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We persevered and adapted to a few unexpected turns, and we accomplished our goal of having a darn good time and seeing some fantastic birds. We lost Mark early on due to a knee aggravation (and missed him dearly the rest of the trip), we dealt with the effects of strikes in Puno, and the weather was less than ideal at Abra Malaga. However, none of that stopped us from enjoying Southern Peru! Many thanks to all of you for joining me, and thanks to Carlos for an excellent job driving.
Highlights were many and varied. They included White-eared Puffbird (Iris especially liked this one), Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (spotted by Rosy!), the flashy Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant (Josh liked his haircut), Andean Condors, Rufous-collared Sparrows (yep, Buzz appreciated them), while Derryn and I both agreed
Thanks again for a fun tour. Great birding in 2017!
--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) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Oressochen melanopterus) – Our first were above Abra Malaga (a close pair), but they were common further south as well.
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides) – Good numbers on the high lakes.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – One was seen on our drive back from Abancay. Good spotting, Mark.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – A few at Huacarpay Lake and again at Mejia Marshes.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Hundreds(?) at Mejia Marshes.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Small numbers on the lakes.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – The blue bills on this species really stand out.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – A fairly recent split from Speckled Teal, which is found in the northern Andes. This species was common on the high lakes.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Our first were at Huacarpay, but seen again further south.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – This sharp looking grebe was seen a number of times. Especially good looks at Mejia Marshes. Essentially the South American equivalent of Eared Grebe.
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – A pair were at Mejia Marshes.
GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major) – Mejia Marshes and again at Villa Marshes near Lima.
SILVERY GREBE (Podiceps occipitalis) – This was a surprise at a small roadside pond on our way back from Chivay! A pair with grebelets.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) – I was surprised to see several at Huacarpay Lake, where rare, but they became more common further south.
Spheniscidae (Penguins)
HUMBOLDT PENGUIN (Spheniscus humboldti) – Nice looks at Paracas from the boat. Nesting on Isla Ballestas.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
PERUVIAN BOOBY (Sula variegata) – Several thousand nesting on Isla Ballestas. A major supplier in the guano trade.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
RED-LEGGED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) – One flying along the side of the boat as we headed to Isla Ballestas was memorable.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Seen most days at most wetland sites, coastal and inland.
GUANAY CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) – At least 8000 individuals were nesting on Isla Ballestas.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
PERUVIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus thagus) – This large pelican was seen well from shore. Amazing how they "surf" the waves with wingtips nearly touching the water.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Seen most days.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Slightly less common than the previous species. Also seen most days.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Large numbers were seen around Paracas.
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) – Two individuals were seen at Mejia Marshes.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Most days of the tour.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Singles at most wetland sites, but larger numbers at Villa Marsh.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – This species was common in the Sacred Valley.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – Seen well around Abra Malaga and again on the drive to Chivay.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Finally caught up with this species in the coastal south. Not found at higher elevations and on the Altiplano.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Common on the coastal plain.
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – We estimated 5 individuals in the Colca Valley and another two at Pampas Galeras.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – One was seen at Huacarpay Lake and at least two birds were low over the marshes at Mejia.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – Seen a few times around Paracas and Lima.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – This was the common raptor in the highlands. Birds seen in puna grassland above 3000 meters can be considered "Puna Hawk" split by some authorities.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Seen well a few times.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Several showed well at Huacarpay Lake.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Common in most wetland sites.
GIANT COOT (Fulica gigantea) – Our first were on the drive to Chivay and seen again at Lagunilla. When standing side by side with Slate-colored there size is incredible.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – The common coot in Southern Peru. Seen at most wetland sites.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
PERUVIAN THICK-KNEE (Burhinus superciliaris) – Our first were at Mejia Marshes, but also seen again on the beach (very odd) at Villa.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (WHITE-BACKED) (Himantopus mexicanus melanurus) – The resident "White-backed" subspecies was seen a few times.
ANDEAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra andina) – We counted 20 or so at Lagunilla.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus) – Breeding pairs were defending nests at Mejia.
BLACKISH OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ater) – Three were on the beach at our lunch spot (in Ica) and seen again at Pucusana.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – A few seen in Ica and Paracas.
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) – Seen in the river beds on our drive to Chivay.
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Good numbers on the first half of the tour.
SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius nivosus) – Three were seen on the salt flat at the Paracas Visitor's Center.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) – Good numbers on the salt flats at Paracas. Several were flagged.
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – Small numbers in Paracas and at Villa.
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi) – Rosie spotted a pair foraging right below us after we had been scanning the place for 10 minutes! Awesome looks.
GRAY-BREASTED SEEDSNIPE (Thinocorus orbignyianus) – Good numbers along the edge of the bogs as we left Chivay.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – Good numbers from Ica north to Lima along the coast.
HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica) – A pair were seen at Lagunilla (where very rare), but another was seen at Villa (where more expected).
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – At least 30 were seen in Paracas including at the boat launch.
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) – Nice studies in the scope were had at Lagunilla.
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla) – Small numbers at Mejia and again in Paracas.
WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri) – Several seen at the Paracas Visitor's Center. Nice comparisons made with the previous species.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) – A huge whirling flock was seen at Lagunilla. We estimated 200 individuals.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Not common, but singles seen a few times.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – Small numbers seen in the Arequipa area.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Lots in the Sacred Valley.
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – Seen in Paracas and at Villa Marsh.
GRAY GULL (Leucophaeus modestus) – This handsome gull was seen in good numbers along the beach at Mejia Marsh.
FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) – Several thousand on the beaches from Mejia north to Lima. At Villa we counted 15,000, which is a respectable total. ;-)
BELCHER'S GULL (Larus belcheri) – Not many, but a few around Paracas and Villa.
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus) – Smaller numbers than Belcher's.
INCA TERN (Larosterna inca) – This lovely species was seen well at Paracas and Pucusana.
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – A few were at the boat launch in Paracas.
ELEGANT TERN (Thalasseus elegans) – A group of 20 or so were seen with the Franklin's Gulls at Villa Marsh.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger) – Several thousand were at Paracas and Villa. Surprising to see so many.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Nearly every day of the tour. Cities and towns. [I]
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – These were common in the Sacred Valley and around Ollantaytambo.
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – Seen well along the coastal plain especially at our hotel in Nazca.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – Good numbers at Huacarpay Lake.
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera) – Always a good one to find. We saw 8 individuals at the Colca lookout.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Several were seen in the dry forest along the river on our drive back to Cusco from Abancay.
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda) – Restricted to the Peruvian coastal plain where common.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Common, seen everyday of the tour.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – Common on the coastal plain.
Strigidae (Owls)
KOEPCKE'S SCREECH-OWL (Megascops koepckeae) – This was fun! Despite the wind we managed to find a pair near the colonial bridge and they performed well for the light. [E]
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – Seen in several spots including Abancay, Ollantaytambo, Chivay, and Nazca!
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Three were on the rock wall as we left Mejia Marsh.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – Good numbers over our hotel at dusk in Nazca.
TSCHUDI'S NIGHTJAR (Systellura decussata) – A recent split from Band-winged, we saw a relatively quiet individual in the river wash at Nazca.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica) – Josh pointed this bird out near dusk and I was surprised to see it was a Chimney Swift! Rare to see this bird in migration. Cool.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Seen well in the Sacred Valley and again below eye-level in the Colca Valley.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Seen in the Sacred Valley.
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus estella) – Several seen feeding at cactus in the Colca Valley.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – A male was seen pretty well on the grounds of Pakaritampu.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Several on the grounds at Pakaritampu were this species. However, separating them from the previous is not easy.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – A couple of females were seen well along the puna grassland edge below Abra Malaga.
BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – What a bird! One of my favorite species for its size and flashiness. Seen well at Pakaritampu. [E]
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SMARAGDINICOLLIS) (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis) – Most days in the Sacred Valley where fairly common.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis caumatonota) – Just a few seen and much less common than the next endemic.
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – I hadn't seen so many on one trip before. Good numbers (lots of flowers!) and seen well in the scope a few times. [E]
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – Just one female at Penas.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – Did we count 15 on the day we arrived to Pakaritampu, where we saw a few more?!
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – I was surprised to find so few in the Nazca area where they are usually more common.
OASIS HUMMINGBIRD (Rhodopis vesper) – A couple of birds showed well near our hotel in Nazca including a brilliant perched male.
PERUVIAN SHEARTAIL (Thaumastura cora) – Just two females were seen in Nazca.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Seen at the hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amazilia) – This one was pretty common in the Nazca area.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-EARED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus chacuru) – What a great bird to find in the dry forest near Abancay. Josh spotted one from the car on the way in and we relocated the same (?) bird on the way out. We also had another pair calling along the river during our picnic lunch spot. Nice work.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BLACK-NECKED WOODPECKER (Colaptes atricollis) – A fine endemic seen well in the riparian forest near our hotel in Nazca. [E]
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Good numbers especially around Abra Malaga.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Good numbers on the first half of the tour.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen most days.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – A few different pairs were seen on the tour. Our first was a perched bird along the Urubamba River.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Just one on the tour.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – Presumably introduced into the Nazca area. [I]
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara wagleri) – Seen in the Nazca-Pampas Galeras area. They were around the grounds of the hotel.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – Seen in flight over Abancay.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Heard in Abancay and a brief encounter in the puna grassland near Maxima's house.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
APURIMAC TAPACULO (UNDESCRIBED SPECIES) (Scytalopus sp. (Apurimac)) [*]
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – Superb looks at a close bird above Maxima's house. Iris may have had the best angle. ;-)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
COASTAL MINER (Geositta peruviana) – This endemic was seen in Nazca. [E]
COMMON MINER (Geositta cunicularia) – A couple on our drive down to Mejia Marshes. Similar to the previous species, but with streaking on the chest and a longer bill.
THICK-BILLED MINER (Geositta crassirostris) – We had to work at it, but eventually seen well on the cliff face at Pampas Galeras.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Good looks in the marshes around Cusco.
BUFF-BREASTED EARTHCREEPER (Upucerthia validirostris) – We had to work at confirming the ID of this bird, but it eventually called and showed itself better.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Good numbers on the west slope of Abra Malaga.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – Just one on the tour. A species I feel is overreported b/c of its similarity to the more common Cream-winged.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – We managed to find a pair on the edge of the Polylepis forest below Abra Malaga.
RUSTY-CROWNED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura pileata) – Seen well in the Polylepis patches at Pampas Galeras. [E]
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) – One was super responsive at Huacarpay Lake.
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (Asthenes dorbignyi) – Seen well in the Colca Valley area.
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (DARK-WINGED) (Asthenes dorbignyi arequipae) – The subspecies seen at Pampas Galeras. Darker overall than other subspecies.
CREAMY-BREASTED CANASTERO (PALE-TAILED) (Asthenes dorbignyi usheri) – This subspecies was seen on our way back from Abancay. Palest subspecies overall with pale outer tail feathers.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – This endemic was seen in the puna-scrub on the west slope of Abra Malaga.
JUNIN CANASTERO (Asthenes virgata) – Seen in the puna grassland below Abra Malaga. Shared the same habitat with the next species. [E]
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – Seen at Abra Malaga in the puna grassland.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – Seen in the rocky areas around puna grassland. One was very responsive and approached us within a few feet.
CORDILLERAN CANASTERO (Asthenes modesta) – Several were seen along the slopes as we drove down into the Colca Valley.
CANYON CANASTERO (Asthenes pudibunda) – Seen very well just below the condor lookout.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – Seen well at Huacarpay Lake. [E]
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – This endemic was quite common in the Abancay area. [E]
CACTUS CANASTERO (Pseudasthenes cactorum) – We had a family group in the cactus scrub on our climb up to Pampas Galeras. [E]
APURIMAC SPINETAIL (Synallaxis courseni) – Good studies in the montane scrub above Abancay. [E]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) [*]
PIED-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes reguloides) – This cool looking species was seen around the hotel in Nazca.
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – Also seen in the Nazca area.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – A few in the Ollantaytambo area and again at Pampas Galeras.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Pretty good looks at this skulker in the tall marsh grass at Huacarpay Lake.
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) – Rather rare and local in Nazca. Our observation was a range extension.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Good numbers in the coastal areas.
ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas) – Several along the bog edges above Chivay.
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris) – A pair were around the bogs above Chivay.
PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis) – A couple in the highlands above Chivay.
WHITE-FRONTED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albifrons) – The largest ground-tyrant which was seen well around the bogs above Chivay.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – The most common and widespread ground-tyrant seen a few times on this tour. Often found at lower elevations in cultivated fields.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) – One was seen above Abancay.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Good numbers in the scrubby habitat above Abancay.
D'ORBIGNY'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca oenanthoides) – A small group was seen above Maxima's house along the river edge. Unusual to see them in the Abra Malaga area.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – First seen at Huacarpay, but again at several other spots.
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda) – Folks were happy to finally see this species. Seen very near our hotel in Nazca.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Not many, but one at Huacarpay Lake was not expected; indeed, rare in the highlands.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Small numbers around Abancay and Abra Malaga.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – The birds on territory in the montane scrub outside of Abancay were resident "Chivi" Vireos, however, I think there are several subspecies within this complex.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Seen most days on the second-half of the tour (in the lowlands).
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Seen most days on the first-half of the tour (in the highlands).
ANDEAN SWALLOW (Orochelidon andecola) – A pair were seen above Chivay.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – Just two seen at Huaypo Lake.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Small numbers on most days.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Seen or heard everyday of the tour.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Very similar to the next species, but found at higher elevations and usually not associated with human settlements. Seen around Abra Malaga.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Common in the highlands around human settlements.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – This species was seen along the coast around Nazca and Paracas.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (PERUVIAN) (Anthus lutescens peruvianus) – On the day we went to Mejia Marshes.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata) – One was seen all too briefly above Abancay.
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – A few were around Huacarpay and again above Abancay.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Just two above Abancay. Sort of a surprise not to see more, especially at Abra Malaga.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – A few around Abancay and again at Pampas Galeras.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – Seen more than a few times.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – Fairly common in Ollantaytambo and around Abra Malaga.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Just one feeding on flowers in the garden at Pakaritampmu.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – A lovely bird and thankfully seen more than a few times.
MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti) – These were singing and conspicuous in the Colca Valley.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – Seen in the Abra Malaga area.
WHITE-THROATED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus erythronotus) – I was surprised to see this species above Chivay where it is rare and local (more common further south).
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – Good numbers at Abra Malaga and in the Colca Valley.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus) – Super common in the Pacific foothills and on our drive down to Mejia Marshes.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – Small groups at Abra Malaga and again above Chivay around the bogs.
SLENDER-BILLED FINCH (Xenospingus concolor) – Small numbers were around the hotel in Nazca.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – This striking endemic was seen once or twice in the Abra Malaga area. [E]
COLLARED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza hispaniolensis) – Really good numbers in the scrub around our hotel in Nazca.
PUNA YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis lutea) – Small groups were seen on our drive to Chivay. North of Arequipa this species is less common so I was surprised to see so many.
BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis) – Two were in the group of Puna YF.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – One was seen in the Sacred Valley.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Introduced into the Nazca area. [I]
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – These were seen in the marsh grass and foraging along the coastal grass at Mejia Marshes.
RAIMONDI'S YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis raimondii) – Seen in the rocky foothills above Mollendo. [E]
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Strangely, the plumage of birds in coastal Peru is to look like they are always in molt! We don't see all blue-black birds here.
PARROT-BILLED SEEDEATER (Sporophila peruviana) – Just a couple of birds seen well in Nazca (where usually more common?).
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco) – Good numbers in the Nazca-Paracas area.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Seen throughout the tour.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Small numbers (much less common than previous species) in the highlands on first-half of tour.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus immaculatus) – This unstreaked subspecies was seen around Nazca.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Fairly common in the Sacred Valley and Abancay.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Everyday of the tour.
APURIMAC BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes forbesi) – One was seen in the montane scrub above Abancay. [E]
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Seen at Huacarpay Lake and again in the Sacred Valley.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – A beautiful bird that was thankfully common on the coastal plain.
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi) – Small numbers in Nazca and Lima.
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – In the marsh at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – One male was seen at Villa (where introduced). [I]
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Good numbers in the lowlands and coastal plain. Especially common in Lima area.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Common in the highlands.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common from Arequipa north to Lima. [I]
MAMMALS
EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus) – We saw several large introduced hares running up the slope at Huacarpay Lake. Based on the information I gathered, I believe they were this species.
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea) – Several were seen in the Huacarpay marsh.
NORTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum) – A cross between a rabbit and kangaroo? A lifer mammal for several folks.
SOUTHERN SEA LION (Otaria byronia) – Large numbers were seen on our boat ride to Isla Ballestas.
VICUNA (Vicugna vicugna) – A lovely creature seen close on our drives to Chivay and again in the Pampas Galleras area.
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Just one, but rare to see (unlike in North America).
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 210 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa