A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
Peru's Magnetic North: Spatuletails, Owlet Lodge & More 2023
June 17-29, 2023 with Dan Lane & Jesse Fagan guiding
The departments of San Martin and Amazonas in northern Peru are pretty magical. They cover a wide spectrum of habitats and elevations, and thus are just chock full o’ birds! Luckily, they now have a nice network of lodges and hummingbird feeding stations that permit us to enjoy an exciting and rewarding birding tour here, ending with over 450 species in about 12 days, including 50 species of hummingbirds! You read that right: 50!
Our great group of birders set out from Lima by air to the town of Tarapoto, where we were met by our crew aboard the Cajamarca Cruiser, and took off for Moyobamba in the Mayo valley with a stop along the way to clock a few roosting Oilbirds in the slot canyon under the road. We spent several nights at the lodge at Waqanki, where we enjoyed birding the valley area, but also were treated to the traditional dance of San Juan by the staff! In this area, we encountered some tiny tyrants such as Short-tailed and White-bellied pygmy-tyrants. Also tiny and here was a family group of the petite puffbird (sounds like an offering at a pastry shop!) called the Lanceolated Monklet. Predawn one morning, as we visited the local reserve around the isolated mountain in the floor of the valley called Morro de Calzada, we enjoyed a friendly Blackish Nightjar, not to mention heard several Rufous Nightjars, among other night sounds.
From Waqanki, we headed up into the mountains to the area lovingly called “Abra Patricia” (or “Patricia Pass”) by birders, now home to the Owlet Lodge, where we stayed for about a week, exploring various elevations and habitats in the region to see what we could see. Happily, the weather worked with us, and we had a pretty successful visit! At the lodge, we were able to see the endemic Chestnut Antpitta our first morning at the worming station by the buildings. This was followed by a hike on the local trails that resulted in a few specialties, among which was the attractive Green-and-black Fruiteater, that made a Top Three list post-tour! Also in the area were favorites such as Johnson’s (aka Lulu’s) Tody-Tyrant, which nearly glows with its colorful plumage. A little downslope is another reserve where we did an evening hike to see the celebrated Long-whiskered Owlet, one of the most sought-after species in the region—and we celebrated ourselves after seeing it with local guide Wilmer! On the drier side of the ridge, where another lodge called Huembo has been established, Wilmer’s brother Santos showed us the lek of the astounding Marvelous Spatuletail, one of the most outrageous hummingbirds on the planet! Our hummingbird highlights didn’t end there, of course, but species such as Royal Sunangel, Napo Sabrewing, Black-bellied and Wire-crested thorntails, the endemic Koepcke’s Hermit, and the glittering Amethyst Woodstar were among the 49 other species we encountered.
Down near the foot of the mountains at a town called Aguas Verdes, a veritable visionary called Norbil Becerra has established an impressive reserve called Arena Blanca, where we enjoyed two different feeding stations: one for skulky understory birds, and the other for hummingbirds. Here, the lovely Zimmer’s Antbird (one of them “ant-things”, Margaret!) gave us a great view. Finally, we headed back to Tarapoto to spend a couple of nights at the very plush Toucan Suites and bird first the humid Escalera ridge east of town, where one of the highlights was a surprise encounter with a Tiny Hawk (lifer for the ole’ Motmot, aka Jesse!) and the Cliff Flycatchers which seemed to have earned the affection of our comrade Cliff for some reason. Finally, we spent a morning in the middle Huallaga valley where the rainshadow of the Cordillera Azul range to the east results in a semi-deciduous woodland that has a very different avifauna. Here, we spied quite a few ant-things and an extroverted Chestnut-throated Spinetail (or was it “snipetail?”), making up for one at Waqanki that didn’t want us to see it.
Overall, it was a very successful tour, and Motmot and I thank you all for joining us. We hope you has as much fun as we, and we look forward to seeing you all on another tour at some point in the future. Keep them binos at hand, and good birding to you!
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HOODED TINAMOU (Nothocercus nigrocapillus cadwaladeri) [*]
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis sylvicola)
Roosting on islands in the Huallaga River.
BRAZILIAN TEAL (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
A recent invader of Peru's Amazon, we encountered the first one in San Martin about 4 years ago, and they seem to like it here!
MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus)
A surprisingly reliable population in that little pond near Moyobamba... but it may not be for much longer, given the rumor that the landowner wants to fill that pond in. Progress, right?
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) [*]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) [*]
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
A few seen at lower elevations of the Abra Patricia area.
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
Heard quite a bit in the Mayo valley, with a couple glimpsed as they flew by.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
This is the form we had at Huembo.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (BRASILIENSIS GROUP) (Leptotila verreauxi decipiens)
This is the form more typical of the eastern slope on this tour. The two may come into contact along the Abra Patricia road, but as yet I am not aware of this... Their voices are distinct, however, and I wouldn't be surprised if they act as species with respect to one another.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Several in direct comparison with the last species at Arenas Blancas.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Around Tarapoto.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SAND-COLORED NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles rupestris)
A few sitting on logs and islands on the Huallaga River.
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris)
A brief glimpse of one on our second evening at Owlet Lodge.
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
Nice views just before dawn at Morro de Calzada.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) [*]
SPOT-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis maculicaudus)
After nearly walking away, we managed to get glimpses of a bird flying over the grass field by the Masked Duck pond.
RUFOUS NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus rufus)
Mostly heard, but a few folks got to see eyeshine or perhaps a flying bird over the trail at Morro de Calzada.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis)
One of the first birds of the tour. We stopped at Quiscarumi bridge on the way to our first lodge to see day roosts down in the slot canyon below.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
Found around Mauritia palm swamps such as near Santa Elena.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)
Seen along ridges on several days of the tour.
FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Another Mauritia palm specialist.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
A bird at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve in the Escalera.
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus)
At the same place as the last. Can be rare, so a good sighting!
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
The feeders at the Llantaria were the place for this foothill hermit.
KOEPCKE'S HERMIT (Phaethornis koepckeae) [E]
As luck would have it, we saw this one at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve! But it wasn't at the feeders as much as the two birds displaying near the forest floor on the trail in the forest!
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis)
At Waqanki.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) [*]
REDDISH HERMIT (Phaethornis ruber)
The "microhermit" that came into the feeders at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve feeders.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera johannae)
A rather smart-looking long-billed hummer we saw at Arenas Blancas and again at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
Until recently called "Green Violetear" but that species has been split into the Mexican and Lesser.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
Nice views of this stonker at Huembo, particularly at the upper feeders.
ROYAL SUNANGEL (Heliangelus regalis)
We missed this one at Alto Nieva, but Rob spotted one on the Royal Sunangel curve along the highway.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii)
Nice views of both males and females at Waqanki and again later at Arenas Blancas.
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi)
A bit of a surprise was a fine male at the Koepcke's Hermit reserve.
RUFOUS-CRESTED COQUETTE (Lophornis delattrei)
Just a fine-lookin' bird we enjoyed at several spots, first at Waqanki around the yard.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus)
Nice views of this rare and local species at the Llantaria feeders.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna)
A bird at Huembo allowed views.
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae)
Several at the feeders at Alto Nieva.
EMERALD-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis aline)
At Owlet Lodge.
MARVELOUS SPATULETAIL (Loddigesia mirabilis) [E]
One of the real highlights of the tour, and we even got to see males displaying at a lek!
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
It's tough to be one of the world's least colorful hummingbirds. How did that happen?
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
Sneaky around Owlet Lodge. That turquoise frontlet is eye-catching!
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
Some of the bossier hummers at the Owlet Lodge feeders.
PERUVIAN RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus peruanus)
Recently split from Booted Racket-tail, this is a form that occurs from Ecuador to central Peru. The male's rackets don't cross. Farther south is another form where they do: the Rufous-booted Racket-tail.
RUFOUS-VENTED WHITETIP (Urosticte ruficrissa)
A rare hummer that we saw at both Owlet Lodge and Alto Nieva.
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens)
This lowland brilliant showed well at ACONABIKH in the Escalera.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
Not rare at Owlet Lodge, where it is easily identified by its perching style on the feeders: hanging from the perch.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
A widespread species we encountered in the Mayo valley a couple of times.
AMETHYST WOODSTAR (Calliphlox amethystina)
This lowland woodstar showed up at the Verbena flowers around the feeders at Waqanki, Arena Blanca, and ACONABIKH.
