Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru

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Field Guides Tour Report Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru Jun 24, 2011 to Jul 2, 2011 Dan Lane A panoramic view of part of the Machu Picchu ruins and the surrounding mountains and river valley (Photo

Even after having visited it more than a dozen times, I still think it's pretty impressive to look at and to think about the planning and effort involved in building it.

1 Field Guides Tour Report Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru Jun 24, 2011 to Jul 2, 2011 Dan Lane A panoramic view of part of the Machu Picchu ruins and the surrounding mountains and river valley (Photo by guide Dan Lane) Machu Picchu is a wondrous place. Even after having visited it more than a dozen times, I still think it's pretty impressive to look at and to think about the planning and effort involved in building it. I don't think it's too much to say that anyone visiting Peru really should see it. Since it was the top winner of the 'Top Three' at the end of the tour, I think you all agree. In addition to the cultural and archaeological interest, however, the natural splendor of the site is awesome. Of course, one of the facets of that splendor is the avifauna. The high Andes of Cusco department are rich in their avian diversity, and we aim to show you much of it (in addition to the ruins of Machu Picchu, that is). Despite the thin oxygen, the diversity of habitats -- from marsh to dry cactus and thorn scrub to puna to humid elfin forest and bamboo-studded high-elevation forest -- allows for a high number of bird species to be found here. Also, the mountains, and the valleys that transect them, create an isolation of habitats that allows for endemism. We enjoyed seeing no fewer than a dozen species that are not found in any other country, and even more that are found only marginally farther outside Peru. Tropical mountains have this character. This tour had many fine memories. Besides the afore-mentioned winner (the ruins), the other sightings that remained foremost on our minds were the trio of Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock who performed for us without seeming the least bit selfconscious, the colorful and small Many-colored Rush-Tyrants who peered out of cattails at us, the large Andean Motmots that allowed close approach, the group of Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucans who zoomed over the road, only to appear in trees below, the white 'headlights' of the Maroon-chested (Slaty-backed) Chat-Tyrat who had to shout over the sound of falling water to be heard, the flaming orange chests of the Masked Fruiteaters we enjoyed at our hotel, the smoke-colored Cusco Brush-Finches (along with their flared rufous caps) that approached us from the midst of their mixed-species flock, and (certainly high on the list) the unexpected Royal Cinclodes that was busy brushing aside snow to uncover the insects it needed to fill its stomach. In addition, the grounds of the Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes were nominated among the other experiences, as was the unique opportunity to watch birds hopping in a bewildered state across freshly fallen snow. These memories, and more, are among the reasons to visit the Cusco area. I hope you enjoyed your visit to Peru, and that this experience will draw you back to this lovely country again in the future. Until then, "Baile con Dios!"... oops, I meant "Vaya con Dios!" --Dan We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru. Field Guides Birding Tours

2 KEYS FOR THIS LIST One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant BIRDS Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) ANDEAN GOOSE (Chloephaga melanoptera) TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) Always a crowd-pleaser, and all enjoyed it this year! Our highest day-count was 18 on the train ride to Machu Picchu. CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) We first had this otherwise coastal species on the tour route last year. Possibly, it is trying to colonize some of the high wetlands. YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) PUNA TEAL (Anas puna) YELLOW-BILLED TEAL (Anas flavirostris) Formerly part of 'Speckled Teal' but this species has been split into several. RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) Declining on Huacarpay Lakes, but we saw many on Laguna Huaypo. Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) Fine views were had of this 'chicken.' Odontophoridae (New World Quail) STRIPE-FACED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus balliviani) [*] Podicipedidae (Grebes) WHITE-TUFTED GREBE (Rollandia rolland) Another species that has declined on Huacarpay, but which we salvaged on Huaypo. Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) All right! Often a very difficult species to see in the Machu Picchu area, we saw at least two individuals, both immatures. SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) PUNA IBIS (Plegadis ridgwayi) BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) A flock of these attractive high-elevation ibis in snow was a memorable sight! Cathartidae (New World Vultures) ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) After missing them on the train ride, we were pleased to see these majestic birds coasting along the ridges at Penas. Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) We had several views of this large Buteonine hawk. The first was of a young bird devouring a Gallinule in the Huacarpay marsh. CINEREOUS HARRIER (Circus cinereus) Hardly a 'countable look', only a few got a glimpse of a super-distant harrier across the Huacarpay marshes thanks to David's sharp eyes. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) A perched bird was a treat in the humid forest of Abra Malaga. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) A widespread, but variable, species. Birds in the Urubamba have dark upperparts with reddish breasts. Field Guides Birding Tours

3 WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) Similar to an immature-plumaged Broad-winged Hawk. VARIABLE HAWK (Buteo polyosoma) Presently contains both 'Red-backed' and 'Puna' hawks. Common and seen several times during the course of the tour. BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) Cheryl spotted a high-flying adult over Waynapicchu as we walked to the Mandor Valley. Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) The raven of the Andes, but more colorful... AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) If only all rails could be so easy to see! COMMON MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) Recently, the AOU has split the American birds from Old World birds and returned the name 'Common Gallinue'. SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b] PUNA SNIPE (Gallinago andina) One was spotted by Cheryl at Laguna Huaypo. Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) Two first year birds were a surprise at Huaypo. There are not likely to be many high-andean records of this gull! [b] Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] SPOT-WINGED PIGEON (Patagioenas maculosa) BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda) Seen at the airport in Lima at start of tour. EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) Weird dove? BARE-FACED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia ceciliae) WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata) Most folks got a quick look at this skulker in the gully at the Pueblo Hotel. Psittacidae (Parrots) MITRED PARAKEET (Aratinga mitrata) Seen well, including at least one individual that had the plumage of 'Chapman's' Mitred Parakeet... but was almost certainly a first year bird. ANDEAN PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus orbygnesius) A high-flying flock passed us. SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (Pionus tumultuosus tumultuosus) Great looks in the trees around the hotel at MP. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) Mostly eyeshine, but it still counts... right? Apodidae (Swifts) CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus) ANDEAN SWIFT (Aeronautes andecolus) Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus) Field Guides Birding Tours

4 SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) At least a few certain birds at Huacarpay and Ollantatambo, but there were a few other trainbearers that we couldn't see well enough to ID. RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps) A female seen relatively well at Abra Malaga. TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) SCALED METALTAIL (Metallura aeneocauda) Good looks at this local specialty just at treeline! WHITE-TUFTED SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) A fine endemic, and seen well at Penas. [E] COLLARED INCA (GOULD'S) (Coeligena torquata omissa) Despite the relative dearth of hummingbirds at MP, we managed to net one of these before leaving. VIOLET-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena violifer) GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) One seen at Penas. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) WHITE-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia chionogaster) This and the next species are troublesome at Aguas Calientes, as they look and sound nearly identical. GREEN-AND-WHITE HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia viridicauda) [E] Trogonidae (Trogons) MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) Daniela brought our attention to this lovely bird (a female) above the bear cages. Momotidae (Motmots) ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) Also called 'Highland Motmot'. Seen well at Aguas Calientes. Bucconidae (Puffbirds) BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) Ramphastidae (Toucans) BLUE-BANDED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) One of these snuck in, but got spotted anyway. GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) A small group of this fine bird responded to playback and showed for us. Picidae (Woodpeckers) OCELLATED PICULET (Picumnus dorbignyanus) This cute little nuthatch-like woodpecker gave us a good show at Aguas Calientes. GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) A handsome flicker that we saw well on the humid slope of Abra Malaga. ANDEAN FLICKER (Colaptes rupicola) Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) SLENDER-BILLED MINER (Geositta tenuirostris) The snow seemed to have caused this, among other high-elevation birds, to descend into the valley below Abra Malaga. ROYAL CINCLODES (Cinclodes aricomae) WOO HOO! What a great bird! Despite the snow, we still managed to salvage the last day at Abra Malaga with great (albeit cold and wet) views of a fanstastic bird! CREAM-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albiventris albiventris) Formerly part of Bar-winged Cinclodes. We saw oodles of them below the pass foraging in snow. WREN-LIKE RUSHBIRD (Phleocryptes melanops) It took a while, but our last stop in the remnant marsh between Huaypo and Cusco produced a pair. AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) MARCAPATA SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca marcapatae) Great views at Abra Malaga. [E] CREAMY-CRESTED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca albicapilla) [E] Field Guides Birding Tours

5 LINE-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes urubambensis) Lucky we decided to stop that second morning, as we got great views at a site that was in the blizzard on the way back across in the afternoon! JUNIN CANASTERO (Asthenes virgata) Fine views of this endemic in the bunchgrass below the pass. [E] STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) This species, more widespread but usually harder to find than the last, showed well immediately beside the previous. STREAK-THROATED CANASTERO (Asthenes humilis) PUNA THISTLETAIL (Asthenes helleri) RUSTY-FRONTED CANASTERO (Asthenes ottonis) Usually one of the first endemics we find on the tour, this one put up a fight, but eventually we saw it. [E] STREAK-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus striaticeps) PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) An ornate creeper that we enjoyed in the high-elevation flocks. STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) Grallariidae (Antpittas) STRIPE-HEADED ANTPITTA (Grallaria andicolus punensis) Great views with no effort at Penas. RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula occabambae) [*] Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos) TRILLING TAPACULO (Scytalopus parvirostris) [*] PUNA TAPACULO (Scytalopus simonsi) As usual, the easiest of the tapaculos to see. DIADEMED TAPACULO (Scytalopus schulenbergi) [*] Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) One of the most common members of mixed flocks on the humid slope of Abra Malaga. YELLOW-BILLED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes flavirostris) TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) A handsome lil' feller that we enjoyed at Penas. UNSTREAKED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes agraphia) Loud and boisterous, they form flocks that include other bamboo specialists in the area. [E] YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) Seen down at Mandor Valley. WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) We encountered many individuals around Huacarpay which were probably the coastal taxon modesta, but possibly of the local form urubambensis. HIGHLAND ELAENIA (Elaenia obscura obscura) SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) MOTTLE-CHEEKED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes ventralis) SCLATER'S TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias sclateri) ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) Yay tyrannulets! MANY-COLORED RUSH TYRANT (Tachuris rubrigastra) As with the Rush-Bird, we held off until the last second to see this eye-opener. COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ANDES) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus) Only first found in the area less then a decade ago, this species is now clearly common in flocks. CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans latirostris) ANDEAN NEGRITO (Lessonia oreas) A really handsome flycatcher that we enjoyed in the short-grass marsh edge at Huacarpay. WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TYRANT (Knipolegus aterrimus) Finally, after missing it on the past few visits, this species was seen at the ruins at MP! Field Guides Birding Tours

6 PUNA GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola juninensis) OCHRE-NAPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola flavinucha) Seeing good numbers of these large, migratory ground-tyrants hopping around in snow was rather a bizzarre scene! WHITE-BROWED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola albilora) SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (MAROON-BELTED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris thoracica) A very attractive tyrant, and one we saw well! RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) WHITE-BROWED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca leucophrys) SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)... now which is the 'asocial flycatcher'? GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) Cotingidae (Cotingas) MASKED FRUITEATER (Pipreola pulchra) Wow, we did alright seeing several of this often-difficult endemic species! Hooray for us (and them)! [E] RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) After a few fleeting glimpses, we encountered a group of males who were performing some of their lekking rituals at close quarters. That was nice. Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) Vireonidae (Vireos) BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) Hirundinidae (Swallows) BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes) BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) WHITE-RUMPED SWALLOW (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) We saw this species last year in nearly the same spot as where we saw it this year. Perhaps it's a fluke, but perhaps the species is a regular wintering one at high elevations on the east slope of the southern Andes in Peru? At this point we don't know... but that's what makes birding fun! [a] Troglodytidae (Wrens) INCA WREN (Pheugopedius eisenmanni) A great bird that is truly a flagship species for the area (and tour!). We enjoyed fine views of it below the ruins. [E] HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus platensis graminicola) GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) Cinclidae (Dippers) WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) Another bird we try to tally on the train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. My notes say we only saw three along the way, but we also saw a few more later on. Regardless, I think everyone enjoyed seeing the dippers! Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater) One was heard from dense vegetation over a creek on the humid side of Abra Malaga. [*] WHITE-EARED SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes leucotis) Great views, thanks to Cheryl, of this striking thrush! GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) Field Guides Birding Tours

7 Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits) PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) Parulidae (New World Warblers) TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) CITRINE WARBLER (Basileuterus luteoviridis) PALE-LEGGED WARBLER (Basileuterus signatus) Thankfully, despite a few false starts, we managed to bring a pair in to close quarters. RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus coronatus) Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) SLATY TANAGER (Creurgops dentatus) BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (WHITE-BROWED) (Hemispingus atropileus auricularis) PARODI'S HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus parodii) It took a little work this time, but we eventually found a nice flock of these sought-after specialties. [E] OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis) 'Colorful' doesn't even begin to describe these. In fact, I don't think 'colorful' would ever be used in the description. THREE-STRIPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus trifasciatus) A rare and unpredictable species, and one we saw well. Nice! CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor) CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons) WHITE-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum ferrugineiventre) TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) Happily, this is often a hard one on the tour, so despite not getting to the Polylepis, we still managed to see it! PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) Another hard one, but sadly one only a few lucky folks got to see. BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis) HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana) SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) A real stonker... happily, a rather common one in the right habitat! CHESTNUT-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Delothraupis castaneoventris) SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) The colors of this little bird are quite extraordinary. Isn't it great that they come in so close at the feeders at the Pueblo Hotel? GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis) GOLDEN-BILLED SALTATOR (Saltator aurantiirostris) Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) PERUVIAN SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus punensis) PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) WHITE-WINGED DIUCA-FINCH (Diuca speculifera) CHESTNUT-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-FINCH (Poospiza caesar) We got to enjoy this attractive and large finch several times on the tour. [E] BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa) BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) Field Guides Birding Tours

8 PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) Another species probably brought out into view (and perhaps downslope) by the snow. DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) BLACK-THROATED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa brunneiventris) RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) Seen at the last minute at our hotel in Ollantaytambo. MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) GREENISH YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis olivascens) CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) Basically a towhee that showed quite well around Aguas Calientes. CUZCO BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes canigenis) Perhaps one of the most range-restricted birds we encountered... it's only known from the Abra Malaga area and the humid slopes of the upper Urubamba valley. [E] RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea) [*] BLACK-BACKED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus aureoventris) A lovely relative of our Rose-breasted and Black-headed grosbeaks back home. Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) YELLOW-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelasticus thilius) Seen at a distance at the marshes we visited. MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (Cacicus chrysonotus) Seen at a bit of a distance, but the yellow rumps and black bodies were easy to see. DUSKY-GREEN OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius atrovirens) Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) This snazzy number lit up the forest around Aguas Calientes. HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) BLACK SISKIN (Spinus atratus) Only a few folks caught a glimpse of this super-high elevation species as we drove through the snow at the pass. MAMMALS BROWN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta variegata) A strange-looking large rodent that shared the gully at the Pueblo Hotel with quail-doves. NORTHERN MOUNTAIN VISCACHA (Lagidium peruanum) This large rabbit-squirrel hybrid allowed us close approach at MP, until less observant tourists lumbered by. MOUNTAIN COATI (Nasuella olivacea) Folks managed to see these Andean versions of the widespread coatimundis. I managed to miss them both times. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Totals for the tour: 203 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa Field Guides Birding Tours

Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru 2016

Field Guides Tour Report Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru 2016 Jul 9, 2016 to Jul 18, 2016 Pepe Rojas For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.