Birding Ecotours

Peru Birding Adventure: June 2012 Northern Peru and Huascarán National Park,

Cordillera Blanca

By Eduardo Ormaeche

 

 Yellow-faced Parrotlet (all photos by Ken Logan)

TOTAL SPECIES: 507 seem, including 44 country endemics (heard only excluded) Itinerary

Day 1, June 1st. Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Lima Day 2, June 2nd. Explore the Pucusana beach and Puerto Viejo wetlands. Overnight Lima Day 3, June 3rd. Explore the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Overnight Barranca Day 4, June 4th. Drive from Barranca to Huaraz. Explore Lake Conococha. Overnight Huaraz Day 5, June 5th. Explore Huascarán (Cordillera Blanca) National Park (Llanganuco Lake and Doña Josefa Trail). Overnight Huaraz Day 6, June 6th. Explore Huascarán National Park (Portachuelo de Huayhuash mountain pass). Overnight Huaraz Day 7, June 7th. Explore Pueblo Libre, Huaylas, and drive to the coast. Overnight Casma Day 8, June 8th. Drive from Casma to Trujillo. Explore Cerro Campana and Chan Chan archeological site. Overnight Trujillo Day 9, June 9th. Explore Sinsicap and drive to Chiclayo. Overnight Chiclayo Day 10, June 10th. Explore Bosque de Pómac Historical Sanctuary and drive towards Olmos. Overnight Bosque de Frejolillo (Quebrada Limón) safari camping Day 11, June 11th. Explore Bosque de Frejolillo and drive to Salas. Overnight Los Faiques Lodge Day 12, June 12th. Drive to the Porculla Pass and to Jaén. Overnight Jaén Day 13, June 13th. Explore the Gotas de Agua Private Reserve, visit the Huembo hummingbird center, drive to Pomacochas. Overnight Pomacochas Day 14, June 14th. Drive towards Abra Patricia. Overnight Long-whiskered Owlet Lodge (LWO) Day 15, June 15th. Full Day at LWO. Overnight LWO Day 16, June 16th. Full Day at LWO. Overnight LWO Day 17, June 17th. Full Day at LWO. Overnight LWO Day 18, June 18th. Birding along Afluente, Aguas Verdes bridge, Yacumama recreational center, and Wakanki orchid garden. Overnight Moyobamba Day 19, June 19th. Explore the mountains above Wakanki, drive to Tarapoto. In the afternoon explore the Chazuta road. Overnight Tarapoto Day 20, June 20th. Explore the Tarapoto tunnel, the Chazuta road, drive back to Moyobamba. Overnight Moyobamba Day 21, June 21st. A last morning’s birding at Wakanki, drive back to Pomacochas. Overnight Pomacochas Day 22, June 22nd. Birding at Huembo, the Utcubamba Valley above Pedro Ruiz, and around Chillo Lodge. Overnight Chillo Lodge Day 23, June 23rd. Birding at Chillo Lodge, drive to Leymebamba. Visit Kentipata feeders and Sunipampa (Atuen valley). Overnight Leymebamba Day 24, June 24th. Explore the mountains above Leymebamba (Las Palmas, the Mirador Calla-Calla, and the Black Mud Pass). Drive to Balsas. Overnight Balsas Day 25, June 25th. Explore the Marañon (cacti) Valley above Balsas, the Hacienda Limón, and Cruz Conga (road to Cajamarca). Overnight Cajamarca Day 26, June 26th. Explore the Chonta valley in the morning and the Gavilan mountain pass in the afternoon. Overnight Cajamarca

Day 27, June 27th. Explore San Marcos for the Great Spinetail, fly to Lima. Overnight Lima Day 28, June 28th. Fly home.

NORTHERN PERU SYSTEMATIC LIST, JUNE 2012 Bird species marked as (H) were heard by all the participants but failed to show in

response to playback. Bird species marked as (HG) were heard distantly (and identified) by the guide

only.

TINAMIFORMES Tinamidae Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii We enjoyed several individuals at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Amazingly, they were totally fearless about the presence of visitors, and we recorded at least eight different individuals. Tinamous are very shy in many parts of the Neotropics as an effect of hundreds of years of hunting by humans. Tataupa Tinamou Crypturellus tataupa One bird was seen briefly by all at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve Pale-browed Tinamou (HG) Crypturellus transfasciatus Heard at Bosque de Frejolillo. Great Tinamou (HG) Tinamus major Heard at Wakanki. Little Tinamou (HG) Crypturellus soui Heard at Wakanki GALLIFORMES Cracidae White-winged Guan Penelope albipennis We had great views of this endemic species at Bosque de Frejolillo, where we counted at least eight different individuals. We started to walk up the canyon trail in the dark, and having the local guan call at dawn was a magical moment indeed. This bird was discovered to science in 1840 and not seen again until 1977, when it was rediscovered at Bosque de Frejolillo. It is listed as Critically endangered. Andean Guan Penelope montagnii We had two individuals at Sunipampa, while we were waiting for the Andean Condor. Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii One bird was seen from the Aguas Verdes bridge. Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Common in the eastern lowlands. Wattled Guan (HG) Aburria aburri Heard at LWO. ANSERIFORMES Anatidae Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola We had some birds on the islands of Las Viñas reservoir. Yellow-billed Teal Anas flavirostris Formerly called Speckled Teal. Common on the quiet waters of Lake Conococha. Puna Teal Anas puna Common on the quiet waters of Lake Conococha. Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Two birds at Lake Conococha.

White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis A few individuals were seen at the Puerto Viejo lagoon. Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Seen at both Puerto Viejo and Lake Conococha. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Seen at Lake Conococha only. Crested Duck Lophonetta specularioides Great views of two birds at Lake Conococha. Torrent Duck Merganetta armata One of the classic birds of the Andes. A female was seen nicely below LWO, and later we had a male along the Utcubamba River. PODICIPEDIFORMES Podicipedidae Great Grebe Podiceps major Two individuals were seen nicely at the Puerto Viejo lagoon. White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland Seen at Lake Conococha and Las Viñas reservoir. Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Two birds were seen well at Lake Conococha. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps One bird seen well at both Puerto Viejo and Las Viñas reservoir. PELECANIFORMES Threskiornithidae Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Several birds were seen around Puerto Viejo and a few others on the way to Cajamarca. Ardeidae Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi One bird was seen at Las Viñas reservoir. Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum This bird is relatively common along the Utcubamba River, where we saw at least two different individuals. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common along the pastures and paddy fields. One first recorded in the New World in 1877 (Surinam), it has since then spread through large sections of the hemisphere, even reaching islands such as the Galapagos. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common at several locations. Great Egret Ardea alba Seen north of Chiclayo and on the way to Tarapoto. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea One bird was seen at Puerto Viejo. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen at Puerto Viejo, Lake Conococha, and Las Viñas reservoir. Striated Heron Butorides striata We had several encounters at Puerto Viejo, Rioja, and the paddy fields of Jaén. This bird is known for its bait-fishing practice, which consists of attracting fish by placing bait, like insects, flowers, seeds, twigs, bread, even popcorn, on the water surface. The Striated Heron may also break off part of a twig to use for bait, making it not only one of the few tool-using animals, but one of the very few that actually make their tools. Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis One bird was seen briefly by one of our guests and me in the reeds of Puerto Viejo. This is normally a secretive bird, which spends most of the time motionless in the reeds. Pelecanidae Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Common at Pucusana.

SULIFORMES Sulidae Peruvian Booby Sula variegata Common at Pucusana. Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Common along the shores of Lima and Pucusana. This is the only cormorant in Peru that is found away from the ocean, and it is present as well along Amazonian rivers and oxbow lakes. Red-legged Cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi Nice views at Pucusana. This bird is listed as Near-threatened. Guanay Cormorant Leucocarbo bougainvillii This bird was seen nicely on the boat ride at Pucusana. Its common name comes from guano, which is the word use to refer to the bird excrements used as fertilizer. From 1849 to 1870, guano was the most effective fertilizer, and Peru was the largest producer of guano, exporting between 10 and 12 million tons, mostly to the United Kingdom. SPHENISCIFORMES Spheniscidae Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti We had scope views of this Humboldt Current specialist at our usual spot in the Pucusana fishing harbor. This bird is named after the 19th century German explorer and scientist Alexander von Humboldt. This species is listed as Vulnerable. The word Penguin is thought by some to derive from the Welsh words pen (head) and gwyn (white), applied to the now extinct Great Auk. This theory is supported by the fact that penguins looks remarkably like Great Auks in general shape. ACCIPITRIFORMES Cathartidae Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Numerous and widespread. Recent genetic studies have indicated that the New World vultures might be modified storks and don’t belong with raptors. An excellent example of convergent evolution Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Another frequently encountered vulture, while soaring it typically shows the characteristic “dihedral” angle. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus Good views of one individual along the grasslands of the Yacumama recreational center. Andean Condor Vultur gryphus One of the largest flying birds in the world, this species is considered a divine creature by the old pre-Hispanic civilizations. We had two birds at Sunipampa. This is the national bird of Ecuador. Accipitridae Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Good views of this smart kite on the way to Tarapoto. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus One bird was seen near Tarapoto. Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii Seen on the way to Olmos. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris Common in the eastern lowlands. Variable Hawk Buteo polysoma We saw both forms, which are sometimes considered to be separate species, Puna Hawk, B. poecilochrous, and Red-backed Hawk, B. polysoma.

However, the argument for the proposal to split is weak, and recent genetic data are consistent with the hypothesis that the two forms are conspecific. Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Seen well at Bosque de Pómac. Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Seen on the way to Olmos. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus We had several individuals along the trip, but we had our first encounter at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Crested Eagle Morphnus guianensis Seen on the way to Olmos. FALCONIFORMES Falconidae Black Caracara Daptrius ater Two birds were seen flying by at the Yacumama recreational center near Rioja. Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Common above Leymebamba. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Seen at several places throughout the trip. GRUIFORMES Rallidae Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus This bird was seen at Caraz, Las Viñas, and along the Utcubamba River. Spotted Rail Pardirallus maculatus One injured bird was seen briefly at the paddy fields in Jaén Russet-crowned Crake (H) Laterallus viridis We had this bird very close, but it remained hidden in the grass. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Several birds were flushed at the paddy fields and also floating on the quiet waters of Las Viñas and Puerto Viejo. A recent split from the Old World Common Moorhen. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Two birds were flushed at the Jaén paddy fields. Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca Seen at Lake Conococha and at Puerto Viejo, where we had the chance to see birds that show the yellow shield. Giant Coot Fulica gigantea Good views at Lake Conococha. CHARADRIIFORMES Haematopodidae American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Several birds were seen well at Puerto Viejo beach. Blackish Oystercatcher Haematopus ater Two birds were seen well at Pucusana and Puerto Viejo. Jacanidae Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Seen along the paddy fields near Rioja. Charadriidae Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Common at higher elevations. We had good views near Cruz Conga. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Seen at Puerto Viejo. Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Several birds were seen at Las Viñas. Burhinidae

Peruvian Thick-Knee Burhinus superciliaris After a long search we found a group of at least 18 birds along the Costa Verde road in Lima city. Thinocoridae Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus Several birds were seen at the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve entrance. Scolopacidae Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca One bird was seen at Lake Conococha. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Common at Pucusana harbor, where this species is commonly seen on the fishing boats. Laridae Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Seen along the Costa Verde. Belcher’s Gull Larus belcheri Common along the Lima coast. This is a split from Band-tailed Gull. Larus belcheri and Larus atlanticus were formerly considered conspecific, but recent publications provided rationale for treatment as different species. Named after Sir Edward Belcher, British naval explorer of the Pacific coast of the Americas. Grey Gull Leucophaeus modestus A huge flock was seen well at Puerto Viejo beach. Grey-headed Gull Croicocephalus cirrocephalus This bird was seen well at the Puerto Viejo wetlands. Andean Gull Croicocephalus serranus Common around Lake Conococha. Inca Tern Larosterna inca One of the smartest terns in the world by far, now placed in its own genus. Close up views of several individuals from the Pucusana view point. This bird is listed as Near-threatened. COLUMBIFORMES Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia Common around towns. Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Seen at Abra Patricia. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata This bird was seen at Abra Patricia, at Porculla Pass, and along the Utcubamba River. Note that recent research shows that the genus Columba, paraphyletic with the New World taxa, is more closely related to Streptopelia than the Old World Columba pigeons. This is consistent with differences between the New World and the Old World Columba in terms of morphology, serology, and behavior. It was thus decided to place all New World forms in the genus Patagioenas. Marañon Pigeon Patagioenas oenops One of the Marañon big five! This species was seen nicely across the Marañon River in Balsas. It is listed as Vulnerable. Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Seen at the Porculla Pass and at Balsas. Ecuadorian Ground Dove Columbina buckleyi Common at the Gotas de Agua Private Reserve and on the way to Bagua. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Several were seen around Moyobamba and Tarapoto. Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana Common at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Nice males were seen well on the way to Bagua and at the Yacumama recreational center. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Common at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve.

West Peruvian Dove Zenaida meloda Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve, Puerto Viejo, and Bosque de Pómac. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Common along the Utcubamba River on the way to Leymebamba. White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata We had consecutive brief views of this secretive species along the first meters of the Monkey trail near the compost spot at the LWO lodge. PSITTACIFORMES Psittacidae White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalma We had a flock near the Oilbird bridge outside Moyobamba. Red-masked Parakeet Aratinga erythrogenys We saw this species at Bosque de Frejolillo above Olmos. It is listed as Near-threatened. Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Aratinga wagleri Seen at the Gotas de Agua Private Reserve and at Balsas. Mitred Parakeet Aratinga mitrata We had a flock each above Pedro Ruiz and around Leymebamba. Dusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii Nice views of at least three perched birds along km 1 of the Chazuta road near Tarapoto. Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis Common at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius A few birds flying by at Wakanki. Yellow-faced Parrotlet Forpus xanthops One of the big Marañon five was seen well above Balsas. This species is listed as Vulnerable and is a country endemic. Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera We saw birds that belong to the gustavi subspecies (with more yellow on the wing) at the Yacumama recreational center. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Common at Wakanki. Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus Fly-by at Afluente, which is the typical location for this localized species. Plum-crowned Parrot Pionus tumultuosus We had a few individuals at Sunipampa near Leymebamba. Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenarius Some birds were seen flying by at Abra Patricia. CUCULIFORMES Cuculidae Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia Normally more often heard than seen, we managed to have a good view at one bird in the Marañon dry forest. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Seen well at both Wakanki and Afluente. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Common along the rice fields on the way to Tarapoto. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Common on the west slope of the Andes and in the Marañon valley. OPISTHOCOMIFORMES

Opisthocomidae Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin One of the targets for one member of the group! We had nice close-up views of at least three birds perched along the Mayo River near Tarapoto. One of the very few birds that almost entirely subsist on a diet of leaves, this odd species has some peculiar attributes, including microbial foregut fermentation to convert plant cellulose in consumed foliage into simple sugars, and a highly modified skeleton to accommodate its large crop. Once thought to be the lost link to the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx because of the chick’s claw-wings, these claws are now considered a recent secondary adaptation to the chick’s having to clamber up vegetation if it is forced to evacuate the nest due to a threat. STRIGIFORMES Strigidae Koepcke’s Screech Owl Megascops koepckeae We found one birds roosting at day time at Chillo Lodge. Another country endemic. This bird is named after Maria Koepcke, a German ornithologist, explorer, and curator of the museum of Lima, who wrote the Department of Lima field guide and died in a plane crash with 92 others in 1971. One of the few survivors was her 16-year old daughter, brought back in a rescue mission. From Peru she described three new species to science and 13 new subspecies. Cinnamon Screech Owl Megascops petersoni What a search! After trying hard for this bird just after dark, our local guide spotted it at the end of the Monkey trail at LWO. He took us to a new territory he found, since the birds at the Sunangel trail are not responding often. West Peruvian Screech Owl Megascops roboratus pacificus We had nice views of one individual at Los Faiques Lodge. We also encountered the subspecies M. r. roboratus, sometimes split as Marañon Screech Owl (H), but unfortunately it didn’t want to play ball this time. This subspecies was heard but not seen at the Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba We had an unexpected bird calling outside the hotel in Moyobamba after dinner. Nice views! Long-whiskered Owlet Xenoglaux loweryi The Holy Grail of ornithology was seen at 19:02pm on the Owlet trail at LWO. What a memorable moment! This bird was discovered to science in 1976, seen in the wild for the first time in 2008, and filmed and photographed in the wild for the first time in 2010. A country endemic, listed as endangered. Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota Nice views of this impressive owl around our lodge at Moyobamba. Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis This big fellow came like a bullet in response to the Cinnamon Screech Owl tape, allowing us to have good views. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus One bird was spotted outside the Chan Chan archeological site near Trujillo. A nice bonus. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum One bird was seen at its day-time roost at Wakanki. Pacific Pygmy Owl Glaucidium peruanum This species was seen at Bosque de Pómac and Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. However, we had our first individual around Huaylas.

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Common at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve and around Chiclayo. CAPRIMULGIFORMES Nyctibiidae Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus One bird flew over our heads in response to the tape during our pre-dawn hike at Bosque de Frejolillo. Steatornithidae Oilbird Steatornis caripensis This is an interesting site to see this bird without walking into a cave. At least 20 birds were seen roosting at the edges of the rocky wall below the Quisquirumi bridge on our way to Tarapoto. Caprimulgidae Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Seen at Puerto Viejo and Los Faiques Lodge. Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra A female with a chick was seen nicely at daytime above Afluente. Pauraque (H) Nyctidromus albicollis This bird was heard by all of us around our lodge in Moyobamba, but we were busy looking for owls. Spot-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus maculicaudus One bird was seen well in the Wakanki grasslands. Anthony’s Nightjar Caprimulgus anthonyi This bird was seen at the pre-dawn start at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. A restricted-range species. Rufous-bellied Nighthawk (HG) Lurocalis rufiventris Heard at LWO. Lyre-tailed Nightjar (HG) Uropsalis lyra Heard at LWO. APODIFORMES Apodidae White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Seen on the way to Balsas. White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus Seen on the east slope of the Andes. Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila Seen around Balsas. Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura brachyura Seen around Wakanki. We also saw the subspecies C. b. ocypetes. Most authorities still don’t recognized this as a full species, but Ridgely at al. (2001) treated ocypetes as a distinct species, Tumbes Swift, based on morphology and (anecdotal) descriptions of the voice. Seen at Bosque de Frejolillo. A restricted-range species. Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata This bird was common around Wakanki and Yacumama recreational center. Formerly called Fork-tailed Palm-Swift. Trochilidae Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis porcullae One bird was seen well at Porculla Pass. Birds here belong to the aptly named subspecies porcullae, possibly representing a distinct species, the Porculla Hermit. This subspecies is an endemic. Koepcke’s Hermit Phaethornis koepckeae After a bit of a search we saw one bird feeding on the Heliconia flowers near the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls above Tarapoto. Another country endemic, listed as Near-threatened. It is named again after Maria Koepcke. In addition to the hermit bearing her name, the endemic Selva Cacique, Cacicus koepckae, and the Peruvian subspecies of

Horned Curassow, Pauxi unicornis koepckeae, were named in her honor. A bat, Mimon koepckae, and a lizard, Tropidurus occipitalis koepckeorum, are also named after her. Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Two birds were seen well at Leymebamba and Las Palmas. Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas The first specimen of this species was seen well around Huaraz. This is the largest hummingbird in the world. The tiniest hummingbird in the world, Bee Hummingbird, is a Cuban endemic, and the search for it would be a future Birding Ecotours adventure. Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis Common at the Wakanki feeders. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Common at the Wakanki feeders. Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis We saw it at the Wakanki feeders. Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata Seen at both Afluente and the Wakanki feeders. Black-eared Fairy Heliothryx auritus Unexpected, it was a bonus near the entrance of the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls. Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae Common at the Huembo feeders. Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus One bird was seen well at Wakanki. Sapphire-spangled Emerald Amazilia lactea Common at the Wakanki feeders. Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen at the Wakanki feeders. Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus Seen at Huembo. Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans This was seen at several locations. The bully of the Andes! Rufous-crested Coquette Lophornis delattrei We encountered a few females and the handsome mister working on the purple flowers in front of our cabins at the Moyobamba lodge. One of my favorite hummingbirds! Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Common at the Wakanki feeders, where we saw a male and females. White-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia chionogaster Common at Chillo Lodge and Kentipata. Spot-throated Hummingbird Leucippus taczanowskii This endemic was seen well at Gotas de Agua private reserve. Tumbes Hummingbird Leucippus baeri Seen well at Bosque de Frejolillo. Marvelous Spatuletail Loddigesia mirabilis One of the targets of this trip! This species is relatively easiest to see at the Huembo feeders, where we managed to have nice pictures this time. The genus is named after British taxidermist and natural history dealer G. Loddiges (1784-1846), who specialized in hummingbirds. This is an endemic, listed as Endangered. Ecuadorian Piedtail Phlogophilus hemileucurus Seen above Afluente. Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Seen well at both the LWO and Kentipata feeders. Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Only seen at the Huembo feeders. Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides Seen well every day at the LWO feeders. Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Seen at the entrance to Llanganuco Lake at the Huascarán National Park.

Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii Common at Huembo, LWO, and Kentipata. Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Good views at the Huembo and LWO feeders. Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Seen well at the LWO feeders. Rainbow Starfrontlet Coeligena iris Good views of this species at the Kentipata feeders. Violet-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena violifer Good views of one individual at Las Palmas above Leymebamba. Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi Good views at Las Palmas. Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii This bird was seen every day at the LWO feeders. Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis Seen well at Las Palmas. Birds here belong to the subspecies decolor. Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis Another localized species, found recently in an isolated and remote part of Ecuador, but Abra Patricia is the best place to see this one. We had good views at the beginning of the well-named Sunangel trail at LWO. With its occurrence in Ecuador, it is a Peruvian near-endemic, listed as Endangered. Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola A restricted-range species, seen well at the Kentipata feeders. Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis aline Common at the LWO feeders. Rufous-vented Whitetip Urosticte ruficrissa This seldom-seen species was seen well along the Grallaria trail at LWO. Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Seen below Abra Patricia. Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti One bird was seen well at Wakanki. Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna Seen at Kentipata and in the Chonta valley. Grey-bellied Comet Taphrolesbia griseiventris We found this restricted-range and endangered endemic at its usual territory along the Chonta canyon. Coppery Metaltail Metallura theresiae Despite the horrible weather we had a Black Mud Pass, we managed to see this endemic well, in response to the tape, at the Calla-Calla viewpoint. Black Metaltail Metallura phoebe Another endemic seen well at both Huascarán National Park and in the Chonta Valley. Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina This was seen well at Las Palmas. Named for the port of Tyre, today in Lebanon. The city of Tyre was particularly known for the production of a rare and extraordinarily expensive sort of purple dye, produced from a murex snail, known as Tyrian purple. This color was, in many cultures of ancient times, reserved for the use of royalty. The type specimen of Tyrian Metaltail has a purple tail, hence the name Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi One bird was seen well at Huascarán National Park. Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris One bird was seen near Moyobamba. White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant Common at the LWO feeders. Little Woodstar Chaetocercus bombus A restricted-range species and considered the second-smallest hummer in the world. We saw “misses” only at Huembo feeders. Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny A female was seen at the Porculla Pass.

Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina A female was seen well in front of our cabins at Wakanki. Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper One individual was seen at Cerro Campana during our first visit ever to that place. Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia Common at Bosque de Pómac. TROGONIFORMES Trogonidae Ecuadorian Trogon Trogon mesurus A bird was seen well at Bosque de Frejolillo. Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis This bird was seen around Moyobamba. Formerly treated as White-tailed Trogon. Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps Seen at Sunipampa, where this species is pretty common. CORACIIFORMES Momotidae Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens A bird was seen well at Bosque de Frejolillo. A recent split from Blue-crowned Motmot. Alcedinidae Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Common at the pools of the Yacumama recreational center. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana One seen well at the pools of the Yacumama recreational center. PICIFORMES Galbulidae Bluish-fronted Jacamar Galbula cyanescens At least four different birds were seen nicely in response to the tape along the Quebrada near the Chazuta road. This was a most-wanted lifer for one group member. Bucconidae Swallow-winged Puffbird Chelidoptera tenebrosa One seen well along the Huallaga River. White-faced Nunbird (H) Hapaloptila castanea Unfortunately only heard distantly at the LWO Lodge. This enigmatic bird is seldom seen anywhere, and only a few sightings have been reported since the lodge opened in 2007. Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Common at Yacumama recreational center. White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus Seen at Afluente. Capitonidae Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Seen around Moyobamba. Versicolored Barbet Eubucco versicolor This spectacular bird was seen in a mixed flock above Afluente. Another of our favorites, which is seen regularly in our Southern Peru tour as well. It is listed as Near-threatened. Ramphastidae Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan Andigena hypoglauca This smart mountain toucan was seen very well at Sunipampa. This area seems to be the best place to see this

attractive bird. We saw at least eight birds, and many others were heard in the vicinity. It is listed as Near-threatened. Golden-collared Toucanet (HG) Selenidera reinwardtii Heard at the Tarapoto tunnel. Channel-billed Toucan (HG) Ramphastos vitellinus Heard at Wakanki. Picidae Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Common around Wakanki. This species is named after French ornithologist Baron Nöel Frédéric Armand André de Lafresnaye (1783-1861). Speckle-chested Piculet Picumnus steindachneri We had this little endemic at Afluente and then above Pedro Ruiz, where everybody managed to have good views. It is listed as Endangered. Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus This handsome woodpecker was seen nicely at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus A brief view of this cloudforest species at Abra Patricia. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Seen well along the Huallaga River near Tarapoto. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus Seen around Wakanki. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Another cloudforest species seen at Abra Patricia. Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Seen at Bosque de Pómac. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen at both Bosque de Pómac and Afluente. Guayaquil Woodpecker Campephilus gayaquilensis This restricted-range species was seen distantly at Bosque de Frejolillo. Named after the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil. This species is listed as Near-threatened. Black-necked Woodpecker Colaptes atricollis A Peruvian endemic seen well at several locations, such as Huaraz, Utcubamba Valley, and Balsas. This bird was formerly called Black-necked Flicker. Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula Seen around Wakanki. Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola Widespread in the Andes. PASSERIFORMES Furnariidae Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus One pair was seen well just before dark at Sunipampa. Elegant Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus elegans Seen well above Wakanki on the stream trail. Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis Seen at Afluente. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Seen at Bosque de Pómac and heard at Bosque de Frejolillo. Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Seen at LWO lodge and Sunipampa. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen well at Wakanki. Coastal Miner Geositta peruviana This endemic was seen well at Puerto Viejo and Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Greyish Miner Geositta maritima This restricted-range species was seen well at Cerro Campana.

Thick-billed Miner (H) Geositta crassirostris Unfortunately we could not get this endemic this time. It was seen by the leader only, and for but a fraction of a second. It did not respond to the tape and remained on the thick-fogged slope. Striated Earthcreeper Geocerthia serrana Good views of this endemic at the Polylepis forest around Llanganuco. Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes Cinclodes taczanowskii This species was seen well at the Pucusana viewpoint. It is replaced by Chilean Seaside Cinclodes further south along the coast of Chile. The seaside cinclodes are the only passerines that obtain their food exclusively from a marine environment. A country endemic. Cream-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albiventris This bird is common at higher elevations. The albiventris group of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina, as well as the albidiventris group (Chestnut-winged Cinclodes) of the northern Andes were recently given full species status by the SACC. White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Two birds seen quite well along the Chonta canyon. Wren-like Rushbird Phleocryptes melanops Seen in the Puerto Viejo reeds. Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura pileata Another endemic seen well along the Chonta canyon and at Huascarán National Park, where we had the cajabambae subspecies. The nominate subspecies is seen in the Andes above Lima during our Central Peru tour. White-chinned Thistletail Schizoeaca fuliginosa This restricted-range species gave us brief views at the Calla-Calla viewpoint above Leymebamba. Here the endemic subspecies peruaviana. Great Spinetail Siptornopsis hypochondriaca A normally hard bird to find and show was found in less than one minute at the classic place above San Marcos. The group did not believe me when I said this bird may take a couple of hours to find, and as soon as I played the tape they showed up at a few meters in front our faces at eye level, where they displayed for several minutes. Simply amazing! A country endemic listed as Vulnerable. Necklaced Spinetail Synallaxis stictothorax Common at Bosque de Pómac. We also saw the subspecies S. s. chinchipensis briefly along the Seminario road above Jaén. This is named after the Chinchipe river, one of the Marañon tributaries. Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Common. One of the classic songs of the cloudforest. Russet-bellied Spinetail Synallaxis zimmeri A great bird and localized endemic. We had good views of one couple near Sinsicap after a steep hike. It is listed as Endangered. Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Seen well around LWO. Cinereous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis hypospodia We had brief views of this localized skulker at the Wakanki grasslands. Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis Seen at the Yacumama recreational center. Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata Seen in a mixed flock above Afluente. This species is listed as Vulnerable. Line-cheeked Spinetail Cranioleuca antisiensis We managed to have good views of this bird at the Porculla Pass. Unlike Synallaxis spinetails, members of this genus are typically arboreal, often favoring vine tangles in mid-storey and subcanopy.

Baron’s Spinetail Cranioleuca baroni Seen well at Llanganuco Lake and on the way to Cajamarca. Named after O. T. Baron (1847-1926), a German engineer, who lived in Peru. A country endemic. Cactus Canastero Pseudasthenes cactorum Seen at both Lomas de Lachay National Reserve and Cerro Campana. Another country endemic. Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata Seen above Leymebamba. Pale-tailed Canastero Asthenes huancavelicae We had one bird nicely at Pueblo Libre. Birds here belong to an undescribed, highly localized, and cinnamon-tailed subspecies. A country endemic. Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons peruvianus Common at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve and Wakanki. Ridgely and Greenfield (2001) suggest that the subspecies peruvianus deserves recognition as a different species, Marañon Thornbird. Chestnut-backed Thornbird Phacellodomus dorsalis Another one of the Marañon big five was seen at Hacienda Limón. A country endemic and listed as Vulnerable. Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger This bird was seen in a mixed flock at Las Palmas. Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Seen at Afluente. Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata This bird was seen briefly at Huembo. Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner Hylocryptus erythrocephalus Good views at Bosque de Frejolillo. This species is listed as Vulnerable. Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus Just a brief view along the Owlet trail at LWO. Point-tailed Palmcreeper Berlepschia rikeri A classic Amazon rainforest skulker! We had good views of one individual at the Yacumama recreational center. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Seen at Wakanki. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Good views at Abra Patricia. Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus Seen at Bosque de Pómac, Bosque de Frejolillo, and Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. Black-billed Treehunter (HG) Thripadectes melanorhynchys Heard at Afluente. Equatorial Greytail (HG) Xenerpestes singularis Heard at Afluente. Thamnophilidae Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus We had good views of this bird along the Chazuta road near Tarapoto. Chapman’s Antshrike Thamnophilus zarumae Excellent views of this restricted-range species at the Porculla Pass. Collared Antshrike Thamnophilus bernardi piurae Seen well at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. We also saw the subspecies T. b. shumbae at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. This is a distinctive subspecies, with a different song and specific plumage characteristics. A manuscript for a proposed split is currently being prepared. Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus Seen well at Afluente. The species is listed as Vulnerable. Plain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus One bird seen above Wakanki. Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus After a long search we managed to have decent views of one individual above Pomacochas. Here the subspecies jaczewskii.

Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens Common along the first meters of the Monkey trail at LWO. Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor Good views at the end of the Monkey trail at LWO. Northern Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus leucogaster leucogaster This bird was seen at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. It is very distinct, both morphologically and vocally, from the subspecies T. l. huallagae, which was seen along the Chazuta road. This subspecies was totally unknown until 10 years ago and truly deserve recognition as a different (endemic) species. White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota Good views of a skulking individual at Afluente. Stripe-chested Antwren Myrmotherula longicauda Seen above Wakanki. Rusty-backed Antwren Formicivora rufa A male and female were seen nicely at the Wakanki grassland. One of my favorite antbirds. Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris Seen at Aguas Verdes. This species is listed as Vulnerable. Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana Seen well at Wakanki. Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata A Chusquea bamboo specialist seen well at Abra Patricia. Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens Seen at Afluente and Wakanki. White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys Good views of a skulking pair along the Chazuta road near Tarapoto. Here the subspecies koenigorum, which shows more white on the face. Spot-winged Antbird Schistocichla leucostigma Good views along the main stream above Wakanki. Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird (H) Myrmeciza castanea This bird came so close, but unfortunately it kept in the bush and never showed up, and also did not respond to callback. Spot-backed Antbird Hypophylax naevius Brief views of one individual skulking and singing above Wakanki. Formicariidae Barred Antthrush (HG) Chamaeza mollissima Heard at LWO. Grallariidae Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla We managed to have brief views of one individual during our last morning at Chillo Lodge. Chestnut Antpitta Grallaria blakei One individual was seen well at the worm feeders at LWO lodge. A country endemic, which is listed as Near-threatened. Stripe-headed Antpitta Grallaria andicolus This was spotted by two of our participants at the Polylepis forest above Llanganuco Lake. Rusty-tinged Antpitta (HG) Grallaria przewalskii Heard at LWO. Endemic, listed as Vulnerable. Melanopareiidae Elegant Crescentchest Melanopareia elegans Seen well at Bosque de Frejolillo and the Porculla Pass.

Marañon Crescentchest Melanopareia maranonica Great but short looks of one bird responding well to the tape at the Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. It is listed as Near-threatened. Rhinocryptidae Unicolored Tapaculo Scytalopus unicolor This endemic was seen well above Cajamarca during our lunch stop. Northern White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus atratus Superb views of a fearless individual at Afluente. Ancash Tapaculo Scytalopus affinis This endemic was seen running quickly away from us above Llanganuco Lake. Rufous-vented Tapaculo (HG) Scytalopus femoralis Heard at LWO. Endemic. Tyrannidae Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus A nice encounter with this uncommon species below the Black Mud Pass on the way to Balsas. Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Seen at Wakanki. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis Seen at LWO. Peruvian Tyrannulet Zimmerius viridiflavus This bird was seen at both LWO and Afluente. It is vocally identical to those found in central Peru, and recently there has been considerable debate about whether it is indeed different from Golden-faced Tyrannulet. Considered a country endemic. Mishana Tyrannulet Zimmerius villajeroi Good views of this species around the Wakanki gardens. A species only recently described from the white sand (varillal) forest near Iquitos. A country endemic listed as Critically endangered. Pacific Elaenia Myiopagis subplacens Good views of one individual. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Seen at Wakanki and above Pedro Ruiz. Highland Elaenia Elaenia obscura Seen at Huembo. Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae Common around Abra Patricia. Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Seen along the Utcubamba River. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Seen at several locations. Grey-and-white Tyrannulet Pseudelaenia leucospodia Common at Bosque de Pómac. Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina We saw the nominate subspecies at Wakanki and in the Marañon valley. Tumbesian Tyrannulet Phaeomyias tumbezana Good views at the Porculla Pass and Bosque de Frejolillo. White-lored Tyrannulet Ornithion inerme A glimpse in the canopy at Wakanki. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus This was seen at the Yacumama recreational center. White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Nice views of several individuals in a mixed flock at Sunipampa and Las Palmas. White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Seen well at Las Palmas. Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor One bird was seen well at LWO. White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus Seen at Sunipampa. Many-colored Rush Tyrant Tachuris rubrigastra Nice looks of this little cracker in the Puerto Viejo reeds. Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus Seen well on the way to Balsas.

Black-crested Tit-Tyrant Anairetes nigrocristatus Seen at both Huascarán National Park and Cruz Chonta. Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes alpinus This was seen at the Polylepis forest above Llanganuco Lake. Now a country near-endemic, it was recently also found outside Peru in a remote small area of Bolivia. This is a Polylepis specialist, listed as Endangered, and is the logo of the Peruvian NGO ECOAN, which run several conservation projects in the Andes and also run the LWO lodge. Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotricus ruficeps After some hard work, we managed to have nice views of this little skulker at the top of the Monkey trail at LWO. Another Chusquea bamboo aficionado. Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Seen well at Afluente. Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus Common at several locations. Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis We had one individual at the beginning of the Monkey trail at LWO. Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus capitalis A very handsome flycatcher! We saw the male along the stream trail above Wakanki. Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus luluae This little endemic was seen nicely at the LWO lodge grounds. Named after Lulu May von Hagen for her support of research in avian genetics. The South America Checklist Committee have changed the English name for their list to Johnson’s Tody-Flycatcher in honor of its recently deceased describer, Ned. K. Johnson. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Common along the Seminario road and the Tarapoto area. Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus Only one bird was seen. Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus One individual along the stream trail at Wakanki. Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis An interesting species seen around LWO. Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Common around LWO and Kentipata. Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Seen on the west slope only. Tumbes Pewee Contopus punensis Good views at Bosque de Frejolillo. Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Seen at Abra Patricia. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Common on the west slope of the Andes. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Seen along the Utcubamba River on the way to Pedro Ruiz. Rufous-tailed Tyrant Knipolegus poecilurus Good views of one individual at the Royal Sunangel entrance, where this species is always seen. Short-tailed Field Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda One bird seen well at Bosque de Pómac. Spot-billed Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris One bird was seen on the way to Cajamarca. Dark-faced Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola maclovianus Good views of this austral migrant at Puerto Viejo. Cinereous Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola cinereus Seen around Lake Conococha.

Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus One seen outside Huaraz. White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis albicauda One bird was seen well in response to the tape at the usual spot on the way to Cajamarca. This species is listed as Vulnerable. Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant Polioxolmis rufipennis Good views of one individual along the pastures near Cruz Conga. Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor One seen at Cruz Conga. Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Seen below the Black Mud Pass. Piura Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca piurae This endemic was seen well at the bridge below Sinsicap. Named after the Piura department in northwest Peru. It is listed as Near-threatened. White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys Common along the Chonta canyon and on the way to Huaraz. Tumbes Tyrant Tumbezia salvini One of my favorite Northern Peru flycatchers! We had good views of one bird at Bosque de Pómac, and later another individual at Bosque de Frejolillo. A Peruvian endemic, it is listed as Near-threatened. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Seen at Wakanki. Baird’s Flycatcher Myiodynastes bairdii This bird was seen at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. A handsome flycatcher. Lemon-browed Flycatcher Conopias cinchoneti Good views of one bird at Afluente. This species is listed as Vulnerable. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Seen well at Wakanki. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Seen at several locations, including Jaén, Moyobamba, and Tarapoto. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Seen at Wakanki and the Yacumama recreational center. Sulphury Flycatcher Tyrannopsis sulphurea One bird seen at the Yacumama recreational center. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common. Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis One bird seen on the west slope of the Andes. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus One bird was seen well at Afluente. Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana A female was seen at Las Viñas. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus One bird was seen at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox One bird was seen at Wakanki. Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes One bird was seen at Abra Patricia. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer One bird was seen along the Utcubamba River. Sooty-crowned Flycatcher Myiarchus phaeocephalus One bird was seen at Bosque de Frejolillo. Rufous Flycatcher Myiarchus semirufus This smart Myiarchus was seen well at Bosque de Pómac. A country endemic, listed as Endangered, it is intimately associated with Prosopis woodlands. White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant (HG) Myiornis albiventris Heard at Wakanki. Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant (HG) Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer Heard at Wakanki.

Tityridae Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen at Aguas Verdes. Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus Seen at Afluente. Slaty Becard Pachyramphus spodiurus A female was seen at Bosque de Frejolillo. This species is listed as Endangered. Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Common around LWO. Cotingidae Peruvian Plantcutter Phytotoma raimondii Despite all our efforts we managed to see the female only, while the male kept elusive. Sadly, this was the first time in seven years running tours through Northern Peru that we could not find the male. A country endemic and listed as Endangered, it is known only from a few locations along the Northwest. Named after the 19th century Italian explorer, scientist, writer, and naturalist Antonio Raimondi Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii This handsome frugivore was seen nicely at LWO. Fiery-throated Fruiteater Pipreola chlorolepidota The smallest of all the fruiteaters, and one of the hardest to get, was seen well at the stream trail above Wakanki. Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus One of the birds of the trip for some of our guests! We managed to find a bright, colorful male at Afluente on the way back to Abra Patricia. One of us also had a view of a distant bird that flew below the Tarapoto tunnel. This is the national bird of Peru! Here the subspecies peruvianus. Pipridae Fiery-capped Manakin Machaeropterus pyrocephalus This cracker bird was seen well above Wakanki. Golden-headed Manakin Dixiphia erythrocephala A shadow of the female only below the Tarapoto tunnel. Vireonidae Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus This bird was seen at Afluente and along the Utcubamba River. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Seen at Abra Patricia. Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Seen at Abra Patricia. Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus Good views of one individual at Afluente. It is listed as Near-threatened. Corvidae Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus Common around Tarapoto. White-tailed Jay Cyanocorax mystacalis Good views at both Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas This species was seen along the Utcubamba River on the way to Pedro Ruiz. White-collared Jay Cianolyca viridicyanus One individual seen at Abra Patricia Lodge. Hirundinidae Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Seen on the way to Olmos. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Common. Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina Seen at the viewpoint of Calla-Calla above Leymebamba. White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Seen along the Huallaga River.

Tumbes Swallow Tachycineta stolzmanni This restricted-range species was seen well at Bosque de Pómac. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen along the Utcubamba and Huallaga Rivers. White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Seen along the Huallaga River. Troglodytidae Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Seen at the Yacumama recreational center. Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus Common at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys A noisy little fellow from the cloudforest understory. Bar-winged Wood Wren Henicorhina leucoptera This restricted-range species was seen at the Royal Sunangel trail. It is listed as Near-threatened. Chestnut-breasted Wren (H) Cyphorhinus thoracicus Unfortunately we only had the silhouette and shadows of this elusive skulker. Grey-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii One bird was seen in a mixed flock at Afluente. Superciliaried Wren Cantorchilus superciliaris Common at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. Speckle-breasted Wren Thryothorus sclateri One bird was seen briefly at Huembo. Sepia-brown Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens A restricted-range species. We had a nice party along the Monkey trail at LWO. House Wren Troglodytes aedon Common. Many authors, e.g., Hellmayr 1934, Pinto 1944, Phelps & Phelps 1950a, formerly treated Neotropical mainland populations as a separate species, T. musculus; see also Brumfield and Capparella (1996); this treatment was followed by Brewer (2001) and Kroodsma & Brewer (2005). The Falklands population, T. a. cobbi, might also be best treated as a separate species (Wood 1993), as was done by Brewer (2001), Mazar Barnett & Pearman (2001), Jaramillo (2003), and Kroodsma & Brewer (2005). Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis One of our guests found the first bird near the observation tower along the Monkey trail at LWO, and later everybody had a nice view of this cloudforest dweller. Coraya Wren (HG) Pheugopedius coraya Heard at Wakanki. Southern Nightingale-Wren (HG) Microcerculus marginatus Heard at Wakanki. Mimidae Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus Common on the western slope of the Andes and along the dry woodlands of the Marañon river. Polioptilidae Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Nice views at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. The subspecies maior of the Marañon Valley (treated as a separate species by Hellmayr 1934), which we saw at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve and at Balsas, and the bilineata group of northern South America and Middle America may each warrant species recognition, but a published analysis is lacking (Ridgely & Tudor 1989). Even within populations east of the Andes, vocal differences suggest that more than one species is involved (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001, Hilty 2003).

Turdidae Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides One of the classic songs of the cloudforest! We had one individual below Abra Patricia. Marañon Thrush Turdus maranonicus Nice views of one bird at Chillo Lodge. A restricted-range species. Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Common around Huaraz. Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Common at several locations. Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus Brief views one of bird at LWO. Plumbeous-backed Thrush Turdus reevei One bird was seen at Bosque de Frejolillo. White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis One bird was seen along the main stream above Wakanki. Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Common around Yacumama recreational center and Tarapoto. Hauxwell’s Thrush Turdus hauxwelli One bird was seen well at the Yacumama recreational center. This bird is named after John Hauxwell, an English ornithologist and collector, who married an indigenous woman, with whom he raised a family in the Amazon. His collection of avian specimens from the Ucayali and Huallaga rivers 1850-1870 is highly regarded.. White-eared Solitaire (HG) Entomodestes leucotis Heard at LWO. Cinclidae White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus One member of the group spotted the first dipper from the Aguas Verdes Bridge, and then we had another view along the Utcubamba River on the way to Chillo Lodge. Thraupidae Huallaga Tanager Ramphocelus melanogaster This endemic was seen well along the Yacumama trails and around Wakanki. Named for the Huallaga River, one of the most important Amazon River tributaries. Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Common in the eastern lowlands. Black-faced Tanager Schistochlamys melanopis A couple of birds were seen well at the Wakanki grasslands. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Seen on the way to Moyobamba and around the Tarapoto tunnel. Rufous-crested Tanager Creurgops verticalis Seen along the Owlet trail at LWO. Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis Seen at Abra Patricia. Here the subspecies berlepschi. Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris This was seen at Sunipampa. Here the subspecies insignis, which is all gray with a white supercilium.. Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata Seen at Las Palmas. Buff-bellied Tanager Thlylopsis inornata This near-endemic was seen well along the Utcubamba River and around Chillo Lodge. A restricted-range species. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus We saw a couple along the Utcubamba River on the way to Chillo Lodge. Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala Common around Abra Patricia. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis We saw few birds on the way to Cajamarca. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Common around the Yacumama recreational center.

Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Common. Here the eastern form with a white patch on the wing. Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Seen well Abra Patricia. Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris Seen well at Las Palmas. Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis We saw one bird below Abra Patricia. Yellow-scarfed Tanager Iridosornis reinhardti We suffered for about three hours due to miserable weather conditions (rain, cold wind and fog) at Las Palmas, but at the end we were reward with the view of at least three birds. This lovely endemic was one of the favorites for the group. Silver-backed Tanager Tangara viridicollis One bird at the Leymebamba hotel garden. Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Seen well below Abra Patricia. Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Common at Afluente. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen well at both Afluente and Wakanki. Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii This bird was common around Abra Patricia. Here the subspecies branickii. Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Common around Abra Patricia. Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix Seen at Afluente. Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Seen below Abra Patricia. Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis Seen at Afluente. Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis I think this bird should be renamed Blue-headed or Blue-hooded Tanager. It was common around Afluente and Wakanki. Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata Seen at Afluente. Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra Seen at Wakanki. Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Seen at Wakanki. Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Seen at Afluente, Yacumama and Wakanki. This colorful and lovely bird does not occurs in Chile at all! Another scientific misnomer. White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata We had great views of this rare bird below Abra Patricia. They never occur in mixed flocks with other tanagers and behave and sound more like jays! We need further research on this species. Today it is considered the largest member of the tanager family. The species is listed as Vulnerable. Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea One of my favorite tanagers! It was seen nicely at Afluente. Here the subspecies bourcierii. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen well at Wakanki. Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Seen at Wakanki. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Seen at Wakanki. Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata Seen at Afluente. Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons Seen well at Sunipampa. Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Giant Conebill Oreomanes fraseri One the classic birds of the Polylepis forest! We had great views around Llanganuco Lake. It is listed as Near-threatened. Tit-like Dacnis Xenodacnis parina Another Polylepis bird seen nicely around Llanganuco Lake. Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea This bird was common at Abra Patricia. The genus name means “double-tongued” – a reference to the fact that they have specialized tongues for feeding on nectar. White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Common at Abra Patricia.

Moustached Flowerpiercer Diglossa mystacalis One bird was seen at the Black Mud Pass. Here the subspecies unicincta. Black-throated Flowerpiercer Diglossa brunneiventris Seen around along the Chonta canyon. Great Inca Finch Incaspiza pulchra We had great views of this endemic at Cerro Campana. Since we visited some locations new to the trip, we were able to see the entire set of Inca Finches. The Incaspiza genus is a genus endemic to Peru. These are all the Inca Finches! Rufous-backed Inca Finch Incaspiza personata Perhaps the hardest to get of all the Inca Finches. We had a good view of one specimen of this endemic species above Huaylas. This bird is also found in the Huánuco department during our Central Peru tour. Little Inca Finch Incaspiza watkinsi Hard to get in the heat of the day, but after some trying we got it near the junction of the Bagua Chica road. Another Peruvian endemic, listed as Near-threatened. Buff-bridled Inca Finch Incaspiza laeta Nice views above Balsas. Another country endemic. Grey-winged Inca Finch Incaspiza ortizi Nice views at Hacienda Limón. A country endemic, listed as Vulnerable. Peruvian Sierra Finch Phrygilus punensis Seen around Llanganuco Lake. Mourning Sierra Finch Phrygilus fruticeti Seen along the drive from Barranca to Huaraz. Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Common at higher elevations. Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor Seen on the way to Cajamarca. Band-tailed Sierra Finch Phrygilus alaudinus Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. White-winged Diuca Finch Diuca speculigera Seen around Lake Conococha. Cinereous Finch Piezorhina cinerea Seen at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. A country endemic. Plain-tailed Warbling Finch Poospiza alticola A nice encounter with this lovely endemic at Huascarán National Park. The species is listed as Endangered. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Seen around Jaén. Greenish Yellow Finch Sicalis olivascens We had a small flock near Pueblo Libre. Bright-rumped Yellow Finch Sicalis uropygialis Seen at Lake Conococha. Grassland Yellow Finch Sicalis luteola Seen at the Puerto Viejo wetlands. Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Seen below Las Palmas. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Seen along the Chonta canyon. Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Seen at Jaén. Parrot-billed Seedeater Sporophila peruviana Seen at Bosque Frejolillo. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Common at Wakanki grasslands, where we saw the Amazon subspecies, and we also saw the subspecies V j. peruviensis along the coast. Dull-colored Grassquit Tiaris obscurus Seen at Hacienda Limón. Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa Seen at the Porculla Pass. Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris A female seen at the Moyobamba hotel grounds. Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis Seen at the Wakanki grasslands.

Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Seen along the Seminario road. Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris One bird seen at Afluente. Here the subspecies chrysogaster. Emberizidae Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Common at several locations. Tumbes Sparrow Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Good views of this range-restricted species at the lowest parts of Bosque de Frejolillo. Another bird named after the Tumbes department. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Seen at the stream trail above Wakanki. Black-capped Sparrow Arremon abeillei abeillei Good views of one bird at Bosque de Frejolillo. We also saw two birds of the subspecies A. a. nigriceps at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. By some authorities this is considered a different species, Marañon Sparrow. Grey-browed Brush Finch Arremon assimilis Seen briefly at LWO. Rufous-naped Brush Finch Atlapetes latinuchus Common around LWO and Huembo. The subspecies A. l. baroni was seen well on the way to Cajamarca. A very distinctive bird, it may deserve a split. Bay-crowned Brush Finch Atlapetes seebohmi This restricted-range species was seen at Sinsicap. White-headed Brush Finch Atlapetes albiceps This restricted-range species was seen at Bosque de Frejolillo. White-winged Brush Finch Atlapetes leucopterus Seen at the Porculla Pass. Rufous-eared Brush Finch Atlapetes rufigenis Nice views on this Polylepis specialist around Llanganuco Lake. A country endemic, listed as Near-threatened. Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis Common at Afluente. Genetic data indicate Chlorospingus to be in fact an emberizid (sparrow), with the AOU recently accepting this change. Ash-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis Nice view of one bird at Afluente. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus This bird was common around Abra Patricia. Cardinalidae Tooth-billed Tanager Piranga lutea One seen well along the Utcubamba River. IOC lists Piranga lutea as a split from P. hepatica (Ridgely & Greenfield 2001, Burns et al 2003). Meyer de Schauensee (1966) and Ridgely & Tudor (1989) proposed that this species probably consists of two or three separate species. Two of these occur in South America: nominate flava of southern and eastern South America, and the lutea group of the Andes region (and also Panama and Costa Rica). See Zimmer (1929) concerning earlier claims of sympatry between flava and lutea. <Burns (1998)> Ridgely & Greenfield (2001) treated the three groups as separate species. Haverschmidt and Mees (1994) treated the subspecies haemalea as a species separate from P. flava, based on habitat differences. Red-hooded Tanager Piranga rubriceps Great views of one bird near the top of the Monkey trail at LWO. Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Seen well at Wakanki.

White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera Seen at Afluente. Southern Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Seen along the Utcubamba River, Bosque de Pómac, and Huaraz, Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Seen at Wakanki. Black-cowled Saltator Saltator nigriceps Seen at the Porculla Pass. Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Seen along the Chonta canyon. Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Seen at Bosque de Pómac, here the subspecies inmaculatus, and the subspecies peruvianus at the Marañon valley. Coerebidae Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Common around Bosque de Pómac. Parulidae Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Seen at Afluente. Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Seen at Afluente. Spectacled Whitestart Myiorborus melanocephalus Seen at Abra Patricia. Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristatus Seen along the Chonta canyon. Three-banded Warbler Basileuterus trifasciatus Seen at the Porculla Pass. Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlopis coronata Seen at Abra Patricia and also heard at Sunipampa. Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Seen at Abra Patricia. Masked Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis Seen at Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. Icteridae Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Seen around Wakanki. Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Common below Afluente. Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus Seen briefly along the Chusquea bamboo of the Monkey trail at LWO. Southern Mountain Cacique Cacicus chrysonotus Seen at Sunipampa. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Common around Chiclayo city. Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi Seen on the way to Jaén. Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus Seen on the way to the Tarapoto tunnel. White-edged Oriole Icterus graceannae Seen at Bosque de Pómac and Bosque de Frejolillo. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Seen at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve. Peruvian Meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa Common along agricultural pastures on the way to Olmos. Fringillidae Thick-billed Siskin Carduelis crassirostris Only one bird was seen briefly at the Polylepis forest above Llanganuco Lake. Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica Common around agricultural areas. Olivaceous Siskin Carduelis olivacea Seen below Abra Patricia. Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Seen by one of the group above Balsas. Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Seen at Afluente. Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Seen at Gotas de Agua Private Reserve and Wakanki. White-lored Euphonia Euphonia chrysopasta Seen at El Afluente. Passeridae

House Sparrow Passer domesticus One seen on the way to Jaén. THE TOP 10 BIRDS OF THE TRIP 1. Marvelous Spatuletail 2. Long-whiskered Owlet 3. Yellow-scarfed Tanager 4. Yellow-faced Parrotlet 5. Chestnut Antpitta 6. White-winged Guan 7. Andean Cock-of-the-rock 8. Marañon Crescentchest 9. Cinnamon Screech Owl 10. Ancash Tapaculo

Cinnamon Screech Owl

Band-bellied Owl

Chestnut Antpitta

Pale-tailed Canastero

Peruvian Plantcutter

Peruvian Thick-knee

Marvelous Spatuletail

Hoatzin

Giant Conebill

Chapman’s Antshrike

Andean Tinamou

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