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One of the star performers of the tour was this bold Yellow-rumped Antwren that was unusually extroverted! We may have gotten some of the best photos ever taken of this species, including this fine one by participant Becky Hansen!
The Manu area of Peru is one of the world's richest sites for sheer biodiversity. The amount of life present within the park itself is astonishing, especially considering that it ranges from above treeline to the Amazon lowlands. In birds alone, it is estimated that Manu National Park contains about 1000 species! That's more than are found on several of the continents of this planet! Our tour was primarily designed to find and observe the birds that are found in the mountainous portion of the Manu area.
Our tour gave us memorable views of large, showy birds such as Solitary Eagle, Hoatzin, Blue-banded Toucanet, Versicolored Barbet, among others, as well as less showy species such as the hard-to-see Amazonian Antpitta, the rare Buff-banded Tyrannulet and Yellow-rumped Antwren, and the skulking Peruvian Recurvebill. One look at the bird list will show that certainly about half of the species therein are drab and/or skulky birds that are not easily seen, but require patience and concentration... this is typical of tropical forest avifaunas anywhere in the world. Because these species usually live in understory, they are predisposed to not travel widely, and thus are highly likely to have geographic barriers fragment their distributions and render them regional specialists; many are thus endemic to the country. Thus, our particular interest in seeing them.
The highlands of Manu and the nearby, more arid Cusco area, have their share of unique avifauna. Everywhere, there are Rufous-collared Sparrows, birds that easily grabs one's attention with their constant movement and sheer numbers. On both the drier and wetter slopes of the last range before we enter the Manu area, one can compare the stark contrast between the windward slopes that are regularly buffeted by fog and rain, and the leeward slopes, where the main source of water is the brooks that drain the higher elevations. We saw this with two species of Canastero: Rusty-fronted was found on the arid slopes nearer to Cusco, but Line-fronted was found on the windward slopes. Also, elevation plays a huge role in species distribution. For example, we saw three species of flycatcher in the genus Leptopogon that separate by elevation: Inca Flycatcher at the highest elevations, Slaty-capped Flycatcher in the middle elevations, and Sepia-capped Flycatcher at the lowest elevations. Such is an example of the extreme niche specialization in elevation that allow the incredible "species packing" of the Amazonian slope of the Andes.
Having encountered nearly 400 species on our tour, we found a bit less than half of the bird species present in the region, an impressive tally by any measure... and this without venturing far out onto the mega-diverse lowlands of the Madre de Dios drainage. In addition, we saw several mammals, especially monkeys, and other marvels of beauty that nature, in all her splendor, has placed here in this remote corner of the world. Manu is not a site one is likely to forget... Indeed, it is places like Manu that make ecotourism such a rewarding pastime!
Good birding to you all and perhaps our paths will cross again!
Dan
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
We saw an amazing number of tanagers, including this wonderful Paradise Tanager. Photo by participant Duane Morse.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) – A distant bird from the Atalaya Mirador. [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – This big bully pushed his weight around the tinamou feeder.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
BROWN TINAMOU (BROWN) (Crypturellus obsoletus traylori) – This was the form we heard up around CotRL (Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge). [*]
BROWN TINAMOU (BROWN) (Crypturellus obsoletus hypochraceus) – This was the form we heard at Villa Carmen. [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) – Heard often and several seen at the tinamou feeder.
BLACK-CAPPED TINAMOU (Crypturellus atrocapillus) – The one with the most explosive song, and the one with the red legs at the tinamou feeder.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – A few birds on the Rio Urubamba as we crossed it on the way to Paucartambo.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera) – A memorable pair with their six young that trudged from that roadside puddle to the pond on the Tres Cruces road.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
Here is the group looking for the elusive green dot along the road at Acjanaco Pass. Photo by participant Daphne Gemmill.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – After chasing down the first one or two, these became much easier.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – A pair in a treetop on the Atalaya Ridge gave us a good look.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Can't complain about these views at the feeders at Villa Carmen!
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW (Mitu tuberosum) – I believe only Duane and I caught a brief glimpse of this large chicken that we startled on the track near Villa Carmen.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) – Heard several times between CotRL and Chontachaca, once nearly at arm's reach, but alas, no views... [*]
STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani) – A pair or two were cajoled into singing near Wayqecha.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – A few seen near the palm thicket near Patria.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – A large flock was foraging on a tilled field across the Paucartambo river valley from a rest stop we made.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – Seen on several occasions in the higher cloud forest.
Jacamars are a widespread family in the Neotropics. Here in southwestern Amazonia, the most common species is this Bluish-fronted Jacamar. Participant Duane Morse got this photo of one that looks like it just locked onto a prey item.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Mostly seen above CotRL.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – A couple of fly-bys below CotRL and near Villa Carmen.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Fine views of this often-skittish dove at the tinamou feeders.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – We had a fleeting view of this large montane dove as it flushed off the road upslope on our day returning to Cusco.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Around Cusco.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Not rare at lower elevations. We enjoyed the huddled parties over the ponds at Villa Carmen.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – "Chee-kwa!"
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris) – A bird was on the road near Wayqecha our first night.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata) – Mostly heard, but a quick glimpse of one flying over the road at Wayqecha.
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – A fine experience, rated as one of the most popular by the group, of a male showing off his caudal finery one evening!
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – This and the next were at Villa Carmen. [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Mostly seen in evening pre-roosting flights over the valley, sometimes in large gatherings!
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Primarily flying over lowland situations.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Brief views near the Urubamba our first day.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – These needle-thin swifts were common particularly over the Moriche palm swamp near Patria.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A male briefly at the feeders at Villa Carmen.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – A regular at the Villa Carmen feeders.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Easy at the CotRL feeders.
Participant Charlotte Byers managed to get a photo of this Blue-throated Piping-Guan as it showed off its eponymous feature.
WHITE-BROWED HERMIT (Phaethornis stuarti) [*]
GEOFFROY'S WEDGEBILL (Schistes geoffroyi) – A bird was seen our first afternoon at CotRL as it fed on the Turk’s cap bushes.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – Recently split from Green Violetear. A few at the CotRL feeders.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – The common violetear.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – Common at Wayqecha.
PERUVIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus harterti) – One our first evening at CotRL was nice. [E]
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – One seen our day above CotRL.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – A female responded above the Urubamba river.
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps) – Nice views of males and females by Wayqecha.
We had great views of a pair of Strong-billed Woodcreepers, and participant Bill Byers got a great image of one propped on a tree-trunk.
BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – Whew! We nearly missed this endemic above the Urubamba, but eventually lucked into one!
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SMARAGDINICOLLIS) (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – Several of these attractive hummers at treeline near Wayqecha.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Honestly, this could be one of the world's most boring hummingbirds. Sorry, amigo.
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – These are the buff-collared types of southern Peru and Bolivia (possibly a future split).
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (ANNA'S) (Ocreatus underwoodii annae) – A fancy little hummer at the feeders at CotRL.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – One of the dominate feeder hummers at CotRL.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – A couple of these swift-like hummers were above the Urubamba our first day.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
A Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan came out of the fog to check out our group at Wayqecha. Photo by participant Duane Morse.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Mostly at CotRL feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – Also at CotRL, where we could compare it to the similar Violet-fronted Brilliant female.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Mostly seen in tree crowns along the lower stretch of the uphill from Chontachaca to CotRL.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – One of the most bizarre birds on the planet. We even got to see the young ones, which are hardly birds!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – Fine views of this large rail around Villa Carmen.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Wow, often a hard bird, but a male in the ponds at Villa Carmen showed well!
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – A few in the swamps at Villa Carmen were visible in the morning as they sat up in trees and took in the scene.
One of the more appreciated birds was this diminutive Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, only described to science in 1997, and named for the famed field ornithologist and Peruvian specialist, Ted Parker: Phylloscartes parkeri. Photo by participant Charlotte Byers.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – A pair near Chontachaca is a fairly recent colonization.
