CENTRAL PERU TOUR REPORT 2024

2 - 20 October 2024

by Leonardo Garrigues

The 2024 Central Peru tour was extremely successful – we managed to see the vast majority of our targets and specialities. This tour offers a large number of endemic species, many of which can only be seen on this particular journey. Although the tour is not focused on sheer numbers, we still recorded an impressive total of 500 species. While it may not be as diverse as some other Andes tours, the quality of species on offer is hard to beat. Among the highlights were the Cactus Canastero and Raimondi’s Yellow Finch at Lomas de Lachay; the Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes at Chancay; the Russet-bellied Spinetail, Andean Parakeet, and White-cheeked Cotinga at Fortaleza; and at Huascaran the Ancash Tapaculo, Rufous-eared Brushfinch, Plain-tailed Warbling Finch, Giant Conebill and Streaked Dacnis. In the dry intermontane valleys, we encountered Pale-tailed Canastero and Rufous-backed Inca Finch. At Bosque de Unchog, the specialities included the impressive Golden-backed Mountain Tanager, Bay-vented Cotinga, Large-footed, Neblina and White-winged Tapaculos, Pardusco, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, and Chachapoyas Antpitta. We also witnessed the recently described Panao Antpitta, Brown-flanked Tanager and White-tufted Sunbeam at Panao hills; the Chestnut Antpitta, Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant and Band-tailed Fruiteater at Carpish; and at Junin Lake, the Critically Endangered Junin Grebe, the secretive “Junin” Black Rail, Andean Avocet and Junin Canastero. At Villa Rica, we saw the Creamy-bellied Antwren, Lanceolated Monklet, Foothill Elaenia and Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet; a lek at Bosque Shollet featured the Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Masked Fruiteater and Bay Antpitta; and at Ulcumano, we observed the Cloud-forest Screech Owl, Jet Manakin and Crimson-bellied Woodpecker. Excellent mixed-species flocks were seen along Satipo Road, with species such as the Blue-browed Tanager or Fulvous-breasted Flatbill. We also enjoyed an exquisite selection of Mantaro endemics – including the Black-spectacled Brushfinch, Mantaro Spinetail, Mantaro Wren, Mantaro Thornbird, Junin and Oxapampa Antpittas, Junin and Jalca Tapaculos, Fire-throated Metaltail, Eye-ringed Thistletail and Koepcke’s Screech Owl – and observed the Black-and-chestnut Eagle at Calabaza. At Abra Huaytapallana, we recorded the Critically Endangered Royal Cinclodes and the Olivaceous Thornbill; at Marcapomacochas, we saw the Diademed Sandpiper Plover, Puna Tinamou, White-bellied Cinclodes and enjoyed brilliant views of a male Black-breasted Hillstar; and at Santa Eulalia, we encountered the rare and localised Rufous-breasted Warbling Finch, Bronze-tailed Comet, Streaked Tit-Spinetail and Great Inca Finch. These fantastic encounters made the tour truly memorable.

The tour started in Lima, where we left the city early in the morning to visit Lomas de Lachay—a reserve located in the arid coastal region, characterised by distinct microclimates and unique habitats. During the morning session at Lomas de Lachay, we managed to observe some excellent specialties such as Least Seedsnipe, the endemic Cactus Canastero and Coastal Miner, and the localised Greyish Miner. However, the highlight of the morning was spotting Raimondi’s Yellow Finch, an unpredictable species with possible nomadic movements. We enjoyed excellent views of one individual while hearing others as they flew away. Other species seen that morning included Purple-collared Woodstar, Oasis and Amazilia Hummingbirds, Croaking Ground Dove, West Peruvian Dove, Peruvian Thick-knee, Burrowing Owl, Mountain Parakeet, Coastal Miner, Vermilion Flycatcher, Short-tailed Field Tyrant, Sand Martin, Blue-and-white and Barn Swallows, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Hooded Siskin, Shiny Cowbird, Collared Warbling Finch and Grassland Yellow Finch. After our session at Lomas de Lachay, we visited the coast at Chancay, where we found a pair of the endemic Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes. Other coastal birds included Blackish and American Oystercatchers, Hudsonian Whimbrel, South American Terns, Grey-headed, Grey, Belcher’s and Kelp Gulls, Peruvian Booby, Neotropic Cormorant, Puna Ibis and Peruvian Pelican. We also explored the coastal lagoons at Playa Paraiso, where we added various species to our day’s list, such as Cinnamon Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Andean Coot, Great Grebe, Chilean Flamingo, Killdeer, Semipalmated and Snowy Plovers, Wilson’s Phalarope, Spotted, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Black Skimmer, American Kestrel, Wren-like Rushbird, American Cliff Swallow and the nearly endemic Peruvian Pipit—a fine bird for the tour. After our afternoon session at Playa Paraiso, we returned to our hotel, where we stayed for one night.

We left our hotel early to visit Fortaleza Valley, an area of arid montane woody scrub on the western Andean slope at elevations above 2000 metres. This region bears some resemblance to the lower areas of Santa Eulalia Valley, though it lies slightly further north. Here, species from Northern Peru reach their southern distribution limit, such as Piura Chat-Tyrant and Bay-crowned Brushfinch (both Peruvian endemics). Our primary objective in Fortaleza was to search for the very restricted endemic Russet-bellied Spinetail, which we observed very well, enjoying excellent views of a pair. We spent the first part of the morning exploring Fortaleza Valley, and encountered several delightful surprises in both the higher and lower dry sections. One such surprise was obtaining excellent views of White-cheeked Cotinga, one of the most sought-after endemics of the tour. Another rare encounter was with Andean Parakeets, which provided us with excellent, close views. Our final surprise of the morning was Great Inca Finch, seen in the lower dry areas of the valley. In addition to these highlights, we observed other species including Andean Tinamou, Andean Swift, the endemic Bronze-tailed Comet, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, Giant Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Black-winged Ground Dove, the endemics Black-necked Woodpecker and Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Canyon Canastero, Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant, Tumbes Pewee, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, the endemic Rusty-bellied Brushfinch, Band-tailed and Plain-coloured Seedeaters, and Blue-and-yellow Tanager. After a very productive morning, we continued our journey. En route, we had lunch in the Conococha area of the altiplano and observed some distant birds at Conococha Lagoon. We did not linger, as most of the birds were common and would be seen later, so we simply carried out a brief scan. From a distance, we were able to distinguish species such as Andean Goose, Crested Duck, Yellow-billed Pintail, Giant Coot, Chilean Flamingo, Andean Gull, and Puna Ibis. Perhaps the best bird we observed in the area was the austral migrant White-throated Hawk. On the way to Caraz, we stopped at one of Carlos’ stake-outs for Rufous-backed Inca Finch, which, fortunately, appeared without complication and provided our group with superb views. In the early evening, we arrived at our pleasant hotel in Caraz, where we stayed for two nights.

The next morning, we departed before dawn for Huascaran National Park, spending most of the day searching for high-Andes specialties in the Cordillera Blanca. We managed to see all the key targets at Huascaran NP, such as Ancash Tapaculo, Rufous-eared Brushfinch, and Plain-tailed Warbling Finch. In addition to these main targets, we were treated to several other delights, including a female Green-headed Hillstar, Black Metaltail, Striated Earthcreeper, the local cajabambae race of Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Stripe-headed Antpitta, Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant, Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, and Streaked Dacnis. Other species that complemented our day included Torrent, Crested, and Andean Duck, Yellow-billed Pintail, Yellow-billed Teal, Great Sapphirewing, Giant Hummingbird, Variable Hawk, Andean Flicker, Mountain Caracara, White-winged Cinclodes, Many-striped and Streak-throated Canasteros, Line-cheeked (Baron’s) Spinetail, another sighting of Stripe-headed Antpitta, Taczanowski’s and Rufous-naped Ground Tyrants, Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, D’Orbigny’s and White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Peruvian Sierra Finch, and Black-throated Flowerpiercer. In the late afternoon, we set out to search for the restricted endemic Pale-tailed Canastero, which has been elevated to species status in recent years. The habitat was an arid scrub on the outskirts of Caraz. Although the area did not offer much diversity, we did manage to see the Pale-tailed Canastero. Other species we observed there included Spot-throated Hummingbird, Croaking Ground Dove, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, and Band-tailed Seedeater. On our final morning at Caraz, we did another birding session before breakfast, during which we saw Purple-collared Woodstar, Oasis Hummingbird, Spot-throated Hummingbird, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Fulvous-faced Scrub Tyrant, Vermilion Flycatcher, Peruvian Meadowlark, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Drab Seedeater, Collared Warbling Finch, and Grassland Yellow Finch. For the remainder of the day, we focused on the longest drive of the tour, so our birding stops were limited. A brief stop at Conacocha Lagoon yielded sightings of Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Duck, Giant Coot, Silvery Grebe, Chilean Flamingo, Andean Lapwing, Baird’s Sandpiper, Streak-backed Canastero, and Andean Negrito. After a long day of driving, we arrived in Huanuco, where we stayed for the next three nights.

Our first full day was at Bosque de Unchog, a renowned site that hosts certain specialties unique to this dwarf forest habitat, situated just below the tree line on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Central Peru. We had an excellent day, obtaining terrific views of the impressive Golden-backed Mountain Tanager and Bay-vented Cotinga, which sat right in front of us for several minutes. We also observed a Pardusco joining a mixed-species flock. Last year we only heard the White-winged Tapaculo—a “heard-only Birdquest lifer”—but on this tour at least one participant and the leader actually saw it! Several other specialties were observed at Unchog, including Green-headed Hillstar, Coppery Metaltail, White-chinned Thistletail (plengei), Chachapoyas Antpitta, Neblina, Large-footed and Tschudi’s Tapaculos, Red-rumped Bush Tyrant, Taczanowski’s Brushfinch, Drab Hemispingus, as well as Golden-collared and Yellow-scarfed Tanagers and Streak-crowned and Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanagers. Other, more widespread species that complemented our day included Plain-breasted Hawk, Pearled Treerunner, White-throated Tyrannulet, Red-crested Cotinga, Blue-backed Conebill, and both Moustached and Black-throated Flowerpiercers. In the final part of the afternoon, we searched for Brown-flanked Tanager, another Central Peru endemic that provided us with excellent views in the lower, drier areas of Unchog. After such an outstanding day, we returned to our base hotel at Huanuco. The following day we also visited the Carpish Ridge, where our morning birding activity was very productive. Some of the best species observed included Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Golden-browed Chat-Tyrant, Peruvian Wren, Plushcap and White-browed Hemispingus. We also saw species such as Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Tyrian Metaltail, Collared Inca, Violet-throated Starfrontlet (dichoura), Bar-bellied and Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Rufous Spinetail, White-tailed and White-banded Tyrannulets, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Smoky Bush Tyrant, Barred Fruiteater, Glossy-black Trush, Superciliaried (White-bellied) Hemispingus, Rufous-chested Tanager, Streak-crowned and Lacrimose Mountain Tanagers and Grass-green Tanager. We also visited the Paty Trail, or “Senda Paty”, during a very sunny and warm part of the morning, although bird activity was quite low. There we managed to see White-eared Solitaire, Tricoloured Brushfinch and Oleaginous Hemispingus, and we heard an Orange-breasted Falcon in the distance. In the final section of the afternoon we headed to Panao Hills to try our luck with the Panao Antpitta and other local species. In the lower, drier areas of the valley, we observed species such as the Pacific Pygmy Owl, Fasciated Wren and Blue-grey Tanager. At the higher elevations of Panao Hills, we obtained excellent, open views of the Panao Antpitta, one of the splits of the Rufous Antpitta complex with a very restricted distribution. The White-tufted Sunbeam was another highly appreciated encounter, and additional species like Mountain Velvetbreast, Tschudi’s Tapaculo, Golden Grosbeak, Golden-billed Saltator and Brown-flanked Tanager further enriched our afternoon session. It was time to return to Huanuco and celebrate another successful day. Our last morning in the area we revisited Carpish Ridge, where we added several species to our trip’s list. Some of the best sightings of the morning were Chestnut Antpitta and Band-tailed Fruiteater, but we also saw Andean Guan, Golden-headed Quetzal, Scaly-naped Amazon, Montane Woodcreeper, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant, Mountain Wren, Yellow-billed Cacique, and Lacrimose Mountain Tanager. The rest of the day was mostly spent driving through the mountains to finally reach Junin. We made an afternoon birding stop in a polylepis forest where we didn’t see anything new, but we did observe birds such as Variable Hawk, Andean Flicker, Cream-winged Cinclodes, D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, Cinereous Conebill, and Peruvian Sierra Finch. We arrived in Junin in the late afternoon at our comfortable hotel.

The next day, we met Cesar, our local guide, who took us to several birding stake-outs in Ondores, around Junin Lake. First, we looked for “Junin” Black Rail, which made a fine appearance. After our field breakfast, we took a boat to explore the birds of Junin Lake. After a while, we managed to find at least two Junin Grebes, providing excellent views. Another special species seen at the lake was Andean Avocet; we managed to find two individuals just before the boat ride ended. Other birds observed at the lake included Crested and Andean Duck, Puna Teal, White-tufted and Silvery Grebes, large numbers of Chilean Flamingos, White-backed Stilt, Wilson’s Phalarope, Stilt Sandpiper, Andean Gull (over 1000 individuals), Wren-like Rushbird, and Andean Negrito. In the altiplano areas, our birding was equally productive; we observed several individuals of Ornate Tinamous, Puna Snipe, Lesser Horned Owl at its roosting site, Slender-billed, Common and Dark-winged Miners, Buff-breasted Earthcreeper, Junin, Streak-backed and Cordilleran Canasteros, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Andean Swallow, Grass Wren, Paramo and Puna Pipit, Black Siskin, and Bright-rumped Yellow Finch. After a fantastic day in Junin, it was time to continue our journey to Villa Rica. En route, we saw several Vicuñas and enjoyed close-up views of Andean Ibis. After spending some time near a road construction project, we took “La Carretera Central” – the main route to the Amazonian region (or “La Selva”, as the Peruvians call it) of Central Peru. We arrived in Villa Rica at night, just in time to sample some typical Amazonian Peruvian dishes at a local restaurant. The next morning, we began at the Villa Rica coffee fields, where we looked for the restricted endemic Creamy-bellied Antwren. It took us a bit longer than usual to locate it, but we eventually obtained good views. While searching, we also saw other interesting birds such as Black Hawk-Eagle and three individuals of Lanceolated Monklet together. Other species at the coffee fields included Speckled Chachalaca, Sparkling Violetear, Amethyst Woodstar, White-bellied Hummingbird, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Blue-headed Parrot, Peruvian Tyrannulet, Western Wood Pewee, Lemon-browed Flycatcher, Olivaceous Greenlet, Violaceous and Inca Jay, Russet-backed Oropendola, and Cuzco Warbler. At a slightly higher elevation, we enjoyed further birding activity and observed species such as Streaked Xenops, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Ash-browed Spinetail, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Tricoloured Brushfinch, and Golden-naped Tanager. We spent most of the day in the upper areas of Bosque de Unchog. After several attempts, the whole group finally managed to see Bay Antpitta, which was probably the highlight of the day, followed by Masked Fruiteater. In addition, we observed species such as Sickle-winged Guan, Long-tailed Sylph, Rufous-capped Thornbill, Versicoloured Barbet, Blue-banded Toucanet, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Trilling Tapaculo, Inca Flycatcher, Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Dusky-green Oropendola, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, as well as Oleaginous and Black-eared Hemispingus, Bluish Flowerpiercer, and several tanagers—including Fawn-breasted, Blue-and-black, and Beryl-spangled Tanagers. In the lower elevations during the last part of the afternoon, our birding yielded some excellent species. We observed the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird, Inambari Woodcreeper, Cinnamon-faced and Red-billed Tyrannulet, Foothill Elaenia, White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant, and a striking male Cerulean Warbler. Other species seen at Villa Rica included Wire-crested Thorntail, Blue-tailed Emerald, Hook-billed Kite, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Black-throated Toucanet, Red-throated Caracara, Stripe-chested Antwren, Olive-faced Flatbill, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Coraya Wren (cantator), Golden-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-vented Conebill, and Paradise Tanager.

We left our hotel early in the morning and, at dawn, discovered a lek of Buff-tailed Sicklebills. They were very active at that moment; with the aid of our torch, we enjoyed excellent views of at least two individuals while others could be heard calling in the background. After breakfast at Oxapampa, we visited Yanachaga Chimillen National Park. Our hike along the park’s trails produced a good variety of species, including Andean Guan, Green-fronted Lancebill, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Andean Motmot, Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Ocellated Piculet, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, Streak-headed Antbird, Black-capped and Ashy-headed Tyrannulets, Inca Flycatcher, Band-tailed Fruiteater, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Peruvian Wren, Andean and White-eared Solitaire, Three-striped Warbler, Conebill, and Rufous-chested, Silver-backed and Flame-faced Tanagers. We also had a pleasant encounter with a group of Common Woolly Monkeys (tschudii) during our hike. We were aiming to see the “Pasco” Wood Quail, an as-yet undescribed species of Wood Quail that is very different in appearance from Stripe-faced Wood Quail. Despite our efforts, we did not even hear it, but the visit to the park was certainly worthwhile. After lunch, we continued to Ulcumano Lodge, where we arrived in time for an afternoon birding session. The best sighting there was Black-streaked Puffbird. Other species recorded in the late afternoon included Sickle-winged Guan, Steak-necked Flycatcher, Common Chlorospingus, and Pale-legged Warbler. We then waited until nightfall to attempt our first search for the tricky and localised Cloud-forest Screech Owl. Although we did connect with a responsive individual, it never presented itself in an open area suitable for our torch; unfortunately, the owl eluded us this time. During the owling session, we did record an Andean White-eared Opossum—a valuable addition to our mammal list. At Ulcumano Lodge, our full day was devoted to observing species we had yet to see. Some of the best birds we observed were the uncommon and localised Jet Manakin and, notably, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker. Other species seen during our day in Ulcumano included Bronzy and Collared Incas, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Plumbeous Pigeon, Variable Antshrike, Blackish Antbird, Western (Black-headed) Fire-eye (picea ssp), Rufous-vented Tapaculo, Highland Elaenia, Flavescent Flycatcher, Andean Solitaire, Glossy-black Thrush, Tricoloured Brushfinch, and Yellow-throated Tanager. Our owling sessions were quite productive; with a bit of technique and persistence, we managed to see Cloud-forest Screech Owl. In addition to the Screech Owl, we observed Rufous-banded Owl, an Oilbird resting on a branch, and a Common Potoo. Another unexpected sight during our night session was a pair of Grey-cowled Wood Rails roosting.

Our last morning at Ulcumano was spent on a relaxing birding session, during which the only new species for our trip was Pale-edged Flycatcher. After a delicious breakfast, we set off to drive to Satipo. Some side roads and random stops in the lowlands near Satipo yielded a few write‐ins for the tour, such as Amazonian Motmot, Barred Antshrike and Alder Flycatcher. Other species observed included White-collared Swift, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Southern Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Violaceous Jay, White-banded Swallow, Purple-throated and Thick-billed Euphonias, Yellow-browed Sparrow, and Crested Oropendola. We arrived at our hotel in Satipo in the late afternoon.

We departed Satipo early the next morning and birded en route from the lower elevations to Calabaza, our final destination for the day. In the lower areas, we saw mostly common and widespread species – although some were new to a few participants – including Fasciated Tiger Heron, Plain-crowned Spinetail, White-browed Antbird, Black-billed Thrush, Cuzco Warbler, Chestnut-throated Seedeater, and Blue-necked Tanager. As we ascended to higher altitudes, species that occur above 1000 metres began to appear, such as Geoffroy’s Daggerbill, Rufous-booted Raquet-tail, White-bellied Woodstar, Rufous Motmot, Black-throated Toucanet, Ocellated Piculet, White-crowned Tapaculo, Blackish Antbird, Mottle-backed Elaenia, Fulvous-breasted and Yellow-olive Flatbill (peruvianus), Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Grey-mantled Wren, Yellow-throated and Yellow-whiskered Chlorospingus, and Orange-eared, Spotted, Golden-naped, Blue-browed and Golden Tanagers. By midday, we arrived at our basic accommodation in Calabaza, which had several improvements since our last visit yet remained fairly modest. After lunch, we birded the areas surrounding Calabaza at elevations ranging from 2000 to 2800 metres. We managed to see two of the area’s main specialties: the elusive Oxapampa Antpitta and the extremely range-restricted Junin Tapaculo. Other species observed during the afternoon included Andean Guan, Andean Motmot, Plum-crowned Parrot, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Rufous Spinetail, Bay Antpitta, Inca Flycatcher, Band-tailed Fruiteater, Citrine Warbler, Capped Conebill, and Blue-and-black Tanager. We concluded our superb day with a sighting of a male Lyre-tailed Nightjar, with its full-grown tail, before returning to Calabaza to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Mari.

The following day, we left Calabaza before dawn and arrived in the Andamarca Valley early in the morning. It was a very successful day, during which we saw all the main targets along the Andamarca Road. In the early morning, we encountered the major specialties of the Mantaro River drainage – the restricted Black-spectacled Brushfinch, the recently described Junin Antpitta, the Mantaro Spinetail (previously considered a type of Azara’s Spinetail), the undescribed Mantaro Thornbird (formerly regarded as a Streak-fronted Thornbird), and the Mantaro Wren (also an undescribed species, formerly known as the Plain-tailed Wren). Other species seen during this period included the Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Shining Sunbeam, Violet-throated Starfrontlet (Huanuco S), Creamy-crested Spinetail, White-winged Black Tyrant, Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, Pale-legged Warbler and Rust-and-yellow Tanager. A major highlight was the sighting of a pair of roosting “Mantaro” Koepcke’s Screech Owls. At the highest sections of the Andamarca Road, we encountered a different assemblage of species, including specialties such as Fiery-throated Metaltail, Eye-ringed Thistletail and Jalca (Milpo) Tapaculo. We also observed other High Andes species such as Great Sapphirewing, Andean Ibis, Andean Parakeet, Buff-breasted Earthcreeper, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant and Plumbeous Sierra Finch. On our return to Calabaza, we added further species to our list, including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rufous-breasted (Leymebamba) Antpitta, Golden-browed Chat-Tyrant, Grey-browed and Taczanowski’s Brushfinch, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Superciliaried (White-bellied) Hemispingus and Streak-crowned Mountain Tanager.

The following day was mostly a driving day to Huancayo, with most birding taking place early in the morning around Calabaza and during the drive from Calabaza to the Carrizales area. In the morning, we observed species such as Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Crimson-mantled and Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Oxapampa Antpitta, Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet, Barred Fruiteater, Red-crested Cotinga, Barred Becard, Peruvian Wren and Moustached Flowerpiercer. In the upper sections of the drive from Carrizales to Huancayo, we made several stops as we spotted birds in the higher parts of the mountains – predominantly in puna habitat – including Crested and Andean Duck, Andean Coot, Andean Ibis, Common and Dark-winged Miners, Cream-crested Spinetail, Jalca Tapaculo, Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant, Black Siskin and Golden Grosbeak. We arrived in Huancayo in good time and stayed in a nice, upscale hotel that night.

Today we visited Abra Huaytapallana, a high mountain pass above Huancayo, with the aim of finding the Critically Endangered Royal Cinclodes, known from very few localities in its range. With a bit of persistence, we finally managed to see one individual of Royal Cinclodes. We were birding almost entirely in high puna areas, where we also observed Olivaceous Thornbill, Streak-throated Canastero, Jalca Tapaculo, Bright-rumped Yellow Finch and Glacier Finch. Along the drive, we spotted a Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper at some scenic river viewpoints. Another great encounter was witnessing a Culpeo (Andean Fox) feeding on a sheep right before our eyes. It was a long drive to San Mateo, so we left the area hoping to have some time in the afternoon to do some birding in the upper areas of Marcapomacocha. Fortunately, Mario drove excellently, and in the final hours of the afternoon we managed to get excellent views of a Diademed Sandpiper-Plover—undoubtedly one of the best species in the world. Other birds we observed in the bog areas of Marcapomacocha included White-fronted Ground Tyrant, Andean Swallow and Glacier Finch. After that, we continued on to San Mateo, where we spent the night.

The following day we began by birding the high puna areas and bogs of Marcapomacocha, before driving on to Santa Eulalia. There, we encountered very high quality High Andean birds, including Puna Tinamou, excellent views of Black-breasted Hillstar, and the Critically Endangered White-bellied Cinclodes. We also saw four individuals of Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, as well as Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, Aplomado Falcon, Dark-winged Miner, White-fronted, Taczanowski’s, Rufous-naped and Puna Ground Tyrants, Black Siskin, Peruvian, Ash-breasted and Plumbeous Sierra Finches, and Glacier Finch. We then decided to have lunch in lower areas adorned with Gynoxis bushes and some Polylepis trees. In these areas, we observed Black Metaltail, Bare-faced Ground Dove, Striated and Buff-breasted Earthcreepers, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, D’Orbigny’s and White-browed Chat-Tyrants, White-capped Dipper, Rusty-bellied Brushfinch, Mourning Sierra Finch and Band-tailed Seedeater. Later on, at lower elevations, we saw additional species such as Pied-crested and Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Tumbe’s Pewee, Hooded Siskin and Golden-billed Saltator. We arrived in the evening at Santa Eulalia to enjoy our last dinner of the trip.

The following day, we travelled along the Santa Eulalia Road from the valley floor up to Huachupampa before returning to Santa Eulalia for lunch. Our first stop was to search for Thick-billed Miner, but we only heard its call in the distance amid the vast canyons of the Santa Eulalia Valley. We obtained good views of Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail and Great Inca Finch, and then continued to Huachupampa in search of Rufous-breasted Warbling Finch. We scrutinised the areas where this remarkable species occurs, and it was only after breakfast that Carlos finally spotted one. Everyone enjoyed excellent views and managed to capture some great photos. Other species that complemented our morning included Andean Tinamou (observed by some), Andean Swift, Bronze-tailed Comet, Black Metaltail, Giant Hummingbird, Purple-collared Woodstar, Peruvian Sheartail, Bare-faced and Black-winged Doves, Black-necked Woodpecker, Mountain Parakeet, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, Pied-crested and Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Rusty-bellied Brushfinch, and Greenish Yellow Finch. It was time to return to Santa Eulalia to pack our belongings before heading back to Lima where our tour concluded. Many thanks to our crew – Carlos, Mario and Mari – for all their hard work during this fantastic tour, and to the members of our group who maintained a positive attitude throughout!

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st Golden-backed Mountain Tanager

2^nd Raimondi’s Yellow Finch

3^rd Diademed Sandpiper-Plover

4^th “Junin” Black Rail

5^th Junin Grebe

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.2).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

Hooded Tinamou ◊  Nothocercus julius  Heard only at Yanachaga Chemillén.  A write in for the tour.  

Brown Tinamou ◊  Crypturellus obsoletus  (H)  Heard only in six different days.

Ornate Tinamou ◊  Nothoprocta ornata  Excellent views at Junin.

Andean Tinamou  Nothoprocta pentlandii  Seen at Fortaleza Valley and Huachupampa.

Puna Tinamou ◊  Tinamotis pentlandii  Good views at Marcapomacocha.

Torrent Duck  Merganetta armata

Andean Goose  Chloephaga melanoptera

Crested Duck  Lophonetta specularioides

Puna Teal  Spatula puna  Best views at Huascaran NP and Junin Lake.

Cinnamon Teal  Spatula cyanoptera

White-cheeked Pintail  Anas bahamensis  Several seen at Playa Paraiso.

Yellow-billed Pintail  Anas georgica

Yellow-billed Teal (Sharp-winged T)  Anas [flavirostris] oxyptera

Andean Duck  Oxyura ferruginea

Speckled Chachalaca  Ortalis guttata

Andean Guan  Penelope montagnii

Sickle-winged Guan  Chamaepetes goudotii  Seen at Bosque Shollet and Ulcumano.

Lyre-tailed Nightjar  Uropsalis lyra 

Oilbird  Steatornis caripensis  One individual seen at Ulcumano, resting on a branch of a tree, probably digesting its food as stayed for a prolonged time. A write in for the tour.

Common Potoo  Nyctibius griseus  One individual at Ulcumano. It vocalized once, to exclude Andean Potoo.

White-collared Swift  Streptoprocne zonaris

Andean Swift  Aeronautes andecolus

Buff-tailed Sicklebill ◊  Eutoxeres condamini  Excellent views at Bosque Shollet.

Green Hermit  Phaethornis guy  (LO)

Green-fronted Lancebill  Doryfera ludovicae  Good views at Yamacha

Geoffroy’s Daggerbill  Schistes geoffroyi  Good views at Satipo Road. An uncommon species through its distribution range in the eastern slope of the Andes.

Sparkling Violetear  Colibri coruscans

Amethyst-throated Sunangel  Heliangelus amethysticollis

Wire-crested Thorntail  Discosura popelairii  A rare species for this tour, we managed to see a female at Villa Rica.

Speckled Hummingbird  Adelomyia melanogenys

Long-tailed Sylph  Aglaiocercus kingii

Bronze-tailed Comet ◊  Polyonymus caroli  Endemic. Good views at Fortaleza and Huachupampa. 

Green-headed Hillstar ◊  Oreotrochilus stolzmanni  Good views of a female at Huascaran, also at Bosque de Unchog.

Black-breasted Hillstar ◊  Oreotrochilus melanogaster  Endemic. Excellent views at Marcapomacocha.

Green-tailed Trainbearer  Lesbia nuna  (LO)

Rufous-capped Thornbill  Chalcostigma ruficeps  Seen at Bosque Shollet.

Olivaceous Thornbill ◊  Chalcostigma olivaceum  Seen at Abra Huaytapallana.

Blue-mantled Thornbill ◊  Chalcostigma stanleyi  Seen at Huascaran.

Tyrian Metaltail  Metallura tyrianthina

Coppery Metaltail ◊  Metallura theresiae  Endemic. Good views at Bosque de Unchog.

Fiery-throated Metaltail ◊  Metallura eupogon  Endemic.  Seen at Andamarca.

Black Metaltail ◊  Metallura phoebe  Endemic. Seen at Huascaran and Santa Eulalia.

Emerald-bellied Puffleg ◊  Eriocnemis aline

Shining Sunbeam  Aglaeactis cupripennis

White-tufted Sunbeam ◊  Aglaeactis castelnaudii  Endemic. Good views at Panao hills.

Bronzy Inca  Coeligena coeligena

Collared Inca  Coeligena torquata

Violet-throated Starfrontlet ◊ (Huanuco S)  Coeligena [violifer] dichroura

Mountain Velvetbreast  Lafresnaya lafresnayi

Sword-billed Hummingbird  Ensifera ensifera  Good views at Calabaza.

Great Sapphirewing  Pterophanes cyanopterus

Rufous-booted Racket-tail ◊  Ocreatus addae

Giant Hummingbird  Patagona gigas

Amethyst Woodstar  Calliphlox amethystina

Purple-collared Woodstar  Myrtis fanny

Oasis Hummingbird ◊  Rhodopis vesper  First seen at Lomas de Lachay, also at Caraz.

Peruvian Sheartail ◊  Thaumastura cora 

White-bellied Woodstar  Chaetocercus mulsant

Blue-tailed Emerald  Chlorostilbon mellisugus

Spot-throated Hummingbird ◊  Thaumasius taczanowskii  Endemic. Seen at Caraz.

Amazilia Hummingbird ◊  Amazilis amazilia

Sapphire-spangled Emerald  Chionomesa lactea  First seen at Villa Rica, also on the drive to Satipo.

White-bellied Hummingbird  Elliotomyia chionogaster

Green-and-white Hummingbird ◊  Elliotomyia viridicauda  Endemic. One bird nesting at Oxapampa town, also seen at El Milagro Road.

Smooth-billed Ani  Crotophaga ani

Groove-billed Ani  Crotophaga sulcirostris

Squirrel Cuckoo  Piaya cayana

Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral Pigeon)  Columba [livia] var_domestica

Spot-winged Pigeon  Patagioenas maculosa

Band-tailed Pigeon (White-necked P)  Patagioenas [fasciata] albilinea

Plumbeous Pigeon  Patagioenas plumbea

Ruddy Ground Dove  Columbina talpacoti

Croaking Ground Dove ◊  Columbina cruziana

Bare-faced Ground Dove  Metriopelia ceciliae

Black-winged Ground Dove  Metriopelia melanoptera

White-tipped Dove  Leptotila verreauxi

Eared Dove  Zenaida auriculata

West Peruvian Dove (Pacific D)  Zenaida meloda

Grey-cowled Wood Rail (G-necked W R)  Aramides cajaneus

Common Gallinule  Gallinula galeata

Giant Coot  Fulica gigantea

Andean Coot (Slate-coloured C)  Fulica ardesiaca

Black Rail ◊ (Junin R)  Laterallus [jamaicensis] tuerosi  Excellent views at Junin Lake.

White-tufted Grebe  Rollandia Rolland  Good views at Junin Lake.

Great Grebe  Podiceps major

Silvery Grebe  Podiceps occipitalis

Junin Grebe ◊  Podiceps taczanowskii  Endemic. Excellent views at Junin Lake of this Critically Endangered species.

Chilean Flamingo  Phoenicopterus chilensis

Peruvian Thick-knee ◊  Hesperoburhinus superciliaris

Blackish Oystercatcher  Haematopus ater

American Oystercatcher  Haematopus palliatus

White-backed Stilt  Himantopus melanurus  One individual at Junin. A write in for the tour but most likely for taxonomic update reasons.

Andean Avocet  Recurvirostra andina  Seen at Junin Lake.

Diademed Sandpiper-Plover ◊  Phegornis mitchellii  Great views at Marcapomacocha. We saw 1 individual the first afternoon and 4 individuals the next morning.

Killdeer  Charadrius vociferus

Semipalmated Plover (N)  Charadrius semipalmatus

Andean Lapwing  Vanellus resplendens

Snowy Plover  Anarhynchus nivosus  Great views at Playa Paraiso Lagoons.

Grey-breasted Seedsnipe  Thinocorus orbignyianus  Seen at the Santa Eulalia upper section.

Least Seedsnipe  Thinocorus rumicivorus  Excellent views at Lomas de Lachay.

Hudsonian Whimbrel  Numenius hudsonicus

Puna Snipe ◊  Gallinago andina  Excellent views at Junin.

Wilson’s Phalarope (N)  Phalaropus tricolor

Spotted Sandpiper (N)  Actitis macularius

Lesser Yellowlegs (N)  Tringa flavipes

Greater Yellowlegs (N)  Tringa melanoleuca

Stilt Sandpiper (N)  Calidris himantopus  A small group of 5 individuals at Junin Lake.  Write in for the tour.

Baird’s Sandpiper (N)  Calidris bairdii

Least Sandpiper (N)  Calidris minutilla

Semipalmated Sandpiper (N)  Calidris pusilla

Black Skimmer  Rynchops niger

Inca Tern ◊  Larosterna inca  Two individuals at least, but flying in the distance at Chancay.

South American Tern  Sterna hirundinacea  Seen at Chancay.

Andean Gull  Chroicocephalus serranus

Grey-headed Gull (G-hooded G)  Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus

Grey Gull ◊  Leucophaeus modestus

Belcher’s Gull ◊  Larus belcheri

Kelp Gull  Larus dominicanus

Peruvian Booby ◊  Sula variegata

Red-legged Cormorant ◊  Poikilocarbo gaimardi  Carlos and one passenger saw it at Chancay.

Neotropic Cormorant  Nannopterum brasilianum

Andean Ibis ◊  Theristicus branickii

Puna Ibis  Plegadis ridgwayi

Fasciated Tiger Heron  Tigrisoma fasciatum

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Little Blue Heron  Egretta caerulea

Snowy Egret  Egretta thula

Western Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis

Great Egret (American G E)  Ardea [alba] egretta

Cocoi Heron  Ardea cocoi

Peruvian Pelican ◊  Pelecanus thagus

Black Vulture  Coragyps atratus

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura

Hook-billed Kite  Chondrohierax uncinatus

Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K)  Elanoides forficatus

Black Hawk-Eagle  Spizaetus tyrannus  Great views at Villa Rica.

Black-and-chestnut Eagle  Spizaetus isidori  Good views on the road of Calabaza to Carrizales.

Plain-breasted Hawk  Accipiter ventralis  Excellent views at Bosque de Unchog.

Plumbeous Kite  Ictinia plumbea

Roadside Hawk  Rupornis magnirostris

Harris’s Hawk  Parabuteo unicinctus  One seen on the last day on the drive to Lima City.

Variable Hawk  Geranoaetus polyosoma

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle  Geranoaetus melanoleucus

White-throated Hawk (A)  Buteo albigula

Short-tailed Hawk  Buteo brachyurus

Burrowing Owl  Athene cunicularia

Yungas Pygmy Owl ◊  Glaucidium bolivianum  (H)

Pacific Pygmy Owl ◊ (Peruvian P O)  Glaucidium peruanum

Lesser Horned Owl (Magellanic H O)  Bubo magellanicus  One bird at its roosting site at Junin.

Koepcke’s Screech Owl  Megascops koepckeae  Two individuals roosting at Andamarca Valley.

Cloud-forest Screech Owl ◊  Megascops marshalli  Seen at Ulcumano, one of the best specialties of this tour.

Black-banded Owl  Strix huhula (H)  Heard only at Ulcumano.

Rufous-banded Owl  Strix albitarsis  Seen at Ulcumano.

Golden-headed Quetzal  Pharomachrus auriceps

Masked Trogon  Trogon personatus  (H)

Amazonian Motmot  Momotus momota  Seen at the Satipo lowlands. A write in for the tour.

Andean Motmot  Momotus aequatorialis

Rufous Motmot  Baryphthengus martii

Bluish-fronted Jacamar  Galbula cyanescens

Black-streaked Puffbird  Malacoptila fulvogularis  Good views at Ulcumano.

Lanceolated Monklet ◊  Micromonacha lanceolata  3 individuals at Villa Rica.

Versicolored Barbet  Eubucco versicolor

Black-throated Toucanet  Aulacorhynchus atrogularis

Blue-banded Toucanet  Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis

Chestnut-eared Aracari  Pteroglossus castanotis

Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan  Andigena hypoglauca

Ocellated Piculet ◊  Picumnus dorbignyanus

Bar-bellied Woodpecker ◊  Veniliornis nigriceps

Smoky-brown Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus fumigatus  (H) 

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker  Colaptes rivolii 

Black-necked Woodpecker ◊  Colaptes atricollis  Endemic. Great views at Fortaleza and Huachupampa.

Andean Flicker  Colaptes rupicola

Crimson-bellied Woodpecker ◊  Campephilus haematogaster  Best views at Ulcumano, also seen at Yanachaga Chimillen.

Red-throated Caracara  Ibycter americanus  Good views at Villa Rica.

Mountain Caracara  Phalcoboenus megalopterus

American Kestrel  Falco sparverius

Aplomado Falcon  Falco femoralis 

Orange-breasted Falcon ◊  Falco deiroleucus  (H)  Heard only at Senda Paty.

Mountain Parakeet ◊  Psilopsiagon aurifrons

Andean Parakeet ◊  Bolborhynchus orbygnesius  Excellent views at Fortaleza, we also saw this rare species again at the upper regions of Andamarca.

Plum-crowned Parrot  Pionus tumultuosus  Best views at Calabaza.

Blue-headed Parrot  Pionus menstruus

Scaly-naped Amazon (S-n Parrot)  Amazona mercenarius

Pacific Parrotlet  Forpus coelestis

White-eyed Parakeet  Psittacara leucophthalmus

Coastal Miner ◊  Geositta peruviana  Endemic. Several individuals were seen at Lomas de Lachay.

Slender-billed Miner  Geositta tenuirostris  Seen at Junin.

Common Miner  Geositta cunicularia  First seen at Junin, also during the drive from Carrizales to Huancayo.

Thick-billed Miner ◊  Geositta crassirostris (H)  Endemic. Hear only at Santa Eulalia.

Greyish Miner ◊  Geositta maritima  Good views at the dry rocky areas of Lachay.

Dark-winged Miner ◊  Geositta saxicolina  Endemic. Seen at Junin and the Puna areas of Santa Eulalia.

Olivaceous Woodcreeper  Sittasomus griseicapillus

Strong-billed Woodcreeper  Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus  Seen at Calabaza.

Montane Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger

Inambari Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes fatimalimae  Good views at Villa Rica.

Streaked Xenops  Xenops rutilans

Streaked Tuftedcheek  Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii

Wren-like Rushbird  Phleocryptes melanops

Striated Earthcreeper ◊  Geocerthia serrana  Endemic.  Excellent views at Huascaran and Abra Huaytapallana.

Buff-breasted Earthcreeper (Plain-breasted E)  Upucerthia [validirostris] jelskii

Cream-winged Cinclodes  Cinclodes albiventris

Royal Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes aricomae  One individual seen during our morning at Abra Huaytapallana. A write in for the tour, thanks to the new locality that we visited.  A very restricted species with very low densities.

White-bellied Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes palliatus  Endemic. Great views at Santa Eulalia.

White-winged Cinclodes  Cinclodes atacamensis

Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes ◊ (Surf C)  Cinclodes taczanowskii  Endemic. Excellent views in the coast of Chancay.

Montane Foliage-gleaner  Anabacerthia striaticollis

Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner  Syndactyla rufosuperciliata

Lineated Foliage-gleaner  Syndactyla subalaris  Seen at Yamachaga Chemillen.

Spotted Barbtail  Premnoplex brunnescens

Pearled Treerunner  Margarornis squamiger

Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail ◊  Leptasthenura pileata  Endemic.  Seen at Fortaleza, Huascaran and Santa Eulalia.

Streak-backed Tit-Spinetail ◊  Leptasthenura striata  Good views at Santa Eulalia valley.

Andean Tit-Spinetail  Leptasthenura andicola (LO)  Seen by leader at Abra Huaytapallana.

Mantaro Thornbird ◊  Phacellodomus sp. nov.  Endemic.  Seen at Andamarca.

Pale-tailed Canastero ◊  Asthenes huancavelicae  Endemic.  Excellent views at Caraz.

Many-striped Canastero  Asthenes flammulata

Junin Canastero ◊  Asthenes virgata  Endemic.  Great views at Junin.

Streak-backed Canastero  Asthenes wyatti

Streak-throated Canastero ◊  Asthenes humilis

Cordilleran Canastero ◊  Asthenes modesta  Good views at Junin.

Canyon Canastero ◊  Asthenes pudibunda

Eye-ringed Thistletail ◊  Asthenes palpebralis  Endemic.  Good views at the upper ridge of Andamarca.

White-chinned Thistletail  Asthenes [fuliginosa] plengei  Good views at Unchog.

Creamy-crested Spinetail ◊  Cranioleuca albicapilla  Endemic.  Good views at Andamarca.

Ash-browed Spinetail  Cranioleuca curtata

Line-cheeked Spinetail ◊ (Baron’s S)  Cranioleuca [antisiensis] baroni

Line-cheeked Spinetail ◊ Cranioleuca [antisiensi] palambae  Good views at Fortaleza.

Cactus Canastero ◊  Pseudasthenes cactorum  Endemic. Good views at Lomas de Lachay.

Plain-crowned Spinetail  Synallaxis gujanensis

Russet-bellied Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis zimmeri  Endemic.  Excellent views at Fortaleza.

Azara’s Spinetail  Synallaxis azarae  One bird seen at Yanachaga Chemillen, hear at othe localities.

Mantaro Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis sp. nov.  Endemic.  Seen at Andamarca.

Rufous Spinetail  Synallaxis unirufa

Stripe-chested Antwren  Myrmotherula longicauda

Creamy-bellied Antwren ◊  Herpsilochmus motacilloides  Endemic. Great. Views at Villa Rica.

Plain Antvireo  Dysithamnus mentalis

Barred Antshrike  Thamnophilus doliatus  Seen at the Satipo lowlands.  A write in for the tour.

Chestnut-backed Antshrike  Thamnophilus palliatus

Variable Antshrike  Thamnophilus caerulescens

Streak-headed Antbird ◊  Drymophila striaticeps

Blackish Antbird ◊  Cercomacroides nigrescens

White-browed Antbird  Myrmoborus leucophrys  One male seen in the lower areas of Satipo Road.  A write in for the tour.

Western (Black-headed) Fire-eye ◊  Pyriglena [picea] maura  Good views at Ulcumano.

Undulated Antpitta ◊  Grallaria squamigera (H)  Heard only at Unchog.

Stripe-headed Antpitta ◊  Grallaria andicolus  Great views at Huascaran.

Bay Antpitta ◊  Grallaria capitalis  Endemic.  Seen at Bosque Shollet and Calabaza.

Chestnut Antpitta ◊  Grallaria blakei  Endemic. Seen at Carpish Ridge.

Chachapoyas Antpitta ◊  Grallaria gravesi Endemic.  Seen at Bosque de Unchog.

Panao Antpitta ◊  Grallaria oneilli  Endemic.  Fantastic views at Panao hills.

Junin Antpitta ◊  Grallaria obscura  Endemic.  Good views at Andamarca.

Oxapampa Antpitta ◊  Grallaria centralis  Endemic.  Good views at Calabaza.

Rufous-breasted Antpitta ◊ (Leymebamba A)  Grallaricula leymebambae  Seen at Calabaza.

Ancash Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus affinis  Endemic.  Seen at Huascaran.

White-winged Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus krabbei  Endemic. Last tour was a “heard only” Birdquest Lifer, this time at least one passenger and leader got to see it at Bosque de Unchog. A very tricky Tapaculo to see.

Jalca Tapaculo ◊ (Millpo T)  Scytalopus frankeae  Endemic.  Good views at Andamarca and Abra Huaytapallana.

Neblina Tapaculo ◊ (Elfin Forest T)  Scytalopus altirostris  Endemic.  Good views at Unchog.

Trilling Tapaculo (Grey T)  Scytalopus parvirostris

White-crowned Tapaculo  Scytalopus atratus (H)  Heard only at Satipo Road. A write in for the tour.

Rufous-vented Tapaculo ◊ (Peruvian R-v T)  Scytalopus femoralis  Endemic. Seen at Ulcumano.

Large-footed Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus macropus  Endemic.  Good views at Unchog.

Junin Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus gettyae  Endemic.  Good views at Calabaza.

Tschudi’s Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus acutirostris  Endemic.  Seen at Unchog and Panao hills.

Black-capped Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias nigrocapillus  Good views at Yanachaga Chimillen NP.

Ashy-headed Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias cinereiceps  Seen at Yanachaga Chimillen NP.

Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias uropygialis  Seen at Calabaza.

Foothill Elaenia  Myiopagis olallai  Seen at Villa Rica.

Mottle-backed Elaenia  Elaenia gigas  Good views at Satipo Road.

Highland Elaenia  Elaenia obscura  Seen at Ulcumano.

Sierran Elaenia  Elaenia pallatangae

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet  Camptostoma obsoletum

White-throated Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus leucophrys

White-tailed Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus poecilocercus

White-banded Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus stictopterus 

Black-crested Tit-Tyrant ◊  Anairetes nigrocristatus  Good views at Huascaran.

Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant ◊  Anairetes reguloides  First seen at Fortaleza, also at Santa Eulalia Valley.

Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant  Anairetes flavirostris

Tufted Tit-Tyrant  Anairetes parulus

Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant ◊  Uromyias agraphia  Endemic. Great views at Carpish.

Torrent Tyrannulet  Serpophaga cinerea

Southern Mouse-colored Tyrannulet  Nesotriccus murinus  Seen at the lower elevations near Satipo.  

Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant  Pseudotriccus ruficeps  Seen at Carpish.

Fulvous-faced Scrub Tyrant  Euscarthmus fulviceps  Seen at Caraz.

Red-billed Tyrannulet ◊  Zimmerius cinereicapilla  Good views at Milagro Road, Villa Rica.  A write in for the tour.

Peruvian Tyrannulet ◊  Zimmerius viridiflavus

Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant  Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus

Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet  Phylloscartes ventralis

Streak-necked Flycatcher  Mionectes striaticollis

Slaty-capped Flycatcher  Leptopogon superciliaris

Inca Flycatcher ◊  Leptopogon taczanowskii  Endemic.  Seen at several localities, first seen at Bosque Shollet.

Flavescent Flycatcher  Myiophobus flavicans

Black-throated Tody-Tyrant  Hemitriccus granadensis  Good views at Bosque Shollet.

White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant  Myiornis albiventris  Good views at Villa Rica.

Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant  Lophotriccus pileatus

Common Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum cinereum

Fulvous-breasted Flatbill ◊  Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus  Good views of a bird joining a mix species flock at Satipo Road. A write in for the tour.

Yellow-olive Flatbill (Andean F)  Tolmomyias [sulphurescens] peruvianus

Olive-faced Flatbill  Tolmomyias viridiceps

Cinnamon Flycatcher  Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus

Black Phoebe  Sayornis nigricans

Olive-sided Flycatcher  Contopus cooperi  Seen at Bosque Shollet.

Smoke-colored Pewee  Contopus fumigatus

Western Wood Pewee (N)  Contopus sordidulus 

Tumbes Pewee ◊  Contopus punensis  Seen at Fortaleza, also at Santa Eulalia Valley.

Alder Flycatcher  (N)  Empidonax alnorum  One individual seen at Satipo lowlands. A write in for the tour.

Vermilion Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus obscurus

White-fronted Ground Tyrant  Muscisaxicola albifrons

Taczanowski’s Ground Tyrant ◊  Muscisaxicola griseus

Rufous-naped Ground Tyrant  Muscisaxicola rufivertex

Puna Ground Tyrant ◊  Muscisaxicola juninensis

Andean Negrito (White-winged N)  Lessonia oreas

White-winged Black Tyrant  Knipolegus aterrimus

Rufous-tailed Tyrant  Knipolegus poecilurus  (LO)  Leader only at Ulcumano.

Red-rumped Bush Tyrant ◊  Cnemarchus erythropygius  Good views at Unchog.

Rufous-webbed Bush Tyrant  Cnemarchus rufipennis  Great views at Huascaran.

Streak-throated Bush Tyrant  Myiotheretes striaticollis

Smoky Bush Tyrant  Myiotheretes fumigatus  Seen at Carpish.

Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant  Agriornis montanus

Kalinowski’s Chat-Tyrant ◊ (Peruvian C-T)  Silvicultrix spodionota  (LO)  Only Carlos saw it near Carrizales.

Golden-browed Chat-Tyrant ◊  Silvicultrix pulchella  Excellent views at Carpish and Calabaza.

Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant ◊  Silvicultrix jelskii  Great views at Huascaran.

Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant (M-chested C-t)  Ochthoeca thoracica  Good views at Carpish.

Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca rufipectoralis

Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca fumicolor

D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca oenanthoides

White-browed Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca leucophrys

Piura Chat-Tyrant ◊  Ochthoeca piurae  Endemic. Great views at Fortaleza.

Short-tailed Field Tyrant ◊  Muscigralla brevicauda  Seen at Lachay.

Piratic Flycatcher  Legatus leucophaius  (H)

Social Flycatcher  Myiozetetes similis

Lemon-browed Flycatcher  Conopias cinchoneti

Golden-crowned Flycatcher  Myiodynastes chrysocephalus

Streaked Flycatcher  Myiodynastes maculatus

Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus

Short-crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus ferox

Pale-edged Flycatcher  Myiarchus cephalotes  Seen at Ulcumano.

Masked Fruiteater ◊  Pipreola pulchra  Endemic.  Seen at Bosque Shollet. Heard only at Ulcumano.

Barred Fruiteater  Pipreola arcuata

Band-tailed Fruiteater ◊  Pipreola intermedia  Seen at Carpish, Yanachaga Chimillen NP and Calabaza.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock  Rupicola peruvianus

White-cheeked Cotinga ◊  Zaratornis stresemanni  Endemic.  Great views at the upper parts of Fortaleza.

Bay-vented Cotinga ◊  Doliornis sclateri  Endemic.  Fantastic views at Unchog.

Red-crested Cotinga  Ampelion rubrocristatus

Chestnut-crested Cotinga  Ampelion rufaxilla  Seen at Yanachaga Chimillen NP.

Jet Manakin  Chloropipo unicolor  Good views at Ulcumano.

Barred Becard  Pachyramphus versicolor

White-winged Becard  Pachyramphus polychopterus

Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis

Olivaceous Greenlet  Hylophilus olivaceus

Chivi Vireo  Vireo chivi

Brown-capped Vireo  Vireo leucophrys

White-collared Jay  Cyanolyca viridicyanus

Violaceous Jay  Cyanocorax violaceus

Inca Jay  Cyanocorax yncas

Sand Martin (N)  Riparia riparia

Southern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

White-banded Swallow  Atticora fasciata

Blue-and-white Swallow  Pygochelidon cyanoleuca

Brown-bellied Swallow  Orochelidon murina

Andean Swallow  Orochelidon andecola  Good views at Junin and Marcapomacocha.

Barn Swallow (N)  Hirundo rustica

American Cliff Swallow  Petrochelidon pyrrhonota  Seen at Playa Paraiso Lagoons.

Fasciated Wren ◊  Campylorhynchus  Good views on the upper Hualaga Valley, Huanuco.

Grey-mantled Wren  Odontorchilus branickii  Good views joining a mix species flock at Satipo Road. A write in for the tour.

Peruvian Wren ◊  Cinnycerthia peruana  Endemic.  Seen at 3 different localities on the tour, first seen at Carpish.

Grass Wren  Cistothorus platensis

Coraya Wren  Pheugopedius coraya  Good views of the restricted subspecies [cantator], at Milagro Road, Villa Rica.

Mantaro Wren ◊  Thryophilus sp. nov.  Endemic. Great views in the upper Mantaro Valley.

House Wren (Southern H W)  Troglodytes [aedon] musculus

Mountain Wren  Troglodytes solstitialis

Grey-breasted Wood Wren  Henicorhina leucophrys

Long-tailed Mockingbird ◊  Mimus longicaudatus

Andean Solitaire  Myadestes ralloides

White-eared Solitaire ◊  Entomodestes leucotis  First seen at Senda Paty, Yanachaga Chemillen NP and Ulcumano.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush  Catharus fuscater

Pale-eyed Thrush  Turdus leucops (H)  Heard only at the middle elevations of Satipo Road.

Chiguanco Thrush  Turdus chiguanco

Glossy-black Thrush  Turdus serranus

Great Thrush  Turdus fuscater

Black-billed Thrush  Turdus ignobilis

White-capped Dipper  Cinclus leucocephalus

House Sparrow (I) (introduced)  Passer domesticus

Peruvian Pipit ◊  Anthus peruvianus 

Puna Pipit  Anthus brevirostris  Initially the bird was identified as Correndera Pipit, but thanks to photos I noticed that was a Puna Pipit instead. It was seen at Junin.

Paramo Pipit  Anthus bogotensis  Good views at Junin.

Hooded Siskin  Spinus magellanicus

Black Siskin  Spinus atratus

Blue-naped Chlorophonia  Chlorophonia cyanea

Purple-throated Euphonia  Euphonia chlorotica

White-lored Euphonia  Euphonia chrysopasta  Seen at Milagro Road, Villa Carmen. A write in for the tour.

Thick-billed Euphonia  Euphonia laniirostris  Seen at Satipo lowlands.

Orange-bellied Euphonia  Euphonia xanthogaster  Seen at Satipo Road.

Yellow-throated Chlorospingus (Y-t Bush Tanager)  Chlorospingus flavigularis

Yellow-whiskered Chlorospingus (Short-billed C, Y-w Bush Tanager)  Chlorospingus parvirostris

Common Chlorospingus (C Bush Tanager)  Chlorospingus flavopectus

Yellow-browed Sparrow  Ammodramus aurifrons

Grey-browed Brushfinch  Arremon assimilis

Chestnut-capped Brushfinch  Arremon brunneinucha

Rufous-collared Sparrow  Zonotrichia capensis

Rufous-eared Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes rufigenis  Endemic.  Excellent views at Huascaran.

Tricolored Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes tricolor  Endemic.  First seen at Senda Paty, also at Bosque Shollet, Ulcumano and Calabaza.

Taczanowski’s Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes taczanowskii  A new Peruvian Endemic, who came from the split of the ‘Slaty Brushfinch’.  We got several sights in Bosque de Unchog, Carpish and Satipo Road.

Bay-crowned Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes seebohmi  Good views from Fortaleza.

Rusty-bellied Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes nationi  Endemic.  Common in Santa Eulalia, also seen at Fortaleza.

Black-spectacled Brushfinch ◊ (B-goggled B F)  Atlapetes melanopsis  Endemic.  Great views at Andamarca.

Peruvian Meadowlark  Leistes bellicosus

Yellow-billed Cacique  Amblycercus holosericeus

Russet-backed Oropendola  Psarocolius angustifrons

Dusky-green Oropendola  Psarocolius atrovirens

Crested Oropendola  Psarocolius decumanus

Yellow-rumped Cacique  Cacicus cela

Mountain Cacique (Northern M C)  Cacicus [chrysonotus] leucoramphus  (H)

Shiny Cowbird  Molothrus bonariensis

Scrub Blackbird  Dives warczewiczi

Tropical Parula  Setophaga pitiayumi

Cerulean Warbler (N) ◊  Setophaga cerulea  Seen at Milagro Road, Villa Rica. A write in for the tour.

Citrine Warbler  Myiothlypis luteoviridis

Pale-legged Warbler  Myiothlypis signata

Black-crested Warbler  Myiothlypis nigrocristata

Cuzco Warbler  Myiothlypis chrysogaster

Russet-crowned Warbler  Myiothlypis coronata

Three-striped Warbler  Basileuterus tristriatus

Slate-throated Whitestart  Myioborus miniatus

Spectacled Whitestart  Myioborus melanocephalus

Golden Grosbeak (G-bellied G)  Pheucticus chrysogaster

Plushcap (Plush-capped F)  Catamblyrhynchus diadema

Great Inca Finch ◊  Incaspiza pulchra  Endemic.

Rufous-backed Inca Finch ◊  Incaspiza personata  Endemic.

Mourning Sierra Finch  Rhopospina fruticeti

Band-tailed Sierra Finch  Rhopospina alaudina

Blue Dacnis  Dacnis cayana

Bluish-grey Saltator  Saltator coerulescens

Buff-throated Saltator  Saltator maximus

Golden-billed Saltator  Saltator aurantiirostris

Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola

Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina

Silver-beaked Tanager  Ramphocelus carbo

Yellow-bellied Seedeater  Sporophila nigricollis

Chestnut-throated Seedeater  Sporophila telasco

Drab Seedeater  Sporophila simplex

Grey-hooded Bush Tanager  Cnemoscopus rubrirostris

Drab Hemispingus ◊  Pseudospingus xanthophthalmus

Collared Warbling Finch ◊  Poospiza hispaniolensis

Rufous-breasted Warbling Finch ◊  Poospiza rubecula  Endemic. Great views at Huachupampa.

White-browed Hemispingus ◊  Kleinothraupis auricularis  Endemic.

Oleaginous Hemispingus  Sphenopsis frontalis

Black-eared Hemispingus  Sphenopsis melanotis

Rust-and-yellow Tanager  Thlypopsis ruficeps

Superciliaried Hemispingus ◊ (White-bellied H)  Thlypopsis [superciliaris] leucogastra

Rufous-chested Tanager  Thlypopsis ornata

Brown-flanked Tanager ◊  Thlypopsis pectoralis  Endemic.

Pardusco ◊  Nephelornis oneilli  Endemic. Seen at Unchog.

Plain-tailed Warbling Finch ◊  Microspingus alticola  Endemic.  Great views at Huascaran.

Chestnut-vented Conebill  Conirostrum speciosum  Seen at Milagro Road, Villa Rica. A write in for the tour.

Capped Conebill  Conirostrum albifrons

Giant Conebill ◊  Conirostrum binghami

Blue-backed Conebill  Conirostrum sitticolor

Cinereous Conebill  Conirostrum cinereum

Bright-rumped Yellow Finch  Sicalis uropigyalis

Grassland Yellow Finch  Sicalis luteola

Greenish Yellow Finch  Sicalis olivascens

Raimondi’s Yellow Finch ◊  Sicalis raimondii  Endemic. One of the best birds of the trip, we got excellent views at Lomas de Lachay.

Peruvian Sierra Finch ◊  Phrygilus punensis

Ash-breasted Sierra Finch  Geospizopsis plebejus

Plumbeous Sierra Finch  Geospizopsis unicolor

Streaked Dacnis ◊  Xenodacnis petersi  A regular bird at Huascaran NP. A split from Tit-like Dacnis on the last years.

Glacier Finch (White-winged Diuca Finch)  Idiopsar speculifer

Band-tailed Seedeater  Catamenia analis

Plain-colored Seedeater  Catamenia inornata

Bluish Flowerpiercer  Diglossa caerulescens

Masked Flowerpiercer  Diglossa cyanea

Moustached Flowerpiercer  Diglossa mystacalis

Black-throated Flowerpiercer  Diglossa brunneiventris

Yellow-throated Tanager  Iridosornis analis  Good views at Ulcumano.

Golden-collared Tanager ◊  Iridosornis jelskii  Seen at Unchog.

Yellow-scarfed Tanager ◊  Iridosornis reinhardti  Endemic. Seen at Unchog.

Fawn-breasted Tanager  Pipraeidea melanonota

Blue-and-yellow Tanager  Rauenia bonariensis

Streak-crowned Mountain Tanager ◊ Dubusia taeniata  Endemic. A recent split from Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager.  Good views at Unchog, Carpish, and near Carrizales.

Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager ◊  Dubusia castaneoventris  Good views at Unchog.   

Hooded Mountain Tanager  Buthraupis montana

Blue-capped Tanager  Sporathraupis cyanocephala

Grass-green Tanager  Chlorornis riefferii

Golden-backed Mountain Tanager ◊  Cnemathraupis aureodorsalis  Endemic. The bird of the trip! Fantastic views at Bosque Unchog.

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager  Anisognathus somptuosus

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager  Anisognathus igniventris

Lacrimose Mountain Tanager  Anisognathus lacrymosus

Orange-eared Tanager  Chlorochrysa calliparaea  Good views at Satipo Road.

Magpie Tanager  Cissopis leverianus

Spotted Tanager  Ixothraupis punctata  Seen at Satipo Road.

Golden-naped Tanager  Chalcothraupis ruficervix  Seen at Bosque Shollet and Satipo Road.

Blue-grey Tanager  Thraupis episcopus

Palm Tanager  Thraupis palmarum

Silver-backed Tanager  Stilpnia viridicollis

Blue-necked Tanager  Stilpnia cyanicollis

Blue-and-black Tanager  Tangara vassorii

Beryl-spangled Tanager  Tangara nigroviridis

Blue-browed Tanager ◊  Tangara cyanotis  Good views at Satipo Road.

Saffron-crowned Tanager  Tangara xanthocephala

Flame-faced Tanager  Tangara parzudakii

Golden Tanager  Tangara arthus

Paradise Tanager  Tangara chilensis  Three individuals seen at Milagro Road, Villa Rica. A write in for the tour.

MAMMALS

Andean White-eared Opossum  Didelphis pernigra  Seen at Ulcumano.

Culpeo (Culpeo)  Lycalopex culpaeus  Seen at Junin Lake and Abra Huaytapallana.

Common Woolly Monkey  Lagothrix [lagothricha] tschudii  A familiar group at Yanachaga Chimillen NP.

Vicuña (Vicugna)  Vicugna vicugna  Seen on the drive from Junin to Villa Rica.

Northern Mountain Viscacha  Lagidium peruanum  Seen at Santa Eulalia.

European Rabbit (Common R) (introduced)  Oryctolagus cuniculus  Seen at Junin.

Brown Rat  Rattus norvegicus