A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Mountains of Manu, Peru I 2022
August 2-13, 2022 with Dan Lane & local guide guiding
It was great to get back into the Manu area after three years away! It is one of the most biodiverse spots for terrestrial organisms on the planet, and there are always surprises yet to be uncovered. The area has over a thousand species of birds recorded… and we encountered over four hundred species over the course of ten days. That’s about as many bird species as regularly occur in Europe in a year! It’s hard to process that kind of diversity, but once we start thinking about the packing of habitats and the effects of elevation, we can start to understand how so many species can coexist in such a small area. Some of the species on our list were from the drier, rainshadow side of the Andes—closer to Cusco city—and so its easy to see how rainfall and the arid vegetation types there differ from those on the humid slope of the Andes. But even restricting ourselves to the humid slope, the transitions from puna grassland and jalca (treeline bunchgrass and shrub mix) though elfin forest, temperate, subtropical, and tropical cloudforests, and then tropical lowland forests, we see just how much vegetational variability is present in the region. Add to this the microhabitats such as damp canyons, drier slopes, patches of Chusquea and Guadua bamboos, and others, and you can see that the diversity of habitats is immense here! And since these habitats have likely remained relatively stable for perhaps millions of years, you can see how species can arise to specialize on very defined resources, unlike in the temperate zone where glacial cycles have kept habitats in flux for much of recent geologic history. That explains the relative lack of similar specialization in our own regions.
That’s a brief explanation of how the diversity that characterizes Manu has come to be, so now let’s review some of what we actually encountered! Our tour began with a trip to the wetlands of Huacarpay Lakes, which are surrounded by arid temperate scrub. After a brief visit here, we headed over the drier slopes of the Andes to the divide between the watersheds of the Rio Paucartambo (which flows into the Urubamba and thence into the Ucayali, running north to the Amazon where Peru, Colombia, and Brazil meet) and the Rio Alto Madre de Dios, (which flows into the Madeira and eventually reaches the Amazon downstream of Manaus, Brazil). Two drops of water that fall on opposite sides of this divide will take a minimum of about 6000 km to reunite where the Madeira and the Amazon merge! The pass where we first touched Manu National Park is called Acjonaco, and this was where we first stepped onto the humid slope of the Andes. From Acjonaco, we descended to our lodge at Wayqecha, in the temperate cloudforest, and spent our first night and the following morning birding this area. We descended down the road, crossing through two tunnels to reach an area called “Pillahuata” where a series of switchbacks brought us down to the subtropical zone (roughly indicated by the presence of the distinctive Cecropia trees) where we had lunch by the waterfall at Pacchayoc. Departing that site, we wove along the mountain slope to Rocotal, where the active roadworking became a hold-up that dictated how we planned our days in these elevations. Eventually, we passed this spot and reached the Mirador that looks over La Union (where several small rivers join to form the Rio Kosñipata which is the main valley the road follows from here) and then the spot called San Pedro, where the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (CotRL for short) resides. This was our base of operation for several days. After working the middle elevations, we continued downslope past Tanager Corner to the 1000 Meter Bridge (also known as “Quita Calzon”) and shortly thereafter reached the first community of Chontachaca, then Patria, and finally Pillcopata. Just beside the last was our lowest lodge: Villa Carmen. Across the Pillcopata bridge is another area we visited on a couple of occasions called the Atalaya Ridge, and here we took advantage of two recently-established hummingbird gardens called Jardin Pica de Hoz and Jardin Inkamazonia, as well as the Atalaya Mirador where we could view the Alto Madre de Dios river far below. Then we returned the way we came our last days and arrived in Cusco, where the sounds of traffic and people replaced the pulsing of crickets and frogs. Not sure it was a fair exchange…
And were there birds!? Yer durned tootin’! We encountered about 415 species on the course of the tour, which is no small thing! They ranged from the large, fancy Military, Red-and-green, and Blue-headed macaws, to the tiny Fiery-capped and the local Cerulean-capped manakins and the Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant--often touted as the smallest passerine in the world! We visited several hummingbird feeding spots where we gawked at the incredible diversity of hummers ranging from the spectacular Rufous-crested Coquette to the bold Gray-breasted Sabrewing. Wire-crested Thorntails and Peruvian Piedtails had their names challenged by the likes of Shining Sunbeams and Amethyst-throated Sunangels. In addition to the iridescence of these gems, other colors were supplied by the range of tanagers we encountered, including the stunning Grass-green Tanager, the bold Paradise Tanager, the ingot glow of Golden Tanager, and the strangely familiar-looking White-winged Tanager (which is actually a cardinal). Cotingas also were on display, with the rare and exotic Chestnut-crested Cotinga and the more retiring Barred Fruiteater both being favorites among the group. Crested Quetzal was high on Karen’s list of sightings, and with that ruby-red eye, how is it possible it couldn’t be? Woodpeckers are not slouches in the color department, but the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker is particularly outrageous with its selection of colors… yet as it feeds among red bromeliads in the higher cloudforest it nevertheless manages to blend in! But it certainly wasn’t all about color; we also enjoyed the species that were not so gaudy such as the Amazonian and Red-and-white antpittas which posed well for us. Tyrant flycatchers also featured in our favorite memories with two rare species particularly coming to mind: the austral migrant Tropical Pewee (much like our wood-pewees from North America) and the local Buff-banded Tyrannulet, which has been only recently confirmed in the area! Finally, a decidedly “brown bird” in the form of Hauxwell’s Thrush, a species that must know it doesn’t compete on the level with tanagers and the like, and so usually plays hard to get, slipped up and showed well for us, winning a spot on Bill’s Top Three list! These are but a taste of the great birds we enjoyed on the tour… see below for the rest.
So as always, it was a great pleasure to share this area with you all, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. The memories will last a lifetime, and I hope we can make more in the future on another tour. Until then, keep them binoculars at hand and Good Birding!
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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HOODED TINAMOU (Nothocercus nigrocapillus) [*]
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
BROWN TINAMOU (BROWN) (Crypturellus obsoletus traylori) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus)
The two tinamous we saw as we walked to the antpitta viewing spot on the Atalaya Ridge.
BLACK-CAPPED TINAMOU (Crypturellus atrocapillus)
Kalan and Holger got on this small tinamou in the bamboo at Villa Carmen.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
CRESTED DUCK (Lophonetta specularioides)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata)
Bill got us on a fine female just below CotRL!
PUNA TEAL (Spatula puna)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
Like the next with with concolor brown plumage.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (OXYPTERA) (Anas flavirostris oxyptera)
This one's head is darker than the body. Amazingly, it is closely related to Green-winged Teal!
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
Many fairly tame birds along the roadside in the mountains.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
Nice views around Villa Carmen.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
Seen around the clearing at Villa Carmen.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
STARRED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus stellatus) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland)
A couple of birds at Huacarpay Lakes eventually showed.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BARE-FACED GROUND DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae)
At Huacarpay Lakes.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
PAVONINE CUCKOO (Dromococcyx pavoninus) [*]
Drat, heard only!
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus) [a]
A surprise visitor in an edge patch near Villa Carmen.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata)
Nice flight views of this extravagant species in the shrub forest near Wayqecha.
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
A nice day-roosting bird was at a spot Juanjo knew on the Atalaya Ridge.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
Along with the next species, this one formed large flocks in the mountains.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Huge flocks on several days of the tour.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Guide Bret Whitney was the first to discover that this (and other palm swifts) feather their nests by pulling feathers from the backs of flyby birds like the Blue-headed Parrot we watch get chased.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus leucurus)
Nice views of a perching bird at Jardin Inkamazonia. Often hard to see well.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) [E]
Very buffy compared to the other large hermits.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
WHITE-BROWED HERMIT (Phaethornis stuarti)
A rare and local species we saw well at Jardin Inkamazonia.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae)
Until recently, a very hard species to get in the area, where we are at the southern extreme of its distribution, but with the hummingbird gardens here, it is much easier now.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
Until recently called Green Violetear, but that species has been split into two (the other is now Mexican Violetear).
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
A high elevation species we saw around Wayqecha. The broad collar and "stick the landing" pose upon alighting were good fieldmarks.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii)
After a close female at CotRL, we had two males feeding in Inga trees along the road.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei)
A few were at Jardin Inkamazonia.
PERUVIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus harterti) [E]
This retiring foothill species has become easy to see at CotRL.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
A female above the Rocotal roadworks.
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps)
After working hard for views, these became a bit easier once we took the pressure off. That super rufous-breasted hummer that perched beside the Chestnut-crested Cotinga was a female of this species (I determined this after reviewing our specimen holdings at LSU).
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SMARAGDINICOLLIS) (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
Common around Wayqecha.
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa)
We had a couple of views of this buff-collared form below the tunnels.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer)
Fleeting glimpses at higher elevations.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (ANNA'S) (Ocreatus underwoodii annae)
Mostly females at CotRL.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
Nice views at Pico de Hoz.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
A couple came in to the feeders at CotRL.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
The largest of the lowland species.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)
Mostly at CotRL.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Chionomesa lactea)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)
One of the world's mystery birds... no one is sure what it is related to! We got to see parents with their chicks at Pico de Hoz.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
A remarkably easy rail to see, we had several at Huacarpay Lakes.
UNIFORM CRAKE (Amaurolimnas concolor) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
Showed well at Villa Carmen.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
A couple at the ponds at Villa Carmen proved to be willing to feed on banana at the feeders there!
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius)
A pair showed well at Pico de Hoz.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
PUNA SNIPE (Gallinago andina)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens)
A difficult bird on this route; one was perched on a gravel-bar on the Madre de Dios river.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias meridionalis)
Kalan got us on this very memorable bird. What's more, we saw the rarer foothill form with the bright orange bill and legs.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) [*]
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
Karen got her lifer along the Pillcopata bridge.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
A snazzy heron we enjoyed at the ponds of Villa Carmen.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi)
Several around Cusco were expected, but two down on the Madre de Dios river below the Atalaya Mirador were not so much.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
Seen in flight on a couple of occasions, when the downward angled wings provided a characteristic flight style.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori)
Wow, an active nest above La Union provided fine views of an adult one day.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
High-flying birds over Villa Carmen.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus)
A bird over Huacarpay Lakes was doing the usual harrier thing.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
Seen as we descended from Acjonaco the first day of the tour in the treeline habitat.
SOLITARY EAGLE (Buteogallus solitarius)
Seen on two days in the cloudforest, a large blackish hawk with a very short tail.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
Strigidae (Owls)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (AUSTRAL) (Megascops watsonii usta) [*]
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
A much-wanted lifer for Karen, and even in the rain it glowed!
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
This and the next two species were around Villa Carmen.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
The high elevation trogon of the Andes.
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis)
One of the easier motmots to see; we enjoyed fine views of it around CotRL.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus)
Kalan's sharp eyes got us this muted-colored gem on our bamboo walk at Villa Carmen.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Perhaps also called "Swallowing Puffbird". We had it in bare trees around the coca field at Atalaya Ridge.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni)
A pair showed well around the dining hall at Villa Carmen.
SCARLET-HOODED BARBET (Eubucco tucinkae)
A rare and fancy barbet we enjoyed at Villa Carmen.
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor)
Like its congeners above, this flashy barbet wowed us at CotRL.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta dimidiatus)
Mostly heard, but Kalan and perhaps others caught a glimpse of it the day we drove back upslope from Villa Carmen.
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus derbianus)
This one showed well below CotRL.
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis)
Apparently rather a tame species; we had some fine views.
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca)
Several great views of this striking toucan up by the tunnels.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
A common and widespread aracari of Amazonian 2nd growth.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RUFOUS-BREASTED PICULET (Picumnus rufiventris) [*]
FINE-BARRED PICULET (Picumnus subtilis)
A tiny woodpecker we saw around the cabins of Villa Carmen.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
A harlequin-patterned relative of Red-bellied and Acorn woodpeckers of North America.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
Not the most helpful name, this species is not any more little than a Hairy Woodpecker. Common in 2nd growth habitats.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
A much appreciated view of this attractive flicker at Pillahuata.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus)
Fine views of this large forest-falcon near Patria our last day in the lowlands.
BUCKLEY'S FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur buckleyi) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)
A pair of these screeching harpies showed our first day at Villa Carmen.
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus)
Juanjo got us great views of this attractive parrot at a stop just after passing the road construction at Rocotal.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
"Spots against the sky" was our experience with this higher elevation parrot.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
A pair of silhouettes flying away was about all we got of this Mauritius palm specialist.
BLUE-HEADED MACAW (Primolius couloni)
A specialty of the area; we had birds perched at two different stops as we drove back upslope from Villa Carmen! That pale eye on the dark face looks very villainous.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris)
Wow, an unexpected bonus was a pair that first called and later flew by at Tanager Corner! A much awaited lifer for Bill!
RED-AND-GREEN MACAW (Ara chloropterus)
A pair flew over the Atalaya Mirador.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
YELLOW-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis sharpei)
All right! This is a very scarce and local specialty that we managed to see our final morning at CotRL!
BAMBOO ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae)
A bamboo specialist, as the name would suggest, that we saw well in the afternoon walk at Villa Carmen.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
Good views of a pair below Pico de Hoz.
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus palliatus)
Those of us who returned early from the Villa Carmen bamboo walk had this one. Another was not so friendly but its territory was in the yard of CotRL.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
Nice views of this one near the White-bearded Manakin spot at Chontachaca the day we headed back upslope from Villa Carmen.
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor)
This was the antshrike we saw in the rain at La Union. It is the southernmost population known of the species.
BLUISH-SLATE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes schistogynus)
An upright-sitting antshrike that leads flocks in the lowlands.
ORNATE STIPPLETHROAT (WESTERN) (Epinecrophylla ornata meridionalis)
After being "gripped off" on a couple of occasions by Kalan, we finally all got views of this one as we headed back upslope from Villa Carmen.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda)
The streaky Black-and-white Warbler-like bird we saw at the Tanager Corner.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris)
A bird allowed scope views above the road near CotRL.
YELLOW-BREASTED WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis subflava collinsi)
One of several species split from the Warbling Antbird years ago, this one is the Guadua bamboo specialist in SW Amazonia.
MANU ANTBIRD (Cercomacra manu)
In the canopy of the Guadua bamboo at Villa Carmen.
WESTERN FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena maura)
Mostly up in the foothills.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) [*]
WHITE-LINED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus lophotes)
A Guadua bamboo specialist at Villa Carmen.
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax hemimelaena) [*]
GOELDI'S ANTBIRD (Akletos goeldii) [*]
BLACK-THROATED ANTBIRD (Myrmophylax atrothorax)
After being frustrating, a male hopped out onto the path near our cabins our first afternoon at Villa Carmen.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
SLATY GNATEATER (Conopophaga ardesiaca)
A drab understory species we evenutally saw fairly well along the road above CofRL.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera) [*]
SCALED ANTPITTA (REGULUS/CARMELITAE) (Grallaria guatimalensis regulus) [*]
RED-AND-WHITE ANTPITTA (Grallaria erythroleuca) [E]
After some searching, we had scope views of this attractive endemic antpitta.
URUBAMBA ANTPITTA (Grallaria occabambae)
Mostly heard in the treeline forest above Wayqecha.
AMAZONIAN ANTPITTA (Myrmothera berlepschi)
Why didn't Chico want to eat his worm?
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
A rather nondescript woodcreeper we saw on our bamboo walk at Villa Carmen.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) [*]
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
A large woodcreeper we saw well near the Pacchayok waterfall.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides)
Around Villa Carmen.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
This was a mixed flock member around CotRL.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
A bird around the ponds at Villa Carmen.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
A frustrating bird, but most folks got a view in one of our several encounters.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae)
Formerly part of Lineated Woodcreeper, we had this our first afternoon at Villa Carmen around the cabins.
SLENDER-BILLED XENOPS (Xenops tenuirostris)
Views in the canopy of a bare tree at the edge of the coca field on the Atalaya Ridge.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops)
The Marsh Wren (or Acrocephalus)-like reedbird we saw at Huacarpay Lakes.
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) [*]
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) [*]
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus)
Good views of this low elevation treehunter just below CotRL.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus)
A very exasperating species we only saw dashing by to playback at Villa Carmen.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus)
Similar to the last, but one eventually showed fairly well at Tanager Corner.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) [*]
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
A very handsome creeper-like species in mixed flocks of high elevation flocks.
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps)
A pair showed fairly well at Huacarpay Lakes.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri)
Good views of a bird at Wayqecha.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) [E]
Nice views of this endemic in the scrub around Huacarpay Lakes.
PLAIN SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga fusciceps)
The name suggests a comparison with spinetails. We had a very responsive pair near Villa Carmen.
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) [E]
We only heard it on the way down, but had great views of this endemic species as we headed back upslope to Cusco.
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) [E]
Nice! Often a bit tricky, but a pair showed with a minimum of effort just after lunch the day we passed back over Acjonaco on our way back to Cusco.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
In mixed flocks around CotRL.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis)
After hearing it around Villa Carmen, we had nice views at the Jardin Inkamazonia.
CABANIS'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cabanisi)
A few folks got glimpses of this Guadua bamboo specialist, mostly we heard it though.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
Living up to its reputation of being hard when you look for it, but easy when you're not (facepalm).
Pipridae (Manakins)
YUNGAS MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia boliviana)
Hey, not too often one gets scope views of this antsy manakin! Glad everyone got on it!
CERULEAN-CAPPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coeruleocapilla) [E]
Juanjo showed a fine male to a few lucky clients at the edge of the CotRL yard.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
Daniel, our driver, knew a spot with a lek of this handsome manakin near Chontachaca.
BAND-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra fasciicauda)
Some folks had a glimpse of a female.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus)
A bit of a stinker that didn't show for everyone, but a few folks had great views of this firecracker.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BAND-TAILED FRUITEATER (Pipreola intermedia)
Seen moments after the next species up on the Pillahuata switchbacks.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
One of the more popular cotingas we had on the tour, at the top of the Pillahuata switchbacks.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla)
Wow, a write-in species (it's that unpredictable on this route!) that we had on two days... and great views both times!
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus)
Some great views of this eye-catcher, including males displaying on the lek. A young male a few days later was a nice comparison.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
The rarest of the three tityras, so nice that we got it!
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra)
A very sharp-dressing tyrant we enjoyed at Huacarpay Lakes.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
Found in mixed flocks in higher elevation forests.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
Kalan and I got on this widespread Neotropical species.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (ALBIDIVENTER) (Leptopogon superciliaris albidiventer)
The southern form of this species complex, and due for a split soon. Common around CotRL.
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) [E]
Found in mixed flocks from about Rocotal up to the low end of the Pillahuata switchbacks.
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus)
I suspect this and Slaty-capped Flycatcher are a mimicry pair.
CINNAMON-FACED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes parkeri)
The scientific name of this tyrannulet honors Ted Parker, who was one of my heroes and reason for coming to LSU to study birds in Peru. We had one pass over the picnic table the day we headed back from Villa Carmen to CotRL.
HAZEL-FRONTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus simplex)
A rare foothill forest species we actually saw pretty well above CotRL.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
One of the smallest passerines in the world. Kalan managed to pick it out near Chontachaca.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
The mini-Harpy we saw along the road below CotRL.
FLAMMULATED PYGMY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus flammulatus)
In the Guadua bamboo at Villa Carmen, this one gave us quite nice views.
JOHANNES'S TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus iohannis)
A SW Amazonian specialty we saw on our bamboo hike at Villa Carmen.
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis pyrrhops)
High elevation forests near Wayqecha.
WHITE-CHEEKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus albifacies)
The folks who did the longer bamboo hike with Juanjo at Villa Carmen had this local specialty.
RUSTY-FRONTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus latirostris)
In the Guadua bamboo along the road near Chontachaca while we were chasing the next species.
BLACK-BACKED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus pulchellus) [E]
After a frustrating chase along the road near Chontachaca, we had great views by our cabins at Villa Carmen!
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
In the trees around the buildings of Villa Carmen.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
A very sporty tyrant with that yellow rump, rufous tail, and white headlights. We enjoyed it at the 1000 Meter Bridge.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher) [*]
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) [*]
BUFF-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus hellmayri)
All right! This species has been reported from Peru fewer than 10 times, and I've had it on the Manu Rd now at least 4 times! Whether it's an austral migrant from Argentina or a resident breeder has yet to be determined.
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
This and the next were regular members of high elevation mixed flocks.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
A cute tyrannulet that seemed to capture Karen's heart at Acjonaco just after lunch our first day.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
A Guadua bamboo specialist in this area, we had it at Villa Carmen and on the road heading back upslope the day we departed there.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
Nice views of this cute tyrannulet near Patria in the flat 2nd growth.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
The large elaenia with the "devil horns" we had around CotRL.
LARGE ELAENIA (Elaenia spectabilis) [a]
A bird across the coca field on the Atalaya Ridge.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
We had two forms, first the coastal form modesta at Huacarpay Lakes, and later what was likely chilensis on the humid slope. These may well be split someday down the line.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
Like the last but yellow-bellied.
BOLIVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius bolivianus)
A frugiverous tyrannulet we saw a couple of times from CotRL up to Pillahuata.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
Pretty common in second growth and bamboo around Villa Carmen and other lowland sites.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
Very Empidonax-like. We had good looks at Tanager Corner.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
TROPICAL PEWEE (TROPICAL) (Contopus cinereus pallescens) [a]
Perhaps the biggest surprise for me on the tour, this austral migrant was hanging out around our cabins at Villa Carmen... only my second time seeing this form in Peru!
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) [a]
Several of these austral migrants around Villa Carmen. This, the nominate subspecies, sounds quite different from North American and coastal Vermilions, but unfortunately, it doesn't look like a split is likely soon.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus)
A male on the wire at Pillahuata.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Syrtidicola fluviatilis)
A bird bouncing around on and off the road at Tanager Corner our last morning at CotRL.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex)
We had several of these thrush-like tyrants in that dry agricultural area on the drive from Huacarpay to Paucartambo.
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus rufipennis)
One on a rock in the same spot as the last species.
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
Several of these large tyrants around Wayqecha.
RUFOUS-BELLIED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fuscorufus)
Kalan briefly got us on one of these large tyrants near the tunnels.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris thoracica)
Usually along steep waterways and canyons in the mountains.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
Common in high elevation woodlands.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
A large chat-tyrant of treeline habitats.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
DUSKY-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon fuscicauda)
Those who did the long bamboo walk at Villa Carmen had this.
DULL-CAPPED ATTILA (Attila bolivianus) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)
At Tanager Corner, we scoped a small group across the valley.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
A montane member of the genus that we saw well by CotRL.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) [a]
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) [a]
I am convinced that this species may breed around CotRL area, as I have heard them dawn singing in October here before. Officially, it is considered an austral migrant.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) [a]
Juanjo got us on one of these nice migrants in the coca field of the Atalaya Ridge.
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
A Mauritius palm specialist we enjoyed near Patria, and a lifer for Bill!
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
The Andean replacement of Warbling Vireo.
CHIVI VIREO (MIGRATORY) (Vireo chivi chivi) [a]
The South American version of Red-eyed Vireo, these birds are austral migrants here.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus cyanolaema)
Nice views of this attractive high-elevation jay with an eerie electric voice.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) [*]
PURPLISH JAY (Cyanocorax cyanomelas)
Of the two jays in the lowlands, this is the more range-restricted within Peru, occurring only along the Madre de Dios drainage east into Bolivia and southern Brazil.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes)
The high elevation swallow we saw over the canopy of the forest by the tunnels.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii)
Nice views of this curious canopy wren at CotRL.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
One of the most versitile species in the Americas, found from southern Canada to Tierra del Fuego and from Amazonia to the puna.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
GRASS WREN (Cistothorus platensis)
In the bunchgrass of the Tres Cruces Rd.
MOUSTACHED WREN (Pheugopedius genibarbis)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
Yup, we heard it.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN (Cyphorhinus thoracicus) [*]
Heard at close quarters singing the Close Encounters theme.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (WHITE-CAPPED) (Cinclus leucocephalus leucocephalus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
Heard often, but most got a quick view at one point or another.
SPECKLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus maculatus)
Heard regularly from the dining room at CotRL, but only a few folks got good glimpses on our first attempt to see it.
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis)
Mediocre views of this attractive thrush at the Mirador above La Union.
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
Wow! Nice views of this usually-difficult species!
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)
An attractive thrush with an intense stare we saw and heard at the Mirador above La Union.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
Common and easy to see at Villa Carmen.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
Is it really all that great?
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)
The common thrush in high elevation drier habitats (like around Cusco city), but it does occur on the humid slope in 2nd growth patches.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
Kalan and I saw this lovely species in the fruiting melastomes around CotRL.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
One of the most widespread species of euphonias in South America, and found well up into the mountains.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
A montane species with a distinctive "telephone ring" call.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
More often found in drier environments than the next, and usually showing more wing markings.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
The common siskin in humid cloudforest. Drabber and plainer-winged than the last.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
This and the next species look rather similar, but this is the lower elevation species. Voice is pretty distinctive and is useful in separating them.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris)
Of the two look-alike chlorospingi, this is the higher elevation one.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (SOUTHERN PERU) (Chlorospingus flavopectus peruvianus)
A species that will almost certainly be split up into many, but for now it is widespread from Mexico to Argentina.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
PECTORAL SPARROW (Arremon taciturnus)
A hard one to see, but a few folks had glimpses around Villa Carmen and Atalaya Ridge.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
BLACK-FACED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes melanolaemus)
Surprisingly wide elevational range, from near treeline to just below CotRL. Formerly part of "Rufous-naped Brushfinch" which has been split into various species.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
The most common oropendola of the tour.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens)
This is a montane oropendola we saw from around the 1000 Meter Bridge up to nearly Pillahuata.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (BOLIVIAN) (Cacicus chrysonotus chrysonotus)
A small group showed well for us above Wayqecha.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
Kalan got us on this crow-sized blackbird along the edge of the feeder stream by the Rio Pillcopata.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
Common around CotRL.
PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Myiothlypis signata)
A pair showed reasonably well in the Chusquea bamboo below the Pillahuata tunnels.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
Holger got a quick glimpse of this waterthrush-like lowland warbler.
TWO-BANDED WARBLER (Myiothlypis bivittata)
A loud denizen of the Guadua bamboo around CotRL.
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (GOLDEN-BELLIED) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chrysogaster)
Showed well at the 1000 Meter Bridge, but nearly identical to the last.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
A pair showed somewhat in the morning half-light at the road edge just below CotRL.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Common in flocks at higher elevations than the last.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
A stunning bird that looks like a Scarlet Tanager with wingbars.
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris)
A pair showed well at Pillahuata.
AMAZONIAN GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia rothschildii) [*]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
Regularly at the feeder at Villa Carmen.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
Well-named and attention-grabbing with its bold black-and-white plumage and size.
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps)
Warblerlike in shape and overall color.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (URUBAMBAE) (Thlypopsis superciliaris urubambae)
A pair in that last mixed flock by the Pillahuata tunnel showed well.
BLACK-GOGGLED TANAGER (Trichothraupis melanops)
Kalan and I had a female on the grounds of CotRL.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Loriotus rufiventer)
This was that handsome blackish tanager with the pale rufous belly we saw near the 1000 Meter Bridge.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
A pair around the ponds at Villa Carmen was a nice addition on our last morning there.
HOODED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Buthraupis montana)
A huge galumphing tanager that was common around Wayqecha.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
Took a couple of encounters before everyone saw this charming high-elevation tanager.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (FIRE-BELLIED) (Anisognathus igniventris igniventris)
A fine high-elevation tanager.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)
At the Mirador above La Union.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
A lovely member of one of the flocks we saw at Pillahuata.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Rauenia bonariensis)
Mostly up in the dry scrub around Huacarpay Lakes, but a couple were at Pillahuata.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea)
A handsome bottle-green tanager that is in mixed flocks around CotRL.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra)
Holger got us on the first one at the edge of a field at Villa Carmen.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (RUSTY-NAPED) (Chalcothraupis ruficervix inca)
Seen on a few occasions from CotRL upslope to the Pacchayok waterfall.
MASKED TANAGER (Stilpnia nigrocincta)
A pair was in the crown of a small tree at the Atalaya mirador.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia cyanicollis)
Widespread on this tour route.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (SPOT-BELLIED) (Tangara vassorii atrocoerulea)
The highest-elevation Tangara.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
Poorly named. Cobalt blue and yellow, this Tangara was around Villa Carmen.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
Well-named and not uncommon.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
A bit sneaky in mixed flocks, but most folks got on it somewhere below CotRL.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
A real charmer we enjoyed at close quarters at the feeders at CotRL.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala lamprotis)
Broad elevational range from CotRL up to nearly Pillahuata. The subspecies here has a nice orange blush to the face.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
A stonker of a Tangara that we enjoyed around CotRL.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
One male seemed to fly out of a nest hole on a roadbank by Tanager Corner.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)
Wow, good bird for this area! A fine male was in a flock above CotRL.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor cyaneum)
Member of high elevation mixed-species flocks. We had good views at that last flock by the Pillahuata tunnels.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
A bit like a female Black-throated Blue Warbler.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (ALBILINEA) (Diglossa mystacalis albilinea)
A handsome flowerpiercer found near treeline.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris)
Near treeline by Acjonaco.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
This was that neat blue flowerpiercer with the glaring yellow eye that we saw around CotRL and up to Rocotal.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
The blue flowerpiercer with a red eye that we saw at higher elevations.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus)
MOURNING SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina fruticeti)
A scoped bird at Huacarpay Lakes.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
Mostly females.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Asemospiza obscura)
A rare tanager-finch we encountered in the open country of Patria.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLUE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Until recently called Grayish Saltator. This was in the lowlands around Villa Carmen.
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
Dead on road
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
Around CotRL and Jardin Pico de Hoz.
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus) [*]
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) [*]
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
Best views were in the rain at Jardin Pico de Hoz.
COMMON WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix lagotricha)
A troop crossed the road above CotRL.
BLACK SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles paniscus) [*]
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
Karen and Bill had this by their cabin at Villa Carmen. The only native rabbit in South America.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) [I]
In the agricultural fields on the way to Paucartambo from Cusco
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)
MONTANE GUINEA PIG (Cavia tschudii)
A couple of these large tailless rodents were along the edges of the marsh at Huacarpay Lakes.
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata)
Somehow avoiding the attention of the tayras at CotRL.
BOLIVIAN BAMBOO RAT (Dactylomys boliviensis) [*]
MOUNTAIN COATI (Nasuella olivacea)
A couple of us spotted this long-tailed mammal as it crossed the switchbacks by Pillahuata.
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
What a show! Up to three or four individuals were robbing the fruit feeders at CotRL.
HERPS
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)
Not rare around Villa Carmen
CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina)
Around the dining hall at Villa Carmen
Totals for the tour: 416 bird taxa and 15 mammal taxa