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny)
Near the buildings at Huembo.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
The common highland woodstar of this tour.
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus)
Around Huembo, where we could compare them to the previous species.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
A male at Quiscarrumi bridge was our only one.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
At the flowers at Waqanki and the Llantaria.
GRAY-BREASTED SABREWING (Campylopterus largipennis)
The common sabrewing at various feeders.
NAPO SABREWING (Campylopterus villaviscensio)
Wow! Thanks to Robert for getting us on this gem! A rare species, particularly a bull male such as the one we saw!
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
Common at many of the lower elevation feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)
Mostly around the Llantaria feeders.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Uranomitra franciae cyanocollis)
This one was at Huembo.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
Another common hummer of lowland feeding stations.
SAPPHIRE-SPANGLED EMERALD (Chionomesa lactea)
Mostly around Waqanki.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Elliotomyia chionogaster)
At Huembo, where it liked to sing from the trees around the house.
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes cyanus)
A handsome hummer we encountered at Waqanki.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SPOTTED RAIL (Pardirallus maculatus)
All right! Sometimes very hard, but we managed some pretty good views of this attractive rail in the rice near Rioja.
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) [*]
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
Great views at Pomacochas.
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
This one dominated the feeder at Arena Blanca.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
First at the Masked Duck pond, and later in the rice fields near Rioja.
OCELLATED CRAKE (Micropygia schomburgkii) [*]
Heard only, but a great bird to add to the list near the Masked Duck pond.
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
A flashy plover we encountered on the Huallaga sand bar.
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
In the fields by Pomacochas.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
PANTANAL SNIPE (Gallinago paraguaiae)
Formerly called South American Snipe, but has been split. These were the snipe Jesse chased up in the wet field at Pomacochas.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
This and the next were on the river island of the Huallaga.
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
Cruising over the rice fields near Rioja.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) [b]
A bit of a surprise given the season, this was over the Huallaga river.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
A flashy raptor we saw on several occasions.
TINY HAWK (Microspizias superciliosus)
Wow! Always a treat, and usually pretty unexpected, but we all got to see this very cool petite raptor as we returned to have lunch at ACONABIKH. It was being mobbed by hummingbirds, and appeared to be eating an antshrike! And side note: it was a long-awaited lifer for Jesse!
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
One flew over us at Huembo.
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) [a]
This austral migrant species coasted by us while we were at the Mirador below Abra Patricia.
Strigidae (Owls)
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis) [*]
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
FOOTHILL SCREECH-OWL (FOOTHILL) (Megascops roraimae napensis)
Some fine views of this recently-split species (from the Vermiculated complex) at Waqanki.
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota)
Fine views above Waqanki lodge!
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
LONG-WHISKERED OWLET (Xenoglaux loweryi) [E]
Well that was a relief! Stunning views of this stonking owl at Alto Nieva our first night there. Our local guide Wilmer located it by ear and put the light right on it like it was just another Wednesday!
STYGIAN OWL (Asio stygius) [*]
A bird called to us predawn at Morro de Calzada.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
A memorable experience with a pair on the Owlet Lodge hike was nice.
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
As if to remind us that Upaquihua is just a strange little corner of Amazonia, we saw this very Amazonian species there!
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Surprisingly, we saw this up in the foothills around the Llantaria
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
A pair showed nicely for us along the stretch of road below the Mirador. This species is ripe for a multi-species split pending the publication of an LSU alum's research, so watch this space regarding what form we saw!
Momotidae (Motmots)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
A pair groaned at us in the taller forest at Morro de Calzada.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
A bird was shuttling back and forth over the woodland at Morro de Calzada all morning, suggesting it was feeding young.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Fine views of this widespread Neotropical kingfisher at Santa Elena.
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
Also at Santa Elena. This species is quite a bit harder to encounter, so we had a nice experience there!
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) [*]
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis)
Scope views of this skulky puffbird in the forest along the road below the Mirador.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata)
Great views of a pair above Waqanki.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
Typically found in more disturbed woodlands than the next species (often in flooded forests in Amazonia or semi-deciduous forests).
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
Found in the hill forests around the Mayo valley.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
BLUISH-FRONTED JACAMAR (Galbula cyanescens)
Our only jacamar of the tour, found in forests of the Mayo valley.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus punctatus)
A handsome barbet we enjoyed from the tower at Morro de Calzada, but saw at several other points.
