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The name of this tour highlights a few of the spectacular birds that make their homes in Peru's northern regions, and we saw these, and many more! This might have been called the "Antpittas and More" tour, since we had such great views of several of these formerly hard-to-see species. This Ochre-fronted Antpitta was one; she put on a fantastic display for us! Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
The eastern foothills of Andes of northern Peru are one of those special places on the planet… especially if you’re a fan of birds! The region is characterized by pockets of white sand forest at higher elevations than elsewhere in most of western South America. This translates into endemism, and hence our interest in the region! Of course, the region is famous for the award-winning Marvelous Spatuletail, which is actually not related to the white sand phenomenon, but rather to the Utcubamba valley and its rainshadow habitats (an arm of the dry Marañon valley region of endemism). The white sand endemics actually span areas on both sides of the Marañon valley and include several species described to science only since about 1976! The most famous of this collection is the diminutive Long-whiskered Owlet (described 1977), but also includes Cinnamon Screech-Owl (described 1986), Royal Sunangel (described 1979), Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant (described 1979), Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher (described 2001), Chestnut Antpitta (described 1987), Ochre-fronted Antpitta (described 1983), and Bar-winged Wood-Wren (described 1977). If that wasn’t enough, now with the comfortable lodges and many hummingbird feeder stations along our route, the ease of seeing several rare and local species has increased exponentially! Now we can see Ecuadorian Piedtail, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Wire-crested Thorntail, and Rufous-crested Coquette without much trouble at all. And with a little luck, running into those mind-blowing and frustrating mixed-species foraging flocks can cause the species list to mushroom!
Our tour this year produced all these wonderful birds, including views of the incredible display of the Spatuletail, a super-tame female Ochre-fronted Antpitta, a great experience seeing a Chestnut Antpitta the “old fashioned” way, the colorful and adorable Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, the wonderful view of a Cinnamon Screech-Owl, and the lucky spotting of a Long-whiskered Owlet across the creek. But other memorable experiences were the serendipitous views of the nomadic Maroon-chested Ground-Doves, the fine exhibition put on first by two species of tinamous (Little and Cinereous) followed by the covey of Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail at Arena Blanca reserve, Steve’s fine spotting of two Chestnut-crested Cotingas, the incomparable song and sight of Musician Wren along the trail in the Escalera, the hyper-responsive Point-tailed Palmcreepers among the rice paddies near Rioja, not to mention the pair of Band-bellied Owls that sang back on queue followed by the close Foothill (Vermiculated) Screech-Owl at Waqanki! The bold Plumbeous Rail, with its multicolored bill, that performed in our faces at Pomacochas, the Oilbird canyon under the highway our first day, and the views of the recently-named (last year!) Painted Manakin on the slope above Waqanki, and the productive hours spent along the bend in the road we named Sunangel Ridge were among the other favorite memories of the tour, but let's not forget the fine meals provided by our great ground crew, the picturesque habitats we hiked through, and the wonderful scenery we enjoyed!
As always, Jesse and I fully enjoyed showing this magical part of Peru to you, and we hope you had as much fun as we did in exploring it! May we have more opportunities to explore this fascinating country, and until then: keep them binoculars close at hand!
Good birding,
Dan
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
A covey of Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail was another highlight when they took over the corn-feeder at Arena Blanca. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) – After hearing this squeaky swingset song in the forest, we saw a bird incredibly well at Arena Blanca, where it defended its cracked corn from a Little Tinamou with a "butt up" dominance display.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Two groups seen at Arena Blanca, first a family group with a presumed male and two growing chicks, then (when the lighting was better) a lone bird.
BROWN TINAMOU (CASTANEUS) (Crypturellus obsoletus castaneus) – One singing at Alto Nieva was a nice voice to hear. This is a very distinctive form found from Colombia south to this site [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Thanks to Leigh for spotting a trio of these attractive ducks on the river below us at Sunangel Corner.
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – A small, isolated population of this attractive duck are at Pomacochas.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – A vagrant present with the previous species at Pomacochas.
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – Two female-plumaged birds at the pond at San Jose near Moyobamba was nice.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Brief views along the road of some of these chickens as we drove past.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) – Wow! Eight of these feisty quail jostled for position at the corn feeder at Arena Blanca!
