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OBSERVATIONS IN PERÚ, 25 July - 10 August 2001,
The visit included three distinct areas; the Peruvian coast and offshore islands of the Paracas peninsula, the Amazon rain forest along the River Tambopata, and the Andes mountains of the Inca trail. There was relatively little overlap in species between these three regions and each is treated separately below. Only those species which I encountered personally are mentioned here but the party identified a number of others.
Travel between the areas was by air. The visit was carried out under the able auspices of a well known tour company and was led by Andy Tucker.
The Coast; 26-28th July & 9th August
Arrival in Perú was at Lima, which was in the grip of the heavy, cool mist and drizzle (garua) which dominates the local climate. The mist extended well south of the city to Pucusana.
Sites visited were
A. Pantanos de Villa. 26th July. Freshwater reserve comprising lagoons, sedge beds and reed beds and adjacent sand flats. Just south of Lima city.
B. Pucusana fishing village. 26th July. Rocky Bay protected by headland. Boat trip around the Bay taken. Many pelicans and other hangers-on at jetty.
C. Paracas peninsula. 26th-28th July. Observations in grounds of Hotel Paracas and on the adjacent sandy scrub. Also on the immensely arid Paracas peninsula on 26th and 27th July.
D. The desert on the road to Ica. 27th July. Overflight of Nazca Lines from Ica. Observations in airport grounds and en route.
E. Islas Ballestas and Isla San Gallan; visited on the morning of 28th July. Former are guano islands; rocky with many caves. Guano removal platforms still evident. Latter is a large island with a central mountainous core and large shingle beach housing a huge colony of Southern Sealions.
F. Pisco marshes. 28th July; freshwater marshes and estuary, with some cultivation.
Humboldt Penguin
Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti
Two off Pucusana. Group of 12 on a rock at Ballestas Is.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Common at Pantanos de Villa. Several family groups.
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Common at Pantanos de Villa. 10+.
Great Grebe Podiceps major
Common at Pantanos de Villa. 10+ seen including large young. Handsome species
recalling Western Grebe in shape.
Cape Petrel Daption capense
One inshore at Isla San Gallan.
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Numerous off Paracas penisula.
Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus
Numerous off Paracas peninsula.
Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii
Two at Paracas hotel, including one perched on hotel jetty. One at Ballestas
islands. All were immatures.
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus
Abundant on coast. Thousands present, especially around fishing villages where
very confiding, sitting on boats and jetties. Never seen to plunge-dive like
Brown Pelican.
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata
Abundant on coast and inhabiting cliffs at Pucusana and on the Ballestas islands.
Large young noted at latter site. Many thousands of adults everywhere. Often
seen plunge diving in inshore waters, sometimes very shallowly and elsewhere
from a height.
Neotropic (Olivaceous) Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus.
A long-tailed "freshwater" species. Very common at Pantanos de Villa and in
inshore coastal waters.
Guanay Cormorant Phalacrocorax bougainvillii
Common at Pucusana. 20+. Others off Paracas. Only small numbers seen and none
on Ballestas.
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi
Three at Pucusana. Several at Isla San Gallan. Pair on nest in a cave on Ballestas
islands. Very striking species.
Great White Egret Egretta alba
Common at Pantanos de Villa, Pisco marshes and other coastal wetlands.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Abundant at Pantanos de Villa and common in all coastal wetlands. Also on
seashore rocks at Paracas penisula.
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Two at Pantanos de Villa. Two at Pisco marshes.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Two at Pantanos de Villa.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Comon at Pantanos de Villa, Pisco marshes and elsewhere along the coast, sometimes
with cows.
Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Small occupied colony at Pantanos de Villa
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Three flushed from reed beds at Pantanos de Villa.
Puna Ibis Pleagadis ridgwayi
Common at Pantanos de Villa and other coastal wetlands.
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis
Flock of 100+ on shore of salt flats fringing Paracas peninsula. Very pink-
looking compared to Greater Flamingoes.
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
30+ at Pantanos de Villa. 10 on shore of Paracas peninusula.
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
20+ at Pantanos de Villa. Males in full plumage and displaying.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Abundant near Lima and around Pantanos de Villa, largely absent further south.
Strongly linked to habitation.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Occasional pairs in desert areas south of Pucusana. Several around Pisco and
Pucusana, four roosting in the hotel grounds. Abundant on Paracas peninsula,
dozens roosting on the seashore cliffs. Hundreds on the Isla San Gallan, scavenging
sealion pup corpses. Several on the Ballestas islands.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
One on a pylon at Pantanos de Villa.
Crested Caracara Polyborus plancus
One over Lima river, mobbing Black Vultures.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Common locally, as at Pantanos de Villa and Pisco marshes. Some recently-fledged.
Plumbeous Rail Rallus sanguinolentus
One at Pantanos de Villa.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Abundant at Pantanos de Villa. Common at Pisco marshes and seen on other small
coastal wetlands.
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca
Abundant at Pantanos de Villa. Very striking yellow frontal plates.
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
Small numbers, usually in pairs, on rocks around Paracas peninsula.
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater
Four at Pucusana. Three on shore of Paracas peninsula.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
Common at Pantanos de Villa. In pairs. 20+. Small groups at Pisco marshes.
Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris
One on sand flats at Pantanos de Villa. Loose group of 14 on grazed marsh
at Pisco.
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
One at Pisco marshes.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Small numbers on coastal rocks at Paracas peninsula.
Killdeer Charadrius
vociferus
6+ at Pantanosde Villa. Small numbers seen at other coastal sites.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Several on salt flats at Paracas peninsula, including small chicks.
Tawny-throated Dotterel Eudromias ruficollis
A loose flock of 20+ on the river fringes at Pisco marshes. Courser-like,
orangish birds.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Two on a rock at Lagunillas cove, Paracas peninsula.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Two at Pisco marshes.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Six at Pisco marshes.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Abundant at Pucusana, where several hundred were roosting in tight groups
on boats offshore. Common along the shore of the Paracas peninsula. Less typically,
a flock of 20 on riverside shingle at Pisco marshes.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
One at Pisco marshes.
Chilean Skua Catharacta chilensis
One off the Ballestas islands. A very cold-toned species.
Grey Gull Larus modestus
Abundant on the coast, especially on the Paracas peninsula where flocks of
hundreds roosted on the beaches.
Band-tailed Gull Larus belcheri
Abundant on the coast, especially on the Paracas peninsula, but less numerous
than the Grey Gull.
Band-tailed Gull
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Several individuals on the Pantanos de Villa. Abundant on the coast. Common
scavenging around the sealion rookery. (The fresh, mauled remains of one bird
there may have involved an error of judgment on the bird's part)
Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus
Common at Pantanos de Villa. Included some juveniles. Not on coast.
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan
One at Pantanos de Villa.
Swallow-tailed Gull Creagrus furcatus
Four on sea inshore of Ballestas islands. Two juveniles/young immatures and
two older immature birds. Heavy black bills and dark eye patches striking.
Elegant Tern Sterna elegans
Three large, yellow-billed terns off Hotel Paracas were probably this although
"Cayenne" Sandwich tern is also a possibility.
Royal Tern Sterna maxima
Two at Lagunillas cove on the Paracas peninsula.
Peruvian Tern Sterna lorata
Several inshore at Paracas hotel and on the peninsula. Recalling a greyish
Little Tern.
Inca Tern Larosterna inca
Abundant at Pucusana, nesting on the cliffs and resting on buildings. Very
common around the Paracas peninsula and especially on the Ballestas islands,
where many recently-fledged young present.
Inca Tern
Black Skimmer Rhynchops niger
Flock of 100+ on shore of salt flats fringing Paracas peninsula.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Common in towns.
Pacific Dove Zenaida meloda
Abundant, especially in Lima city where large flocks seen at dawn and dusk
overhead.
Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana
Four at Pantanos de Villa and individuals often seen on wires in towns along
the coast. Tiny, with a striking yellow bill.
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris
Two at Pantanos de Villa and occasional along the coast. Three in Hotel Paracas
garden.
Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia
Up to 3 in grounds of Hotel Paracas.
Peruvian Sheartail Thaumastura cora
One male and two females on tamarisks on sand flats near Hotel Paracas. No
flowers there but seen to flycatch.
Coastal Miner Geositta peruviana
Four on sand flats near Hotel Paracas. Running on the ground and leaping up
for insects.
Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes Cinclodes taczanovski
Common on rocky shores. At least 6 at Pucusana. Also at Lagunilla Bay on the
Paracas peninsula. Very active on wave edges; recalling both Turnstone and
Rock Pipit.
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
One at Pantanos de Villa.
Many-coloured Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubigastra
One at Pantanos de Villa.
Elaenia sp. Elaenia sp.
Four taking dates in palms in lakeside vegetation at Ica.
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Frequent on wires and buildings all along the coast. Males startlingly orange.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Four at Ica in lakeside vegetation. Plunge-bathing.
Blue and White Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
Common generally, especially at Pantanos de Villa. Several thousand at Pisco
marshes. Very stumpy.
Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus
Frequent in coastal towns and on wires. Usually in pairs.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
One at Pantanos de Villa.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Several at Hotel Paracas. Also among houses near Pantano de Villa.
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
One in grounds of Hotel Paracas.
Hooded Siskin Carduelis margellanica
Four at Ica airport.
Grassland Yellow Finch Sicalis luteola
Small flocks common on grassland at Pisco marshes.
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
At least one at Ica airport.
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Common at Hotel Paracas
Peruvian Red-breasted Meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa
Several at Pantanos de Villa and also common at Pisco marshes. Very striking.
AMAZONIA 29th July 29th - 2nd August
Arrival was by air at Puerto Maldonado. The principal elements of the visit were;
Species diversity was very high but most species, especially passerines, were represented by few individuals. Single trees often held a dozen or more species and many were only seen on one occasion. The list would have grown rapidly given more time.
Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus
Heard near the claylick cliff.
Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus
Common around the campsite and heard calling all day, but especially at dawn
and dusk. Responded to call imitations and approached closely but never actually
seen.
Neotropic (Olivaceous) Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Small numbers noted on riversides.
American Darter Anhinga anhinga
Two immature single birds seen on logs in the river.
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Single birds seen frequently on the river banks.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Small numbers on riverbanks, generally singly.
Snowy Egret
Great White Egret Egretta alba
Single birds frequently seen along river.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Small flocks present near Pto Maldonado.
Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus
Single birds seen frequently on the river banks.
Orinoco Goose Neochen jubatus
Two pairs noted on shingle banks.
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata
Two immature birds on riverside shingle below the Colpa. Another immature
bird seen on riverbank.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Uncommon. Several near Pto Maldonado.
American Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Common at Puerto Maldonado and near all lodges and settlements, including
our camp. Commensalism with Man again very evident.
Tambopata River at camp
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus
Common and characteristic. Omnipresent over the forest, often in small flocks.
King Vulture Sarcorhamphus
papa
Individuals and groups of up to six seen on most days.
American Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
One seen crossing river.
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea
Small flocks occasional along the river and over the research centre. Common
over Puerto Maldonado.
Bicoloured Hawk Accipiter bicolor
One perched opposite Colpa. A large buff and dark hawk.
Great Black Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga
Occasional over forest. One landed at the Colpa cliff and caused temporary
displacement of the parrots.
Grey Hawk Buteo nitidus
One near airport.
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Individuals frequent along the river. Flight more accipiter-like than buteo-like.
Black Caracara Daptrius ater
Frequent along the river, often in small groups.
Red-throated Caracara Daptrius americanus
One small group of four or five seen on riverside trees.
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans
One seen on a riverside tree. Heard at research centre.
Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis
Common along river. Single birds and pairs often seen on the tops of dead
or leafless trees. Very small but peregrine-like in proportions.
Speckled (Variable) Chachalaca Ortalis guttata
A small flock seen in riverside undergrowth. Red-winged.
Blue-throated Piping Guan Pipile (Aburria) cumanensis
Up to two seen on several occasions around the Colpa cliff. Very small-headed.
Razor-billed Curassow Crax mitu
One seen on trees opposite the Colpa.
Starred Wood Quail Odontophorus stellatus
Heard near the oxbow lake.
Hoatzin Opisthocomus
hoazin
Two seen at close quarters, moving lethargically in lakeside shrubs at the
oxbow lake.
Sun Bittern Eurypygia helias
One near the Lodge. Seen feeding in the open on the riverbank mudflats.
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
One flew past the campsite.
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris
Several on riverside mudflats.
Pied Lapwing (Cayenne Plover) Vanellus cayanus
One seen on riverside mudflats. Very striking but small for a Vanellus.
Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex
Occasional individuals frequent along the river. Massive bill but still a
small tern.
Yellow-billed (Amazon) Tern Sterna superciliaris
Occasional individuals frequent along river. Recalls Little Tern.
Black Skimmer Rhynchops niger
One single bird on river only.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Common at Pto Maldonado.
Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis
Several around the oxbow lake.
Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea
Several around the oxbow lake.
PARROTS AT THE CLAYLICK.
Birds began to arrive soon after dawn and they settled in adjacent trees before moving to the cliff-face to take clay. They were reluctant to settle initially and once they did so individuals stayed for only a few minutes in most cases. Considerable commuting to and from the site occurred during the several hours of observation. No count was attempted but the impression was that the claylick was visited by hundreds of macaws and perhaps a total of a few thousand of the smaller parrots and parakeets. Macaws and some parrots arrived in pairs and family parties. The smaller parakeets were often in flocks of up to 50 birds. Most of the species listed were also seen elsewhere, usually flying over the canopy.
Blue and Yellow Macaw Ara ararauna
Common at the claylick and often seen nearby. Perhaps the most numerous of
the larger macaw species.
Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
Small numbers seen at the claylick mainly. The scarcest species.
Red and Green Macaw Ara chloroptera
Small numbers seen at the claylick mainly.
Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severa
Common at the claylick and over the forest generally.
Red-bellied Macaw Ara manilata
Common at the claylick and over the forest generally.
Dusky-headed Conure Aratinga weddellii
Very common at the claylick and elsewhere. Flocks often seen over the river
and on tree tops.
Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera
Very common at the clay lick. Blue wings striking.
White-bellied Parrot Pionites leucogaster
Common at the clay lick.
Orange-cheeked Parrot Pionopsitta barrabandi
A flock of 5 seen at the colpa.
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
Very common at the clay lick and nearby.
Yellow-crowned Amazon Parrot Amazona ochrocephala
Common at the clay lick and nearby.
Mealy Amazon Parrot Amazona farinosa
Very common at the clay lick and nearby.
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
A small flock seen in riverside vegetation.
Tropical Screech Owl Otus choliba
Heard at the camp.
Tawny-bellied Screech Owl Otus watsonii
Heard at the camp. One seen at dusk near the oxbow lake.
Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata
Heard at the camp.
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
One seen and heard at sunset, sitting on an exposed canopy branch near the
camp.
Sand-coloured Nighthawk Chordeiles rupestris
Locally common on sand banks along the river, in groups of up to six. Hunting
even in full sunshine at noon.
Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
Several seen by torchlight on riverside logs. Included one large young. Heard
along river.
Ladder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacoerca
One on sand banks opposite the claylick.
Streptoprocne zonaris White-collared Swift
Common over Pto Maldonado. Large flocks seen from mid-morning on most dates
always following the river downstream. Presumably commuting daily to the forest
from the mountains.
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
Small groups seen occasionally over the forest.
Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata
Small numbers noted at Pto Maldonado.
Pale-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes leucurus
Identified near research centre.
White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus
Present at the Lodge.
Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus
Occasional individuals seen in the forest including at the research centre.
Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui
One at the Lodge.
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
Small numbers seen singly along the river. The commonest kingfisher.
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
One at a pool near the camp.
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Small numbers seen singly along the river.
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus ruficapillus
One at the lodge.
Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota
One at the lodge.
White-throated Jacamar Brachygalba albogularis
Four seen flycatching from the canopy near the claylick.
White-chinned Jacamar Galbula tombacea
One flycatching in the understorey near the research centre. Unobtrusive.
Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons
Common and conspicuous, especially near the centre.
Swallow-wing Puffbird Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Individuals often seen flycatching from riverside tree tops.
Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni
One at the Lodge.
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis
One at the oxbow lake.
White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus
Groups of two or three seen at the Lodge and around the oxbow lake.
Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus
Two near the centre.
Ringed Woodpecker Celeus torquatus
One near the centre.
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
One near the camp.
Red-necked Woodpecker Campephilus rubricollis
One observed for a long time on a large tree near the oxbow lake.
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Several in forest near the centre.
White-shouldered Antshrike Thamnophilus aethiops
Several in forest near the centre.
Plain-throated Antwren Myrmotherula hauxwelli
Several in forest near the centre.
Long-winged Antwren Myrmotherula longipennis
Several in forest near the centre.
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
Seen on tree tops near the oxbow lake.
Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans
Commonly heard near the oxbow lake. (Sounding very much like the Australian
Eastern Whipbird.)
Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus
One female on a tree top at the oxbow lake.
Band-tailed Manakin Pipra fasciicauda
One male near the oxbow lake.
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Noted at Pto Maldonado and also near settlements along the river.
Drab Water Tyrant Octhornis littoralis
Commonly seen along the river banks.
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Common along the river banks.
Lesser Kiskadee Pitangus lictor
Also common along the river. Two at the oxbow lake.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Occasional along the river. Also at the airport.
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer
Common and characteristic. Often seen feeding in small groups over the river
and sandbanks.
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
Small numbers over Pto Maldonado.
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata
Scarce but seen in ones and twos along the river.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Small groups occasionally seen along the river.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Several along the river near Pto Maldonado.
Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapillus
Two in waterside vegetation at the oxbow lake, perched conspicuously.
Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus
Frequently seen in small groups along the river.
Purplish Jay Cyanocorax cyanomelas
At least one identified by the river opposite the clay lick.
Musician (Quadrille) Wren Cyphororhinus aradus
Heard near the oxbow lake.
Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis
Two present at the airport, entering the terminal building occasionally through
the open eaves.
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis
At least two on tree top perches at the Lodge.
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana
At least one identified by the river opposite the clay lick.
White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
At least two identified near the Centre.
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo
Relatively numerous. Small groups identified at the airport, the Lodge, the
Centre and near the camp site.
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Present at the Lodge and Centre.
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Common around the Lodge and Centre.
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis
One at the Lodge.
Green and Gold Tanager Tangara schrankii
Identifed at the Lodge and Centre.
Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra
Identified at the Centre.
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus
Locally common. Colonies occasional along the river.
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons
Very common, perhaps the most frequent oropendola species. Colonies of up
to 20 nests frequent along the river.
Nests of Russet-backed Oropendola
Olive Oropendola Psarocolius yuracares
Locally common, sometimes in mixed colonies with previous.
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela
Individuals seen commonly along the river and at both the Lodge and centre.
Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius
One near the Lodge.
Giant Cowbird Scaphidura oryzivora
Common in small groups along the river and seen visiting oropendola colonies.
Seedeater sp. Sporophila sp.
A pied species at the camp is pending identification.
THE ANDES. CUSCO, THE SACRED VALLEY AND THE INCA TRAIL. 2ND - 10TH AUGUST.
Arrival was by air at Cusco. The main elements of the visit were;
Urubamba River at Aguas Calientes
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland
Several at the Huarcapay lakes.
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Two at the Huarcapay lakes.
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum
One on rocks in the river at Aguas Calientes.
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgewayi
A flock of 30+ in flight near Cusco.
Andean Duck Oxyura (jamaicensis)
ferruginea
10+ on a reed-fringed lake near Huarcapay.
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Commonly seen along the Urubamba and its larger tributaries. Usually in pairs.
Two small ducklings with one female.
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis
Small numbers at the Huarcapay lakes. 30+
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Small numbers at the Huarcapay lakes. 30+
Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris
Common at the Huarcapay lakes. 50+.
Puna Teal Anas (versicolor)
puna
Common at the Huarcapay lakes. 30+.
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
Six sightings of at least four individuals, all adults. All were patrolling
just below the snow line. One pair were present on the highest peak north
of Patallacta camp. Another pair were on the skyline east of Pacaymayu camp.
Birds looked bulky and showed only a slight dihedral when soaring. Pale ruffs
conspicuous as also the white upper surfaces to the secondaries, seen when
the birds banked.
Black-chested Buzzard-eagle Geranoetus melanoleucus
Commonly seen, singly or in pairs. Two at the Huarcapay lakes. One in the
Sacred valley. Also at various points on the Inca trail, generally below 3,000m.
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
One flew past Pacaymayu camp. Two seen around and above Macchu Picchu. A compact
species with a dark hood.
Red-backed Hawk Buteo polysoma
One pair on hillsides above the cloud forest below Phuyu Pata Marca. Red back
striking.
Puna (Gurney's) Hawk Buteo poecilochrous
Individuals seen hunting (hovering) over grassland near Km 82 and also below
second pass.
Black-and-chestnut Eagle Oroaetus isidori
At least one immature seen at the Pisac ruins.
Crested Caracara Polyborus plancus
Three on farmland west of Cusco on August 9th. Almost certainly
this species. Heavy and with capped appearance.
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus
Several at the Pisac ruins. Also noted on crags north of the third pass. Distinctive.
Seen to carry food in the beak.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
One over Macchu Picchu.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Occasional pairs frequent all along the Inca trail and in other mountainous
areas visited, especially in the lower valleys. Also in farmland and pastures
throughout.
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii
One in gallery forest below Macchu Picchu. Allowed close approach.
Plumbeous Rail Rallus sanguinolentus
Two or three feeding on reedbed margins by an inlet stream at Huarcapay.
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca
Common at the Huarcapay lakes. 50+.
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
Several on the lake margins at Huarcapay. Also seen on pastures near Cusco.
Andean Gull Larus serranus
Common (100+) at the Huarcapay lakes. Two on one of the small lakes above
Runcu Raccay. Hundreds on farmland and small lakes in the highlands west of
Cusco.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Common in Cusco and some villages.
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Several near Chilca.
Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae
One near the Huarcapay lakes. Small numbers along the Urubamba valley from
Chilca and along the Cusichaca valley.
Mitred Conure Aratinga mitrata
Several flocks of up to 30 in mountain scrub fringing cloud forest, between
the first and second passes.
White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus
Small groups over Macchu Picchu.
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus
Common along the Urubamba valley.
Green Violetear Colibri thalissinus
Identified in montane scrub.
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans
Present in montane scrub. Several seen.
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Frequently seen in the highlands, over montane scrub and near farmland. Noted
at Pisac and especially along the Cusichaca valley.
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis
Identified in montane scrub.
White-tufted Sunbeam Aglaeactis castelnaudi
Identified in montane scrub.
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Large species. Several seen in montane scrub between the first and second
passes.
Violet-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena violifer
Frequent in montane scrub.
Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna
Several along the Cusichaca valley especially.
Scaled Metaltail Metallura aeneocauda
Frequent in montane scrub.
Bearded Mountaineer Oreonympha nobilis
Noted in scrub near Pisac.
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant
One above Macchu Picchu. Very small, fork-tailed species with a white collar.
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii
Two in a mixed-species flock below the third pass.
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola
One in farmland near Cusco.
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Common around the campsite at Llulluchapampa, often along streamsides.
Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior
One in montane scrub near the first pass.
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops
Two in reed beds at Huarcapay.
Many-coloured Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubigastra
Two feeding by pools along an inlet stream at Huarcapay.
Puna Thistletail (White-chinned Spinetail) Schizoeaca helleri
Identified in montane scrub.
Marcapata Spinetail Certhiaxis marcapatae
One in a clearing in the cloud forest after third pass.
Rusty-fronted Canastero Thripophaga ottonis
Identified in montane scrub.
Andean Tapaculo Scytalopus magellanicus
Two at the campside at Llulluchapampa and one just beyond first pass. Stumpy
and wren-like.
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubocristatus
Two in the canopy of cloud forest below Llulluchapampa. Two on montane scrub
beyond the second pass.
Black-billed Shrike Tyrant Agriornis montana
One or two on conspicuous perches in montane scrub beyond the third pass.
White-tailed Shrike Tyrant Agriornis albicauda
One on a cliff face beyond the third pass.
Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola rufivertex
Three or four on open ground near the Huarcapay lakes.
D'Orbigny's Chat Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides
Frequent on the edges of Polylepis forest.
White-browed Chat Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys
Identified in Polylepis forest.
Rufous-breasted Chat Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis
Identified on Polylepis forest fringes.
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Individuals commonly seen on boulders in the rivers.
White-winged Black Tyrant Knipolegus aterrimus
Locally common along the Cusichaca river.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
One in the forest canopy near the Sun Gate.
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
One in gallery forest below Macchu Picchu.
Tufted Tit Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Several in Polylepis forest.
Yellow-billed Tit Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris
Two in hillside scrub near the Pisac ruins.
Unstreaked Tit Tyrant Uromyias agraphia
Identified in forest beyond the third pass.
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea
Frequent along the Urubamba, sometimes in twos and threes, on river boulders.
White-tailed Tyrranulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus
Identified in forest beyond the third pass.
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus
Several identified in forest beyond the third pass.
Sierran Elaenia Elaenia palantangae
One in montane scrub near the Sun Gate.
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
Locally common along the Inca trail but not seen at the highest points.
Blue and White Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
Noted near Macchu Picchu and at lower elevations on the Inca trail.
Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis
One at the campsite above Phuyu Pata Marca. Buffy, poorly streaked large species.
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus
Frequent on boulders along the Urubamba and tributaries. Up to 3 together
near Aguas Calientes.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Noted in the Cusichaca valley and near Macchu Picchu.
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
Several in cloud forest beyond the third pass.
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater
Frequent in montane scrub and forest fringes, generally at higher elevations
than the next species.
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco
Common along the Urubamba valley on the fringes of cultivation, especially
between Miskay and Chilca and towards Cusco.
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
One in gallery forest near Aguas Calientes.
Dusky-capped Greenlet Hylophilus hypoxanthus
One or two in gallery forest near Aguas Calientes.
Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus fruticeti
One among boulders at Phuyu Pata Marca.
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor
Several in montane scrub beyond the third pass and the Sun Gate.
Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch Poospiza caesar
Seen in gardens near the Hotel Inca Tambo, above Cusco.
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis
Locally common near Cusco and at the lower elevations of the Inca trail.
Slaty Brush Finch Atlapetes schistaceus
Several in forest undergrowth beyond the third pass.
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
One or two in gallery forest below Macchu Picchu.
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus
A group of four or five in forest canopy near the Sun Gate. Also seen below
Macchu Picchu.
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
Several in the tree canopy at the Sun Gate.
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
Present in montane scrub beyond the third pass and in forest below Macchu
Picchu.
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons
Two in gallery forest below Macchu Picchu.
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantirostris
Frequent in cloud forest, especially before the first pass.
Parodi's Hemispingus Hemispingus parodii
One seen at close quarters in bamboo beyond the third pass.
Three-striped Hemispingus Hemispingus trifasciatus
One at the Sun Gate.
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis
One on the tree canopy below Macchu Picchu.
Rust and Yellow Tanager Thlypopsis ruficeps
Frequent along the Cusichaca valley near villages and also in the valley beow
Macchu Picchu.
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala
Two in the canopy of gallery forest below Macchu Picchu.
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava
Two in the grounds of the Macchu Picchu Lodge.
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala
One in gallery forest below Macchu Picchu.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris
Several in Polylepis forest and nearby scrub below the first pass and beyond
the third pass.
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanocollis
One below Macchu Picchu in gallery forest.
Blue and Black Tanager Tangara vassorii
Two below Macchu Picchu.
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea
Frequent below the third pass and in scrub beyond the Sun Gate.
Moustached Flowerpiercer Diglossa mystacalis
Frequent in open forest and dense scrub below Runcu Raccay and beyond the
third pass.
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Common at all villages and campsites along the Inca trail and at Macchu Picchu.
Yellow-winged Blackbird Agelaius thilius
Small flocks present at the Lakes near Huarcapay
Capybara - Tambopata River, Amazonia
Southern Sealion, Turkey Vultures, Kelp & Band-tailed
Gulls
Isla San Gallan
©Ernest Garcia 2001
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