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TRIP REPORT CENTRAL PERU
1-20 November 2016
By Eduardo Ormaeche
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover
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OVERVIEW
This Central Peru birding tour was Birding Ecotours’ last Peru tour of 2016, and it was a
huge success. It was a privilege to be part of this Birding Ecotours adventure, exploring one
of the most remote birding routes in the world in the company of great people. During this
tour we had the chance to record 443 species and additional five species that were heard only,
including 41 country endemics and several range-restricted species as well as near-endemics
and endangered species.
THE TOUR
We arrived in Lima and spent a night in our comfortable hotel in Miraflores, south of
downtown Lima, which was our rendezvous point for this trip.
The next day we met very early, around 4:30 a.m., in the lobby of the hotel, and as soon as
we left the city we took the Pan American Highway toward Lomas de Lachay, which is a
national reserve located 105 kilometers north of Lima. Before reaching the reserve we made a
stop at Repsol Chancay, a gas station that has a 24/7 excellent restaurant and shop, for the
obligatory morning coffee. After everybody was awake and excited we headed toward the
reserve.
We explore the back part of the reserve in the sector of Guayabito. This rocky, dry-slope
section is the habitat of Haageocereus lomensis, an endemic cactus of the Peruvian coast that
provides habitat and food for the endemic Cactus Canastero, our first target of the morning.
Despite this being the right habitat, the bird had proved quite elusive over the last ten years.
Other birds this morning included a female Oasis Hummingbird feeding on the cactus
flowers, Burrowing Owl, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, and Short-tailed Field Tyrant. After a
while we heard the call of Cactus Canastero, and with help of the tape and after only a short
hike we found one bird that even posed for the scope. As soon as we had found this species
we left the area, ticking Greyish Miner on the way out. Then we took the Pan American
Highway again and entered the reserve once more through its principal checkpoint. The
stretch between the road and the checkpoint is probably the best and easiest place in the
country to see Least Seedsnipe, and we saw several of them in addition to different pairs of
Burrowing Owl and our first Coastal Miner. After the checkpoint we found another Band-
tailed Sierra Finch, Peruvian Meadowlark, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Vermilion
Flycatcher, House Wren, Eared Dove, and Croaking Ground Dove. At the parking lot we
had great views of Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Mountain Parakeet. A nice surprise
was a single Andean Tinamou sneaking around for some leftovers in the parking lot. We
then also added Amazilia Hummingbird and Collared Warbling Finch. However, the
endemic Thick-billed Miner still proved unpredictable, and we could not find it in Lomas de
Lachay.
After lunch we left the reserve and headed towards the Central Highway and Santa Eulalia
for an overnight. The village of Santa Eulalia does not offer much service other than a few
resorts, where the local families go to chill out on the weekend in high party spirits, so it is
better to avoid staying on a weekend. The rest of the week is rather quiet.
The next day we started the drive along the Santa Eulalia – San Pedro de Casta mountain
road. On the way to 2000 meters we saw several Scrub Blackbirds, Long-tailed
Mockingbirds, Golden Grosbeaks, and American Kestrel. Near Puente Autisha we found
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the endemic Great Inca Finch, Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant,
and Collared Warbling Finch. A Thick-billed Miner posing nicely for the scope was a
great surprise. Higher up we managed to see Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Pied-crested
Tit-Tyrant, Canyon Canastero, Mourning Sierra Finch, Andean Swift, Bronze-tailed
Comet, Sparkling Violetear, and amazing close-up views of Andean Condor passing right
above our heads. Unfortunately, despite our efforts the secretive and poorly-known Rufous-
breasted Warbling Finch was denied us, but I heard from other observers who had visited the
area this year that it is becoming harder to see than it had been during the past few years.
Another night in Santa Eulalia provided a Western Barn Owl in the hotel grounds, a bird
that is not easy to see in Peru, even if it does occur in Lima city.
Before dawn the next morning we left Santa Eulalia and started driving along the Central
Highway, trying to cope with its heavy traffic. After a stop for breakfast in a “Chez Victor”
restaurant we reached the Casapalca – Marcapomacocha area at 4500 meters. We hoped that
high Andes species where about to come our way, and indeed they did. As soon as we left the
road and got onto an unpaved track we found Bright-rumped Yellow Finch, White-winged
Diuca Finch, Black Siskin, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Creamy-winged Cinclodes, and
Mountain Caracara.
This is a beautiful landscape, dominated by the Cordillera La Viuda – snow-capped
mountains and bog cushions. Sadly the area faces several threats such as heavy mining
activities in the surroundings, grazing of llamas, alpacas, and lambs, and the extraction of the
bog’s plants for mushroom production. We explored the bog, and not much later we had
found our target – one of the most sought-after birds in the world, Diademed Sandpiper-
Plover. Near the highest pass we saw the endemic Dark-winged Miner and later Andean
Lapwing, Andean Goose, Andean Swallow, Andean Gull, Slender-billed Miner, Buff-
breasted Earthcreeper, and the endemic Junin Canastero. Then we were back on the road,
and just before reaching Ticlio, the highest mountain pass in Peru at 4818 meters, which
hosts the second highest railway in the world, we managed to get amazing views of the
endangered White-bellied Cinclodes and Puna Ibis, Puna Snipe, and Rufous-bellied
Seedsnipe. With all these goodies in the bag we move to La Oroya for an overnight. La
Oroya is a town at 3800 meters that provides good, though basic, accommodation, facilities,
and food.
The next day we went Pari at the shores of Lake Junín at 4100 meters to explore the waters in
search of the Critically Endangered (IUCN) Junin Grebe. We were absolutely shocked by the
incredible numbers of Chilean Flamingos, at least 5000 flying around the lake, painting the
scenery red and pink. A great show indeed! By boat we quickly found all the classic Andean
waterfowl often seen at the lake, such as Andean Goose, Puna Teal, Crested Duck, Yellow-
billed Pintail, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Duck, a few Silvery Grebes, Andean Coot, and
lots of Andean Gulls. And finally, far out into the lake, we managed to feast our eyes on two
pairs of the endemic Junin Grebe. Goal!!!
On the way back to Pari we were lucky to spot Andean Avocet and Baird’s Sandpiper. We
also got good views of Correndera Pipit, Andean Negrito, Andean Flicker, and the
endemic Black-breasted Hillstar along the road back to Junín. With the help of our local
contact, who drives the boat, we decided to try for the secretive and poorly-known subspecies
of Black Rail that is sometimes treated as a different species called Junin Rail, and after a
while we found one individual out in the open. Then we continued our trip toward Huánuco,
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driving along the upper Huallaga Valley. We arrived at Huánuco and checked into our
comfortable hotel.
The next day we left for the Carpish Tunnel, which is a famous birding spot in the cloudforest
mountains north of Huánuco at 2800 meters, rich in avifauna. However, the human impact on
this place is a tragedy. We found a lot of deforestation due to the boom of the magnolia
flower. There are huge pieces of land that have been cleared to farm this flower. In addition,
the best place to park the vehicle (if not the only one) has become a rubbish dump, producing
terrible smells, and the local magnolia farmers didn’t look very happy with our presence in
the area. As a result we could not park our car in the entire area at all and decided to leave
towards Tingo Maria. If this situation persists we will be forced to skip birding in this
particular area on our trips.
On the way to Tingo Maria we had niece views of Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Fasciated
Tiger Heron, White-winged Swallow, and Russet-backed Oropendola. We visited the
Tingo Maria National Park and its famous Oilbird cave, where we saw several of them. We
also found White-eyed Parakeet and Cliff Flycatcher. Despite the heat of the morning the
lowland tropical forest was active, providing Yellow-tufted and Lineated Woodpeckers,
Green-backed and Blue-crowned Trogons, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Plumbeous Kite,
Spot-winged Antbird, Grey-crowned Flatbill, and others. By lunchtime we moved to Villa
Jennifer in Tingo Maria for two nights. The place provides great birding in its nice grounds
and gardens and excellent food.
During our two days here we ticked Yellow-throated Toucan, Golden-collared Toucanet,
Chestnut-eared Aracari, Amazonian Motmot, Cream-colored Woodpecker,
Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Gilded Barbet, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Yellow-olive Flatbill,
Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Rufous-fronted Tody-Flycatcher, Limpkin, Capped Heron,
Crested Oropendola, Blue-headed and Military Macaws, Reddish Hermit, Golden-tailed
Sapphire, Grey-breasted Sabrewing, Masked Tityra, Pale-legged Hornero, Dark-
breasted Spinetail, Thrush-like Wren, and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. At night we had
great views of Band-bellied Owl and Tropical Screech Owl before dawn. We much enjoyed
our stay at Villa Jennifer, but sadly we had to say goodbye and continue our trip back to
Huánuco. En route just before reaching Huánuco we stopped along a dry portion of the
valley, where we found Fasciated Wren, White-bellied Hummingbird, and the endemic
Spot-throated Hummingbird.
Our next port of call was the famous Bosque Unchog elfin forest patch in the mountains
above Huánuco at 3600 meters. This is the most accessible place to see the endemic and
sought-after Golden-backed Mountain Tanager. We spent two full days at Bosque Unchog
with excellent weather and a great selection of birds, including the endemic Bay-vented
Cotinga, Pardusco, Rufous Antpitta, Yellow-scarfed, and Golden-collared Tanagers,
Rufous-browed Hemispingus, Coppery Metaltail, Line-fronted Canastero, White-
chinned Thistletail, Neblina Tapaculo, White-collared Jay, Paramo Pipit, Slaty
Brushfinch, Andean Lapwing, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, Buff-breasted
Mountain Tanager, and our main target, Golden-backed Mountain Tanager. We also
stopped above the village of Cochabamba for the endemic Brown-flanked Tanager.
Early the next morning we left Huánuco. En route we made select stops to get the endemic
Rufous-backed Inca Finch, which showed nicely, and then we stopped for one hour at
Bosque Quinua, which is a nice Polylepis patch at the side of the road. This forest holds
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many of the specialties here. However, there is no access because it is surrounded by wire
fence, so we tried to see as many birds as possible from the road. We were lucky with Giant
Conebill, Thick-billed Siskin, Baron’s Spinetail, Stripe-headed Antpitta, and Giant
Hummingbird. Then we continue our trip and reached La Merced for an overnight. The idea
of staying in La Merced was to break the long drive to Oxapampa. La Merced has been
heavily deforested, so we only managed to add a few species in the lodge grounds, including
Ocellated Piculet, Black-throated Toucanet, Speckled Chachalaca, Silver-beaked
Tanager, and White-browed Antbird, and then we ticked Plain-crowned Spinetail near
the butterfly farm.
The next morning we left La Merced towards Oxapampa and finally arrived at Ulcumano
Ecolodge. This is one of my favorite lodges in Peru by far. The place does not hold huge
mixed flocks and the activity ends rather earlier than in other areas, but the selection of birds
we saw was topnotch, including the endemic Cloudforest Screech Owl, Brown Tinamou,
the endemic Bay Anpitta, the endemic Rufous-vented Tapaculo, the striking White-eared
Solitaire, the amazing Chestnut-crested Cotinga, the endemic Masked Fruiteater, Yellow-
throated Tanager, Sickle-winged Guan, Spotted Barbtail, and other classic cloudforest
species.
After two full days enjoying the birds and the hospitality of Ulcumano Ecolodge we
continued our tour to Satipo, which was our base to explore the famous Satipo Road. This
mountainous road connects the Satipo lowlands with the Central Andes of Huancayo and La
Concepción in the Junín department and provides the same altitudinal change in ecosystems
as does the Manu Road, which allowed us to explore different ecosystems during the drive.
During our full day on the Satipo Road we focused on the lowest and mid-elevations, finding
a nice selection of species including a female Amazonian Umbrellabird, Magpie, Paradise,
Green-and-gold, Bay-headed, and Golden Tanagers, Rufous Motmot, and Montane
Foliage-gleaner. Later on we added Blue-banded Toucanet, Crimson-mantled
Woodpecker, the endemic Peruvian Wren, Slaty Brushfinch, Andean Guan, Mountain
Wren, Pearled Treerunner, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, and others before we
returned to Satipo for the night.
Our second morning on the Satipo Road had us focus on the middle and high elevations,
finding species such as Chestnut Antpitta, the recently-described Junin Tapaculo,
Tschudi’s Tapaculo, Rufous Antpitta, and our two main targets for this day, the endemic
and range-restricted Eye-ringed Thistletail and Fiery-throated Metaltail. The latter
provided cracker views. After the Puente Carrizales we continued along the Satipo Road until
near Runatullo, where we had great views of the as-yet-still-undescribed Milpo Tapaculo
(although this bird has been known for over 25 years).
With all the Satipo goodies in the bag and after a long drive, during which we, however,
admired great scenery, we arrived at La Concepción to enjoy a nice meal in our comfortable
hotel and a hot cup of tea. Many people take a coca tea when traveling to the high Andes, and
today it is normal to be offered a cup of coca teal in local hotels. It is suggested that the coca
tea helps against altitude sickness and digestion problems, but on this trip we found an
incredible recipe for digestion problems due to altitude sickness: muña tea. Muña is a kind of
wild mint, and it helps to sort out digestive problems and acclimatization problems.
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The next day we went to explore the Pariahuanca Road east of Concepción. This remote road
in the Mantaro Valley took us to the habitat of the endemic Black-spectacled Brushfinch,
and it did not take long to find this great bird at close distance. Other interesting species were
the endemic Creamy-crested Spinetail and several Golden-billed Saltators. We continued
along the unpaved mountain road towards the village of Chillifruta, where after some hard
work we managed to find a pair of the undescribed subspecies of Plain-tailed Wren that is
treated by some authorities as a different species, Mantaro Wren. We had brief but decent
views of a pair and also of the subspecies of Streaked-fronted Thornbird that is also known
as Mantaro Thornbird. After this birding session we left La Concepción and headed back to
La Oroya, where we spent the night.
Our last day in the Andes took us back to the Marcapomacocha area, but this time to explore
the Milloc Road in the search of one of the most sought-after endemics of Peru, White-
cheeked Cotinga, discovered in the 1960s by the late Maria Koepcke, which occurs in the
upper parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley. A trip to this area is possible from Lima and could be
done just after our visit to Santa Eulalia at the beginning of the tour, but this would imply
staying in a decidedly rural community with poor facilities. So we rather do it our own way.
The plan was to arrive at the Polylepis forest at 8.00 a.m., and we did enjoy views of the
endemic Black Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Variable Hawk,
and three White-cheeked Cotingas! En route toward Lima in the Santa Eulalia area we
found a pair of Torrent Duck and White-winged Cinclodes. We arrived in Lima tired but in
high spirits and very happy.
On our very last day of the tour we went to the coast to get some numbers, and it was worth
it. We explored the Pucusana fishing village, adding Humboldt Penguin, close-up views of
Inca Tern, Neotropic, Red-legged, and Guanay Cormorants, Belcher’s Gull, Kelp Gull,
and Blackish Oystercatcher. Our classic boat ride around the bay provided Ruddy
Turnstone, Peruvian Pelican, the endemic Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes, Peruvian Booby,
and a nice surprise of a male Blue-footed Booby seen nicely. We were very lucky to see a
marine otter, which is rather elusive and seldom seen, and we enjoyed views of a colony of
South American sea lions. This is a nice example of fishermen not killing sea lions because
of the competition for fish and the possible attacks of sea lions on their nets, but they realized
that not only locals but also foreigners come and hire their services for boat rides to see the
sea lions, so they have some extra income. As a result they do not disturb the sea lions while
fishing in the bay.
We left Pucusana and made a quick stop in some fields near Pachacamac, adding Chestnut-
throated Seedeater, Pacific Parrotlet (a feral population), Northern Crested Caracara,
Plumbeous Rail, and Bran-colored Flycatcher.
Finally our visit to the Villa Marshes Nature Reserve, which is a Ramsar site within the
southern borders of the city, providing shelter to migratory bird species and harboring dozens
of resident birds like egrets and ducks. We finished with the gorgeous Many-colored Rush
Tyrant, the skulking Wren-like Rushbird, White-cheeked Pintail, Cinnamon Teal,
Black-necked Stilt, American Oystercatcher, White-tufted, Pied-billed, and Great
Grebes, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Little Blue Heron, Grey-
headed Gull, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, and Peruvian Thick-knee. A nice end to a
memorable trip!
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CENTRAL PERU SYSTEMATIC LIST, NOVEMBER 2016
Taxonomy: IOC, International Ornithological Congress, 6.4
Abbreviations:
(H) Heard only
(E) Country endemic
T1NAMIFORMES
Tinamidae
Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii Amazing views of one individual in the Lomas de
Lachay National Reserve. Here the subspecies oustaleti, which is seasonal
Andean Tinamou (photo Ian Merrill)
Brown Tinamou Crypturellus obsoletus Amazing views of one bird in response to the tape
at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the subspecies ochiventris
Hooded Tinamou (H) Nothocercus nigrocapillus Heard distantly at Ulcumano Ecolodge
above Oxapampa. Here the nominate subspecies. The species is classified as Vulnerable.
ANSERIFORMES
Anatidae
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Fantastic views of a pair in the upper Santa Eulalia River.
Here the subspecies leucogenis
Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera Always a pleasure to see. Great views in the
Marcapomacocha area and at Lake Junín
Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides Great views at the shores of Lake Junín. Here the
subspecies alticola
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Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Seen at Pantanos de Villa. Here the subspecies orinoma
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Yellow-billed Teal Anas flavirostris Seen at the shores of Lake Junín. Here the subspecies
oxyptera
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Seen at the shores of Lake Junín. Here the subspecies
spinicauda
Puna Teal Anas puna Seen at Lake Junín
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea Seen well at Lake Junín and at Pantanos de Villa
GALLIFORMES
Cracidae
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Common in the tropical lowlands, especially in the
grounds of our lodges in Tingo Maria and La Merced
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii Seen at mid-elevations along the Satipo Road. Here the
subspecies plumosa
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii About six birds were flushed along the
Ulcumano Ecolodge trail. Here the subspecies rufiventris
SPHENISCIFORMES
Spheniscidae
Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti About seven birds were seen well at Pucusana
Island during the boat ride. This is a near-endemic species found only in Peru and Northern
Chile. Named after the cold-water current it swims in, which is itself named after the 19th
century German naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt. The species is classified as
Vulnerable.
PODICIPEDIFORMES
Podicipedidae
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Seen at Pantanos de Villa. Here the subspecies
antarcticus
White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland We saw the subspecies chilensis at Pantanos de Villa
and the endemic subspecies morrisoni at Lake Junín.
Great Grebe Podiceps major Seen at Pantanos de Villa. Here the nominate subspecies
Junin Grebe (E) Podiceps taczanowskii Great encounters with two pairs of this species in
the waters of Lake Junín, to which it is endemic. The world population at the lake is
estimated at 250 individuals. Pollution and extreme changes in water quality and levels have
been significant factors in this alarming decline. The species is classified as Critically
Endangered.
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Seen at Lake Junín
PHOENICOPTERIFORMES
Phoenicopteridae
Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis At least 5000 birds were seen in all their
splendor at Lake Junín. An amazing natural show indeed! The species is classified as Near-
threatened.
PELECANIFORMES
Threskiornithidae
Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Seen at Pantanos de Villa and Lake Junín
Andean Ibis Theristicus branickii About four birds were seen along the Junín plains. The
species is classified as Near-threatened.
Ardeidae
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum One individual was seen along the Huallaga
River on our way to Tingo Maria.
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis One seen well at Pantanos de Villa
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Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea One seen at Pantanos de Villa
Striated Heron Butorides striata Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common at several locations throughout the trip
Great Egret Ardea alba Seen at Pantanos de Villa and also at the hydroelectric plant of
Huinco in the Santa Eulalia Valley
Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus Great views of this handsome bird at Villa Jennifer
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common at Pantanos de Villa
Pelecanidae
Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Common at Pucusana. A near-endemic species found in
Peru and Chile. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Peruvian Pelican (photo Ken Logan)
SULIFORMES
Sulidae
Peruvian Booby Sula variegata Common at Pucusana
Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii Formerly vagrant on the central coast and occasionally
found on pelagic trips from Callao, during the El Niño years this species seems to have
become regular around Pucusana.
Phalacrocoracidae
Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Seen well at Pucusana. The species is
classified as Near-threatened.
Guanay Cormorant Leucocarbo bougainvillii Close-up views at Pucusana. The species is
classified as Near-threatened.
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Common along the coast of Lima
ACCIPITRIFORMES
Cathartidae
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Seen at several locations
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Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus One sighting in Tingo Maria
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture (photo Niall Perrins)
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Amazing views along the Santa Eulalia Valley below San
Pedro de Casta. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Accipitridae
Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax inconatus One sighting at Tingo Maria National Park
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Beautiful views of this handsome raptor on the
way to Tingo Maria
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus One bird seen near Lake Junín
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Scope views of two birds from the Villa Jennifer grounds
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Common in the tropical lowlands
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma Seen well at Marcapomacocha
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus Seen at Lomas de Lachay
National Reserve and in the Santa Eulalia Valley. Here the subspecies australis
GRUIFORMES
Rallidae
Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Seen at the Villa Jennifer grounds
Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis The subspecies tuerosi is sometimes treated as a different
species called Junin Rail. Great views of one individual in the reeds of Lake Junín near Pari
Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus One bird was seen by the channel in the
Pachacamac fields.
Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans One individual came nicely in response to the playback
in the swampy area near Tingo Maria.
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica One seen near the botanical garden near La Merced
Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Common at Pantanos de Villa
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca Seen at Pantanos de Villa and Lake Junín
Giant Coot Fulica gigantea Scope views of two individuals in the lagoon at the Ticlio
mountain pass
Aramidae
Limpkin Aramus guarauna Seen at Villa Jennifer
CHARADRIIFORMES
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Burhinidae
Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris A near-endemic, found in Peru and Ecuador
only. We had excellent views along the coast of Lima.
Haematopodidae
Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Seen at Pucusana
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Seen at Pantanos de Villa beach
Recurvirostridae
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina Terrific views at Lake Junín
Charadriidae
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Common at higher elevations
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Seen at Pantanos de Villa. Here the subspecies peruvianus
Puna Plover Charadrius alticola Splendid views at Lake Junín
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover Phegornis mitchellii One of the main targets of the tour, as it
is considered one of the most sought-after species in this part of the world. It took a while this
year, but at the end we had scope views of one in Marcapomacocha The species is classified
as Near-threatened.
Diademed Sandpiper-Plover (photo Alejandro Tello)
Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus One seen along the river banks of the Perené River on
the way to Satipo
Jacanidae
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Two seen near Tingo Maria
Thinocoridae
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi What a hike! But we managed to see two birds in our
usual spot in the Ticlio bog. Here the subspecies simonsi. The subspecies latreilli from
Northern Ecuador, which is often seen at the Papallacta pass, is a contender to be split to
become a different species.
Grey-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus A few seen at Milloc between the
Marcapomacocha area and the Santa Eulalia Valley. Here the subspecies ingae
Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus Common at Lomas de Lachay. Here the
subspecies cuneicauda
Scolopacidae
Puna Snipe Gallinago andina One bird was flushed at the Marcapomacocha bog.
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Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Seen at Lake Junín
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Seen at Lake Junín
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius One seen on the way to Tingo Maria
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Seen at Pucusana
Surfbird Aphriza virgata Seen at Pucusana
Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Nice views at Lake Junín
Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Seen at Lake Junín
Laridae
Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Common at higher elevations
Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Seen at Pantanos de Villa
Grey Gull Leucophaeus modestus Seen at Pucusana and Pantanos de Villa
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Seen along the coast of Lima
Belcher’s Gull Larus belcheri A near-endemic found in Peru and Chile. This species was
seen well along the coast of Lima. Named after the 18th-century British navy sailor and
naturalist Edward Belcher. The bird used to be called Band-tailed Gull.
Inca Tern Larosterna inca Close-up views of this gorgeous bird from the stakeout in
Pucusana. Distant birds were seen also along the coast of Lima. A near-endemic found in
Peru and Chile. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Inca Tern (photo Niall Perrins)
COLUMBIFORMES
Columbidae
Rock Dove Columba livia Common
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the subspecies
albilinea
Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Seen in Tingo Maria
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Spot-winged Pigeon Patagioenas maculosa Two seen along the drive from Milloc to Santa
Eulalia
Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Handsome indeed! Two were seen at Puente
Autisha in Santa Eulalia.
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Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana Seen in Lomas de Lachay and Santa Eulalia
Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Daily views at Villa Jennifer
Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera Nice scope views of one individual
in the upper Santa Eulalia Valley. Here the nominate subspecies
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Seen in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley
Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla Seen at Tingo Maria National Park. Here the
subspecies dubusi
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Common along the coast and numerous at Lomas de
Lachay. Here the subspecies hypoleuca
West Peruvian Dove Zenaida meloda Common along the Peruvian cost. One of the most
numerous birds of Lima city. Its local name is “cuculi”, which is onomatopoeic, derived from
its vocalization.
CUCULIFORMES
Cuculidae
Greater Ani Crotophaga major Seen near Tingo Maria
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Seen along the dry coast of Lima, especially on
fields and plantations and even in parks in Lima city
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Seen in the tropical lowlands, especially at Satipo and
Tingo Maria
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia One bird seen well in response to the tape along the first
kilometers of the Satipo Road
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Seen at several locations on the east slope of the Andes
STRIGIDAE
Tytonidae
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba Great views of this widespread but hard-to-see owl (at least in
Peru) in the grounds of our hotel in Santa Eulalia. This is one of the benefits to start before
dawn.
Strigidae
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Great views at the Villa Jennifer grounds.
Predawn owling was very good as always.
Cloud-forest Screech Owl Megascops marshalli Superb views of this localized and seldom-
seen species at Ulcumano Ecolodge in Oxapampa. Almost a country endemic with only an
isolated population in Bolivia. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Rufous-banded Owl (H) Strix albitarsis This species was heard distantly at Ulcumano
Ecolodge above Oxapampa. Here the subspecies opaca
Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota Great views at Villa Jennifer, and it was heard in La
Merced.
Peruvian Pygmy Owl Glaucidium peruanum Seen nicely, including brown and rufous
morphs, in the Santa Eulalia Valley
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Seen at Villa Jennifer
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Common at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve
CAPRIMULGIFORMES
Steatornithidae
Oilbird Steatornis caripensis Several were seen in the cave at Tingo Maria National Park.
Nyctibiidae
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus Seen well in response to the tape at the Ulcumano
Ecolodge. Here the nominate subspecies
Caprimulgidae
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Roosting individuals were flushed in the fields
south of Lima.
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Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Seen at Villa Jennifer
Tschudi's Nightjar Systellura decussata Seen before dusk in the lowest Santa Eulalia
Valley. This former costal subspecies has recently been split from Band-winged Nightjar
Systellura longirostris and is found only on the coasts of Peru and Chile. Another near-
endemic
APODIFORMES
Apodidae
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Several sightings in the lowlands
Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila A few seen between Oxapampa and Satipo
Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen at Villa Jennifer
Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus See above the Santa Eulalia Valley
Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata Seen at Villa Jennifer
Trochilidae
Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber Daily views at Villa Jennifer
Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis Brief views at Villa Jennifer
Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Seen in the Huánuco area. Lesser Violetear is split from
(monotypic) Mexican [Green] Violetear C. thalassinus (Remsen et al. 2015, NACC-C-10).
The population from Mexico to Nicaragua is Mexican Violetear and from Costa Rica to
Bolivia Lesser Violetear.
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Surprisingly scarce on this trip with only a few
sightings in the Santa Eulalia Valley and the cloudforest areas. The bully of the feeders.
Sadly there are no hummingbird feeders in Central Peru.
Sparkling Violetear (photo Niall Perrins)
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Brief views at Villa Jennifer
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata Brief views at Villa Jennifer
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Brief views at Villa Jennifer
Spot-throated Hummingbird (E) Leucippus taczanowskii Seen along the dry portions of
the Huallaga Valley near Huánuco
White-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia chionogaster Seen along the dry portions of the
Huallaga Valley near Huánuco
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Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia Seen in the grounds of our lodge in Santa
Eulalia
Sapphire-spangled Emerald Amazilia lactea Seen at Villa Jennifer
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Seen in the cloudforest such as at
Ulcumano Ecolodge
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis One seen well along the upper parts of the Santa
Eulalia Valley near Milloc
Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella One bird was seen during our hike at Bosque Unchog.
Here the subspecies stolzmanni
Black-breasted Hillstar (E) Oreotrochilus melanogaster Terrific views of this country
endemic feeding on the orange flowers that grow on the dry slopes of Pari at Lake Junín and
at Marcapomacocha as well. An exclusive bird of the Central Peru tour
Black-breasted Hillstar (photo Niall Perrins)
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge.
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge and at mid-elevations of the
Satipo Road. Here the subspecies insectivora
Violet-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena violifer Seen at Bosque Unchog. Here the
subspecies dichroura
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Seen above San Pedro de Casta and at the Polylepis
forest near Huánuco
Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis Seen at the Carpish Tunnel
Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis aline Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the subspecies
dybowskii
Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna Seen along the upper parts of the Satipo Road and
on the way to Concepción
Bronze-tailed Comet (E) Polyonymus caroli Great views below San Pedro de Casta. A
country endemic exclusive to the Central Peru tour
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Seen at Bosque Unchog and the Satipo Road. Here
the subspecies smaragdinicollis
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Coppery Metaltail (E) Metallura theresiae Great views at Bosque Unchog. This species is
found in northern and central Peru. A country endemic
Fiery-throated Metaltail Metallura eupogon Great views of a male in our usual spot at
Puente Carrizales. A country endemic and exclusive to the Satipo road
Black Metaltail (E) Metallura phoebe Great views of one individual at the Polylepis patch
near Milloc between the Santa Eulalia Valley and Marcapomacocha. A country endemic
Olivaceous Thornbill Chalcostigma olivaceum A brief view of one individual on the tiny
flowers that grow on the bog in the Marcapomacocha area
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Seen well at the Ulcumano Ecolodge
Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper Seen at low and mid-elevations of the Santa Eulalia
Valley. Here the nominate subspecies. A near-endemic species found in Peru and Chile
Peruvian Sheartail Thaumastura cora Good views of two males in the Santa Eulalia Valley
below San Pedro de Casta
Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny A female was seen well at mid-elevations of the
Santa Eulalia Valley.
TROGONIFORMES
Trogonidae
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps Seen well at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here
the nominate subspecies
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus Seen at mid-elevations on the Satipo Road
Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis Good views at Tingo Maria National Park
Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui Seen well at Tingo Maria National Park
CORACIIFORMES
Alcedinidae
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Seen along the Perené River on the way to
Satipo
Momotidae
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Great views in the lower parts of the Satipo Road
Rufous Motmot (photo Niall Perrins)
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Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota Seen at Villa Jennifer
Andean Motmot Momotus aequatorialis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the subspecies
chlorolaemus
PICIFORMES
Galbulidae
Bluish-fronted Jacamar Galbula cyanescens Seen well at Villa Jennifer
Bucconidae
Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Seen at Villa Jennifer
Capitonidae
Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Great views at Villa Jennifer. Here the subspecies orosae
Ramphastidae
Black-throated Toucanet Aulacorhynchus atrogularis Seen well at La Merced
Blue-banded Toucanet Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis Seen at the lower parts of the
Satipo Road
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Daily views at Villa Jennifer
Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii Great views at Villa Jennifer
Yellow-throated Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus Good views at Villa Jennifer and also
heard at Tingo Maria National Park. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Picidae
Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Seen at Villa Jennifer
Ocellated Piculet Picumnus dorbignyanus Seen in the grounds of our lodge in La Merced
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Seen well at Villa Jennifer
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Seen in the cloudforest of the Satipo Road
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen well at Tingo Maria National Park
Black-necked Woodpecker (E) Colaptes atricollis Good views at mid-elevations in the
Santa Eulalia Valley. A country endemic
Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola Seen in Marcapomacocha and at the upper parts of the
Satipo Road. Here the subspecies puna
Cream-colored Woodpecker Celeus flavus Seen well at Tingo Maria National Park
FALCONIFORMES
Falconidae
Black Caracara Daptrius ater Seen at Villa Jennifer
Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Seen in the Casapalca – Marcapomacocha
area
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima A few sightings between La Merced and
Oxapampa
Red-throated Caracara Ibycter americanus Two seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Probably this
is a new extension of its regular altitude range, as this species is considered an Amazon
lowland bird, and according to the field guide of the birds of Peru reaches only 1500 meters,
while the altitude range of Ulcumano is 2100 to 2500 meters.
Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway One individual seen at Pachacamac
Collared Forest Falcon (H) Micrastur semitorquatus One heard before dusk at Ulcumano
Ecolodge
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Common on the west slope of the Andes
PSITTACIFORMES
Psittacidae
Mountain Parakeet Psilopsiagon aurifrons Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Seen at Villa Jennifer. Here the nominate subspecies
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Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenarius Two birds were seen flying near above the
Carpish Tunnel.
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis Two birds were seen in the Pachacamac fields. This is a
feral population as a result of escaped cage birds. They occur in Southern Ecuador and
Northern Peru.
Blue-headed Macaw Primolius couloni Daily views at Villa Jennifer, which is probably the
easiest location to see this species in the country. The species is classified as Vulnerable.
Military Macaw Ara militaris Three individual flybys at Tingo Maria National Park. The
species is classified as Vulnerable.
White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus Close-up views of many at the entrance of
the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria National Park
Red-masked Parakeet Psittacara erythrogenys A few individuals were seen in the park of
Miraflores in front of our hotel. This is a feral population as result of escaped cage birds that
has been established in Lima for the last 30 years. They are near-endemic, found only in
Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Psittacara wagleri Two were seen well at mid-elevations of the
Santa Eulalia Valley.
PASSERIFORMES
Furnariidae
Cream-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris Common at higher elevations
White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Seen in the water reservoir in the upper
Santa Eulalia Valley on the last day
White-bellied Cinclodes (E) Cinclodes palliatus Great views of this splendid bird in the bog
of Ticlio. A country endemic, restricted to the high elevations of the border of the Lima and
Junín departments. The species is classified as Critically Endangered, with a world
population of around 200 individuals.
White-bellied Cinclodes (photo Trevor Hardaker)
Common Miner Geositta cunicularia Nice views near Pari at Lake Junín. Here the
subspecies juninensis
Coastal Miner (E) Geositta peruviana Common at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. A
country endemic
Greyish Miner Geositta maritima One bird was seen well in the Guayabito sector of the
Lomas de Lachay National Reserve.
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Thick-billed Miner (E) Geositta crassirostris After we failed to find the bird in Lomas de
Lachay we were rewarded with great views in the Santa Eulalia Valley. A country endemic
Dark-winged Miner (E) Geositta saxicolina Two birds were seen in the Marcapomacocha
area. A country endemic, restricted to central Peru
Slender-billed Miner Geositta tenuirostris Seen at Marcapomacocha. Here the nominate
subspecies
Buff-breasted Earthcreeper Upucerthia validirostris Great views in Marcapomacocha
Striated Earthcreeper (E) Geocerthia serrana Brief views of one bird in the Polylepis
patch between Milloc and the upper Santa Eulalia Valley at 3800 meters elevation. A country
endemic
Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes (E) Cinclodes taczanowskii Good views of one individual
during our boat ride in Pucusana. A country endemic. This bird is also called Surf Cinclodes.
Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus Daily views in the Villa Jennifer grounds. Here
the subspecies tricolor
Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail (E) Leptasthenura pileata Good views of a pair in the Santa
Eulalia Valley below San Pedro de Casta. A country endemic
Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura striata Two individuals were seen near Puente
Autisha in the Santa Eulalia Valley below San Pedro de Casta. A near-endemic found in Peru
and Chile
White-chinned Thistletail Asthenes fuliginosa Seen at Bosque Unchog. Here the subspecies
plengei
Eye-ringed Thistletail (E) Asthenes palpebralis Brilliant views at Puente Carrizales on the
Satipo Road. This is a range-restricted species and country endemic.
Canyon Canastero Asthenes pudibunda A glimpse of an elusive bird near San Pedro de
Casta
Cactus Canastero (E) Pseudasthenes cactorum It took a while, but after some hard search
we were reward with scope views of one individual at Guayabito at Lomas de Lachay
National Reserve. A country endemic
Line-fronted Canastero Asthenes urubambensis Great views of two birds in the bunch
grass of Bosque Unchog. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti Seen below the Ticlio mountain pass. Here the
subspecies graminicola
Junin Canastero (E) Asthenes virgata Excellent views of one bird in the grass of Milloc
near Marcapomacocha. A country endemic
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Common in the cloudforest mountains
Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis Seen at Villa Jennifer
Plain-crowned Spinetail Synallaxis gujanensis Seen in the coffee plantations of La Merced.
Here the subspecies huallagae
Creamy-crested Spinetail (E) Cranioleuca albicapilla Great views of a pair on the
Pariahuanca Road. This is a country endemic. Here the subspecies albicapilla
Baron’s Spinetail (E) Cranioleuca baroni Seen in the Polylepis forest patch at La Quinua
near Huánuco. A country endemic
Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons Seen at Villa Jennifer. Fairly common
in the Marañon and Huallaga Valleys in Northern Peru, it seems to be extending its range to
the Huallaga Valley in the Huánuco department.
Streak-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus striaticeps The population in the Mantaro Valley
seems to be a different species from Phacellodomus striaticeps, but further research has to be
done to determine the status of the species. Seen at Chillifruta in the Mantaro Valley
Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops Seen at Pantanos de Villa
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Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens Great views at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Good views of this beautiful furnariid at mid-
elevations on the Satipo Road
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii Seen well at Ulcumano Ecolodge and
the Satipo Road. A bromeliad specialist
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Seen on the lower parts of the Satipo
Road
Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata Brief views at Ulcumano
Ecolodge
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the subspecies
peruvianus
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen at Villa Jennifer. Here the
subspecies amazonus. Take notes where you see this species, because it is a potential
contender for a future split into at least five full species.
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge and the
Satipo Road. Here the subspecies warscewiczi
Thamnophilidae
Great Antshrike Taraba major A male seen at Tingo Maria National Park
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor Seen at mid-elevations at the Satipo Road
Plain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus Seen well at Villa Jennifer
Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the
subspecies melanchrous
Stripe-chested Antwren Myrmotherula longicauda Seen well in the Chanchamayo Valley
Creamy-bellied Antwren Herpsilochmus motacilloides Decent views of this range-
restricted skulker above the coffee plantations in the Chanchamayo Valley near La Merced. A
country endemic. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Seen at Tingo Maria National Park
Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys Seen in the Chanchamayo Valley near La
Merced
Spot-winged Antbird Schistocichla leucostigma Seen at Tingo Maria National Park
Formicariidae
Black-faced Antthrush (H) Formicarius analis Heard only at Villa Jennifer. Here the
nominate subspecies
Grallariidae
Stripe-headed Antpitta Grallaria andicolus Seen at Bosque Quinua
Bay Antpitta (E) Grallaria capitalis Hard as always, but with patience we managed to have
good views of one individual at Ulcumano Ecolodge. A country endemic restricted to central
Peru
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula Seen at Puente Carrizales on the Satipo Road. Here the
subspecies obscura. There are six subspecies involved, and further investigation might split
some of these subspecies into full species. Keep track of your sightings!
Chestnut Antpitta (E) Grallaria blakei Seen at the upper parts of the Satipo Road. A
country endemic. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
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Chestnut Antpitta (photo Ken Logan)
Rhinocryptidae
Rufous-vented Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus femoralis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. A country
endemic
Tschudi’s Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus acutirostris Seen at Puente Carrizales on the Satipo
Road. A country endemic. Named after Johann Jakob von Tschudi (25 July 1818 – 8 October
1889), a Swiss naturalist, explorer, and diplomat
Neblina Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus altirostris Seen at Bosque Unchog. A country endemic.
This species was restricted to central Peru, but recently it was recorded on the Black Mud
Pass in the Amazonas region on our Northern Peru tour.
Junin Tapaculo (E) Scytalopus gettyae Recently described to science in the last five years,
this new country endemic was seen well at mid-elevations on the Satipo Road.
Milpo Tapaculo Scytalopus sp.nov. Amazingly still without description, this Scytalopus has
been known for over two decades in central Peru. We had great views in the upper parts of
the Satipo Road/
Tyrannidae
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Seen at Villa Jennifer
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Seen in the Santa Eulalia Valley
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Seen at Bosque Unchog.
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Seen at the Carpish Tunnel
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant Anairetes flavirostris Seen in the Santa Eulalia Valley near Puente
Autisha
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus Seen at Bosque Unchog. Here the subspecies
aequatorialis
Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant Anairetes reguloides Seen in the Santa Eulalia Valley below San
Pedro de Casta. Here the subspecies albiventris
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Seen on the way to Tingo Maria
Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina Seen at Villa Jennifer. Here the subspecies
wagae
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps Seen at mid-elevations along the
Satipo Road
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Peruvian Tyrannulet (E) Zimmerius viridiflavus Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. A country
endemic
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus Seen at mid-elevations along the
Satipo Road
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Inca Flycatcher (E) Leptopogon taczanowskii Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. A country
endemic. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus Great views of one individual on the lower
parts of the Santa Eulalia Road
Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher Nephelomyias ochraceiventris Seen at Bosque Unchog. A
near-endemic found in Peru and Bolivia
Many-colored Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra Seen at Pantanos de Villa. Here the
subspecies libertatis
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis Seen at mid-elevations along the
Satipo Road
Rufous-fronted Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus latirostris Brief views at Villa Jennifer
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Seen at Villa Jennifer and La Merced.
Here the subspecies peruanum
Grey-crowned Flatbill Tolmomyias poliocephalus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens Seen at Villa Jennifer. Here the subspecies
peruvianus
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Seen at the entrance of the Oilbird cave at Tingo
Maria National Park. Here the subspecies sclateri
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Seen at mid-elevations along the Santa Eulalia Valley near
the hydroelectric plant of Huinco. Here the subspecies angustirostris
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Seen along the lowest elevations of the Santa Eulalia
Valley
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Seen around Lima city
Andean Negrito Lessonia oreas Seen at Lake Junín
Taczanowski’s Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola griseus Seen well in the Marcapomacocha
area. A near-endemic found in Peru and Bolivia
Cinereous Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinereus Seen well in the Marcapomacocha area
White-browed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola albilora One bird was seen in the bog
cushion of Marcapomacocha.
Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis Seen below San Pedro de Casta in
the Santa Eulalia Valley
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus Good views of one individual at Pari at the
shores of Lake Junín
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Good views below Bosque
Unchog near the village of Cochabamba
White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys Seen in the Santa Eulalia Valley
D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca oenanthoides One seen in the Polylepis patch of
Japani above the Santa Eulalia Valley. Here the endemic subspecies polionota .Named after
Alcide Charles Victor Marie Dessalines d'Orbigny, 19th-century French naturalist, who made
major contributions in many areas, including zoology (including malacology), palaeontology,
geology, archaeology, and anthropology
Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Seen at Villa Jennifer
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Short-tailed Field Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda Seen at Lomas de Lachay
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Seen at Villa Jennifer and in the Satipo lowlands
Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Seen at Villa Jennifer
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Seen at Tingo Maria National Park. Here the
subspecies solitarius
Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus Seen on the way to Tingo
Maria. Here the nominate subspecies
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox Seen at Villa Jennifer
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Cotingidae
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus Seen at Bosque Unchog
Chestnut-crested Cotinga Ampelion rufaxilla Scope views at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here
the nominate subspecies
White-cheeked Cotinga (E) Zaratornis stresemanni Great views of this sought-after target
in the Polylepis patch of Japani between Milloc and the Santa Eulalia Valley. A country
endemic. This species was described in the late 1960s by the late Maria Koepcke. The species
is classified as Vulnerable.
Bay-vented Cotinga (E) Doliornis sclateri Amazing views at Bosque Unchog. A range-
restricted country endemic found in central Peru only. The species is classified as Vulnerable.
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata Seen at mid-elevations on the Satipo Road
Masked Fruiteater (E) Pipreola pulchra Seen well at Ulcumano Ecolodge. A country
endemic
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus Two birds were seen along the main road
during our drive to Tingo Maria and then another male was seen on the Satipo Road. Here the
nominate subspecies
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (photo Ian Merrill)
Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus Scope views of one female at lower
elevations on the Satipo Road
Tityridae
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen at Villa Jennifer
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Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Seen at the Carpish Tunnel and at mid-elevations
on the Satipo Road
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Vireonidae
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus A couple of encounters
Corvidae
White-collared Jay Cyanolyca viridicyanus Seen at Bosque Unchog. The species is
classified as Near-threatened.
Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus Common in the tropical lowlands of Tingo Maria
Hirundinidae
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Seen in the Huallaga River near Tingo
Maria National Park
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Seen at the lowest parts of the Satipo Road
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina Seen at high elevations on the Satipo Road.
Here the nominate subspecies
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Common along the Pacific coast
including Lima city. Here the subspecies peruviana
Andean Swallow Haplochelidon andecola Great views at Marcapomacocha
Chestnut-collared Swallow Petrochelidon rufocollaris Seen well at Lomas de Lachay
National Reserve. A near-endemic, found in Ecuador and Peru only
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen on the way to Tingo Maria
Troglodytidae
Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus Seen along the dry section of the Huallaga
Valley near Huánuco
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Peruvian Wren (E) Cinnycerthia peruana Good views of a family party at mid-elevations
on the Satipo Road. A country endemic
Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys The population in the Mantaro Valley seems to
be a different species from Pheugopedius euophrys, but further research is needed to
determine the status of the species. We found a pair after a hard search at Chillifruta in the
Mantaro Valley.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Several sightings throughout the trip, especially in the
pacific and tropical lowlands
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Seen at mid-elevations on the Satipo Road
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the
nominate subspecies
Mimidae
Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus Common along the Santa Eulalia Valley.
A near-endemic, found in Ecuador and Peru only
Turdidae
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides One seen in the cloudforest on the Satipo Road. One
of the classy bird songs of the Andean cloudforest
White-eared Solitaire Entomodestes leucotis Cracker views of two birds at Ulcumano
Ecolodge. Although this handsome species is well distributed through Peru and Bolivia,
perhaps Ulcumano Ecolodge is the easiest place to get close-up views of this bird.
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Common on the east slope of the Andes
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus One seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Several views below San Pedro de Casta
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Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Seen at Villa Jennifer
Hauxwell’s Thrush Turdus hauxwelli One individual was seen at Villa Jennifer.
Cinclidae
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus Always a pleasure to see! We got good views
in the rapids of the upper Santa Eulalia River.
Passeridae
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Seen on the way to Santa Eulalia
Motacillidae
Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens Seen at the entrance of the Lomas de Lachay National
Reserve. Here the subspecies peruvianus
Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera Seen in the Lake Junín area. Here the endemic
subspecies calcaratus
Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis Two birds seen very well in the Bosque Unchog paramo
during the first part of the hike to the tanager
Fringillidae
Olivaceous Siskin Spinus olivaceus Seen along the Satipo Road
Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus The most widespread siskin. We had several views
throughout the trip.
Black Siskin Spinus atratus Seen at Marcapomacocha and Pari at the shores of Lake Junín
Thick-billed Siskin Spinus crassirostris Scope views of a couple of individuals at La
Quinua
Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Seen at the grounds of our hotel in La
Merced
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Seen at Villa Jennifer
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Seen at Villa Jennifer
Parulidae
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Citrine Warbler Myiothlypis luteoviridis Seen on the Satipo Road
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Seen on the Satipo Road. The population in
southeast Peru and Bolivia has been split as Yungas Warbler Basileuterus punctipectus.
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Several sightings throughout the tour
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge, Bosque
Unchog, and the Satipo Road. Here the nominate subspecies
Icteridae
Peruvian Meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Common in the tropical lowlands
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Dusky-green Oropendola Psarocolius atrovirens Seen in the Chanchamayo Valley on the
way to La Merced. A near-endemic found in Peru and Bolivia
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Common in the tropical lowlands
Northern Mountain Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus Seen on the Satipo Road
Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius Seen at Villa Jennifer
Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Seen in the lowlands
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis A few sightings around Lima
Scrub Blackbird Dives warczewiczi Seen along the Santa Eulalia Valley. This is a near-
endemic found in Ecuador and Peru
Yellow-hooded Blackbird Chrysomus icterocephalus One bird was seen at Pantanos de
Villa. This is a feral population created by escaped cage birds, which does occurs in wetlands
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at Lima city. This bird is native to the area of the Amazon River and its tributaries in the
Loreto region.
Coerebidae
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola A couple of sightings including in Lima city
Emberizidae
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis This species is common from sea level to
5000 meters on the west slope of the Andes and down to 1000 meters on the east slope but is
not present in the Amazon rainforest.
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons Seen in La Merced and on the lower
Satipo Road
Chestnut-capped Brushfinch Arremon brunneinucha Seen on the Satipo Road. Here the
subspecies frontalis
Tricolored Brushfinch Atlapetes tricolor Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge.
Black-spectacled Brushfinch (E) Atlapetes melanopsis Great views along the Pariahuanca
Road. A country endemic and only recently described to science in 2002. The species is
classified as Endangered.
Slaty Brushfinch Atlapetes schistaceus Seen at Bosque Unchog. Here the subspecies
taczanoswki
Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the
subspecies cinereocephalus
Thraupidae
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Seen on the lower parts of the Satipo Road
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris Seen at mid-elevations on the
Satipo Road
Black-capped Hemispingus Hemispingus atropileus Seen at the Carpish Tunnel
Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Rufous-browed Hemispingus (E) Hemispingus rufosuperciliaris Only one bird was seen
during our second day in Bosque Unchog. One of the rarest and hardest Peruvian endemics.
The species is classified as Vulnerable.
Brown-flanked Tanager (E) Thlypopsis pectoralis Great views of two birds below Bosque
Unchog. A country endemic restricted to central Peru
Pardusco (E) Nephelornis oneilli Common at Bosque Unchog, where is one of the targets to
look for. A country endemic
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Huallaga Tanager (E) Ramphocelus melanogaster Daily views at Villa Jennifer. This
country endemic is restricted to the Huallaga and Mayo Valleys in the regions of San Martín
and Huánuco only. Named after the Huallaga River, one of the most important Amazon
tributaries.
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Common in the tropical lowlands
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Seen around Lima gardens and in the tropical
lowlands
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Common in the tropical lowlands
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala Seen at mid-elevations on the Satipo Road
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis Seen below San Pedro de Casta in the
Santa Eulalia Valley
Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana Seen in the cloudforest of the Satipo
Road
Golden-backed Mountain Tanager (E) Buthraupis aureodorsalis Of one the most sought-
after Peruvian endemics. This year we got cracker views of this range-restricted species. The
remote Bosque Unchog is the most accessible site to find this seldom-seen species. One of
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the largest tanagers of the family after the White-capped Tanager. The species is classified as
Endangered.
Golden-backed Mountain Tanager (photo Alejandro Tello)
Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus One seen briefly at the Carpish
Tunnel
Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager Dubusia taeniata We got brief views of one individual at
Bosque Unchog.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris Seen at Bosque Unchog. Here
the subspecies ignicrissa
Yellow-scarfed Tanager (E) Iridosornis reinhardti Seen at Bosque Unchog. A country
endemic restricted to northern and central Peru
Yellow-scarfed Tanager (photo Ken Logan)
Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
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Golden-collared Tanager Iridosornis jelskii Nice views at Bosque Unchog. A near-
endemic, found in Peru and Bolivia only
Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana Seen at Villa Jennifer. It does not occur in Mexico.
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Seen on the lower parts of the Satipo Road
Golden Tanager (photo Sue Oertli)
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Seen in the lowlands of Satipo. It does not occur in
Chile.
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Seen in the lowlands of Satipo
Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata Seen in the lowlands of Satipo
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen in the lowlands of Satipo
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis Seen at Villa Jennifer
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the
subspecies branickii
Silver-backed Tanager Tangara viridicollis Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge. Here the
nominate subspecies
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen at Villa Jennifer
Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Seen at Lomas de Lachay and in the Santa
Eulalia Valley
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons Seen at mid-elevations in the cloudforest of Satipo.
Here the subspecies sordidum
Giant Conebill Oreomanes fraseri Distant views of one bird at La Quinua, the Polylepis
forest patch near Huánuco. The species is classified as Near-threatened.
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Giant Conebill (photo Ken Logan)
Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides Seen below San Pedro de Casta in the Santa Eulalia
Valley
Moustached Flowerpiercer Diglossa mystacalis Seen at Bosque Unchog. Here the
subspecies pectoralis
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Seen at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Seen at Bosque Unchog, Ulcumano Ecolodge, and
the Satipo Road
White-winged Diuca Finch Diuca speculifera Nice views in the Marcapomacocha area
Great Inca Finch (E) Incaspiza pulchra Great views of one pair near Puente Autisha in the
Santa Eulalia Valley. A country endemic. The whole Incaspiza genus is endemic to Peru.
Rufous-backed Inca Finch (E) Incaspiza personata Excellent sightings near Huánuco. A
country endemic
Collared Warbling Finch Poospiza hispaniolensis Good views of one male at Lomas de
Lachay
Bright-rumped Yellow Finch Sicalis uropigyalis Seen at Marcapomacocha
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Seen around Lima gardens
Greenish Yellow Finch Sicalis olivascens Flying-by views of a flock near Puente Autisha in
the Santa Eulalia Valley
Raimondi’s Yellow Finch (E) Sicalis raimondii A large flock was flying above the Lomas
de Lachay fields. Not an easy bird to find. Named after Antonio Raimondi, 19th-century
Italian explorer, scholar, and naturalist. Although still listed as a country endemic, it was
recently found in Northern Chile.
Grassland Yellow Finch Sicalis luteola Seen in the reed vegetation around the lakes at
Pantanos de Villa
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Seen in the fields south of Lima
Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Seen along the Pariahuanca Road
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Seen at Villa Jennifer
Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus fruticeti Seen in the upper parts of the Santa Eulalia Road
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Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Seen well along the Santa Eulalia Valley and
a couple in the Marcapomacocha area
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor Nice views at Marcapomacocha
Band-tailed Sierra Finch Phrygilus alaudinus Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve
Peruvian Sierra Finch Phrygilus punensis Seen at higher elevations in Marcapomacocha
and at Lake Junín. A near-endemic found in Peru and Bolivia
Peruvian Sierra Finch (photo Ken Logan)
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis One male was seen in the garden of our
hotel in La Merced.
Drab Seedeater Sporophila simplex Seen along the Santa Eulalia Road at 1000 meters. A
near-endemic, found in Ecuador and Peru only
Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Seen in the fields south of Lima
Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis Seen at Villa Jennifer
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Seen below San Pedro de Casta at Santa Eulalia
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Seen at Bosque Unchog
Cardinalidae
Tooth-billed Tanager Piranga lutea Seen on the Satipo Road
Golden Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Seen above Santa Eulalia at 950 meters
CENTRAL PERU MAMMAL LIST, NOVEMBER 2016
Southern mountain vizcacha Lagidium viscacia This handsome-looking rodent was seen on
the rocky slopes of Marcapomacocha at 4600 meters.
Peruvian bamboo bat (H) Dactylomys peruanus Heard at Ulcumano Ecolodge
Vicuña Vicugna vicugna These splendid creatures were seen well across the Junín plains.
They are found only at high elevations above 4000 meters in the Andes.
Andean fox Lycalopex culpaeus Seen below San Pedro de Casta
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Marine otter Lontra felina Brief views of one individual around Pucusana Bay. The species
is classified as endangered.
South American sea lion Otaria byronia Several seen on Pucusana Island
Black-headed squirrel monkey Saimiri boliviensis