FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru II 2012

Field Guides Tour Report

Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru II 2012

Aug 4, 2012 to Apr 13, 2012

Jesse Fagan

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The magnificent Machu Picchu ruins provide one of the most spectacular birding backdrops imaginable! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

Our second offering this year was a great success albeit a bit different in bird abundance and variety. On the first trip there were few flowers or nectar resources, and we saw fewer hummingbirds as a result, this time around the flowers were in full bloom. Hummingbird numbers and variety were obviously much higher and it shows by our respectable 21 species seen. Hummer highlights included the awesome (and endemic) Bearded Mountaineer, White-tufted Sunbeam (also a Peruvian endemic), the hefty Sword-billed Hummingbird, and the elegant Green-tailed Trainbearer. Our birding highlights were many and included, but not limited to, duetting Inca Wrens, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, a cooperative Black-streaked Puffbird that posed for what seemed hours, a few female Andean Cocks-of-the Rock, Andean Motmot (recently split from Blue-crowned), and of course, that emblematic species for the Andes, Andean Condor. The condor made "bird of the trip" for the group, but tied with Green-tailed Trainbearer. Indeed, hummingbirds may have stolen the show!

Of course this trip is full of wonderful birds, but the ruins of Machu Picchu are a big draw as well. They were on a couple of folks "bucket list" and we spent a good bit of time walking up and down stairs, staring at incredibly precise cut blocks of stone, admiring the intelligent design of the place with relation to solstices and movements of stars, moon, and sun, and of course, walking more stairs! Ha ha ha. We were a bit sore afterwards, but happy to have experienced the ruins with Lucretia leading the way. Speaking of which, I can't thank Lucretia enough for her help with everything cultural, but she is a darn good birder as well. Also, thanks to such a friendly group and I hope to see you all again soon.

Hasta la proxima vez!

--Jesse Fagan (aka Motmot)

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

ANDEAN GOOSE (Chloephaga melanoptera) – We had a pair fly by at the pass (at nearly 14,500 feet!) and a group of four at Huaypo Lake on the way back to Cusco. This species is easily missed on tour.

TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Seen most days along the Urubamba River. How many did we count on our train ride to Aguas Calientes?

CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – A few at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Five were seen at Huacarpay lakes.

PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – Good looks around Huacarpay Lakes.

YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Also known as "Speckled" Teal, we saw them well at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes. Sort of similar to Yellow-billed Pintail, but they have darker heads.

RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Seen also at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes. Males have the super deep blue bills.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – This was a good tour for seeing this species. First on our train ride into Aguas Calientes (a single bird), then again on our walk in the Mandor Valley.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – A pair at Huacarpay Lakes.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Just one the entire trip.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Fairly common around Cusco and again on our drive from Ollantaytambo on the final day. Also, can be seen near the pass at Abra Malaga.

BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – Seen well just below the pass at Abra Malaga. A pair on two days (quite possibly the same pair).

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Some good views over the ridges while birding the west slope of Abra Malaga. A sure favorite for a few folks and a tie for bird of the trip (with GT Trainbearer)!

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – One at Huacarpay Lakes, a regular spot for this species.

CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – One was coarsing over the desert scrub along the edge of Huacarpay Lakes. Also seen over the marsh grass.

ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) – Seen or heard every day while birding at Aguas Calientes.

Several flashy Green-tailed Trainbearers, this male included, put on a nice show in the gardens of our Ollantaytambo hotel. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

VARIABLE HAWK (Buteo polyosoma) – The ones seen around Huacarpay Lakes would be Variable Hawks, and the birds we saw on our last day over the pass would technically (according to some authorities) be "Puna" Hawks. However, this split is still under discussion.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Good numbers at a few different spots. The juveniles can really throw you for a loop the first time you see them!

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Singles on a couple of different days.

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – Really interesting to see a pair bombing down the valley as we birded the Polylepis forest at the pass. Migrating or just a local pair? Hard to say.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – Seen very well at Huacarpay Lakes and at our last stop at the roadside marsh on the final day just before entering Cusco.

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.

SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – Seen a number of days, but very well on the east slope just over the pass around the open bogs and short grass.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Good numbers along the Urubamba river.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Every day of the tour.

SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Singles at different places including on the grounds of the hotel at Ollantaytambo.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – A few flew over us while birding in the forest behind hotel in Aguas Calientes.

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Fairly common in the dry lowlands like around Ollantaytambo.

BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – A few quick flybys of this species while birding at Huacarpay Lakes.

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Seen well on the grounds of our hotel at Aguas Calientes.

WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata) – Excellent looks near the compost piles behind the hotel at Aguas Calientes.

Psittacidae (Parrots)

MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) – The common parakeet at Aguas Calientes. Usually seen in large, raucous flocks.

SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Nice looks in the Mandor Valley and again at the hotel InkaTerra.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) [*]

Apodidae (Swifts)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – We had a ketling flock of roughly 20 birds.

WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – The swift seen flying around Aguas Calientes, sometimes very low over the Urubamba River.

ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Just one our train trip to Aguas Calientes.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – One was near the puffbird spot in the understory. Mandor Valley. Not an easy species to see on this tour.

GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Good numbers in the Mandor Valley. Usually this one is the more difficult to see. The more common one being Sparkling.

SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Good numbers all around Aguas Calientes.

AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – Really nice looks at a couple of males on the east slope of Abra Malaga.

SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – At least three were seen during our walk in the Mandor Valley.

LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) – A couple on our walk in the Mandor Valley. A sillhouette male can look very similar to a perched trainbearer. Females remarkeably like female Booted Racket-tail.

GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – Really nice looks at males and females on the grounds at our hotel in Ollantaytambo. A tie for bird of the trip (with Andean Condor)!

The endemic Bearded Mountaineer can be a tricky bird to find on this itinerary, but we lucked into a lone cooperative bird, again on the hotel grounds at Ollantaytambo. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

BEARDED MOUNTAINEER (Oreonympha nobilis) – Endemic to Peru and a really sharp looking bird. We had excellent looks at a single bird on the grounds at our hotel in Ollantaytambo. [E]

TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – A couple of females on the east slope of Abra.

SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (COPPERY-NAPED) (Eriocnemis luciani sapphiropygia) – Nice looks at three different individuals at a roadside flowering patch on the east slope of Abra. Not seen every year.

WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – Endemic to Peru and we really had nice looks at this species low down on the west slope of Abra. Our first stop near Penas. [E]

COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – Nice looks around the Heliconia on the hotel grounds at Aguas Calientes. This is a quite distinctive looking subspecies of Collared Inca.

VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – A pair on the east slope of Abra Malaga. Their rufous tails are usually pretty obvious in flight.

SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – Great to find a perched female that we scoped nicely. Still hard to believe the size of that bill!

GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – Really nice looks at a male that was being bothered by a sun-angel.

CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The regular (and dominant) hummingbird at the hotel feeders in Aguas.

BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Two females during our walk in the Mandor Valley.

GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – Singles at a few different places on our tour. Not seen on the first tour, which really demonstrates how flower abundances (nectar resources) affect hummingbird distributions. Overall, we had a much better hummingbird show in comparison with the first tour, but again, we had more flowers this trip.

WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – One in the Mandor Valley. These guys fly like little bees.

WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – This species looks very similar to the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird. They were common on the grounds at Ollantaytambo, preferring drier semi-arid and more open habitats.

GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – Very common in the Inga trees around Aguas Calientes. [E]

Momotidae (Motmots)

ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Good looks while on walks in the forest at Aguas Calientes.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – Very close and intimate looks (including with the scope) while birding the Mandor Valley.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – A pair gave us fits while flying back and forth over our heads. Mandor Valley.

GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – One nice female on the hotel grounds Inkaterra.

ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Several were around the pass at Abra Malaga.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – This is the common Cinclodes around Abra Malaga. We saw a number during our three days here.

WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – At least four were on the river Urubamba near the train station at Ollantaytambo. Probably nesting here.

WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) [*]

TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – A Polylepis specialist that we saw well above the pass.

WHITE-BROWED TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura xenothorax) – We had great studies of this species in the Polylepis. Endemic to Peru. [E]

AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – This species is fairly common in the highland scrub. We heard them quite a bit, seeing them was a bit more difficult.

MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – Really nice looks at this species on the east slope. Cranioleuca are arboreal spinetails unlike the previous species that tends to stick to the undergrowth. [E]

CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – Excellent looks near Penas. This species can be easily missed. Endemic to Peru. [E]

LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – Seen pretty well just over the pass; though some people could have used a better look. We saw it again while birding the Polylepis forest, sneaking through the bunch grass.

STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – Fairly common in the barren rocky areas around Abra Malaga. I believe the calls of this population are different from those in Bolivia. More work to be done.

PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) [*]

RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – Seen at Huacarpay Lakes, but better at Penas up on the slope. Endemic. [E]

The endemic Marcapata Spinetail, one of the specialties of the humid east slope of Abra Malaga. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – A pair were in one of the mixed-species flocks we had on the east slope.

STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Fairly common in the humid sub-tropical forest around Aguas Calientes. We saw several on all days.

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A male popped right up for us during our walk in the Mandor Valley.

Grallariidae (Antpittas)

STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Seen nicely on the west slope of Abra Malaga down near Maxima's house. Also up high within the Polylepis.

RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)

TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]

PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – Wonderful studies of this little black avi-mouse just on the edge of the road and in the open. A rare opportunity to study a tapaculo.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – A pair were seen on the east slope of AM.

WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Fairly common on the east slope of AM. The white throat really stands out.

ASH-BREASTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes alpinus) – This was one we had in the Polylepis forest. One of our target birds that we managed to see pretty well.

YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) – Near Maxima's house we had a flock of 3 or 4 individuals working below us. Not seen every tour.

UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes agraphia) – At least 10 were seen on the east slope. An important and local Peruvian endemic. [E]

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) [*]

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – This is the dominant wintering elaenia on this tour, but can be confused with Small-billed (which we don't normally see, but is a possibility). We saw several that I was sure about, a few others that I wasn't so confident about.

HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura obscura) – One for sure on the east slope with a mixed-species flock.

SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – We had two above the hotel at Aguas Calientes, and another pair that confirmed their identification by calling for us while we birded way down on the east slope of Abra. I initially thought one of these birds could be a White-crested, but it's call was undeniable.

TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – A few along the Urubamba.

MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – One of the more common tyrannulets encountered at Aguas Calientes (at least by voice!). Studied well.

SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – This one has a fairly local distribution, but thankfully it is common at Aguas Calientes and around the hotel grounds where we stay.

ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Heard in the Mandor Valley, but seen behind the hotel at Aguas Calientes.

MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – A sharp looking species that we saw pretty well at Huacarpay Lakes. It would never stay put for very long, however.

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – A few were seen in the Aguas Calientes area.

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – Very different sounding from northern populations. Indeed, this species will eventually be broken up into several, I imagine. We had a pair in the Mandor Valley.

CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Singles were seen in the Mandor Valley and again on the east slope.

SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Mainly heard "pip pip pip" but seen along the hotel trail a few times at Aguas Calientes.

BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Most days along the Urubamba.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus) – A couple were around the ruins entrance.

LITTLE GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis) – A lifer for Jesse. A nice find along the sandy river edge in the Mandor Valley.

SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris) – This ground-tyrant was in the barren agricultural fields at Huacarypay Lakes.

TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – The larger ground-tyrant with the more prominent eye-line at the pass.

CINEREOUS GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola cinereus) – Also found at the pass, but smaller and lacking the eye-line of the previous species.

RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – Nice studies were had of this species in the agricultural field at Huacarpay Lakes. It was hanging out with the Spot-billed, but was much larger in size. The rufous nape really stood out.

WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – Another good one to see that we don't often get on tour. We had one in the scope down below us on the west slope of Abra. Most of the ground-tyrants are austral migrants (including this one), but a few do breed at AM.

CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (KALINOWSKI'S) (Ochthoeca frontalis spodionota) – An excellent spot as we lunched near the bus. It foraged in the shadows, but most people got good looks. Missed on most tours.

Another endemic of the east slope humid forest, the confiding Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant can sometimes be seen in the same mixed flocks as the Marcapata Spinetail above. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Common on the east slope.

BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – Seen on the drier west slope and in the Polylepis.

WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – A couple seen at Huacarpay Lakes.

GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Several around the hotel at Aguas Calientes.

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Common in the Aguas Calientes.

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Seen well on the drier west slope, but just singles. We had one at Maxima's house.

ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – A couple of nice females seen in the Mandor Valley and behind our hotel at Aguas Calientes. In general, they were tough to find this year.

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – One female was seen in the Mandor Valley.

Vireonidae (Vireos)

BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – A few were at Aguas Calientes. Resembles a Warbling Vireo, indeed it was once lumped with that species.

RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – This is the subspecies we saw at Aguas Calientes with a colder appearance than migratory northern populations, plus it had dark irides.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – The common swallow at low to mid-elevations. Ocassionally they get up higher and mix with the Brown-bellied Swallows.

BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – This was the species with the darker underparts that was seen at higher elevations.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) – Really nice looks on our first day birding the east slope. Endemic. [E]

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Seen or heard most days including the youngster learning to sing at InkaTerra. He was sounding a lot like a Black-throated Green Warbler!

MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – We saw a couple of these tiny Winter Wren-like birds while birding the east slope.

GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Around Aguas Calientes.

Cinclidae (Dippers)

WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Nice looks and fairly common along the Urubamba.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – We had great studies of a couple of different birds, but our first was in the Mandor Valley.

WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – Fantastic looks at a pair in the scope as we were starting our walk in the Mandor Valley.

GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – This was the large thrush seen well on the drier west slope of Abra Malaga. They are found at higher elevations than the next species.

CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Nearly every day. The common thrush on this tour.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – We finally found a pair in the paramo just over the pass. Pretty good looks as well in the scope. This one can be difficult.

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common, and quite vocal, around the hotel gounds at Aguas Calientes.

CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – Three were seen in a mixed-species flock on the east slope of Abra Malaga. Similar to Pale-legged which we didn't see.

RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronatus) – Seen in a few different places around Aguas Calientes.

SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Also common around Aguas Calientes. In South America birds have yellow underparts unlike northern populations that have red (Mexico) and orange (Guatemala) underparts.

SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – A sharp looking bird that we saw a few different times around Aguas Calientes.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

SLATY TANAGER (Creurgops dentatus) – A pair were seen on the day we visited the Mandor Valley.

OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – A responsive group was seen well, at close range during our day at Mandor. Fairly drab overall, and the name doesn't help it any.

THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus trifasciatus) – A species that we often miss. We had one foraging in the canopy (thankfully at eye-level for us from the road) on the east slope of Abra.

RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – Not many, but singles at Aguas Calientes and again on east slope of Abra.

CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – One was in the garden at our hotel in Ollantaytambo.

CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – At least four were in the Mandor Valley and another on the grounds of our hotel. Females are much different (and drabber) looking than the males. The subspecies we saw on this tour was sordidum, which is much darker overall.

WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – Just one while on the east slope at our first stop in the big mixed-species flock. It wasn't around long.

TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – Singles on both the east and west slope of Abra Malaga.

PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – We had two at our first stop on the east slope. They were foraging low in the bamboo, but didn't stick around long.

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – One female in the Mandor Valley. Obvious by her silver beak.

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – A regular visitor to the feeders at InkaTerra. The S.A. populations have nice white edging to the wing coverts.

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Another visitor to the feeders at InkaTerra.

BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Superficially similar to the next species, however, much more difficult to observe on this tour. We saw three!

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis) – Seen most days. Fairly common in a variety of habitats.

SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – This striking species is thankfully fairly common on the humid east slope. We had ten or so individuals.

CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Delothraupis castaneoventris) – A good one to find. We had one on the east slope foraging low way up on the ridge. Not great looks but diagnostic.

GOLDEN-COLLARED TANAGER (Iridosornis jelskii) – A very good bird! We had one foraging low way up on the ridge with the previous species. Seen on maybe 25% of trips.

SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Regular, but not numerous, at the InkaTerra feeders.

GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – One or two around the InkaTerra feeders. This one was probably the rarer of the Tangara tanagers to see.

BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Beautiful bird and thankfully a regular to the InkaTerra feeders.

SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Common at the InkaTerra feeders.

GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – A bird of semi-arid country. We saw it around the Ollantaytambo hotel and again on the west slope of Abra Malaga.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)

PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Thankfully in good numbers on the west slope. Can be difficult to track this one down some years.

PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – We had side-by-side comparison with this species and the next at Maxima's house. Plumbeous being larger and lacking the facial markings of Ash-breasted.

ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus)

WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – Four were seen close to our van on the west slope. Nice spotting by Lucretia.

CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – A Peruvian endemic that we saw well and in good numbers, at least 8 different birds, on the west slope of AM. [E]

BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Fairly common on the tour, but often ignored. We did study them on our first day at Huacarpay Lakes when they were still new for us. :-)

PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – A few times around Abra Malaga. Seen well at Maxima's house. Females are difficult to separate from Paramo Seedeater, but Plain-colored is paler and streakier below.

DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – A few in the Mandor Valley.

MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – A singing pair were studied nicely on the east slope. Not heard or seen on the first tour a few weeks before. This would again seem to make sense since there were more nectar resources this trip.

BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – Fairly common in several different places including the hotel grounds in Ollantaytambo.

RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – The most common flowerpiercer seen on the tour.

MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Several around the Huacarpay Lakes area.

GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – We had three at the Huacarpay Lakes area. Separated from the other yellow-finch possibilities for their lightly streaked backs and duller (more olive) appearance.

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – Two were seen very well on our day in the Mandor Valley.

TRICOLORED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes tricolor) – One was at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Seen or heard most days.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) – Several were coming into the feeders at InkaTerra. There has been talk of splitting this S.A. population. It sounds a bit different and prefers more humid forest than northern populations.

BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Seen most days around Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – Common in the marsh areas we visited on the tour.

DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Regular around the hotel grounds at InkaTerra.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)

THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Loads of females and immatures at the InkaTerra feeders. A few adult males were around too. The only euphonia possibility on this tour with completely yellow throats.

BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – We had super luck have this so nicely at the InkaTerra feeders. Can easily be missed.

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Good numbers most days. The common siskin on this tour. Found in a variety of habitat types.

BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – Seen on the hotel grounds at InkaTerra. Some of the individuals looked incredibly black. Is this age or sex related? There is a Black Agouti species which is much darker than Brown, but I need to see if they occur in the Aguas Calientes area (?).

NORTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum) – We had great looks at this odd mammal in the ruins at Machu Picchu.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 182 bird taxa and 2 mammal taxa