VERSICOLORED BARBET (BLUE-COWLED) (Eubucco versicolor steerii)
A pair or two of this stunning barbet were in the big flocks around the Llantaria.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLACK-BILLED) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta cyanolaemus)
Our best view was at Huembo by the road. The Emerald Toucanet has been split into two species (with the break roughly between Panama and Colombia), but both are highly variable in appearance.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
A colorful small toucan we saw twice, perhaps best near the Mayo rice fields.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii)
Fine views of this attractive small toucan at Morro de Calzada from the tower. This region is where the bill colors turn from red (in the north) to green (in the south). The birds we saw looked green-billed, but I think a tinge of red is visible on the male's bill in the photos we took of it!
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) [*]
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
Seen at several of the lower-elevation sites such as Morro de Calzada, Waqanki, and Upaquihua.
SPECKLE-CHESTED PICULET (Picumnus steindachneri) [E]
Happily, we connected with this endemic near the lake at Pomacochas!
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
A colorful relative of our Red-bellied, Golden-fronted, and Gila woodpeckers.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus) [*]
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Dryobates affinis)
A forest version of the last species we saw at Morro de Calzada and on the Escalera.
CRIMSON-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Campephilus haematogaster) [*]
RED-NECKED WOODPECKER (Campephilus rubricollis) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
This and the next species were in the woodland at the base of Morro de Calzada.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) [*]
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus)
A view up to a pair above Waqanki was unexpected and appreciated!
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
This striking woodpecker greeted us in the high cloudforest of Owlet Lodge.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
True to its habit, this flicker was in the open country of the Mayo valley.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
BUCKLEY'S FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur buckleyi) [*]
Drat, far more often heard than seen, and this experience was no exception. The voice carried over the rice fields of the Mayo valley.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
SPOT-WINGED PARROTLET (Touit stictopterus) [*]
WHITE-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris versicolurus)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
Not rare in the Mayo valley, where the local subspecies, gustavi, has yellow along the leading edge of the wings.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus)
Of the two Andean Pionus parrots, this is the lower elevation species, which we had over Alto Nieva and the day we spent around Aguas Verdes and the Llantaria.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
This is the higher-elevation Pionus, which we saw over Owlet Lodge.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
The lowland Pionus.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
Another Andean parrot we saw high overhead from Owlet Lodge.
MITRED PARAKEET (Psittacara mitratus)
A flock went by at Huembo.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Mostly in the Mayo valley.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
A view of a male at the start of our walk to Arena Blanca.
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus ruficapillus)
It took some work, but we mostly got views of this near the lake at Pomacochas.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
A pair or two were at the edge of the hummingbird feeder clearing at ACONABIKH in the Escalera, and I suspect that the prey the Tiny Hawk we saw there was carrying was a male of this species.
NORTHERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (PERUVIAN) (Thamnophilus punctatus huallagae)
This is one of the two Peruvian populations of this species, which could well be split in the future. We had nice views of a pair or two at Upaquihua.
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens)
The form here has a black-plumaged male, and we saw this at Owlet Lodge.
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor)
Also seen well at Owlet Lodge. I love the ironic juxtaposition of this and the previous species, which are closest relatives!
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
FOOTHILL STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla spodionota)
Nice! A rare and hard to encounter species of antwren we saw on our hike above Waqanki.
RUFOUS-TAILED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla erythrura)
A pair were acting quite furtive in a mixed flock at ACONABIKH in the Escalera, but eventually, all who did the hike caught a glimpse.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda)
Nice views of this attractive antwren at Upaquihua.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (WHITE-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris melaena)
This was the form we had in the Escalera. The form we saw at Upaquihua is an unnamed species.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
A pair was in a mixed flock by the Llantaria.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris)
Another species at the Llantaria, this one was in the canopy.
RUSTY-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus frater)
A very lovely canopy antwren we saw well at Upaquihua. Formerly part of Rufous-winged Antwren, which has been split into species (the other is now in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil).
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps)
We had fair views of this bamboo specialist at Owlet Lodge. This is a recent split from Long-tailed Antbird, which had a four-way split.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
A pair gave us a bit of work at Morro de Calzada, but eventually everyone got a view.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis)
An inquisitive pair showed fairly well on our hike above Waqanki.
WESTERN FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena maura)
At the hummer feeders at Alto Nieva.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys)
Nice views of this skulky antbird at Upaquihua, where the local subspecies is the recently-described koenigorum.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
Several singing birds showed near the tunnel above Tarapoto.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
Eventually a pair showed for us along the creek at Santa Elena.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma)
Nice views eventually at Waqanki.
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax castanea castanea)
What a kind bird that showed for us at the blind at Arena Blanca!
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
This was along the road just below the Aguas Verdes bridge.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
RUSTY-TINGED ANTPITTA (Grallaria przewalskii) [E]
Wilmer produced well for us on our morning at Alto Nieva with this endemic right in front of us!
CHESTNUT ANTPITTA (Grallaria blakei) [E]
Our first morning at Owlet Lodge allowed us nice views of this endemic antpitta right behind the buildings there.
OCHRE-FRONTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) [E*]
Despite hearing a couple of these antpittas, our efforts to see them were skunked. Ah well...
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus) [*]
Heard only around the Llantaria and Huembo, this population is an undescribed species.
RUFOUS-VENTED TAPACULO (Scytalopus femoralis) [E]
Nice views of this endemic tapaculo in the stunted woodland at Alto Nieva.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
A rather underwhelming woodcreeper we glimpsed at Santa Elena.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
Nice views of this diminutive woodcreeper at Morro de Calzada.
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
A fairly distinctive woodcreeper we saw at the edge of the marsh by the rice fields in the Mayo valley.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) [*]
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (TSCHUDI'S) (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus chunchotambo)
This was the woodcreeper we saw just at the Tarapoto tunnel on our last full day.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides)
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
In the mixed flocks at the Llantaria.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
Nice views of this woodcreeper at Upaquihua.
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus)
Wow! This is actually a pretty rare and seldom-seen bird (in Peru at least)! We had this on our hike at Owlet Lodge.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
Woodcreeper (check), mountains (check).
INAMBARI WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae)
A pair was in the forest at the base of Morro de Calzada.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
In the mixed flocks by the Llantaria.
POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri)
A strange furnariid that we saw fairly well near Santa Elena in its preferred Mauritia palms.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) [*]
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma rufa)
Along the road by the Aguas Verdes bridge.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus)
In the predawn light at the Aguas Verdes bridge, where it flew across the road several times.
BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus ochrolaemus)
After hearing this species at Morro de Calzada and the Tarapoto tunnel, we had fine views of one on the far side of the tunnel.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
A silhouette on the tree trunks as we waited for the Long-whiskered Owlet.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
A handsome member of high elevation mixed flocks.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
At Waqanki, where their big stick nests were obvious.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
A subcanopy spinetail we saw near Aguas Verdes.
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (BARON'S) (Cranioleuca antisiensis baroni)
This was the arboreal spinetail we saw at Pomacochas.
PLAIN-CROWNED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis gujanensis)
In the understory at Upaquihua.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
Heard often, and eventually seen at the pulloff by the Mirador.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa)
A handsome spinetail that we encountered around the Owlet Lodge.
CHESTNUT-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cherriei)
Nice save! After hearing one above Waqanki, we got nice views of another at Upaquihua! This is a strangely rare and local species with a wide, but spotty, distribution across Amazonia.
Pipridae (Manakins)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANT-MANAKIN (Neopelma sulphureiventer) [*]
PAINTED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus eckelberryi)
It took some work, but I think most folks got on one or another of these recently-described manakins either at Morro de Calzada or above Waqanki.
FIERY-CAPPED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus pyrocephalus)
Many were heard, but a couple of folks got views on the trail above Waqanki.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
Seen above Waqanki and also at ACONABIKH in the Escalera.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
Our first cotinga of the tour, seen in the forest around Owlet Lodge.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus)
Seen at the Llantaria and heard again at the Escalera.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae)
Nice work Robert in finding this diminutive canopy dweller that can easily go unnoticed at Arena Blanca!
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius atricaudus)
A single individual put on a brief performance for us at Upaquihua, where its yellow rump caught our attention.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
We called one in, but only a few saw it, along the road near the Aguas Verdes bridge.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes galbinus)
One was over the road at Aguas Verdes.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
Some folks got on this at Waqanki.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
INCA FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon taczanowskii) [E]
In mixed flocks along the highway by the Owlet Lodge.
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus)
Much like a miniature Slaty-capped Flycatcher, and in the same flocks.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
Along the road at the Aguas Verdes bridge. This is one of the few localities in Peru where the bird is known to be.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis albiventris)
Seen at Waqanki and again at Upaquihua.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)
Seen at both Morro de Calzada and Waqanki. The smallest passerine in the wooooooorllllld.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) [*]
STRIPE-NECKED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus striaticollis)
A bird at Morro de Calzada was not really happy just showing itself to us. What a jerk.
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis)
Great views along the driveway at Owlet Lodge!
CINNAMON-BREASTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus)
Another tody-tyrant that can be very hard, but we actually got nice views without a lot of work in the stunted white sand woodland at Alto Nieva.
JOHNSON'S TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus luluae) [E]
(Ahem: Lulu's!). Nice views of a pair in second growth along the highway by Owlet Lodge. Only described in the 90s, and a Peruvian endemic (and a durned good-lookin' one at that!).
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis)
A pair on the hike above Waqanki was nice.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
A fine view of this little ball of fury in the tree above the hummingbird feeders at ACONABIKH.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus)
In the mixed flocks by the Llantaria
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
A canopy denizen at Morro de Calzada.
OLIVE-FACED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias viridiceps)
Recently split from Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, this is the western Amazonian representative of that complex.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
Cute.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)
Well, named. We saw them along cliffs at the Royal Sunangel ridge and the tunnel above Tarapoto.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
Fancy, and nice views near the Llantaria.
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
This little angry sprite was around that artificial pond at Waqanki.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (NORTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum olivaceum) [*]
Heard at Morro de Calzada.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum maranonicum)
Seen at Huembo. The voices of this and the last are quite different and they are likely to be split once the research on this species complex is published.
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
At Arena Blanca.
SOUTHERN MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus murina wagae)
The Mouse-colored Tyrannulet complex has recently been split up, and this is the Amazonian form, which we saw at Waqanki and again at the town of Aguas Verdes (at the start of our hike to the Arena Blanca reserve).
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
A responsive pair showed well at Morro de Calzada.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
In the yard at Waqanki.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
A pair at Upaquihua showed fairly well.
HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura)
Around Huembo.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
At several points of the tour in open country of the Mayo valley.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
Seen on the first four days. This is an austral migrant form, possibly chilensis.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
Replaces the last at higher elevations, and resident.
WHITE-FRONTED TYRANNULET (WHITE-FRONTED) (Phyllomyias zeledoni leucogonys) [*]
Formerly part of Rough-legged Tyrannulet. We heard it at the Tarapoto tunnel.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
A pair at Morro de Calzada chattered over our heads.
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
Along the highway by Owlet Lodge.
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps)
This fairly unimpressivie tyrannulet is a mixed flock member around the Llantaria.
MISHANA TYRANNULET (Zimmerius villarejoi) [E]
Described in the late 90s by Bret Whitney and Pepe Alvarez in the white sand forests near Iquitos. The form here in the Mayo valley is actually better considered a different (undescribed) species! Bret hopes to deal with it soon enough.
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (Zimmerius viridiflavus) [E]
An interesting case where this population of Peruvian Tyrannulet looks more like Golden-faced Tyrannulet (found north of the Maranon river), but its voice gives it away.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans)
A pair popped into view for us along the highway by Owlet Lodge.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus)
This is a foothill replacement species for Bran-colored Flycatcher. We saw one well near the Llantaria.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
Seen quite well above Waqanki.
OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Mitrephanes olivaceus)
Like a green mini-pewee in the canopy of high elevation forests around Owlet Lodge.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus)
This species seems to like hillsides with poor soil scrub or stunted woodlands, like that along the Royal Sunangel bend.
JELSKI'S BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus signatus)
Hey, nice find! We had a female at the border of forest along the road below the Mirador. This species is not seen often.
RUFOUS CASIORNIS (Casiornis rufus)
An attractive relative of the Myiarchus flycatchers that we saw at Upaquihua. It has an isolated population in the semi-deciduous forests along the middle Huallaga river, but is mostly found in Bolivia and southern Brazil.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
We had nice views of this widespread forest Myiarchus by the Llantaria.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
The common Myiarchus around Waquanki and Morro de Calzada.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
This is the highland Myiarchus around Owlet Lodge and Huembo.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
Familiar to those who have visited the Southwestern US, we had this at Upaquihua.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)
A distant scoped view along the highway below the Mirador of this foothill canopy flycatcher.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (SOUTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) [a]
Robert spotted one along the ridge above the road at the Tarapoto tunnel that didn't stay long, but we later got good views as we headed back towards Tarapoto.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Not quite an everyday bird.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
While in the highlands, we heard and saw (briefly) the green-faced and rufous-crowned form contrerasi, but at Upaquihua we had nominate gujanensis.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
A fairly rare foothill species we encountered in a flock near the Llantaria.
ASHY-HEADED GREENLET (Hylophilus pectoralis)
This was the last new bird we saw of the tour before heading back to our hotel at Tarapoto and preparing for our flight. The population here is highly isolated from the main population in Bolivia and Brazil.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis)
Brief views near the Tarapoto tunnel.
TAWNY-CROWNED GREENLET (Tunchiornis ochraceiceps) [*]
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) [*]
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
Formerly part of Red-eyed Vireo, but recently split. the ones we see in the Mayo valley may be austral migrants, but the ones at Upaquihua are likely resident breeders.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
WHITE-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca viridicyanus)
These flashy electric blue jays put on a nice show along the highway below the Owlet Lodge.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas)
Seen on several days in the middle elevations.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) [*]
Heard around ACONABIKH.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
A unique species with a family all to itself that we saw in the marshes near the Mayo rice fields.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)
Flying over at Morro de Calzada.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Along the Huallaga River.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Microcerculus marginatus marginatus) [*]
Also called "Southern Nightingale Wren" by Ridgely in his various books. This is the "northern" voice type that goes down in scale. Sadly, we never got one to behave and show itself.
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii)
This odd canopy wren creeps on branches like a Black-and-white Warbler and sings like a Cape May! Not a bad trick!
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
I think this was our only everyday bird by the trip's end!
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
The population here is actually a bit of a question mark, as it gives calls that suggest it may actually be better considered Moustached Wren, but plumage characters look more like other populations of Coraya. I hope this issue will be sorted soon.
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (MARANON) (Pheugopedius sclateri sclateri)
A bit skulky, but some folks got views at Huembo.
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens)
Beautiful singers who regaled us on the trail by Owlet Lodge.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Eventually we got a bird to show itself along the road at the Tarapoto tunnel.
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera)
This near endemic showed for many around the feeders at Alto Nieva.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN (SOUTHERN) (Cyphorhinus thoracicus thoracicus)
A real understory skulker, but several folks got views of one along the trail at Owlet Lodge, and others caught up with it at Alto Nieva. Challenging!
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Thanks to Gregg for spotting this fine bird in the river below the Royal Sunangel bend of the highway!
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) [*]
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis)
A couple folks spotted this elusive thrush as it fled us. Drat.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
Another highly isolated population of a bird more typical of open country in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, etc., We had it at Morro de Calzada.
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
Actually pretty good views at Waqanki!
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (GRAY-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis spodiolaemus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
Not rare at the highest elevations.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
One along the trail at Owlet Lodge.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
Around Tarapoto.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanocephala)
The taxonomic status of this species has shifted, as it is now considered a Chlorophonia and no longer a Euphonia.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) [*]
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
Not rare at lower elevations.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta)
One showed well near the artificial pond at Waqanki.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
A montane Euphonia we had around the Aguas Verdes bridge.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) [*]
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
At Huembo. The species doesn't get much farther south than here (it is also in the Maranon and Utcubamba valleys to the west).
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
A dull siskin found on humid Amazonian slope forests such as at Alto Nieva and the Royal Sunangel ridge.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
The core species of the flock we had at the Llantaria.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris)
This species tends to be higher than the last, and we saw a small group along the Nieva River above the Sunangel ridge.
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Another Llantaria flock member.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus hiaticolus)
A species that is ripe for extensive taxonomic revision, we heard them every dawn and dusk at Owlet Lodge.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Found in open country in the lowlands.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) [*]
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus)
A few birds showed briefly in the fields around Pomacochas lake.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
A striking large blackbird found from Alto Nieva and downslope to Aguas Verdes.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus peruvianus)
A few were in the White-collared Jay flock below Owlet Lodge.
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) [*]
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus croconotus)
Nice view of this handsome large oriole at the Masked Duck pond.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
PALE-EYED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus xanthophthalmus)
Nice! This is a rare and local species found only in Ecuador and Peru in marshes near the foothills. We had it at the edge of the rice fields of the Mayo valley.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (THREE-STRIPED) (Basileuterus tristriatus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
After some work, we finally got nice views at Pomacochas.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata inaequalis)
Seen on several days at higher elevations.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Lower elevation and more common than the next.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea)
A pair or two at the Tarapoto tunnel.
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
This is that "Scarlet Tanager with wingbars" we enjoyed at the Llantaria.
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
A pair showed fairly well on the trail above Waqanki.
CARMIOL'S TANAGER (YELLOW-LORED) (Chlorothraupis carmioli frenata)
A large, dull greenish tanager-cardinal that we saw well at the Tarapoto tunnel and again at ACONABIKH.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
Robert got us on a pair at the marshes near the Mayo rice fields.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata)
What the Brits might call a "gob smacker" that we enjoyed on a couple of occasions along the highway. What fun!
BUFF-BELLIED TANAGER (Thlypopsis inornata)
Robert got folks on this near-endemic at Huembo.
YELLOW-CRESTED TANAGER (Loriotus rufiventer)
Wow, an unexpectedly easy view of a male at the Waqanki feeders.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus)
A pair was at Upaquihua.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
Seen on several days in the Mayo valley.
BLACK-BELLIED TANAGER (Ramphocelus melanogaster) [E]
The endemic replacement of the next species, being found in the Mayo valley on our tour itinerary, but also along the upper Huallaga river.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus)
Phew! That was a close one! We got nice scope views of this real looker along the highway below the Mirador. Glad that stop paid off!
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
Some folks had this one afternoon at Owlet Lodge.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
A fancy-lookin' member of the big mixed flock at Sunangel Ridge.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)
Also at Sunangel Ridge.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
DOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis varia)
Only a brief visit, but a single bird showed for us at the powerline ridge on the Escalera.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra)
SILVERY TANAGER (Stilpnia viridicollis)
MASKED TANAGER (Stilpnia nigrocincta)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia cyanicollis caeruleocephala)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (BLUE-AND-BLACK) (Tangara vassorii branickii)
This and the next are the two highest-elevation of the "Tangara" group.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
This nice species was in the big mixed flock at the Sunangel Ridge.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
This and the next are lowland tanagers we had 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 looker we enjoyed on several occasions!
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (PULCHRA GROUP) (Tangara arthus pulchra)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
In the road edge woodland at Arena Blanca.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) [*]
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
A snazzy flowerpiercer we enjoyed at Alto Nieva.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
Often found in stunted ridgetop woodlands like along the Sunangel Ridge.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) [I]
Introduced (from the Peruvian coastal population) to the area around Tarapoto, and seems to have spread handily along the drier Huallaga valley.
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis luteola)
Small groups at Pomacochas.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BLACK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila atrirostris)
Like Pale-eyed Blackbird, this is a rare and local species found in foothill marshes of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. We had several in the marsh near the Mayo rice fields.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
Robert and Jesse had this seedeater at Pomacochas.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLUISH-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) [*]
Until recently part of Grayish Saltator, which has been split into 3 species.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
A singing bird at the Tarapoto tunnel showed for some.
MAMMALS
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis)
These were at the Quiscarrumi bridge and again at Morro de Calzada.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
PERUVIAN NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus miconax)
Views at the Owlet Lodge one breakfast.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (RIO MAYO) (Callicebus moloch oenanthe)
An endangered species we saw at Morro de Calzada.
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
BROWN CAPUCHIN (Cebus apella)
BOLIVIAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus ignitus)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis)
One at the edge of Lake Pomacochas was unexpected!
HERPS
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)
Totals for the tour: 446 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa