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We may as well begin with one of the stars of the tour: this very accommodating Long-whiskered Owlet. Participant Becky Hansen captured this great portrait of a species discovered only in the 1970s and that remained essentially unseen by birders until just a few years ago.
The northern part of San Martin department, Peru -- more specifically the northern end of the eastern cordillera, the Cordillera Escalera, and the Mayo and Huallaga valleys -- must be about my favorite place in the world to go birding! The variation from the dry lowlands along the mighty Rio Huallaga, the humid low range of the Escalera, the broad, sandy Mayo valley with its open country and rather atypical (for Peru) woodland, and the various elevation bands of the slopes leading up to Abra Patricia, then the somewhat drier habitats on the western side of the pass, including the home of the bizarre Marvelous Spatuletail -- all have their own peculiar effects on the avifauna of the region, resulting in a remarkable complexity and diversity in a rather small area. Indeed, it is this factor that drew three friends and me back in October to try to break the world Big Day record here (and succeed)! There is just so much to tantalize the senses!
On our tour, we got a pretty good dose of these habitats and the birds within them. Another recent development (only in the past five years or fewer) here has been the creation of several outstanding hummingbird feeding stations which have turned this tour into a hummingbird-a-phile's fantasy!
We really had so many great sightings and memories that it's hard to sum them up succinctly, but some of the most outstanding ones were our long views of the gaudy Spatuletail (of course), the endearing Long-whiskered Owlet (that seemed quite an extrovert!), the lovely and well-named Versicolored Barbet, the flashy Golden-winged Manakin, the Swallow Tanager that nearly didn't live up to its name, the blazed White-crowned Tapaculo that eventually showed itself on a roadbank, the colorful Green Jay, the adorable Lulu's (I can't bring myself to call it "Johnson's") Tody-Flycatcher, the lovely music of Andean Solitaires, the understated Rufous-capped Antshrike, the Shakira-like moves of the Ochre-fronted Antpitta at dusk, the bold Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, the Yellow-scarfed Tanager that was bundled up against the cold rain at the pass, the Blackish Nightjars that we surprised from their day roosts, the long-billed Blue-fronted Lancebills at several feeders, the iridescent Blue-fronted Jacamar we enjoyed the first morning, and the bold Plumbeous Euphonia that sang nearly at arm's length from us. There were so many more sightings we enjoyed, but these particularly tickled your fancy.
I'm so pleased to have been able to share these experiences with you, and I hope you enjoyed your visit to this wonderful corner of Peru! I think you'll agree it is a fine country, and there is so much more to see! I hope to see you all again on another visit to one of the greatest birding countries in the world. Until then, I wish you all good birding!
-Dan Lane
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)
If this looks like some glorious habitat in which to bird, well, it was! It's Abra Patricia, around which our itinerary is centered. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
COMB DUCK (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Sarkidiornis melanotos sylvicola) – Often in huge flocks, we saw only a few (6, according to my checklist) on our brief stop at the river island on the Huallaga.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Nice views on the Rio Nieva.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) [*]
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – Only down on the Huallaga.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Heard only at Pomacochas. [*]
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Both this and the next species were encountered every day of the tour.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
White-bellied Woodstar, one of the numerous great hummers we saw. (Photo by participant Becky Hansen)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – There must be a lot of apple snails in the Mayo valley, as we encountered this and Limpkin in the rice fields there!
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – A pair calling as they circled over the Escalera was nice.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – A sighting of this fairly rare Andean hawk on our first day in the Abra Patricia area was nice.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) – A poorly known large rail over most of its range, we heard several in the Mayo rice fields (much to my surprise!). [*]
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Seen well at Pomacochas.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – As with Snail Kite, this species is very dependent on apple snails.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana) – Only seen in rice fields in the Mayo valley.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – A few on Laguna Pomacochas were probably non-breeders.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) [*]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Encountered in the white sand forest at Aguas Verdes.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Seen at lower elevations on the Abra Patricia road.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Seen at lower elevations on the Abra Patricia Road.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Common around Tarapoto, but not elsewhere.
PLAIN-BREASTED GROUND-DOVE (Columbina minuta) – A bird with rufous in the wings was noted as we drove through the Mayo valley.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Julia got us on this lovely powder-blue ground-dove at Morro de Calzada.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) – This was the form we encountered from Abra Patricia and west (down to Huembo, for example). [*]
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (BRASILIENSIS GROUP) (Leptotila verreauxi decipiens) – This is the form we encountered at Afluente on day five.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Seen on all but four days. One, sadly, met an untimely end as we were approaching a toll booth.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Heard around Waqanki. [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Heard near Aguas Verdes. [*]
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) – Wow, what an experience! We heard the species on day 4, but on day 6 it really performed. Not only did it start vocalizing on its own, but it flew in to a spot where we could see it without any prompting, giving us spectacular views! [E]
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris) – Several birds were barely distinguishable from gravel on the river island on the Huallaga.
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – Nice views of this oversized batlike bird over the dining room at about breakfast time.
Blackish Nightjar (Photo by participant Becky Hansen)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Seen at Waqanki.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – Heard at Waqanki. [*]
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – The slot canyon colony under the highway did not fail us!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – This distinctly-shaped swift was only seen our first field day.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – The common swift at higher elevations.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – Seen commonly in the Mayo valley.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – An aggressive species at feeders in the lowlands.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Great views of this sneaky species at the Arenas Blancas site.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – A hermit spotted on day 6 seemed most likely this species.
KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) – Formerly a fairly difficult species to see, now with the feeders in the Escalera, it is easy to see well! [E]
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – Seen both at Waqanki and the Escalera feeders.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – The common small hermit at Waqanki's feeders and one was at the building at Morro de Calzada.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – Seen both at Waqanki's feeders and at Aguas Verdes, where we glimpsed birds at the lekking site.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – Nice views of this tiny hermit at Arenas Blancas.
PLANALTO HERMIT (Phaethornis pretrei) – A brief view of a bird over our lunch table at Upaquihua was nice!
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Seen on two days at higher elevations near Abra Patricia.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae) – Now easy to see at feeders both at Arenas Blancas and at the Escalera.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – This curiosly-colored hummer was seen nicely at Waqanki's feeders.
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – The smaller of the two greenish violetears, and the only one around Owlet Lodge during our visit.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Oddly, we saw this larger greenish violetear at Waqanki and Huembo, but not in between. One bird at Huembo lacked any iridescence, and looked completely brownish.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Many of this handsome large hummer were at Waqanki and Escalera feeders.
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola) – A few quick looks at this lovely hummer were had at Huembo.
ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis) – Some quick views were had on the 'sunangel ridge' along the highway below Abra Patricia.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – A fine male was in the canopy at Arenas Blancas, where it performed a display dive.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – This spectacular hummer showed well at Waqanki.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – We had a few quick views of this local specialty at the Afluente Llantaria area.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Only at Huembo.
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae) – Seen at the Alto Nieva feeders.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline) – Marvelous views of this striking little hummer at Owlet Lodge.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) – We enjoyed about five individuals of this rather insanely-plumaged hummer at Huembo, including "Spat-butt" whose disk plumes only just barely cleared his rear. [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
Another key bird of the tour was of course the Marvelous Spatuletail. Full adult males, with their glorious disk-tipped streamers, can now be regularly found at feeders carefully tended by some of the local people. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – This handsome hummer was seen in good numbers at the Escalera feeders.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – Visiting both the Alto Nieva and Arenas Blancas feeders.
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – A female at Huembo provided good comparison to Little.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – The "Jetsons' scooter" noise alerted us to the presence of males, and there were many females to boot!
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – A single female at Huembo put in a few showings.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – One bold male spotted by Julia at Arenas Blancas was nice.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – We had a male at the flowers around our lodging at Waqanki.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – One bird sitting characteristically on an open perch at the top of a tree at Aguas Verdes was a nice spotting!
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – Fairly common at Huembo, its northernmost locality.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae cyanocollis) – At the feeders at Huembo, where we could compare it nicely to the previous species.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Very common at Waqanki and Escalera feeders, but we weren't complaining!
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) – A really lovey male showed well at Waqanki.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Seen well at Morro de Calzada.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Also at Morro de Calzada.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – Julia spotted a lovely female at Alto Nieva, and a male showed well at our puffbird stop below Abra Patricia.
Momotidae (Motmots)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – It took some searching, but we eventually saw this lovely motmot at Morro de Calzada.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – A nice pair between the mirador and Afluente gave us some nice views.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – A pair at the Aguas Verdes bridge was nice!
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Not hard to encounter at Morro de Calzada.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens) – Only at Upaquihua.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus punctatus) – Julia spotted our first one in the Mayo valley.
VERSICOLORED BARBET (Eubucco versicolor steerii) – A lovely pair was in one of the flocks around Afluente. Barbara's 3000th bird!
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – A fairly common open country toucan we encountered in the Mayo Valley.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Julia spotted a pair at Morro de Calzada. Interestingly, birds here have both red and green on their bills!
BLACK-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (BLACK-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus abbreviatus) – Becky's sharp eyes pulled out this striking montane toucan for some great views!
A little roadside birding, with some fabulous purple-flowering shrubs upslope. (Photo by participant Francisco Figuereido)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – We enojyed this diminutive woodpecker at Upaquihua.
SPECKLE-CHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) – Views of this endemic piculet were had at Huembo. [E]
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Seen on a few days at lower elevations.
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – Happily, we enjoyed this looker at Abra Patricia.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Down at Afluente.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – We encoutnered this odd falcon on the drive out of Upaquihua.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – A bird on the roadside made us turn around for a second view.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura) [*]
MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) – A nesting site within sight of Huembo was nice.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – The common larger parakeet around Abra Patricia.
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Only on days 4 and 5, when the best we did was just a series of dots in the sky (I've yet to see them better than that!).
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – In the Mayo valley, where subspecies gustavi (with yellow underwings) is found.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – Encountered at lower elevations on the Abra Patricia road.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – Several seen near Owlet Lodge.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) – Mostly seen flying high overhead at Owlet Lodge.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus) – A lucky few of us who stuck it out managed to enjoy a female at the Puerto Pumas hotel.
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – Nice views of this Barred lookalike at the Afluente Llanteria.
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (MARANON) (Thamnophilus punctatus huallagae)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – One seen at Owlet Lodge.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – We had a bird in the flock at the Afluente Llanteria.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – We enjoyed a nice pair along the road near Afluente.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda) – Not hard to find at Upaquihua.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) [*]
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – Also at Upaquihua.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – Took a while, but we eventually good pretty good views on the Owlet trail at Owlet Lodge. This was formerly Long-tailed Antbird (when split, most birds from the south of Colombia to Bolivia are this species, with East Andean and Klages' Antbirds in Colombia and Venezuela).
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – Great views of an often-difficult species at Upaquihua.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (BLACKISH) (Cercomacra nigrescens aequatorialis) – Recently split, these birds are still retained in Blackish Antbird (lowland birds in western Amazonia are now 'Riparian Antbird').
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) – A pair were reluctant to show, but eventually did, on the trails at Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – After only hearing it at Upaquihua, we enjoyed views of a male at Aguas Verdes. I believe someone termed it the 'Groucho Marx bird'...
One of the last new birds for the tour, the handsome Plumbeous Euphonia (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza castanea castanea) – Nice views of this species that is nearly identical to Chestnut-tailed Antbird at Arenas Blancas.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) [E*]
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) – Julia managed to get those of us who tried for Owlet at Alto Nieva on a fine bird that did its bellydance for us. [E]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (TUMBES) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus leymebambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) – Fine views of one bird on the trails at Owlet Lodge.
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) – Also seen at Owlet Lodge (different trail, though). [E]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) – Seen on two different days at elevations around Afluente.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima) – Heard at a distance from the Owlet Trail. [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus)
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina) – Often a rare and overlooked woodcreeper, we heard it on a few occasions, and saw it well once.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Nice views of this smallest of woodcreepers at Morro de Calzada.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus crassirostris) – Evening vespers of a pair at Owlet Lodge set an eerie mood.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – A couple of views of this rather impressive bromiliad specialist.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – A pair in the same flock as the Russet Antshrike (two species which may be mimics of one another).
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata)
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – This one had us running back and forth across the road at the tunnel!
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – An amazing view in the open of this often very skulky species!
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – Wendy and I enjoyed views of this attractive furnariid.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – A pair on the grounds of Waqanki showed well.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) [*]
BARON'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca baroni) – A bit of a surprise: a pair or two were on territory around the Puerto Pumas hotel!
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Happily our views of this common skulker came pretty easily.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – Seen down around Afluente.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – Great views of this often difficult spinetail on the trail leading up to the Owlet Lodge building.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Another view of Abra Patricia (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum maranonicum) – This tyrannulet showed well around the Puerto Pumas hotel.
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – A pair was in the flock at the pass at Abra Patricia.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (MOUSE-COLORED) (Phaeomyias murina wagae) – A rather uninteresting looking tyrannulet (just the way I like 'em!) at Waqanki.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – This was in the tree over the building at Morro de Calzada where we had lunch.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Despite its name, we actually saw this species best at Laguna Pomacochas, where there are no torrents.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – In flocks at higher elevations.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – In flocks at lower elevations.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – A regular member of lower elevation flocks around Afluente.
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) – In the flocks around Owlet Lodge. [E]
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – Very like a mini version of Slaty-capped Flycatcher, and in the same flocks.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – A pair right at the Owlet Lodge some mornings made for nice neighbors.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – A pair at the Aguas Verdes bridge.
MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) – Fine looks at this recently-described (by FG's own Bret Whitney) tyrannulet at Upaquihua and again at Waqanki. [E]
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius viridiflavus) – The form here looks identical to the Golden-faced Tyrannulet of Ecuador and north. [E]
If you didn't already think flycatchers are cute, Johnson's Tody-Flycatcher (also known as Lulu's T-F) is out to change your mind! (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – Cute and full of vinegar, a few territories along the entrance trail to Owlet Lodge provided us with a few viewing opportunities.
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis albiventris) – This little ball of feathers was one we enjoyed at Upaquihua.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) – Another handsome small tyrant that we enjoyed on the entrance to Owlet Lodge.
JOHNSON'S TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) – Always a pleaser, we enjoyed this several times around Owlet Lodge. [E]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – The Tolmomyias at higher elevations.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – This one we had near the Monklets at Aguas Verdes.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Common at higher elevations around Abra Patricia.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Great experiences with this curious and unique flycatcher at the Sunangle Ridge and at the tunnel at the Escalera.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) – A pair at Owlet Lodge showed well.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Not very memorable, but showed well at Afluente.
OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes olivaceus) – A mini-pewee we enjoyed at the forefront of the flock we encountered at Owlet Lodge.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – Presently considered the same species as ours in the Southwest, but the South American form, latirostris, is sometimes split and called "White-winged Phoebe".
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus)
GOLDEN-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca pulchella) – A handsome, if understated, understory tyrant we encountered on the trail near Owlet Lodge.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris angustifasciata)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus) – One showed at Upaquihua.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni) – A surprising migrant was at Upaquihua.
This Sparkling Violetear made for a nice portrait. (Photo by participant Becky Hansen)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – The common Myiarchus around Owlet Lodge.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – Also at Upaquihua.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – Fair views at the tunnel of the Escalera.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) – This form of Streaked Flycatcher is distinctive enough that I expect it will be split at some point down the line...
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – A lovely fruiteater we enjoyed several times.
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) – A lucky glimpse of one flying over the village of Afluente resulted in scope views of a female.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Always a crowd-pleaser!
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – Another one we spied as it flew across the road, and then found in the scope for some nice views!
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – A bird at Arena Blanca was a nice surprise.
Pipridae (Manakins)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma sulphureiventer) – Heard by most, but seen by Carol.
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – Thanks to Terry and Wendy for spotting this very lovely, and hard to see, manakin!
Then this twosome at a feeder made for a great comparison: Sparkling Violetear on the left, Green Violetear on the right. Note the size difference and Sparkling's "ears" extending onto its throat. (Photo by participant Becky Hansen)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – This was also at Morro de Calzada.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – A pair were building a nest along the entrance to Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Not clear if the birds in the Mayo valley are migrants from farther south or local residents.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus) [*]
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) – This local specialty was easy to see around Afluente.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – We eventually had fine views of this husky vireo at the Escalera tunnel.
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – A very handsome jay that we enjoyed at the middle elevations. Evidence may eventually result in South American birds being split from Middle American birds and called Inca Jay.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – A few were perched on power lines near the Plumbeous Euphonia spot in the Escalera.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Strangely, we had this normally lowland Amazonian species flying around the Aguas Verdes bridge.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Pale-eyed Blackbird (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Microcerculus marginatus marginatus) [*]
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – Fine views of this canopy wren which spends most of its time searching mossy branches for insects.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – We enjoyed the strange bubbling voice of this large wren near its upper elevational limit below Afluente.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Seen in family groups near the highest elevations we reached at Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – Fine views around Alto Nieva.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (TROPICAL) (Polioptila plumbea parvirostris) – Great views of this form, the western Amazonian subspecies, at Upaquihua.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Julia's sharp eyes pulled out a mixed pair (one looked like the white-backed northern form, and the other was the dark-backed southern form) on the stream well below the Sunangel ridge.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Now placed in their own family, we worked hard to get poor views near Afluente, only to enjoy it easily near Rioja.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – After hearing it several times, we had nice views of this drab thrush near Afluente.
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – A really striking thrush we eventually saw along the trail near Owlet Lodge.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – Easiest to see in Peru at Morro de Calzada.
VARZEA THRUSH (Turdus sanchezorum) – A bird at Arena Blanca was a nice surprise! I was one of the authors that described the species only a few years ago.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Not uncommon in the Mayo valley.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes) – Common at higher elevations.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) – Smaller than Great Thrush, but found in similar circumstances.
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis spodiolaemus) – A very extroverted individual showed well around breakfast at the Escalera tunnel.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (THREE-STRIPED) (Basileuterus tristriatus tristriatus) – A common componant of middle elevation flocks.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis striaticeps) – We saw this in flocks at higher elevations.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – Only around Puerto Pumas hotel on this tour.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata inaequalis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Well named!
White-capped Tanagers are always a treat to see, and this was one individual of a group we saw at close range. (Photo by guide Dan Lane)
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris) – This is the black-billed form chrysogaster, which was part of the big flock we encountered on the Owlet Lodge trail.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – A lovely bird we enjoyed near the Aguas Verdes bridge.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – At Upaquihua.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Seen on several days in open habitats around the Mayo Valley.
BLACK-BELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) – Also called Huallaga Tanager, and not uncommon in more open habitats around the Mayo valley. [E]
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – At least one male and one female that appeared to be this species, or hybrids with the previous, were at Afluente. Pure Silver-beaks were in the Escalera.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – A very striking tanager we spotted on the entrance road to Owlet Lodge.
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)
YELLOW-SCARFED TANAGER (Iridosornis reinhardti) – An endemic that we had several times on the tour, which was a nice surprise! [E]
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri) – Another striking emerald green tanager we enjoyed in the Afluente flocks.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Encountered most days at the pass at Abra Patricia and over onto the drier side near Pomacochas and Huembo.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii branickii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Seen briefly in the Mayo valley.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – A real stonker we enjoyed thoroughly at Abra Patricia.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus pulchra)
Koepcke's Hermit (Photo by participant Becky Hansen)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) – Mostly on the west side of the pass at Abra Patricia.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Only over at Pomacochas and Huembo.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
SLATY FINCH (Haplospiza rustica) – A bird on territory at the Puente Nieva bridge was not there a few months later. We were lucky!
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Birds in the Tarapoto area were introduced from the Pacific coast population. [I]
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – We encountered this seedeater in the yard at the Puerto Pumas hotel.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
BLACK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus atrirostris) – Not an easy species to encounter, except here in the Mayo valley!
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus) – Thanks to Barbara for spotting this Maranon Valley species at the feeder at Huembo!
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) [*]
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Julia (again) spotted this rather snazzy sparrow at the Escalera tunnel.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus) – This species was originally part of the Rufous-capped B-F group that was split up a few years ago. In some books, called Cloudforest B-F.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Until recently called "Bush-Tanagers", the Chlorospingi are now known to be sparrows, not tanagers!
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – A female was on the feeder at Huembo, and a pair was easy to see at the Escalera tunnel.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (YELLOW-LORED) (Chlorothraupis carmioli frenata)
GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Carol got us on the bird in the yard at Puerto Pumas.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
Los "birders": our intrepid group! (Photo by guide Dan Lane, who managed to get in the pic at lower left)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus croconotus)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – Heard from deep bamboo thickets around Owlet Lodge. [*]
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – A rather colorful cacique we enjoyed above Afluente.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
PLUMBEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia plumbea) – What a great show! This is a species only known from one or two sites in Peru (and is not very common elsewhere, either), and our spot seems to be pretty reliable for it!
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – Nice views of this mid-elevation euphonia between Afluente and Aguas Verdes.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – Our best view was at Arenas Blancas.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Mostly around Pomacochas.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – The siskin around Owlet Lodge and downslope on the east side.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – A few at the Tarapoto airport struck me as a noteworthy record! [I]
MAMMALS
This Tayra wasn't too proud to take a free lunch at the fruit feeders...and gave us fantastic views! (Photo by participant Becky Hansen)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) [*]
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – The odd-looking rodent at Owlet Lodge.
OLINGUITO (Bassaricyon neblina) – Julia got us on a small group of arboreal monkey-like mammals that turned out to be this recently-described racoon relative! Cool!
LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata) – Seen on two days, the second time by Wendy and Carol.
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – The nearly daily ritual of putting out fruit at our lunch drew in this large weasel relative at Owlet Lodge.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 367 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa