – Small numbers on both Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Seen at Huaypo Lake. Another good duck for this tour.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Good numbers on Huaypo.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Fairly common at most wetland sites including along the Urubamba River.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – The resident Ruddy Duck in South America. Some taxonomic authorities split this taxon.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Seen a few times on the grounds of Inkaterra Hotel.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani) [*]
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Most days in the Sacred Valley and other wetland sites.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – Always great to see this species. Seen along the Urubamba River; an adult and immature (which show more of the tiger pattern).
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – A first for the tour. Seen at Huacarpay Lake. Usually this species is only found in the Amazonian lowlands.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – One at Huacarpay Lake (which is the meaning of "Huacarpay") and a couple more at Huaypo.
Understandably, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock was the favorite bird of the trip as voted on by the group. We had awesome views of several males (like this one) and a female on a nest over the Urubamba River! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – An adult at Huaypo Lake.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Small numbers at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Common in the Sacred Valley and at Abra Malaga.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – A lovely species that we found foraging in the fields around Huaypo Lake.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Yes! Maybe the best symbol for Big Country Peru; of the Andes. We saw several on multiple days and most memorable on our last day in the Polylepis forest with Veronica as a backdrop. Beautiful.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – A good bird to see. We had one soaring at San Luis.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – We called one in while birding the Mandor Valley.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Several seen near the pass; are sometimes split as "Puna" Hawk.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Seen in Ollantaytambo and again from the Machu Picchu ruins.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Darn thing. Showed fairly well before we walked away, then it decided to put in a full appearance!
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – At both large wetland sites.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Also at both wetland sites. This is a large species of coot with white or yellow bills; sometimes called "Andean" Coot.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Small numbers around Abra Malaga.
A slightly different take on the traditional Machu Picchu photos. This photo by guide Jesse Fagan was taken from well below, as we birded the lovely Mandor Valley.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) – A new species for the tour. Three birds were seen at Huaypo Lake.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – Three were hanging out with the phalaropes.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Seen everyday of the tour. Many had their black breeding hoods.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Cities and towns.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – This large native pigeon was seen in the Sacred Valley, like at our hotel in Ollantaytambo.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Good numbers in the Inca ruins at Huacarpay Lake where we scoped several.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Seen along the tracks in the Mandor Valley.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – One flushed up along the tracks in the Mandor Valley. Another two flew across the road down on the east slope of AM.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Good numbers in the arid environment around Huacarpay Lake.
Strigidae (Owls)
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – Several seen in the Mandor Valley.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – A pair zipping around the Abra Malaga pass were very high for this species.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Common around Aguas Calientes.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Seen several times in the Sacred Valley.
Speaking of the Mandor Valley, how could we forget our walk along the tracks accompanied by several of the local dogs. Here's Julia with one of them! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Seen in both semi-arid habitats (like Ollantaytambo) and in more humid forest (like at Aguas Calientes). However, this species is not found in the lowlands.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – A couple of males were seen down on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – One at the Inkaterra feeders.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Several were feeding in the garden at Pakaritampu.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – One seen feeding on tiny flowers in the puna (Ichu) grassland near Maxima's house.
BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – One of my favorites! Always good to see this endemic hummingbird. [E]
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SMARAGDINICOLLIS) (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis) – Good numbers at Penas, below Maxima's house and again on the east slope of AM.
SCALED METALTAIL (Metallura aeneocauda) – Awesome looks at a female that aggressively responded to the male song. Seen maybe 40% of the time on this tour.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis caumatonota) – Several were seen near Maxima's house. Often not around from Jul-Aug, so maybe some local movement?
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – We scoped this endemic several times at Penas in the dry scrub. [E]
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – This flashy hummingbird was visiting the Heliconia flowers at Inkaterra.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – The large hummingbird with the buffy outer tail feathers. Seen on the humid east slope of AM.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – Dog-fighting around Maxima's house.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The Guardian of the Feeders.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – A female put in a brief appearance at the Inkaterra feeders before she was runoff by the previous species.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – Hard to believe this is a hummingbird! We had one nice look at a bird feeding on tree tobacco at Huacarpay Lake.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – A female was sneaking into the feeders at Inkaterra.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Common in the garden at Pakaritampu.
This young female Golden-olive Woodpecker was being attended to by two adults. The cavity was just over the Urubamba River; quite a scenic place! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – Similar to the previous species, but found in more humid habitat at lower elevation (like Aguas Calientes). Endemic to Peru. [E]
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Always a good day when you see a motmot! ;-)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – Fantastic bird. We had a pair and another female during our birding walk in the Mandor Valley.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – This small woodpecker was seen well in the Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A pair at an active breeding cavity along the Urubamba River was a very cool find.
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Always a hit. Seen well on the drier west slope of Abra Malaga.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Their black and white plumage is always striking in flight.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen on our drives through the Sacred Valley.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ANDEAN PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus orbygnesius) – Only the second time I have seen this species on this tour (and it had been years). Great!
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Seen in flight on the grounds of Inkaterra. Unfortunately, we never got them perched.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Large flocks around Aguas Calientes.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A male showed well for us during our Mandor walk.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (SOUTH PERUVIAN) (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
The dry west slope of Abra Malaga (in this photo) is slowly seeing changes from traditional living that dates back hundreds of years to more modern styles, like metal roofs to the stone buildings. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) – We saw one all too briefly, but heard several more.
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – Awesome looks! Not often you see a tapaculo flying.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Pretty common around Aguas Calientes.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – The Sedge Wren-like bird we saw in the Huacarpay marsh.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Common especially on the drier west slope of AM.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – This handsome bird was seen in a small mixed-species flock on the east slope of AM.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – We saw this species during our first attempt at the Polylepis. We were just about to turn away and then we heard their squeaky calls.
Participant Eileen Wheeler captures the moment perfectly. Here we are birding just down from Maxima's house. Our first condors were seen soaring over the ridge to the right.
WHITE-BROWED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – Wow, did this endemic show well or what?! Some of my best views ever. [E]
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – Nice looks at this local species at Huacarpay.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – It finally showed well. We had to make a few attempts. This species prefers Ichu grassland with scattered bushes.
JUNIN CANASTERO (Asthenes virgata) – Eventually we saw this endemic very well in the Ichu grass. [E]
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – In the same habitat as the previous species.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – This species likes the flat open areas with lots of rocks and boulders. It was very responsive.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) [*]
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – This endemic was seen well at Huacarpay and heard again near Penas. [E]
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – Not great for most. Heard by all, but just a brief look for a couple of folks. [E]
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – This show-stopper was seen well at Penas. Heard again at Maxima's house. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Good numbers in the Mandor Valley where we had nice looks. Also heard again on the east slope of AM.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – A pair put in a brief appearance at San Luis.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Small numbers down on the east slope of AM.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – These cute little guys with the funky mohawk were seen at Maxima's house.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – One was in the Mandor Valley.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Small numbers at San Luis.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – We counted several along the Urubamba River during our walk to and from Mandor Valley.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – At least three were seen in the Mandor Valley (must have been some fruiting trees around).
Winchester, one of the famous dogs of Abra Malaga. Photo by his owner, Jesse Fagan.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – We called in a couple for good looks during our Mandor Valley walk.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – Fairly common in the Aguas Calientes forests.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Mostly heard in the Aguas Calientes canopy, but seen well at least once.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – One was seen at Huacarpay Lake.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – This tiny flycatcher was seen at the Inkaterra helipad.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – Good numbers in the Mandor Valley and one on the Inkaterra grounds where uncommon.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – In Aguas Calientes and again on the east slope of AM.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Pretty common (at least by voice) around Aguas Calientes. I like the specific epithet, fumigatus.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Seen a number of times along the Urubamba River.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus) – We lucked out and found a pair at the ruins of Machu Picchu. Often missed on the tour.
The windy road heading down the east slope of Abra Malaga. The fog is always a constant presence. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – Seen during our amazing hike up to the Polylepis forest on our last day.
PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis) – One seen briefly high up on the ridge while looking for canasteros.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – Lots in the plowed fields around Huacarpay Lake.
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) – One was seen in the forest perched up high on the east slope of AM.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Common along the paved road below Abra Malaga.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – One was seen near the transition of Yungas forest and puna grassland.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – An active pair were in the pepper brushes at Huacarpay Lake.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Small numbers on the grounds of Inkaterra.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – We saw this species in town at Aguas Calientes on the power lines.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Common at Aguas Calientes.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Lucrecia spotted one during our time on the east slope of AM.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Wonderful experiences with several males at Inkaterra and a female on a nest over the Urubamba.
A local woman sells her wares near the pass at Abra Malaga. Her son, maybe a little bored, just wants to play with his toy jeep! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Lots seemed to be around Aguas Calientes this year (at least by voice).
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Common in most mixed-species flocks at Aguas Calientes.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – This resident species, now Chivi Vireo, was in full song at Aguas Calientes.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Seen around Aguas Calientes and a few at San Luis.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – The common swallow in the highlands; replaces Blue-and-white.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Seen or heard everyday of the tour.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – Just one of these tiny wrens was seen in the Yungas forest.
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) [E*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – We couldn't have asked for better looks at this skulky (but very vocal) species!
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Seen a few times on the Urubamba River.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Heard by all, but seen by the "brave ones" on our last wet morning at Inkaterra.
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – Fabulous! A bird often missed in June-August; maybe some local movements?
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Seen on both slopes of Abra Malaga.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Common in the Sacred Valley. We also saw singles around Aguas Calientes where much less common.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – One came in close to check us out before heading back to Bolivia.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common at Aguas Calientes. Some folks really liked this one since they tend to show themselves better than those tricky Northern Parulas.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – A sweet melancholy song to my ear. Heard and seen very well in the Mandor Valley.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Everywhere (!) around Aguas Calientes. We were kicking them out of the way.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – A favorite of many folks. We saw them well in Mandor Valley (along with singing birds) and again on the east slope of AM.
Awesome shot by our participant, Eileen Wheeler, of this beautiful Rufous-collared Sparrow.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SLATY TANAGER (Creurgops dentatus) – Sometimes missed on tour, but we had several in different mixed-species flocks. The males and females are quite different looking.
PARODI'S HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis parodii) – We worked hard our wet and foggy day on the east slope of AM. This was one of our highlights for that day. [E]
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis) – Seen on our wet morning at Inkaterra. Some of us scratched our head at the name of this thing.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – One was seen in the forest along the Urubamba River as we walked back from Mandor Valley. A lowland species of open country that is slowly moving its way up the valley due to clearing of the forest.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – One of my favorites. A sharp-looking species that we saw in the Mandor Valley.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Seen most days in arid and humid forest; seems to tolerate a variety of habitat types.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – The white-winged types were seen at the Inkaterra feeders in good numbers.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Not many around. Singles at Inkaterra feeders.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – The next two species were common at the Inkaterra feeders and in mixed-species flocks in the Mandor Valley.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Small numbers on the Inkaterra grounds.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Always fun to see. Almost always in pairs; males and females are quite different looking.
GIANT CONEBILL (Conirostrum binghami) – A singing bird in the Polylepis forest was a big surprise!
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – Seen (a pair) in the Yungas forest down on the east slope of AM.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – Males and females were in mixed-species flocks in the forest around Aguas Calientes.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – A nondescript warbler-like bird we saw at Pakaritampu and around Penas.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – A female was seen at Maxima's house.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – A nice looking flowerpiercer that was singing at the start of Yungas forest on the east slope.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – In the Sacred Valley.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – A few times in the Sacred Valley and again at Aguas Calientes. The females can be a bit confusing.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – One responded to its song while birding the east slope of AM.
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Too briefly! One flew across the road then quickly disappeared into the Chusquea bamboo.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Finally caught up with one near the school on the dry west slope of AM.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Idiopsar speculifer) – A nice looking bird. We saw birds feeding near alpaca poop at one of the dwellings on the west slope.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor) – Pretty common on both slopes of AM.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – A big flock was on the roof of a nearby hotel in Ollantaytambo.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Common around Huacarpay and Pakaritampu Hotel.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Small numbers on the dry west slope of AM.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – Just one on our hike to Mandor.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Seen well at Huacarpay Lake, but also around the Pakaritampu Hotel.
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Seen briefly on our Mandor Valley hike.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – We popped Roofies most of our time in the Sacred Valley.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – One during our Mandor Valley hike. This is part of the "Highland" Hepatic Tanager (lutea) group that may someday be split.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Good looks were had on the grounds of the Pakaritampu Hotel.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Visiting the Inkaterra feeders.
One last look at the valley below the Polylepis ridge. One of my favorite places in the world. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – In the marsh at Huacarpay Lake.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Very common in Aguas Calientes.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Small numbers along the edge of Huacarpay Lake.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – A big flock of 20 or so birds was seen along the Urubamba River in Aguas Calientes. Missed on a lot of tours. A good bird!
BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus) – It had been years since we we had seen this species at Abra Malaga!
MAMMALS
NORTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum) – A wonderful mammal to see so well! Often missed since they like to stay hidden between the boulders.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 183 bird taxa and 1 mammal taxa