PERU (NORTHERN) REP 2013 - Bird Tours - … -NORTHERN... · The Seedsnipe is rapidly declining in...

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Northern Peru 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com

Scarlet-banded Barbet in the Cordillera Azul. Eustace Barnes

NORTHERN PERU

19 JUNE – 9 JULY 2013 LEADER: EUSTACE BARNES If there is a trip that consistently continues to get better then this is the one. I think superlatives failed us at times and those times were probably when we were watching some rather excitable Scarlet-banded Barbets, and when a Pale-billed Antpitta came to inspect us and certainly when the Long-whiskered Owlet perched on a mossy twig in front of us one starlit night. Of course there were many other magnificent species and unforgettable experiences that peppered the tour including being watched by the endangered Grey-bellied Comet, playing around with the very elegant Ochre-fronted Antpitta and the rare White-faced Nunbird. As is said on many occasions the diversity of life in the Andes is unparalleled and those countries with its dramatic folds within their borders enjoy high levels of biodiversity. Reflecting this, although by no means our priority and it is very easy to get carried away with numbers in South America we did record 589 species. Within this total were 40 Peruvian endemics and a similar number of range restricted species along with a long list of rare foothill specialities which is what now makes this tour so much more exciting.


It seems unnecessary to mention all of the superb sightings we enjoyed but several do stand out and are deserving of an early mention including the Fiery-throated Fruiteaters we watched at length, the superb male Royal Sunangel at Alta Nieva, an inquisitive Bar-winged Wood-Wren at our feet, a Chestnut Antpitta and multiple sightings of Yellow-faced Parrotlets in the breath-taking Maranon Canyon, a loquacious pair of Great Spinetails, probably over 35 White-winged Guans at Quebrada Frejolillo, a superb male Marvellous Spatuletail, several pairs of Peruvian Plantcutters and Rufous Flycatchers. The recently describe Scarlet-banded Barbet was, of course, our bird of the trip followed closely by the Long-whiskered Owlet and its oft purported mythical qualities. We enjoyed great looks at the rare Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant, several male Peruvian Sheartails dazzling us in bright sunshine at Abra Porculla, a pair of Marañon Crescentchests at our feet and quite extraordinary numbers of tanagers including Yellow-scarfed, Blue-browed and Straw-backed Tanagers, two species of endemic inca-finches, the very rare Tumbes Swallow, the stunning Tumbes Tyrant, a very cooperative Piura Chat-Tyrant and dozens of Sulphur-throated Finches We did miss the Little Inca Finch in spite of an heroic attempt to find it the midday sun but little else of note.

Peruvian Thick-knee (left)and Short-eared Owl (right) Eustace Barnes.

Arriving in Chiclayo we made the short journey south to an area made famous by the discovery of a small population of Peruvian Plantcutters by Robert Ridgley in the 1980s. Our timing placed us perfectly to enjoy some birding in the prosopis woodlands and dunes at this somewhat degraded site. On arrival we were greeted with the rather mechanical grating of the Peruvian Plantcutter and in no time we were enjoying great views of this endangered cotingid at what must be the best place to see it. We also found a number of other species that favour this unique and threatened habitat including Superciliaried Wren, Tumbes Tyrannulet, the ruficeps form of Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant, Cinereous Finch and others we were to become familiar with in the next couple of days. A short distance away in the dunes we found both Least Seedsnipe and Coastal Miner. The Seedsnipe is rapidly declining in the northern coastal deserts and is increasingly hard to find as a result. Our work done, we headed north to Puerto Eten for some beach combing. In a neat dune slack we enjoyed great views of the dazzling Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant, a few Wren-like Rushbirds and a Plumbeous Rail before we headed to said beach to look for waders and seabirds. We only managed a small flock of Sanderling, a number of Peruvian Boobies, a single Blue-footed Booby, Peruvian Pelicans, Grey, Kelp, and Belcher’s Gulls, Royal Terns but most importantly a Peruvian Tern fishing the surf; a species in steep decline with the development of beaches along the coast. Additionally, of interest to your leader (and bird of the day for said miscreant) was the presence of a Short-eared Owl in the dunes which, it has to be said is very unusual here. Job done we returned to Chiclayo for celebratory beers and a rest. The following morning we headed to Bosque Pomac for a full morning of great birding. We started with a calling West Peruvian Screech Owl which quickly retreated out of sight to be quickly followed by numerous Peruvian Pygmy Owls clamouring for our attention. As the morning then unfolded after a pleasant field breakfast we worked our way through the full gamut of Tumbesian endemics.


We were treated to great views of Necklaced Spinetail, Streak-headed Woodcreepers, Scarlet-backed and Lineated Woodpeckers, Pacific Hornero, Superciliaried Wrens, Tumbes Tyrannulet and the rufescens form of Bran-coloured Flycatcher. The latter best considered a full species: the Rufescent Flycatcher. Another surprise was the rather pretty Tumbes Tyrant; a good find at this somewhat overgrazed site. Moving on we quickly found several stunning Rufous Flycatchers which after a brief wait was followed by numerous Tumbes Swallows at their best known site. This species favours the fossil dunes out of which emerge stunted and gnarled acacias to give a quite extraordinary vista. These dunes may have developed during the Moche period when much of the area was cleared for agriculture and on the demise of that culture then become wooded again.

The uncommon endemic Tumbes Tyrant. Eustace Barnes.

After such a rewarding morning we then headed to the well known Chaparri lodge for the night stopping on the way at one of many dreadful looking villages to see the pretty Chestnut-collared Swallow nesting under a bridge. We were able to watch these delightful creatures hunt the excellent supply of insects found in such settlements and get some good views in the process. A little later we arrived at the Tinajones reservoir for a few Great Grebes and a selection of other waterbirds before making our way to the dry scrubby grasslands where we found a number of Short-tailed Woodstars before the appearance of large numbers of small finch-like birds caught our attention and we were suddenly surrounded by dozens of Sulphur-throated Finches; a rare and somewhat infrequently seen Tumbesian endemic. As we rolled into the lodge we caught sight of one of the most endangered of Peru’s endemics, the stately White-winged Guan. This species has been reintroduced into this area in a bid to expand its geographical range and improve its chances of survival. This project has demonstrated that it can exist in high densities if hunting pressure is low or non-existent. They are now breeding very successfully here and have begun to spread into areas where they have not been seen for many years. The following morning we enjoyed a pleasant session around the lodge where, at a small pool, we were treated to great views of Tumbes Hummingbirds, Purple-collared Woodstars, Amazilia Hummingbirds and a Long-billed Starthroat coming to a narrow stream to bathe and glean insects. Quite a spectacle and a trip highlight I suppose.


Cinereous Finch (left Annon, and the uncommon Sulphur-throated Finch. Eustace Barnes.

We also saw Red-masked Parakeets, numerous White-tailed Jays, several Tumbes Tyrants, many more White-winged Guans and the pretty Sechura Fox, walking the trails with us or so it seemed. After an early lunch we headed off to Olmos which was to be our base from which to visit Quebrada Frejolilllo; one of few known wild populations of White-winged Guans; another being Cosupe not far from Chaparri. On the way we stopped at a marsh along the edge of the Tinajones reservoir where we saw a female Least Bittern, and a number of Many-coloured Rush-tyrants but unfortunately only hear a couple of Spotted Rails. Once in Olmos we retired for an early night in readiness for the following days exertions.

The Stately White-winged Guan (left) Eustace Barnes, and the now very rare Rufous Flycatcher (right) Matt Wallace


Departing Olmos in the small hours we headed north to Quebrada Frejolilllo and near the site of the rediscovery of the White-winged Guan at what has become its most famous location. Our drive in was punctuated with several stops to see Scrub Nightjar and on arrival we found a few Streak-headed Woodcreepers, Baird’s Flycatchers, Tumbes Sparrows and more Red-masked parakeets. After a light breakfast it was time to head off with Lino, our local guide and head of the community that owns the land. White-tailed Jays were common, we saw a few Lineated and Scarlet-backed Woodpeckers. As we followed a small gulley we heard the wing clatter and grunting of the Guans and as we climbed up out of the woodlands to a small clearing we were able to look down on a flock of Guans feeding and chasing about in some large trees. They were flocked up in a post-breeding flock that must have numbered at least thirty five birds; the most I have ever seen at this site and a tremendous spectacle. We then worked another gulley finding a pair of Ecuadorian Trogons, Pacific Elaenia, Grey-breasted Flycatcher, Sooty-crowned Flycatcher, Golden-olive woodpecker and Bran-coloured Flycatcher. A little lower down we connected with numerous family groups of White-headed Brush-Finches, Black-capped Sparrows and a few Grey and gold Warblers. The forest floor held numerous Elegant Crescentchests and while overhead we spotted a good number of Tumbes Swifts and a Black-chested Buzzard Eagles. As we made our way out of the canyon we found several pairs of Necklaced Spinetails and numerous Grey and white Tyrannulets before we reached the denuded scrap of land on which the village sits.

Ecuadorian Trogon (left and our constant companion the Peruvian Pygmy Owl (right) Matt Wallace.

Departing from Quebrada Frejolillo we stopped to find more Tumbes Hummingbirds and another superb Rufous Flycatcher; surely one of the finest of Peru’s endemics. I had never seen this species here before or in type of woodland. As we wandered down to a dry river bed we spotted a flock of 35 Peruvian Thick-knees hunkered down in the afternoon sun. We devoted some time to watching these bizarre beasts and a pair of Burrowing Owls which were chased away by the Thick-knees. The desert had been very productive earlier in the year and as a result life was prolific now and birding therefore good. Leaving the desert we were on site at a rather unpromising and filthy looking marsh where we saw Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, a pair of Green Kingfishers, Grey-breasted Martins and numerous Scrub Blackbirds but alas no Spotted Rail. Nevertheless, we were quite pleased with the day and headed back to Olmos: an odd little town that dreams of a magnificent future fuelled by water from the Andes but which never changes.


A large flock of Peruvian thick-knees resting during the heat of the day. Eustace Barnes.

Early the following we headed up to Abra Porculla, arriving within ninety seconds of the stated journey time for another light breakfast looking out over the west flank of the Andes down to the Pacific lowlands below; a magnificent view. We began our exploration of the area walking narrow trails through the wooded scraps finding our first magnificent male Peruvian Sheartails, Sparkling Violetear, numerous Three-banded Warblers, Chiguanco Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrows and surprising numbers of White-winged Brush-Finches. A little later a stunning White-throated Hawk soared around us at what seems to be a very reliable sites for this species. Rather oddly we also saw a Zone-tailed Hawk pass by in the company of numerous Turkey Vultures. A species I don’t think I have seen at this elevation before. A little further on and in a nice patch of semi-humid cloud forest and we found several Line-cheeked Spinetails and a superb pair of Chapman’s Antshrikes before we returned to the vehicle for a much needed coffee. Revitalised we began the search for our principal quarry and in no time we were enjoying spectacular views of a rather smart Piura Chat-Tyrant. Having watched this bird for some time we packed and headed up the valley where we searched for and found our remaining target: the rare Rufous-necked Foliage-Gleaner of which we obtained quite remarkable views as it bounced around in a dense thicket just in front of us. Time to go and we headed east to Jaen and the start of our explorations of the arid inter-montane habitats in the Chinchipe-Maranon drainage.

The rare and localised Piura Chat tyrant. Eustace Barnes.


Another early departure and we were birding in the Tamborapa valley and being treated to a chorus of night birds that included Scrub Nightjars and a few distant Pauraques. We then continued to our breakfast stop a little further up the valley and were treated to a noisy round of passerine vocalisations. Our first species was the distinct Chinchipe Spinetail which performed beautifully followed by the leucogaster form of northern Slaty Antshrike. The latter is often considered a separate species: the Maranon Slaty Antshrike. A little later we found the Maranon Crescentchest and managed some great views of this often elusive species. After some coffee and a brief hiatus in birding we found the Maranon Spinetail, more ‘Maranon’ Slaty Antshrikes and the Maranon Sparrow; a form of the Black-capped sparrow that is as well differentiated as any Maranon endemic. It was time for the final assault on these birdy woodlands. A short distance from the vehicle we found the rather elusive Maranon Wren, split from speckle-breasted Wrens, a few Red-crested Finches, a Buff-bellied Tanager and a calling Yellow-cheeked Becard. After a very successful visit we returned to Jaen, relaxing on the bus, updating our notes and enjoying the ever changing scenery as we crossed the Maranon and entered the cactus dominated ‘badlands’ near Bagua Grande.

The endemic Spot-throated Hummingbird and the recently described Shumba Antshrike. The demure desert duo.

Once walking our desert trails we were again looking at Peruvian Pygmy Owls, Spot-throated Hummingbirds, Maranon Gnatcatchers and after a very short time the newly described Shumba Antshrike. However, in spite of a lengthy intensive search we could not see any Little Inca-Finches although we did hear a few calling from their dense thickets. As time was indeed running out we cut our losses and headed to Pedro Ruiz where we began our ascent to Pomacochas arriving after dark for a most welcome dinner prepared by Oscar: our somewhat eccentric host. After dinner we took time to study the decidedly ghastly artwork adorning the walls and the illegally obtained Chachapoyan mummies in the foyer! After a cool night in the house of horrors we headed to San Lorenzo and began to scale the rocky hillside above town on a quest in search of the Pale-billed Antpitta and others. While climbing slowly up to the site we saw a Black-throated Tody-tyrant, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Citrine Warblers, Rufous-breasted Chat-tyrant, Violet-throated Starfrontlet and a couple of Red-crested Cotingas; species we had not see as yet on the tour.


Once on site we began the work of locating our prize and it was not long before a large form was spied bounding through the undergrowth and in no time the bird was sat on a mossy log in front of us. It then circumnavigated the group giving outstanding views of what was to be one of the birds of the trip. We decided to try for Plain-tailed Wren and very soon we were surrounded by several highly excited birds of the form schulenbergi. The song is so extraordinary and utterly different from those forms north of the Maranon that it is inconceivable they could be the same species. Ascending a little we searched for and found two pairs of Russet-mantled Softtail with everyone obtaining great views of what is a decidedly lovely Furnarid with its more or less orange plumage. This is a rare species and can be very hard to find and so we descended to the village feeling rather pleased with the mornings birding. The Softtail was another trip highlight for several of the group. We bade our farewells to the community and made our way down the valley to Huembo, the ECOAN visitor centre and hummingbird feeders arranged around its grounds. In no time were enjoying spectacular views of a male Marvellous Spatuletails replete with ultramarine spatules. This species has been named the world's most spectacular bird and indeed we thought it so although it was only third in the groups top ten birds. It is only found on the eastern slope of the upper Rio Utcubamba canyon, although it does cross at the top end near Leymebamba. We also found a good many White-bellied Woodstars and three Little Woodstars; the latter a very poorly known species. The site was alive with a profusion of Sparkling and Green Violetears, Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Collared and Bronzy Incas, Andean Emeralds, White-bellied Hummingbirds and several Long-tailed Sylphs. After having our fill of these magical creatures buzzing about it was time to leave and head for Pomacochas. We had had a tremendous morning and one that included several of the tours principal highlights. After a splendid lunch in a local restaurant we headed for our next stop at Abra Patricia for a few nights at the Owlet lodge.

Chestnut-breasted coronet (left)and the Green Violetear (right)are both common on the feeders.

It is of great benefit to Birding groups that they can now stay at Abra Patricia at Owlet Lodge. This spectacular lodge is well placed to explore the temperate forests on the east flank between the low pass and Aguas Verdes. This is an area that has attracted birders for decades in search of a quite extraordinary range of endemics and range restricted species and which continues to produce exciting finds. Although there is never enough time we did enjoy a very productive time exploring the trails at the lodge. Our first morning produced unbeatable views of a family group of Yellow-scarfed Tanagers along with Grass green Tanager and Barred Becard. We then headed to a feeding station where after a good wait a stunning Chestnut Antpitta appeared and fed right in front of us.


We then walked the excellent trails finding Streak-headed Antbird (split from Long-tailed antbird), Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Rufous Spinetails and a pair of Lulu’s Tody Flycatchers in a dense bamboo thicket along with several mixed flocks. One of these rapidly moving flocks produced Green and black Fruiteater, Blue-backed Conebill, Drab Hemispingus, Beryl-spangled, Flame-faced, Saffron-crowned and Rufous-crested Tanagers and more Grass-green Tanagers and a noisy group of Black-eared Hemispingus. A little later on we found a White-faced Nunbird and we all enjoyed spectacular views of this somewhat local and very uncommon species. We also enjoyed listening to the complex melodies of Chestnut-breasted Wrens and Andean Solitaires while watching Pale-edged Flycatchers and Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanagers near the tower. ,

The rare White-faced Nunbird at Abra patricia. Eustace Barnes.

In the afternoon we headed to the stunted forests at Alta Nieva, famous for the discovery of the Long-whiskered Owlet. However, this area is nutrient deficient and supports only a stunted scrubby forest which provides a home for a small number of range restricted species. Almost on arrival we found the stunning Royal Sunangel and enjoyed spectacular views of this beautiful species as it darted about from on eflowering shrub to the next. A little further along we then enjoyed great views of a Bar-winged Wood-Wren at our feet. This species is truly limited to the tops of knife edge ridges giving it a very small and highly fragmented range. At the same site we also saw Rufous-tailed Tyrant and a short distance away we hit a massive flock of tanagers that included several Rufous-crested Tanagers, the lovely Yellow-throated Tanager, Flame-faced, Saffron-headed, Beryl-spangled and Metallic-green Tanagers. The latter an especially pleasing find as it can be hard to come by here. There were also Olive-backed and Montane Woodcreepers, Green and black Fruiteater, Bluish and Golden-eyed Flowerpiercers and others. A number of the graceful Swallow-tailed Kites glided over us and the noisy calls of a pair of Roadside Hawks echoed in the gulley beneath us. We then returned to the lodge for some night birding. As seemed to the case throughout the trip night birding produced very mixed results. After an abortive attempt we worked out a strategy for seeing the Long-whiskered Owlet which, as a result, put on a tremendous performance which will not be forgotten for a long time. Seeing the Whiskers and the bright orange eyes of this furious little bird calling from just in front of us was indeed an experience that makes all the nightbirding seem very worth while indeed. We never imagined we would see this bird so well and indeed feared we might miss it altogether as groups had been missing it for some time. We heard quite a number of White-throated Screech Owls but only managed to glimpse one. Otherwise we heard Rufous-banded Owls and Rufous-bellied Nighhawks most evenings.


The feeders around the Owlet Lodge were rather quiet as it had rained and the forest was full of flowering shrubs and epiphytic plants. However, on both the feeders and flowering plants we found Green and Sparkling Violetears, Speckled Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Bronzy and Collared Incas, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Tyrian Metaltail, a single Booted Rackettail and several White-bellied Woodstars. It is quite exhausting just watching these tiny bundles of energy buzzing around furiously defending ‘their’ little territories from the competition. The clearing also turned out to be good for mixed flocks and we were all able to get to grips with Common Bush Tanagers and Grey-hooded Bush Tanagers in the company of many other species with which we had already become familiar. The sub-tropics were outstanding and we enjoyed some fantastic birding seeing far more than we had expected. The resident flock produced Lemon-browed Flycatcher, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Ecuadorian and Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulets, Montane and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaners, Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Paradise, Blue-necked, Spotted, Green and gold, Bay-headed, Golden and Saffron-crowned Tanagers, the immaculate Orange-eared Tanager, the rare Golden-collared Honeycreeper, a pair of the endemic Speckle-chested Piculets, Olivaceous Greenlet, Three-striped Warblers and a Wing-barred Piprites. Several flocks of Scaly-naped Amazons flew over and we also saw a Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and a couple of pairs of White-shouldered Fire-eyes. Other smaller flocks held Ashy-throated Bush-Tanagers, Ash-browed Spinetails, several stunning male Versicoloured Barbets and a family group of Equatorial Greytails near their huge stick nest. We also managed spectacular views of a Lanceolated Monklet calling by the road. The scrappy secondary growth held Huallaga Tanagers, Lined Antshrike and several pairs of Foothill Blackish Antbirds. Inspite of this dramatic flurry of activity this area requires a substantial commitment of time to do it justice and far more than we had at our disposal.

A female Lyre-tailed Nightjar above Affluente. Eustace Barnes.


One cool afternoon we descended into a deep gulley, placing ourselves in a suitable location deep inside a dense thicket of bamboo and vines draped with moss and after a quiet wait we enjoyed point blank views of the rare Ochre-fronted Antpitta which came to have a look at us and then clambered up through the vines and sat overhead. This was one of the highlights of the trip for your leader although amongst all the great views of the other rare species it did not figure in the list of highlights for the group. We then struggled with the Rufous-vented Tapaculo obtaining only poor views in the failing light. We also only managed to hear a pair of Barred Antthrushes that moved through the undergrowth without ever revealing their exact position. It is particularly striking in the Andes that the patchwork of microhabitats produces very high diversity across short distances and this area is a very striking example of this. Within a few kilometres one can travel from the humid temperate cloud forests to stunted white sand forests and scrub and then to the lush sub-tropics and upper tropics before reaching the Amazonian lowlands with its mix of savannas, rainforests and white sand forest all of which house differing avifaunas. It was time to take our leave and descend to the lowlands on our way to Bellavista near Tarapoto. We stopped in the sub-tropics for a brief session looking through some smaller flocks and finding Cliff Flycatchers and a superb female Lyre-tailed Nightjar sat on its nest. A little lower we had a look through a couple of smaller mixed flocks that held Marble-faced bristle-Tyrant, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Saffron-crowned Tanager, the elusive Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant and the Equatorial Greytails. We then found a stunning Lanceolated Monklet before we had to take our leave and head east to Bellavista. A brief stop near Myobamba allowed us extraordinary views into a deep chasm in which we could see quite a number of Oilbirds; certainly one of the easiest places to see this rather enigmatic species. We then headed to our hotel in Bellavista for a much needed rest and celebratory drinks after another packed day.

The uncommon and very unobtrusive Lanceolated Monklet. Eustace Barnes.


The following morning the gathering clouds signalled an ominous turn in the weather and so it proved to be. It began to rain and our erstwhile drivers informed us it was too dangerous to attempt the climb up to La Plaforma or Flor de café as the locals like to call it. This tiny little village is located at the end of a very long road that cuts up into the Cordillera Azul where the Scarlet-banded Barbet was discovered. This magnificent outlier is almost untouched with primary forest vible in all directions from the village and provides for some of the best foothill birding anywhere in South America. It then rained more or less all day but not wishing to waste time we headed north to Quebrada Upaquihua and the banks of the Rio Huallaga for some great birding in the rather stunted deciduous woodlands of the mid-Huallaga valley. Walking these unique woodlands carpeted in a dense mat of terrestrial bromeliads and dense thickets we found Speckled Chachalacas, Blue-crowned Trogon, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Great Antshrike, the huallagae form of Northern Slaty Antshrike (sometimes considered a separate species; the Huallaga Slaty Antshrike), Rufous-winged, Stripe-chested and White-flanked Antwrens, numerous White-browed Antbirds, Plain-crowned Spinetail, White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Rufous Casiornis the somewhat rare and certainly demure looking Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin and Buff-breasted Wren. In the more open areas and along a narrow creek we found Black-fronted Nunbirds, Hoatzin, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Solitary Cacique and White-lined Tanagers. A movement in the canopy revealed a troop of the critically endangered Rio Mayo Titi; a primate in real trouble and which we were definitely privileged to find and see so well. All too soon it was time to depart to see what the following day would bring. On our return we stopped to look at large numbers of Comb Duck in the rice fields and see Lesser Nighthawks hunting over them so finishing a reasonable day of birding if not the one we had expected.

The incomparable Scarlet-banded Barbet. The ultimate target bird. Eustace Barnes.

That Barbet moment was fast approaching! The following morning looked no better but we headed off in our huge 4x4 Toyotas in trepidation and the full expectation that we would be told the road was impassable. However, the road dried as we proceeded and we got to La Plataforma in the afternoon without incident. It was a long way and the road was not good but we made it. We settled in to our lodgings which consisted of a recently constructed building that was going to make a very nice, if rustic, hotel. It was more than we had thought would be available to us and so we were not at all displeased. Our birding got off to a great start and over the next day or so we enjoyed some of the best foothill birding I have ever experienced. We frequently saw Swallow-tailed Kites soaring over us and on one occasion had great views of the rare Tiny Hawk and a couple of Double-toothed Kites. We saw a good number of Plumbeous Pigeons and the pretty Rose-faced Parakeet was common. We flushed a pair of Blackish Nightjars that posed for us at length on the path and also heard the Sub-tropical Pygmy-Owl call although time ran out and we could not entice it into view.


We saw few if any hummingbirds but it must surely be a great place for hummers at the right season. We did see several Collared Trogons and a number of Versicoloured Barbets. However, the huge prize was the recently described Scarlet-banded Barbet of which we saw seven birds in two groups. This is the first time this species has been seen on a commercially operated tour but it will certainly not be the last. No surprise it was Birdquest who got there first however! Also no surprise it was new for your leader. We were also very fortunate to find a Chestnut-tipped Toucanet and several Smoky-brown and Golden olive Woodpeckers. The sub-oscines were less forthcoming but we did find Ash-browed Spinetail, the ochrogaster form of Rufous-rumped Foliage-Gleaner and connectens form of Long-tailed Woodcreeper, both of which are best considered separate species given their distinctive vocalisations and syntopic distributions. Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Marble-faced and variegated Bristle-Tyrants were common. There quite a number of Grey-tailed Pihas calling and we did manage to see one. The leucopygia form of Blue-rumped Manakin was common and we did manage to a couple in the limited time available to us. The trails were alive with active mixed flocks and we were never away from busy flocks of tanagers. These flocks held Golden-rumped, Bronze-green and Orange-bellied Euphonias, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Yellow-throated Bush Tanager, Blue-winged mountain Tanager, several stunning Orange-eared Tanagers, Paradise, Green and gold, Golden, Saffron-crowned, Golden-eared, Bay-headed, Golden-naped and Blue-necked Tanagers. However, pride of place here goes to the quite remarkable numbers of Blue-browed and Straw-backed Tanagers, both of which are usually rather rare. That was all in few hours before we had to pack and leave; quite an outstanding morning of birding. Well worth the time, especially for the Scarlet-banded Barbet. I don’t think any of us will forget our time at this very special location which may well be destroyed within a few years.

A stunning Blackish Nightjar just posed at our feet while we watched Scarlet-banded Barbets. Eustace Barnes.

We then packed and departed for a night in Bellavista before we headed to the Andes proper and the new Wakanki lodge at Myobamba. We arrived in plenty of time to watch the hummers frantically feeding in the late afternoon.


These feeders are always good and with a little patience we saw Rufous-breasted, Great-billed, and Black-throated Hermits, Grey-breasted Sabrewings, White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Black-throated Mango, numerous male Rufous-crested Coquettes, Blue-tailed Emeralds, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, White-chinned and Golden-tailed Sapphires, a Many-spotted Hummingbird and several Sapphire-spangled Emeralds. The Coquettes were absolutely fantastic with males and females displaying in front of us. Quite superb! Quite a list but not an exhaustive one as other species are present in the austral spring. It is sometimes said that the diversity of South America’ s avifauna can be accounted for by looking solely at the sub-oscines but the dramatic diversity of these intriguing little birds which is also mirrored in other families contradicts this in style. Also present in the area were numerous Huallaga Tanagers, Cobalt-winged Parakeetsof the form gustavi, Blue-headed Parrot, Swallow-tailed Kite, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Little Woodpecker, Lineated Woodpecker, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Olivaceous woodcreeper, Foothill Blackish Antbird, Streaked flycatcher, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Grey-breasted Martin, Southern Roughwing, Green and Gold Tanager, Purple honeycreeper and Buff-throated Saltator.

The stunning Golden-tailed Sapphire (left) and the rather more demure Great-billed Hermit (right)

It was time to explore the very productive foothill forests above the lodge and we duly began the walk up through some magnificent forests. Again we were assailed with the calls of numerous Amazonian species and mixed flocks. Birding foothill forests can be very tough at the best of times but we were very lucky and were treated toa near constant procession of mixed flocks and calling birds. We managed to find the rare Red-stained Woodpecker, several pairs Foothill Blackish Antbirds, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, Rufous-winged Antwren, White-crowned Tapaculo, Scaly-breasted Wren and Plain-winged Antshrike, Ornate, Slaty and Foothill Antwrens, a male Black and white Tody-Tyrant, White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant and at least six lovely Golden-collared Toucanets. As we climbed we found Tschudi’s Woodcreeper, the foothill form of Ocellated Woodcreeper and usually now considered a separate species and a superb pair of Fiery-throated Fruiteaters which performed very well providing yet another tour highlight. During the morning our birding was disrupted by a group of Andean Saddleback Tamarins which are very rarely seen indeed so complimenting a superb mornings birding. We found several Rufous and Broad-billed Motmots, Fiery-capped Manakin was common and a Masked Tanager put in a late appearance giving us nearly full house on the tanagers. It was remarked at the time that it was a shame that we did not have more time hereand indeed the itinerary will be altered to accommodate another day at this magnificent site.


In the late morning we headed to Pomacochas for a late lunch and from there down to the Utcubamba valley. We stopped in the sub-tropics in search of Chestnut-crowned Gnateater which we found and most of us got good views of. We then climbed up to Alta Nieva in search of the pretty and rather elusive Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant which we had missed previously. At a known territory we heard one call and once we were positioned a splendid individual of this rather pretty little tyrannid duly appeared in front of us and all obtained stunning views. Just as well as time was running out and lunch was still some time away. Somewhat jubilant we then continued to Pomacochas for a late lunch before heading off to Leymebamba. We could not cross the road works along the Utcubamba valley until 6pm but, as we were late if mattered not, and we stopped to look at several Fasciated Tiger-Herons and large flocks of Scarlet-fronted Parakeets but little else in the rapidly failing light.

Golden-headed Quetzal (left) and a Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (right). Magnificent denizens of the cloud forests. Eustace Barnes.

The following morning we headed to a deep canyon not far from town where we quickly connected with Andean Guan, several fabulous Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucans, six Golden-headed Quetzals, a family group of White-collared Jays and several Northern Mountain Caciques. These birds then graced our birding throughout the morning. The canyon also held Rainbow Starfrontlet, several superb Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, White-banded and White-tailed Tyrannulets, Chestnut-belted Chat Tyrants, White-capped Dipper. Unfortunately we only managed to hear a couple of Peruvian Treehunters at a site usually very good for this rare species. After such a great selection of species and the all too rapid passage of time we retraced our steps and climbed up towards Abra Barro Negro in search of a handful of specialities. High on the paramos we quickly found a stunning Coppery Metaltail which we watched glowing in the early afternoon sun. A little later we found White-chinned (Peruvian) Thistletail which we saw in great style. A small flock held Blue-backed Conebill, Superciliated Hemispingus, Pearled Treerunner and Streaked Tuftedcheek kept us entertained while Mountain Caracaras and Andean Lapwings flew overhead and while walking along a small gulley a little lower down we found several Blackish Tapaculos and a pair of noisy Black-crested Warblers. At dusk, needless to say, it began to rain but since we were there we persisted and we did manage to glimpse a male Swallow-tailed Nightjar but alas the Andean Snipe were not displaying as conditions were just not right.


The following day we departed early for the inspiring drama of the Marañón Canyon with its towering cliffs, tortured folds and knife edged ridges to the arid cactus clad slopes above Balsas. Our first stop produced a family group of Buff-bridled Inca-finches, Maranon Gnatcatchers, Spot-throated Hummingbirds and a few Dull-coloured Grassquits.

Peruvian Pigeon (left) and black-necked woodpecker (right)

Standing on the banks of the Maranon, 2700m below Abra Barro Negro we quickly found a number of Peruvian Pigeons, Black-necked Flicker and Maranon Thrushes. While enjoying these rather localised species a distant twitter revealed the presence of a group of Yellow-faced Parrotlets and in no time we were watching this delightful species feeding on the flowering cacti high above us.

The delightful Yellow-faced Parrotlet. Eustace Barnes.


We began our climb up the western side of the canyon finding several more small groups of Parrotlets until we reached the pleasantly bucolic Hacienda Limon where we enjoyed a good lunch. A very enjoyable session here produced several Grey-backed Inca-Finches and eventually a pair of very obliging Chestnut-backed Thornbirds. There were also a good number of the dowdy Spot-throated Hummingbirds, the dapper Andean Emerald, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Peruvian Meadowlarks, Blue-grey and Blue and Yellow Tanagers and the ubiquitous Bananaquit while searching through the trees. As we climbed back up to the temperate zone the fragments of montane scrub we found Golden-billed Saltator, Baron’s Brush-finch, Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, Black-crested Warbler and a flock of andean Parakeets. The latter a rare and infrequently seen species and so ending a truly incredible day of birding during which we found all of our target species.

A singing Grey-winged Inca-Finch. Anon.

On entering the bucolic Andean backwater that is Celendin one is greeted with the rigid formality of urban street layout so typical of Latin towns and cities. The town welcomes its visitors with the sight of a gigantic concrete hat in celebration of the local millinery trade. It appears to operate as a bus shelter and a sun shade. The eccentricity of this then contrasts rather sharply with the formal mix of administrative and ecclesiastical colonial buildings arranged around the spotlessly clean Plaza de Armas. After a pleasant if short night we headed west towards Cajamarca, a rich and prospering city benefitting from the exploitation of gold resources at Cruz Conga. Not unexpectedly and as is the habit for birders we were on the road very early as there were road works of colossal proportions along our route that closed various sections of the highway and destroyed many of our sites. Once at higher altitude we saw more Mountain Caracaras and a couple of Variable Hawks along with sevewral White-tailed Shrike-Tyrants. We enjoyed great views of this generally rare species with one bird landing not 20meters from us. A In a tiny fragment of humid cloud forest we heard the distinctive song of ‘Cajamarca Antpitta', a likely split from Rufous Antpitta but we were unable to see this bird as the usual sites have been all but been destroyed by roadworks. At this point our progress was impeded by the aforementioned roadworks and indeed several of our sites have been so transformed that they no longer exist.


The very rare White-tailed Shrike Tyrant near Cruz conga. Eustace Barnes.

We birded a few patches of temperate scrub and alder dominated woodland finding Tufted Tit-Tyrant, several Brown-backed Chat-Tyrants and a few pairs of Spectacled Whitestarts. As we climbed to the paramos we saw a small flock of White-browed Ground-Tyrants, a pair of Paramo Pipits and a dozen or so Rufous-webbed Tyrants. This species is somewhat local in its distribution and was new for many on the tour. Searching the open grasslands we then found Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant and more White-tailed Shrike-Tyrants; the latter outnumbering its close relative the aforementioned Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant. A female Cinereous Harrier then cruised along the valley much to our surprise. At the Abra Gran Chimu we found a few Cream-winged Cinclodes and a single Streak-throated Canastero. We then headed to the gulley above Encanada and quickly notched up a few Baron’s Brush-Finches, a couple Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, the endemic Baron’s Spinetail and several Shining Sunbeams and our first stunning Black Metaltails. It was time to go and we headed off to Cajamarca for an early night and the opportunity to see the magnificent Plaza de Armas and the cathedrals that look down upon the central square.

White-throated Hawk (left)and Andean lapwing (right) Eustace Barnes.


We then headed to Cajamarca, famous as the last stand of the usurper Atahualpa against the avaricious Pizarro during a fractious internal episode in the great Incan empire. Today it is the site of another clash over the same natural resource: Gold. This time however it is between the indigenous population and multinational corporations. Plus ca change plus cest la meme chose. The following morning we headed off to San Marcos where we were almost immediately treated to superb views of the endangered Great Spinetail at their nest. We then retraced our steps to Banos del Inca and headed for the Rio Chonta wherewe waited patiently for a while before a male Grey-bellied Comet appeared in front of us. This is really its only reliable site anda superb way to end the tour! Not so very long ago this spectacular endemic and highly threatened hummingbird species was only ever seen as a ‘fly by ‘at quite a variety of unlikely locations. Today we enjoy point blank views at its only known haunt and probable nesting site. In this pretty little valley we also saw a good selection of Andean species, including American Kestrel, Sparkling Violetear, Band-tailed Seedeater, Blue-and-yellow Tanager and mourning and Peruvian Sierra-Finches. Our targets bagged so early on we spent the rest of the day birding the upper canyon where we found good numbers of White-winged Cinclodes along the narrow stream along with several magnificent Black Metaltails and several Torrent Tyrannulets.

The very rare Great Spinetail (left) and rather more widespread White-winged Cinclodes. Matt Wallace.

The following morning, with only a couple of hours to hand we departed early to climb the western Cordillera to Abra Gavilan. Climbing down into a gulley we all had superb views of the pretty Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant; a personal favourite of my’n in the genus. Our search for the more skulking Unicoloured Tapaculo was rather less productive although some of us had brief views of this very localised species. Time then ran out and so we hurried back to Cajamarca to collect our bags and make for the airport for our flight to Lima after a very successful and highly memorable tour. Top ten birds 1 - Scarlet-banded Barbet 2 - Long-whiskered Owlet 3 - Marvellous spatuletail 4 - Pale-billed Antpitta 5 - White-faced nunbird 6 - Rufous-crested Coquette 7 - Fiery-throated Fruiteater 8 - Ochre-fronted Antpitta 9 - Russet-mantled Softtail 10 - Yellow-faced Parrotlet

20 Birdquest Tour Report::Bhutan 2013. www.birdquest-tours.com

The magnificent Rufous-crested Coquette. Eustace Barnes.

SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (L). Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).


Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui (H) One heard at Wakanki, Tataupa Tinamou Crypturellus tataupa (H) Several heard at Tamborapa and others at Quebrada Upaquihua. Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Several seen at Quebrada Upaquihua and others at Wakanki. Andean Guan Penelope montagnii Seen at Owlet lodge and at Leymebamba. White-winged Guan ◊ Penelope albipennis Extraordinary numbers at Quebrada Frejolillo with up to 35 seen there. Wattled Guan Aburria aburri (H) several heard during dawn and dusk sessions at Owlet lodge. Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola Hundreds seen in the lower Huallaga in the ‘arozales’. A great sight. Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera A few at PuertoEten. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis Seen on the coast and at Laguna Tinajones. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Seen at Laguna Tinajones. Great Grebe Podiceps major A common breeding bird at Laguna Tinajones. Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Good numbers seen on the coast and in the high Andes. Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum A few along the Rio Utcubamba. Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis A female seen at Laguna Tinajones. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Common at laguna Tinajones. Striated Heron Butorides striata Common in the lowlands. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Several seen at Laguna Tinajones. Great Egret Ardea alba Commonly seen. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Commonly seen in the coastal lowlands. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Commonly seen, especially in the recently expanded rice producing areas. Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Commonly seen on the coast. Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii One seen from Monsefu beach. Peruvian Booby Sula variegate Commonly seen out to sea. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Commonly seen. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Several seen at Tinajones reservoir. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Up to five seen at Quebrada Upaquihua. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Seen at numerous foothill locations. Always a pleasure to see. Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus A single bird seen at Flor de café. Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus A single bird seen near Celendin. Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus One adult bird seen at Flor de Café. Plain-breasted Hawk Accipiter ventralis A single bird seen very briefly at Alta Nieva. Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens A single bird seen at Quebrada Upaquihua. Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus A common species in the arid lowlands. Black-chested Buzzard-eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus A few seen at Abra Patricia. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus A single dark phase bird seen. White-throated Hawk Buteo albigula An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma Commonly seen. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus A single bird seen at Abra Porculla in the company of turkey Vultures. Black Hawk-eagle Spizaetus tyrannus (H) Heard only at Flor de Café. Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Commonly seen in the High Andes. Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Commonly seen on the coastal lowlands. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans A single bird seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis (H) Heard at Flor de Café. American Kestrel Falco sparverius A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis A single bird seen north of Olmos Spotted Rail Pardirallus maculatus (H) Heard at Tinajones reservoir. Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus A single bird seen at Puerto Eten. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca A common species seen at widely scattered sites.


Peruvian Thick-Knee Burhinus superciliaris A group of 35 seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus A couple of pairs at Puerto Eten. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Commonly seen in the lowlands and rice paddies. Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Commonly seen on the coastal plain. Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Commonly seen in the rice paddies. Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus Always good to see this pretty little wader. Sanderling Calidris alba The only Calidrid seen somewhat surprisingly. Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Common on the coast and Tinajones reservoir. Grey Gull Leucophaeus modestus Small numbers seen from the beach at Puerto Eten. Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri Acouple of birds at Monsefu beach. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Common on the coast. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus A few seen at Monsefu beach. Peruvian Tern ◊ Sternula lorata A single bird seen at Monsefu beach fishing in the surf. Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex A couple along the Rio Huallaga. Rock Dove Columba livia Least said…. Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis A few seen in the open lowlands. Maranon Pigeon ◊ (Peruvian Pigeon) Patagioenas oenops A very localised endemic seen at Balsas. Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Seen at Flor de Café and heard elsewhere. Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea (H) Heard at Flor de Café and at Wakanki. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata A common species seen at widely scattered sites. West Peruvian Dove Zenaida meloda A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Rather numerous in the dry deciduous woodlands of the upper Chinchipe. Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Common in the Maranon canyon. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi A common species seen at widely scattered sites. White-throated Quail-dove Geotrygon frenata A single bird shot past us on the tower at Wakanki. Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Aratinga wagleri A common and widely spread species. Red-masked Parakeet ◊ Aratinga erythrogenys Seen at Chaparri and Quebrada Frejolillo. White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalma A common species in the eastern lowlnds Rose-fronted Parakeet Pyrrhura roseifrons Remarkably numerous at Flor de Café. Andean Parakeet Bolborhynchus orbygnesius An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius A few seen around Tarapoto and Bellavista. Pacific Parrotlet ◊ Forpus coelestis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Yellow-faced Parrotlet ◊ Forpus xanthops A very localised endemic seen above Balsas feeding in cacti. Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera Fairly numerous around Myobamba. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Also numerous around Myobamba and Tarapoto. White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides A few birds flying over high at Abra Patricia. Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaries Small flocks flying over at Abra Patricia. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani common to abundant in the eastern lowlands. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia Several heard and a couple seen around Jaen. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Hoatzin Opistocomus hoazin (H) Heard only at Quebrada Upaquihua. West Peruvian Screech Owl ◊ Megascops roboratus (H) Heard at Bosque Pomac and Chaparri. White-throated Screech Owl Megascops albogularis (H) Several pairs heard at Owlet lodge. Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis (H) An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Band-bellied Owl ◊ Pulsatrix melanota (H) Onebird heard at Wakanki. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus A single bird seen at Monsefu beach. A rare bird on the coast. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum (H) Heard at Quebrada Upaquihua. Pacific Pygmy Owl Glaucidium peruanum A common species seen at widely scattered sites.


