Birding
the Americas Trip Report
and Planning Repository
Return to the Main
Index
Return to the South
America Index
Return to the Peru
Index
PERU - CENTRAL AREA
18-28 March 2005
by David Beadle
Introduction:
This trip was set up for Luke Fazio and myself at very short notice by Gunnar Engblom of Kolibri Expeditions. We devised a rather ambitious itinerary and Gunnar basically made it a reality! In retrospect we certainly tried to fit too much in and rather predictably missed a few key species since we couldn't be everywhere in the early morning. However it was fun to try this circuit and we did see some fabulous birds, including many that were on our personal much-wanted lists. We were joined by Tim Perkins and Rolf Gäfvert for several days and we would like to thank them both for their good spirit and fun times in the field.
We owe a great deal of thanks to our valiant driver Julio Benitez who never wavered or complained about driving long hours on bad and even hazardous roads…if one can indeed call them roads! Cheers Julio, hope to see you again soon. Also Juan Liziola drove us on equally bad roads for the first three days, even though he was suffering terribly from the affects of altitude sickness. Thanks Juan. Finally, we owe a great debt of gratitude to Gunnar for orchestrating the whole trip and for giving freely his immense knowledge of Peruvian birds. I for one certainly look forward to returning in the not too distant future.
Itinerary
and diary:
17 March - Depart Toronto for Lima via Miami. Night spent in Lima.
18 March - Early start to reach desired Warbling-Finch spot on Santa Eulalia Road. No luck after extensive search so motor upwards to the White-cheeked Cotinga site. After some time LF spots one but DB dips! Long drive in the rain to Jauja via La Oroya. Juan, our driver, and DB suffer the effects of altitude sickness.
19 March - An early start to reach Punto by mid morning. Breakfast with Milpo Tapaculos! Birded the shining path between Punto and Otuto but failed to see the much- wanted Black-spectacled Brush-Finch… but we did see the "new" thryothorus wren and one or two surprise birds. Returned to Punto after exhausting uphill walk only to find the whole village out and about at some meeting. Apparently some local had been recently murdered! Even the police were there. After a very late lunch we returned to Comas for the night.
20 March - After hearing that the Satipo Road is now unblocked we head east after a brief and fruitless search for Eye-ringed Thistletail near Comas. Several Thistletails were heard at our first stop but none were showing. DB compensated with a nice Tschudi's Tapaculo. Eventually our Kapten located a very obliging Thistletail further along the road below Puente Carrizales. The rest of the day was spent birding along the Satipo Road at breakneck speed! After a long and sometimes rather bumpy drive we eventually made it to Oxapampa in time for a very late dinner. Here we met up with the rest of the crew, Tim and Rolf accompanied by Julio and the larger van.
21 March - Another very early start in order to reach the antenna trail whilst still dark for a spot of pre-dawn owling. Success with great looks at White-throated Screech-Owl. The early morning was spent birding the trails here with Black-winged Parrot being the best bird. We heard the as yet undescribed form of Chestnut Antpitta and managed to obtain some good recordings of the call and what presumably is the primary song. Returned to Oxapampa to collect luggage followed by a very long and bumpy ride to Junin.
22 March - Successfully looked for Junin Grebe in the early morning on a wonderfully flat and calm Lake Junin. The scenery was magnificent. After a fruitless rail search near Ondores we headed for Huanaco via a rain-soaked but successful tramp through the bunchgrass for Junin Canastero. The drive to Huanaco was disappointing due to rain and having little time to stop for some desired species for which this would be our only chance. Will have to return to this area…
23 March - After an early start (what else?) we headed for the Carpish Tunnel. It was wet and very foggy so we opted to drive down slope to the Paty trail instead. Quite a good morning though only managed to hear the desired Masked Fruiteater. After lunch we retraced our steps and headed uphill to our base camp at Bosque Unchog. Luckily the weather was warm and sunny so the track was in OK condition. A pair of Curve-billed Tinamous at the campsite was an auspicious start to our time here.
24 March - Overnight rain threatened to spoil our time here but rather amazingly it eased off just after dawn. A really super day with great views of some of the wanted birds and just enough tension to make things interesting! What a superb area this is. We opted to depart in the afternoon since we had virtually cleaned up. Back to Huanaco.
25 March - We returned to the Carpish Tunnel and walked the trail above the tunnel. It was raining but not enough to stop the birds and we encountered some nice flocks. After this we returned to the Paty Trail for breakfast. Unfortunately the rain increased and we saw very few birds here. We decided to beat a hasty retreat and drive to Huaraz but seriously underestimated the time it would take us to do so on the rather poor roads. We only made it as far as La Union and did very little birding en route.
26 March - An early start from La Union saw us speeding towards the Cordillera Blanca. Plans were changing fast but it was eventually decided to drive all the way to Yangay and then up to the Lagunas Llanganuco. Obviously we would arrive late but at least we would see some of the birds. And so it was to be…but NO White-cheeked Cotingas! A quick sprint down the Maria Josefa trail was followed by a speedy departure from the park. A windswept mid afternoon visit to Pueblo Libre was quite good but most of us failed to see the undescribed form of Pale-tailed Canastero in spite of at least two birds calling from the cactus scrub. Our group then split up in Huaraz with LF and DB heading for San Damian and Gunnar, Tim and Rolf speeding back to Lima via a close encounter with a donkey!! We actually only made it as far as Aija…which was lifeless on a Saturday night with no-one in the only hotel, or anywhere else come to that. Luckily the local police were more than hospitable and we were given our own room in the station. Great guys!
27 March - Up early for a change so we can arrive at San Damian by dawn. Unfortunately the road (also for a change) was a bit rough which meant we arrived a bit late. Julio found our guide for the day in the form of Eddy de la Cruz and we were off up to the distant ridge in search of Russet-bellied Spinetail. It was a hard slog, especially for LF who was feeling decidedly sickly. It was a nice morning but we failed to find the target birds…yet another site to revisit! After a late lunch we drove to the coast at Huarmey. Looking for some rocks we dropped in at Puerto Huarmey but only found sandy beach and masses of Pelicans and Franklin's Gulls. However, an inspired stop by Julio along the highway to the south gave distant views of a Surf Cinclodes for DB. We stayed in Chancay for the night and arranged with Julio to be picked up in the morning when Gunnar was going to take his "other" group to Lomas de Lachay.
28 March - Gunnar and group arrived on cue and we were off to Lomas. Had been here a couple of times before but had not tried for Cactus Canastero…so. Anyway, third time lucky and we all managed to obtain excellent views of at least three individuals. After this we drove north to Paraiso where the beach and lagoon was quite productive for waterfowl and shorebirds. Back to Lima and time for a brief stop at the excellent wetland reserve at Ventanilla where a nice selection of birds was a fitting end to the trip.
29 March - Depart Lima for Toronto via Miami. Arriving home after midnight.
Systematic
List:
Note that endemic species are typed in bold.
Andean Tinamou - Nothoprocta pentlandii: Two at the Warbling-Finch site on the Santa Eulalia Road. Others were flushed at Pueblo Libre and San Damian.
Curve-billed Tinamou - N. curvirostris: Two were seen at the campsite at Bosque Unchog.
Andean Goose - Chloephaga melanoptera: Frequently seen in small numbers at many highland wetlands.
Speckled Teal - Anas flavirostris: Frequently seen at highland wetlands. Most seen were 40 at Lake Junin.
Crested Duck - Lophonetta specularioides: At least 10 were seen at Huascaran.
Yellow-billed Pintail - Anas georgica: As many as 60 were recorded at lake Junin.
White-cheeked Pintail - A. bahamensis: A conservative estimate of 50 was noted at Ventanilla, near Lima.
Puna Teal - A. puna: Very common at Lake Junin.
Blue-winged Teal - A. discors: Two were seen at Ventanilla.
Cinnamon Teal - A. cyanoptera: About 40 were seen at Ventanilla.
Andean Duck - Oxyura ferruginea: Scattered records from sea level up to Lake Junin.
Andean Guan - Penelope montagnii: Two were seen on the Satipo Road. One or two were noted on the Paty Trail on both occasions.
Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps: At least six were seen at Ventanilla.
White-tufted Grebe - Rollandia rolland: Up to 15 were seen at Lake Junin and Ventanilla.
Great Grebe - Podiceps major: About 40 were seen, mostly on the sea, at Paraiso.
Silvery Grebe - P. occipitalis: At least 10 were seen at lake Junin.
Junin Grebe - P. taczanowski: One was watched from shore as it associated with an adult and juvenile Silvery Grebe. Endemic to Lake Junin where about 300 birds persist.
Peruvian Pelican - Pelecanus thagus: Common offshore at Huarmey and Paraiso.
Peruvian Booby - Sula variegata: Small numbers were seen offshore at Huarmey and Paraiso.
Neotropic Cormorant - Phalacrocorax brasilianus: About 50 were at Paraiso.
Guanay Cormorant - P. bougainvillii: Numerous on an offshore stack off Huarmey.
Black-crowned Night-Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax: An adult was flushed between Punto and Otuto. About six were at Ventanilla.
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis: One at Lake Junin.
Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea: An adult at Ventanilla.
Snowy Egret - E. thula: One near Huarmey and about 50 between Paraiso and Ventanilla.
Great Egret - Ardea alba: Singles near Satipo and at lake Junin. Otherwise 20 were seen at Paraiso.
Andean Ibis - Theristicus melanopis: About 25 were seen whilst approaching Punto.
Puna Ibis - Plegadis ridgewayi: Abundant at lake Junin, including an albino individual. Otherwise six were seen at Paraiso.
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura: Eight were seen near Satipo. Otherwise one near Oxapampa and about 20 were seen at Paraiso.
Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus: About 10 were seen at Paraiso…thought we were going to get away without this one!
Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus: One adult was seen at close range on the upper part of the Santa Eulalia Road.
Chilean Flamingo - Phoenicopterus chilensis: Common on the lagoon at Paraiso, maybe at least 200 present.
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle - Geranoaetus melanoleucus: Two were seen from the upper part of the Santa Eulalia Road. Otherwise two were above San Damian.
Roadside Hawk - Buteo magnirostris: One was seen along the lower part of the Satipo Road.
Puna Hawk - B. polyosoma: Several were seen at the cotinga site on the Santa Eulalia Road.
Mountain Caracara - Phalcoboenus megalopterus: Scattered records of up to four birds from several highland sites.
American Kestrel - Falco sparverius: Scattered records of one or two birds throughout.
Aplomado Falcon - F. femoralis: Three were seen along the Santa Eulalia Road.
Peregrine Falcon - F. perigrinus: One was seen at Lake Junin.
Plumbeous Rail - Pardirallus sanguinolentus: At least 10 were seen at lake Junin.
Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus: Very common at lake Junin, where at least 100 were noted. Otherwise 10 were seen at Ventanilla.
Andean Coot - Fulica ardesiaca: Abundant at Lake Junin and common at Paraiso.
Sunbittern - Eurpyga helias: One was flushed from the roadside along the middle part of the Satipo Road.
Black-necked Stilt - Himantopus mexicanus: Up to 50 were seen at Huarmey and Ventanilla.
Peruvian Thick-knee - Burhinus superciliaris: Three were seen near Lomas de Lachay. Another was seen near Ventanilla.
American Golden-Plover - Pluvialis dominica: At least 100 were seen at lake Junin. Otherwise one was noted at Paraiso and eight were at Ventanilla.
Snowy Plover - Charadrius alexandrinus: 10 were seen on the beach at Paraiso.
Tawny-throated Dotterel - Oreopholus ruficollis: A flock of eight was seen at a traditional site near Paraiso giving excellent scope views.
Andean Lapwing - Vanellus resplendens: two were seen at Punto. Otherwise at least 20 were at Junin and a few in the boggy areas at Bosque Unchog.
Puna Snipe - Gallinago andina: Around 10 were noted at lake Junin.
Andean Snipe - G. jamesoni: One was flushed from a boggy area at Bosque Unchog (LF).
Greater Yellowlegs - Tringa melanoleuca: Two were seen at Lake Junin. Otherwise six were noted at Ventanilla
Lesser Yellowlegs - T. flavipes: Very common at Junin were at least 200 were present. Otherwise two were seen at Huarmey and about 30 at Ventanilla.
Spotted Sandpiper - Actitis macularia: 10 were seen at Ventanilla.
Semipalmated Sandpiper - Calidris pusilla: At least 10 were noted at Paraiso.
Western Sandpiper - C. mauri: Two were seen well at Paraiso.
Least Sandpiper - C. minutilla: Four were seen at Huarmey and about 30 at Paraiso.
Baird's Sandpiper - C. bairdii: Very common at Junin where several hundreds were present.
Pectoral Sandpiper - C. melanotis: At least 200 were seen along the drier fringes of Lake Junin. Otherwise one was seen on the beach at Paraiso.
Stilt Sandpiper - C. himantopus: A flock of 30 was seen at Huarmey and about 40 were at Ventanilla.
Wilson's Phalarope - Phalaropus tricolor: One at Huarmey and 14 at Ventanilla.
Gray-breasted Seedsnipe - Thinocorus orbignyianus: Two were flushed at Lake Junin (TP).
Least Seedsnipe - T. fulicaria: At least 12 were seen well along the approach track to Lomas de Lachay.
Band-tailed Gull - Larus belcheri: Commonly seen on the beach at Haurmey and Paraiso.
Gray Gull - L. modestus: One on the beach at Paraiso.
Kelp Gull - L. dominicanus: Commonly seen on the beach at Paraiso.
Gray-headed Gull - L. cirrocephalus: At least 200 were seen on the beach at Paraiso.
Andean Gull - L. serranus: About 30 were noted at Lake Junin.
Laughing Gull - L. atricilla: Six were seen at Huarmey.
Franklin's Gull - L. pipixcan: Many thousands were seen in swirling flocks at Haurmey. At least 1000 were at Paraiso.
Royal Tern - Thalasseus maximus: Two were on the beach at Paraiso.
Elegant Tern - T. elegans: Two were at Huarmey.
Band-tailed Pigeon - Patagionas fasciata: Commonly noted at most highland sites.
Rock Dove - Columba livia: Frequent throughout near human habitation.
Eared Dove - Zenaida auriculata: Common in more arid regions. Most seen was about 50 west of Huanaco.
Pacific Dove - Z. meloda: Two near Lima.
Plain-breasted Ground-Dove - Columbina minuta: Four were seen well a few km west of Huanaco.
Croaking Ground-Dove - C. cruziana: 10 were seen around San Damaian.
Bare-faced Ground-Dove - Metriopelia ceciliae: A few were seen along the Santa Eulalia Road and at Lomas de Lachay.
Black-winged Ground-Dove - M. melanoptera: At least 10 were at Santa Eulalia and a few around Ondores at lake Junin.
White-tipped Dove - Leptotila verrauxi: Four were flushed above San Damian.
Scarlet-fronted Parakeet - Aratinga wagleri: many heard and two seen high above San Damian.
Black-winged Parrot - Hapalopsittaca melanotis: One was seen perched at close range at Oxapampa.
Speckle-faced Parrot - Pionus tumultuosus: Two were seen along the Satipo Road.
Scaly-naped Parrot - Amazona mercenaria: At least six were seen at Oxapampa. Otherwise heard at Paty Trail and San Damian.
Squirrel Cuckoo - Piaya cayana: One was seen on the lower part of the Satipo Road.
Smooth-billed Ani - Crotophaga ani: Two were seen a few km west of Huanaco.
Groove-billed Ani - C. sulcirostris: At least six were seen near Ventanilla.
White-throated Screech-Owl - Megascops albogularis: At least two were calling pre-dawn at Oxapampa, one of which was seen very well.
Peruvian Pygmy-Owl - Glaucidium peruanum: One was heard pre-dawn along the Santa Eulalia Road.
Yungas Pygmy-Owl - G. bolivianum: One was heard during the day along the Paty Trail.
Burrowing Owl - Athene cunicularia: two were at Lomas de Lachay.
Band-winged Nightjar - Caprimulgus longirostris: Singles were seen at Santa Eulalia, near Comas and at Pueblo Libre. Otherwise three were flushed from the road en route to Aija.
Chestnut-collared Swift - Streptoprogne rutila: One along the Satipo Road.
White-collared Swift - S. zonaris: Heard along the Satipo Road.
Andean Swift - Aeronautes andecolus: Up to 20 were seen at Santa Eulalia and above San Damian.
Sparkling Violet-ear - Colibri coruscans: At least eight were above San Damian.
Spot-throated Hummingbird - Leucippus taczanowskii: Four were watched feeding on tiny cactus flowers at Pueblo Libre.
White-bellied Hummingbird - Amazilia chionogaster: Several were seen in the arid country a few km west of Huanaco.
Amazilia Hummingbird - A. amazilia: Six were seen above San Damian.
Black-breasted Hillstar - Oreotrochilus melanogaster: A female was seen at Marcapomacocha.
Giant Hummingbird - Patagona gigas: Up to four were noted at several highland sites.
Shining Sunbeam - Agaeactis cupripennis: Up to six were noted at Santa Eulalia and Punto area. Otherwise singles at Bosque Unchog and Huascaran.
Mountain Velvetbreast - Lafresnaya lafresnayi: Four were seen between Punto and Otuto.
Collared Inca - Coeligena torquata: One on the Satipo Road, two at Oxapampa and another along the road near Paty Trail.
Violet-throated Starfrontlet - C. violifer: Singles at Satipo Road, Oxapampa and Carpish Tunnel.
Chestnut-breasted Coronet - Boissonneaua matthewsii: Singles were seen at Oxapampa and Paty Trail.
Amethyst-throated Sunangel - Heliangelus amethysticollis: Quite common at Oxapampa, Carpish Tunnel and Paty Trail.
Bronze-tailed Comet - Polyonymus caroli: Three along Santa Eulalia Road and another above San Damian.
Purple-backed Thornbill - Ramphomicron microrhynchum: A female was seen well between Punto and Otuto.
Coppery Metaltail - Metallura theresiae: At least five gave excellent views at Bosque Unchog.
Fire-throated Metaltail - M. eupogon: Great views of up to four birds between Punto and Otuto and along Satipo Road.
Black Metaltail - M. phoebe: Single birds at Santa Eulalia and Huascaran.
Tyrian Metaltail - M. tyrianthina: One was at Bosque Unchog.
Olivaceous Thornbill - Chalcostigma olivaceum: a couple of probables whizzed by at Marcapomacocha.
Blue-mantled Thornbill - C. stanleyi: One showed very well near Punto.
Long-tailed Sylph - Aglaiocercus kingi: One or two birds were seen at Satipo Road, Oxapampa and Paty Trail.
Oasis Hummingbird - Rhodopis vesper: One at Lomas de Lachay.
Purple-collared Woodstar - Myrtis fanny: Very common above San Damian, where at least 20 were seen.
White-bellied Woodstar - Acestura mulsant: One at Oxapampa.
Blue-banded Toucanet - Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctus: Two were along Satipo Road with another at Oxapampa.
Bar-bellied Woodpecker - Veniliornis nigriceps: One along Paty Trail.
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker - Piculus rivolii: Single birds were noted between Punto and Otuto and at Oxapampa.
Black-necked Woodpecker - Colaptes atricollis: Heard above San Damian.
Andean Flicker - C. rupicola: Up to six were noted at most puna sites.
Powerful Woodpecker - Campephilus pollens: One was heard distantly at Oxapampa.
Tyrannine Woodcreeper - Dendrocincla tyrannina: One was seen at Oxapampa.
Common Miner - Geositta
cunicularis: Abundant at Lake Junin. The form here is G.
c. juninensis.
Grayish Miner - G. maritima: Several were watched at the canastero site at Lomas de Lachay.
Coastal Miner - G. peruviana: Very common along the approach road to Lomas de Lachay.
Dark-winged Miner - G. saxicolina: One was seen well at Marcapomacocha.
Thick-billed Miner - G. crassirostris: One along the Santa Eulalia Road and two at the canastero site at Lomas de Lachay
Slender-billed Miner - G. tenuirostris: One was seen near Punto.
Striated Earthcreeper - Upucerthia serrana: At least four birds were seen between Punto and Otuto. One was watched en route to Huanaco and two were at Huascaran. The birds at Punto appeared somewhat more uniform and brighter rufous than illustrated in the field guide.
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper - U. jelskii: A few were seen on the upper Santa Eulalia road, Marcapomacocha and Lake Junin.
Bar-winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes fuscus: Common throughout in the highlands.
Surf Cinclodes - C. taczanowskii: One was seen rather distantly from the highway south of Huarmey.
White-winged Cinclodes - C. atacamensis: One was seen briefly at Marcapomacocha (GE).
Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail - Leptasthenura pileata: One was watched at the Milpo Tapaculo site near Punto.
Plenge's Thistletail - Schizoeaca plengei: Four birds were seen very well at Bosque Unchog. This taxon is still lumped with the "White-chinned" group by most authors. We noticed that at least two of the birds we saw well lacked either a white or rufous chin patch.
Eye-ringed Thistletail - S. palpebralis: One was seen exceptionally well at Puente Carrizales along the Satipo Road. Others were heard higher up on the road.
Rufous Spinetail - Synallaxis unirufa: Commonly heard at Oxapampa, Carpish Tunnel and Paty Trail.
Baron's Spinetail - S. baroni: One or two were seen or heard near Huanaco, Bosque Unchog, Huascaran and San Damian.
Creamy-crested Spinetail - Cranioleuca albicapilla: Rather common between Punto and Otuto. Another was heard near Comas. All birds were of the nominate form.
Canyon Canastero - Asthenes pudibunka: Two were seen at the wabling-finch site on the Santa Eulalia Road. Another was seen at Huascaran.
Rusty-fronted Canastero - A. ottonis: One was seen and heard between Punto and Otuto. This perhaps represents a northerly range extension. In addition we noticed the bird appeared rather dull overall although the voice was typical.
Cactus Canastero - A. cactorum: At least three birds showed well at the traditional site at Lomas de Lachay.
Pale-tailed Canastero - A. huancavelicae: At least two were heard at the Pueblo Libre site but late afternoon wind made viewing conditions difficult. One bird was glimpsed briefly by TP. This is the as yet undescribed cinnamon-tailed form that may even merit full species status.
Streak-throated Canastero - A. humilis: Single birds were seen at Marcapomacocha, Punto and Junin.
Streak-backed Canastero - A. wyatti: At least four were seen in drier, rocky habitat at Lake Junin.
Line-fronted Canastero - A. urubambensis: One was seen very well at Bosque Unchog.
Many-striped Canastero - A. flammulata: Two were seen at Bosque Unchog.
Junin Canastero - A. virgata: At least two birds were seen at a traditional site a few km south of Junin.
Wren-like Rushbird - Phleocryptes melanops: At least six were seen at Lake Junin. One was at Paraiso.
Pearled Treerunner - Margarornis squamiger: Common within mixed flocks at Bosque Unchog. Four were seen at Carpish Tunnel.
Streaked Tuftedcheek - Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii: One in a mixed flock at Satipo Road. Otherwise two birds at Oxapampa and two at Paty Trail.
Montane Foliage-gleaner - Anabacerthia striaticollis: One was in a mixed flock above Paty Trail.
Uniform Antshrike - Thamnophilus unicolor: A male seen and female heard along Paty Trail (GE).
Long-tailed Antbird - Drymophila caudata: A pair in chusquea bamboo along Paty Trail.
Stripe-headed Antpitta - Grallaria andicola: One or two birds were seen or heard at the cotinga site on the upper Santa Eulalia Road, Punto, Bosque Unchog and Huascaran.
Bay Antpitta - G. capitalis: One was heard at Oxapampa. A common voice along Paty Trail where single birds were seen briefly by some.
Rufous Antpitta - G. rufula: Heard at Puente Carrizales on the Satipo Road, between Punto and Otuto and Bosque Unchog. We never actually saw any but got very close on a couple of occasions. The form here is the very distinct G. r. obscura.
Chestnut Antpitta - G. blakei: At least two were heard from the highway above Paty Trail. At least two birds were heard at Oxapampa. The birds at Oxapampa represent an undescribed form. We recorded what are presumably the primary song and a single note call. Both are quite distinct from the usual vocalizations of G. blakei.
Rusty-breasted Antpitta - Grallaricula ferrugineipectus: One was heard on the upper part of Paty Trail. The form here is G. f. leymebambae, sometimes known as Leymebamba Antpitta.
White-crowned Tapaculo - Scytalopus atratus: Two were heard and one seen along Paty Trail. There was some confusion as to the true identity of these birds. Once the recordings are sorted out we may revise the identity…
Tschudi's Tapaculo - S. acutirostris: One seen on the upper Satipo Road. Others heard at Bosque Unchog.
Trilling Tapaculo - S. parvirostris: Heard at Oxapampa. One was heard and seen at Paty Trail.
"Milpo" Tapaculo - S. sp. nov.: Three were seen near Punto. This taxon was relatively easy to observe at this locality. We obtained some good recordings and video.
Neblina Tapaculo - S. altirostis: Several heard and one seen at Bosque Unchog.
Ancash Tapaculo - S. affinis: Two were heard at Huascaran.
Large-footed Tapaculo - S. macropus: One was heard and, eventually, seen quite well along Satipo Road.
Rufous-vented Tapaculo - S. femoralis: A few heard and a two seen along Paty Trail.
Streak-necked Flycatcher - Mionectes striaticollis: Four were noted at Oxapampa.
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant - Pseudotriccus ruficeps: Several heard and two seen along Paty Trail.
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant - Hemitriccus granadensis: One was at Oxapampa and another heard at Carpish Tunnel.
Black-capped Tyrannulet - Phyllomyias nigrocapillus: Three were seen well with mixed flocks at Carpish Tunnel.
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet - P. uropygialis: Two were seen with flocks at Bosque Unchog.
Peruvian Tyrannulet - Zimmerius viridiflavus: Heard and seen well at Oxapampa and along Paty Trail.
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet - Camptostoma obsoletum: One was seen above San Damian.
Lesser Elaenia - Elaenia chiriquensis: One in arid habitat a few km west of Huanaco.
White-throated Tyrannulet - Mecocerculus leucophrys: Two along the upper Satipo Road and at least 10 with mixed flocks at Bosque Unchog.
White-tailed Tyrannulet - M. poecilocercus: One at Paty Trail. Another heard at Carpish Tunnel.
White-banded Tyrannulet - M. stictopterus: Two with a mixed flock at Satipo Road and two at Oxapampa.
Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant - Anairetes agraphia: Two were seen with a mixed flock at Carpish Tunnel.
Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant - A. reguloides: Four showed along the Santa Eulalia Road.
Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant - A. flavirostris: Two along Santa Eulalia Road and another at Pueblo Libre.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant - A. parulus: At least eight were seen between Punto and Otuto. Otherwise four birds seen on the upper Satipo Road and singles at Bosque Unchog.
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant - Tachuris rubrigastra: At least 10 were seen at Lake Junin.
Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant - Euscarthmus meloryphus: One at Pueblo Libre.
Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet - Phylloscartes ventralis: One seen well at Oxapampa.
Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher - Myiophobus ochraceiventris: Two at Oxapampa and three with mixed flocks at Bosque Unchog.
Cinnamon Flycatcher - Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea: Seen or heard in low numbers along Satipo Road, Carpish Tunnel and Paty Trail.
Smoke-colored Pewee - Contopus fumigatus: Heard along Paty Trail.
Vermilion Flycatcher - Pyrocephalus rubinus: Two were seen above San Damian and two were at Ventanilla.
Peruvian Chat-Tyrant - Ochthoeca spodionta: One seen well at Oxapampa.
Maroon-chested Chat-Tyrant - O. thoracica: Two along Satipo Road.
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant - O. rufipectoralis: Two between Punto and Otuto and another on the Satipo Road.
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant - O. fumicolor: Up to four birds at Punto and Bosque Unchog.
D'Orbigny's Chat-Tyrant - O. oenanthoides: Single birds along Santa Eulalia Road and at Punto.
White-browed Chat-Tyrant - O. leucophrys: Four at Santa Eulalia Road, two at Bosque Unchog and another above San Damian.
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant - Myiotheretes striaticollis: One between Punto and Otuto.
Smoky Bush-Tyrant - M. fumigatus: Two at Carpish Tunnel (TP).
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant - Agriornis montana: Two between Punto and Otuto and two at lake Junin.
Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola fufivertex: One along the upper part of Santa Eulalia Road.
Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant - M. alpinus: Two at Marcapomacocha.
Cinereous Ground-Tyrant - M. cinerea: One near Punto.
White-fronted Ground-Tyrant - M. albifrons: Two at Marcapomacocha.
Andean Negrito - Lessonia oreas: Very common around Lake Junin where at least 30 were seen.
Rufous-tailed Tyrant - Knipolegus poecilurus: One on the lower part of the Satipo Road.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher - Myiarchus tuberculifer: One at Paty Trail (LF).
Tropical Kingbird - Tyrannus melancholicus: Afew seen on the lower Satipo Road.
Lemon-browed Flycatcher - Conopias cinchoneti: One on the lower part of the Satipo Road.
Golden-crowned Flycatcher - Myiodynastes chrysocephalus: One on the Satipo Road and another heard at Oxapampa.
Barred Becard - Pachyramphus versicolor: Heard at Oxapampa and a female seen on Paty Trail.
Red-crested Cotinga - Ampelion rubrocristatus: Four birds were seen between Punto and Otuto, Otherwise two individuals were seen at Bosque Unchog and another at Huascaran.
Bay-vented Cotinga - Doliornis sclateri: Two were seen at Bosque Unchog.
White-cheeked Cotinga - Zaratornis stresemanni: One was seen on the upper Santa Eulalia Road (LF).
Band-tailed Fruiteater - Pipreola intermedia: Five were seen at Paty Trail.
Barred Fruiteater - P. arcutata: Heard at Oxapampa and Bosque Unchog. Two were seen at Carpish Tunnel and another seen at Paty Trail.
Masked Fruiteater - P. pulchra: Heard at Paty Trail at the traditional site.
Rufous-browed Peppershrike - Cyclarhis gujanensis: One was seen above Paty trail on two occasions.
Red-eyed Vireo - Vireo olivaceus: One was seen on the lower Satipo Road.
White-collared Jay - Cyanolyca viridicyana: Up to four were seen at Satipo Road, Oxapampa and Bosque Unchog.
Violaceous Jay - Cyanocorax violaceus: One was heard near Satipo (GE).
Brown-bellied Swallow - Notiochelidon murina: Commonly seen along Santa Eulalia Road, between Punto and Otuto, upper Satipo Road and Huascaran.
Blue-and-white Swallow - Pygochelidon cyanoleuca: A few seen throughout but more common near the coast.
White-banded Swallow - Atticora fasciata: One was seen near Satipo.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx ruficollis: Four were seen on the lower Satipo Road.
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica: Eight were seen flying south at Paraiso.
Andean Swallow - Petrochelidon andecola: 15 were seen near Ondores at Lake Junin.
Fasciated Wren - Campylorhynchus fasciatus: At least 20 were in dry habitat a few km west of Huanaco.
Peruvian Wren - Cinnycerthia peruana: Four were seen at Oxapampa. One was heard along Paty Trail and at least four were seen at Carpish Tunnel. There was some confusion over the birds at Oxapampa, none of which showed any whitish face markings. Valqui states that C. olivascens (Sharpe's Wren) occurs here.
Sedge Wren - Cistothorus platensis: single birds were seen between Punto and Otuto and above Puente Carrizales on the Satipo Road.
Thryothorus sp. nov.: Several heard and three seen very well in chusquea bamboo between Punto and Otuto.
House Wren - Troglodytes aedon: Common throughout.
Mountain Wren - T. solstitalis: One or two seen and heard at many highland sites.
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren - Henicorhina leucophrys: Small numbers seen or heard at Satipo Road, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Tropical Gnatcatcher - Polioptila plumbea: One was seen above San Damian. The form here is P. p. bilineata sometimes known as White-faced Gnatcatcher.
White-capped Dipper - Cinclus leucocephalus: Singles at Santa Eulalia Road and below Punto.
Andean Solitaire - Myadestes ralloides: One was seen at Oxapampa (GE).
White-eared Solitaire - Entomodestes leucotis: One was heard along Satipo Road.
Chiguanco Thrush - Turdus chiguanco: Commonly seen in drier habitats in the highlands throughout.
Great Thrush - T. fuscater: Common in more humid forest throughout the highlands.
Long-tailed Mockingbird - Mimus longicaudatus: A few seen in scrub between Huarmey and Lima. Also two were seen above San Damian.
Correndera Pipit - Anthus correndera: At least 15 were studied well at Lake Junin.
Short-billed Pipit - A. furcatus: One was seen and heard calling at lake Junin.
Yellowish Pipit - A. lutescens: A few were seen in short coastal grass at Paraiso.
Grass-green Tanager - Chlorornis riefferii: Three were seen at Oxapampa and another at Carpish Tunnel.
Common Bush-Tanager - Chlorospingus opthalmicus: One was seen along Satipo Road, 10 were at Oxapampa and two were at Paty Trail.
Black-capped Hemispingus - Hemispingus atropileus: Single birds were seen at Satipo Road, Oxapampa, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Superciliaried Hemispingus - H. superciliaris: One was seen at Satipo Road. Otherwise four were at Carpish Tunnel.
Oleaginous Hemispingus - H. frontalis: Single birds were at Satipo Road and Paty Trail.
Black-eared Hemispingus - H. melanotis: Two were seen well on Satipo Road.
Rufous-browed Hemispingus - H. fufosuperciliaris: One showed brilliantly, if rather briefly, for some at the traditional site at Bosque Unchog.
Drab Hemispingus - H. xanthophthalmus: Two were at Satipo Road and four in a large mixed flock at Carpish Tunnel.
Three-striped Hemispingus - H. trifasciatus: One in a mixed flock high in the canopy above Paty Trail.
Rufous-chested Tanager - Thlypopsis ornata: Single birds were seen at Santa Eulalia Road and above San Damian.
Rust-and-yellow Tanager - T. ruficeps: Two were seen between Punto and Otuto.
Yellow-crested Tanager - Tachyphonus rufiventer: One was seen along the lower Satipo Road.
Silver-beaked Tanager - Ramphocelus carbo: A few were seen along the lower Satipo Road.
Blue-gray Tanager - Thraupis episcopus: Two were seen near Satipo and four a few km west of Huanaco.
Palm Tanager - T. palmarum: Four were seen on the lower Satipo Road.
Blue-capped Tanager - T. cyanocephala: Up to six birds were frequently seen along Satipo Road, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Blue-and-yellow Tanager - T. bonariensis: Up to four birds were seen in drier habitats at Santa Eulalia Road, between Punto and Otuto and San Damian.
Hooded Mountain-Tanager - Buthraupis eximia: Up to four birds were recorded at Satipo Road, Oxapampa, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Golden-backed Mountain-Tanager - B. aureodorsalis: At least five birds were seen at Bosque Unchog. One in particular was seen at very close range providing great video for DB and LF.
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager - Anisognathus lacrymosus: Up to six birds were frequently seen at Satipo Road, Oxapampa, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager - A. igniventris: Two were seen on Satipo Road. Otherwise eight were at Bosque Unchog and two along Paty Trail.
Yellow-throated Tanager - Iridosornis analis: One was seen along the lower Satipo Road.
Golden-collared Tanager - I. Rufivertex: Four were in mixed flocks at Bosque Unchog.
Yellow-scarfed Tanager - I. Reinhardti: One or two birds were seen at Oxapampa, Bosque Unchog and Carpish Tunnel.
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager - Dubusia taeniata: Single birds were seen at Bosque Unchog and Carpish Tunnel.
Chestnut-bellied Mountain-Tanager - Delothraupis castaneoventris: One or two birds were seen at Paty Trail and Bosque Unchog.
Flame-faced Tanager - Tangara parzudakii: One was seen in a mixed flock along Satipo Road. Up to four were seen at Paty Trail.
Yellow-bellied Tanager - T. xanthogastra: One was seen on the lower Satipo Road (GE).
Beryl-spangled Tanager - T. nigroviridis: Up to four birds were noted at Oxapampa, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Blue-and-black Tanager - T. vassorii: One was seen at Oxapampa and two above Paty Trail.
Tit-like Dacnis - Xenodacnis parina: Rather common at Huascaran, where at lest 30 were noted.
Pardusco - Nephelornis oneilli: At least 12 were seen with mixed flocks at Bosque Unchog.
Rusty Flower-piercer - Diglossa sittoides: two were seen on the Santa Eulalia Road.
Moustached Flower-piercer - D. mystacalis: Up to six birds were seen between Punto and Otuto, upper Satipo Road, Bosque Unchog and Carpish Tunnel.
Black-throated Flower-piercer - D. brunneiventris: Commonly seen along the Santa Eulalia Road and between Punta and Otuto. Otherwise single birds were at Satipo Road and Bosque Unchog.
Deep-blue Flower-piercer - D. glauca: One was seen at Oxapapma (DB).
Bluish Flower-piercer - D. caerulescens: One was seen at Carpish Tunnel.
Masked Flower-piercer - D. cyanea: At least 10 were seen at Oxapampa. Otherwise two were at Paty Trail.
Rufous-collared Sparrow - Zonotrichia capensis: Abundant throuhout.
Yellow-browed Sparrow - Ammodramus aurifrons: One see along the lower Satipo Road (GE).
Tricolored Brush-Finch - Atlapetes tricolor: Two were seen at Oxapampa.
Slaty Brush-Finch - A. schistaceus: Small numbers were seen on the Satipo Road, Paty Trail and Carpish Tunnel.
Bay-crowned Brush-Finch - A. seebohmi: One was seen at Huascaran. Otherwise four were seen well above San Damian.
Rusty-bellied Brush-Finch - A. nationi: 12 were seen at the warbling-finch site on the Santa Eulalia Road.
Rufous-eared Brush-Finch - A. rufigenis: Three were seen well at Huascaran.
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch - Buarremon torquatus: One was seen and heard singing along Satipo Road.
Peruvian Sierra-Finch - Phrygilus punensis: Commonly seen and heard at most highland sites.
Mourning Sierra-Finch - P. fruticeti: Abundant along the Santa Eulalia Road. Single birds were also seen at Lake Junin and above San Damian.
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch - P. unicolor: Frequently seen in small numbers at most highland sites, usually at or above the treeline.
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch - P. plebijus: Commonly seen along Santa Eulalia Road, upper Satipo road and around Lake Junin.
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch - P. alaudinus: One along Santa Eulalia Road. Common above San Damian, where at least 20 seen and heard singing. Also a few were seen around Lomas de Lachay.
White-winged Diuca-Finch - Diuca speculifera: Three at Marcapomacocha.
Great Inca-Finch - Incaspiza pulchra: One was seen very well above San Damian.
Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch - Poospiza alticola: One was seen at Huascaran.
Collared Warbling-Finch - P. hispaniolensis: Two at Pueblo Libre and at least 25 above San Damian.
Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch - Sicalis uropygialis: About 15 were seen along the upper Santa Eulalia Road and 20 were at Lake Junin.
Greenish Yellow-Finch - S. olivascens: Very common above San Damian where at least 100 were seen.
Blue-black Grassquit - Volatinia jacarina: A few were seen on the lower Satipo Road and six were seen in crops just above San Damian.
Black-and-white Seedeater - Sporophila luctuosa: A male was seen between Punto and Otuto. One was on the Satipo Road and at least 50 were seen a few km west of Huanaco.
Yellow-bellied Seedeater - S. nigricollis: A singing male was seen on the lower Satipo Road.
Drab Seedeater - S. simplex: At least two were at Pueblo Libre.
Band-tailed Seedeater - Catamenia analis: Commonly seen in drier habitats at Santa Eulalia, Bosque Unchog and San Damian.
Plain-colored Seedeater - C. inornata: Small numbers were seen at Marcapomacocha, Punto, and San Damian.
Golden-bellied Grosbeak - Pheucticus chrysogaster: One or two birds were seen along Santa Eulalia Road, en route to Bosque Unchog, near Huanaco and at San Damian.
Golden-billed Saltator - Saltator aurantiirostris: At least six were seen between Punto and Otuto. Otherwise one or two birds were seen on the upper Satipo Road, Huanaco and en route to Bosque Unchog.
Spectacled Whitestart - Myioborus melanocephalus: Up to six birds were within mixed flocks at Satipo Road, Oxapampa, Paty Trial, Bosque Unchog and Carpish Tunnel.
Citrine Warbler - Basileuterus luteoviridis: Up to four birds were frequently seen along Satipo Road, Oxapampa, Paty Trail and Bosque Unchog.
Black-crested Warbler - B. nigrocristatus: One was seen at Huascaran.
Russet-crowned Warbler - B. coronatus: One or two were seen along Paty Trail.
Cinereous Conebill - Conirostrum cinereum: Commonly seen in small numbers virtually throughout.
White-browed Conebill - C. ferrugineiventre: Four were seen at Bosque Unchog.
Blue-backed Conebill - C. sitticolor: Up to six were seen in mixed flocks at Bosque Unchog and Carpish Tunnel.
Capped Conebill - C. albifrons: A male was seen at Oxapampa.
Dusky-green Oropendola - Psarocolius atrovirens: Four were seen in a mixed flock on the Satipo Road. Another was seen at Oxapampa.
Russet-backed Oropendola - P. angustifrons: One seen along the lower Satipo Road.
Mountain Cacique - Cacicus leucoramphus: Four birds were seen in a mixed flock on the Satipo Road.
Peruvian Meadowlark - Sturnella bellicosa: Four were seen a few km west of Huanaco. Two were seen near Lomas de Lachay.
Scrub Blackbird - Dives warszewiczi: At least six were seen and heard above San Damian.
Shiny Cowbird - Molothrus bonariensis: One was seen above San Damian.
Thick-billed Siskin - Carduelis crassirostris: A male was seen at the cotinga site on the Santa Eulalia Road.
Hooded Siskin - C. magellanica: Commonly seen along roadsides in the highlands.
Black Siskin - C. atrata: About 15 were seen along the upper part of the Santa Eulalia Road. Another was seen on the upper Satipo Road and 10 were at Lake Junin.
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus: A few around Chacay and Lima.
David Beadle - 4 Yarmouth
Gardens, Toronto,
Ontario M6G 1W4, Canada