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) –
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias) – After hearing it each morning, we finally saw the singing bird at Villa Carmen our last day.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – A hooting voice we heard in the dark at Villa Carmen turned into this large heron.
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – Fine views of a bird along the rocks of the river near Pilcopata.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
Participant Dorothy Paul got this shot out the plane window on our flight from Cuzco to Lima.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Mostly right around Cusco.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Wow, a kettle of 5 was quite a sight over the bamboo at Villa Carmen!
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Daily in the lowlands.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Went from a heard to a distant seen.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – Nice eyes by Miles gave us a fine, if somewhat distant, view of an adult as it passed along a ridge.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SOLITARY EAGLE (Buteogallus solitarius) – One of the really memorable experiences of the trip was having a curious adult that was not easily scared by our own curiosity! What great views!
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – True to its name, we saw several near the road in the lower elevations.
This Stripe-chested Antwren showed nicely for us. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – One seen our last day.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – A subadult was over the Huacarpay area our first day.
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – First one in flight, followed by a fine perched bird several days later.
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) – Heard nightly at Villa Carmen, the owling group got views of one.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – Heard from the hill across the river from the Atalaya Mirador. [*]
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) [*]
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – Well, that was easy! We were told to look at the light pole by the parking lot... and there it was!
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – A fine male seen beside the road as we drove down to CotRL from Wayqecha.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – Seen on several days around Villa Carmen.
Participant Becky Hansen got a wonderful photo of this happy-looking little Hoatzin family.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – Seen just upslope from CotRL, which is a bit low.
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – The morning we drove upslope from CotRL to bird the higher elevations, we saw several of these lovely pendulum-tails!
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – This and the next around the ponds at Villa Carmen. [*]
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – One bird was at the corner leading to Bamboo Valley below the CotRL. Recently named by our Bret Whitney for, you guessed it, our last president.
RUFOUS-CAPPED NUNLET (Nonnula ruficapilla) – Only a couple lucky folks got a glimpse of this hard-to-see puffbird on our forest walk at Villa Carmen.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – We were being pursued by a friendly peccary when we saw these.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – It took a little while, but eventually, we had neck-breaking overhead views of this candy-colored bird.
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – After a few brief encounters in various flocks, folks saw a pair well at the feeders at CotRL.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta dimidiatus) – A bird was responsive in the Bamboo Valley below CotRL.
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) – Great views of a bird feeding on berries beside the road at the Solitary Eagle spot!
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) – A curious bird popped into view in the fog above Wayqecha.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
FINE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus subtilis) – After several unsuccessful attempts, we finally had a good view as we drove from Villa Carmen back upslope.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
As if reminding us that they are creatures of warm climates, participant Bill Byers captured these Smooth-billed Anis as they huddled together at dawn to warm up in the "cold temperatures" they faced (low 70s)!
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) [*]
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – A bird came ripping in to us at Villa Carmen, but it didn't really sit for us, and then took off too soon. Rats!
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Duane got us on this nice forest flicker when we walked the trail at CotRL.
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – A fine bird we enjoyed the morning of the Solitary Eagle.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – "Who knocked on the door?" thought the bird that was nesting in the snag in the pond at Villa Carmen.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Several on the rocks at the bridge by Pilcopata.
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
Chestnut-bellied Mountain-Tanagers were members of some mixed-species flocks we found near Pillahuata. Photo by participant Duane Morse.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – A real challenge! As per usual, we only saw them flying high overhead.
ANDEAN PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus orbygnesius) – A flock at the antpitta spot near Pillahuata was a little sneaky.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Scope views of a bird near the antpitta spot.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – One perched up near Pilcopata our day driving back from Villa Carmen to CotRL.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) [*]
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
BLUE-HEADED MACAW (Primolius couloni) – Several distant flybys or heard-only birds were finally upstaged by a pair that passed low overhead as we were headed back to CotRL from Pilcopata.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – A pair landed in an open tree just above Pilcopata, allowing good scope views.
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus) – A pair flew by in poor light over the Atalaya Mirador.