Sub-tropical Pygmy Owl Glaucidium parkeri (H) A single bird heard at Flor de Café. Long-whiskered Owlet ◊ Xenoglaux loweryi A very localised endemic seen at Owlet lodge. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia A pair seen near Quebrada Frejolillo. Oilbird Steatornis caripensis A roadside chasm held a small colony near Myobamba. Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris (H) Heard at Abra patricia. Sand-coloured Nighthawk Chordeiles rupestris A few seen on the sand banks along the Rio Huallaga. Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Common laong the Huallaga valley. Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis (H) A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Rufous Nightjar Antrostomus rufus (H) Heard at Wakanki. Anthony's Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus anthonyi Several seen at Chaparri and Quebrada Frejolillo. Blackish Nightjar Caprimulgus nigrescens An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata A single male taped in above Leymebamba. Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra A single female found on a nest by the road below Alta Nieva. Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila A few seen at widely scattered sites. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Tumbes Swift ◊ Chaetura ocypetes A very localised range restricted species seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura Seen in and around Bellavista. White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus Seen at Abra Porculla. Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus (L) One recorded at Rio chonta. An uncommon species this far north. Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata Common around Myobamba. Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus A few on the feeders at Wakanki. Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris A couple on the feeders at Wakanki Black-throated Hermit ◊ Phaethornis atrimentalis A single bird on the feeders at Wakanki Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis A single bird seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis An uncommon, if widely distributed species. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora A common species on the feeders at Wakanki Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae A single bird on the feeders at Wakanki Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus A very numerous species on the feeders at Huembo. Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis A female on the feeders at Wakanki Rufous-crested Coquette Lophornis delattrei A good number of males on the feeders at Wakanki Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus A couple found at Wakanki Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata A common bird on the feeders at Wakanki White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus A single bird seen at Wakanki. Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Very common at Wakanki. Tumbes Hummingbird ◊ Leucippus baeri Seen at Chaparri and Quebrada Frejolillo. Spot-throated Hummingbird ◊ Leucippus taczanowskii A common endemic seen at widely scattered sites. Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus One seen at Wakanki on the feeders. White-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia chionogaster A common species. Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia Amazilia A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae Fairly common at Huembo. Sapphire-spangled Emerald Amazilia lacteal Surprising numbers at Wakanki. Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys small numbers noted throughout the highlands. Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Small numbers recorded in the humid sub-tropics. Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii Small numbers recorded at Leymebamba and Abra Patricia.. Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Small numbers recorded on the arid puna. Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Small numbers recorded in the humid sub-tropics. Collared Inca Coeligena torquata A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Violet-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena violifer A few recorded above San Lorenzo in the humid cloud forests. Rainbow Starfrontlet Coeligena iris An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Seen near Cruzconga. Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus One seen with preceding species. Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Two seen with preceding species. Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests.


Royal Sunangel ◊ Heliangelus regalis A very localised endemic seen at Alta Nieva. Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis aline An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Only one or two seen. Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Common at a number of sites. Coppery Metaltail ◊ Metallura theresiae A very localised endemic seen on Abra Barro Negro. Black Metaltail ◊ Metallura phoebe A fairly localised endemic seen around Cajamarca Grey-bellied Comet ◊ Taphrolesbia griseiventris A very rare and localised endemic seen at Rio Chonta. Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Small numbers recorded in the humid sub-tropics. Marvellous Spatuletail ◊ Loddigesia mirabilis A rare endemic found only on the west bank of the Rio Utcubamba. Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris A single bird seen at Chaparri.

Male Peruvian Sheartail. Eustace Barnes.

Peruvian Sheartail ◊ Thaumastura cora Several males seen at Abra Porculla. Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny A common species at Chaparri. Short-tailed Woodstar ◊ Myrmia micrura Not uncommon In the open desert at Chaparri. White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Little Woodstar ◊ Chaetocercus bombus Three seen on the feeders at the Huembo feeders. Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps Six males seen near Leymebamba in a bachelor flock. Ecuadorian Trogon ◊ Trogon mesurus A pair seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui A common species seen at Quebrada Upaquihua. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Common at Flor de café. Masked Trogon Trogon personatus A few at Abra Patricia and Leymebamba. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana A common species seen at Olmos marsh. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata A few see on larger water bodies. Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota (H) A common species heard at Wakanki. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii A common lowland species found at Wakanki along the stream. Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Another common Amazonian species found at Wakanki.


Bluish-fronted Jacamar Galbula cyanescens Common at Quebrada Upaquihua. Lanceolated Monklet Micromonacha lanceolata One calling and another showing at Affliuente. A great sighting. White-faced Nunbird ◊ Hapaloptila castanea A superb adult watched at length at Abra Patricia. Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Common at Quebrada Upaquihua. Scarlet-banded Barbet ◊ Capito wallacei A very localised endemic seen in the Cordillera Azul.at Flor de Café. Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni A couple seen poorly at Wakanki. Versicoloured Barbet Eubucco versicolor An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Chestnut-tipped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus derbianus A single bird seen at Café de Flor. Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis A few noted at Quebrada Upaquihua. Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii A large non-breeding group Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan Andigena hypoglauca A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Black-mandibled Toucan ◊ Ramphastos ambiguus (H) Heard above Affluente. Lafresnaye's Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Seen at Quebrada Upaquihua and Wakanki. Ecuadorian Piculet ◊ Picumnus sclateri (H) heard only at Quebrada Frejolillo. Speckle-chested Piculet ◊ Picumnus steindachneri A localised endemic seen at Affluente. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Common in the lowlands. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus A few seen near Jaen in arid scrub. Red-stained Woodpecker Veniliornis affinis An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Small numbers recorded in the humid sub-tropics. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii A couple seen in the canyon near Leymebamba. Black-necked Woodpecker ◊ Colaptes atricollis A fairly localised endemic seen in the Maranon canyon. Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola A regularly recorded species of the high paramos Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Fairly common at Bosque Pomac. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos (H) heard at Tamborapa. Coastal Miner ◊ Geositta peruviana Common near Rafaan. Cream-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris A regularly recorded species of the high paramos White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Common along the Rio Chido. Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus Fairly common around Bellavista. Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Rusty-crowned Tit-spinetail ◊ Leptasthenura pileata A localised endemic found on the arid west flank. White-chinned Thistletail ◊ Asthenes fuliginosa plengei A very localised endemic form seen on Abra Barro Negro. Streak-throated Canastero Asthenes humilis A regularly recorded species of the high paramos Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata Common on the paramos near Celendin. Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Common at Abra patricia. Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae (H) A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis (H) Heard at Affluente. Plain-crowned Spinetail Synallaxis gujanensis (H) Heard at Quebrada Upaquihua. Maranon Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis maranonica A very localised endemic seen at Tamborapa. Now considered at risk. Necklaced Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis stictothorax Numerous in the western lowlands. Chinchipe Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis stictothorax chincipiensis A very localised endemic seen near Tamborapa. Great Spinetail ◊ Siptornopsis hypochondriaca A very rare and localised endemic seen at San Marcos. Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Line-cheeked Spinetail Cranioleuca antisiensis Several pairs at Abra Porculla. Baron's Spinetail ◊ Cranioleuca baroni A widespread endemic seen from Leymebamba to Cajamarca. Russet-mantled Softtail ◊ Thripophaga berlepschi A very localised endemic seen above San Lorenzo Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons Common in the Maranon and Huallaga drainages. Chestnut-backed Thornbird ◊ Phacellodomus dorsalis An uncommon endemic seen at Hacienda Limon. Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops Seen at Puerto Eten. Equatorial Greytail ◊ Xenerpestes singularis A pair with fledged young at Affluente. Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens (H) An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii Seen at Abra Barro Negro. Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Common at Affluente.


Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris (H) Heard at flor de Café. Rufous-necked Foliage-Gleaner ◊ Syndactyla ruficollis A superb adult at Abra Porculla. Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner Philydor erythrocercum ochrogaster Seen at Flor de Café. Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufum An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Black-billed Treehunter Thripadectes melanorhynchus (H) Heard above Affluente. Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus Seen at Abra patricia. Peruvian Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes scrutator (H) A very localised endemic heard near Leymebamba. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus (H) Commonly heard at Flor deCafe and Wakanki. Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipileatus A single bird found at Quebrada Upaquihua. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Seen at many sites. Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Long-tailed Woodcreeper Deconychura longicauda connectens This foothill form seen at Flor de Café. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen above Affluente. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Seen at Wakanki. Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus (H) Heard at Abra Patricia. Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus Found at Quebrada Upaquihua. Tschudi's Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus chunchotambo Several seen at Flor de Café. Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus Common at Flor de Café. Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Great Antshrike Taraba major (H) Heard at Quebrada Upaquihua. Collared Antshrike ◊ Thamnophilus bernardi A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Shumba Antshrike ◊ Thanmnophilus bernardi shumbae A common endemic seen near Bagua Grande. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus A commonly recorded species in the lowlands.

Female Chapman’s Antshrike. Eustace Barnes. Chapman's Antshrike Thamnophilus zarumae A pair seen at Abra Porculla. Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus A commonly recorded species at Affluente. Plain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus A commonly recorded species in the foothills. Northern (Maranon) Slaty Antshrike ◊ Thamnophilus punctatus leucogaster An endemic seen at Tamborapa. Northern (Huallaga)Slaty Antshrike ◊ Thamnophilus punctatus huallagae An endemic form seen at Q. Upaquihua. Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens A commonly recorded species at Abra Patricia. Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Ornate Antwren Epinecrophylla ornate An uncommon, if widely distributed species.


Foothill Antwren Epinecrophylla spodionota A couple seen at Wakanki. Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Found at Wakanki. White-flanked Antwren Mrymotherula axillaris A commonly recorded species at Quebrada Upaquihua. Stripe-chested Antwren Mrymotherula longicauda Commonly recorded at Quebrada Upaquihua. Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris A commonly recorded species at Affluente. Rufous-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus Recorded at Quebrada Upaquihua and Wakanki. Streak-headed Antbird Drymophila caudata A commonly recorded species at Abra Patricia. Rufous-rumped Antwren Terenura callinota (H) heard at Wakanki. Grey Antbird Cercomacra cinerascens Recorded at Quebrada Upaquihua. ‘Sub-tropical’ Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens aequatorialis Commonly recorded at Wakanki. White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota Commonly found above Affluente. White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys A commonly recorded species at Quebrada Upaquihua. Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana Several pairs found at Wakanki. Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopohaga castaneiceps A single male found at Affluente. Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus (H) Heard commonly at Flor de Café. Barred Antthrush Chamaeza mollissima (H) An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Undulated Antpitta Grallaria squamigera (H) Heard above Leymebamba. Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla(H) A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Pale-billed Antpitta ◊ Grallaria carrikeri A very localised endemic seen above San Lorenzo. Rusty-tinged Antpitta ◊ Grallaria przewalskii One seen and many heard at Abra Patricia. Rufous (Cajamarca) Antpitta ◊ Grallaria rufula cajamarcae (H) Heard at Cruz Conga. Chestnut Antpitta ◊ Grallaria blakei A localised endemic seen at feeders at Owlet lodge. Ochre-fronted Antpitta ◊ Grallaricula ochraceifrons A very rare and localised endemic seen at Owlet lodge. Northern White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus atratus (H) heard at Affluente. Rufous-vented Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus femoralis One glimpsed at Abra Patricia. Trilling Tapaculo Scytalopus parvirostris (H) heard at Abra Patricia. Unicoloured Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus unicolor A localised endemic seen at Abra Gavilan. Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans A commonly recorded species at Abra Barro Negro. Maranon Crescentchest ◊ Melanopareia maranonica A very localised near-endemic seen at Tamborapa. Elegant Crescentchest Melanopareia elegans Seen at Chaparri and Quebrada Frejolillo. Wing-barred Piprites Piprites chloris (H) Heard at Wakanki and Flor de Café.. Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Phyllomyias plumbeiceps An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Pacific Elaenia ◊ Myiopagis subplacens Several seen at Quebrada Frejolillo. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Lesser Elaenia Elaenia chiriqnensis One seen at Quebrada Upaquihua. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum A common species seen at widely scattered sites. White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus A commonly recorded species near Leymebamba.. White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Commonly recorded at Leymebamba. Unstreaked Tit-tyrant Anairetes agraphia (L) One seen above San Lorenzo in the rain during our descent. Black-crested Tit-Tyrant ◊ Anairetes nigrocristatus A localised but widespread endemic seen around Celendin. Tufted Tit-tyrant Anairetes parvulus Common between Celendin and Cajamarca Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea seen on many rivers and streams during the tour. Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina Seen near Tarapoto. Tumbesian Tyrannulet ◊ Phaeomyias tumbezana A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus ruficeps Common on the coast. Grey-and-white Tyrannulet Pseudelaenia leucospodia Common to abundant in the west. Peruvian Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius viridiflavus A very common species in the Andes. Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Ecuadorian Tyrannulet Phylloscartes gualaquizae Several pairs above Affluente. Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus Seen in mixed flocks at Affluente and Wakanki. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus (L) Seen at Wakanki. Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus Seen at Flor de Café.


Black-crested Tit-Tyrant. Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Commonly seen in the subtropics. Bran-coloured Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo and at San Marcos. ‘Rufescent’ Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus rufescens A localised endemic taxon seen at Bosque Pomac. Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus A pair seen at Affluente. Many-coloured Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra Common on the coast. Pearly-vented Tody-tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer (H) Heard at Quebrada Upaquihua. Black-throated Tody-tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis Several seen in the Abra Patricia area. Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant ◊ Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus A very localised endemic seen at Alta Nieva. White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis albiventris this tiny bird was found at Quebrada Upaquihua. Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus (H) A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Lulu's Tody-Flycatcher ◊ Poecilotriccus luluae Several pairs seen at Abra Patricia. Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher ◊ Poecilotriccus capitalis Found at Wakanki. Common Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Common. Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens A commonly recorded species at Quebrada Upaquihua. Olive-faced Flatbill Tolmomyias viridiceps Commonly recorded at Quebrada Upaquihua. Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus A very common species in the Andes. Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Seen and heard at numerous sites throughout. Euler's Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri Rather numerous at Wakanki. Grey-breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus griseipectus recorded at Quebrada Frejolillo. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Tumbes Pewee Contopus punensis Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the west. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Common to abundant in thewest. Rufous-tailed Tyrant ◊ Knipolegus Poecilurus An uncommon, if widely distributed species. White-browed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora A regularly recorded austral migrant on the high paramos Black-billed Shrike-tyrant Agriornis montanus A regularly recorded species of the high paramos White-tailed Shrike-tyrant ◊ Agriornis albicauda A fairly common species of the high paramos near Celendin. Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis seen at Encanada. Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant Polioxolmis rufipennis A regularly recorded species of the high paramos Tumbes Tyrant ◊ Tumbezia salvini An uncommon and localised endemic seen at Chaparri and Bosque Pomac. Jelski's Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix jelskii An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Maroon-belted Chat-tyrant ◊ Ochthoeca thoracica A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Rufous-breasted Chat-tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis commonin the emperate zone. Brown-backed Chat-tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor Seen at many sites. White-browed Chat-tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys Common in the drier high Andes. Piura Chat-Tyrant ◊ Ochthoeca piurae A very localised endemic seen at Abra Porculla. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus common at Flor de Café.


Short-tailed Field Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the west. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Lemon-browed Flycatcher Conopias cinchoneti Flock leader in the subtropics. Baird's Flycatcher ◊ Myiodynastes bairdii Common at Quebrada Frejolillo and Chaparri. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus A species common in the tropical lowlands Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua A common sound in the tropical lowlands Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis A few seen in the west. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufus A single bird found at Quebrada Upaquihua. Rufous Flycatcher ◊ Myiarchus semirufus A very localised and rare endemic seen at Bosque Pomac. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Seen at widely scattered sites. Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox A species common in the tropical lowlands Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Sooty-crowned Flycatcher ◊ Myiarchus phaeocephalus Seen both east and west of Abra Porculla Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus A species common in the dry wooded areas. Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus Seen above San Lorenzo. Peruvian Plantcutter ◊ Phytotoma raimondii A very rare endemic seen at Rafaan and heard at Bosque Pomac. Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata (H) Heard at Leymebamba. Fiery-throated Fruiteater Pipreola chlorolepidota An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus Seen above Affluente. Grey-tailed Piha Snowornis subalaris Many heard and one seen at Flor de Café. Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin ◊ Neopelma sulphureiventer several seen at Quebrada Upaquihua. Fiery-capped Manakin Machaeropterus Pyrocephalus Common at Wakanki. Milky-rumped Manakin ◊ Lepidothrix isidorei A very localised endemic taxon seen at Flor de Café. Golden-headed Manakin Pipra erythrocephala Several seen at Wakanki was a surprise. Whiskered Myiobius Myiobius barbartus An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Acouple noted at Flor de Café. Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys Heard at Tamborapa and seen at Flor de Café. Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Afew foundin the highlands. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus (H) Heard atv Wakanki. Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus One seen below Abra Porculla. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Widespread and numerous species. Slaty-capped Shrike-vireo Vireolanius leucotis An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys A few noted at Flor de Café. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Ashy-headed Greenlet Hylophilus pectoralis Not un common at QuebradaUpaquihua. Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus A few notedabove Affluente. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps Seen at Wakanki. White-collared Jay Cyanolyca viridicyanus common near Leymebamba. Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus afew seen around Bellavista and Buenos Aires.. White-tailed Jay ◊ Cyanocorax mystacalis Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the west. Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Tumbes Swallow ◊ Tachycineta stolzmanni A very localised near-endemic seen at Bosque Pomac. White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer A species common in the tropical lowlands Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Common. Brown-chested Martin Progne tapaera afew seen en route to Flor de Café. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina A regularly recorded species of the high paramos White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata A few along the Rio Huallaga. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Chestnut-collared Swallow ◊ Petrochelidon rufocollaris A large colony near Chaparri. Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus A species common in the tropical lowlands


White-tailed Jay. Eustace Barnes. Grey-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Sharpe’s Wren ◊ Cinnycerthia olivascens A couple of family groups noted at Abra patricia. Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis Small numbers seen on the paramos near Celendin. Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys schulenbergi A very localised endemic taxon seen above San Lorenzo. Maranon Wren ◊ Pheugopedius sclateri A common if localised near-endemic seen at Tamborapa. Speckle-breasted Wren ◊ Pheugopedius sclateri paucimaculatus Seen in the western lowlands. Superciliated Wren ◊ Cantorchilus superciliaris A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Buff-breasted Wren Thryotherus leucotis Very common at Quebrada Upaquihua. House Wren Troglodytes aedon A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis A few noted at Abra Patricia. White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticte (H) Heard at Flor de Café. Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Bar-winged Wood Wren ◊ Henicorhina leucoptera A very localised endemic seen at Alta Nieva. Scaly-breasted Wren Microcerculus marginatus (H) Heard at Wakanki. Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus thoracicus An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus (H) Heard at Wakanki. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea albifacies A species common in the tropical lowlands Maranon Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila maior A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides (H) A regularly heard denizen of the cloud forests. Great Thrush Turdus fuscater A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus A few noted near Leymebamba. A common call of the temperate forests. Plumbeous-backed Thrush ◊ Turdus reevei Seen at Quebrada Frejolillo and Chaparri. Maranon Thrush ◊ Turdus maranonicus A very localised endemic seen at Balsas and Hacienda Limon. Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis A species common in the tropical lowlands. White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis A couple noted at Wakanki. White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus (L) One seen near Leymebamba. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Nowcommon in most towns. Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis A regularly recorded species of the high paramos. Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the west. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris A species common in the tropical lowlands Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala Common at Flor de Café. Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa An uncommon, if widely distributed species.


Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea Very common at Flor de Café. Heard elsewhere. Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Black-lored Yellowthroat Geothlypis auricularis Seen at San Marcos. Note that this form often considered distinct. Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Commonly recorded in dry and open country. . Citrine Warbler Myiothlypis luteoviridis A few seen near Leymebamba. Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda seen and heard at many sites. Grey-and-gold Warbler ◊ Myiothlypis fraseri Several noted at Quebrada Frejolillo. Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata common by voice at Abra Patricia where a few seen. Three-banded Warbler ◊ Basileuterus trifasciatus A very localised near- endemic seen at Abra Porculla. Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Seen at Flor de Café. Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus minis commonly recorded in sub-tropics. Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus Common in temperate forests. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus A species common in the tropical lowlands Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons a few noted at Wakanki. Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Northern Mountain Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus A large group seen near Leymebamba. Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius Seen near QuebradaUpaquihua. White-edged Oriole ◊ Icterus graceannae A common species. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Another common icterid. Moriche Oriole Icterus chrysocephalus One noted at Flor de Café. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Seen along the highway from Myobamba to Tarapoto. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis A species common in the tropical lowlands Scrub Blackbird ◊ Dives warczewiczi Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the west. Peruvian Meadowlark Sturnella bellicose A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola very common. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons A species common in the tropical lowlands Tumbes Sparrow ◊ Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Small numbers recorded at a number of sites. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Black-capped Sparrow Arremon abeillei Commonly recorded at Quebrada Frejolillo. Maranon Sparrow ◊ Arremon nigriceps A localised near-endemic taxon seen at Tamborapa. Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Arremon brunneinucha A few at Abra Patricia. Yellow-breasted Brush Finch (Cloud-forest/Rufous-naped B-F) Atlapetes latinuchus Very common. Baron’s Brush-finch ◊ Atlapetes baroni A very localised endemic seen from Celendin toCajamarca. White-winged Brush Finch Atlapetes leucopterus Good numbers at Abra Porculla. White-headed Brush Finch ◊ Atlapetes albiceps Common at Quebrada Frejolillo. Bay-crowned Brush Finch ◊ Atlapetes seebohmi One seen at Abra Porculla. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus A regularly recorded denizen of the cloud forests. Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis Secveral noted at Flor de Café. Ashy-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus A species common in the tropical lowlands White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata (H) Heard at Owlet lodge in the early morning but none seen. Rufous-crested Tanager Creurgops verticalis An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris insignis This grey form not uncommon in the highlands. Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis A small group noted at Owlet lodge. Drab Hemispingus Hemispingus xanthophthalmus Several seen at san Lorenzo. Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris Seen in the same flocks as the above species. Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornate An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Buff-bellied Tanager ◊ Thlypopsis inornata Seen at Tamborapa. Very few on this trip. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus Afew seen at Flor de Café. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Seen in the drier woodlands of the mid-Huallaga. Huallaga Tanager ◊ Ramphocelus melanogaster A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Common in the eastern lowlands.


Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris seen at Abra Barro Negro. Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Seen at several locations. Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis One noted at Alta Nieva. Yellow-scarfed Tanager ◊ Iridosornis reinhardti A good number seen in mixed flocks near Owlet lodge. Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Flor de Cafe Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Common in mixed flocks at Affluente and flor de cafe Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Flor de Café. Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Abra Patricia and Flor de Café. Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala A few seen in mixed flocks at Abra Patricia and Flor de Café. Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis Small numbers found in mixed flocks at flor de Café and Affluente. Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Several seen in mixed flocks at Alta Nieva. Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra A single bird seen in a mixed flocks at Wakanki. Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Affluente and Flor de Café. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Common in mixed flocks at Affluente and Flor de Café. Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix A single bird seen in a mixed flock at Flor de Café. Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides A few seen in mixed flocks at Abra Patricia. Blue-browed Tanager Tangara cyanotis An uncommon species found in mixed flocks at Flor de Café.. Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Affluente. Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta Single bird seen in a mixed flock at Wakanki. Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at Abra Patricia. Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Small numbers seen in mixed flocks at higher elevations. Straw-backed Tanager Tangara argyrofenges Not uncommon in mixed flocks at Flor de Café. Silver-backed Tanager Tangara viridicollis A few seen in mixed flocks at Abra Patricia. Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis A few seen at Wakannki and flor de Café. Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata In mixed flocks at Flor de Café. Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus A few seen at Flor de Café. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen at Flor de Café. Golden-collared Honeycreeper Iridophanes pulcherrimus A single male seen at Affluente. Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Numerous in the drier habitats near Cajamarca. Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor Seen at suitable locations in the temperate forests. Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons a few seen at widely scattered locations. Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides First seen at Abra Porculla. Generally uncommon. Moustached Flowerpiercer Diglossa mystacalis A few seen at Abra Patricia. Black-throated Flowerpiercer Diglossa brunneiventris A common species seen at widely scattered sites. White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Not uncommon in the temperate zone. Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer Diglossa glauca An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Seen at several locations. Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea A numerous component in mixed flocks at Abra Patricia. Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Common near Jaen and Bagua Grande. Peruvian Sierra Finch Phrygilus punensis a few seen around Celendin and Cajamarca. Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus fruticeti A few seen along the upper Rio Chonta. Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Cinereous Finch ◊ Piezorina cinerea A common species seen at Chaparri and Bosque Pomac. Grey-winged Inca Finch ◊ Incaspiza ortizi A very localised endemic seen at HaciendaLimon. Buff-bridled Inca Finch ◊ Incaspiza laeta A very localised if common endemic seen above Balsas. Collared Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza hispaniolensis A common species seen at Chaparri and Quebrada Frejolillo. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Sulphur-throated Finch ◊ Sicalis taczanowskii A very localised near-endemic seen at Chaparri. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa A few seen at Abra Porculla. Parrot-billed Seedeater Sporophila peruviana Common to abundant at Chaparri.


Drab Seedeater Sporophila simplex A few recorded in the Maranon canyon at hacienda Limon. Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Quite numerous in the eastern lowlands. Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis A common species seen at widely scattered sites. Plain-coloured Seedeater Catamenia inornata Quite numerous around Cajamarca. Dull-coloured Grassquit Tiaris obscurus seen at a number of sites. Highland Hepatic Tanager (Tooth-billed T) Piranga lutea small numbers recorded. White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera An uncommon, if widely distributed species. Southern Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the Andes. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus A few recorded at a number of sites in the east. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Commonly recorded at a number of sites in the east. Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris A few recorded at a number of sites. Streaked Saltator ◊ Saltator striatipectus Common. Streaked and unstreaked varieties recorded.. MAMMALS Sechura Fox Pseudalopex sechurae Several seen at Chaparri lodge.

The Tayra. Eustace Barnes..

Tayra Eira barbara Seen at Owlet lodge where quite habituated. Rio Mayo Titi Callicebus oenanthe Several seen at Quebrada Upaquihua. A critically endangered species. Andean Saddle-back Tamarin Saguinus leucogenys A large group seen at Wakanki. Guayaquil Squirrel Sciurus stramineus Common in the dry deciduous woodlands on the coast.

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PERU (NORTHERN) REP 2013 - Bird Tours - … -NORTHERN... · The Seedsnipe is rapidly declining in...

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