STARRED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus stellatus) – Heard near the tunnel above Tarapoto. [*]
This rare Cinnamon Screech-Owl posed nicely for us. Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – One across the lake at Pomacochas.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – A few in the rice fields near Moyobamba as we drove along.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Large numbers in the rice fields and at Pomacochas.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Seen on a couple of days, but best at Pomacochas.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – One in the Moyobamba rice fields.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – This and the next species were daily birds!
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – Seen on our two days around Moyobamba and Tarapoto at the end of the tour.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Seen on several days, including a group of 14 (migrants?) over the road at Abra Patricia.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – A super-distant silhouette near Afluente.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – A bird or two in the Rioja rice fields.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
Paradise Tanager is not scarce, but they are so spectacular that we are alwasy happy to find one! Photo by participant Fred Dalbey.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – True to its name, it was largely along roads.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – An odd record at Pomacochas, although it is found nearby in the Utcubamba valley.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Jesse found a perched bird, which is a hard thing to do with this species!
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – At least a couple of birds in the lower and mid-elevations. Probably austral migrants. [a]
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus) – Unfortunately, this skulker didn't show in the Rioja rice fields. [*]
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) [*]
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – One of the easiest of the large rails to see, and a colorful one, to boot!
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – Some distant birds in the Rioja rice fields.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – A couple birds in the Rioja rice fields.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – A small pocket of this high Andean species around Pomacochas.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOUTH AMERICAN SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae) – It is very likely that the birds we saw at Pomacochas were this species instead of Puna Snipe (identification verified by specimens from the area), which is surprisingly high for the species!
Lulu's Tody-Flycatcher (named Johnson's Tody-Flycatcher on our checklists) was just described in 2001. This is one of the most colorful flycatchers, and guide Jesse Fagan got a very nice shot of this one we saw near the Owlet Lodge.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – A couple of brief flybys in the Mayo valley.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – A bird above Waqanki showed for some and sang "They're all gone" in response to the Slate-colored Grosbeak's "I ate the last one"...
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Heard near the Llantaria.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti) – Mostly present in the open country of the Mayo valley.
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) – Heard at close quarters in the Mayo valley, with a few quick flybys for views.
MAROON-CHESTED GROUND-DOVE (Claravis mondetoura) – ALRIGHT! This has been a bogie bird for Jesse and me for years, so it was really great to get very satisfying views of this bamboo specialist at Huembo!
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – A rather extroverted bird came into the corn feeder at Arena Blanca early on and competed for attention with a family of Little Tinamous.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) – This is the form of White-tipped we saw and heard around Huembo.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (BRASILIENSIS GROUP) (Leptotila verreauxi decipiens) – This form of White-tipped is the one in the Mayo valley, where they sound more like birds from south Texas. [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Common around Tarapoto.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
The Spatuletail Trail above Huembo lead us to a lek of these amazing hummingbirds, and we saw some other wonderful birds as well. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
CINNAMON SCREECH-OWL (Megascops petersoni) – A fine view of this rare and local screech-owl named for Roger Tory Peterson.
VERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL (FOOTHILL) (Megascops guatemalae napensis) – One bird seen at very close quarters above Waqanki.
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis) [*]
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) – VERY responsive near Waqanki.
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – A bird showed well our first afternoon at Waqanki.
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) – Whew! On our second attempt, we spied a distant bird across the creek from the trail! It sure was small! [E]
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – Seen pre-dawn on one of our days at Owlet Lodge. Heard on several nights around the lodge.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus) – Seen at Waqanki by some lucky folks.
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – A bird over Owlet Lodge was just a silhouette.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Seen at Morro de Calzada.
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – A bird (not sure of its sex, possibly a female) fed regularly around the buildings at Owlet Lodge.
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus) – Seen at Morro de Calzada.
We stopped to view the Oilbirds nesting in a small canyon just off the road on our first day. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus) – A couple of fine views of this tropical Chuck at Morro de Calzada.
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – One of the first birds of the tour, with our stop at the slot canyon as we drove to Waqanki.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHESTED SWIFT (Cypseloides lemosi) – Wow, great views of this poorly-known swift among the large group over Sunangel Ridge!
WHITE-CHINNED SWIFT (Cypseloides cryptus) – Same site as the last, often chasing.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – Also at Sunangel Ridge.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Not uncommon over the Mayo valley.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – Seen over Aguas Verdes.
PALE-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura egregia) – Seen over Waqanki.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – Common over Sunangel Ridge.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – Seen our first evening over Waqanki.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) – Seen at the reserve with the same name! [E]
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – One at Waqanki.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – A lek was lukewarm in its response to playback.
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber) – Seen at the Llantaria feeders.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Seen briefly at Arena Blanca, but also at Sunangel Ridge.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae) – Seen well at Arena Blanca and Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus) – Formerly Green Violetear.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – A bird came in to feeders at Waqanki.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Good views at Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola) – A perched bird at Huembo remained for scope views.
ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis) – It's always nice when a plan comes together! We had nice views of a male and a female on Sunangel Ridge!
The Brown Violetear is subdued, compared to many of the brilliant hummingbirds we saw, but it has a subtle beauty. Photo by participant Fred Dalbey.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – A fine male showed off at Arena Blanca.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei) – Yeah, it's pretty, I guess.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – What used to be a very hard bird to see is now easy at the Llantaria feeders.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – At Huembo.
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae) – At Alto Nieva.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline) – A flashy hummer that was common at Owlet Lodge.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) – Wow! A great experience with a lek of these spectacular hummers above Huembo! The display was really a treat to see (and hear!). [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – Flying sewing needle.
Long-tailed Sylph, on the other hand, is an amazing gem of a bird! Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The bullies at Owlet Lodge.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
RUFOUS-VENTED WHITETIP (Urosticte ruficrissa) – A female visited briefly at Owlet Lodge, but a pair showed better at Alto Nieva.
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii) – Some lucky folks saw this at Arena Blanca.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – A highlight of the Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) – Nice views at Arena Blanca.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – The common woodstar in the mountains, often detected by the Jetson's scooter sound.
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – A female showed well at Huembo.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina) – A male at Arena Blanca was nice.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
We got some great views of this Cinereous Tinamou at Arena Blanca, where it was defending "its" corn from a smaller Little Tinamou. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – One at Owlet Lodge was a regular.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae cyanocollis) – Only at Huembo.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Amazilia lactea)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Formerly White-tailed Trogon. Seen well at several sites around the Mayo valley.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – A bird below the Llantaria was nice.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – Seen well below the Mirador.
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum) – This one was for Jesse! Seen well at Morro de Calzada.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – One every 15 minutes at Calzada.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – Recently named by FG's own Bret Whitney!
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – A bird showed well below the Mirador.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – A pair near Aguas Verdes was nice.
WHITE-FACED NUNBIRD (Hapaloptila castanea) – Heard well, but seen poorly at best. Heartbreaking.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Steve got us on some at our lunch spot at Santa Elena.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus punctatus) – Seen several times in the Mayo valley.
VERSICOLORED BARBET (BLUE-COWLED) (Eubucco versicolor steerii) – A nice pair in a flock below the Llantaria was a crowd-pleaser.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLACK-THROATED) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta cyanolaemus) – Thanks to Jay for spotting this lovely toucan.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – A bird at our breakfast at Morro de Calzada.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Birds in this area are variable in bill color. We saw one that was green-billed, but the other was probably intermediate with red-billed birds!
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) [*]
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – Nice views at Morro de Calzada.
The lovely Turquoise Tanager is widespread, and we enjoyed seeing it at Waqanki on our first days of the tour. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
SPECKLE-CHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) – Seen well in the flocks between Venceremos and Llantaria. [E]
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus) – A pair responded well at Sunangel Ridge.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – A bird at Waqanki came right in to playback.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – Some folks had this lovely flicker at Sunangel Ridge.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) – Another sharp flicker that we enjoyed in the Rioja rice fields.
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – The rufous, crested woodpecker in the flock in the Escalera.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) [*]
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Mostly flyovers at Morro de Calzada.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – A bird flew by in the Rioja rice fields.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SPOT-WINGED PARROTLET (Touit stictopterus) – A spectacularly rare parrot that flew over us several times (we got to see spots once, at least)!
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – Heard on many days, but only spots seen (as per usual).
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Birds in the Mayo valley are the yellow-winged form gustavi.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – The high elevation Pionus around Owlet Lodge.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
Our wonderful ground-crew took very good care of us, and kept us well fed! Here is Marco preparing one of the great meals we enjoyed. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) – The Amazona we saw on several days.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius) – One flew by at Waqanki.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota) – A hard-to-see canopy antwren we enjoyed in one flock near Venceremos.
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus) – Nice views of a male near Rioja.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus) – Seen at Huembo.
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) [*]
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – Mostly heard.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – A pair in the tunnel flock.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – A male showed well near Aguas Verdes.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – A pair leading an understory flock in the Escalera.
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla erythrura) – Nice views in the tunnel flock.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (WHITE-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris melaena) – Seen at Morro de Calzada and near the tunnel.
This Rusty-tinged Antpitta is one of a pair that showed nicely for us at Alto Nieva. Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – Nice views of this canopy antwren at the Llantaria.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – Seen at the tunnel.
RUSTY-BACKED ANTWREN (Formicivora rufa) – This sharp-looking open-country antwren showed off for us at Morro de Calzada.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – Formerly Long-tailed Antbird (D. caudata), but that has been split into three species.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis) [*]
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) – A male moved rapidly past the feeders at Alto Nieva.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – Seen at Waqanki and again at Aguas Verdes.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma)
CHESTNUT-TAILED ANTBIRD (HEMIMELAENA) (Sciaphylax hemimelaena hemimelaena) [*]
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax castanea castanea) [*]
HAIRY-CRESTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) – Wow, a great ant-following antbird we lucked upon beside the tunnel!
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – Nice looks at Waqanki and again in the Escalera.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – Good looks at Aguas Verdes.
Participant Fred Dalbey got this nice portrait of a Black-fronted Nunbird at Santa Elena.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED GNATEATER (Conopophaga castaneiceps) – Great views of a male at the Llantaria.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) – A pair performed well for us at Alto Nieva. [E]
CHESTNUT ANTPITTA (Grallaria blakei) – A great experience with a "wild" antpitta! This is how it used to be... [E]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) – Great views of this very local species, and one we've had very mixed experiences with in the past! I still can't believe when it flew up to us to glean insects from leaves only two feet from us! [E]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) – Heard a lot, but some folks caught glimpses. [E]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) – Heard below the Llantaria. This form is actually not "atratus" but rather an undescribed taxon that may be closer related to Bolivian Tapaculo. [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus) – Plain and without streaks, but common in lowlands.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus crassirostris) – That humungous woodcreeper we enjoyed on the trail near the Owlet Lodge.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus chunchotambo) – Heard near the Tarapoto tunnel. [*]
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans) – In the Koepcke's Hermit flock.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – Heard on a couple of occasions, then seen below the Mirador.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Seen by Jesse and some folks in a flock near Owlet Lodge.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
The Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant was one of a number of flycatchers and other interesting birds we found at the Llantaria. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) – A smashing response from a pair along the road in the Rioja ricefields.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – A puffy-faced furnariid we saw well on the trail by Owlet Lodge our last afternoon there.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PALE-LEGGED) (Furnarius leucopus tricolor) – Nice looks in the Rioja rice fields.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – In flocks near the Llanteria.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Seen well below the Llanteria.
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) – A rare bird was a pair of these along the road near the Aguas Verdes bridge. Probably, this was also the foliage-gleaner we saw above Waqanki.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) [*]
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) – Nice views one evening below Owlet Lodge.
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – Mostly seen as it did a few aborted flights over the highway towards us.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus) – A fairly responsive bird above Waqanki showed for us.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – A pair in the flock at the entrance to Owlet Lodge.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons) – Their large stick nests were much easier to see than the birds in the Mayo valley.
BARON'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca baroni) – A pair of these arboreal spinetails showed well at Pomacochas. This "species" is now lumped back into Line-cheeked Spinetail, so don't enjoy this short-lived tick too much.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – Good views of this open country spinetail below the Llantaria.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – This and the next species were in the higher elevations of Abra Patricia. Both played hard to get.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cherriei) – After playing hard to get, we finally got everyone good looks at this rare and local species at Waqanki!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – A bird was visible on the trail above Waqanki.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum maranonicum) – This was at the edge of the pasture at Pomacochas.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – Seen in the flock our first morning around Owlet Lodge.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (AMAZONIAN) (Phaeomyias murina wagae)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – Seen at dawn our first morning at Morro de Calzada.
This lovely Booted Raquet-tail posed nicely for guide Jesse Fagan.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – At Morro de Calzada.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) [*]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen well at Morro de Calzada.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura) – The large, pin-headed elaenia at Huembo.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Departing from its preferred habitat, we had fine views along the shore of Pomacochas.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – This and the next species were hard to see well, but we got glimpses.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – A couple sightings at Morro de Calzada and the Escalera.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – We had good views of this at Morro de Calzada... well, perhaps except Linda. Sorry Linda.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – A handsome species we enjoyed near the Llantaria. It looks much like the last species.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – A pair near the end of our first morning walk at Owlet Lodge.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – "Offsides" but a good bird, as it's only known from here and a few other sites in Peru.
A view of the landscape near Huembo. This tour takes us into the foothills of the Andes, where we were able to enjoy some spectacular scenery in addition to wonderful birds. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps) – We got a pair above Waqanki.
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) – A pair at Alto Nieva made us crane our necks.
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) – A couple birds in flocks in the cloudforest.
MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) – Recently described from near Iquitos, but far more common here! [E]
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius viridiflavus) – Fairly recently split from Golden-faced Tyrannulet. Interestingly, the birds here look like Golden-faced, but sound like Peruvian, and genetic studies show they align with the latter. [E]
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – Well named, we saw this one several times around the Llantaria.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) [*]
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) – The smallest passerine in the world put on a nice show for us.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) [*]
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops) [*]
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis) – Our first of the Tody crowd.
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) – Strangely reluctant to show for us this trip, only a few folks got a good view.
CINNAMON-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus) – At least two different birds gave us views at Alto Nieva.
JOHNSON'S TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) – Also known as Lulu's Tody-Flycatcher. According to the type description (only described in 2001!): "The new species is named in honor of the late Lulu May Von Hagen in recognition of her generous and dedicated support of researching avian genetics." [E]
A male Rufous-crested Coquette.... What can you say? Participant Linda Rudolph got this great shot!
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Seen well at Waqanki.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Small, cute, and full of piss and vinegar!
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – At least two active nests, one hanging over the road, were nice to see along the road near the Llantaria. [N]
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – Seen at Morro de Calzada.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Well named, these are pretty restricted to cliffs, where they breed.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) – Seen our first day at Owlet Lodge.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – This glorious species showed well for us below the Llantaria. Those gleaming olives and browns really catch the eye!
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) [*]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – A subtly-plumaged tyrant that likes short-stature scrub on slopes, such as the Sunangel Ridge.
LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – Steve got us on this wheatear-like tyrant at Pomacochas.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) [*]
Maroon-chested Ground-Dove is a bamboo specialist; they have been evading Dan and Jesse for years, so it was fun to see them so well at Huembo. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – One of the common lowland Myiarchus, we saw this at Morro de Calzada.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – The Myiarchus of the highest elevations.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – This and the next two look-alikes were fairly common in the Mayo valley.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – At the Aguas Verdes bridge.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Below the Mirador.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOLITARIUS) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – Despite being common, we had to work for most folks to get a view!
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla) – Thanks to Steve for spotting two of these rare cotingas at Owlet Lodge.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus)
RED-RUFFED FRUITCROW (Pyroderus scutatus) – Kenny got us on two at Alto Nieva.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Linda got some folks on a singing bird at Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – A female showed well, if briefly, below the Mirador.
STRIPED MANAKIN (AUREOPECTUS) (Machaeropterus regulus aureopectus) – Now named "Painted Manakin" (Macharopterus eckelberryi), this is one of the newest species in Peru! We first heard one at Morro de Calzada, but saw one above Waqanki.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus) – A tiny manakin, and a hard one to spot at Morro de Calzada.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – Fine views of a male at Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Heard a few times, and one seen fairly well near Aguas Verdes.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – A high elevation becard we enjoyed near the Owlet Lodge.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) [*]
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) [*]
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Mostly heard, we finally saw one on the Sunangel Ridge.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]
We got great looks at Striated Heron at Pomacochas. Photo by participant Fred Dalbey.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) – Jesse got us on one very patient bird above Waqanki.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) – A pair in the flock at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve showed for many.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Seen near Venceremos.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – I suspect that the vireos we saw on this trip were largely, if not entirely, austral migrants, although it's possible there is a small breeding population in the Mayo valley. [a]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus) – This jay is typically of higher elevations, so we did well to see it on at least two occasions near Owlet Lodge.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – A flashy bird, and one we enjoyed on multiple days.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Brief views at the Euphonia ridge our last day.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Microcerculus marginatus marginatus) – Fine views of this understory skulker at Morro de Calzada.
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – Like a Black-and-white Warbler in behavior, we saw a pair in the mega flock near Venceremos.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Ubiquitous.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) [*]
The White-bellied Woodstar was common in the mountains. Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (MARANON) (Pheugopedius sclateri sclateri) – Nice views at Huembo.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – After working hard to play in at least three groups, we saw a fourth with no playback at all! Whatever.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Typically a lowland species, it gets up to the tunnel near Tarapoto. [*]
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – Replaces the following in the stunted forest, for example, at Alto Nieva, where several showed well.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Yeah, I guess.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Cyphorhinus thoracicus thoracicus) – Heard by all, but only a few got a glimpse of this skulker.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Truly one of the most remarkable songsters in the bird world, we enjoyed hearing this one in the Escalera almost more than seeing it!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Now in a monotypic family, we saw this species around water in the Mayo valley.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – A flashy thrush with a so-so song we saw well around Owlet Lodge.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas) – We worked hard on this color-challenged thrush at Waqanki, but has silhouette views at best.
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – Heard at several sites around the Mayo valley.
VARZEA THRUSH (Turdus sanchezorum) – Heard around Waqanki. [*]
We saw a pair of Lanceolated Monklets near Aguas Verdes. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – The commonest open-country thrush (and easiest to see!)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (GRAY-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis spodiolaemus) – A bird above Waqanki gave us a very good look!
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Heard far more than seen!
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (THREE-STRIPED) (Basileuterus tristriatus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – A nice response from a pair at Pomacochas.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – A bird at dusk at Waqanki kept us busy.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata inaequalis) – A lovely, melancholy song in the cloudforest is its sign.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – The lower elevation of the two redstarts.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – The higher elevation of the two redstarts, one bird seemed to enjoy fluttering at its reflection in the windows of the Owlet Lodge!
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis) – An open country tanager not known for its colors.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Seen on four days, including one that masqueraded as a tityra for a few minutes.
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – These loud, raucous jays... I mean TANAGERS... were fun to watch. We had a close encounter our first morning at Owlet Lodge, and then two more at Alto Nieva and Sunangel Ridge.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – A pair in the flock on the Owlet Lodge trail our first morning.
BUFF-BELLIED TANAGER (Thlypopsis inornata) – The tanager that captivated us with its gaudy buffs and grays near the Spatuletail lek above Huembo.
Participant Fred Dalbey took this photo of the scenery near the Owlet Lodge.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufiventer) – Seen at Waqanki and again at Arena Blanca.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Seen around lunch our very first day.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – A pair leading the flock at the Koepcke's Hermit trail was seen by most.
BLACK-BELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) – Also called "Huallaga Tanager" by some, this species is range restricted to the Mayo and upper Huallaga valleys. It seems to interbreed with Silver-beaked Tanager near Tarapoto. [E]
VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus) – A brief view of this, the most red of all birds (supposedly, at least), at the roadside below the Mirador.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – A lovely species with interesting color combo.
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus) – Named for the yellow teardrop below its eye, we had a group of these at Sunangel Ridge.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – After frustrating looks in the forest at Alto Nieva, a group showed well at Sunangel Ridge.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (ORANGE-EARED) (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri) – A real eye-catcher with its bottle-green body and orange patches on the face!
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – This and the next were ubiquitous in the lowlands.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata) – Perhaps one of the less impressive of the "Tangara" group, it was one we saw on several occasions in the flock at the Llanteria.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (RUSTY-NAPED) (Tangara ruficervix amabilis)
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – More of an open country Tangara than the others, and thus we saw it at Huembo.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (BLUE-AND-BLACK) (Tangara vassorii branickii) – Higher elevation than the other Tangaras, it was part of the flock at Owlet Lodge.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – One of the more common Tangaras of the tour.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis) – A fancy, and rare, Tangara we enjoyed at the Venceremos canopy tanager flock.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Not turquoise and not found in Mexico (despite its scientific name)... this bird got the short end of the stick all around in the naming game.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – A well-named bird that rarely fails to draw gasps!
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – This fine Tangara put up a bit of a fight but eventually all saw it well.
We saw a few Little Tinamous at Arena Blanca, including this one that came to the corn feeder. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – A particularly fancy Tangara that we enjoyed fully!
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus pulchra) – "Molten Tanager" would also be a fitting name.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SHORT-BILLED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes nitidus) – Leigh and Steve got on a bird or two as we waited for the Plumbeous Euphonia the last day.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) – A great bird in the big canopy tanager flock near Venceremos! Often a difficult bird.
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – Brief views at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) – It took a while of hearing disembodied songs before we saw one well!
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – That angry, glaring yellow eye is captivating!
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens) – Seen our first day at Owlet Lodge, as one foraged over the top of the entrance trail as we enjoyed the hummer feeders.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
SLATY FINCH (Spodiornis rusticus) – A nomadic bamboo specialist, we lucked onto a patch of them along Sunangel Ridge.
DRAB HEMISPINGUS (Pseudospingus xanthophthalmus) – Sadly, it didn't stick around long enough for us to enjoy watching it walking on the tips of leaves, but it was part of the flock at the entrance to Owlet Lodge.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris) – A species to keep an eye on: it has two distinct populations--the northern one with a red bill (the aptly-named "rubrirostris") and this one with a black bill (chrysogaster)--that also sound fairly different. I don't think anyone has bothered to study them yet, but I bet a split would be easy to justify.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Introduced to the Tarapoto area, we saw several on the drive out of town our first day. [I]
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola) – Mostly seen in flight at the edge of Pomacochas.
The Golden-tailed Sapphire is one of the loveliest of hummingbirds. Photo by participant Fred Dalbey.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Seen well in the Rioja ricefields.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) [*]
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – I never once saw it on a Banana, so it seems to have quit cold turkey!
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – A colorful name for this gaudy bird. Mostly seen on the grounds at Waqanki.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – One in the rice fields near Rioja.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – Rather a fine bird, and one we saw well in the mega-flock near Venceremos... it nearly hopped down to the road for us! This and the next used to be called "Bush-Tanagers" but we now know they are sparrows, not tanagers.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – Not much to look at, but a noteworthy vocalization at dawn and (especially) dusk around Owlet Lodge.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Jesse spotted one in the pasture near the Venceremos guardpost. That's depressingly high for this open country, lowland bird!
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis) [*]
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Heard at several points, but a young bird (with a dark bill) came in to feed at Arena Blanca... the first bird to do so on our visit!
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – A skulky understory bird we brought in briefly on our first hike at Owlet Lodge.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Ole' Rufie showed well most days.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus) – Formerly "Rufous-naped Brush-Finch" (before a split), this form is also called "Cloudforest Brushfinch" by some. Our first, and best views, were at Huembo.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – Linda got us on a pair in the flock by the Llanteria.
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica) [*]
Here is our happy group, posing in front of the mountains. Photo by guide Dan Lane.
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (YELLOW-LORED) (Chlorothraupis carmioli frenata) – Often a very secretive species, we saw this one in spades around the Tarapoto tunnel and the Koepcke's Hermit sites.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Fine views of a bird, that was later aggressively chased by a TK (!), at Pomacochas.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – There is a small population around Pomacochas and we managed to see several there.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) [*]
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – This and the next were almost even in abundance through the tour.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – Seen on a couple of occasions around the Llanteria.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus peruvianus) – A small family group came in for good looks our first full day at Owlet Lodge.
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – Putting on a show at our first lunch spot of the tour.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus croconotus) – A fiery orange oriole we enjoyed in the Rioja ricefields.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Mostly flyovers.
PALE-EYED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus xanthophthalmus) – A couple lucky folks caught glimpses of this blackbird in the marsh near Rioja. The species is very local and rare, so it really hurt not to be able to bring one up for all to see well.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – Seen on a couple of occasions around Waqanki
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) – A very handsome chlorophonia we saw on our last hike at Owlet Lodge.
PLUMBEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia plumbea) – Argh! So painful that we only heard this one, but at least we did... it is only known from two localities in Peru (of course it is more widespread outside the country)! [*]
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica) – A common euphonia in the second growth of the Mayo valley.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – Part of the Blue-hooded Euphonia complex, we had a brief view of a bird at Huembo.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Called "White-lored Euphonia" in some publications. We had one of these at Aguas Verdes.
Lastly, because you just can't have too many images of antpittas, guide Jesse Fagan took a video of the female Ochre-fronted Antpitta we watched. What an adorable little thing she is!
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – A foothill species we saw on a couple of occasions.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – A fairly common euphonia seen on several days.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) – Seen well our last day in the Escalera.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – Seen briefly at Sunangel Ridge.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – At the Tarapoto airport. [I]
MAMMALS
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – The small monkeys we saw at Morro de Calzada.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (RIO MAYO) (Callicebus moloch oenanthe) [*]
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus) – Jesse got some folks on this on the trail at Owlet Lodge.
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – An entertaining banana thief at Owlet Lodge.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Green-striped Poison-dart Frog (Phyllobates trivirgatus) at the feeders at Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
Totals for the tour: 444 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa