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After seeing Coppery Metaltail and Russet-mantled Softtail on Abra Barro Negro, the group is surveying treeline habitats at 3400m and admiring the scenery of the upper Rio Utcubamba, wondering if there are any birds out there. There were! Read on! Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
We saw a few birds! A great variety of birds, matching the great variety of habitats that unfolded during a scenic transect of magnificent northern Peru.
We started the tour in the sandy Sechura Desert near Chiclayo with some endemics, including two endangered prizes: Peruvian Plantcutter and Rufous Flycatcher. Our first night in the north was at the Chaparri reserve (after, ahem, getting stuck, fortunately not an omen of problems to come), and the next morning brought a host of Tumbesian specialties at this tranquil spot. Among the highlights were Tumbes Tyrant, Hummingbird, and Sparrow, along with White-winged Guan, White-tailed Jay, White-headed Brushfinch, Peruvian Screech-Owl, Elegant Crescentchest, and Sulphur-throated Finch. We finished the day with a lovely walk on the beach, although our destination, the river mouth, was short on special birds.
The preserved woodland at Batan Grande (Bosque de Pomac) provided a welcome chance again to see Peruvian Plantcutter and Rufous Flycatcher, along with Coastal Miner, Cinereous Finch, the local Tumbes Swallow, and a great variety of arid country birds. Our next destination was the west slope of Porcuya (Porculla) Pass, where two visits increased our coverage of Tumbesian species, including Piura Chat-Tyrant, Henna-hooded and Rufous-necked foliage-gleaners, Plumbeous-backed Thrush, Bay-crowned Brushfinch, Gray-and-gold Warbler, and Black-cowled Saltator.
Crossing Porcuya Pass brought us into the drainage of the Rio Maranon, where we started with a full day out of Jaen. Dry conditions and a din of cicadas made some of this birding unpleasant, but we persevered, seeing Maranon Spinetail, Maranon Crescentchest (for a few), Necklaced “Chinchipe” Spinetail, Buff-bellied Tanager, and, at our breakfast spot in the desert the next morning, Little Inca-Finch.
Next up were the much wetter habitats of the eastern Cordillera, where we started at the feeders at Huembo, enjoyed multiple Marvelous Spatuletails repeatedly along with a nice variety of other hummingbirds (en route to something like 56 species of hummingbird for the tour) and our first Speckle-chested Piculet. After spending the night with a few hundred interesting paintings, it was on to the east slope, where our first transit of Abra Patricia brought many new birds, particularly including Johnson’s (Lulu’s) Tody-Flycatcher, Royal Sunangel, and Bar-winged Wood-Wren.
It was also the start to what was to be two more weeks of too much sun! Birding slowed to a crawl at times. We spent two pleasant nights at Waqanki, admiring the flora as well as the fauna. Our trip up the trail at Morro de Calzada was slow birding, but the base of the Morro was busy first thing, Waqanki’s feeders were active, and Fundo Gonzalez interesting, and we saw a variety of interesting birds, including Western Striolated-Puffbird, Amethyst Woodstar, Peruvian Warbling-Antbird, Mishana Tyrannulet, and courting Masked Ducks.
Returning to the east slope, we based at Owlet Lodge for four nights, a tranquil spot with great feeders. We tried for Long-whiskered Owlet twice, hearing it well and seeing it as a shape, but not getting a good look. Days were mostly sunny and often slow as a result, but one rainy morning did produce a great, large flock, and with patience at other times we built a sizeable list that included Barred Hawk, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Black-throated Brilliant, Versicolored Barbet, Speckle-chested Piculet, Rufous-vented Tapaculo, Inca Flycatcher, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Gray-mantled Wren, White-capped, Yellow-crested, Black-bellied, Vermilion, Yellow-scarfed, Yellow-throated, Orange-eared, and Golden-eared tanagers, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia. Particular mention is due the blind at Reserva Arena Blanca from which we watched Cinereous and Little (with a chick) tinamous, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, White-throated Quail-Dove, and Orange-billed Sparrow.
Then it was onwards, first up the lovely valley of the Rio Utcubamba (Peruvian Pigeon, Black-necked Woodpecker, the daytime response of the Koepcke’s Screech-Owls), then to the slopes of Abra Barro Negro above the Utcubamba. High elevation species included Coppery Metaltail and many other new hummingbirds, Russet-mantled Softtail, Baron’s Spinetail, Rusty-breasted Antpitta, yet more montane tanagers, and Moustached Flowerpiercer.
The scenery crossing the Maranon Valley was stupendous, and we had several new prizes along the way: Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Chestnut-backed Thornbird, Maranon Thrush, and Buff-bridled Inca-Finch. Working back from Celendin, we had the time to locate Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, White-winged Black-Tyrant, and Gray-winged Inca-Finch, along with more Black-necked Woodpeckers and Baron’s Spinetails. We had a successful day crossing the high pass to Cajamarca, finding Rufous (Cajamarca) Antpitta, Andean Hillstar, White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, Striated Earthcreeper, Tit-like Dacnis, Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch, and Rufous-eared Brushfinch. Finally, birding out of Cajamarca, we found Great Spinetail near San Marcos and Gray-bellied Comet along the Rio Chonta, in the process seeing a number of new highland birds for the first time or simply better, including Black Metaltail, Giant Hummingbird, Andean Swift, and Peruvian and Mourning sierra-finches.
Also included are a couple dozen species seen only in the Lima area. Everyone in the group did an informal pre-tour day south of Lima, so these are included here.
In addition to being a spectacular avifauna, it is a threatened one. As a rough count, we saw 2 Critically Endangered, 10 Endangered, 19 Vulnerable, and 22 Near Threatened species. This and other information is drawn from the publications of BirdLife International.
Travel in relative comfort was possible through the hard work of Cajamarca Travel. We were accompanied in the field by Miguel Angel Sr., Miguel Angel Jr., Marco, Warren, Alex, and Oscar, with Perla working behind the scenes with our Ruth.
Taxonomy follows Clements (Cornell) to the extent possible, but taxonomy these days is a shifting target. References are made to a few specific papers, and additional, more general sources include the South American Classification Committee (S.A.C.C.), Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW), and the International Ornithological Congress (I.O.C.). Meanwhile, the Birds of Peru (Schulenberg et al.) has made birding in this region a much simpler process and was a constant reference.
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – One of the many treats of Reserva Arena Blanca--good views from the blind of one coming for corn.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Seldom is a common brown bird with a gigantic range one of the highlights of a tour, but to see a Tinamou so well, repeatedly, including one male shepherding a chick (males do all the parental care), was amazing, thanks to the blind at Reserva Arena Blanca. (Tinamous are polygynandrous, meaning both sexes will have multiple mates.) And despite their abundance, this is a difficult bird to see otherwise, even for a Tinamou. Thank you, Norbil!
BROWN TINAMOU (CASTANEUS) (Crypturellus obsoletus castaneus) – Heard distantly below Garcia. [*]
TATAUPA TINAMOU (Crypturellus tataupa inops) – A nice chorus was heard in the dark while we were nightbirding near Tamborapa, but there was no subsequent dawn chorus in the dry conditions there. This subspecies is restricted to the dry pockets in this region of Peru (sounds similar to other populations).
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – Two were seen at Represa Tinajones near Chaparri. This species has expanded in rice-growing regions of northern Peru.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Seen in marshes near Lima and at Represa Tinajones; the resident, nominate subspecies.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Also near Lima and at Tinajones; a lovely bird at close range.
Masked Duck is seldom seen on this tour, and while it occurs throughout much of the hemisphere, it is seldom seen by any of us. Getting to watch courting birds near Moyobamba was a real treat. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – A bonus was our lengthy views of courting birds on a marshy pond near Moyobamba. Widespread, but local and uncommon, so always a pleasure to see.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Heard several times, and seen near Aguas Verdes.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Mary had good views of one near her cabin at Owlet Lodge, our only encounter.
WHITE-WINGED GUAN (Penelope albipennis) – As usual, the guans of Chaparri were in fine form, and we had repeated looks at this expanding population that is benefiting from the reserve's efforts to protect and augment. It is considered "Critically Endangered," with a population under 170 in the wild. [E]
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – One was heard distantly on the east slope below Garcia. It is considered "Near Threatened." [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – Near Lima: At the Pantanos de Villa.
GREAT GREBE (Podiceps major) – Superb views of one at close range, with others farther out on the Pantanos de Villa near Lima.
Spheniscidae (Penguins)
HUMBOLDT PENGUIN (Spheniscus humboldti) – We usually see them at Pucusana south of Lima, but our views this time were much better than average, especially the group that was diving in the clear water below us. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 32,000.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – We usually miss this species, so 35 at Represa Tinajones was a good count (with the vehicle stuck in the sand, we had time to count, didn't we?).
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
PERUVIAN BOOBY (Sula variegata) – We had nice views south of Lima, but the ocean there was abnormally dead, and we "only" saw dozens. More were offshore at Puerto Eten.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
RED-LEGGED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) – This lovely cormorant was seen repeatedly entering and leaving the clefts at Pucusana, where they are undoubtedly breeding. It is considered "Near Threatened."
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Hundreds at Tinajones, with more along the coast, and one on the Rio Utcubamba.
GUANAY CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) – Just a few at Pucusana.
Peruvian Pelicans gliding over the waves at Puerto Eten during our afternoon walk on the beach. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
PERUVIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus thagus) – Common along the coast, both at Pucusana and Puerto Eten; endemic to the Humboldt Current.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis peruvianus) – Heard in the marsh at Pantanos de Villa. [*]
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – With the benefit of an overcast day along the lower Rio Utcubamba, we spotted a half dozen or so, stopping for good views of one fishing in the river.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – A few: Pantanos de Villa, Represa Tinajones, and Puerto Eten.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Widespread in small numbers, including the rice fields.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – Ditto, also one in Cajamarca.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – A few along the coast.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Widespread but not ubiquitous, the numbers generally small and patchily distributed.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Several near Lima and at the Masked Duck site.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Near Lima: Pantanos de Villa.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – We usually see this species, but 350 +/- in flight over our Hillstar spot above Celendin was an order of magnitude more than we have seen before. A few more were seen the next day southeast of Cajamarca.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) – One in flight over the Pantanos de Villa was a rarity in the Lima area, although, per eBird, one has been around for a while.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – And on the next-to-last day, we missed it for the first time, easy to do in the highlands. In other words, common and widespread through most of the tour.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – We did not miss this species on any day. Numbers were generally lower than for Black Vulture, but just as widespread.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – One at Represa Tinajones (where we have often seen many more wintering birds when the water level was higher). [b]
Long-tailed Sylph was one of the many hummingbirds that frequented the flowers and feeders around Owlet Lodge. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – We had great views of one at Rafan, a brief one near Bagua Grande, and then one perched way high overhead on a utility wire above Balsas, a new and interesting site.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – This striking bird was seen several times on the east slope, maximum of a half dozen near Afluente.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – One near Afluente and several at Morro de Calzada.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – John saw one near Tamborapa.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) – A few were seen while we were driving through the coastal lowlands, and around ten were on the flats of nearly dry Represa Tinajones--good views.
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps) – We heard and then watched a pair circling over the forest above Afluente, one of the few sites in Peru where this species occurs. A pleasant surprise.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – A half dozen encounters, seen and heard. Note the monotypic genus: genetic studies have shown that this species does not belong in Buteo, and its original name has been resurrected.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – Several at the Pantanos de Villa, and several on the west slope of Abra Porcuya.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – An uncommon raptor we more often miss than see. John spotted one in flight near Abra Patricia; it landed, for telescope views, although distant ones. Note the genus: genetic studies have shown it to be the one extant relative of Harris's Hawk, rather than a Buteo.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – One of the "Red-backed" type was seen from a moving bus on the Sechura Desert near Rafan, and another was perched on a cactus at Batan Grande. We missed the "Puna" type on Abra Barro Negro.
This young Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle was tame (as young raptors sometimes are) along the Rio Chonta. Do you think it has raw chicken on its breath? One of the young ones we saw was carrying a chicken, a valuable commodity to a farmer or a hawk. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Over a dozen during the coarse of the tour, perhaps most memorably the immature in the gorge of the Rio Chonta that flew by, carrying a chicken!
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – We saw at least five wintering birds over the slopes of the Andes, including above Pedro Ruiz, near Afluente, and at Morro de Calzada. [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Carl-Axel spotted a light phase adult soaring near Afluente.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) – One of the species coming to the Reserva Arena Blanca corn feeder was this big rail, and we had great views from the blind, if you could take your eyes off the tinamous! And we could! Note that Gray-necked Wood-Rail has been split two ways, and this is the most widespread one, from Costa Rica to Argentina (a third split has been proposed from the mangroves of Brazil).
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) – This legendary skulker was heard several times in the deep grass near Moyobamba. [*]
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Our first was in the Pantanos de Villa near Lima, followed by good views of another in a marsh near Olmos.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Several were seen at a marshy pond near Moyobamba.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Common in the marshes with Lima, and a few were seen at diverse spots from Olmos to near Moyobamba, where two adults had four medium-sized young on 7 November. [N]
Northern Peru lacks the "Swiss Alps" calendar scenery of Central Peru or Chile, but there was much majestic scenery along our route, here over the upper Utcubamba from Abra Barro Negro. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Near Lima: Pantanos de Villa.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – One was seen from a moving bus near Moyobamba.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (BLACK-NECKED) (Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus) – Near Lima and at Puerto Eten.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus) – Our lovely walk on the beach at Puerto Eten included a couple dozen of this striking bird and their ringing cries.
BLACKISH OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ater) – Lima: Several on the rocky shores of Pucusana.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – About 75 were on the beach at Puerto Eten, including one still 3/4 in breeding plumage. [b]
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica) – One at Puerto Eten on 1 November was a scarce migrant at this location, a migrant still headed for the pampas of Argentina. [b]
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Just a few in the pastures between Celendin and Cajamarca, but some good views of them.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – Parents were with two young on the flats of Represa Tinajones on 31 October. [N]
SNOWY PLOVER (OCCIDENTALIS) (Charadrius nivosus occidentalis) – Some folks saw this resident population on the beach at Puerto Eten. It is considered "Near Threatened."
Andean Emeralds are not one of the "exotic" hummingbirds of Northern Peru, but present a simple beauty as captured in this portrait. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) – One briefly near Lima and about 10 at Puerto Eten/Rio Reque. [b]
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – Near Lima and at Puerto Eten. C. v. peruvianus, a resident population.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – For some from a moving bus in the Rio Mayo valley.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – Five on the beach at Puerto Eten. [b]
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – Near Lima and at Puerto Eten. [b]
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – John put a few in the telescope at Playa San Pedro near Lima. [b]
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – Impressively common on the beach at Puerto Eten, 600 as an estimate. [b]
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii) – A dozen were on the grassy flats of shrinking Represa Tinajones on 31 October. Most will end up wintering on alkaline lakes farther south, often high in the Andes. [b]
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) – Singles near Lima and at Tinajones. [b]
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla) – About 40 at Playa San Pedro near Lima, and a single at Puerto Eten. [b]
Chestnut-breasted Coronet was one of many hummingbirds enjoyed at Owlet Lodge's feeders. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri) – One at Puerto Eten. [b]
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) – A half dozen near Lima were still headed south to their wintering grounds, usually on alkaline lakes. [b]
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Several sightings, including a handful along the rushing Rio Utcubamba. [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – Heard at Represa Tinajones. [b*]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – About eight at Playa San Pedro near Lima. [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Singles were seen above Celendin, flying by our lunch spot, and by Derryn south of Cajamarca.
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – Seen near Lima, Represa Tinajones, and Puerto Eten.
FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) – Common near Lima (a couple thousand), but surprisingly absent at Puerto Eten. [b]
BELCHER'S GULL (Larus belcheri) – Playa San Pedro south of Lima. a.k.a. Band-tailed Gull; as split from Olrog's Gull of Argentina.
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus) – One near Lima and a couple dozen at Puerto Eten.
INCA TERN (Larosterna inca) – This distinctive and stunning bird was common on the cliffs at Pucusana. It is considered "Near Threatened."
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus) – A few were at Puerto Eten. [b]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Feral Pigeons were widespread in Northern Peru, always associated with human development. [I]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – A few were in the foothills; seen on two days at Aguas Verdes (bridge and town).
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – Common in the Andes, east and west. P. f. albilinea of the Andes.
PERUVIAN PIGEON (Patagioenas oenops) – We saw a half dozen along the middle Rio Utcubamba, and another on the slopes above Balsas (and we probably walked by some hidden in mango trees in Balsas). As with a half dozen other species, not a Peruvian endemic after being found where the Rio Chinchipe enters southern Ecuador. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 10,000.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
Some of the most beautiful birds in Northern Peru occur in the arid habitats, and two of them are illustrated in this list--Vermilion Flycatcher and Golden Grosbeak. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Heard a couple of times near Afluente. It is considered "Vulnerable." [*]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – Small numbers were in the Rio Mayo Valley.
ECUADORIAN GROUND-DOVE (Columbina buckleyi) – John spotted a pair on the ground near Bagua Grande, providing good views of a bird often missed or only seen in flight. We saw C. b. dorsti, endemic to the Maranon Valley. Ecuadorian is a split from Ruddy, occurring in the Tumbesian region.
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – Common in arid areas, with many close views, e.g. at Chaparri.
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Singing in the woodland near Tamborapa and at Waqanki. Birds were seen in flight several times, but no views of perched birds.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – This ground-dove prefers rocky slopes in arid areas. We had some good views on the slopes of the Maranon above Balsas.
From the Mirador near Garcia, Joan and Tom admiring the view of the ridges of the Alto Mayo valley. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Seen at close range at Chaparri, and this bird was a regular sight flushing up off the road or trail in front of us.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – Best views we have had on this tour! Two birds came to the corn feast below the blind at Reserva Arena Blanca, which is probably about the bottom of their elevational range.
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda) – This split from White-winged Dove was common on the Pacific slope at places like Chaparri and Batan Grande.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – The congener of Mourning Dove, Eared Doves are birds of dry areas on this route, and generally in small numbers.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – The ani of wetter (but disturbed) areas, seen in the lower Utcubamba Valley and the Rio Mayo Valley.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – The ani of drier habitats, seen on the Pacific slope and in the Maranon, overlapping with Smooth-billed in disturbed areas of the Utcubamba Valley.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – We eventually spotted a bird singing near Hacienda Limon, and had telescope views as it raised and lowered its crest.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – A familiar bird to this group, but still a fun one anywhere, anytime, on this tour in the foothills of the east slope.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – Tom had one at Jaen. A recent paper (Aliabadian et al., 2016 Biol J Linn Soc) proposes a three-way split of Barn Owl, one of them being "American Barn-Owl, T. furcata," as well as two species in the Old World.
Strigidae (Owls)
PERUVIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops roboratus) – We heard one very well at Chaparri, but could not spot it, but the next day Antero found one on a day roost (M. r. pacificus). We also heard this species near Tamborapa (M. r. roboratus).
KOEPCKE'S SCREECH-OWL (Megascops koepckeae) – It was an amusing and successful event, as Mr. Hypocrite (a.k.a. your guide) ended up, at the invitation of the property owners, using energetic playback to locate day-roosting birds that were not on their accustomed roost site. The screech-owls cackled back, and we tracked them down in a tall eucalyptus and had fine views of the pair. [E]
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) – We heard one and then another, worked at seeing it, with Tom finally having good looks, and others glimpsing it. The birds mobbing it were clearly having very good looks at it, but it was a challenge to spot in the cloud forest canopy. Most lists include birds in this area as "Andean," limiting "Yungas" to the Andes from southern Peru south, but this has been debated, and lists vary.
Peruvian Pygmy-Owls were commonly heard and regularly seen in arid areas along our route. This diurnal predator is frequently mobbed by some of the small birds of the area. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – A common species, frequently heard and periodically seen. We had some very good looks, and its calls are a useful way to locate small birds in arid areas on this route.
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) – We made two major efforts to see this species. On the first everything went according to plan, except the Owlet, which we had been hearing, did not choose any of the "recommended perches", was seen as shape flying right in front of us, and then only heard as it overshot to the higher slopes. And then it started to rain a little, and . . . . Our second attempt did not go well at another spot. We heard a few spontaneous calls at dusk and then nothing and nothing and nothing (at a spot that has worked before). It is considered "Endangered," with a population under 10,000. [E]
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – John spotted one near Lima.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) – Several were seen at dusk as we completed our journey into Chaparri.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – We heard a couple near Tamborapa as we tried to see other species. [*]
SCRUB NIGHTJAR (Nyctidromus anthonyi) – Carl-Axel heard one at Chaparri during the night and we all heard a couple, one of them very well, near Tamborapa, but failed to see a feather.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – The beautiful song was heard near Tamborapa, and we had a couple of views of one in flight.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – We had flocks on five occasions at widely scattered spots. A couple of times it was possible to make out chestnut collars.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Nice looks, but in relative terms we had few sightings and only of small numbers.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Seen several times, our best views being of birds with Chestnut-collared in the Utcubamba Valley.
The group looking for Royal Sunangel in the stunted forest near Garcia. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – John spotted a handful that were cruising along the cliffs above the Rio Chonta. The Cajamarca area is the northern extent of its range.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – A couple of sightings, first from the bus as we left Morro de Calzada, second at nearby Waqanki.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – This beauty was regular at lower elevation feeders: Waqanki and Reserva Arena Blanca.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Often just a streak in the forest, the new feeders at the Llanteria provided repeated good views.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – A hermit of middle elevations, we had one earning an honest living below Garcia, seen well as it slowly covered some flowers hanging above the road.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – One at Morro de Calzada. A split of Little Hermit.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – We saw a couple near Puente Aguas Verdes; one singing bird was very responsive to playback.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis porcullae) – We saw this larger, paler subspecies on the west side of Abra Porcuya on our afternoon trip to middle elevations (1400m).
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae) – We have seen this species a few times on this tour, usually just a single bird by chance, so having repeated good views of females and males at the Reserva Arena Blanca was a great added feature on the route.
Brown Violetear visited both the feeders and the planted flowers at Reserva Arena Blanca. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – Also at the Reserva Arena Blanca feeders; good views.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – A couple were at the Huembo feeders, with comparisons with Sparkling. Green Violetear has been split, with "Lesser" applied to birds from Costa Rica south.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Common at the Spatuletail feeders, in the garden at the Puerto Pumas, and Kenti Kafe. Also seen near Hacienda Limon, and at the base of the foothills (Reserva Arena Blanca, Waqanki).
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – George photographed one in flowers at Owlet Lodge and we saw several on the east side of Abra Barro Negro.
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola) – OK views, but fewer than on some trips; seen on the east side of Abra Barro Negro and at a feeder at Kenti Kafe. We are still not finding a consistent distinction of the proposed "Brilliant Sunangel" (Weller et al.) (largely not accepted as a valid species).
ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis) – Good looks took some patience, but the bird returned periodically, eventually perching in view--a male at Garcia, 1900m. It is considered "Endangered," with a population of under 10,000. Now known from SE Ecuador, so no longer an endemic.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – Your guide had been quite optimistic about Waqanki, but we were squashed there! Fortunately there was a female at Reserva Arena Blanca.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – Over the history of this tour, this specialty of foothill forest interior has either been missed or seen with luck at flowers on roadside banks. The new Llanteria feeders were a radical difference, with multiple birds visiting them at length. It is considered "Vulnerable."
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Small numbers at several spots, with our best views coming from the birds regularly visiting the feeders at Owlet Lodge.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – Fairly common on the east slope, starting at the Owlet Lodge feeders, with more at Fundo Alta Nieva and a few in the wild.
Gray-bellied Comet took some time to find this year, but one proved a regular visitor to these flowers, on which it fed by using the flowerpiercer holes at the base of the corolla. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
GRAY-BELLIED COMET (Taphrolesbia griseiventris) – Our best spot along the Rio Chonta near Cajamarca did not work, and we kept looking. Success came after Tom spotted one from the bus!!, and we staked out those flowers. It took a while, and we invested time in a return to get everyone good views. That bird was visiting flowerpiercer holes. It is considered "Endangered," with a population under 1,000. [E]
ANDEAN HILLSTAR (GREEN-HEADED) (Oreotrochilus estella stolzmanni) – We have done best with this species in wetter years, so it was a pleasant surprise to find multiples at our best spot west of Celendin. We never had a "killer view," but we did see several well, perched and in flight. Taxonomy has varied--this subspecies is split by HBW, for instance, but lumped by Clements and IOC.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – The trainbearers are an ID challenge, and we struggled with some. This species was identified above Celendin and at the Laguna Seca, and George photographed one at Kenti Kafe.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – We had more and better looks at this than Black-tailed on this trip. We saw them on Abra Porcuya, at Huembo, Kenti Kafe (male at close range), and along the Rio Chido.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – A widespread small hummingbird at upper elevations.
COPPERY METALTAIL (Metallura theresiae) – We only saw one, perhaps in part because we stopped looking, so good were our views of the first on Abra Barro Negro. Perched and in flight, and not going anywhere. [E]
BLACK METALTAIL (Metallura phoebe) – Our search for hummingbirds along the Rio Chonta had rewards beyond the Gray-bellied Comet, including this endemic. It is not all that showy, and the green gorget is hard to see well, but this very dark hummingbird is distinctive and different. [E]
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae) – We have normally had to find this hummingbird in the wild, which our first one was, but the feeders at Fundo Alta Nieva have changed this--multiple birds and good views.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline) – This scarce and local bird has consistently been a feature of the Owlet Lodge feeders, and was again. Many good views of its glittering underparts. We saw E. a. dybowskii.
Marvelous Spatuletail was among the many highlights of the tour, and was easily seen this year because several were regular visitors at the Huembo feeders. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) – Thanks to Santos' well-run feeders at Huembo, we saw five or more at the feeders, including multiple adult males, at least one female, and a young male. We took some time to enjoy them (and everything else). It is considered "Endangered," with a population under 1,000. [E]
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – This high-elevation hummingbird with a glittering rump was seen on Abra Barro Negro and on the high passes en route to Cajamarca.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Feeder studies at Huembo and Owlet Lodge, with a few more in the wild below Abra Patricia.
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) – This stunning bird is routine at the Owlet Lodge feeders, and was also seen daily in the wild below there.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – Uncommon on Abra Barro Negro, so it was good to have nice views of a couple there.
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris) – This striking hummer was seen on both visits to Abra Barro Negro and at Kenti Kafe.
Sword-billed Hummingbird, not on the most artistic substrate, but the reality is that most of our hummingbird photographs were taken around feeders! Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – An excellent trip for this species, starting with the pleasant presence of at least two at the feeders at Owlet Lodge and continuing with another at Kenti Kafe's feeders. We also saw two in the wild on Abra Barro Negro.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – We had good views of one (perhaps the same one) on both visits to Abra Barro Negro, and saw two more above Celendin.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – Common at middle elevations at Abra Patricia, Huembo, and above Leymebamba.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – A single female visited the Llanteria feeders and the species was numerous at the Fundo Alta Nieva feeders. We saw O. u. peruanus. A new article proposes splitting this into four species, with what we saw, shared with eastern Ecuador, becoming O. peruanus (Schuchmann et al. 20016 Zootaxa).
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii) – A male, seen twice hovering at forest edge near Puente Aguas Verdes, was a rare sighting of a scarce foothill species.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) – One of the less common species at the Owlet Lodge feeders, but seen by all.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – A good trip for this bird, a species of the forest interior that fortunately will visit feeders, at which we saw them at Huembo, the Llanteria, Reserva Arena Blanca, and Fundo Alta Nieva.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – Always great fun, such a large hummingbird with such slow wingbeats! We had multiple sightings along the Rio Chonta near Cajamarca.
Purple-collared Woodstar was one of several species of hummingbird that we watched bathing in the creek at Chaparri at dawn. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – Widespread in drier areas, and where those drier areas had had a little rain we did see a few males in breeding plumage (near Bagua Grande, above Hacienda Limon).
PERUVIAN SHEARTAIL (Thaumastura cora) – Rafan was again good for this species, with multiple birds and good views; a couple more were seen later in the trip. As usual at this time of year, males were in eclipse plumage, lacking a gorget but still having 'shear tails.'
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – At Abra Patricia, all the birds at the Owlet Lodge feeders were in female plumage, while those at the Fundo Alta Nieva feeders 400m lower were adult males. We also saw one male above Hacienda Limon.
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – A female at at the Kenti Kafe feeders was John's 200th species of hummingbird! It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 10,000. We often see it, but we are never sure where we will see it, which may be in part because it is probably migratory, or at least subject to seasonal movements.
SHORT-TAILED WOODSTAR (Myrmia micrura) – Small numbers of female-plumaged birds were seen at both Chaparri and Batan Grande (males in breeding plumage are unlikely at this time of year).
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – A perched male at Morro de Calzada provided lengthy-but-somewhat-distant telescope views.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – Tom saw this species at Waqanki, another was near Puente Aguas Verdes, and the best views for the group were at the Reserva Arena Blanca flowers by the feeders.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis) – Great views of this large-but-not-showy species at the Waqanki feeders.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Common around the base of the eastern foothills, regularly seen in the wild, and greatly enjoyed at feeders.
The view from Owlet Lodge, where many of these hummingbirds were seen so well. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – This foothill specialty is always a good find. Our first one was spotted by John near Puente Aguas Verdes, as usual perched up like an Olive-sided Flycatcher, and we then had much closer views at the Reserva Arena Blanca feeders.
TUMBES HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus baeri) – Not the most vivid hummingbird, but a regional specialty. We had good views at the hummingbird bathing spot in the creek at Chaparri. It is no longer an endemic, having just been found in extreme SW Ecuador.
SPOT-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus taczanowskii) – This bigger and just-as-dull relative of Tumbes is endemic, and it is common in drier habitats, mostly in the Maranon, although we first saw it on the Pacific side of Porcuya Pass, where it is at least seasonally present. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Good views in the drainage of the Rio Utcubamba: Huembo, the Puerto Pumas gardens, and Kenti Kafe.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amazilia) – Daily on the Pacific slope, also seen above San Marcos, one of few places where this species crosses to the Atlantic side of the continental divide.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae) – Widespread in the Maranon and Utcubamba drainages, with a few in the valley of the Rio Mayo.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea) – Most numerous at the Reserva Arena Blanca feeders, with one or two at Morro de Calzada and Waqanki.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Last and not least among the hummingbirds: One of many stunning hummingbirds on this tour! It dazzled us at Waqanki and Reserva Arena Blanca.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – Carl-Axel pointed out the distant voice of one below Garcia. [*]
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – Several were heard and seen briefly during our second Owlet try. Overall, not a good quetzal trip.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Morro de Calzada, where our best view was of the second one, which Tom spotted in a great place to view.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – One of our last birds at Morro de Calzada, right near the entrance station.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – We ended up with four birds audible at once at Morro de Calzada, with much vocal response to playback, but never did see one.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One was seen from the bus along an irrigation ditch near Represa Tinajones.
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) – Seen by part of the group on the Rio Aguas Verdes.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) – One was along the last stretch of flowing stream at Chaparri.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – We found a responsive bird at Morro de Calzada and had good looks.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – We had several encounters in the patchy woodland leading into Morro de Calzada.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) [*]
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) [*]
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor) – We heard none, but were fortunate to have good looks at a pair traveling with a mixed flock on the east slope. We saw E. v. steerii, split by a few as "Blue-cowled" Barbet.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus cyanolaemus) – Seen twice on the east slope, with a couple more heard. Toucanet taxonomy remains in flux, and personally I am not in favor of more splits, but if it happens, the birds here are of the "Black-throated" group.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Heard from the tinamou blind.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SPECKLE-CHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) – Our first of this endemic piculet was in the alders at Huembo, and we had another good view (in the telescope) with a small flock in forest below Garcia. It is considered "Endangered," with a population under 15,000. [E]
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Seen well in the lowlands.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus) – Twice in the W Andes, first on the west side of Abra Porcuya, then along the Rio Chonta. As a result of genetic studies Smoky-brown has been moved from Veniliornis to Picoides.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Seen twice above Afluente. This species has been colonizing upwards with disturbance to the forest.
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis callonotus) – Multiple sightings of this brightly-colored little woodpecker, first at Rafan, then at Chaparri and Batan Grande, and finally in the Maranon Valley near Tamborapa. It is a Tumbesian specialty.
BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps) – Carl-Axel got part of the group on one below Abra Barro Negro before it departed for thicker forest.
Cajamarca Travel provided some amazing meals in the midst of great birding country, here at 1600m below Abra Patricia. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – First seen in the dry woodland at Batan Grande, with more on several occasions in the wet forest of the east slope.
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – One responsive bird was enjoyed below Abra Barro Negro.
BLACK-NECKED WOODPECKER (Colaptes atricollis) – This endemic flicker was first seen in the Utcubamba Valley, and we had a close encounter on the slopes above Hacienda Limon. [E]
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Small groups of flickers were a regular sight in the puna and high-elevation pastures on Abra Barro Negro and the high ridges between Celendin and Cajamarca. A magnificent bird.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – George showed us a pair at Batan Grande and one was heard at Morro de Calzada.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – We saw one in disturbed forest above Afluente.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – One was seen at close range in flight at Morro de Calzada.
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Striking in black-and-white (well, the adults; the brown immatures are less compelling), we enjoyed them daily at the end of the tour on the high ridges on both sides of the Maranon.
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) – Daily in small numbers on the Pacific slope.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – One was seen in flight at Waqanki.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Numbers were small, but Kestrels were seen on most days. One strafing a Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle in the Utcubamba Valley presented a dramatic difference in a size.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – We had four our first day in the north, including a couple in the barren Sechura desert north of Rafan and a tundrius adult at Represa Tinajones, with one more over Abra Barro Negro. All are likely boreal migrants, but a few are resident in Peru.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – This small parakeet was seen several times in the Rio Mayo Valley, including several perched birds at the Masked Duck site.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – Two in flight near Afluente were seen briefly and not well.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Small numbers were seen in the foothills and the Rio Mayo Valley.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) – Only in small numbers this year, with up to four commuting over Abra Patricia most days, always high above us, i.e., scaly napes not to be seen!
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – Common at Chaparri, also at Rafan and as high as 1,400m on Abra Porcuya.
YELLOW-FACED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthops) – One of the more challenging birds on the tour, but it went well. We had been fishing for them, and fortunately John heard one after I had given up at that spot, and it proved quite responsive, flying closer several times. It is considered "Vulnerable," but stable, with a population under 1,000 birds. [E]
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara wagleri) – A couple were seen in flight in the Utcubamba Valley and then more were heard above our parrotlet spot. Splits have been proposed between the Venezuela/Colombia populations and those of Ecuador and Peru.
Gocta Waterfall, seen from a distance (as close as we got), is, including both parts, one of the 20 highest waterfalls in the world, or something like that (you know statistics). At the least an impressive sight. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus) – We saw them perched above Pedro Ruiz, had a pair in flight at close range below Garcia, and heard them around Leymebamba.
RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Psittacara erythrogenys) – We saw about ten in flight at Chaparri. This Tumbesian species is considered "Near Threatened."
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – First seen at Morro de Calzada, and a couple more flocks were seen on the Andean slope above Afluente and over Abra Patricia.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota) – John got some of us on one that was with our large flock below Garcia.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) – One male was heard and then seen in disturbed forest near Afluente.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus jaczewskii) – We had more trouble than normal with this species, eventually having brief views of a pair above Leymebamba.
CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae) – There were several sightings of males and females in the scrub below Abra Porcuya. This Tumbesian species is a split from Barred Antshrike.
White-bellied Woodstars were regular at several feeders that we visited, particularly including Owlet Lodge, and we were able to enjoy the bumblebee-like flight. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) [*]
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi) – Collared Antshrikes were fairly common at Chaparri, and more were seen the next day at Batan Grande.
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (SHUMBAE) (Thamnophilus bernardi shumbae) – This subspecies occurs in the Maranon Valley, where we saw them near Bagua Grande. Some have suggested splitting it, but the visual and vocal differences don't seem great?!
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (MARAON) (Thamnophilus punctatus leucogaster) – This was one of few species around Jaen that seemed energized despite the dry conditions. We heard many, and saw a couple of pairs. This isolated population (leucogaster) has been split and unsplit a couple of times, and is currently (along with the Huallaga subspecies) included with Northern.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens subandinus) – A pair at Owlet Lodge was nicely responsive; good views along the driveway! This population is at the northern end of the species' Andean range. The species is truly "variable," but splits are not expected.
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) [*]
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – We saw a furtive pair along the road at Puente Aguas Verdes.
EAST ANDEAN ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata) – This species was strangely quiet and/or scarce, and the only ones we heard were irritatingly unresponsive. This is a new name for Streak-headed Antbird, which was the new name for the most widespread part of the split of Long-tailed Antbird. [*]
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – We had good views of one responsive bird on Morro de Calzada. Warbling Antbird was split seven ways, and this one is the Napo region representative, occurring from Colombia to NE Peru.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens) [*]
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
MARAON CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia maranonica) – We ended up hearing at least three, but only one was seen, by George and perhaps one or two others north of Tamborapa. They simply were not very responsive. We tried several "known" spots but could not do better. Occurring also in SE Ecuador, it is no longer an endemic. It is considered "Near Threatened."
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans) – This was a more typical experience--not easy, but seen, first at Chaparri, and then on Abra Porcuya. This crescentchest occurs from Ecuador into NW Peru.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) – Over the course of our morning on Abra Porcuya, several were seen, close and well at times for most. Chestnut-crowned was also heard in the Utcubamba Valley and on Abra Barro Negro.
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) – Disappointing and frustrating--we had a very responsive bird near Owlet Lodge, and although we could see the vegetation move two meters away, not even a feather was seen. It is considered "Vulnerable." [E*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (CAJAMARCA) (Grallaria rufula cajamarcae) – Several were heard, and one was seen by those who made a climb up a little quebrada above Celendin. Rufous Antpitta has been the subject of a long-term review, and it is likely to be split into about eight species, of which this will be one. This population is restricted to a small area centered on where we were near Cajamarca.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (NORTH PERUVIAN) (Grallaria rufula obscura) – This flavor of Rufous Antpitta is also likely to be split; it occurs in central and northern Peru in the eastern cordillera. It was glimpsed by one or two, but essentially heard only on Abra Barro Negro, where it was a fairly common voice.
Sunrise through rising clouds on Abra Barro Negro, 3100m. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
CHESTNUT ANTPITTA (Grallaria blakei) – Two were heard behind Owlet Lodge, but were distant and they did not seem at all interested in responding. It is considered "Near Threatened." [E*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) – Heard by part of the group as we walked to breakfast at Reserva Arena Blanca. Feeding them is Norbil's next project! [*]
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) – Pretty much the same thing as with Chestnut--heard but they were not close or enthusiastic at Fundo Alta Nieva. [E*]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (LEIMEBAMBA) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus leymebambae) – A much happier story, as this small antpitta was very responsive on Abra Barro Negro, providing good views for all. This subspecies occurs from extreme southern Ecuador into Peru, and is likely to be split from the subspecies in Venezuela and Colombia.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PERUVIAN) (Scytalopus latrans intermedius) – We heard many on Abra Barro Negro, and had reasonable looks at a couple of skulkers. This population is endemic to Northern Peru, and is likely to be split on further review.
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) – We did well with this endemic, having quite good looks in the forest below Garcia; many more were heard. Prior to systematic work on tapaculos, "Rufous-vented" was a species occurring the length of the Andes. As subdivided, it is now a name used for a bird endemic to central and northern Peru. [E]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
COASTAL MINER (Geositta peruviana) – John found us our first, behind Pucusana south of Lima, and we had good views of two more at Batan Grande. [E]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – One at Morro de Calzada. was S. g. amazonus (splits are likely in this species; this subspecies is widespread in western Amazonia).
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – One at Morro de Calzada. We were hoping it signaled an antswarm, but couldn't find ants or other birds.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – One at Aguas Verdes.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus chunchotambo) – Two were with a mixed flock in the foothills. Ocellated is also likely to be split someday, so keep track of the subspecies.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – One was with our one large flock below Garcia.
Streak-headed Woodcreepers were enjoyed in the scattered native trees left in the dunes near Rafan, our first site for Peruvian Plantcutter and Rufous Flycatcher. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – Good views at Rafan and Batan Grande.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – One at the Puerto Pumas was apparently adapting to residential habitats; also seen at Abra Patricia.
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae) – Seen by part of the group; the pair was with a small flock near Aguas Verdes. This taxon is a split of Lineated Woodcreeper (Rodrigues et al. in HBW).
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – One was with our large flock below Garcia.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Seen below Abra Patricia. It was very responsive in the sense that it kept crossing the road, but not in terms of perching for long in the open.
Pale-legged Hornero (Pacific) is a common bird in arid areas, and serves as an alarm clock at Chaparri (although birders generally have to get up a little earlier!). Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – Common at Chaparri, with more elsewhere on the Pacific slope, and a few in the central Maranon near Chamaya and Bagua Grande. Some authors split this subspecies as Pacific Hornero.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Having seen them at Pantanos de Villa, we did not look at Puerto Eten.
STRIATED EARTHCREEPER (Geocerthia serrana) – We had a pair above Celendin, and then two more along the Rio Chonta, one working its way up the cliff face. Genetic studies have shown that it is not close to the other earthcreepers, and it has been moved to this monotypic genus. [E]
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris) – We saw several in the puna and pastures of Abra Gran Chimu (Comullca). Bar-winged Cinclodes was recently split into three species, of which this is the middle one (Chestnut-winged occurring north of Porcuya Pass).
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – Fairly common along the Rio Chonta, although most often seen in flight. We did get better looks on the second visit. This is the northern end of its long range.
SURF CINCLODES (Cinclodes taczanowskii) – Another Lima pre-tour bird: After Carl-Axel had seen one in flight along the shore at Pucusana, John found a cooperative one at the back of the cove by our restaurant. [E]
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – A couple were with the large flock below Garcia.
RUFOUS-NECKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla ruficollis) – A major skulker, we were fortunate to have a bird that perched in the relative open several times down the steep slope from us on Abra Porcuya. This Tumbesian ovenbird is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 7,000.
HENNA-HOODED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis erythrocephalus) – Another Tumbesian ovenbird that skulks, but we were less fortunate with the "in the open" part. However, it hung around in that thicket with so many other birds, and most were able to get a decent view on Abra Porcuya. Several more were heard. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 10,000.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – Two at Abra Patricia and about four on Abra Barro Negro.
RUSTY-CROWNED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura pileata cajabambae) – Unusually scarce and/or inconspicuous, but we gradually acquired views, first east of Celendin, then progressively better and better above Cajamarca along the Rio Chonta. This subspecies, with a streaked crown, has been suggested (e.g., Ridgely & Tudor) as a potential split, but seems quite similar to the nominate to me. [E]
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (RUFOUS-FRONTED) (Phacellodomus rufifrons peruvianus) – First seen north of Jaen, with more near Bagua Grande and in the Rio Mayo valley. This isolated population is one of a series of disjunct groups in dry areas around South America, subject to varying taxonomic treatments. Clements, for instance, lumps Plain (Venezuela and Colombia) with Rufous-fronted (also Bolivia, Brazil), while the IOC splits them.
Chestnut-backed Thornbird was seen in dense scrub well above Balsas on both sides of the Rio Maranon. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
CHESTNUT-BACKED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus dorsalis) – This large thornbird has a small range in the Andes of northern Peru. We saw a pair on the east side of the Maranon, and then three more the next day above Hacienda Limon. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 15,000. [E]
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata) – We had telescope views of this attractive canastero in the moist puna en route to the hillstars above Celendin.
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa peruviana) – We had a close pair on Abra Barro Negro and heard several more. White-chinned Thistletail has an odd distribution, with rather similar populations separated by the somewhat different Mouse-colored; taxonomic revision may occur.
RUSSET-MANTLED SOFTTAIL (Thripophaga berlepschi) – With some patience we managed good views of this attractive ovenbird on Abra Barro Negro; fortunately it was responsive. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 1,700 birds. One genetic study placed it in the genus Cranioleuca, and it does sound much like Baron's Spinetail (but several good lists have not made that move yet, so perhaps awaiting further documentation--SACC). [E]
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – Seen twice with flocks in forest on the east slope. It is considered "Vulnerable."
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis) – We saw Line-cheeked several times on Abra Porcuya, near the southern end of its range, if you split it from Baron's, which Clements does. a.k.a. Northern Line-cheeked Spinetail (and Baron's is a.k.a. Southern Line-cheeked).
BARON'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca baroni) – This bird was unusually difficult, but we eventually started to meet up with this relative of Line-cheeked. We finally tracked it down on Abra Barro Negro, and saw it better above Hacienda Limon. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – We saw this skulker on our first chance, on Abra Porcuya, and heard it periodically thereafter.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) [*]
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – Responsive, but inside the bamboo, presenting itself repeatedly in pieces, but most or all did end up seeing significant pieces near Owlet Lodge.
Russet-mantled Softtail was seen in the understory of a forest patch on Abra Barro Negro. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta) – For most, vivid views just three meters away. The truth? Very brief vivid views In flight from one thicket to the next, where it resumed calling and being seen in little pieces. It is considered "Near Threatened."
MARAON SPINETAIL (Synallaxis maranonica) – After hours in cicada hell, the cicadas took a half hour break, during which we managed to see two different Maranon Spinetails, probably because they could finally hear our recording for the first time. Not the worst cicadas ever, but that was really bad. It is considered "Endangered," with a population under 15,000.
GREAT SPINETAIL (Synallaxis hypochondriaca) – This is a scarce and difficult bird, so any view is good, but it was disappointing that we could not get it closer than it came. A genetic study has shown that this species belongs in Synallaxis, and so it is no longer in the monotypic genus Siptornopsis. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 15,000. [E]
NECKLACED SPINETAIL (NECKLACED) (Synallaxis stictothorax maculata) – We had a series of sightings at Rafan, Chaparri, and Batan Grande. A Tumbesian specialty.
NECKLACED SPINETAIL (CHINCHIPE) (Synallaxis stictothorax chinchipensis) – We also saw this form of Necklaced Spinetail in the Maranon drainage north of Jaen. And we were actually in the valley of the Rio Chinchipe, for which it is named. This subspecies differs "somewhat" in voice and appearance, and has been proposed as a split., so keep track of it.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – A common first responder to Peruvian Pygmy-Owl whistles, and otherwise conspicuous in dry habitats. We saw the subspecies griseum and maranonicum in chronological order across the continental divide; both are likely to be included in the sclateri group in future splits, which are highly likely.
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – Several were seen on Abra Barro Negro and a couple more along the Rio Chonta.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Tom spotted a pair in a wooded quebrada above Celendin.
RUFOUS-WINGED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus calopterus) – Carl-Axel pointed out this species at Kenti Kafe above Leymebamba; the alders here have been a regular site for this somewhat local species.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – Seen twice at Abra Patricia.
BLACK-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes nigrocristatus) – Seen daily at the end of the tour, with several excellent opportunities to enjoy the impressive crest and striking plumage.
YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – One pair showed up during our first search for a Comet along the Rio Chonta.
Collared Incas were regular at the Owlet Lodge feeders, and we saw several feeding in the wild. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – Seen several times in shrubbery on Abra Barro Negro and above Celendin.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana) – As stated in the checklist notes, we are using tumbezana on the list for future reference when splits occur, although the birds we saw at Rafan and Batan Grande are probably the very similar subspecies inflavum.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (MARAON) (Phaeomyias murina maranonica) – This is the subspecies we saw north of Jaen and on both sides of the Maranon above Balsas, and it is apparently what is on the west side of Abra Porcuya (2 & 3 November). Recent studies (e.g., Zucker et al 2016 Molec Phyl Evol) point toward several splits in Mouse-colored, including these two populations.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – Good views from the platform at Waqanki.
PACIFIC ELAENIA (Myiopagis subplacens) – This Tumbesian species was seen briefly at Chaparri and better at middle elevation on Abra Porcuya.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Your guide is still confused by elaenias, and at this point perhaps there is not much hope for him! In any event, he put this name on the birds that we saw a half dozen times in the Maranon drainage.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – This seems to be the species that lives in the montane shrubbery on the ridge above Hacienda Limon.
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – One of the easier elaenias to identify; seen in the rain above Pedro Ruiz and heard at Morro de Calzada.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – And one at Morro de Calzada was called Lesser, not Yellow-bellied, with moderate conviction.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – And this is the common elaenia around Abra Patricia and Abra Barro Negro.
One of our rarest sightings was this caecilian in the trail on Morro de Calzada. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – There are many territories along the Rio Chonta above Cajamarca.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Several were on the east slope near Garcia.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – At lower elevations than Streak-necked; below Afluente to Aguas Verdes.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – One at Morro de Calzada.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – Seen several times in the foothills.
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – We were running out of time in the sunny Andes, but we were saved by some rain, and saw this endemic at two spots on the east slope, where it replaces Slaty-capped at higher elevations. It is considered "Near Threatened." [E]
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – One was with our large flock below Garcia, but probably was not seen by all.
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – One was seen near Afluente.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – A pair was with a small flock in the stunted forest along the Garcia trail.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – We saw a family group near Puente Aguas Verdes; good views at close range. It is considered "Near Threatened."
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) – Several sightings with flocks at and below Abra Patricia, with another on Abra Barro Negro.
Mishana Tyrannulet is not easy to find and hard to see well, so our good views at Waqanki were much appreciated. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) – We had excellent views of two birds at Waqanki. This species was described (Alvarez Alonso & Whitney) fifteen years ago from specimens from near Iquitos; further discovered recently in white sand forests in the Rio Mayo Valley, no name has yet been applied to these birds, as a subspecies or a species (similar but slightly different). It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 10,000.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops) – We saw this bird on five days on the east slope, with excellent views near Afluente. In brief, the birds in this area look like Golden-faced, but sound more like Peruvian (Z. viridiflavus) and are genetically closer to Peruvian. No separate subspecific name has been applied to the population we saw (just included in nominate chrysops). Most expect the birds we saw to be included in Peruvian eventually or described separately, but there is nothing official.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – Seen twice near Afluente, including on the Llanteria trail.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Good views on the pre-tour morning to the Pantanos de Villa south of Lima, and we did not look at Puerto Eten.
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – Common by voice and periodically seen in arid scrub, from sea level to 2500m from Rafan to (some of our best views) Hacienda Limon and San Marcos.
GRAY-AND-WHITE TYRANNULET (Pseudelaenia leucospodia) – The punk hairdo made this tyrannulet relatively easy to identify in dry woodland on the Pacific slope; a Tumbesian species.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – A couple were seen near Afluente, where more were heard.
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) – A good study at Owlet Lodge.
CINNAMON-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus) – We heard this bird twice, but failed to extract it from its thickets. Hearing it is a victory, not extracting it is not unusual, but it was disappointing and frustrating. It is considered "Vulnerable." [*]
JOHNSON'S TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) – This beauty, which we used to call "little darling gem of a tody-flycatcher" before it was described in 2001, is considered "Endangered," with a population under 7,000. However, it may be a little less threatened than that, given that it is fairly common in roadside shrubbery, which is exactly where we saw it nicely below Abra Patricia. [E]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Seen north of Jaen and at Morro de Calzada.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – We had several very nice studies around our breakfast area at Morro de Calzada.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Always a favorite flycatcher--attractive, tame, easy to identify.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – One family group was "in habitat" along the road near Garcia, and John saw one along the Utcubamba valley.
The scene at Fundo Gonzales in the valley of the Rio Mayo near Moyobamba, and the setting for Masked Ducks and Donacobius. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Perhaps not your favorite, not a bird of the trip, but a foothill specialty! We had good views of a pair in a clearing near Afluente.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – John pointed one out at Chaparri and another was seen briefly near Hacienda Limon.
GRAY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus griseipectus) – We again managed to find one at the southern end of the range, east of and above Balsas. Although half of the patch had burned/been cleared, one was still home and responsive. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 10,000.
OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes olivaceus) – Roberto pointed one out on the evening of our first Owlet try. a.k.a. Olive Tufted Flycatcher, the congener of (Northern) Tufted Flycatcher.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – We had two birds on their wintering grounds near Afluente 6-10 November. As during the rest of the annual cycle, happiness is a high snag. It is considered Near Threatened. [b]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Seen by part of the group at Huembo and again near Garcia.
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – Surprisingly scarce, with only one wintering bird seen (near Aguas Verdes on 8 November). [b]
TROPICAL PEWEE (TUMBES) (Contopus cinereus punensis) – A few were seen, including at Chaparri, Abra Porcuya, and Hacienda Limon. Splits are likely in this species; the group name and subspecies of this Tumbesian population are given.
ALDER FLYCATCHER (Empidonax alnorum) – First seen above Pedro Ruiz, and common in the Rio Mayo Valley, e.g., near the Masked Duck site. [b]
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – A few were along mountain streams, especially along the rushing Rio Utcubamba.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Common in dry country of the Pacific slope and the interior.
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – Widespread but local in the Andes; this is a good tour on which to see it. We saw two in the stunted forest around Garcia.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus heterogyna) – We saw three males in patches of scrub above Hacienda Limon. This subspecies is the isolated, northern population.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) – Two were seen above Celendin, in the same area as White-tailed.
WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis albicauda) – We saw two pairs in the Celendin region, neither close, but with OK telescope views. It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 7,000. Rather local and with a long-term decline in the Andes, this route remains a consistent place to find it.
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) – Good views of a calling pair on Abra Barro Negro.
RUFOUS-WEBBED BUSH-TYRANT (Polioxolmis rufipennis) – We saw a couple above Celendin, and on the way down to Cajamarca saw about 20 in plowed field.
Tumbes Tyrant is a skulker of dry foothill habitats on the Pacific slope, and we enjoyed good views at Chaparri. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
TUMBES TYRANT (Tumbezia salvini) – This attractive bird is in a monotypic genus related to the chat-tyrants. No longer endemic (barely into SW Ecuador), this route remains the best place to see it, which we did very well at Chaparri. It is considered "Near Threatened."
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – One was seen on Abra Barro Negro, and two were seen above Celendin; widespread above treeline.
PIURA CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca piurae) – We had nice views of several of this endemic at our one spot for it on Abra Porcuya. It is considered "Near Threatened," population unknown (it is surviving in some goat-nibbled terrain, so there may be hope). [E]
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – Common at high elevation the last four days of the tour; one of the "good" chat-tyrants, i.e., a bird of open habitats.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – Derryn spotted a pair in a clearing near Afluente, a striking lowland species that has colonized the foothills.
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda) – We had good views of this terrestrial flycatcher in the dunes at Rafan. A genetic study suggests that this is the one living representative of an ancient lineage (20 million years or so), and recommended subfamily status for it.
RUFOUS FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus semirufus) – We did well with this species, having multiples at two spots, Rafan and Batan Grande. An attractive and distinctive Myiarchus, genetically at the base of the genus' tree, and proposed by some to be separated into its original genus, Muscifur. It is considered "Endangered," with a population under 7,000. [E]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer tuberculifer) – Two were seen near Afluente. One study suggests that current subspecies do not reflect the divisions within this species, so much remains to be untangled.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer atriceps) – Heard east of and above Balsas. [*]
SOOTY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (INTERIOR) (Myiarchus phaeocephalus interior) – We saw two in woodland north of Jaen; this is the Maranon subspecies of this Tumbesian species.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – This montane Myiarchus was seen twice in the Abra Patricia area.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – Seen and heard in desert country near Bagua Grande. Widespread over the western hemisphere, but very local in Peru.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – A few in the valleys of the Rio Utcubamba and Rio Mayo.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – At Waqanki.
The Yellow-scarfed Tanager search, a three-chapter search that ended with views for everyone at Owlet Lodge. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – As with Great Kiskadee, at lower elevations in the east.
BAIRD'S FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes bairdii) – This Tumbesian relative of Sulphur-bellied was seen at Chaparri and Batan Grande.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – Several sightings in the Rio Mayo Valley, e.g., at Waqanki.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Found in plantations above Pedro Ruiz and at Morro de Calzada.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Widespread at lower and middle elevations.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – We weren't even hearing them for days, but we finally saw a couple at Owlet Lodge at Abra Patricia.
Peruvian Plantcutter was seen at two localities on the Pacific slope, one protected and one not. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
PERUVIAN PLANTCUTTER (Phytotoma raimondii) – One of the special birds of the tour, we had two encounters, first at Rafan, then at Batan Grande, with good views of two males and one female. It is considered "Endangered," with a population of under 1,600, the result of destruction of the Prosopis woodlands it requires. [E]
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Two were seen above Hacienda Limon.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Becoming harder to see around Afluente, but still present, as we saw first on the trail behind the Llanteria, and then along the road below there.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – A few in the eastern lowlands and upslope to Afluente.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (YELLOW-CHEEKED) (Pachyramphus viridis xanthogenys) – This foothill subspecies is always a good find, this year again in the plantations above Pedro Ruiz.. Many authors split "Yellow-cheeked" of the Andean foothills from eastern Green-backed.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Another late save with the big flock below Garcia.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – Good views of one near breakfast at Morro de Calzada; an uncommon bird in this valley.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – One female was near Afluente, where perhaps expanding upward with clearing.
BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus) – We had repeated views of one with our big flock below Garcia.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Widespread by voice, with occasional sightings. We saw subspecies in the virenticeps group, with more rufous on the crown and much more yellow elsewhere; splits not expected.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) – Seen twice at middle elevations on the east slope, e.g., around Afluente. It is considered "Near Threatened."
Morro de Calzada in the late afternoon from near Moyobamba. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – With the large flock below Garcia.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Small numbers were seen on the Amazonian side of the divide, mostly in moist, but not wet, habitats. Ones seen well looked like local residents, not boreal migrants.
YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis) – We seemed to hit a small wave of migrants at Morro de Calzada, where seven were observed on 7 November. [b]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus) – We heard them twice on Abra Barro Negro, but apart from some deep blue color seen at great distance, no sightings. It is considered "Near Threatened." [*]
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas) – Sightings ranged from birds perched on cacti in desert near Bagua Grande to a flock with Subtropical Caciques in the stunted forest at Garcia. Some split Andean birds as Inca Jay.
WHITE-TAILED JAY (Cyanocorax mystacalis) – This stunning bird was enjoyed both at Chaparri and Batan Grande.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Widespread, missed on only a few days.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Great views on Abra Barro Negro, with more across the Maranon en route to Cajamarca.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – John spotted one near Morro de Calzada.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A few at diverse spots.
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – A rare migrant in most of Peru, one at Represa Tinajones on 31 October was a surprise. [b]
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – A sprinkling in towns on the coastal plain, a few more in the Rio Mayo valley.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – Twenty over Batan Grande on 2 November were a surprise; scarce this far south on the Pacific slope.
Tumbes Swallow has been a difficult species over the years, although we have been doing better and better at Batan Grande in the last decade. We were fortunate to have them perched this year. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
TUMBES SWALLOW (Tachycineta stolzmanni) – Some of our best views ever: We found some perched birds at Batan Grande, after working to get good views of birds in flight. Although apparently locally numerous in some areas, this bird is local and easily missed in NW Peru.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – About a dozen migrants were mixed in with other swallows at Represa Tinajones. [b]
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Common in several areas on the coastal plain, including over open desert and agricultural fields, otherwise none. [b]
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – About five with other swallows at Represa Tinajones; uncommon on the Pacific slope. [b]
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufocollaris) – Heading inland to Chongoyape, we found a concentration of about 200, acting like a breeding colony, but at a time of year when no other colonies were active; puzzling, but it was most welcome to have such good looks when it is possible to miss this bird.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – Heard very well, and seen briefly by perhaps a third of the group on Morro de Calzada.
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – John had seen one briefly with a flock near Afluente, and then we had quite good views with our one large flock below Garcia.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Widespread, seen most days throughout the route.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – Several were seen working trunks and branches of the bigger trees along the Owlet Lodge trails.
SEDGE WREN (Cistothorus platensis) – Heard on Abra Barro Negro, and Tom and some others saw this species in the puna above Celendin. Everyone expects splits of Sedge Wren, but it will take a big effort to figure out where the breaks are between Canada and Tierra del Fuego.
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – This noisy relative of the Cactus Wren was easily seen on the Pacific slope and locally in the interior.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – We heard a few groups, and had good views of a family near Puente Aguas Verdes.
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (MARAON) (Pheugopedius sclateri sclateri) – Mostly heard, but we did see two in the dry woodland near Tamborapa. This is the Maranon subspecies.
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris) – A skulker, but with time good views were had at Rafan, Chaparri, and Batan Grande.
Rufous-eared Brushfinch is not seen every year, and took a while to find this trip, although this sunning bird makes it look easy. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – An engaging quartet were seen in bamboo along a trail at Owlet Lodge. A split of Sepia-brown Wren.
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – Also occurring in southern Ecuador, Bar-winged inhabits stunted habitats on poor or rocky soils. We saw a pair at close range at Garcia, and heard it again there a few days later. It is considered "Near Threatened."
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Gray-breasted occurs in lusher habitats than Bar-winged, often right next to it or interspersed with it. We saw a few briefly at Owlet Lodge, and heard many more.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata) – Common on the Pacific slope. Splits are certain to occur within Tropical Gnatcatcher, so keep track of where you see them.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (MARAON) (Polioptila plumbea maior) – This form was common in the dry areas of the Maranon. As here, it is often treated as a different group from the bilineata group occurring on the other side of the Western Cordillera.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Carl-Axel spotted one along the gorgeous Rio Aguas Verdes, and another was seen the next day along the Rio Nieva.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Seen en route to Rioja and in the marshy border to the Masked Ducks's pond.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Not singing much on this visit; we did eventually spot one for nice telescope views.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Common on the east slope, with a few on the Pacific slope (Chaparri, Abra Porcuya) and some in the interior valleys (Balsas, Rio Utcubamba). These are "eastern" swainsoni group. [b]
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) – This Tumbesian species is hard to predict at this time of year; on this trip, only one seen, at the upper end of its elevational range on Abra Porcuya at 1800m.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – Widespread in South America, but very local in Peru, one of its few spots being the Rio Mayo Valley.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (AMAZONIAN) (Turdus ignobilis debilis) – Fairly common in the Rio Mayo Valley, from Aguas Verdes to Waqanki. A recent paper (Cerqueira, P. et al. 2016 Molec Phyl Evol) has shown that Black-billed Thrush consists of several independent groups, and splits are certain, so keep track of where you see them.
MARAON THRUSH (Turdus maranonicus) – This striking variation on the Turdus theme was seen well at Balsas, best where they were coming to the ground for water. Occurring just over the Ecuadorian border, it is not an endemic.
Your guide almost promised Rufous-crested Coquette at Waqanki, and we were crushed! Fortunately this one bird was visiting the flowers at Reserva Arena Blanca. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
SLATY THRUSH (ANDEAN) (Turdus nigriceps nigriceps) – Several folks saw and photographed one at Huembo. This species has complex migratory movements (and taxonomy); on the east slope, most are gone by November.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common at upper elevations.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Also common at upper elevations, averaging in drier areas than Great, but overlapping, e.g., the nice comparison in the pasture at La Encanada.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) – Heard occasionally (not singing strongly this visit) at Owlet Lodge, where one bird responded along the driveway.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – Common, if not abundant, in arid areas on the Pacific slope and locally in the interior.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (PERUVIAN) (Anthus lutescens peruvianus) – John pointed out several departing the Pantanos de Villa near Lima.
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – Some very good views, including of one that perched on a fence post in the puna above Celendin.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (BLACK-LORED) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis peruviana) – We ended up seeing a number of them in shrubbery above Hacienda Limon and again at the Great Spinetail spot. Splits are possible in this geographically variable species, so keep track of where you see them.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Seen at several spots over the whole route, including commonly at Chaparri, where some were visiting tree trunks with oozing sap.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – Unusually scarce on this trip, with only seven or eight seen on the east slope. [b]
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – One at Morro de Calzada on 7 November was acting like it was still on the move. [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – A few small groups were seen near Afluente.
Three-banded Warbler is a Tumbesian specialty, one of a group of warblers resident in the tropics. That group was once all in Basileuterus, but genetic studies have resulted in some being transferred to Myiothlypis, as were four species on our list. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus) – Another Tumbesian specialty, we found them common on Abra Porcuya.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – Two were along the road below Abra Patricia.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – The first good looks were on the ridge above Hacienda Limon, followed by a few daily over to Cajamarca (Rio Chonta).
GRAY-AND-GOLD WARBLER (Myiothlypis fraseri) – This lovely Tumbesian warbler was enjoyed on both visits to the west slope of Abra Porcuya.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – Seen by some at Huembo and then by all below Abra Patricia; a beautiful song.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – A half dozen wintering birds were seen on the east slope in the Afluente and Aguas Verdes areas. A fun connection for the four Canadians on the tour! [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Fairly common at elevations below those of the following species. a.k.a. Slate-throated Whitestart.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – The upper montane redstart, from about 2,300 to 3,500m. a.k.a. Spectacled Whitestart.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis) – This odd tanager of open areas was seen at Morro de Calzada and nearby Fundo Gonzalez. It is rather local in Peru.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – This striking tanager has colonized clearings to above Afluente on the east slope.
Marco educating us about our lunch, the causa for which we now have the recipe. Photo by guide Richard Webster.
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – We could hear them near Garcia, and then Mary spotted one for telescope views. It took a long time, but they eventually responded, as they usually do much sooner, with a very close approach. This jay-like tanager is an unusual and stunning bird. We heard them one more time nearby. It is considered "Vulnerable."
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – Seen twice on the east slope; good views.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (WHITE-BELLIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris insignis) – We saw them on both mornings on Abra Barro Negro. This gray subspecies is part of a pattern in this species and others of "leapfrog variation", here of alternating yellow or gray populations (Van Remsen, Science).
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – Two were seen well with a small flock just below Abra Patricia.
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus melanotis) – Two were with a small flock below Garcia.
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata) – Several folks saw this species in the gardens at the Puerto Pumas.
BUFF-BELLIED TANAGER (Thlypopsis inornata) – Ecuador ended this as a Peruvian endemic, but it is still a regional specialty that we saw several times: near Tamborapa, in the Utcubamba Valley, and at Balsas.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – John got us on a group near Puente Aguas Verdes, where they were seen again by some two days later. This species makes it into western Brazil, but primarily occurs in Peru.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A widespread species of disturbed areas that we saw first above Pedro Ruiz and several more times on the east slope.
BLACK-BELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) – This beautiful relative of Silver-beaked was seen at Waqanki and at several spots from Aguas Verdes to Afluente. a.k.a. Huallaga Tanager. [E]
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – First seen in the Utcubamba Valley above Pedro Ruiz, and a couple more times after that.
VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus) – This stunning bird was enjoyed with our large flock below Garcia; an uncommon species of middle elevations.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana) – A few were seen on Abra Barro Negro, including one doing its flight song.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Nice views of a few on Abra Barro Negro.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus) – A few of this beauty were seen at and below Garcia.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – An uncommon lower montane species, we were excited to find them first at Garcia and later in the forest just below.
YELLOW-SCARFED TANAGER (Iridosornis reinhardti) – One or two were with a mixed flock that moved through the Owlet Lodge area. John found and re-found it, and the rest of us worked at it, too, and eventually the species was seen by all, a lovely endemic. [E]
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – One was on Abra Barro Negro.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis darwinii) – First on Abra Porcuya, then more later in the tour: the Utcubamba Valley, Balsas, Hacienda Limon, and the Rio Chonta. Note the change in genus, based on genetic studies: Formerly in Thraupis.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – Several were with our one big flock below Garcia.
Gray-breasted Sabrewing with its wings raised at Waqanki. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Common and widespread at lower elevations. The birds at Batan Grande and Abra Porcuya were western birds (no white in the wing), the rest were Amazonian populations.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – A few at lower elevations.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – First seen in the gardens of the Puerto Pumas, then on several days at Abra Patricia and Owlet Lodge. Genetic studies have shown that this is a mountain-tanager, not a Thraupis, but more work is required before it is moved and re-named.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – A few at diverse spots, from Abra Porcuya to Abra Patricia to the Utcubamba Valley.
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana) – Two were in open habitat at Fundo Gonzalez.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – A sprinkling from Pedro Ruiz to the lower east slope.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – Two were seen at Aguas Verdes.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata) – A couple were seen near Afluente.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii) – Seen on several days at Owlet Lodge, and again at Abra Barro Negro.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Surprisingly scarce, as with another Tangara; just a couple of sightings.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – Three were with our one large flock below Garcia.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis) – Seen twice, with a small flock in the Garcia stunted forest, and with our big flock in the taller forest just below.
Tumbes Sparrow was one of three birds named "Tumbes" that we saw at Chaparri during a morning of birding. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Several sightings from Waqanki to Aguas Verdes.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Fewer than normal; only a few were seen at lower elevations.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Fairly common on the lower east slope.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – A scarce foothill specialty; we saw two near Puente Aguas Verdes.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Unusually scarce/inconspicuous: we eventually caught up with it for everyone with our one big flock.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – After a couple below Abra Patricia, we had great views with the big flock below Garcia.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Seen at Puente Aguas Verdes and Morro de Calzada.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – Another unusually scarce/inconspicuous Tangara, with just a few at Aguas Verdes and Afluente.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – We had several small groups at Puente Aguas Verdes and Morro de Calzada.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – Several at Puente Aguas Verdes and Waqanki.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Another lower elevation tanager, a few seen from Morro de Calzada to Afluente.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Ditto.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Two were seen at Morro de Calzada.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – A curious distribution, as we saw them commonly in the Pacific lowlands and in the highlands from Celendin to Cajamarca.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor) – We saw several of this attractive bird on Abra Barro Negro.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – One or two people got on a female at Abra Patricia.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – We again saw the small, poorly-known population above Celendin, living (at least in part) in rows of planted Polylepis. About a half dozen birds; good views of both males and females.
The cook crew hard at work, with (L to R), Miguel Angel Jr., Marco, Alex, and Warren serving up another Peruvian specialty. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – Good views of several of this handsome flowerpiercer.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – Common in the highlands at the end of the tour, near the northern end of its range.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) – A few: Huembo, Abra Patricia, Abra Barro Negro.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – A few at middle elevations: Abra Porcuya, Huembo, Puerto Pumas gardens, and Kenti Kafe.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – This scarce mid-montane bird was seen on the east slope in the stunted forest at Garcia; good views of the bright yellow eye.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens) – A couple of sightings at Owlet Lodge.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – A few were seen at Owlet Lodge, and a couple more at Abra Barro Negro.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Unusually scarce (poor recent breeding seasons?) in the highlands, but we still saw several quite well at La Encanada and along the Rio Chonta.
MOURNING SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus fruticeti) – We saw several along the Rio Chonta, near the northern end of its long Andean range.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – We saw a juvenile sitting at the edge of the road on Abra Barro Negro (Calla Calla).
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – First seen on the west slope of Abra Porculla, then in the highlands of the Cajamarca region.
CINEREOUS FINCH (Piezorina cinerea) – This endemic was seen well in small numbers at Rafan and Batan Grande, with one a little higher than normal at Chaparri. [E]
Gray-winged Inca-Finch occurs in just two small regions of Northern Peru, and is always a prize. We had good views this year near Hacienda Limon. Photo copyright participant George Sims.
GRAY-WINGED INCA-FINCH (Incaspiza ortizi) – This endemic is the toughest of the three inca-finches on this route, and we wrested with a couple to get fairly good looks above Hacienda Limon, and then had one start singing right behind us, for great looks! It is considered "Vulnerable," with a population under 7,000. [E]
BUFF-BRIDLED INCA-FINCH (Incaspiza laeta) – Perhaps the most attractive of the three inca-finches we saw, and the most numerous. We had good views several times on both sides of the Maranon above Balsas, including around our lunch spot. [E]
LITTLE INCA-FINCH (Incaspiza watkinsi) – It took a little while, but we had good looks before breakfast near Bagua Grande. A classic scene: An Inca-Finch on top of a columnar cactus. It is considered "Near Threatened." [E]
PLAIN-TAILED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza alticola) – John spotted two in scrub above Celendin, and we had good looks. We do not see this species, which is considered "Endangered" with a population under 1,700, on every trip. It is separated by some into the genus Microspingus. [E]
COLLARED WARBLING-FINCH (Poospiza hispaniolensis) – We had repeated good looks at Chaparri and Batan Grande.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – A few here and a few there, often en route to somewhere.
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – Lima: Pantanos de Villa.
SULPHUR-THROATED FINCH (Sicalis taczanowskii) – Chaparri may be the best place around for this local Tumbesian species that has become scarce in Ecuador of late. This was a "poor" year, but we still had something like 50 birds coming to drink in the shrinking creek, with good looks at several close birds.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Just a few, with displaying birds at Fundo Gonzalez the most fun.
PARROT-BILLED SEEDEATER (Sporophila peruviana) – Numbers of these at Chaparri were high versus Sulphur-throated Finch, and we had repeated good views (a couple hundred birds?).
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco) – First south of Lima, then at Batan Grande, and we doubtless could have found a few more if we had birded some rice fields.
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex) – We have often had this species singing around Jaen in November, but in this year's dry conditions, that was not the case. We did see small flocks and briefly perched birds in that area, in the canyon above Chamaya.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – We saw a few in wet grass of the eastern lowlands.
The Alto Mayo valley still has much forest along its paved road, thanks to a protected area, although fragmentation remains a problem in the foothills. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – We saw one male at Morro de Calzada. a.k.a. Lesser Seed-Finch, if not split into Chestnut-bellied and Thick-billed.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – A male above Pedro Ruiz was our only one.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Fairly common in the highlands at the end, though less common than normal.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – Small numbers were seen daily in moist areas of the highlands at the end of the tour.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – As with Tataupa Tinamou, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, and others, isolated populations of Red-crested Finch occur in some of Peru's dry valleys. Some saw two near Tamborapa, and the rest caught up with two more after breakfast at the Little Inca-Finch spot.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Widespread, from being a 'sapsucker' on oozing trees at Chaparri to wet forest on the east slope.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – As with Drab Seedeater, birds were not singing around Jaen, but they seemed happier in the Utcubamba Valley and onward, and we saw enough.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Aguas Verdes and Morro de Calzada.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus immaculatus) – This unstreaked subspecies of the arid Pacific slope was seen in small numbers at Batan Grande.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus) – This heavily-streaked subspecies of the Maranon Valley was seen regularly around Jaen, in the Utcubamba Valley, at Balsas, and near Hacienda Limon.
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps) – We had good views on the west slope of Abra Porcuya. This Tumbesian Saltator is near the southern end of its range here, giving way to Golden-billed by the southern end of the tour route.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – A handful daily in the Celendin to Cajamarca area.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – A couple were with our big flock below Garcia. Genetic studies have shown that what North Americans call tanagers are really grosbeaks (cardinals), and some other genera, like Chlorospingus, are sparrows, while many other seed-eating birds and honeycreepers are part of the main tanager assemblage that precedes this entry (about 100 species of "tanager" were on our tour checklist in the new arrangement).
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus hiaticolus) – Seen or heard daily around Owlet Lodge, but it took until the last couple of days for most folks to get a look (while re-finding the Yellow-scarfed Tanager); normally more conspicuous/common. All Chlorospingus a.k.a. Bush-Tanager.
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni) – As the name suggests, a Tumbesian specialty, which we saw at very close range at Chaparri. After being transferred to the genus Aimophila, Aimophila was broken up (e.g., Cassin's Sparrow is now a Peucaea), and this species is back in Rhynchospiza with the one other South American "Aimophila," Stripe-capped.
The view from the Huembo spatuletail visitor center out to the valley of the Rio Utcubamba. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Seen in the Rio Mayo Valley, occurring upslope to Afluente in pastures.
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis) – Seen by many in the group on Abra Porcuya's west slope, and again by Tom in a forest patch above Celendin. Part of the split of Stripe-headed Brush-Finch, this one occurring from Colombia to northern Peru.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Spiffy! We had repeated good looks as they came and went from the corn in front of the Reserva Arena Blanca blind.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Almost daily once we left the Pacific lowlands (where they are in Chiclayo).
WHITE-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albiceps) – Several groups were seen around Chaparri, and some saw this Tumbesian endemic on lower Abra Porcuya.
RUFOUS-EARED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes rufigenis) – We had been looking hard in several places, and then there they were near La Encanada, eventually out in the open sunning on a stump!! This is the northern end of this lovely bird's range. It is considered "Near Threatened." [E]
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus) – Regular around Owlet Lodge, also at Huembo and on Abra Barro Negro. a.k.a. Rufous-naped or Cloud-forest Brush-Finch.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus baroni) – This subspecies with the pale nape was seen in the Western Andes from above Hacienda Limon to Cajamarca; a split not expected, but distinctive.
On Abra Porcuya we had the opportunity to see the variability in the face pattern of the White-winged Brushfinches (photo copyright participant George Sims).
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes leucopterus) – Fairly common on the west side of Abra Porcuya.
BAY-CROWNED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes seebohmi) – We had good looks at this handsome bird, which occurred in the same area as the similar White-winged. A good showing--it can be difficult here.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – A sprinkling in the Andes, generally in dry to moist woodland, not really wet forest. Note the subspecies; some split this "Highland" group from the "Lowland" and "Northern" groups.
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – A half dozen migrants were seen on the east slope. [b]
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) – More than normal, suggesting that the species was still migrating, as was certainly the case at Morro de Calzada, where a dozen were seen along forest edge early in the morning. [b]
Golden Grosbeak were one of the aesthetic treats of birding the arid woodlands of Northern Peru. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Common in arid areas, one of several brilliant birds that lights up the deserts of Peru; enjoyed on about half the days of the trip. A split of Yellow Grosbeak, a.k.a. Golden-bellied Grosbeak.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – This beauty has spread with agriculture and ranching, and was seen at scattered spots along the route.
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi) – A pair was seen at Batan Grande after lunch, and a few were seen near Olmos that afternoon.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus) – Lima: seen in the marshes of the Pantanos de Villa, where they did not originally occur, and where they have probably been introduced/escaped. [I]
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – A few in the Pacific lowlands, and, our best looks, in the desert near Bagua Grande (M. b. occidentalis).
WHITE-EDGED ORIOLE (Icterus graceannae) – This Tumbesian oriole was seen well at Chaparri, with additional sightings at Batan Grande and on the slopes of Abra Porcuya.
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas) – Yellow-tailed overlapped with White-edged on Abra Porcuya and was seen again at Balsas.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) – Buzz pointed out a trio of this stunning bird in a clearing near Afluente, apparently upward colonists in the disturbed areas. Troupial has been split three ways; this is the widespread one in Western Amazonia.
Emerald-bellied Puffleg is seen on few tour routes, and the feeders at Owlet Lodge are one of the best spots. Photo copyright guide Richard Webster.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – We saw a half dozen moving with Green (Inca) Jays through the stunted forest at Garcia. I called them "Subtropical" in the field, which turns out in the Clements scheme to be applied to the nominate subspecies of Scarlet-rumped that we saw, which is split as "Subtropical" in other lists, e.g., IOC.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – A lowland species that we saw in small colonies in the Rio Mayo drainage as high as 1500m, with a surprising bird at 1800m.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus peruvianus) – We saw one in the Utcubamba Valley below Leymebamba and several on Abra Barro Negro.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Surprisingly scarce, with just a few on the east slope.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – A few at Aguas Verdes and Morro de Calzada.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – Widespread in small numbers in the dry habitats of the Maranon drainage.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – Carl-Axel noted them first along the Rio Chonta, but they proved elusive and were seen briefly by only part of the group. A split of Blue-hooded Euphonia.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – A few were seen near Afluente.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – Fairly common on the east slope.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – Two were with a small flock near Puente Aguas Verdes.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) – John got us on a pair of this uncommon, montane chlorophonia at Owlet Loge.
Bay-crowned Brushfinch is a Tumbesian species of the upper slopes, which we were able to compare with White-winged on Abra Porcuya. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – Two at Hacienda Limon; near the southern end of its range.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Widespread in the Andes.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – In a few towns along the way, including Jaen. [I]
MAMMALS
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (RIO MAYO) (Callicebus moloch oenanthe) – Heard at close range, and some folks apparently saw them slipping away. Dusky Tit Monkey is increasingly spit into many species, including this form as Rio Mayo Tit Monkey (Critically Endangered).
GUAYAQUIL SQUIRREL (Sciurus stramineus) – This attractive squirrel was seen at both Chaparri and Batan Grande.
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – Seen by some a couple of times in front of Owlet Lodge.
SECHURAN FOX (Pseudalopex sechurae) – Tom and some others saw one at Rafan, and we all had repeated looks at Chaparri, where they act like the unthreatened creatures that they are in that reserve.
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – Several sightings at Owlet Lodge, where one (or more) were coming for bananas and anything else they could get their paws on.
SOUTHERN SEA LION (Otaria byronia) – Seen offshore from Pucusana, and at Puerto Eten several were dead on the beach, Tom's medical examination concluding that at least one had been shot.
This lizard (Microdon??) has found a tasty meal, apparently without concern for getting stung. Photo copyright participant Carl-Axel Bauer.
COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu) – A herd of about ten was moving around Chaparri, and was seen by many in the group (they were either underfoot or they weren't seen!).
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – To many North Americans, this is a nuisance species, but on this tour (and in many areas of South America where they occur), it is a seldom-seen mammal. Derryn got us on them twice on Abra Barro Negro.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters:
Spectacled Bear: Rehab animals and subsequent offspring don't seem at all countable, but it was interesting to see them.
Wasps: Not so interesting to see, or, for some feel, at Batan Grande, where thousands of sweat wasps drove us out of our birding areas as the morning progressed.
Bat sp.: at many spots.
Red Squirrel sp.: Seen at Afluente and Morro de Calzada. There are at least two very similar species, and I am not sure which we saw.
Caecilian: A real highlight was the one in the trail (over which most of us had already stepped!) on Morro de Calzada. This is a primitive amphibian that looks like a cross between an earthworm and a snake.
Lizards, probably including Dicrodon guttulatum (Blue-headed Whiptail) in the sandy deserts on the Pacific slope, and Microlophus (Tropidurus) koepckeorum (Koepcke's Curly-tailed Lizard) near Balsas.
Morphos
Cicadas galore near Jaen
millipedes
Totals for the tour: 564 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa