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Bearded Mountaineer: a lovely Peruvian endemic, and we had some fantastic views! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
I love this tour for many reasons: the birds, the scenery, the amazing Peruvian culture and cuisine. We had another great tour in 2014--it was our best year yet for birds, and we broke the 200 barrier, which I hadn't done before. Highlights included a wonderful Lyre-tailed Nightjar perched long the Urubamba River, a croaking Blue-banded Toucanet in the Mandor Valley, the really cute Yungas Pygmy-Owl with all the birds mobbing it, the Streak-headed Antpitta hopping alongside the road (!), and of course, the winner, Golden-headed Quetzal. We hadn't seen quetzal in a number of years on this tour, but what to make of one perched on a log in the middle of a stream?! We also had fun popping "roofies" most days.
You probably will not forget (I hope) your visit to Machu Picchu, or a long walk in the Mandor Valley, a visit to Maxima's house and eating her potatoes, or your hike up to the Polylepis with Veronica as a backdrop. That ridge and the quiet valley behind is a place I love to go back to. I guess I will have to wait another year for my Spectacled Bear. Sigh. ;-)
Thanks again to Carlos, our driver, and, Lucretia, for all her expertise. Always fun to work with them. And thanks to all of you who came along! Until we cross paths again...good birding.
Jesse Fagan, aka Motmot (from Lima, Peru)
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
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
ANDEAN GOOSE (Chloephaga melanoptera) – A pair in the dry valley below Abra were our first. We had a few more up near the pass.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – We counted 24 on our train ride to Aguas Calientes!
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – A pair was at Huaypo Lake.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Our first were on Huacarpay Lake near Cusco, but also again on our drive back on the final day.
PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) – A nice looking duck with a bright blue bill. We saw them at both Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) – Formerly called Speckled Teal. Seen in several different places and it was the most common duck in the shallow pools below Abra.
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Not many, but a few on Huaypo Lake. This is a resident subspecies; the males with blackish heads and bright aqua blue bills.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Just one, which was a surprise. Probably more of a surprise was where we saw it: waiting in the congested line to enter Machu Picchu!
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) – Kim spotted a pair on Huaypo (which she was happy about!), but a few others were tucked against the tall cattails.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
This Yungas Pygmy-Owl allowed us some extended great looks. It's a split from the old Andean Pygmy-Owl complex. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – We scoped one downstream during our walk in the Mandor Valley.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – A flyby on Huacarpay Lake.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Just one in flight along the edge of Huacarpay Lake.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – A little confusion on this one. We did see one flyby while scanning Huacarpay Lake, right? ;-)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) – Lots along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley.
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – We had several in the scope at various times. Their odd honking call (very similar to geese) was heard a few times as they flew through the valley.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) – A pair were hunting over the marsh at Huacarpay Lake.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – A dark morph was seen at Huacarpay Lake. We also had "Puna Hawk" near the pass a few times.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – A lovely adult flew low over us at Huacarpay Lake.
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – A juvenile was soaring well above us against the high ridge at Aguas Calientes. Better views desired, I think.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) – They cooperated at Huacarpay and again at the small marsh stop on our way back to Cusco.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Seen at most wetland sites we visited.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Seen at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – I was amazed to see at least 100 individuals at the larger pond below the pass. Migrants no doubt.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER (Calidris melanotos) – A single migrant in the shallow pond below Abra Malaga was a first for the tour.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – Lots around the Urubamba, but several in breeding plumage (with dark hoods) were up at the pass.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Yep. Every day.
SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) – Sort of like a White-winged Dove in flight; the white crescents in flight are really obvious. Seen around Ollantaytambo.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – On the rocky slopes of Huacarpay Lake.
BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) – One was scoped perched on a rock at Huacarpay Lake.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Fairly common in the understory around the hotel in Aguas Calientes. Also numerous along the tracks in the Mandor Valley.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata) – Nice looks at responsive bird near the compost pit at Inkaterra.
Strigidae (Owls)
YUNGAS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium bolivianum) – One of my favorites. We really worked at finding a close vocal bird. Thanks to Kim (again!) for spotting it. We walked away from it. Incredible. A split from the "Andean" Pygmy-Owl complex.
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – Wow. One of my best looks. It was pure satisfaction to head back out after dinner and find this bird. Nice perched views and in flight. That tail!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Nice looks at several soaring at eye-level on the east slope of Abra.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) – The swift seen around Aguas Calientes over the more humid forest.
ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) – Lucretia spotted these in the Sacred Valley as we were leaving Ollantaytambo.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) – Lots around the Inga trees in Aguas Calientes.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Slightly more common than the previous species owing to its preference for higher elevations and drier habitat.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – One was buzzing around the Yungas Pygmy-Owl. It eventually perched for nice scope views.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – One at the feeder on the Inkaterra grounds was a surprise.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) – Singles on the grounds at Inkaterra. Not many around, however.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – It was fun chasing down the male on the grounds of our hotel in Ollantaytambo. It paid off!
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – Just a quickly flyby while we birded the Polylepis forest. BVD.
Shining Sunbeam (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina smaragdinicollis) – One or two on the drier west slope, but more common on the east slope.
SCALED METALTAIL (Metallura aeneocauda) – A bird I hadn't seen in many years. We had a singing young (?) male that gave us very nice looks. Veronica framed him nicely in the background.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis caumatonota) – The subspecies we saw near Maxima's house is quite distinctive looking. A good bird to find on this tour.
WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) – The endemic that we waited in the freezing morning temps to finally see. It was worth it. [E]
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – A nice surprise to find in the Mandor Valley.
COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) – A really cool looking subspecies that we saw nicely on the grounds at Inkaterra.
VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) – A pair were attacking the Yungas PO. Their tawny tails flashing all the time.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – Several near Penas.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – Common on the grounds at Inkaterra, carefully garding the feeders.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – A couple of splendid males seen around Inkaterra.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – One on the grounds of our hotel in Ollantaytambo gave good looks. Flies like a bat to my eyes.
WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) – These were common around the hotel in Ollantaytambo. This species is very similar to the next one, but prefers drier habitat.
GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) – Very common and vocal in the Inga trees around Aguas Calientes and in the Mandor Valley. [E]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – This species had not been seen on tour in a number of years. We had at least two males on our walk up through the botanical gardens.
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – A few in the Mandor Valley, but also on the train ride.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) – Another nice surprise in the Mandor Valley. This species is seen very infrequently on this tour.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) – Finally caught up with this species on the grounds of the Inkaterra hotel, but it was heard a few times in the Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A sharp looking woodpecker that Rus spotted on the grounds of the Inkaterra. It had a cavity in one of the telephone polls. Populations in South America look really different from Middle American birds; they also sound different!
ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) – Well, I don't know what to say. Post-breeding dispersal? We saw lots of breeding cavities and Lucretia said there were hundreds a month and a half before our trip. We did hear one and saw it in flight, but it was our only one!
The Veronica massif at the pass at Abra Malaga, with Polylepis habitat below (Photo by participant Cathy Ramsey)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – Common on the west slope of Abra Malaga.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – A few in the Sacred Valley on our drive.
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) – A beautiful bird. We had one perched on the ground just down on the east slope from the pass.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – A pair were over the high cliffs above the Urubamba. The differences in size between male and female was quite obvious.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) – Lots around Aguas Calientes.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (PLUM-CROWNED) (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) – Good looks on the grounds of Inkaterra.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
VARIABLE ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus caerulescens) – A male came in close at the campground clearing above Inkaterra.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) – Great looks at a bird that crossed the road several times in flight. It nearly walked (or hopped!) across the road! It is always surprising to see a tapaculo in that high-elevation grassland habitat.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*]
PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) – Stellar views in the scope! Sitting on the mossy log "singing" his heart out.
DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) – Another cooperative tapaculo that showed very well for us.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Good numbers in the humid forest around Aguas Calientes.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Good to catch up with this species way down on the east slope of Abra. Not seen on most tours.
WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) – Very good looks at a coopartive bird that foraged on the water's surface just below us.
CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) – Common at Abra Malaga.
WHITE-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes atacamensis) – Singles on the Urubamba and again below Abra Malaga.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – Several were around in the mixed-species flocks on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
TAWNY TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura yanacensis) – Seen in the Polylepis on our final day.
Yellow-billed Teal (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) [*]
LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) – Great looks in the scrubby paramo on the east slope of Abra.
JUNIN CANASTERO (Asthenes virgata) – This endemic was seen in the dry puna on the west slope. Excellent views. [E]
STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – Also seen with the Junin Canastero; same puna grassland.
STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) – A pair was quite responsive and came in close. This species prefers the very short grass with scattered boulders and rocks.
PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) – We worked at it, but finally had several show well.
RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) – This endemic was seen at Huacarpay and again near Penas. [E]
MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) – Struggled to get good looks, despite hearing several. I think we eventually got everyone caught up on this endemic. [E]
CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) – A beautiful bird to my eye. Seen well at Penas. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – One of the birds seen well during our ruins walk at Machu Picchu.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – Maggie spotted this small flycatcher in the big flock below San Luis on the east slope.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Common on the east slope.
ASH-BREASTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes alpinus) – Seen in the Polylepis on the final day. The gray bird with white in the tail!
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – A cute looking flycatcher seen near Maxima's house. Quite vocal and responsive.
UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agraphia) – This endemic was seen well on the east slope. One was sitting very still enjoying the warmth of the dawn's rays. Like us! [E]
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – Seen on the grounds of Inkaterra.
Machu Picchu on a misty morning (Photo by participant Cathy Ramsey)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Sue spotted one for us while birding on the heli-pad at Inkaterra.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Fairly common along the Urubamba.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Seen on the east slope of Abra in the mixed-species flock. Maybe Kathy only?
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – One was in the forest at Mandor Valley.
MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) – Several in the Aguas Calientes area.
SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) – Around the hotel grounds at Inkaterra and again in the Mandor Valley. A canopy tyrannulet that is tough to see well.
MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) – Wonderful looks in the marsh at Huacarpay.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – In the big Inga tree near the pool at Inkaterra.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) – A future split. Sounds nothing like Middle American birds and looks a little different too. Seen well in the Mandor Valley and again on the grounds at Inkaterra.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Several on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – B-O-R-I-N-G. ;-)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Seen nicely perched in the open from the helipad.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) – Lots along the Urubamba.
ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas) – A pair were distant, but seen well enough along the marsh grass at Huacarpay.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus) – Several females were around the ruins at Machu Picchu.
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris) – Several in the plowed feels at Huacarpay.
TACZANOWSKI'S GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola griseus) – One just below the ridge as we walked up to the Polylepis.
RUFOUS-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola rufivertex) – Lots in the plowed fields at Huacarpay.
WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) – Only the second time I have had this on tour. Maggie spotted one way down in the valley on the west slope of Abra. Nice.
WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis albicauda) – A really good bird. Pretty rare in range and distribution not well known. I wonder if the unsettled weather had anything to do with this guy showing up? Seen on the ridge above the Polylepis on our final day.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – Pretty common on the edge down on the east slope. We also had a couple near Maxima's house on the drier side.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – Seen on the drier side near Maxima's house.
WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) – A few around Huacarpay Lake.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Along the river in the Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Seen well in the humid forest around Aguas Calientes.
Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
MASKED FRUITEATER (Pipreola pulchra) – Excellent! Finally caught up with this endemic on our return walk in the Mandor Valley. [E]
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Several on the east slope.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Always a special bird to see. We saw several males in the Mandor Valley and again on the grounds at Inkaterra.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Aguas Calientes and again with the mixed-species flock on the east slope. A flock leader!
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Fairly common in the humid forest around Aguas Calientes.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – This dark-eyed Red-eyed Vireo was seen a few times around Aguas Calientes.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – A striking bird that we saw well in the botanical gardens.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Around Aguas Calientes and in the Sacred Valley. This species occurs in the lowlands up to 3800 meters or so.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – Replaces Blue-and-white Swallow at the highest elevations. Seen along the Urubamba and again up at the pass.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Common. Seen (or heard) everyday.
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – This cute little guy was singing his head off.
INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) – Seen well at the ruins and again on the east slope. [E]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Pretty good views in the Mandor Valley.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Good numbers along the Ururbamba.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Fantastic looks in the scope as we walked to Mandor Valley. More were heard around Aguas Calientes.
WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) – Incredible to see this species on the ground within the ruins site. We saw another in the Mandor Valley.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Good numbers below Abra Malaga. The females are tough to tell from the next species, which is more common in the lowlands.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Pretty much everday, including in the Mandor Valley which was a little bit of a surprise.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Lots around Aguas Calientes.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – Nice to find this understory species at the botanical gardens. It didn't want to show itself very much.
Blue-banded Toucanet (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – Good numbers in the Mandor Valley.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – One of the more common warblers in the Aguas Calientes area.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Not as common as the previous. We saw several, however, in the Mandor Valley.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SLATY TANAGER (Creurgops dentatus) – Nice looks at a male along the tracks in the Mandor Valley.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) – Rather skulky, but we had a pair with a mixed-species flock on our way back from the Mandor Valley.
DRAB HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus xanthophthalmus) – We don't see this often on tour, so it was nice to catch up with three individuals in the flock below San Luis.
THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus trifasciatus) – A few within flocks on the east slope of Abra Malaga.
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata) – One was described that fits this bird very well.
RUST-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thlypopsis ruficeps) – Just one as we waited in line to enter Machu Picchu.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – A trio at the entrance to the botanical gardens. Missed by a few who were in the bathroom!
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Rather common on the east slope, which is fine because it is so pleasant looking.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia castaneoventris) – A couple seen in the mixed flocks on the east slope. Seen about 50% of the time on tour.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TANAGER (Iridosornis jelskii) – One of the bigger surprises for me this tour was seeing this species. Rare and rather difficult to see. Nice work team.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – Another rather rare one to find is this species. We had two individuals on the east slope.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Widespread and seen most everyday.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – Numerous in the Aguas Calientes area. The South American populations have white in the wing.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – A few at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Somewhat similar to a male Blue-and-yellow Tanager. Seen on the humid east slope.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – At the Inkaterra feeders.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) – Lots (both males and females) at the Inkaterra feeders.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Good numbers at the Inkaterra feeders and again in the Inga trees in the Mandor Valley.
View from Machu Picchu down to the Urubamba River far below (Photo by participant Cathy Ramsey)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – This lovely tanager was thankfully a regular visitor to the feeders at Inkaterra.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – One was scoped while we birded from the helipad at Inkaterra.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – Around in the drier habitat.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor) – Good numbers in the mixed-species flocks on the east slope.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) – Arond Aguas Calientes in the humid forest. Females are quite different looking from males.
WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) – A couple on the east slope including one foraging at our feet. One of my favorites.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – Seen near Maxima's house (that bright blue bird!) and again on the east slope.
MOUSTACHED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa mystacalis) – One was very responsive to us as we birded on the upper east slope.
BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) – Around the Manu entrance road and again on the grounds of our hotel at Ollantaytambo.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – The most common flowerpiercer seen on this tour. Good numbers in most places.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Fairly common around Abra Malaga.
PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) – Several around Maxima's house.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – The most common sierra-finch on the west slope of Abra Malaga.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – A few around Maxima's house and in the big valley. Slightly less common than the previous species.
WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) – Duke-Duke-Duke--Duica Finch-Finch-Finch...
CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) – Good numbers of this endemic around Maxima's house. [E]
BRIGHT-RUMPED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis uropygialis) – At least 50 or so in a flock in the big dry valley below Abra Malaga. Not seen on many tours.
GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) – Around 10 were seen along the dry scrubby slope at Huacarpay Lake.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Good numbers around in the dry habitat.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – One juvenile on the paramo below Abra Malaga.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – On our walk to Mandor Valley.
GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) – Around the hotel in Ollantaytambo, but again near Maxima's house and on the west slope of Abra.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
Bronzy Inca (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon assimilis) – Seen by Cathy and Lucretia while hanging back near the bus on the east slope. Sometimes a little personal time pays off! ;-)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – We had way too many "roofies" on this tour. Sue will need to go into rehab, I believe.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – Exciting for me was finding this new species for the tour during our pleasant walk in the botanical gardens.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) – Lots on the hotel grounds at Ollantaytambo.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) – In the cattails at Huacarpay and Huaypo lakes.
DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) – Nesting along the Urubamba, but also at the Inkaterra feeders.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – What's this female looking yellowish green bird? Oh, just another Thick-billed Euphonia!
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – We had to wait around, but finally caught up with this sharp-looking bird at the Inkaterra feeders. A regular visitor here.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Lots around at various places. The common siskin on this tour.
MAMMALS
BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) – One on the grounds of Inkaterra.
NORTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum) – One sunning him(her)self on the ruins at Machu Picchu. Cute.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 205 bird taxa and 2 mammal taxa