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Peru, The Natural
Destination
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Peru is, undoubtedly, one of the world’s
top destinations for nature-lovers. Blessed with the
richest ocean in the world, largely unexplored Amazon
forests and the highest tropical mountain range on the
planet, the possibilities for the development of bio-diversity
in its territory are virtually unlimited. With a little
over 10% of all species of plants and animals on earth
and a surprisingly diverse range of climates and ecosystems,
Peru has become a modern Noah’s Ark for nature-lovers,
who along with students from all over the world, visit
Peru to chalk up more experience, gain new knowledge
and to get to know unique varieties.
A few hours drive on modern highways is all it takes
to get from the larger cities to virtually unspoiled
areas that are interconnected with one another. The
farming and native communities in these areas hold a
vast store of knowledge on the wildlife that fills their
surroundings. Experienced companies that are acquainted
with the land will provide efficient, world-class services.
For Peru, nature-tourism and eco-tourism represent an
opportunity to share its many surprises and charm with
the rest of the world. This guide provides descriptions
of the main groups of species the country offers nature-lovers;
trip recommendations; information on destinations; services
and institutions dedicated to related issues of interest.
The species in this guide are listed according to main
areas of observation. The listings do not follow any
strict scientific consideration, rather, the contents
are listed in a user-friendly format. The objective
is to provide the reader with an opportunity to observe
some of the endemic and/or most representative specimens
of the species in each zone. Although Peru also possesses
an important number of other species such as reptiles,
arthropods and amphibians, these have been excluded
from this guide following the criteria established above. |
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| Birds |
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The late Theodore Parker III, famous
American field ornithologist once said "Peru offers
‘bird-enthusiasts’ more than any other country
in the world… Being here is like being a child
visiting a huge store filled with new and fascinating
toys". He was right.
Peru possesses an extraordinary ornithological diversity.
New species are continually being discovered every year
in its cloud-forests and Amazon jungles, as well as
in its rugged mountains and inter-Andean valleys. At
last count, there were 1,710 registered species (close
to 20% of the world’s total), of which more than
300 are endemic. Furthermore, Peru holds the record
for the most species in a single place (650 in the area
surrounding the Explorer’s Inn lodge, located
in the jungles of Tambopata) and the record for the
highest number of species seen in a single day (361
in the area surrounding the Biological Station of Cocha
Cashu, in Manu).
For birdwatchers, Peru is a true paradise. It is filled
with species dwelling in unique and fragile habitats,
large migratory birds arriving from the most remote
parts of the world and with species that, having disappeared
in other countries, flourish in unexplored corners of
the country. These giant flocks are a fundamental element
in the life cycles of the sea, jungle and Andean lakes.
Note: Scientific
nomenclature follows Parker, Parker & Plenge (1982),
Buteo Books. The symbol • indicates endemic species. |
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| Northern Region |
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Lambayeque,
Piura and Tumbes
Chiclayo is a noisy, bustling city located
763 km north of Lima. The city marches to the daily
rhythm set by two compelling forces: the desert heat
(the siesta or afternoon nap is an unbreakable law)
and the intense commercial activity with the communities
to the east. Bird-watchers should take the highway that
leads to the nearby city of Lambayeque (12 km north)
and from there head towards Olmos on the old North Pan-American
highway. This route cuts through an extensive section
dotted with carob trees (Prosopis pallida) and marmalade
trees (Capparis longifolia), and includes communities
of major archaeological importance such as Jayanca and
Mocupe.
The birds of Chiclayo-Olmos-Porculla
(27 - 2,150 masl)
From an ornithological point of view, the true
point of interest starts at the Olmos detour leading
toward Jaén and Bagua, climbing toward the Porculla
mountain corridor (2,000 masl) –the lowest mountain
pass in the Peruvian Andes. The area around Olmos is
also the habitat of the White-winged Guan, a species
rediscovered in Peru only 20 years ago, which was brought
back from the brink of imminent extinction. The different
ecosystems are laid out in succession along the ascending
paved highway: dry tropical forests, shrub areas, higher
altitude forests, and finally the arid Marañón
Valley, close to Bagua, which is studded with cacti.
• Black-cowled Saltator (Saltator nigriceps)
• Chapman’s Antshrike (Thamnophilus zarumae)
• Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner (Hylocryptus
erythrocephalus)
• Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus)
• Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii)
• Peruvian Plant-cutter (Phytotoma raimondii)
• Savannah Hawk (Heterospizias meridionalis)
• Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea)
• White-winged Guan (Penelope albipennis)
The birds of Canchaque-Huancabamba
(1,800 – 3,000 masl)
The city of Piura, located three hours north
of Chiclayo, is situated on the northern border of the
large Sechura desert. It is one of the most important
cities on the North coast and has all the services required
by tourists, as well as excellent beaches and public
bathing spots. It can be reached by the North Pan-American
highway (980 km from Lima) or by air. Birdwatchers should,
however, head for the mountains to find the most interesting
species in the region.
The recommended route is up the rough-grade road leading
to Huancabamba (210 km east of Piura, a five-hour trip).
Along the winding road, travelers will see the desert
vegetation give way to a spectacular high-altitude forest
that is thickest in the area around the Cruz Blanca
mountain pass (3,000 masl), where queñual forests
(Polylepis sp.) can be found, and in the valley next
to the community of Canchaque (1,800 masl). The area
around Huancabamba has been turned into agricultural
land, but a good part of the forest still survives.
• Azure Jay (Cyanocorax mystacalis)
• Bearded Guan (Penelope barbata)
• Crested Caracara (Polyborus plancus)
• Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps)
• Gray-headed Antbird (Myrmeciza griseiceps)
• Line-cheeked Spinetail (Cranioleuca antisiensis)
• Purple-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus viola)
• Rainbow Starfrontlet (Coeligena iris)
• Three-banded Warbler (Basileuterus trifasciatus)
• Unicolored Tapaculo (Scytalopus unicolor)
The birds of Tumbes (0 –
900 masl)
Although Tumbes is the smallest of Peru’s
departments, it is, paradoxically, one of the richest
in natural diversity. This region fascinates naturalists
and of course birdwatchers. Its tropical beaches give
way to dry forests, mangroves and rainforest.
The species that inhabit the ravines and thick underbrush
in the areas close to the small port of Puerto Pizarro
are considered to be among the most interesting ones
because of their rarity. The birds found in the Tumbes
Reserved Zone at 500-900 masl, are also worthy of interest.
This small but well-preserved wooded area is located
a four-hour drive from the city of Tumbes and is one
of the last tropical forests of the Pacific. The reserve
was set up to protect local flora and fauna.
• Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia)
• Baird’s Flycatcher (Myiodynastes bairdii)
• Collared Antshrike (Sakesphorus bernardi)
• Common Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
• Fasciated Wren (Campylorhynchus fasciatus)
• Gray-backed Hawk (Leucopternis occidentalis)
• Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus)
• Masked Water-tyrant (Fluvicola nengueta)
• Mountain Gwan (Penelope purpurescens)
• Necklaced Spinetail (Synallaxis stictothorax)
• Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis)
• Peruvian Red-breasted Meadowlark (Sturnella
belicosa)
• Piura Chat-tyrant (Ochoteca piurae)
• Rufous-headed Chachalaca (Chachalaca rojiza)
• Rufous Flycatcher (Myiarchus semirufus)
• Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Veniliornis callonotus)
• Short-tailed Woodstart (Myrmia micrura)
• Superciliated Wren (Thryothorus superciliaris)
• Tumbes Tyrant (Tumbezia salvini)
• White-edged Oriole (Icterus graceannae)
• Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)
• Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas)
• Amazonas and Cajamarca
The ecosystems of the department of Amazonas in the
extreme northeastern section of the country are marked
by three great rivers that traverse it from north to
south: the Santiago River, draining the cloud forests
of the Cordillera del Cóndor (Condor Mountain
Range), the Marañón River, filling an
extensive and arid valley in contrast to the tropical
environment of the region, and the Utcubamba, winding
through lush cloud forests. The combination of these
environments that differ in climate, species and topography
has created conditions for unique birdlife, which teems
with endemic species or species with a restricted habitat.
Access to Chachapoyas, the capital of Amazonas is via
a highway (Chiclayo to Cajamarca), although penetration
into its more pristine areas must be done by river.
Although few realize this, the department of Cajamarca,
on the western side of the Marañón River,
holds a great and natural geographic diversity. Punas,
mountains, inter-Andean valleys, cloud jungles and tropical
forests can be found along an extensive highway system
not often taken by visitors and filled with excellent
opportunities for birdwathers. Rare, endemic species
abound on the eastern slopes, especially those close
to the high jungle. The city of Cajamarca, an ideal
spot to organize a visit, is accessible via regular
50 minute commercial flights and by the coastal highway
(take the turn-off at km 683 of the Pan-American Highway
North) or Chachapoyas.
The birds of Bagua and Rioja
(600 – 750 masl)
In Amazonas, a recently-paved route that starts
at the community of Bagua –some 57 km from the
city of Jaén, in Cajamarca– is of great
interest. This route leading to Pedro Ruiz and Rioja
runs through beautiful cloud-forests at the Tanagerna
mountain pass, as well as through tropical mountain
forests that are right next to the highway. The only
known communities in which one can observe two extremely
rare and interesting endemic species, the Long-whiskered
Owlet (Xenogalux loweryi) and the Marvelous Spatuletail
(Loddigesia mirabilis) are found in this region.
The birds of the Marañón
Valley (900 masl)
One final, long route, generally in poor condition,
but frequently visited by nature-lovers and scientists,
is the 294-km stretch of highway that interconnects
the communities of Leimebamba (south of Chachapoyas)
with Balsas, Celendín and Cajamarca (850 km,
northeast of Lima). The reward awaiting at the end of
the long journey is the spectacular Marañón
valley, home to the many species endemic to this region.
A recommended lodge is the old "Hacienda Limón",
situated on the eastern side of the valley, only a few
kilometers east of Balsas. Treks to the most interesting
forest areas start here.
• Buff-bridled Inca Finch (Incaspiza laeta)
• Chestnut-backed Thornbird (Phacellodomus dorsalis)
• Gray-winged Inca Finch (Incaspiza ortizi)
• Great Spinetail (Siptornopsis hypochondriacus)
• Line-cheeked Spinetail (Cranioleuca antisiensis)
• Little Inca Finch (Incaspiza watkinsi)
• Marañón Crescentchest (Melanopareia
maranonica)
• Marañón Thrush (Turdus maranonicus)o
• Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus xanthops)
• Peruvian Pigeon (Columba oenops)
• Red-crested Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus)o
• Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
• Spot-throated Hummingbird (Leucippus taczanowskii)
• White-winged Blackbird (Sayornis nigricans)
Cordillera Blanca Mountain
Range
One of the most spectacular natural scenic
areas in the country is, without a doubt, the Callejón
de Huaylas. The Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range, the
highest tropical mountain range in the world, is a paradise
of lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains and high-altitude
forests that lie within Huascarán National Park,
named after the highest mountain in the country (6,768
masl).
Huaraz and the other cities in the area are easily accessible
from Lima via a paved highway that is in good condition
(410 km NE of Lima). There are several hotels and restaurants
in the area, as well as companies that provide logistic
services at very reasonable prices.
The birds of the queñual
forests (3,000 – 4,200 masl)
The Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range has much
to offer trekkers, mountaineers, cyclists, fishermen
and of course, birdwatchers. People with altitude-related
problems can visit the unique queñual forests
located at lower altitudes in the park, such as the
one bordering Lake Llanganuco. This is a very special
habitat consisting of unique flora and fauna that have
adapted to high altitude.
• Black Phoebe (Metallura phoebe)
• Blue Dacnis (Xenodacnis parina)
• Chiguanco Thrush (Turdus chiguanco)
• Giant Conebill (Oreomanes fraseri)
• Line-cheeked Spinetail (Cranioleuca antisiensis)
• Pied-crested Tit-tyrant (Anairetes reguloides)
• Rufous-napped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes rufinucha)
• Rufous-webbed Tyrant (Xolmis rufipennis)
• Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura
pileata)
• Shining Sunbeam (Aglaectis cupripennis)
• Stripe-headed Antpita (Grallaria andicola)
• White-faced Cotinga (Zaratornis stresemanni)
The birds of the puna (3,500
masl)
The lake, mountains and shrub-covered hillsides
of the Callejón de Huaylas are excellent for
bird-watching. The most interesting species are the
ducks and other aquatic fowl, specially adapted to feet
on mud-dwelling invertebrates, such as the Puna Ibis
and the Andean Avocet.
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
• Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
• Andean Gull (Larus serranus)
• Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens)
• Black Siskin (Carduelis atrata)
• Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant (Agriornis montana)
• Black-chested Buzzard Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
• Crested Duck (Anas specularioides)
• Giant Coot (Fulica gigantea)
• Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
• Mountain Caracara (Phalcobaenus albogularis)
• Plain-capped Ground-tyrant (Muscisaxicola
alpina)
• Puna Hawk (Buteo poecilochrous)
• Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgwayi)
• Speckled Teal (Anas flavirostris)
• Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica)
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| Central Region |
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Lima and surrounding
areas
The birds of Lima’s
parks and gardens (73 masl)
For obvious reasons, birdwatching in the capital
city is less interesting than in the field. However,
Lima’s parks and gardens attract some species
that are worth mentioning. The White-winged Dove and
Croaking Ground-Dove are very abundant while the Amazilia
Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird seen. Standing
out among the Flycatchers are the Southern-beardless
Tyrannulet and the colored Vermilion Flycatcher, whose
melanic phase (totally black) is unusually abundant
all along the Peruvian Coast.
• Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia)
• American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
• Blue-and-white Swallow (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca)
• Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina)
• Croaking Ground-Dove (Columbina cruziana)
• Chestnut-throated Seedeater (Sporophila telasco)
• Hooded Siskin (Carduelis magellanica)
• Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
• Scrub Blackbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
• Southern-beardless Tyrannulet
• (Camptostoma obsoletum)
• Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
• White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
The birds of Lima’s
beaches (0 – 50 masl)
Many of the typical, cold-current Peruvian
bird species such as guano birds, can be observed relatively
easily from beaches, especially those of Villa and Lurín
(18 and 24 km south of Lima, respectively) where observation
is fairly easy. For those interested in getting a closer
look at these birds, boats are available for rent in
the port of Callao and in the southern fishing cove
of Pucusana (some 60 km south of Lima).
• Band-tailed Gull (Larus belcheri)
• Common Term (Sterna hirundo)
• Franklin Gull (Larus pipixcan)
• Gray Gull (Larus modestus)
• Guanay Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii)
• Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata)
• Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus)
• Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
• Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
• Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
The birds of the Villa wetlands
(5 – 15 masl)
The capital also has some wetlands and marshes.
The 396 hectares included in the Villa Reserved Zone
(18 km south), with more than 160 resident and migratory
species, is ideal for the observation of some interesting
birds. Without a doubt, the ones that stand out are
the Egrets (seven species) and some temporary residents
such as the Osprey, arriving annually from its North
American nesting grounds and the Artic tern, whose migratory
circuit is considered to be the longest in the world:
from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic.
• American Coot (Fulica ardesiaca)
• Artic tern (sterna paradisaea)
• Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera)
• Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus)
• Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)
• Great Grebe (Podiceps major)
• Greater Red-breasted Meadowlark
• (Sturnella belicosa)
• Many-colored Rush Tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra)
• Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
• Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
• Plumbeous Rail (Rallus sanguinolentus)
• Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
• White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis)
• White-tufted Grebe (Rollandia rolland)
• Wren-like Rushbird (Phleocryptes melanops)
• Yellowish Pippit (Anthus lutescens)
Paracas
The main bird-watching center is the Paracas
National Reserve, located 250 km south of Lima. Access
is down a paved highway. There are many hotels and hostels
in the area and camping is also permitted. The big beaches
and rocky coastline of Paracas attract hundreds of different
species of shore-birds, especially between the months
of May and September when migration is in full swing.
From Paracas, tourists can take daily excursions to
the Ballestas Islands (a 3-hour trip). These offer an
excellent opportunity for birdwatchers to observe colonies
of guano birds and a large variety of Northamerican
shore-birds (plovers and sandpipers) up-close, as well
as to view the singular Humboldt penguin, a species
native to the Cold Peruvian Current.
In summer the majestic Andean Condor is a habitual visitor
of areas where sea lions congregate, while in winter
these coasts are visited by birds from the Andean Highlands
such as the Puna Plover, the Tawny-throated Dotterel
and, from the Central Coast, the Peruvian Thick-knee.
This region’s coast and cliffs are ideal places
for birdwatching and are why Paracas is synonymous with
birdlife.
The birds of Paracas (0 -
250 masl)
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
• Black Skimmer (Rynchops nigra)
• Blackish Oystercatcher (Haematopus ater)
• Common Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
• Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
• Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans)
• Gray Gull (Larus modestus)
• Guanay Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii)
• Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)
• Inca Tern (Larosterna inca)
• Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
• Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
• Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata)
• Peruvian Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides gardnotii)
• Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus)
• Peruvian Tern (Sterna lorata)
• Peruvian Thick-knee (Burhinus superciliaris)
• Puna Plover (Charadrius alticola)
• Red-legged Cormorant (Phalacrocorax gaimardi)
• Sea-side Cinclodes (Cinclodes nigrofumosus)
• Tawny-throated Dotterel (Oreopholus ruficollis)
• Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Ocean or open-sea species
(0 masl)
• Cape Petrel (Daption capense)
• Great Skua (Catharacta skua)
• Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus)
• Southern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides)
• Swallow-tailed Gull (Creagrus furcatus)
• White-vented Storm Petrel (Oceanites gracilis)
• Wilson’s Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)
Huánuco and Junín
The Central Highway starting in Lima and heading
in an easterly direction straight up the Andes is considered
to be one of the engineering marvels of the world. This
highway connects the capital, in the coastal desert,
with mountain valleys and cities and with the Amazon
jungle. It crosses through an enormous variety of ecosystems
within an altitude range of almost 5,000 m. Although
it is possible to make the Lima - Tingo María
trip in 14 or 15 hours of straight driving, a birdwatcher
must take at least four days to to get an overall vision
of the complex and abundant birdlife of this region.
The best places to overnight are the cities of San Mateo,
Huánuco and Tingo María, which offer travelers
adequate tourist services (hotels and restaurants).
The birds of the Central
Highway (800 – 4,000 masl)
It is suggested that the first day be spent
in the area between Lima and the community of San Mateo
(95 km to the east, at 3,000 masl), a small section
that will serve to introduce the mountain-birds of the
central region. The second day should be dedicated to
the circuit consisting of the communities of Casapalca,
Chinchán and Marcapomacocha, mining areas at
more than 4,000 masl surrounded by lakes and high-Andean
pasturelands.
• Andean Swift (Aeronautes andicola)
• Ash-breasted Sierra Finch (Phrygilus plebejus)
• Band-tailed Sierra Finch (Phrygilus alaudinus)
• Bare-faced Ground-dove (Metriopelia ceciliae)
• Chiguanco Thrush (Turdus chiguanco)
• Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
• Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus)
• Morning Dove (Zenaida auriculata)
• Morning Sierra Finch (Phrygilus fruticeti)
• Mountain Parakeet (Bolborhynchus aurifrons)
• Oasis Hummingbird (Rodopis vesper)
• Peruvian Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus)
• Peruvian Sheartail (Thaumastura cora)o
• Red-backed Hawk (Buteo polyosoma)
• Rufous-napped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes nationi)
• Rufous-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes fuscus)
• Striated Earthcreeper (Upucerthia serrana)
• White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
• Yellow Grossbeak (Pheucticus chrysopeplus)
• Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes flavirostris)
The birds of Lake Junín
and surrounding areas (3,800 masl)
A third section of the route takes us to Huánuco
(410 km northeast of Lima, paved highway) and passes
by Chinchaycocha or the great Lake Junín, a paradise
of high-Andean waterfowl and home to the rare Puna Grebe,
of which only a few dozen remain.
The final section should be left for the area between
Huánuco and Tingo María (129 km, paved
highway). Special attention should be given to the Paso
de Carpish (2,700 masl) area, one of the country’s
most accessible tropical cloud-forest and to the famous
caves of Guans and Owlets, located on the outskirts
of Tingo María.
• Andean Coot (Fulica ardesiaca)
• Andean Duck (Oxyura ferruginea)
• Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
• Andean Gull (Larus serranus)
• Andean Pflicker (Colaptes rupicola)
• Andean Snipe (Gallinago andina)
• Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis)
• Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus)
• Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus)
• Puna Grebe (Podiceps taczanowskii)
• Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgwayi)
• Puna Teal (Anas puna)
• Rufous-backed Negrito (Lessonia oreas)
• Silvery Grebe (Podiceps occipitalis)
• White-tufted Grebe (Rollandia rolland)
• Yellow-headed Blackbird
• (Agelaius icterocephalus)
The birds of the Huánuco-Carpish
area (2,000 – 3,000 masl)
The area of Carpish is a classic example of
a high-altitude mountain pass or corridor featuring
a transition between two very different environments:
the Andean steppes and the cloud-forest. This area is
almost constantly covered by fog and has abundant and
dense forests as well as patches of high-altitude bamboo,
a very important habitat for the birds of this region.
This area is filled with mixed flocks consisting of
dozens of species of wood creepers (Dendrocolaptidae),
tanagers (Thraupidae), contingas (Cotingidae), brown
jobs (Furnariidae), tyrant-flycatchers (Tyrannidae),
antshrikes (Formicariidae) and tinamous (Tinamidae).
• Amazon Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus)
• Black-and-white Seedeater (Sporophila luctuosa)
• Black-bellied Tanager (Ramphocelus melanogaster)
• Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)
• Cliff Flycatcher (Hyrundinea ferruginea)
• Fasciated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
• Fasciated Wren (Campylorhynchus fasciatus)
• Golden-collared Honeycreeper (Iridophanes
pulcherrima)
• Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodinastes chrysocephalus)
• Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps)
• Lira Nightjar (Uropsalis lyra)
• Peruvian Cock-of-the-rocks (Rupicola peruviana)
• Peruvian Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus)
• Plain-breasted Ground-dove (Columbina minuta)
• Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis)
• Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea)
• Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
• Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi)
• White-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia chionogaster)
The birds of Tingo María
and surrounding areas (600 masl)
Tingo María offers a typical rainforest
setting with tropical jungle, riverside forests (a tributary
of the Huallaga river runs along the outlying areas
of the city) and abundant limestone caves that serve
as a refuge for the colonies of tayos or oil-birds,
the only birds active at night that feed on fruit. Travelers
are recommended to take some of the rough-grade roads
and trails that enter the Tingo Maria National Park,
and, above all, the road to Pucallpa that crosses the
Cordillera Azul (Blue Mountain Range), which is 40 km
from the city, at 1,580 masl, on the border between
the departments of Huánuco and Ucayali.
• Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola)
• Black-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus)
• Blue-browed Tanager (Tangara cyanotis)
• Blue-headed Macaw (Ara couloni)
• Cested Foliage Gleaner (Automolus dorsalis)
• Common Piping-Guan (Aburria aburri)
• Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus)
• Golden-Crowned Tanager (Tangara rufivertex)
• Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis)
• Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps)
• Green and Gold Tanager (Tangara schrankii)
• Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
• Orange-billed Sparrow (Arremon aurantiirostris)
• Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis)
• Rufous-tailed Antwren (Myrmotherula erythrura)
• Sooty Antbird (Myrmeciza fortis)
• Spotted Tanager (Tangara punctata)
• Spot-winged Antbird (Percnostola leucostigma)
• Stipple-throated Antwren (Myrmotherula haematonota)
• Vermillion Tanager (Calochaetes coccineus)
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| Southern Region |
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Nasca and
Abancay
Although this is not a route often taken by
tourists, the recently paved road starts at Nasca (450
km south of Lima) travels through Puquio and reaches
Abancay. This highway offers many good possibilities
of observing interesting birds while visiting the most
characteristic habitats of the southern Andes. Travelers
will also be treated to a view of both the Nasca Lines,
at the beginning of the journey and of the country’s
largest herd of wild vicuñas, when they pass
through the Pampa Galeras-Bárbara D’Achile
National Reserve (4,000 masl). This reserve contains
many flocks of this graceful camelids that can be seen
very closely and in their natural setting. When taking
this journey keep in mind that only the cities of Nasca
and Abancay offer tourist services (lodging and restaurants).
