The fantastic Scarlet-banded Barbet was one of the highlights of the tour; it was only described in 2000 (Mark Van Beirs)

NORTHERN PERU

1 – 20 AUGUST 2019

LEADER: MARK VAN BEIRS

Peru is well known as being one of the richest birding countries in the world and on all our different itineraries through this immensely varied country we observe terrific selections of specialities and endemics, together with barely manageable, huge birdlists. On our current Northern Peru route we assembled an incredibly high quality range of goodies, which only ten years ago one could only have dreamt about. Species like Scarlet- banded Barbet, the legendary Long-whiskered Owlet, Cordillera Azul Antbird and Ochre-fronted and Pale- billed Antpittas have only recently been discovered, have only of late become obtainable or needed major expeditions till only a few years ago. Our good friend and colleague Paul Coopmans, who passed away

1 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com much too young (44) in 2007, created and perfected our Northern Peru tour in the late nineties and he would be truly amazed by the sheer quality of rarities seen these days. The six most appreciated species of the tour included exactly the five birds mentioned, together with that incredibly attractive hummingbird, the Marvelous Spatuletail. We saw a glorious number of hummingbirds (68 species), often at the well organised feeding stations that are now well established. The highlights amongst the 696 recorded species included White-winged Guan, Andean Condor, Paint-billed Crake, Band-bellied and Stygian Owls, Oilbird, Swallow- tailed Nightjar, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Rufous-crested Coquette, Grey-bellied Comet, Lanceolated Monklet, Buckley’s Forest Falcon, Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Great Spinetail, Rusty-tinged, Chestnut and Ochre-fronted Antpittas, the Fulvous and Cajamarca races of Rufous Antpitta, Lulu’s Tody- Flycatcher, Tumbes Tyrant, Peruvian Plantcutter, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Tumbes Swallow, Bar-winged Wood Wren, White-eared Solitaire, Marañon Thrush, Pale-eyed Blackbird, a fine selection of Tanagers including Dotted, four species of Inca Finches and Sulphur-throated Finch. Mammals were not obvious on this route, but we did have lovely sightings of Saddleback Tamarin, Sechura Fox and a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth.

The tiny, exquisite Long-whiskered Owlet was virtually unknown till just a few years ago; it performed brilliantly in its mossy cloud forest habitat (Mark Van Beirs)

2 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com The trip started in the early morning at the airport of the city of Chiclayo, the economic hub of Northern Peru. We were welcomed by Miguel and his capable team and soon a well-equipped minibus took us a short distance to some wooded dunes not far from the ocean, where we enjoyed a bout of introductory birding. The highlight here was the rare and declining Peruvian Plantcutter, a pair of which eventually showed very well while posing on top of a bush. We also obtained excellent views of Amazilia Hummingbird, a male Peruvian Sheartail, a pair of dainty Scarlet-backed Woodpeckers, Tumbesian Tyrannulet, Superciliated Wren, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Cinereous Finch and Bananaquit. In late morning, we drove further north, escorted by Turkey and abundant Black Vultures and West Peruvian Doves and explored a stretch of rocky coast where several large roosts of Peruvian Pelicans and Peruvian and Blue- footed Boobies could be admired at close quarters. We also found Neotropic and Guanay Cormorants,

We were able to admire Peruvian Boobies at a clifftop roost along the coast (Mark Van Beirs)

3 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Belcher’s Gull, Inca Tern and several ghostly Coastal Miners. A nearby reed-edged river was splendidly birdy as it held Cinnamon Teal, Black-crowned Night Heron, Striated Heron, Western Cattle Egret, Cocoi Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Heron, Common Gallinule, Black-necked Stilt, Killdeer, Snowy and Collared Plovers, Spotted and Least Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, Black Skimmer, Groove-billed Ani, Northern Crested Caracara, American Kestrel, Pacific Hornero, Black Phoebe, Tropical Kingbird, Grey- breasted Martin, Blue-and-white and Southern Rough-winged Swallows, Fasciated Wren, Lesser Goldfinch, Rufous-collared Sparrow and a smart White-edged Oriole. Another stretch of coastline held lots and lots of Kelp and Grey-headed Gulls and just a few migrant Franklin’s and Grey Gulls. In the afternoon we left the misty coast and headed inland to the famous Chaparri Reserve. A party of subtly-plumaged Sulphur-throated Finches obliged and we obtained excellent scope views of this localized species. We also picked up Croaking Ground Dove, Eared Dove, Pacific Parrotlet, Vermilion Flycatcher, Peruvian Meadowlark, Shiny Cowbird, Scrub Blackbird, Blue-grey Tanager, Saffron Finch and a couple of cute Sechura Foxes. As the sun went down we rolled into the grounds of lovely Chaparri.

The rare, threatened Peruvian Plantcutter and the unobtrusive Coastal Miner perfomed near the coast (Mark Van Beirs)

An early start took us to the magnificent bromeliad-laden subtropical woodlands of the Casupe area by dawn. A Peruvian Thick-knee and lots of Lesser Nighthawks enlivened the journey. We enjoyed a fantastic morning in this beautiful venue and picked up specialities like Pacific Pygmy Owl, Grey-chinned Hermit, Purple-collared Woodstar, Ecuadorian Piculet, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Red-masked Parakeet, Rufous- necked and smart-looking Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaners, Collared and Chapman’s Antshrikes, a well- performing Elegant Crescentchest, Tumbes Pewee, Plumbeous-backed Thrush, Black-capped Sparrow, White-winged and White-headed Brushfinches, Three-banded Warbler and Golden Grosbeak. An Ochre- bellied Dove remained a voice only. More widespread species included Variable and White-throated Hawks, White-tipped Dove, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Smoke-coloured Pewee, Speckle- breasted and House Wrens, Tooth-billed Tanager, Ash-breasted Sierra Finch and Dull-coloured Grassquit. After a short break in the heat of the day, we birded the extensive grounds of the Chaparri lodge, where we noted Harris’s Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Tumbes Hummingbird, a nice male Short-tailed Woodstar, Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant, Grey-and-white Tyrannulet, Tumbes Tyrant, Baird’s Flycatcher, White-tailed Jay, Tumbes Sparrow, Collared Warbling Finch, Parrot-billed Seedeater and a Guayaquil Squirrel. In late afternoon a nearby dam produced White-cheeked Pintail, Pied-billed Grebe, Puna Ibis, Savanna Hawk, Andean Coot, Pectoral Sandpiper, Burrowing Owl, Ringed Kingfisher, Necklaced Spinetail, a cracking Short-tailed Field Tyrant and Chestnut-throated and Variable Seedeaters. We stayed out till dark and heard the distinctive song of a Buff-fronted Owl, but the bird wouldn’t budge, sadly.

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The skulking Elegant Crescentchest gave quite a show as did Black-capped Sparrow (Mark Van Beirs)

White-winged Guans are now easily seen at Chaparri (Mark Van Beirs)

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A posing Pacific Screech Owl (of the coastal form pacificus) enlivened our pre-dawn walk at Chaparri (Mark Van Beirs)

A pre-dawn walk around the Chaparri lodge quickly allowed perfect views of a splendidly behaving Pacific Screech Owl (of the coastal form pacificus) and a Buff-fronted Owl was heard again. While enjoying a tasty breakfast two White-winged Guans flew in and posed beautifully at close range. We obtained cracking views of these very rare cracids as they showed off the large white patch on their primaries. For most of the morning we explored the surrounding dry woodland, which yielded marvels like Andean Condor (four together), Long-billed Starthroat, Golden-olive Woodpecker (of the distinctive race rubripileus), Lineated Woodpecker (of the race fuscipennis), Pacific Elaenia, Bran-coloured Flycatcher and Grey-and-gold Warbler. More widespread species included Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Common Tody Flycatcher, Hooded Siskin, Thick-billed Euphonia, Yellow-tailed Oriole and Blue-black Grassquit. Guayaquil Squirrels, a well behaved Sechura Fox visiting the kitchen, a White-tailed Deer and an impressive Green Iguana completed the faunal

6 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com list. In late morning, as bird activity had died down, we boarded our minibus and drove to the famous Bosque de Pomac. A short walk in the Prosopis woodland gave us the attractive, rare Rufous Flycatcher. At a nearby viewpoint over a stretch of gnarled algarrobo trees we scanned through numbers of Blue-and-white Swallows and eventually obtained excellent looks at several rare, very elegant Tumbes Swallows as they hunted low over the dune-like hills. Several lovely Chestnut-collared Swallows also showed. After this resounding success we drove to our hotel in the little town of Olmos.

Spot-throated Hummingbird and Piura Chat-Tyrant are both Peruvian endemics (Mark Van Beirs)

Next morning we birded the scrubby hillsides of the Abra Porculla pass. Bird activity seemed quite low, but persistence paid off as eventually a smashing, rather skulking Piura Chat-Tyrant and a pair of rare Ecuadorian Seedeaters performed very nicely. We also spotted Band-tailed Pigeon, Sparkling Violetear, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Great Thrush, Bay-crowned Brushfinch, Black-crested Warbler, Slate-throated Whitestart and Rusty Flowerpiercer. Next we paid a visit to a nearby higher area where we managed to obtain good looks at a cracking Black-cowled Saltator, next to Andean Swift, Unicoloured Tapaculo (glimpsed only) and Sierran Elaenia. Upon leaving this scenic spot a Bare-faced Ground Dove walked across the main road. In the middle of the day we continued eastwards and the final hours of the day were spent in a stretch of dry woodland in the lower Marañon valley. Our first Marañon endemics included Spot- throated Hummingbird, the Marañon form of Necklaced Spinetail (chinchipensis), the Marañon form of Northern Slaty Antshrike (leucogaster), Tropical Gnatcatcher (of the distinctive Marañon form maior), the attractively patterned Marañon Thrush and a brief Little Incafinch next to Roadside Hawk, Blue Ground Dove, Purple-throated Euphonia and Streaked Saltator. Our first try for the Marañon form of West Peruvian Screech Owl drew a blank, so we retreated to our hotel in the lively town of Jaen.

A bout of pre-dawn nightbirding in a nice patch of dry woodland gave us excellent views of a West Peruvian Screech Owl of the nominate race and of a Common Potoo. We also found a sleeping Black-capped Sparrow of the Marañon race nigriceps and heard the hissing of an American Barn Owl. We returned to yesterday’s woodland and found a nice selection of specialities like Marañon Spinetail, Collared Antshrike (of the local form shumbae), the perky Marañon Crescentchest, Bran-coloured Flycatcher (of the local race crypterythrus), Speckle-breasted Wren (of the local nominate race) and Buff-bellied Tanager. Many trees held the very obvious stick nests of Rufous-fronted Thornbirds (of the endemic race peruvianus) and we soon got nice looks at this localized species. Pearl Kite, Roadside Hawk, Ecuadorian and Ruddy Ground Doves, Social and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Chivi Vireo, Inca Jay and Red Pileated Finch also showed and we heard Tataupa Tinamou and Striped Cuckoo. In late morning we continued our travels and made

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The Collared Antshrike (of the local form shumbae) is restricted to the Marañon Valley, while the dainty Pearl Kite is widespread in Latin America (Mark Van Beirs) several stops in patches of scrubby woodland in the lower Marañon valley. We tried to obtain better looks at the endemic Little Incafinch, but try as we might, this endemic didn’t want to perform. Miguel had brief views and that was it. We did flush a couple of Anthony’s (or Scrub) Nightjars and admired the already impressive Marañon river as it made its way north to become one of the major sources of the mighty Amazon. In mid- afternoon we resumed our journey south along the scenic Utcubamba river and in the early evening we arrived at our lovely hotel on the outskirts of Leymebamba. An after-dinner walk gave us a nice Band-winged Nightjar.

The Marañon river is one of the main tributaries of the Amazon; the gardens of our lodgings at Leymebamba held the attractive Yellow- breasted Brushfinch (Mark Van Beirs)

We tried another bout of nightbirding before dawn, but nothing was calling. After breakfast we birded the beautiful garden for a while and came away with Sword-billed Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Baron’s Spinetail, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Yellow-breasted Brusfinch, Blue-capped, Blue-and-yellow and Silver-backed Tanagers and Cinereous Conebill. We spent the whole morning in the temperate, bamboo- cloaked, cloud forest of Abra Barro Negro. A high wind sabotaged our birding efforts, but we still managed to

8 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com find several specialities like Sapphire-vented Puffleg, a cracking Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, White- chinned Thistletail, Rufous-crested Tanager, Superciliaried Hemispingus (of a distinctive grey and white race) and Rufous-chested Tanager. We encountered a couple of flocks and added more widespread species like Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, White-banded Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Rufous-breasted and Brown-backed Chat-Tyrants, Brown-bellied Swallow, Mountain Wren, Black-crested Warbler, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Fawn-breasted and Blue-and-black Tanagers and White-sided and Masked Flowerpiercers to the tally. An open area held Andean Lapwing, Andean Flicker and Mountain Caracara. In the afternoon we slowly descended into the dry middle and upper portions of the Marañon valley. It was extremely hot and windy, so birds kept a low profile. A couple of flocks of Cordilleran Parakeets flew past, we had a brief look at a Chestnut-backed Thornbird, but best of all was the adorable Buff-bridled Inca Finch that showed so very well. In the early evening we arrived in the little town of Celendin.

The endemic Buff-bridled Inca Finch and the rather rare White-tailed Shrike Tyrant showed well in the upper Marañon Valley (Mark Van Beirs)

At dawn we found ourselves amongst the frosty, shrub-covered slopes at the treeline above Celendin. Although we tried hard and persisted, not a sniff was heard or seen of our main target, the cajamarcae race of Rufous Antpitta, but we did find a nice selection of goodies including Pearled Treerunner, the cracking Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, Jelski’s and White-browed Chat-Tyrants, Grey-browed Brushfinch, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch (of the form baroni) and Black-throated Flowerpiercer. A stop in open meadows gave us terrific scope views of both Black-billed and the rare White-tailed Shrike Tyrants. It was marvelous to be able to compare them so well. Yellow-billed Teal, Plumbeous Rail, Puna Snipe, Andean Gull and Paramo Pipit were also found. In late morning we descended into a steep valley, the barren slopes of which were covered in bromeliads. It didn’t take too long to find the rare and very localized Grey-bellied Comet. The scope views of this very special hummingbird were very much appreciated. After this success we explored the valley further and added Black-tailed Trainbearer, Smoky-brown and Black-necked Woodpeckers, White-winged Cinclodes, Streak-throated Canastero, Torrent Tyrannulet, Chiguanco Thrush, Peruvian Sierra Finch, Golden-billed Saltator and Band-tailed Seedeater to the list.

Next morning, we explored the road to Cajabamba and made several stops in suitable looking habitat. The main target was the attractive Great Spinetail, and although it took a while to connect with this rare and localized Peruvian endemic, we eventually obtained fantastic looks at a pair posing high up in a thorny tree. A Chestnut-backed Thornbird also decided to give a great showing, so yet another Peruvian endemic succumbed. A nearby shrubby hillside was the ideal habitat of the beautiful Rufous-backed Inca Finch. It was the first time we encountered this mainly Central Peruvian endemic on our northern circuit! An Andean Tinamou showed well along the road and several endemic Black-necked Woodpeckers obliged. We also found Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail and a few more gorgeous Buff-bridled Inca Finches. We made a short stop at a reedy lagoon, where we boosted the list with Andean Duck, Puna Teal, Baird’s Sandpiper and

9 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Black-winged Ground Dove. In the afternoon we slowly retraced our steps towards Celendin. Another concerted try for the local race of Rufous Antpitta (cajamarcae) was very successful as we got eye-ball to eye-ball looks at two birds in their dense habitat. Heavenly moments!

We had a fantastic encounter with the endemic Great Spinetail (Mark Van Beirs)

Dawn found us in a scrubby, dry area of the middle section of the Marañon valley, where it didn’t take too long to find the rather secretive Grey-winged Inca Finch, our fourth species of Incaspiza of the tour! We had nice scope views of this mainly Central Peruvian endemic. Nearby we located a Black-lored Yellowthroat and drove further down to the fertile agricultural area along the river. We managed to scope a smart, perched up Peruvian Pigeon and also had a couple of fly-bys of this endemic. We heard the distinctive calls of Yellow- faced Parrotlets while munching tasty pancakes and soon enough had wonderful views of these tiny endemics. After this success we meandered our way up through breath-taking scenery towards the temperate zone shrub at Abra Barro Negro, where Coppery Metaltail and Russet-mantled Softtail performed. Two more endemics in the proverbial bag! We also located Red-crested Cotinga, Blue-backed Conebill and Moustached Flowerpiercer. On the other side of the pass, we crept into a patch of dense shrubbery and after a bit of patient waiting had terrific looks at a Rufous Antpitta of the race “obscura” (Fulvous Antpitta). Another

10 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com stretch of bushes held a heard only Rusty-breasted Antpitta, while Amethyst-throated Sunangel and a pair of gorgeous Barred Fruiteaters showed off. Our late evening walk near our hotel only produced a heard only Pauraque and an Andean White-eared Opossum.

Adorable, endemic Yellow-faced Parrotlets performed well in the cactus-studded upper Maranñon Valley (Mark Van Beirs)

A pre-dawn nightbirding session gave us a heard only Koepcke’s Screech Owl. After breakfast we birded a beautifully forested valley dotted with cliffs, where we spent most of the morning. We encountered several good-sized flocks and had marvelous views of a couple of Andean Condors, both perched on a cliff and in flight. A spectacular group of 16 Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans was another highlight. A dainty Rufous- winged Tyrannulet showed ever so well, as did a Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant. The most beautiful species in the flocks was the extraordinary Red-hooded Tanager. We also found Speckled Hummingbird, Montane Woodcreeper, Streaked Tuftedcheek, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Barred Becard, Brown-capped Vireo, Slaty- backed Nightingale-Thrush, Citrine and Russet-crowned Warblers, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Capped Conebill and Bluish Flowerpiercer on our walk. A short visit to some hummingbird feeders added Lesser Violetear, White-bellied Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet and a gorgeous male White-bellied Woodstar to the list. Around midday we started driving north through the Utcubamba valley. We stopped at a known stake out for Koepcke’s Screech Owl, but after scanning several densely-foliaged trees for the better part of an hour, we had to give up and continued travelling to Huembo. Upon arrival, we visited the famous hummerfeeders, where after a bit of waiting we had a brief look at a fully plumaged male Marvelous Spatuletail and longer looks at a not so well dressed up male. We also observed Bronzy Inca, Speckle- chested Piculet, Mitred Parakeet and Northern White-crowned Tapaculo. Just before sunset we walked up the nearby mountain to a nice stretch of cloud forest where we soon enjoyed terrific looks at a very smart Stygian Owl. We heard the distinctive song of a Cinnamon Screech Owl nearby, but the bird didn’t deign to show itself. A lovely Andean Night Monkey appeared briefly in the torchbeam.

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The very smart-looking Red-hooded Tanager is a real cracker; the modestly-clad female of Marvelous Spatutail is rarely seen (Mark Van Beirs)

Sunday, the 11th of August was a truly memorable day as we managed to see three amazing and rare Peruvian endemics: Pale-billed Antpitta, Marvelous Spatuletail and Long-whiskered Owlet. Any of these three would already have guaranteed a successful holiday, but to be able to observe all three on the same day was out of this world! After a hearty sit-down breakfast we made our way up the famous Chido trail and after a good hike we reached the favourite habitat of the much-wanted Pale-billed Antpitta. We scrambled into a bamboo-cloaked gully and were at once welcomed by this fantastic species. We didn’t have to play a tape, the bird was seemingly waiting for us. A second bird came in and the two gave a terrific show as they foraged, preened, interacted and snoozed only meters away for at least 20 minutes. Golden moments! The walk also gave us Mountain Velvetbreast, Collared Inca, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Long-tailed Sylph, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Blackish Tapaculo and Lacrimose Mountain and gorgeous Grass-green Tanagers. We heard a Golden-browed Chat-Tyrant, but it didn’t want to play. At noon we returned to the lodge at Huembo, and after lunch had another session at the hummingbird feeders. Next to the ultra-smart male Marvelous Spatuletail, we also observed a female and Violet-fronted Brilliant and Little Woodstar appeared. After this heartwarming encounter we drove east to the famous Abra Patricia lodge. After a quick look at the feeders, which held new species like Green-fronted Lancebill and Emerald-bellied Puffleg, we hit the trails and stayed out till long after dark. After a fair bit of effort in a remote part of the reserve, we got gratifying looks at what must be the smallest owl of the planet, the cute and only recently become available Long-whiskered Owlet. The bird was skulking low down in dense vegetation, but luckily showed quite well. Several Lyre-tailed Nightjars were heard displaying along the high ridges.

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We had an incredible encounter with the exquisite, endemic Pale-billed Antpitta (Mark Van Beirs)

In the morning we birded the open areas around the Owlet Lodge, the nearby trails and the road. Flocks were quite active thanks to the cloudy conditions, so we identified Streaked Xenops, Buff-browed Foliage- gleaner, Pearled Treerunner, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Peruvian and Mottle- cheeked Tyrannulets, Streak-necked Flycatcher, the adorable Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, Olivaceous Siskin, Common Bush Tanager, Oleaginous Hemispingus, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Bluish Flowerpiercer and Flame-faced, Saffron-crowned, Spotted and Metallic-green Tanagers. At the recently installed Antpitta feeding station we obtained fantastic views of an incredibly friendly Chestnut

13 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Antpitta and of a well-behaved Rusty-tinged Antpitta. Out of this world! A short break in the middle of the day was followed by a visit to the Alto Nieva reserve were the hummingbird feeders produced several new species for the trip: Buff-thighed Puffleg, Fawn-breasted Brilliant and the lovely Peruvian Racket-tail. Later we hit the trails where we found Inca and Ornate Flycatchers, the localized Bar-winged Wood Wren, Orange- bellied Euphonia and Blue-winged Mountain Tanager. We heard the very musical notes of a Chestnut- breasted Wren emanate from the undergrowth. We obviously had a look at the feeder station where a gorgeous Rusty-tinged Antpitta performed. Nearby a pair of delightful Ochre-fronted Antpittas gave a truly tremendous show! At dusk we looked again for the magnificent Long-whiskered Owlet and came away with truly spectacular views of this cutie!! Our deceased colleague Paul Coopmans would so have loved to have seen this exquisite species, but in those days the Owlet was only known from a couple of specimens and mistnet records.

Our encounter with the delightful and charming Chestnut Antpitta was truly heartwarming (Mark Van Beirs)

Before dawn we were able to scope a singing White-throated Screech Owl not far from the lodge. We heard a distant Rufous-banded Owl and flushed a Swallow-tailed Nightjar. After breakfast we visited the famous observation tower which gave us good looks at Peruvian Tyrannulet and Red-hooded Tanager and a large swarm of White-collared Swifts. The trails were rather quiet, but we did get good looks at Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Scaly-naped Amazon, Rufous Spinetail, Variable Antshrike, Streak-headed Antbird, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher and Flavescent, Olive Tufted and Pale-edged Flycatchers. We heard the distinctive calls of a White-faced Nunbird, but it remained a voice in the distance.

14 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com After a break in the middle of the day we drove down to lower reaches where some cliffs produced Cliff Flycatcher and the unobtrusive Rufous-tailed Flycatcher. A White-throated Hawk flew over and a party of White-collared Jays showed well. We also found several Subtropical Caciques. In mid-afternoon we returned to the sandy scrubby forest of the Alto Nieva reserve, where a Cinnamon-breasted Tody Tyrant didn’t want to cooperate. As the sun was setting we tried for Cinnamon Screech Owl, which we only managed to see in flight, thanks to the very rude, unpolite behaviour of a birding group that came barging in, shone their torches about, played the owl tape and totally sabotaged our session. Totally unheard off!

The endemic, gorgeous Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher performed ever so well (Mark Van Beirs)

The day started just before dawn with a perched male Swallow-tailed Nightjar just outside the restaurant at the Owlet Lodge. What a cracker! We visited another area of shrubby growth on drained, sandy soil, where we soon connected with the very localized, endemic Royal Sunangel. The female showed brilliantly a couple of times, but the male was only noted in flight. We continued our travels east and made several stops in the

15 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com foothills, where we found several excellent flocks. Highlights included a smart male Versicolored Barbet, a couple of intriguing Red-ruffed Fruitcrows, a crisp White-eared Solitaire and a couple of ever so attractive, bright Vermilion Tanagers. Tanagers were definitely a feature of the day as we added White-winged, Yellow- throated, Orange-eared, Green-and-gold, Golden, Bay-headed, Blue-browed and Blue-necked Tanager to the list. We also noted Swallow-tailed Kite, Geoffroy’s Wedgebill, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Variegated Bristle Tyrant, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Olive-faced Flatbill, Lemon-browed and Streaked Flycatchers, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Olivaceous Greenlet, Bronze- green Euphonia, Ashy-throated Bush Tanager and Buff-throated Saltator. Lower down, the now famous feeders at Aguas Verdes not only gave us 21 (!) different hummingbird species, but also Little Tinamou, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird, Orange-billed Sparrow, White-shouldered and Huallaga Tanagers and Blue Dacnis. New hummingbirds for the tour included Green and Reddish Hermits, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Grey-breasted Sabrewing, White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Rufous-crested Coquette (a fantastic male), Wire-crested Thorntail, Blue-tailed Emerald, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Golden- tailed and Rufous-throated Sapphires, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Sapphire-spangled Emerald and Amethyst Woodstar. In late afternoon we birded the marshes and open areas near the town of Rioja, where a Blackish Rail walking about in the open was very much appreciated. A Little Cuckoo showed well, an Orange-backed Troupial was singing about, a couple of rare Pale-eyed Blackbirds was scoped and a male Black-billed Seed Finch perched up beautifully. More widespread species included Plumbeous Kite, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin, Wattled Jacana, Solitary Sandpiper, Smooth-billed Ani, Neotropical Palm Swift, Black- fronted Nunbird, Chestnut-eared Aracari, White-throated Toucan, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Brown-chested Martin, Black-capped Donacobius, Thrush-like Wren, Black-billed Thrush, Magpie, White-lined and Turquoise Tanagers, Greyish Saltator, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater and Chestnut- bellied Seed Finch. Cinereous Tinamou and Rufous-sided Crake were heard only. In the early evening we finally arrived at our cosy accommodation, where, after a tasty dinner, we located a fine Band-bellied Owl in the gardens.

Vermilion Tanager and Amethyst Woodstar added a splash of colour in the eastern foothills (Mark Van Beirs)

Next morning, we split up into two groups. Miguel took the fitter people up Mishaqiyacu mountain to try to find the very localized Ash-throated Antwren. It was quite a sweaty hike to get to the habitat of this rarity and although the bird was heard, it didn’t want to cooperate at all. Their efforts were rewarded with Fasciated Tiger Heron, Blackish Nightjar, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Foothill Antwren and Plain Antvireo. The others (with Mark) birded the lower part of the mountain along a wide trail and came away with goodies like Speckled Chachalaca, Swallow-tailed Kites (a party of 15), Black Hawk-Eagle, Bluish- fronted Jacamar, Gilded Barbet, Golden-collared Toucanet (glimpses only), Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Plain- brown and Amazonian Barred Woodcreepers, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Russet-backed and Crested Oropendolas, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Giant Cowbird, Buff-rumped Warbler, Green Honeycreeper and Yellow-backed Tanager. A Russet-crowned Crake was heard in a patch of rough grass. After lunch we spent a bit of time at the Waqanki hummingbird feeders and added Great-billed and

16 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Black-throated Hermits, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Blue-tailed Emerald and White-chinned Sapphire to the ever-growing list. Piratic Flycatcher and a family of Saddleback Tamarins were other welcome additions. In the afternoon we visited several spots in the open habitats west of Moyobamba and found Masked Duck (a beautiful male and 3 females), White-eyed and White-winged Parakeets, a cracking Point-tailed Palmcreeper and Sulphury Flycatcher. At dusk we heard a distant Rufous Nightjar at the base of the imposing Morro de Calzada.

At the famous Waqanki Lodge we admired this wonderful Saddleback Tamarin (Mark Van Beirs)

For most of the following morning we explored the lower reaches of the mountain behind Waqanki Lodge. We heard the distinctive calls of a Painted Manakin, but the bird didn’t want to show. We encountered a fabulous flock that held goodies like Lafresnaye’s Piculet, the localized Mishana Tyrannulet, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Fulvous-crested Tanager, White-winged Shrike-Tanager, gaudy Paradise, Yellow-bellied, Masked, Green-and-gold and Guira Tanagers and Black-faced Dacnis. In the forest and at the forest edge we located Green-backed Trogon, Little Woodpecker, Peruvian Warbling and Spot-winged Antbirds, Sooty-headed and Mouse-coloured Tyrannulets, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Fiery-capped Manakin, a skulking Southern Nightingale-Wren and an early Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (they usually only arrive in September). After an early lunch we drove east towards Bellavista, via the town of Tarapoto. A short stop at the famous Oilbird bridge resulted in fantastic views of these nocturnal frugivores, both perched and in flight. Their “Donald Duck in a rage” sounds provided a splendid atmosphere. In late afternoon we arrived at a stretch of dry, thorny forest in the Huallaga valley where new birds came fast as Planalto Herit, Plain-crowned Spinetail,

17 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Stripe-chested Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren (male and female), Northern Slaty Antshrike (of the fairly distinctive Huallaga form), White-browed (of the form koenigorum) and Black-faced Antbirds, Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Rufous Casiornis, Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, Black-tailed Myiobius, White-winged Becard and Yellow-green Vireo showed well. In the early evening we rolled into the busy little town of Bellavista.

Oilbirds are widespread, but nowhere as easily visible as at the famous Oilbird bridge in Northern Peru (Mark Van Beirs)

Early in the morning we boarded our two 4x4 vehicles which were going to take us to the village of Flor de Café in the remote Cordillera Azul. We made a stop in the extensive rice fields and it didn’t take long for a smart Spotted Rail to show itself. Not much later we were admiring a glorious Paint-billed Crake, which was inspecting us from just a few meters away. Fantastic! A couple of stops on the ever-deteriorating track gave us King Vulture, Grey-headed and Snail Kites, a smart White Hawk, Scaled Pigeon, Chestnut-collared Swift, White-fronted Nunbird, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Yellow-headed Caracara and Variegated Flycatcher. The track was by no means bad or muddy and it only

18 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com took us about 4 hours to get to the village. Quite a difference compared to some of our previous trips! We walked the final kilometre to the village and found an angry Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Long-tailed Tyrant, Blackish Antbird, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, Green Manakin, Masked Tityra, Black-and-white Becard and Silver-beaked Tanager. We checked into the rustic, but more than adequate accommodation, had a good lunch and enjoyed a bit of a break. In the afternoon our man on the spot took us to a rather distant, isolated patch of nice, almost untouched forest, where after a bit of diligent searching, we heard the only very recently described (2017) Cordillera Azul Antbird. Eventually we had superb sightings of a magnificent male of this extremely rare species. On the walk we also encountered Black Hawk-Eagle, Collared Trogon, Lemon- throated Barbet, Ash-browed Spinetail, Olive-chested Flycatcher and a rather furtive Yellow-throated Spadebill. On an after dinner walk we heard a Foothill Screech Owl call from within dense vegetation, but nothing could move it from there. Alas…

The secretive Paint-billed Crake gave exceptional, jaw-dropping views (Mark Van Beirs)

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The only-recently described Cordillera Azul Antbird posed brilliantly for us; the trail up to the Scarlet-banded Barbet habitat was a muddy affair (Mark Van Beirs)

Dawn found us on a very muddy trail leading up a forested mountain near the village of Flor de Café. The highlight of the morning was without a doubt the magnificent Scarlet-banded Barbet that we saw so very, very well. At least six of these recently described (2000), gaudy birds were foraging in a fruiting tree and one individual was picking fruit quite low allowing for exceptional studies. We observed several other special birds on our walk. A covey of Rufous-breasted Wood Quail crossed the track in front of us, a Scaled Pigeon gave perfect scope views, a rarely seen Buff-tailed Sicklebill visited a fuchsia bush, an adorable Lanceolated Monklet sat sedately in the mid canopy, a cracking, loud-voiced Buckley’s Forest Falcon came in for excellent looks, a party of Rose-fronted Parakeets flew past, several Lined Antshrikes posed, a couple of Olive-chested Flycatchers sat about and Jet, Yungas and Blue-rumped Manakins gave a very nice show. We encountered several well-behaved flocks holding new goodies like Plain Xenops, Wing-barred Piprites, Plumbeous-crowned and Black-capped Tyrannulets, Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant, Grey-mantled Wren, Golden-rumped Euphonia and Yellow-throated Bush Tanager next to a variety of already seen species. In the afternoon we explored a different area near the village. Grey-rumped, Amazonian and Lesser Swallow- tailed Swifts were foraging at eye level over a coffee plantation and Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Riparian Antbird, Olive Tanager and the still to be described new “Plataforma” Woodcreeper (looking but not sounding like a Strong-billed) were other welcome additions. Nightbirding was not very successful as we tried for a

The Grey-tailed Piha is an eastern slope speciality; a female Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth with her baby was found in a patch of dry forest near Tarapoto (Mark Van Beirs)

20 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com couple of hours to get to grips with Striped Owl and Foothill Screech Owl. Both were calling only metres away in a dense thicket, but totally refused to show. Quite frustrating… As it was Brian’s 72nd birthday today, our cook had baked a tasty cake and had decorated it with a beautifully sculpted (from a carrot) and painted Scarlet-banded Barbet!

Next morning we returned to the muddy Barbet trail, but this time we were more relaxed as we had seen the much-wanted, flamboyant Scarlet-banded Barbet very well already. We enjoyed whatever appeared in view and encountered several impressive flocks. The highlights of our walk included a scarce Napo Sabrewing, a pair of exquisite Scarlet-breasted Fruiteaters with a fledgling, a rarely-seen Grey-tailed Piha, a smart male Yellow-cheeked Becard and a lovely Blue-naped Chlorophonia. In the flocks we identified new species like Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Rufous-rumped and Slaty Antwrens, Ashy-headed Tyrannulet and Three-striped Warbler. We had an early lunch and returned in an unheard record time of just over two hours (!) to the town of Bellavista, where our minibus was waiting. A Short-tailed Hawk was noted on the journey. Several stops along the mighty Huallaga river gave us a tremendous flock of 153 Comb Duck, showy Pied and Collared Plovers, Yellow-billed and Large-billed Terns, Pale-vented Pigeon, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Sand- coloured Nighthawk, White-winged and White-banded Swallows and colourful Oriole Blackbirds. In late afternoon we made a short stop in a patch of dry forest where a female Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth

The rarely-seen, modestly-plumaged Dotted Tanager allowed excellent views near Tarapoto (Mark Van Beirs)

21 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com with her baby was the icing on the cake. In the early evening we arrived at our nice hotel in Tarapoto where the hot showers were very much appreciated. During the jolly final dinner several plans were made for future trips.

The male Gould’s Jewelfront is a real gem (Mark Van Beirs)

On the final morning of the tour we visited the renowned tunnel area near the town of Tarapoto. In the well- preserved upper tropical forest we soon found the very localized Dotted Tanager. This rarity gave tremendous looks as it was observing us at eye level in a nearby tree. Walking slowly along the road also

22 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com gave us Hook-billed Kite, White-tipped Swift, several smart Ivory-billed Aracaris, a Red-stained Woodpecker, White-eyed Tody-Tyrant, Lesser Kiskadee, Greyish Mourner, Rufous-bellied Euphonia, Olive, posing Masked and Swallow Tanagers, Fulvous Shrike-Tanager and Purple and Short-billed Honeycreepers. Our visit to the Aconabikh feeders added several hummingbird species to the list, including Rufous-breasted and Koepcke’s Hermits and the exquisite Gould’s Jewelfront. In the surrounding woodland Grey-fronted Doves and Lettered Aracari showed beautifully. And then it was time to head for the Tarapoto airport and say goodbye to our affable and efficient crew. It sure had been an action and bird-filled twenty days!

The group at Huembo, the Marvelous Spatutail Lodge (Mark Van Beirs)

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The delightful Ochre-fronted Antpitta performed ever so well (Mark Van Beirs)

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

The species names and taxonomy used in the report mostly follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). IOC World Bird Names. This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org.

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).

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).

24 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Conservation threat categories and information are taken from Threatened Birds of the World, BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the sad status of the rarest 10% of the world’s avifauna, and updates on the BirdLife website: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/home CR = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient.

Hooded Tinamou ◊ Nothocercus nigrocapillus VU (H) We heard the distinctive song at Abra Patricia. Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus (H) Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui Seen well at the Arena Blanca feeders. Tataupa Tinamou Crypturellus tataupa (H) Heard near Tamborapa. Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii Good looks along the Cajabamba road. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata (NL) One was seen at the Rioja marshes. Comb Duck Sarkidiornis sylvicola 153 birds were counted along the Huallaga river. Puna Teal Spatula puna A single bird was at Laguna Sulluscocha. Cinnamon Teal Spatula cyanoptera A few were noted in coastal marshes near Chiclayo. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis Ten were seen at the Tinajones dam near Chaparri. Yellow-billed Teal Anas flavirostris A few were found above Celendin.

Masked Duck (drake); Black-crowned Night Heron (Mark Van Beirs)

Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus A marsh near Moyobamba held a cracking male and three females. Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea A nice male was at Laguna Sulluscocha. Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Regular encounters in the eastern lowlands. White-winged Guan ◊ Penelope albipennis EN Fantastic views of this endemic at Chaparri. Rufous-breasted Wood Quail ◊ Odontophorus speciosus NT A party showed well at Flor de Café. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Puna Ibis Plegadis ridgwayi Several observations, also in the western lowlands. Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum A single was seen along a stream above the Waqanki Lodge. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Striated Heron Butorides striata Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Regular in coastal wetlands. Great Egret Ardea alba Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Snowy Egret Egretta thula Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus NT Fantastic views of hundreds along the coast. Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii Terrific scope studies along the coast near Chiclayo. Peruvian Booby Sula variegata Splendid encounters along the coast.

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Peruvian Pelican (Mark Van Beirs)

Blue-footed Booby; Peruvian Booby (Mark Van Beirs)

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Guanay Cormorant ◊ Leucocarbo bougainvillii NT A few at sea near Chiclayo. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Very common. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Extremely common. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Two encounters with this impressive species near Flor de Café. Andean Condor Vultur gryphus NT Four in flight at Chaparri and two perched and in flight near Leymebamba. Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii A single roadside bird near Tamborapa.

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Turkey Vulture; Grey-headed Kite (Mark Van Beirs)

Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis Good looks at one on the drive to Flor de Café. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Scope views of a distant, perched bird at Tarapoto. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Regular in the east. Always a delight. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus Three observations in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea A single was at the Rioja marshes. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis A male was noted on our way to Flor de Café. Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis A few in the western lowlands. Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Three showed well in the Chaparri area. Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma Regular in the mountains. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus Several showed well at Chaparri. White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis Two of these smart raptors gave nice looks on our way to Flor de Café. White-throated Hawk Buteo albigula Three observations of this uncommon bird of prey. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus A single sighting only along the Huallaga river. Russet-crowned Crake Laterallus viridis (H) We heard the distinctive trill in the eastern lowlands. Rufous-sided Crake Laterallus melanophaius (H) We heard it in the Rioja marshes. Paint-billed Crake ◊ Neocrex erythrops Fantastic views of this lovely species on our way to Flor de Café. Spotted Rail Pardirallus maculatus Good looks on our way to Flor de Café. Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans Unusual, prolonged scope studies of a foraging bird in the Rioja marshes. Plumbeous Rail Pardirallus sanguinolentus Brief looks at one along a stream above Celendin. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica Several showed very well in the Rioja marshes. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca 30 were noted at Laguna Sulluscocha. Limpkin Aramus guarauna Several showed well along the Huallaga river. Peruvian Thick-knee Burhinus superciliaris Two showed well at night at Chaparri. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Nice looks at several on Andean grasslands. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Small numbers were noted along the coast. Snowy Plover Charadrius nivosus Five showed well along the coast near Chiclayo. Collared Plover Charadrius collaris Good looks at one near Chiclayo. Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus Four showed on the sandbanks of the Huallaga river. Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Just a few in the eastern lowlands. Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii This northern migrant showed well at Laguna Sulluscocha. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Four of these migrants were noted near Chiclayo. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Two were found together with the previous species. Puna Snipe Gallinago andina Scope views of a single bird above Celendin. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius A single bird was noted near Chiclayo. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria A single gave nice views in the Rioja marshes.

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Andean Lapwing; Grey-headed Gull (Mark Van Beirs)

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Regular in ricefields near the Huallaga river. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger A single on the coast and three along the Huallaga river. Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus A single bird was seen in the mountains above Celendin. Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Common on the coast. Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Four birds were seen along the coast. It was a bit early for these migrants. Grey Gull Leucophaeus modestus Just two of these austral migrants were noted along the coast. Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri Just a handful along the coast.

Kelp Gull; Scaled Pigeon (Mark Van Beirs)

Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Very common along the coast. Yellow-billed Tern Sternula superciliaris A single bird was foraging over the Huallaga river. Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex Five of these unusual-looking terns were noted along the Huallaga river. Inca Tern ◊ Larosterna inca NT Half a dozen could be admired along the coast near Chiclayo. Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa Scope views of several near Flor de Café. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata A few in the highlands.

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Croaking Ground Dove; Black-winged Ground Dove (Mark Van Beirs)

Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Just a few were seen along the Huallaga river. Maranon Pigeon Patagioenas oenops VU Good looks at several of these endemics in the Balsas area. Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Regular in the eastern lowlands. Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea VU (H) We heard it at Waqanki. Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta A few in the eastern lowlands. Ecuadorian Ground Dove ◊ Columbina buckleyi A single bird was identified near Tamborapa. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana Common in the west and in the Marañon Valley. Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa A male was seen near Jaen. Bare-faced Ground Dove Metriopelia ceciliae Three observations in the Marañon Valley. Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera Two showed well at Laguna Sulluscocha.

Ruddy Quail-Dove; Smooth-billed Ani (Mark Van Beirs)

Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana Perfect looks at one at Arena Blanca. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla Great looks at several at Aconabikh. Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida Good looks at a single bird at Chaparri. Ochre-bellied Dove ◊ Leptotila ochraceiventris VU (H) We heard one in the cloud forest above Chaparri. White-throated Quail-Dove Zentrygon frenata (H) One was heard at Abra Patricia. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata

29 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com West Peruvian Dove Zenaida meloda Common in the western lowlands. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Regular in the east. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Common in the west and in the Marañon Valley. Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia Good looks at this brood parasite near Bagua Grande. Little Cuckoo Coccycua minuta Excellent views of one in the Rioja marshes. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Regular. American Barn Owl Tyto furcate A couple of encounters with this widespread New World species. West Peruvian Screech Owl ◊ (Peruvian S O) Megascops [roboratus] pacificus Perfect at Chaparri.

West Peruvian (Maranon) Screech Owl; Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Mark Van Beirs)

Pacific Pygmy Owl; Burrowing Owl (Mark Van Beirs)

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Stygian Owl; Oilbird (Mark Van Beirs)

West Peruvian Screech Owl ◊ (Maranon S O) Megascops [roboratus] roboratus Very nice near Tamborapa. Koepcke’s Screech Owl ◊ Megascops koepckeae (H) This one didn’t want to play at all. Very unusual. Cinnamon Screech Owl ◊ Megascops petersoni Fair views at Alto Nieva. Foothill Screech Owl (Napo S O) Megascops [roraimae] napensis (H) No response at Flor de Café. White-throated Screech Owl ◊ Megascops albogularis Good looks at two at Abra Patricia. Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis (H) We heard it in the distance at Abra Patricia. Band-bellied Owl ◊ Pulsatrix melanota One showed nicely at Waqanki. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum A single sighting in the eastern lowlands. Pacific Pygmy Owl Glaucidium peruanum Five observations in the west. Long-whiskered Owlet ◊ Xenoglaux loweryi EN Fantastic views of this mega bird on two occasions. Outstanding! Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Eight encounters with this well-known, widespread New World species. Buff-fronted Owl Aegolius harrisii (H) We heard it at close range at Chaparri. Alas… Striped Owl Pseudoscops clamator (H) Heard at close range at Flor de Café, but it didn’t want to play. Unusual. Stygian Owl Asio stygius Superb views of two at the Marvelous Spatutail venue. A splendid creature. Oilbird Steatornis caripensis Terrific daytime studies of this nocturnal frugivore at the famous bridge. Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus A couple of excellent sightings of this widespread species, full of character. Sand-colored Nighthawk Chordeiles rupestris Ten or so showed well on the Huallaga river sandbanks. Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Regular in the west. Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus Good looks at one, at dusk, at the Rioja marshes. Blackish Nightjar Nyctipolus nigrescens Two performed quite well near Moyobamba. Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis (H) Regularly heard. Anthony's Nightjar ◊ Nyctidromus anthonyi Daytime views of two in shrubby woodland near Bagua Grande. Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris Good looks at one at night at Leymebamba. Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata Good looks at Abra Patricia. Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra (H) We heard the distinctive calls in the lower reaches of Abra Patricia. Rufous Nightjar Antrostomus rufus (H) We heard one near Moyobamba. Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila A single bird was seen on our drive to Flor de Café. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris A handful showed well at Flor de Café. Mato Grosso Swift (Amazonian S) Chaetura viridipennis Five were identified at Flor de Café. White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus A few were noted near Moyobamba. Andean Swift Aeronautes andecolus A single bird was seen at Abra Porculla.

31 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata Regular in the eastern lowlands. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis Several in the eastern lowlands. Buff-tailed Sicklebill Eutoxeres condamini Excellent looks at this rarely-seen hummer at Flor de Café. Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus One was seen at Aconabikh. Green Hermit Phaethornis guy A few in the eastern lowlands. Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris A couple of encounters in the east. Koepcke's Hermit ◊ Phaethornis koepckeae NT Three showed well at Aconabikh. Planalto Hermit Phaethornis pretrei A single in a dry valley near Bellavista. Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber Seen well at Arena Blanca. Black-throated Hermit ◊ Phaethornis atrimentalis A single performed nicely at Waqanki. Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis Good looks at several above Chaparri. Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae Perfect looks at Arena Blanca. Blue-fronted Lancebill Doryfera johannae Regular encounters.

Grey-breasted Sabrewing; White-necked Jacobin (Mark Van Beirs)

Rufous-crested Coquette; Tumbes Hummingbird (Mark Van Beirs)

Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis Faily common in the east. Napo Sabrewing ◊ Campylopterus villaviscensio NT Good, but all too brief looks at one at Flor de Café.

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Golden-tailed Sapphire (Mark Van Beirs)

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Regular. Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae A few in the east. Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Small numbers in the eastern foothills. Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Common and feisty. Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Two females showed well in the eastern lowlands. Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Common at the Arena Blanca Verbena flowers. Rufous-crested Coquette ◊ Lophornis delattrei Fantastic views at the Arena Balnca Verbena flowers. Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii NT Seen well at Arena Blanca. Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus Regular in the east.

33 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata Common in the eastern lowlands. Rufous-throated Sapphire Hylocharis sapphirina One showed well at Arena Blanca. White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus Good looks at Waqanki. Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone This beauty was regularly seen in the eastern lowlands. Tumbes Hummingbird ◊ Leucippus baeri Two sightings of this subtly-plumaged species at Chaparri. Spot-throated Hummingbird ◊ Leucippus taczanowskii This endemic was regular in the Marañon Valley. Many-spotted Hummingbird ◊ Taphrospilus hypostictus A few in the east. White-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia chionogaster A few at the Marvelous Spatutail venue.

Amazilia Hummingbird; Speckled Hummingbird (Mark Van Beirs)

Chestnut-breasted Coronet; Shining Sunbeam (Mark Van Beirs)

34 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia Regular in the western lowlands and foothills. Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae Regular. Sapphire-spangled Emerald Amazilia lactea A few in the eastern lowlands. Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys A handful of observations of this widespread Andean species. Gould's Jewelfront ◊ Heliodoxa aurescens Fantastic looks at this beauty at Aconabikh. Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides Two were noted at Alto Nieva. Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Regular. Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii Fairly common in the Andes. Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Many excellent encounters with this gorgeous species. Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi One was seen at the Pale-billed Antpitta spot. Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Just a handful of encounters. Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Regular and ever so attractive. Violet-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena violifer A single was seen at Huembo. Rainbow Starfrontlet Coeligena iris Four sightings of this cracker in the Andes.

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Mark Van Beirs)

35 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Amethyst-throated Sunangel; Coppery Metaltail (Mark Van Beirs)

Peruvian Racket-tail (Mark Van Beirs)

36 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Six observations of this truly amazing hummer. Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis A couple of sightings in the Andes. Royal Sunangel ◊ Heliangelus regalis EN Three showed quite well below Abra Patricia. Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Coppery-naped P) Eriocnemis [luciani] sapphiropygia Brief looks at two in the Andes. Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis aline Two at Abra Patricia. Buff-thighed Puffleg ◊ Haplophaedia assimilis Excellent looks at several at Alto Nieva. Peruvian Racket-tail ◊ Ocreatus peruanus Regular and attractive in the Andean cloud forests. Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae A couple of sightings in the Andes. Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna A few encounters in dry intermontane valleys. Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Common in the highlands. Coppery Metaltail ◊ Metallura theresiae Excellent looks at one at Abra Barro Negro. Black Metaltail ◊ Metallura phoebe A single sighting near Cajamarca. Grey-bellied Comet ◊ Taphrolesbia griseiventris EN This rare endemic showed very well in the Chonta valley.

Long-tailed Sylph; Masked Trogon (Mark Van Beirs)

Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi Several nice observations in the Andean cloud forests. Geoffroy's Wedgebill Schistes geoffroyi A single bird showed briefly below Abra Patricia. Marvelous Spatuletail ◊ Loddigesia mirabilis EN Great looks at males and female at Huembo. An exquisite endemic. Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris A couple of sightings of this widespread species. Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper Two showed very well above Chaparri. Peruvian Sheartail ◊ Thaumastura cora Good looks at several in the west. Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina Several great encounters near Moyobamba. Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny Regular in the Marañon Valley. Short-tailed Woodstar ◊ Myrmia micrura Good looks at a male at Chaparri. White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant Nice looks at Huembo.

37 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Little Woodstar ◊ Chaetocercus bombus VU Great looks at this tiny species in the Huembo gardens. Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps A female showed well at Abra Patricia. Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis Several nice sightings in the eastern lowlands. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Several were noted at Flor de Café. Masked Trogon Trogon personatus A few in the highland forests. Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Six observations of this widespread species.

Bluish-fronted Jacamar; Lanceolated Monklet (Mark Van Beirs)

Bluish-fronted Jacamar Galbula cyanescens Nice looks at several in the east. Lanceolated Monklet Micromonacha lanceolata Scope views of this endearing species at Waqanki. White-faced Nunbird ◊ Hapaloptila castanea (H) We heard it nearby at Abra Patricia. Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons Good looks in the Rioja marshes. White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus Several showed well on our drive to Flor de Café. Scarlet-banded Barbet ◊ Capito wallacei VU The BIRD of the TRIP. Fantastic encounters at Flor de Café! Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Regular observations in the eastern lowlands. Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni A single showed on our drive to Flor de Café. Versicolored Barbet Eubucco versicolor Regular in the eastern foothills. Very smart! Black-throated Toucanet ◊ Aulacorhynchus atrogularis (H) We heard it at Waqanki. Chestnut-tipped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus derbianus Regular in the east. Lettered Aracari Pteroglossus inscriptus Two were scoped near Moyobamba. Ivory-billed Aracari Pteroglossus azara Great looks at several near Moyobamba. Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Several in the Waqanki area. Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii A single male showed all too briefly at Waqanki. Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan Andigena hypoglauca NT No fewer than 16 showed brilliantly near Leymebamba! Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus (H) Regularly heard in the east. White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus Several nice looks in the eastern lowlands. Lafresnaye's Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Good looks at several in the east. Ecuadorian Piculet ◊ Picumnus sclateri Good looks at two above Chaparri. Speckle-chested Piculet ◊ Picumnus steindachneri EN Nice views at one at Huembo. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Regular and vocal in the eastern lowlands. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus A single bird showed well at Waqanki.

38 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Gilded Barbet; Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan (Mark Van Beirs)

Speckle-chested Piculet; Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Mark Van Beirs)

Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus Several showed very well in the western lowlands and foothills. Red-stained Woodpecker Veniliornis affinis Nice looks near Moyobamba on the final morning of the tour. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Leuconotopicus fumigatus Several nice encounters with this modestly-clad species. Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Singles were seen in the west and in the east. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Great looks in the highlands. Black-necked Woodpecker ◊ Colaptes atricollis This Peruvian endemic showed nicely on several occasions. Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula Good looks at one at the Rioja marshes. Andean Flicker Colaptes rupicola A single showed nicely above Celendin. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Several excellent encounters with this widespread species.

39 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Red-stained Woodpecker; Northern Crested Caracara (Mark Van Beirs)

Red-necked Woodpecker Campephilus rubricollis (H) We heard it a couple of times in the east. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos A pair gave good views at Flor de Café. Guayaquil Woodpecker ◊ Campephilus gayaquilensis NT A male performed well above Chaparri. Black Caracara Daptrius ater A single bird was noted near Moyobamba. Red-throated Caracara Ibycter americanus (H) We heard the very loud calls at Flor de Café. Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Nine observations in the High Andes. Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Regular in the western lowlands. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima A couple of observations in the eastern lowlands. Buckley's Forest Falcon ◊ Micrastur buckleyi Fantastic views of this rarely seen species at Flor de Café. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis (H) We heard the distinctive calls from inside the forest at Flor de Café.

Cobalt-winged Parakeet; Montane Woodcreeper (Mark Van Beirs)

40 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Buckley’s Forest Falcon (Mark Van Beirs) White-winged Parakeet Brotogeris versicolurus A party showed briefly near Moyobamba. Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera Regular in the east. Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus (H) We heard some at Alto Nieva. White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides Fairly common in the highlands. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Regular in the eastern lowlands. Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenarius Excellent looks at a perched bird at Abra Patricia. Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius A trio was seen at Waqanki. Pacific Parrotlet ◊ Forpus coelestis Regular in the western lowlands. Yellow-faced Parrotlet ◊ Forpus xanthops VU A party of eight obliged nicely in the middle Marañon Valley. Rose-fronted Parakeet Pyrrhura roseifrons Flight views of several at Flor de Café. Golden-plumed Parakeet Leptosittaca branickii VU (H) We heard it at the Pale-billed Antîtta spot.

41 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Cordilleran Parakeet Psittacara frontatus NT A few were noted in the middle Marañon Valley. Mitred Parakeet Psittacara mitratus Common and showy at Huembo. Red-masked Parakeet ◊ Psittacara erythrogenys Several nice observations in the west. White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus Regular in the eastern lowlands. Grey-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus albigularis NT (H) We heard it at Flor de Café. Coastal Miner ◊ Geositta peruviana This endemic showed very well near Chiclayo. Olivaceous Woodcreeper ◊ Sittasomus griseicapillus A few observations in the east. Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Two sightings in the east. “Plataforma” Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes sp nov Good looks at one at Flor de Café. Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes certhia Nice looks at one at Waqanki. Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus (H) Heard a few times in the eastern lowlands. Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis One was seen on our way to Flor de Café. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii A few were noted in the western lowlands. Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Two sighting in Andean forests. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Three observations at Flor de Café. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Several nice encounters in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Point-tailed Palmcreeper ◊ Berlepschia rikeri Very satisfying scope views near Moyabamba. Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii A few in the Andean cloudforests.

Pacific Hornero (Mark Van Beirs)

42 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus Common and vociferous in the west. White-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes atacamensis Nice looks at two in the Chonta valley. Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufum A few at Flor de Café. Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis A single bird was found at Afluente. Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla rufosuperciliata Several sightings at Abra Patricia. Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris Two showed well at Flor de Café. Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner ◊ Syndactyla ruficollis VU Excellent looks at this cracker above Chaparri. Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner ◊ Clibanornis erythrocephalus VU This speciality also showed well above Chaparri. Peruvian Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes scrutator Heard and briefly seen at Abra Patricia. Black-billed Treehunter Thripadectes melanorhynchus (H) We heard it at Flor de Café. Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipileatus (H) One was heard near Moyabamba. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus Nice looks at Waqanki. Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens (H) One was heard at Abra Patricia. Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Regular in the Andean forests. Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail ◊ Leptasthenura pileata Nice looks near Cajamarca. Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Maranon T) Phacellodomus [rufifrons] peruvianus Regular observations. Chestnut-backed Thornbird ◊ Phacellodomus dorsalis VU This endemic showed very well in the Marañon Valley. Streak-throated Canastero Asthenes humilis A single above Celendin. White-chinned Thistletail ◊ (Peruvian T) Asthenes [fuliginosa] peruviana Good looks at one at Abra Barro Negro. Russet-mantled Softtail ◊ Thripophaga berlepschi VU A couple of excellent observations of this endemic. Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata VU Good looks at one at Flor de Café. Line-cheeked Spinetail Cranioleuca antisiensis Several perfomed well at Abra Porculla.

Line-cheeked (Baron’s) Spinetail; Great Spinetail (Mark Van Beirs)

Line-cheeked Spinetail ◊ (Baron's S) Cranioleuca [antisiensis] baroni Great looks in the Marañon Valley. Plain-crowned Spinetail Synallaxis gujanensis A single in a dry valley near Moyobamba. Marañon Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis maranonica CR Great looks at this endemic near Tamborapa. Great Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis hypochondriaca VU Fantastic views of this endemic near Cajamarca. Necklaced Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis stictothorax Nice views at Chaparri. Necklaced Spinetail ◊ (Chinchipe S) Synallaxis [stictothorax] chinchipensis Regular in the Tamborapa area. Dusky Spinetail Synallaxis moesta NT (H) We heard it at Waqanki. Cinereous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis hypospodia Good looks at Waqanki. Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis (H) We heard it at Waqanki. Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Recorded several times in the highlands. Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Excellent views in the cloud forest at Abra Patricia. Rufous-rumped Antwren Euchrepomis callinota Nice looks at Flor de Café. Foothill Antwren Epinecrophylla spodionota Very nice looks at Waqanki. Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura (H) Heard at Waqanki. Stripe-chested Antwren Myrmotherula longicauda A female performed well in a dry valley near Moyobamba. Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor A couple showed well at Flor de Café. Ash-throated Antwren ◊ Herpsilochmus parkeri EN (H) Sadly, only heard above Waqanki.

43 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Necklaced (Chinchipe) Spinetail; Cordillera Azul Antbird (Mark Van Beirs)

Rusty-tinged Antpitta (Mark Van Beirs)

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Rufous (Fulvous) Antpitta; Rufous (Cajamarca) Antpitta (Mark Van Beirs)

Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris VU Regular at Flor de Café. Rufous-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus Brilliant looks at male and female near Moyobamba. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Good looks at Waqanki. Heard elsewhere. Collared Antshrike ◊ Thamnophilus bernardi Good looks in the coastal area. Collared Antshrike ◊ (Shumba A) Thamnophilus [bernardi] shumbae DD Nice looks at a male in the Marañon. Chapman's Antshrike Thamnophilus zarumae Males showed on two occasions in the west. Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus VU Several excellent encounters at Flor de Café. Northern Slaty Antshrike ◊ (Maranon S A) Thamnophilus [punctatus] leucogaster Nice in the Tamborapa area. Northern Slaty Antshrike ◊ (Huallaga S A) Thamnophilus [punctatus] huallagae Perfect views near Moyobamba. Variable Antshrike Thamnophilus caerulescens Male and female showed well at Abra Patricia. Rufous-capped Antshrike Thamnophilus ruficapillus A male gave great looks at Abra Patricia. Great Antshrike Taraba major (H) Heard in the eastern lowlands. Streak-headed Antbird Drymophila striaticeps We saw this bamboo lover well at Abra Patricia. Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana A nice showing at Waqanki. Southern Chestnut-tailed Antbird ◊ (Chestnut-t A) Sciaphylax hemimelaena (H) Heard near Bellavista. Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird ◊ (Zimmer's A) Sciaphylax castanea A great performance at Arena Blanca. Blackish Antbird Cercomacroides nigrescens Seen well at Flor de Café. Riparian Antbird Cercomacroides fuscicauda A single bird was noted at Flor de Café. Cordillera Azul Antbird ◊ Myrmoderus eowilsoni Cracking looks at a gorgeous male at Flor de Café. Spot-winged Antbird Myrmelastes leucostigma Good looks at a male at Waqanki. Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus A male gave nice looks near Moyobamba. White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys A female was seen near Moyobamba. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis (H) We heard its distinctive call at the Tarapoto tunnel. Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus (H) Regularly heard at Flor de Café. Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona (H) Also heard at Flor de Café. Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla Heard at several venues in the lower Andes. Pale-billed Antpitta ◊ Grallaria carrikeri NT Exquisite looks at two birds above Huembo. Out of this world! Rusty-tinged Antpitta ◊ Grallaria przewalskii VU Fantastic views at Abra Patricia and Alto Nieva. Rufous Antpitta ◊ (Fulvous A) Grallaria [rufula] obscura Excellent looks, eventually, at Abra Barro Negro. Rufous Antpitta ◊ (Cajamarca A) Grallaria [rufula] cajamarcae Two birds performed splendidly near Cajamarca. Chestnut Antpitta ◊ Grallaria blakei NT Fantastic looks at a very well behaved bird at Abra Patricia. Ochre-fronted Antpitta ◊ Grallaricula ochraceifrons EN An outstanding showing of male and female at Alto Nieva. Rufous-breasted Antpitta ◊ (Leymebamba A) Grallaricula leymebambae (H) Heard at Abra Barro Negro.

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Chestnut Antpitta (Mark Van Beirs)

Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps (H) Heard at dusk at Flor de Café. Northern White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus atratus Brief looks at Huembo and heard elsewhere. Rufous-vented Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus femoralis (H) Heard at Abra Patricia. Unicolored Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus unicolor Quite good looks at Abra Porculla. Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus [latrans] intermedius Seen well at the Pale-billed Antpitta spot. Marañon Crescentchest ◊ Melanopareia maranonica NT Excellent looks at this endemic near Tamborapa. Elegant Crescentchest Melanopareia elegans A fantastic, prolonged showing at Chaparri. Wing-barred Piprites Piprites chloris Nice looks at Flor de Café. Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps Seen well at Waqanki. Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Phyllomyias plumbeiceps Several showed very well at Flor de Café. Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus A single bird gave nice looks at Flor de Café. Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps A lone individual was noted at Flor de Café. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus Singles were seen in the eastern lowlands. Pacific Elaenia ◊ Myiopagis subplacens A few were found in the western lowlands.

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Ochre-fronted Antpitta - female (Mark Van Beirs)

Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Noted at Flor de Café. Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae Regular encounters along our route. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Fairly common. White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus A few observations in the Andean forests. Rufous-winged Tyrannulet Mecocerculus calopterus Excellent looks at a well-behaved bird at Leymebamba. White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Several nice sightings in the Andean forests. Black-crested Tit-Tyrant ◊ Anairetes nigrocristatus Good looks at several high above Celendin. Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus A few in the higher reaches of the Andes. Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Fairly common in the Chonta valley. Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina A few in the eastern lowlands. Tumbesian Tyrannulet ◊ Phaeomyias tumbezana Common in the west and in the Marañon Valley. Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps Nice looks at two at Abra Patricia. Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus Fairly common in the first half of the tour. Grey-and-white Tyrannulet Pseudelaenia leucospodia Regular in the Chaparri area. Mishana Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius villarejoi VU Several excellent observations in the Waqanki area. Peruvian Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius viridiflavus Fairly common at Abra Patricia and at Flor de Café.

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Pacific Elaenia; Torrent Tyrannulet (Mark Van Beirs)

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet; Sierran Elaenia (Mark Van Beirs)

Variegated Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus poecilotis A few at Afluente. Good looks! Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus Two showed well at Flor de Café. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ventralis Regular sightings. Distinctive once seen well. Ecuadorian Tyrannulet Phylloscartes gualaquizae NT Regular in the Afluente area. Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis Several sightings in the subtropics. Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus (H) We heard one at Tarapoto. Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Regular in the eastern subtropics. Inca Flycatcher ◊ Leptopogon taczanowskii NT A single bird was observed at Alto Nieva. Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans An individual was noted at Abra Patricia. Olive-chested Flycatcher Myiophobus cryptoxanthus Several showed well at Flor de Café. Bran-colored Flycatcher ◊ (Mouse Grey F) Myiophobus [fasciatus] crypterythrus Several on the west slope. Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus A few sightings of this distinctive species in the Andean forests. White-eyed Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus zosterops A single bird was seen at the Tarapoto tunnel. Stripe-necked Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus striaticollis (H) One was heard at the Rioja marshes.

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Olive-tufted Flycatcher (Mark Van Beirs)

Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer Good looks at one near Moyobamba. Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis Excellent looks at two at Abra Patricia. Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant ◊ Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus VU Two showed all too briefly at Alto Nieva. Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Seen well at Afluente. Lulu's Tody-Flycatcher ◊ Poecilotriccus luluae EN This beauty gave cracking looks at Abra Patricia. Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher ◊ Poecilotriccus capitalis (H) One was heard at Waqanki, but didn’t budge. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Several observations. Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum (H) Heard near Moyobamba. Fulvous-breasted Flatbill Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus Seen well on the drive to Flor de Café. Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens Regular. Olive-faced Flatbill Tolmomyias viridiceps Fairly common in the east.

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Grey-and-white Tyrannulet; Tumbes Pewee (Mark Van Beirs)

Cliff Flycatcher; Rufous-tailed Tyrant (Mark Van Beirs)

White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus (H) One was heard at Flor de Café. Yellow-throated Spadebill ◊ Platyrinchus flavigularis We saw one quite well at Flor de Café. Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Regular in the highlands. Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Several performed well at cliffs below Abra Patricia. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Two observations of this widespread species. Olive Tufted Flycatcher ◊ Mitrephanes olivaceus Excellent looks at Abra Patricia. A rarely recorded species. Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus A handful of sightings. Tumbes Pewee ◊ Contopus punensis Four observations in the western lowlands. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus obscurus Regular. Rufous-tailed Tyrant ◊ Knipolegus poecilurus Several perfect encounters on poor soils. Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus Two sightings in open montane habitat. White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant ◊ Agriornis albicauda VU Scope views of one together with the previous species. Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis

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Tumbes Tyrant (Mark Van Beirs)

Tumbes Tyrant ◊ Tumbezia salvini NT This unique species showed very well at Chaparri. Golden-browed Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix pulchella (H) Heard at the Pale-billed Antpitta spot. Jelski's Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix jelskii Good looks above Celendin. Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant ◊ Ochthoeca thoracica Nice observations near Leymebamba. Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor White-browed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca leucophrys Regular. Piura Chat-Tyrant ◊ Ochthoeca piurae NT Good looks at this Peruvian endemic at Abra Porculla. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Regular in the east. Short-tailed Field Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda Fantastic looks at several in the Chaparri area. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius A few in the east. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor A single bird was noted at Tarapoto. Lemon-browed Flycatcher ◊ Conopias cinchoneti VU Scope views at Afluente.

51 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Peruvian Tyrannulet; White-tailed Tyrannulet (Mark Van Beirs)

Baird’s Flycatcher; Maroon-belted Chat-Tyrant (Mark Van Beirs)

Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus (H) We heard it at Afluente. Baird's Flycatcher ◊ Myiodynastes bairdii Regular in the western lowlands. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris Seen near Moyobamba. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Sulphury Flycatcher Tyrannopsis sulphurea Good looks in a Mauritia grove at Rioja. Variegated Flycatcher Empidonomus varius One was identified on our drive to Flor de Café. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Greyish Mourner Rhytipterna simplex Excellent looks at one at Tarapoto.

52 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Short-tailed Field Tyrant (Mark Van Beirs)

Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufus A nice encounter in dry forest near Moyobamba. Rufous Flycatcher ◊ Myiarchus semirufus VU One of the stars at Bosque Pomac. Great looks. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer (H).. Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Seen well at Abra Patricia. Sooty-crowned Flycatcher ◊ Myiarchus phaeocephalus (H) One was heard at Chaparri. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus (H) Heard on the drive to Flor de Café. Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus Scope views at Abra Barro Negro. Peruvian Plantcutter ◊ Phytotoma raimondii VU Perfect studies of male and female near the coast close to Chiclayo. Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii (H) Heard at Abra Patricia. Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata Male and female performed well at Abra Barro Negro. Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola frontalis Great looks at male and female at Flor de Café. Scaled Fruiteater ◊ Ampelioides tschudii (H) Heard at Flor de Café.

53 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Peruvian Plantcutter; Blue-rumped Manakin (Mark Van Beirs)

Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus Several were seen in the Afluente area. Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans (H) The loud song was heard on the drive to Flor de Café. Grey-tailed Piha ◊ Snowornis subalaris NT Great looks, eventually, at Flor de Café. Red-ruffed Fruitcrow Pyroderus scutatus Several showed well at Afluente. Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus (LO) A single bird was seen at Tarapoto. Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin ◊ Neopelma sulphureiventer Good looks at one in a dry valley near Moyobamba. Jet Manakin ◊ Chloropipo unicolor A male performed well at Flor de Café. Yungas Manakin Chiroxiphia boliviana Several were seen at Flor de Café. Green Manakin Cryptopipo holochlora A single bird was seen at Flor de Café. Blue-rumped Manakin ◊ (Milky-rumped M) Lepidothrix [isidorei] leucopygia NT Two showed at Flor de Café. Painted Manakin ◊ Machaeropterus eckelberryi (H) We heard a few at Waqanki. Fiery-capped Manakin ◊ Machaeropterus pyrocephalus A female was identified at Waqanki. White-crowned Manakin Pseudopipra pipra A male was noted at Waqanki. Black-tailed Myiobius Myiobius atricaudus A single bird showed briefly in a dry bit of forest near Moyobamba. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Foothill Schiffornis Schiffornis aenea (H) We heard it a few times at close range at Flor de Café. Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys Cracking looks at a male at Flor de Café. Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor A few sightings in temperate forests. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis (H) We heard one at Flor de Café. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Regular in the Andean forests. Chivi Vireo Vireo chivi Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis One in dry forest near Moyobamba. Dusky-capped Greenlet Hylophilus hypoxanthus (H) One was heard at Tarapoto. Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus NT Fair looks at Afluente. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps Good looks in a flock at Waqanki. White-collared Jay Cyanolyca viridicyanus NT Excellent views of a party at Abra Patricia. White-tailed Jay ◊ Cyanocorax mystacalis Regular in the Chaparri area. Attracttive! Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas Tumbes Swallow ◊ Tachycineta stolzmanni Great looks, eventually, of several at Bosque Pomac. White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer A few were seen hawking over the Rio Huallaga. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea

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White-tailed Jay (Mark Van Beirs)

Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina Quite common at higher altitudes. White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata A few were note along the Rio Huallaga. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Chestnut-collared Swallow ◊ Petrochelidon rufocollaris Nice looks at several at Bosque Pomac. Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla Easy to see in the Rioja marshes. Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus Common in the west and in the Marañon valley. Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Regular at Flor de Café. Grey-mantled Wren ◊ Odontorchilus branickii Very nice looks in the flocks at Flor de Café.

55 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Plain-tailed Wren ◊ (Grey-browed W) Pheugopedius [euophrys] schulenbergi (H) Heard at Huembo. Coraya Wren Pheugopedius coraya (H) Heard in the eastern lowlands. Speckle-breasted Wren ◊ Pheugopedius [sclateri] paucimaculatus Two were in the cloud forest above Chaparri. Speckle-breasted Wren ◊ (Maranon W) Pheugopedius [sclateri] sclateri Good looks at Tamborapa. Superciliated Wren ◊ Cantorchilus superciliaris Regular in the western lowlands. House Wren (Southern H W) Troglodytes [aedon] musculus Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Regular observations in the Andean forests. Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Regular in the Andean forests. More often heard than seen. Bar-winged Wood Wren ◊ Henicorhina leucoptera NT Perfect looks at this endemic at Alto Nieva. Southern Nightingale-Wren (Scaly-breasted W) Microcerculus marginatus Nice looks at Waqanki. Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus thoracicus (H) We heard its delightful tune at Alto Nieva.

Tropical Gnatcatcher (Marañon); Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mark Van Beirs)

Tropical Gnatcatcher (White-faced G) Polioptila [plumbea] bilineata Regular in the western lowlands. Tropical Gnatcatcher ◊ (Maranon G) Polioptila [plumbea] maior Common in the Marañon valley. Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus Common and obvious in the west and in the Marañon valley. Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater Nice looks near Leymebamba. White-eared Solitaire Entomodestes leucotis A single gave nice looks at Afluente. Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Regular in drier Andean valleys. Plumbeous-backed Thrush ◊ Turdus reevei This handsome species was fairly common in the lower Marañon valley. Marañon Thrush ◊ Turdus maranonicus A few in the Marañon valley. Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas A single at Waqanki. Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Regular in the eastern lowlands. Hauxwell's Thrush ◊ Turdus hauxwelli (H) We heard it near Moyobamba. House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis Nice looks above Celendin. Lesser Goldfinch Spinus psaltria A few in the western lowlands. Olivaceous Siskin Spinus olivaceus A couple showed well at Abra Patricia. Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus Purple-throated Euphonia Euphonia chlorotica Fairly common. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala A female showed well at Flor de Café. Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa Regular at Afluente and Flor de Café. Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Regular in the east.

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Marañon Thrush (Mark Van Beirs)

Rufous-bellied Euphonia Euphonia rufiventris A single bird was identified near Tarapoto. Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea Seen at Flor de Café and Tarapoto. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons A few in the east. Tumbes Sparrow ◊ Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Two were found at Chaparri. Pectoral Sparrow Arremon taciturnus (H) Heard at Flor de Café. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris One showed well at Arena Blanca. Black-capped Sparrow Arremon abeillei Nice looks above Chaparri. Black-capped Sparrow ◊ (Maranon S) Arremon [abeillei] nigriceps A single bird was observed at Tamborapa. Grey-browed Brushfinch Arremon assimilis Seen above Celendin and at Abra Barro Negro. Yellow-breasted Brushfinch (Northern Rufous-naped B) Atlapetes latinuchus Regular sightings. Yellow-breasted Brushfinch ◊ (Baron's B) Atlapetes [latinuchus] baroni Two showed well near Celendin. White-winged Brushfinch Atlapetes leucopterus A few observations in the west. White-headed Brushfinch ◊ Atlapetes albiceps Good looks at several in the Chaparri area. Bay-crowned Brushfinch ◊ Atlapetes seebohmi A single bird performed nicely at Abra Porculla. Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus Regular at Abra Patricia. Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis Several were seen at Flor de Café. Ashy-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis A couple showed at Afluente. Peruvian Meadowlark Leistes bellicosus A handful of observations in the west and in the Marañon valley. Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Regular in the eastern lowlands. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Fairly common in the eastern lowlands. Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Subtropical Cacique Cacicus uropygialis A few at Alto Nieva. Northern Mountain Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus (H) We heard it at Abra Patricia. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas We saw it at Chaparri and in the Marañon valley.

57 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com

Tropical Parula; Spectacled Redstart (Mark Van Beirs)

White-edged Oriole ◊ Icterus graceannae Common and obvious in the dry west. Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus A single bird showed well in the Rioja marshes. Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis Several on our way to Flor de Café. Moriche Oriole is lumped in this species. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus A few in the east. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis

Golden Grosbeak (Mark Van Beirs)

58 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Scrub Blackbird ◊ Dives warczewiczi A few in the dry west. Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus Several near the Rio Huallaga. Pale-eyed Blackbird ◊ Agelasticus xanthophthalmus Scope views of this rarity in the Rioja marshes. Black-lored Yellowthroat ◊ (Maranon Y) Geothlypis [auricularis] peruviana Good looks in the Marañon valley. Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Citrine Warbler Myiothlypis luteoviridis Regular in the temperate Andean forests. Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata A few on the high western slopes. Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Nice looks at Waqanki. Grey-and-gold Warbler ◊ Myiothlypis fraseri A single showed well at Chaparri. Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata A few in the subtropical montane forests. Three-banded Warbler ◊ Basileuterus trifasciatus Regular on the western slopes of the Andes. Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus A few observations at Flor de Café. Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus Regular and attractive in montane forest. Tooth-billed Tanager Piranga lutea Several nice encounters. The “old” Hepatic Tanager. White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera Several at Afluente. Smart. Red-hooded Tanager Piranga rubriceps Some excellent observations of this exceedingly attractive species. Red-crowned Ant Tanager Habia rubica (H) Heard at Waqanki. Olive Tanager Chlorothraupis frenata Several sightings of this unobtrusive species. Golden Grosbeak (Southern Yellow G) Pheucticus chrysogaster Regular on the lower slopes. Ecuadorian Seedeater ◊ Amaurospiza aequatorialis Excellent looks at Abra Porculla. Rare! Black-faced Tanager Schistochlamys melanopis (LO) Seen by Miguel at Flor de Café. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Regular in the east. Rufous-crested Tanager Creurgops verticalis A single bird was seen at Abra Barro Negro. Superciliaried Hemispingus ◊ (White-bellied H) Hemispingus [superciliaris] leucogastrus Quite common. Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis A single bird in a flock at Abra Patricia. Drab Hemispingus Hemispingus xanthophthalmus Only one at Abra Patricia. Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris A party of four gave nice looks at Abra Patricia. Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata Regular at Abra Barro Negro.

Blue-grey Tanager; Vermilion Tanager (Mark Van Beirs)

Buff-bellied Tanager ◊ Thlypopsis inornata Two gave nice looks near Tamborapa. Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata A single bird was at Alto Nieva. Fulvous-crested Tanager Tachyphonus surinamus Males were seen at Waqanki and Tarapoto. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus Brief looks at Arena Blanca. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus A male showed well at Arena Blanca. Fulvous Shrike-Tanager Lanio fulvus We identified a female at Tarapoto.

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Lacrimose Mountain Tanager; Swallow Tanager (Mark Van Beirs)

White-winged Shrike-tanager Lanio versicolor A male and a female were “leading” a flock at Waqanki. Huallaga Tanager ◊ Ramphocelus melanogaster Nice looks at Arena Blanca. Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala A few in the Andean forests. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis Small numbers in the Marañon valley. Vermilion Tanager ◊ Calochaetes coccineus Perfect looks at this gorgeous tanager at Afluente. Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana A few in the higher reaches of the Andes. Always nice. Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Seen at Huembo and at Abra Patricia. Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris Delightfully regular in the Andean forests. Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Small numbers were noted in the Andes. Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Good looks at Huembo and Abra Patricia. A marvelous species. Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis This one played hard to get. A couple showed briefly at Afluente. Yellow-scarfed Tanager ◊ Iridosornis reinhardti Good looks at Abra Patricia. Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota A couple of nice encounters. Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea Terrific views at Afluente and Flor de Café. Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana Several in the eastern lowlands. Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Fairly common at Waqanki. Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Regular in the east. Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Fairly common on the east slope. Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Common at Abra Patricia and Alto Nieva. Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Regular at Abra Patricia and Alto Nieva. Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra A couple at Waqanki. Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata Regular at Afluente. Dotted Tanager ◊ Tangara varia This subtly plumaged rarity showed very well at Tarapoto. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Regular. Burnished-buff Tanager Tangara cayana A single was seen in the Rioja marshes. Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides A few at Abra Patricia and at Afluente. Blue-browed Tanager Tangara cyanotis This rarity was seen at Afluente and at Flor de Café. Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis Regular in the eastern lowlands. Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta Good looks at Tarapoto.

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Grass-green Tanager (Mark Van Beirs)

Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Regular in the Andean forests. Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Quite common in the higher Andean forests. Silver-backed Tanager Tangara viridicollis Many excellent encounters in the cloud forests. Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Good looks at a male at Tarapoto. Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata A few in the eastern lowlands. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Regular in the eastern lowlands. Short-billed Honeycreeper Cyanerpes nitidus A male showed well at Tarapoto. Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Regular at Tarapoto. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Regular in the eastern lowlands. Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira A couple were seen with a flock at Waqanki. Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis A few were at Waqanki. Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Seen well at Abra Barro Negro. Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor Several showed well at Abra Barro Negro. Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons Regular at Leymebamba and at Huembo. Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides A couple of sightings in the higher Andes. Moustached Flowerpiercer Diglossa mystacalis Three showed well at Abra Barro Negro. Black-throated Flowerpiercer Diglossa brunneiventris Regular above Celendin. White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Fairly common in the Andean forests. Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Seen near Leymebamba and at Abra Patricia. Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Regular. Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Good looks at two near Tamborapa. Peruvian Sierra Finch Phrygilus punensis Several were noted in the Cajamarca area. Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Phrygilus plebejus Fairly regular on the western slope.

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Blue-backed Conebill; Capped Conebill (Mark Van Beirs)

Moustached Flowerpiercer; Rufous-backed Inca Finch (Mark Van Beirs)

Cinereous Finch ◊ Piezorina cinerea Excellent looks near the coast. Rufous-backed Inca Finch Incaspiza personata Nice looks at this unexpected species near Cajabamba. Grey-winged Inca Finch ◊ Incaspiza ortizi A single bird was scoped in the middle Marañon valley. Buff-bridled Inca Finch ◊ Incaspiza laeta Several excellent encounters in the Marañon valley. Little Inca Finch ◊ Incaspiza watkinsi NT Two brief sightings in the lower Marañon valley. Collared Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza hispaniolensis Quite common in the Chaparri area. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Quite common on the western slope. Sulphur-throated Finch ◊ Sicalis taczanowskii Excellent scope looks at Chaparri. Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus (H) Heard at Waqanki. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Regular in the east. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens A single bird at Afluente. Black-cowled Saltator ◊ Saltator nigriceps Two sightings above Chaparri and at Abra Porculla. Golden-billed Saltator Saltator aurantiirostris Two were seen above Celendin.

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Collared Warbling Finch; Black-billed Seedfinch (Mark Van Beirs)

Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Regular on the west slope. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Fairly common in the lowlands. Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Eight birds were seen near Chaparri. Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis A few at Flor de Café. Parrot-billed Seedeater ◊ Sporophila peruviana Regular at Chaparri. Drab Seedeater ◊ Sporophila simplex Fairly common on the western slope. Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris A male showed well at the Rioja marshes. Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Good looks at several in the Chaparri area. Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis Several performed well in the Rioja marshes. Black-billed Seed Finch ◊ Oryzoborus atrirostris Perfect scope views in the Rioja marshes. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Several above Celendin. Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Several near Cajabamba. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Dull-colored Grassquit Tiaris obscurus A few at widespread localities. Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak Parkerthraustes humeralis A single bird was seen at Flor de Café.

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Parrot-billed Seedeater (Mark Van Beirs)

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Guayaquil Squirrel (Mark Van Beirs) MAMMALS Andean White-eared Opossum Didelphis pernigra One was seen at Leymebamba. Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth Bradypus variegatus A mother with her baby showed brilliantly near Moyobamba. (Spix’s) Saddleback Tamarin Saguinus fuscicollis Good looks at several at Waqanki. Andean Night Monkey (Andean N M) Aotus miconax This cutie was ssen at Huembo. San Martin Titi Monkey (San Martin Titi Monkey) Callicebus oenanthe (H) We heard one at Flor de Café. Black Agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa (NL) One was observed at Arena Blanca. Bolivian Squirrel Sciurus ignitus One was noted at Abra Patricia. Guayaquil Squirrel Sciurus stramineus Regular sightings at Chaparri. Sechura Fox Pseudalopex sechurae Great looks at several of these localized mammals at Chaparri. White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Seen at Chaparri.

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Sechura Fox (Mark Van Beirs)

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Pale-billed Antpitta (Miguel Lezama)

BIRD OF THE TRIP

1 Scarlet-banded Barbet Long-whiskered Owlet 3 Cordillera Azul Antbird 4 Pale-billed Antpitta 5 Marvelous Spatuletail 6 Ochre-fronted Antpitta 7 Great Spinetail 8 White-winged Guan 9 Peruvian Plantcutter 10 Yellow-faced Parrotlet

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Lunch in the field (Miguel Lezama)

Rhetus dysonii butterfly; White-winged Cinclodes (Mark Van Beirs)

68 BirdQuest Tour Report: NORTHERN PERU www.birdquest-tours.com Looking for Dotted Tanager (Mark Van Beirs)

Abra Patricia scenery (Mark Van Beirs)

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Marañon Valley scenery (Mark Van Beirs)

Flor de Café sunrise (Mark Van Beirs)

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