Near Acjanaco Pass, we lucked into a great view of this Puna Tapaculo. Photo by participant Becky Hansen.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii) [*]
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
YELLOW-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis sharpei) – Wow! What a great bird to send us off from CotRL! After a pretty good look, the bird came in one more time at eye level to blow our minds! This is one rare bird!
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae) – Seen on two days in the bamboo (imagine that) around Villa Carmen.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – A pair played along at Villa Carmen.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus) – A pair showed fairly well in Bamboo Valley.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – A brief view at Villa Carmen in a mixed flock.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) [*]
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) – A nice contrast to the last. We enjoyed two (!) pairs below La Union.
The Versicolored Barbet is well-named, as can be seen in this image by guide Dan Lane. We found them at several sites, but had especially good looks at the feeders at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
RUFESCENT ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes rufescens) – A pair showed well just above the Quita Calzon bridge. The species was just split, with the forms east of the Andes using this name, those on the other still retaining "Russet".
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) [*]
BLUISH-SLATE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes schistogynus) – A mixed flock leader we saw at Villa Carmen.
ORNATE ANTWREN (WESTERN) (Epinecrophylla ornata meridionalis) – This one played hard to get on at least three occasions. I think everyone saw it eventually.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – Not a great view, but it is small.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda) – Great views in the Bamboo Valley.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – A male showed well above CotRL.
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (WHITE-TAILED) (Microrhopias quixensis albicauda) – Seen in a flock at Villa Carmen and again above Quita Calzon bridge.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – Until recently considered a Long-tailed Antbird, but that was split into three species.
YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis subflava collinsi) [*]
The buff-collared form of Collared Inca may be split as a separate species in the future, so keep track of where you see them! This one was photographed by participant Duane Morse.
RIPARIAN ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides fuscicauda)
MANU ANTBIRD (Cercomacra manu) – Well, we HAD to see this one, considering where we were! A bamboo specialist.
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – A responsive male at Villa Carment showed well.
WHITE-LINED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lophotes) – Also at Villa Carmen.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax hemimelaena) – Brief views of a couple of shy females along the road below Quita Calzon bridge.
GOELDI'S ANTBIRD (Akletos goeldii) – A female passed us silently in the bamboo at Villa Carmen.
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
SLATY GNATEATER (Conopophaga ardesiaca) – After a few failed attempts where we could hear them right beside us, we finally got one male that pretty much showed for the group. Mostly.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RED-AND-WHITE ANTPITTA (Grallaria erythroleuca) – Dadburnit! Shake my head... [E*]
After a bit of effort, we finally got some good looks at the endemic Inca Flycatcher, here singing an aria to us, as captured by participant Bill Byers.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (SOUTH PERUVIAN) (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
AMAZONIAN ANTPITTA (Hylopezus berlepschi) – Jhonathan took us down to the feeding area to coax "Chico" out. It took a little while, but eventually we did have some pretty good views!
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) – The form on the Manu road lacks the white crown spot (and in fact is an undescribed species, not the true Scytalopus atratus, which is from Colombia).
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – Great views of this treeline tapaculo just above Acjanaco pass.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*]
BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Duane got us on this relatively patternless woodcreeper in the open gap beside our cabins at Villa Carmen.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) – What a cool experience! A pair of these huge woodcreepers gave us fantastic views within sight of the Solitary Eagle. Majestic!
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – A species of mixed flocks around CotRL.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – A surprisingly good view of this often very hard species in the Bamboo Valley.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Well named: it was in mixed flocks in the higher elevations.
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris) – A pair was right over our cabins at Villa Carmen most days.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Like the last species, but up in the foothills.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – A great experience with a pair that showed us who owned those palms!
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus) – A proud strut gives this one away.
A rather rare and local Peruvian endemic, this Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher proved to be rather easy to see right at our cabins at Villa Carmen! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) – This was a species that teased us with little tastes of its plumage in the bamboo around Villa Carmen.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata)
PERUVIAN RECURVEBILL (Syndactyla ucayalae) – One of the birds of the trip! This one seemed like it would not show itself until we realized it was willing to enter the palm swamp adjacent to its bamboo patch... then it showed like a rockstar!
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – That rufous flash that crossed the road several times.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) – Mostly heard at Villa Carmen, but briefly glimpsed by some.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – Heard on the Atalaya ridge, but seen shooting across the road near Quita Calzon.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) [*]
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – A fancy creeper that joins flocks at higher elevations.
Participant Miles Paul got this shot of the group on the grounds at Villa Carmen.
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – Fine views by the pond on the Tres Cruces road.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) – Seen our first morning at Wayqecha.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – One clambered around inside the bushes across the road from our Bearded Mountaineer spot. [E]
ORANGE-FRONTED PLUSHCROWN (Metopothrix aurantiaca) – These canopy birds led us on a merry chase, but eventually we got scope views!
PLAIN SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga fusciceps) – A loud furnariid that we enjoyed along the trail on our second morning at Villa Carmen.
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – Mostly seen as they darted across the road below the tunnels. [E]
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – Nice views of this understated furnariid in the flock near CotRL.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) – A pair showed off their plainness at Villa Carmen.
CABANIS'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cabanisi) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Despite their retiring nature, we eventually got them for everyone.
This Speckled Chachalaca was among the troop that would visit the feeders at Villa Carmen every morning. Photo by participant Bill Byers.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – A pair came in high in the trees adjacent to the cabins at Villa Carmen our first day there.
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri) – This bird may not look like much, but I'm pretty sure this was only the fourth observation of the species in Peru, and only the second time it has been documented on the Manu road! Good work to all on getting on it!
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – This and the next were common members of upper elevation flocks.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Probably even more common than the last.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – A pair zipped around us in the bamboo by the river at Villa Carmen.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – An austral migrant that we saw best, perhaps, just as we were walking downslope from CotRL.
SMALL-BILLED ELAENIA (Elaenia parvirostris) – At the same place as the last, also an austral migrant.
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – A big elaenia we saw at Villa Carmen, and again in the open country around Patria.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – The common high-elevation elaenia.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – A regular member of flocks in middle and higher elevations.
This was a good tour for tinamous! We saw three species, and heard only another three. This Cinereous Tinamou was the “big tinamou on the block” at the feeders at Villa Carmen, bullying the other species there. Photo by participant Becky Hansen.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – Seen in several flocks around CotRL and Villa Carmen.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – A pair on the Atalaya Ridge at dusk was upstaged by another pair on the upslope towards CotRL the next day.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (ALBIDIVENTRIS) (Leptopogon superciliaris albidiventer) – A common flock member at CotRL. Strangely, the local form of Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant seems to mimic this one.
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – It took some work, but eventually everyone had a good look at this Peruvian endemic at the falls below Pillahuata. [E]
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – A great view, at least for some, of this uncommon and seldom seen species in the mega-flock near Rocotal!
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – A pair were in a flock above CotRL and showed very well!
CINNAMON-FACED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes parkeri) – A relatively recently-described species (1997) named to honor ornithological superstar Ted Parker. We had fine views of this lovely tyrannulet on the road below CotRL.
BOLIVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius bolivianus) – Several tyrannulets are named for South American countries. This is Bolivia's. It don't look like much.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A really snazzy flycatcher that showed well at Quita Calzon.
RINGED ANTPIPIT (Corythopis torquatus) – This Ovenbird-like flycatcher walks on the ground, and can be a real devil to see. I think most folks got great views though!
Participant Dorothy Paul got a photo of our group as we birded on foot along the Kosñipata Highway.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – Tiny ball of feathers way up in the subcanopy at Villa Carmen.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Commonly heard around CotRL, but eventually saw one or two.
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus) – After a couple of poor views, one bird sat right in front of us in the bamboo at Villa Carmen and showed off its brilliant self to all!
JOHANNES'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus iohannis) – A bird along the road on the Atalaya Ridge showed well, but was downstaged by that friendly peccary.
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis pyrrhops) – A bird in the cloudforest above Wayqecha showed for some.
WHITE-CHEEKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus albifacies) – A real specialty of Guadua bamboo forest; we enjoyed watching a pair thanks to Jhonathan's persistence in nailing them down!
OCHRE-FACED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus plumbeiceps) – A pair showed at the Mirador above La Union, looking flushed in the face... probably because of their flatulent calls.
BLACK-BACKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus pulchellus) – A glorious bird that turned out to be pretty easy at the cabins of Villa Carmen! [E]
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Common along cliffs in the humid Andes.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher) – Pretty good looking, as small tyrants go. And, after missing them for over a decade, I was pleased to see them again by the waterfall below Pillahuata.
Golden-collared Tanager was one of the favorite birds of the trip, and it’s easy to see why. What a beauty! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
UNADORNED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus inornatus) – A bird that lives up to its name. Nevertheless, it's a rare one, and so it was good to see as well as we did!
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – Regular in the open country around Patria. There was a joke in there...
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Seen along rocky streams at several points.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Two seen, one at Villa Carmen, and another near Patria. These are the nominate form, which is an austral migrant, only wintering in Peru.
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – One bird was along a recent landslide below CotRL.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – Distant views in that agricultural flat on the drive from Urubamba to Paucartambo.
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) – One in the fog above Wayqecha.
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (KALINOWSKI'S) (Ochthoeca frontalis spodionota) – A fine bird took some coaxing to come out, but eventually showed well near treeline our last full day of birding.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris thoracica) – Man, I've never had to work so hard for these! But eventually, we enjoyed their little white headlights with good views.
The Peruvian Recurvebill is generally a real skulker, staying in the bamboo thickets it prefers, but this one decided to take a trip into the nearby swamp where we were able to get great views of this unusual bird. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – Common in openings down at the lowest elevations.
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) – A bird showed well in the palm swamp by the recurvebill.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – This was the high elevation form atriceps that was present in flocks around Pillahuata.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – At lower elevations.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – A species that likes to perch at the very apeces of trees in the middle-elevations.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – These were the southern form solitarius, which may well be split off as a separate species in the foreseeable future.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Named such for taking over oropendola and cacique nests for its own. A singing bird was in the crown of a tree by the dining hall at Villa Carmen our last morning.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BAND-TAILED FRUITEATER (Pipreola intermedia) – This and the next were seen around the tunnels below Wayqecha. Fine lookin' birds!
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – The red isn't so obvious, but once you see it, the name fits.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – A bit frustrating given the management of the lek blind, but thankfully, two males showed well and even performed a little in the presence of a female on the road once we left the blind!
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A little whistled coaxing brought in an entertaining pair overhead as we walked in the bamboo of Villa Carmen.
Pipridae (Manakins)
YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana) – From the road, these are hard to see, but on the interior trail at CotRL, we saw several well.
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda) [*]
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – Mostly females were visible around CotRL.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
VARZEA SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis major) – Fleeting views of a bird along the river at Villa Carmen. A bit odd of a place for it!
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
Here is guide Dan Lane checking a valley for any mist birds we needed to clean up. Photo by participant Dorothy Paul.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – A male seen at Villa Carmen in the midst of the flock by the river.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Common in flocks around Pillahuata.
CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi) – The austral migrant "mirror-image" species to our Red-eyed Vireo (and until recently considered that species). A few were in flocks at various sites.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus cyanolaema) – Eventually we had amazing looks at this lovely jay.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – A pair came into view around the Cock-of-the-Rock lek.
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas) – Easily seen at the feeders at Villa Carmen, but local in Peru.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – Fairly common at Villa Carmen and the Atalaya Ridge.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – A few perched on rocks in the river at the Pilcopata bridge.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
This Blue-banded Toucanet is one of the "green toucanets" that are largely found in the mountains of tropical America. This individual was one of a pair that seemed completely unconcerned about us watching it as it foraged downslope along the road. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – This one was a bit frustrating... actually perching *too close* to us for a clear view. Nevertheless, I think many folks got a pretty good view as it sat just below our feet in the edge thicket along the road.
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – Like a Black-and-white Warbler in behavior, searching under mossy limbs for insects. We saw this best among the flock at CotRL on our afternoon walk on the trails.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – Like a Winter Wren with a bold eyebrow.
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) – A couple of pairs showed well in the tussock grasses above treeline on the Tres Cruces road.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – A neck-cracker in the trees over the bamboo at Villa Carmen.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis) – After hearing many, we finally saw a pair zip around in the bamboo beside the road at the Atalaya Ridge.
FULVOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia fulva) – A two family groups showed fairly well in the bamboo along the road at higher elevations.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Luckily, we saw a pair with minimal effort... and heard many more!
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN (Cyphorhinus thoracicus) – Lovely tunes around CotRL, but a devil to see! [*]
This adult Yellow-billed Teal led its train of tealings between ponds as we worked along the Tres Cruces road. Amazing that none got lost in the tussock grasses along the way! Photo by participant Bill Byers.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Heard fairly frequently, and at least two seen.
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) – What a lovely bird, both to the eye and the ear... not a common combination! It circled those of us who walked the trail at CotRL.
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – Heard on many occasions, but one or two may have caught a brief glimpse of the one perched near the quetzal as we drove from Wayqecha to CotRL.
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – The common thrush in the lowlands.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common (and BIG!) around Wayqecha.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Usually a thrush of dry Andean environments, they seem to have colonized the length of the road down to CotRL and beyond.
ANDEAN SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) – Surprisingly common this year around CotRL. It is a migrant from Bolivia and Argentina.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – A montane euphonia with a green-plumaged male.
Participant Daphne Gemmill got a nice image of one of the Brown Capuchins that were so fun to watch at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – Common.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – The only siskin we saw well.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavigularis) – Common in flocks around CotRL.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – Congrats to Daphne! This was her 8000th species! Quite an impressive accomplishment, and nice to have a humble bird such as this to push you over that threshold!
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (SOUTHERN PERU) (Chlorospingus flavopectus peruvianus) – Formerly called "Bush-Tanagers", the chlorospinguses (chlorospingi?) are now known to be New World Sparrows! This species is likely to be split up 10+ ways soon. Stay tuned!
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – A pair owned the road in front of CotRL, but we saw others lower down in more typical habitat.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Common at higher elevations, but mostly missing below about Wayqecha.
BLACK-FACED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes melanolaemus) – Formerly part of the Rufous-naped Brushfinch complex, this is now the form found from here into Westernmost Bolivia.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (CHAPMAN'S) (Amblycercus holosericeus australis) – Sneaky, but briefly drawn out for a quick look in the Chusquea bamboo at Pillahuata.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – The most common oropendola around.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – The highest elevation of the oropendolas on the road.
Another tanager on the list was this Grass-green Tanager; while it’s not as multi-colored as some of the others, it has such an interesting color combination! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) – A pair of these showed briefly at Villa Carmen.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Accomplished mimics and quite entertaining. Too bad they are "common" and so underappreciated!
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (BOLIVIAN) (Cacicus chrysonotus chrysonotus) – Eventually, we saw this interesting high elevation blackbird quite well!
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – A fairly common warbler of mid-elevation forest.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata) – Common in higher elevation forest.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – A bird along the road on our second visit to the Atalaya Ridge allowed for mediocre views from the van.
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata) – The common warbler voice heard around CotRL.
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (GOLDEN-BELLIED) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chrysogaster) – Nearly identical to the last, this one is found lower down the slope, and is not associated with bamboo.
In addition to birds, the Manu region is known for the abundance of butterfly species. Participant Charlotte Byers got this lovely image of one of the clearwing species found in the area.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – The redstart of lower elevations.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – The redstart of higher elevations.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – Like a Scarlet Tanager with wingbars. We enjoyed this right around CotRL on a few occasions.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Not related to our Northern Cardinal, but actually a tanager (to balance our "tanagers" in North America, which are actually cardinals!).
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
SLATY TANAGER (Creurgops dentatus) – We first saw a male in a flock (thanks Charlotte!), and then spied a few females in other flocks the following day.
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (WHITE-BROWED) (Kleinothraupis atropileus auricularis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Sphenopsis melanotis berlepschi)
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – Warblerlike with a rufous crown.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (URUBAMBAE) (Thlypopsis superciliaris urubambae)
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops) – A great name, but not descriptive of the female, which was what we saw above CotRL.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – Easier to see than the crest is the rufous belly. A couple of fine pairs below CotRL.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana) – Huge, somewhat jaylike tanagers of the higher cloudforest.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – A really colorful tanager that could be gaudy or attractive, depending on your mood.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (FIRE-BELLIED) (Anisognathus igniventris igniventris) – This sharp-looking tanager was always appreciated in the higher elevation flocks.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (BOLIVIAN) (Anisognathus somptuosus flavinucha) – A bird showed briefly on the road just above CotRL.
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) – Nice! A rare bird, and this is the southernmost locality for it! We saw one briefly near Pillahuata.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia castaneoventris) – A few showed well in flocks around Pillahuata.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TANAGER (Iridosornis jelskii) – Seen well the day we drove back to Cusco. One of the favorites of the trip!
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – In the Handsome Flycatcher flock.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis)
Here’s our group, looking happy and contented in the midst of the wonderful Peruvian countryside. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – A gorgeous bottle-green tanager with orange and purple highlights that we spotted in flocks around CotRL.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (RUSTY-NAPED) (Tangara ruficervix inca) – This is the Indigo Bunting-like tanager with the rufous nape spot.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Common around the CotRL, it has an all-blue hood.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (SPOT-BELLIED) (Tangara vassorii atrocoerulea)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Not turquoise, nor from Mexico (see scientific name), but cobalt with a yellow belly.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Not in Chile (despite its scientific name!), but certainly a paradisaical color combo!
This Solitary Eagle was not dismayed by our curiosity; in fact, it hung around and seemed as interested in us as we were in it! Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – Coming to the feeders at CotRL.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala lamprotis)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – Living molten metal!
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum) – A bird showed well in the crown of a tree as we drove from Villa Carmen back upslope.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor cyaneum)
CAPPED CONEBILL (BLUE-CAPPED) (Conirostrum albifrons sordidum)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – Seen our first two days at higher elevations.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (ALBILINEA) (Diglossa mystacalis albilinea) – A treeline species with a pleasant song.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – That glaring yellow eye is captivating!
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Wow, a great view of a young bird that stuck around us near Wayqecha, followed by a brief view of an adult a couple of days later.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
DOUBLE-COLLARED SEEDEATER (Sporophila caerulescens) – First females, presumably of this species, moved along the roadside, but eventually a nice male showed at the recurvebill bamboo/palm spot.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Charlotte spotted this seedeater at the guard house at Acjanaco.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis) – Dead on road.
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) [*]
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella) – The troop at CotRL was entertaining! Some folks consider this "Large-headed Capuchin"... monkeying around with the taxonomy...
COMMON WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix lagotricha) – Wow! A small group crossing the road just over our van one afternoon allowed for amazing views!
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus) – The common squirrel at CotRL.
SOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus spadiceus) – Some folks saw this large squirrel at CotRL.
AGOUTI SP. (Dasyprocta kalinowskii) – I've been informed by iNaturalist that this is the species of agouti at CotRL!
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – This was the agouti at Villa Carmen.
AMAZON BAMBOO RAT (Dactylomys dactylinus) – Heard by a few folks at Villa Carmen at night.
CULPEO FOX (Lycalopex culpaeus) – Several of us enjoyed a rather bold fox as we walked up to the road above Wayqecha.
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – Many folks saw this large weasel at the feeders at CotRL.
WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY (Tayassu pecari) – OK, this wasn't wild, but it was memorable! That one hopeful pig that joined us as we walked the road on the Atalaya Ridge, apparently having decided we were its "pack"!
Herps
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin) – Around Villa Carmen
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 388 bird taxa and 12 mammal taxa