NORTHERN PERU: THE ENDEMIC RICH NORTH AND CORDILLERA BLANCA TRIP REPORT
5 – 29 JUNE 2015
By Eduardo Ormaeche
SUMMARIZED ITINERARY
Day 1, June 5
Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Lima.
Day 2, June 6
Exploring Pucusana, Puerto Viejo marshes and beach, and Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge. Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight Lima.
Day 3, June 7
Exploring Lomas de Lachay Reserve and Paraiso beach. Transfer to Barranca. Overnight Barranca.
Day 4, June 8
Drive to Huaraz. Birding around Conococha Lake. Transfer to Yungay. Overnight Yungay.
Day 5, June 9
Exploring Llanganuco Lakes and the Polylepis forest at the Portachuelo mountain pass. Transfer to Carhuaz. Overnight Carhuaz.
Day 6, June 10
Exploring the Huaylas road and Pueblo Libre. Drive back to the coast. Overnight Casma.
Day 7, June 11
Exploring the Chao surroundings in the morning. Transfer to Trujillo and exploring Cerro Campana in the afternoon. Overnight Trujillo.
Day 8, June 12
Exploring Sinsicap. Transfer to Chiclayo. Overnight Chiclayo.
Day 9, June 13
Exploring Bosque de Pómac and transfer to Salas. Overnight Los Faiques lodge.
Day 10, June 14
Exploring the mountains above Salas and transfer to Olmos. Overnight Olmos.
Day 11, June 15
Exploring Quebrada Frejolillo and transfer to Jaén. Overnight Jaén.
Day 12, June 16
Exploring Tamborapa. Birding along the Marañon valley. Visit Huembo. Transfer to Pomacochas. Overnight Puerto Pumas Inn.
Day 13 – 15, June 17 – 19
Transfer to the Owlet Lodge. Three days exploring the Abra Patricia Area. Includes trails, road, and Fundo Alto Nieva and Nieva areas. Overnight Owlet Lodge.
Day 16, June 20
Exploring Afluente. Visit the Yacumaman Ethnobotanical Center and transfer to Moyobamba. Overnight Wakanki.
Day 17, June 21
Exploring the forest above Wakanki, Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve and transfer to Tarapoto. Visit the Hermit feeder center. Overnight Tarapoto.
Day 18, June 22
Visit the surroundings of Quebrada Upaquihua and Tarapoto. Transfer to Moyobamba. Overnight Wakanki.
Day 19, June 23
Exploring Río Romero in the morning and the Moyobamba surroundings in the afternoon. Overnight Wakanki.
Day 20, June 24
Exploring the Moyobamba surroundings and transfer to Pomacochas. Birding between Moyobamba and Pomacochas. Overnight Puerto Pumas Inn.
Day 21, June 25
Birding along the Utcubamba valley and transfer to Leymebamba. Exploring the Atuen road and visit the Kentipata feeders. Overnight Leymebamba.
Day 22, June 26
Exploring Barro Negro and the Calla-Calla Pass and Las Palmas. Overnight Leymebamba.
Day 23, June 27
Exploring Balsas, Hacienda Limon and transfer to Cajamarca (birding the road between Balsas and Cajamarca). Overnight Cajamarca.
Day 24, June 28
Exploring the Chonta canyon in the morning and the Gavilan Pass in the afternoon. Overnight Cajamarca.
Day 25, June 29
Visit San Marcos for the Great Spinetail. Birding at La Encañada and transfer to the Cajamarca airport to connect with a domestic flight to Lima.
NORTHERN PERU SYSTEMATIC LIST, JUNE 2015
Taxonomy: IOC, International Ornithological Congress, 5.3
Abbreviations:
(H) Heard only
(E) Country endemic
TINAMIFORMES
Tinamidae
Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus Excellent views of one individual at the feeders of the Arena Blanca Reserve. This is the first place where tinamous have been habituated to come to a feeder in Peru.
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui Another visitor to the Arena Blanca Reserve feeders. Here the race nigriceps
Pale-browed Tinamou Crypturellus transfasciatus Good but short views of two birds at Quebrada Frejolillo. This is a Tumbesian specialist found only in NW Peru and SW Ecuador. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Tataupa Tinamou (H) Crypturellus tataupa Heard in the Tamborapa area and near Wakanki
ANSERIFORMES
Anatidae
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata One of the classics of the Andes. One bird seen well along the Utcubamba River. Here the subspecies colombiana
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola Scope views of two birds along the lower Utcubamba River on the way to Pedro Ruiz. The Old World population has been split as Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos.
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Several sightings in freshwater ponds along the coast and in the Andes as well. Here the subspecies orinoma
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis Seen at Paraiso and the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge. Here the subspecies rubirostris
Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides Great views of this attractive species at Conococha Lake. Here the subspecies alticola
Yellow-billed Teal Anas flavirostris Several birds were seen at Conococha Lake. Here the subspecies oxyptera
Puna Teal Anas puna Nice views at Conococha Lake
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea Seen at Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge and at Conococha Lake
GALLIFORMES
Cracidae
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata A few sightings in the lowlands
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii Two birds were seen well above Leymebamba.
White-winged Guan (E) Penelope albipennis Great views of at least four birds at Quebrada Frejolillo above Olmos. This is the place where the White-winged Guan was rediscovered in 1977 by John O’ Neill, Gustavo del Solar and our friend Lino Ricco. The species is classified as critical endangered.
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii Brief views of two birds along the Chido River not far from our hotel in Pomacochas. Here the subspecies tschudii
Odontophoridae
Rufous-breasted Wood Quail Odontophorus speciosus Great views of a family party at the feeders of the Arena Blanca Reserve. Here the subspecies speciocus. The species is classified as near-threatened.
SPHENISCIFORMES
Spheniscidae
Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti Scope views of six individuals from the Pucusana stakeout. Named after Friedrich Wilhelm Karl Heinrich Alexander Baron von Humboldt (1769-1859), one of the greatest German explorers and scientists. This species is classified as vulnerable and is near-endemic.
PODICIPEDIFORMES
Podicipedidae
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland One individual was seen at Conococha Lake. Here the subspecies chilensis
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps One individual noticed in the quiet waters of Paraiso
Great Grebe Podiceps major Seen nicely at Puerto Viejo and Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge
PELECANIFORMES
Threskiornithidae
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Several encounters at higher elevations and along the southern coast of Lima
Ardeidae
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum Nice views along the Utcubamba River
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen at Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge
Striated Heron Butorides striata Common along rice fields in Rioja and Moyobamba. This bird is known for its bait-fishing practice, which consists in attracting fish by placing bait – insects, flowers, seeds, twigs, bread, even popcorn – on the water surface. The Striated Heron may also break off part of a twig to use as bait, making this bird not only one of the few tool-using animals, but one of the very few that actually make their tools.
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common along pastures and paddy fields. First recorded in the New World in 1877 (in Suriname), it has since then spread through large sections of the hemisphere, even reaching islands such as the Galapagos.
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi A single bird was recorded at Paraiso.
Great Egret Ardea alba Several encounters
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Two birds were seen at Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common
Pelecanidae
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Great views at the Pucusana harbor. This near-endemic species is listed as near-threatened.
SULIFORMES
Sulidae
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata It’s always nice to see boobies fishing by plunge-diving, as we saw them in Pucusana and at Paraiso. A near-endemic species
Phalacrocoracidae
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Common along the coast of Lima
Guanay Cormorant Leucocarbo bougainvillii Close-up views of three birds during the boat ride along Pucusana bay. The name comes from guano, which is the word used to refer to the bird excrements used as fertilizer. From 1849 to 1870 guano was the most effective fertilizer, and Peru was the largest producer of guano, exporting between 10 and 12 million tons, mostly to the United Kingdom. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Nice views from the Pucusana stakeout. This species is classified as a near-threatened.
ACCIPITRIFORMES
Cathartidae
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Another frequently encountered vulture, while soaring typically showing the characteristic “dihedral” angle
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Numerous and widespread
Accipitridae
Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Brief views of one individual crossing the Utcubamba River on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus This beautiful raptor was seen nicely on the way to Moyobamba and around Wakanki.
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus One bird was seen north of Lomas de Lachay.
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Common in the lowlands
Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Seen south of Lima and few more in the NW
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma We saw two subspecies, which are sometimes considered to be separate species, Puna Hawk B. poecilochrous and Red-backed Hawk B. polyosoma. However, the argumentation for the proposed split is weak, and recent genetic data are consistent with the hypothesis that the two forms are conspecific.
White-throated Hawk Buteo albigula One bird was seen along the San Lorenzo road (Río Chido trail) not far from Pomacochas.
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus Several juveniles were seen at Lomas de Lachay.
GRUIFORMES
Heliornithidae
Sungrebe Heliornis fulica One seen during the canoe ride along the black waters of Rio Romero
Rallidae
Ocellated Crake (H) Micropygia schomburgkii This species has been recently recorded in the Moyobamba area, constituting a new expansion of the range of distribution in the country. We heard it a few times around the Masked Duck pond.
Russet-crowned Crake (H) Laterallus viridis We had one very close, responding from the grass, but no cigar.
Chestnut-headed Crake (H) Anurolimnas castaneiceps One bird was heard at Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve.
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus Good views at Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge, and one was seen at Pueblo Libre. Here the subspecies tschudii
Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Common at several locations
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Seen at the Masked Duck pond near Moyobamba
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca Common at Puerto Viejo and the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge
Giant Coot Fulica gigantea Great views at Conococha Lake
Aramidae
Limpkin Aramus guarauna One was noticed during the canoe ride along the black waters of Río Romero.
CHARADRIIFORMES
Burhinidae
Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris At least 40 individuals were seen along the highway on the way to Barranca.
Haematopodidae
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Seen at Puerto Viejo beach
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Seen in Puerto Viejo and at Paraiso
Recurvirostridae
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus A few seen along the coast
Charadriidae
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Seen at higher elevations, where it is normally common
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Seen at Puerto Viejo
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris One seen well at La Viña reservoir near Salas
Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus Scope views of this handsome bird along the Utcubamba River on the way to Pedro Ruiz
Jacanidae
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Seen along the rice fields of Moyobamba and Rioja
Thinocoridae
Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus Excellent views of this handsome bird along the entrance track of Lomas de Lachay. Here the subspecies cuneicauda
Scolopacidae
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Seen at Paraiso
Willet Tringa semipalmata One seen at Paraiso
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Several encounters along the coast
Laridae
Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Seen at higher elevations, where it’s common
Grey Gull Leucophaeus modestus A large flock was seen at the Puerto Viejo beach.
Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Nice views at Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge and Puerto Viejo
Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Two birds were seen floating on the quiet waters at Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge.
Belcher’s Gull Larus belcheri Common along the cold waters of the Humboldt Current. Named after Sir Edward Belcher, British naval explorer of the Pacific coast of the Americas
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus A few encounters along the coast
Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Seen at Paraiso
Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans Seen at Paraiso. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Cabot’s Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus Seen at Paraiso. New World Cabot’s Tern, including Cayenne Tern T. eurygnatha, is sister to Elegant Tern, not Sandwich Tern of Europe (AOU, Efe et al. 2009); acuflavida (Cabot 1847) has priority over eurygnatha (Sanders 1876).
Inca Tern Larosterna inca Close-up views of several birds roosting from the stakeout at Pucusana. A truly handsome bird. The species is classified as near-threatened.
COLUMBIFORMES
Columbidae
Rock Dove Columba livia Too many!
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Several were seen in the cloudforest of Abra Patricia.
Maranon Pigeon Patagioenas oenops First seen along the narrow gorge in the Utcubamba valley, and a few others were seen later above Balsas. The species is classified as vulnerable and is near-endemic.
Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa Great views of two birds at the Arena Blanca Reserve
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Numerous at Lomas de Lachay and common at others locations
West Peruvian Dove Zenaida meloda The common dove on the west slope of the Andes
Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Common around Wakanki
Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Seen around Wakanki
Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Seen well on the way to Huaraz
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Several sightings, especially along the Utcubamba River
White-throated Quail-Dove (H) Geotrygon frenata This species was heard in the cloudforest of Abra Patricia.
CUCULIFORMES
Cuculidae
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Common in the tropical lowlands
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Common on the west slope and along the Marañon valley
Striped Cuckoo (H) Tapera naevia Heard around Tamborapa
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana A few encounters in the lowlands
Little Cuckoo Coccycua minuta One bird was seen well in the roadside marshes south of Moyobamba.
STRIGIFORMES
Strigidae
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba This species was heard around Wakanki, but was not cooperative this time. Later one individual was seen well and photographed in the Moyobamba outskirts.
West Peruvian Screech Owl Megascops roboratus Great views of one bird coming to the tape at Los Faiques lodge near Salas. A near-endemic species
Cinnamon Screech Owl Megascops petersoni Great views of a responsive bird at the Owlet Lodge in Abra Patricia. This localized species is near-endemic.
Vermiculated Screech Owl (H) Megascops vermiculatus This species was heard above Wakanki.
Rufous-banded Owl (H) Strix albitarsis We had this very close along the Monkey Trail at the Owlet Lodge, but unfortunately no cigar.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Good views at Wakanki
Pacific Pygmy Owl Glaucidium peruanum A few encounters of both the brown and the rufous morphs. The first bird was seen along the Huaylas road during our Rufous-backed Inca Finch search. A near-endemic species
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Several encounters along the coast. Great views at Lomas de Lachay
Long-whiskered Owlet (E) Xenoglaux loweryi A truly magical moment with this tiny owl at eye level at the Owlet Lodge. What can I say? We were just truly lucky trying for the owlet on the first night before the cold winds. The species is classified as endangered.
CAPRIMULGIFORMES
Steatornithidae
Oilbird Steatornis caripensis Seen at the usual place below the Moyobamba bridge
Caprimulgidae
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris Nice views in respond to the tape at the Owlet Lodge
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Seen flying before dawn along the northern coast of Peru
Pauraque (H) Nyctidromus albicollis Heard around Wakanki
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra A female was seen nicely around the Owlet Lodge main building.
Spot-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis maculicaudus Seen in the Wakanki pastures
Rufous Nightjar (H) Antrostomus rufus Heard at Wakanki
APODIFORMES
Apodidae
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Several encounters throughout the trip
Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen well during our drive from Afluente to Moyobamba
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura We had good views of one at Quebrada Frejolillo above Olmos. Short-tailed Swift includes C. b. ocypetes, treated as a species (Tumbes Swift) by Ridgely and Greenfield (2001). This is the subspecies we encountered.
White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus Only one encounter near the Tarapoto tunnel
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus Seen along the Huaylas road during our Rufous-backed Inca Finch search
Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata Common around Wakanki
Trochilidae
Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus One bird was seen very well along the black waters of Río Romero.
Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber One seen well at the Arena Blanca Reserve. Here the subspecies nigricinctus
Black-throated Hermit Phaethornis atrimentalis Seen well at the Wakanki feeders
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Seen well at the Arena Blanca Reserve
Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris Good views at the Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve near Tarapoto
Koepcke’s Hermit (E) Phaethornis koepckeae Great views at the Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve near Tarapoto. This bird is named after Maria Koepcke, a German ornithologist, explorer and curator of the museum of Lima, who wrote the Dep. of Lima field guide and died in a plane crash along with 92 others in 1971. One of the sole survivors was her 14-year-old daughter, brought back in a rescue mission. From Peru she described three new species to science and 13 new subspecies. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Blue-fronted Lancebill Doryfera johannae Great views of this uncommon hummingbird at the feeders of the Arena Blanca Reserve
Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae Seen well below the Owlet Lodge
Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis Common at Wakanki and Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve near Tarapoto
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Several encounters at feeders
Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus Seen well at Huembo
Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen well at the Wakanki feeders
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans The common bull of the Andes
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Nice views of one bird in Wakanki
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Brief views of one individual in Wakanki
Rufous-crested Coquette Lophornis delattrei Excellent views at the Arena Blanca Reserve and Wakanki
Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii Splendid views at Arena Blanca Reserve. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus Seen well in Wakanki, where it’s found at the forest edge and along grasslands
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata Common at the Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve near Tarapoto
White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus Great views of a single bird at the Wakanki feeders
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Common at the feeders of the tropical lowlands
Tumbes Hummingbird Leucippus baeri Excellent views of this localized species in the scrub of Quebrada Frejolillo. Named after the department of Tumbes, which is the department that borders Ecuador in NW Peru. This is a near-endemic species.
Spot-throated Hummingbird (E) Leucippus taczanowskii This endemic was seen at Pueblo Libre, Tamborapa, and Balsas.
Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus Excellent views at the Arena Blanca Reserve
White-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia chionogaster Found in semi-deciduous areas, especially along the Utcubamba River, but also common at the Huembo feeders
Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia Several encounters along the coast. Common at Bosque de Pómac
Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae Seen at Huembo and Balsas
Sapphire-spangled Emerald Amazilia lactea Common at Wakanki
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Seen at the feeders of the Owlet Lodge, Atuen, and Kentipata
Gould’s’ Jewelfront Heliodoxa aurescens Nice views of this hummer at the Koepcke’s Hermit Reserve near Tarapoto. Named after John Gould (1884-1881), English publisher, naturalist and artist
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides Seen at the Owlet Lodge feeders
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Seen at Huembo and the Fundo Alto Nieva feeders
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii Common at Huembo and the Owlet Lodge feeders
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Seen at higher elevations
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi Seen well above Leymebamba
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Seen at Huembo, Fundo Alto Nieva, and the Owlet Lodge feeders
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Nice views at the Owlet Lodge feeders
Rainbow Starfrontlet Coeligena iris Seen well at the Kentipata feeders near Leymebamba
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Excellent views at the Kentipata feeders near Leymebamba
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Great views of the largest hummingbird of the world at Huaylas
Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis Seen well above Leymebamba
Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola Good views at the Sunipampa feeders along the Atuen road
Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis Difficult this year. We tried hard for this one and finally we saw it after a tricky climb below the Owlet Lodge. Recently recorded in Ecuador, which makes it a near-endemic. The species is classified as endangered.
Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis aline Great views at the Owlet Lodge and the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve
Greenish Puffleg Haplophaedia aureliae Good views of one individual at the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve
Rufous-vented Whitetip Urosticte ruficrissa Good views of one individual at the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve
Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Seen well at the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae Seen around La Encañada not far from Cajamarca
Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna One female each was seen at the Owlet Lodge and in the Puerto Pumas Hotel gardens
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Seen at the Black Mud Pass. Named for the port of Tyre, today in Lebanon. The city of Tyre was famous for the production of a rare and extraordinarily expensive sort of purple dye, produced from a murex shellfish, known as Tyrian purple.
Coopery Metaltail (E) Metallura theresiae Good views of one bird near the Barro Negro Pass above Leymebamba. This was a difficult day to look for birds up there due to the bad weather we had to face.
Black Metaltail (E) Metallura phoebe Good views of this endemic in the Cordillera Blanca National Park and in the Chonta canyon near Cajamarca
Olivaceous Thornbill Chalcostigma olivaceum Great views of one bird near the Portachuelo pass above Llanganuco Lakes in the Cordillera Blanca National Park
Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi One bird was seen well above Llanganuco Lakes
Grey-bellied Comet (E) Taphrolesbia griseiventris This rare and localized hummingbird was seen well along the Chonta canyon near Cajamarca. Another country endemic. The species is classified as endangered.
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Good views at the Owlet Lodge and the Fundo Alto Nieva feeders
Marvelous Spatuletail (E) Loddigesia mirabilis Great views at the feeders of Huembo. One of the main targets of the Northern Peru tour for everybody. The species is classified as endangered.
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris One bird was seen well at the Arena Blanca Reserve.
Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper Brief views of a female at Lomas de Lachay
Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina Good views at the Arena Blanca Reserve
Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny Good views at Huaylas
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant Excellent views at the Owlet Lodge feeders
Little Woodstar Chaetocercus bombus A female was seen well at the Huembo feeders. The species is classified as vulnerable.
TROGONIDAE
Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus A shy bird was flushed at the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve.
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus Excellent views of a male at the Fundo Alto Nieva Reserve
Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui Great views around Moyobamba
Ecuadorian Trogon Trogon mesurus Seen well at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Green-backed Trogon (H) Trogon viridis We heard this species around Moyobamba.
CORACIIFORMES
Alcedinidae
American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Brief views along the Río Romero near Rioja
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda Seen along the Río Romero
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Seen along the Río Romero
Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Seen well during our visit to the Yacumaman Ethnobotanical Center
Momotidae
Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens Seen above Salas and at Quebrada Frejolillo. A recent split from Blue-crowned Motmot. There are six new species as the result of the Blue-crowned Motmot split:
Momotus coeruliceps Blue-crowned Motmot – NE and C Mexico
Momotus lessoni Blue-diademed Motmot – S Mexico to C Panama
Momotus subrufescens Whooping Motmot – E Panama to NC Venezuela and the Magdalena valley of Colombia, SE Ecuador and extreme NW Peru
Momotus bahamensis Trinidad Motmot – Trinidad and Tobago
Momotus momota Amazonian Motmot – Venezuela (S of the Orinoco) and the Guianas, S through the entire Amazon basin to extreme N Argentina and Paraguay
Momotus aequatorialis Andean Motmot – the Andes from NC Colombia to NE Bolivia
PICIFORMES
Galbulidae
Bluish-fronted Jacamar (H) Galbula cyanescens Heard at Quebrada Upaquihua
Capitonidae
Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Great views around Moyobamba
Ramphastidae
Black-throated Toucanet Aulacorhynchus atrogularis Seen along the San Lorenzo road. The Emerald Toucanet has been split into seven species:
Aulacorhynchus wagleri Wagler’s Toucanet – endemic to south-western Mexico Aulacorhynchus prasinus Emerald Toucanet – S Mexico to Nicaragua.
Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis Blue-throated Toucanet – Costa Rica to western Panama
Aulacorhynchus cognatus Violet-throated Toucanet – E Panama and adjacent far NW Colombia
Aulacorhynchus lautus Santa Marta Toucanet – endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains
Aulacorhynchus albivitta Andean Toucanet – the Andes from W Venezuela through Colombia to N Ecuador
Aulacorhynchus atrogularis Black-throated Toucanet – from S Ecuador through Peru and far W Brazil (in the state of Acre) to C Bolivia
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Seen around Tarapoto
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus One bird seen well at the Tarapoto tunnel
White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus Seen along the Río Romero
Picidae
Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Seen at Wakanki
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Seen around Tarapoto and Moyobamba
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus Seen well at Bosque de Pómac and Salas
Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus Seen around Moyobamba
Red-stained Woodpecker Veniliornis affinis Seen in the fruiteater forest above Wakanki
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Seen at Bosque de Pómac
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Seen in a mixed flock below the Owlet Lodge
Black-necked Woodpecker (E) Colaptes atricollis This species was heard at many locations throughout the trip and finally seen well along the Utcubamba River on the way to Leymebamba.
Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula Seen around Wakanki
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola Common at higher elevations
Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos Seen along the Río Romero
FALCONIFORMES
Falconidae
Black Caracara Daptrius ater Seen at Yacumama
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Several encounters with this high-elevation species
Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway A few encounters along the coast
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Seen along the Huallaga valley
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Common in open areas
PSITTACIFORMES
Psittacidae
Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilatus A flock with at least 12 individuals was seen flying distantly above the Mauritia palm marsh near Moyobamba.
Red-masked Parakeet Psittacara erythrogenys Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species, classified as near-threatened
White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus Seen at the oilbird bridge and around Moyobamba
Mitred Parakeet Psittacara mitratus Seen along the Utcubamba valley and at Huembo
Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Psittacara wagleri Seen at Balsas and near Jaén
Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius A few at Wakanki and Quebrada Upaquihua
Yellow-faced Parrotlet (E) Forpus xanthops A great moment for the group! After a bit of search Raul spotted a small flock feeding by the cactus above Balsas, and later we found some closer. This endemic species is listed as vulnerable.
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis Seen at Bosque de Pómac and Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera Seen at Yacumama. Here the subspecies gustavi with more yellow in the wing
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Seen at Wakanki
Plum-crowned Parrot Pionus tumultuosus Seen along the San Lorenzo road
Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenarius Flying by at the Owlet Lodge
PASSERIFORMES
Furnariidae
Greyish Miner Geositta maritima Seen at Lomas de Lachay. A near-endemic species
Coastal Miner (E) Geositta peruviana Seen at Puerto Viejo and Lomas de Lachay
Creamy-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris Common at higher elevations
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Seen along Quebrada Sangal in Cajamarca
Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes (E) Cinclodes taczanowskii Seen well at Pucusana
Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus Common at Bosque de Pómac and the Marañón valley. A near-endemic species
Tawny Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura yanacensis Great views in the Polylepis forest above Llanganuco. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail (E) Leptasthenura pileata Seen at Llanganuco and Quebrada Sangal
Streak-throated Canastero Asthenes humilis Seen around Conococha. Here the subspecies humilis
Pale-tailed Canastero (E) Asthenes huancavelicae Seen well near Caraz
Cactus Canastero (H) (E) Pseudasthenes cactorum We tried hard for this one but unfortunately we did not score.
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Seen at the Owlet Lodge. Named after Felix Manuel de Azara (1746-1811), Spanish officer commanding the Paraguayan border, a naturalist and author (Apuntiamentos para la historia natural de los páxaros de Paraguay y Río de la Plata, 1805)
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Maranon Spinetail Synallaxis maranonica Great views of this localized species at Tamborapa A near-endemic species, listed as critically endangered
Russet-bellied Spinetail (H) (E) Synallaxis zimmeri Heard near Sinsicap. The species is classified as endangered.
Necklaced Spinetail Synallaxis stictothorax Great views of this near-endemic species. We saw both the subspecies S. s. maculata at Bosque de Pómac and S. s. chinchipensis in the Tamborapa area.
Great Spinetail (E) Siptornopsis hypochondriaca Seen well above San Marcos. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Baron’s Spinetail (E) Cranioleuca baroni Seen in the Cordillera Blanca and the Cajamarca area
Russet-mantled Softtail (E) Thripophaga berlepschi Excellent views above Leymebamba. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons Common around Jaén and Moyobamba. Here the subspecies peruviana
Chestnut-backed Thornbird (H) (E) Phacellodomus dorsalis This endemic was heard at Hacienda Limon. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops Seen in the Puerto Viejo reeds
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Seen in a mixed flock above Leymebamba
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii A bromeliad specialist seen nicely at the Owlet Lodge
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Seen at Afluente
Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner Hylocryptus erythrocephalus Good views of this species above Salas. This near-endemic species is classified as vulnerable.
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Seen at Afluente
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen at Wakanki. Here the subspecies amazonus. Keep track of this species; it’s expected to be split at least into five new species!
Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus Seen along the Río Romero
Ocellated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus ocellatus Seen at Wakanki
Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes certhia Seen in the Yacumama forest
Streaked-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Common at Bosque de Pómac. Here the nominate subspecies souleyetii
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Seen at the Owlet Lodge and along the Atuen valley
Thamnophilidae
Great Antshrike (H) Taraba major Heard near Río Romero
Collared Antshrike Thamnophilus bernardi Seen at Bosque de Pómac and Quebrada Frejolillo
Northern Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus punctatus One seen well at Tamborapa. Here the subspecies leucogaster
Variable Antshrike (H) Thamnophilus caerulescens Heard at the Owlet Lodge, where it was common by voice
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Seen in the forest of Wakanki. Here the subspecies melaena. Keep track of your subspecies, as some split may occur in this species!
Ash-throated Antwren (E) Herpsilochmus parkeri Seen well in the Wakanki forest after a long steep hike. The species is classified as endangered.
Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana Seen at Wakanki
Streak-headed Antbird Drymophila striaticeps Seen at the Owlet Lodge. Streak-headed Antbird is split from East Andean [Long-tailed] Antbird D. caudata (Chapman 1912, Isler et al. 2012, SACC 542); includes occidentalis, peruviana, and boliviana.
Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird Myrmeciza castanea Only one encounter with this species
Spot-winged Antbird Schistocichla leucostigma Seen in the forest above Wakanki
Spot-backed Antbird Hylophylax naevius Beautiful views in the forest above Wakanki
Grallariidae
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (H) Grallaria ruficapilla Common by voice along the Utcubamba valley, where it was heard
Stripe-headed Antpitta Grallaria andicolus Excellent views in the Polylepis forest above Llanganuco
Rusty-tinged Antpitta (E) Grallaria przewalskii Excellent close-up views at the Owlet Lodge. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Rhinocryptidae
Rufous-vented Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus femoralis Seen briefly at the Owlet Lodge
Ancash Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus affinis Great views of one individual above Llanganuco Lakes
Northern White-crowned Tapaculo (H) Scytalopus atratus This species was heard at Afluente.
Trilling Tapaculo (H) Scytalopus parvirostris This species was heard at the Owlet Lodge.
Unicolored Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus unicolor Seen briefly at the Gavilan mountain pass above Cajamarca
Melanopareiidae
Elegant Crescentchest Melanopareia elegans Good views of this handsome skulker below Sinsicap. A near-endemic species
Maranon Crescentchest Melanopareia maranonica Good views of this skulker in the Tamborapa area. This is a near-endemic species, classified as near-threatened.
Tyrannidae
Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus Great views in a mixed flock above Leymebamba
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus Seen well around Moyobamba
Pacific Elaenia Myiopagis subplacens Good views above Salas
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Seen at the Wakanki gardens
Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae Common in the cloudforest
Small-billed Elaenia Elaenia parvirostris A single encounter with this austral migrant
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Several encounters
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Seen in a mixed flock above Leymebamba
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Seen in a mixed flock at the Sunipampa feeders along the Atuen road
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor One bird was seen well at Fundo Alto Nieva.
Black-crested Tit-Tyrant Anairetes nigrocristatus Seen well at Llanganuco Lakes and at the Chonta Canyon. A near-endemic species
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris Seen well below Huaylas
Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina Seen at Wakanki
Tumbesian Tyrannulet Phaeomyias tumbezana Seen along the Utcubamba River
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus Our first encounter was above Barranca on the way to the Andes.
Grey-and-white Tyrannulet Pseudelaenia leucospodia Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo above Olmos. A near-endemic species
Red-billed Tyrannulet Zimmerius cinereicapilla Seen in the forest above Wakanki. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Mishana Tyrannulet (E) Zimmerius villarejoi Seen at Wakanki. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Peruvian Tyrannulet (E) Zimmerius viridiflavus Seen at the Owlet Lodge and Afluente
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis Seen well around the Owlet Lodge clearing
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Seen at Afluente and Wakanki
Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus Seen above Barranca on the way to Conococha
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus This handsome bird was spotted at Afluente. Here the subspecies phoenicurus
Many-colored Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra Seen at Puerto Viejo
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus Only a few glimpses of this localized species below the Owlet Lodge. A near-endemic species
Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus rufigularis Seen in the forest above Wakanki. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher (E) Poecilotriccus luluae Seen at the Owlet Lodge. Named after Lulu May von Hagen for her support of research in avian genetics. The species is classified as endangered.
Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus capitalis It took time, but at the end we got super views of this truly handsome little bird.
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum A few encounters at several locations
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum Seen near the Tarapoto tunnel
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus A classic beauty of the cloudforest mountains
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Seen at the Tarapoto tunnel
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Seen at a few locations
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Seen along the San Lorenzo road on the Rio Chido trail
Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Seen above Barranca
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus A few during the tour
Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas Seen at Conococha
Rufous-tailed Tyrant Knipolegus poecilurus Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Taczanowski’s Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola griseus Seen above Llanganuco Lakes
Ochre-naped Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola flavinucha Seen above Llanganuco Lakes
Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant Polioxolmis rufipennis Seen near Cruz Conga on the way to Cajamarca
Tumbes Tyrant (E) Tumbezia salvini A truly handsome flycatcher. Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris Good views along the San Lorenzo road on the Rio Chido trail
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Seen above Leymebamba
D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides Seen well above the Llanganuco Lakes. Named after Alcide Dessalines d’Orbigny (1802-1857), French naturalist and explorer in tropical America
White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys A few encounters in the Andes
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Seen at Wakanki
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Seen on the way to Pomacochas and at Wakanki
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Common
Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Seen at Wakanki
Baird’s Flycatcher Myiodynastes bairdii Seen at Bosque de Pómac and Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Seen well at Wakanki. Here the subspecies maculatus
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Seen at Wakanki
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common
Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis A few sightings at Bosque de Pómac
Rufous Flycatcher (E) Myiarchus semirufus Seen at Bosque de Pómac. The species is classified as endangered.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Seen in the upper Utcubamba valley
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox Seen at Wakanki
Pale-edge Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Sooty-crowned Flycatcher Myiarchus phaeocephalus Seen at Tamborapa
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Seen on the way to the Little Inca Finch site
Cotingidae
Peruvian Plantcutter (E) Phytotoma raimondii Seen at Bosque de Pómac. The species is classified as endangered.
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii Seen at the Owlet Lodge. Here the subspecies chachapoyas
Fiery-throated Fruiteater Pipreola chlorolepidota A pair seen at Wakanki. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus Seen at Afluente. The national bird of Peru
Pipridae
Fiery-capped Manakin Machaeropterus pyrocephalus Good views at Wakanki
Tityridae
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen at Afluente
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys Seen well at Tamborapa
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Seen near Yacumama
Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus Seen at Tamborapa
Vireonidae
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis Good views of this attractive species in the forest above Wakanki
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Seen along the Utcubamba valley. Here the subspecies chivi (Chivi Vireo)
Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps Seen at Wakanki
Corvidae
White-collared Jay Cyanolyca viridicyanus Seen at the Owlet Lodge. A near-endemic species, classified as near-threatened
White-tailed Jay Cyanocorax mystacalis Good views at Bosque de Pómac and Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas Seen at Tamborapa
Hirundinidae
Tumbes Swallow Tachycineta stolzmanni Seen at Bosque de Pómac at its usual site. A near-endemic species
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Seen along the Huallaga River
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Seen on the way to Olmos
Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera Excellent views of one individual on a nest at the La Viña reservoir near Salas
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Common
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Seen below Puente Colombia near Tarapoto
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina Common in the Andes
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen at Afluente and Tarapoto
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Seen along the coast
Chestnut-collared Swallow Petrochelidon rufocollaris A huge flock with at least 100 individuals was seen near Chao. A near-endemic species
Donacobiidae
Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla Seen well near Moyobamba
Troglodytidae
Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus Seen near Chao on the way to Trujillo
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Seen in the lowlands
Sepia-brown Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens A noisy family seen down the Owlet trail. Here the subspecies olivascens
Speckle-breasted Wren (H) Pheugopedius sclateri This species was heard at a few locations around the Marañon and Utcubamba valleys. Here the subspecies maranonica
Superciliated Wren Cantorchilus superciliaris Seen at Chao on our way to Trujillo, but also seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Common
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Seen in the cloudforest
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Bar-winged Wood Wren Henicorhina leucoptera An obligatory Abra Patricia specialist, seen and photographed well below the Owlet Lodge. A near-endemic species, classified as near-threatened
Polioptilidae
Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Common on the west slope, subspecies bilineata, and also seen in the Marañón valley, subspecies major, which could be a future split
Mimidae
Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus Common at several locations. A near-endemic species
Turdidae
Andean Solitaire (H) Myadestes ralloides The classic call of the cloudforest. Heard below the Owlet Lodge
White-eared Solitaire (H) Entomodestes leucotis Heard below the Owlet Lodge. A near-endemic species
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Common in the cloudforest
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco A few near the Cordillera Blanca Reserve
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Plumbeous-backed Thrush Turdus reevei Seen at Bosque de Frejolillo
Maranon Thrush Turdus maranonicus Seen along the Utcubamba valley near the Chillo Lodge. A near-endemic species
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Common in the lowlands of Moyobamba and Tarapoto
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas Seen well at Wakanki
Hauxwell’s Thrush Turdus hauxwelli Seen around Moyobamba
Cinclidae
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Passeridae
House Sparrow Passer domesticus A few
Motacillidae
Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens Seen at Lomas de Lachay
Parulidae
Black-lored Yellowthroat Geothlypis auriculata Great views above Barranca. It has been split from Masked Yellowthroat. A near-endemic species
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi A few encounters
Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata Seen along the Chonta canyon in Cajamarca
Buff-rumped Warbler (H) Myiothlypis fulvicauda Heard near the stream at Wakanki
Grey-and-gold Warbler Myiothlypis fraseri Excellent views above Salas. Here the nominate subspecies fraseri. A near-endemic species
Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata Seen at the Owlet Lodge and along the Atuen road
Three-banded Warbler Basileuterus trifasciatus Seen below Sinsicap
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Seen below the Owlet Lodge. Here the nominate subspecies tristriatus
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Several encounters
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus Seen well at the Owlet Lodge and other locations
Icteridae
Peruvian Meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa Seen along the coast
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Common in the lowlands
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Seen in the lowlands
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Common in the lowlands
Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus haemorrhous Seen at Wakanki. Here the subspecies pachyrhynchus
Northern Mountain Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Seen in the Marañón valley
White-edged Oriole Icterus graceannae Nice views in Bosque de Pómac and at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus Seen near Moyobamba
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Common in Chiclayo city
Scrub Blackbird Dives warczewiczi A few around Los Faiques and then on the way to Jaén. A near-endemic species
Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus Seen on the paddy fields near Moyobamba
Pale-eyed Blackbird Agelasticus xanthophthalmus Great views at the road marsh near Moyobamba
Coerebidae
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola A few
Emberizidae
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Common at several locations
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons Seen at Wakanki
Tumbes Sparrow Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Seen at the Arena Blanca Reserve. Here the subspecies spectabilis
Black-capped Sparrow Arremon abeillei Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Yellow-breasted Brush Finch Atlapetes latinuchus The nominate subspecies latinuchus is common at the Owlet Lodge. We also saw the endemic subspecies baroni well in the Chonta canyon.
Rufous-eared Brush Finch (E) Atlapetes rufigenis Seen at Llanganuco. The species is classified as near-threatened.
White-winged Brush Finch Atlapetes leucopterus Seen above Salas. A near-endemic species
White-headed Brush Finch Atlapetes albiceps Seen well at Quebrada Frejolillo. A near-endemic species
Bay-crowned Brush Finch Atlapetes seebohmi Seen at Sinsicap. A near-endemic species
Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus Seen well at the Owlet Lodge. Here the subspecies hiaticolus
Fringillidae
Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus Seen at a few locations
Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Seen at Tamborapa and along the Utcubamba valley
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Seen at Wakanki
Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa Seen at Wakanki
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Seen at Afluente
Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Thraupidae
Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Seen around Jaén
Peruvian Sierra Finch Phrygilus punensis Seen at Llanganuco Lakes. A near-endemic species
Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus fruticeti Seen on the way to the coast from Huaraz
Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Common at higher elevations
Band-tailed Sierra Finch Phrygilus alaudinus Seen at Lomas de Lachay
Cinereous Finch (E) Piezorina cinerea Great views at Cerro de la Campana
Rufous-backed Inca Finch (E) Incaspiza personata Seen well at our usual site near Huaylas
Grey-winged Inca Finch (E) Incaspiza ortizi Seen above Hacienda Limón on the way to Celendín. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Little Inca Finch (E) Incaspiza watkinsi Seen near Bagua Grande. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Buff-bridled Inca Finch (E) Incaspiza laeta Seen above Balsas. The species is classified as endangered.
Plain-tailed Warbling Finch (E) Poospiza alticola Seen at Llanganuco. The species is classified as endangered.
Collared Warbling Finch Poospiza hispaniolensis Seen at Lomas de Lachay. A near-endemic species
Bright-rumped Yellow Finch Sicalis uropigyalis Seen at Conococha
Greenish Yellow Finch Sicalis olivascens Seen on the way to Huaraz and at Pueblo Libre
Grassland Yellow Finch Sicalis luteola Seen in the marshes of Puerto Viejo
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Common at several locations
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Seen at Wakanki
Parrot-billed Seedeater Sporophila peruviana. Seen well in Chao. A near-endemic species
Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Seen along the southern coast of Lima
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Seen at Moyobamba
Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis Seen well at Wakanki
Black-billed Seed Finch Oryzoborus atrirostris Great views of this uncommon species south of Moyobamba
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Seen near Cajamarca
Dull-colored Grassquit Tiaris obscurus Seen around Balsas. Here the subspecies pauper
Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis Seen at Río Romero. Here the nominate subspecies gularis
Black-faced Tanager Schistochlamys melanopis Seen well in the Moyobamba grasslands
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Seen well in the Tarapoto area
White-capped Tanager (H) Sericossypha albocristata Heard at the Owlet Lodge. The species is classified as vulnerable.
Rufous-crested Tanager Creurgops verticalis Seen on the Owlet trail
Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris Seen well in the Atuen valley. Here the subspecies insignis
Drab Hemispingus Hemispingus xanthophthalmus Seen well above Leymebamba
Buff-bellied Tanager Thlypopsis inornata Seen along the Utcubamba valley
Yellow-crested Tanager Tachyphonus rufiventer
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus A couple seen well at Tamborapa
Huallaga Tanager (E) Ramphocelus melanogaster Seen well at Wakanki
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Seen in the Tarapoto area
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Common
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis Seen along the Utcubamba valley
Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana Seen well above Leymebamba
Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Seen well at the Owlet Lodge. Here the subspecies caerulescens
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Yellow-scarfed Tanager (E) Iridosornis reinhardti Nice views at the Owlet Lodge
Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana Seen near Moyobamba. It does not occur in Mexico.
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Seen at Afluente and Wakanki. It does not occur in Chile.
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen at Afluente
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides Seen well at Abra Patricia
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis Seen at Afluente. The whole head is blue!
Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta Seen at the Tarapoto tunnel
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Seen at the Owlet Lodge. Here the subspecies branickii
Silver-backed Tanager Tangara viridicollis Seen at Huembo
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Seen at the Tarapoto tunnel
Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata Seen at Wakanki
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Seen at Wakanki
Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Seen at Wakanki
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen at Wakanki
Tit-like Dacnis Xenodacnis parina Seen at Llanganuco. A near-endemic species
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Seen at Lomas de Lachay
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons Seen in the Atuen valley
Giant Conebill Oreomanes fraseri Good views of this most-wanted species at the Polylepis forest at Llanganuco Lakes. The species is classified as near-threatened.
Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor Seen at the Barro Negro mountain pass
Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides Seen in the garden of our hotel in Pomacochas
Black-throated Flowerpiercer Diglossa brunneiventris Seen at the Chonta canyon
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer Diglossa glauca Seen below the Owlet Lodge
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Seen at the Owlet Lodge
Cardinalidae
Tooth-billed Tanager Piranga lutea Seen at Huaylas
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Seen at Wakanki and Tarapoto
Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Seen near Moyobamba
Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Seen above Balsas. Here the subspecies peruvianus
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Seen along the Chonta canyon
Golden Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Seen at a few locations
42 endemic species recorded during the tour
41 near endemic species recorded during the tour
A remarkable number of 63 hummingbirds recorded during the tour
TOTAL: 522 SPECIES