The birds of the Nasca-Abancay
area (600 – 3,200 masl)
The many priairies and meadowlands, queñual
forests, lakes and inter-Andean valleys of this region
follow one another, and offer great possibilities for
observing unique and special birdlife. At Puquio, the
route leaves behind the high flatlands and enters a
dry and sheltered valley (2,500 masl), with singular
climatic conditions, owing to the presence of the Pachachaca
river and its riverside forests. Finally, close to Abancay
(3,050 masl), the route ascends once again, yielding
agricultural and shrubbery areas ideal for some species
of hummingbirds, seedeaters and siskins. The Ampay National
Sanctuary is located close to the city and houses the
last temperate forests in the southern part of the country.
Its dense patches of intimpa (Podocarpus olifolius),
Peru’s only native coniferous tree, provide the
habitat for a variety of birds endemic to this peculiar
environment.
• Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis)
• Blue Dacnis (Xenodacnis parina)
• Cactus Canastero (Asthenes cactorum)o
• Coursen’s Spinetail (Synallaxis coursenii)
• Creamy-crested Spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla)
• Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch (Poospizopsis
caesar)
• Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
• Giant Coot (Fulica gigantea)
• Raimondi’s Yellow Finch (Sicalis raimondii)
• Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis)
• Spot-winged Pigeon (Columba maculosa)
• Thick-billed Miner (Geositta crassirostris)
• White-eared Puffbird (Nystalus chacuru)
• White-winged Black tyrant (Knipolegus aterrimus)
Cuzco and Machu Picchu
Few visitors to Peru do not spend at least
a few days in the city of Cuzco, attracted by its archaeological,
architectural, folkloric and mystic legacy. Nevertheless,
it should be noted that Cuzco also offers an astonishing
variety of species held in high regard by the world’s
ornithologists.
The birds of Huacarpay and
the area surrounding Cuzco (3,000 masl)
One spot that definitely must be visited is
Lake Huacarpay or Lucre (3,000 masl), located 25 km
south of Cuzco on the paved highway leading to Puno.
This ecosystem is the best place to glimpse the main
birds of this region. It consists of a large, still
lake, extensive patches of totora reeds and flooded
areas. The surrounding hillsides are covered by cacti
and other shrubs. The highway that runs through the
Sacred Valley, between the communities of Urubamba and
Ollantaytambo, also includes interesting viewing points,
despite this being a more populated area, altered by
agriculture.
• American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
• Andean Gull (Larus serranus)
• Andean Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus)
• Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis)
• Ash-breasted Sierra-finch (Phrygilus plebejus)
• Band-tailed Seedeater (Catamenia analis)
• Bare-faced Ground-dove (Metriopelia ceciliae)
• Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis)
• Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Thraupis bonariensis)
• Chiguanco Thrush (Turdus chiguanco)
• Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
• Greenish Yellow-Finch (Sicalis olivascens)
• Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna)
• Mourning Sierra -finch (Phrygilus fruticeti)
• Plumbeous Rail (Rallus sanguinolentus)
• Puna Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola juninensis)
• Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgwayi)
• Rufous-backed Negrito (Lessonia oreas)
• Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
• Rufous-napped Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola
rufivertex)
• Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis)
• Slender-billed Miner (Geositta tenuirostris)
• Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans)
• Speckled Teal (Anas flavirostris)
• Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola maculirostris)
• White-browed Chat-tyrant (Ochtoeca leucophrys)
• Wren-like Rushbird (Phleocryptes melanops)
• Yellow-billed Tit-tyrant (Anairetes flavirostris)
• Yellow-winged Blackbird (Agelaius thilius)
The birds of the Málaga
Mountain Pass and of the San Luis cloud forests
(3,500 – 2,900 masl)
On the other hand, the dirt track between Ollantaytambo
and the jungle community of Quillabamba gives the visitor
the chance to pass through an incredible range of altitudes
and ecosystems, as well as offering breath-taking views
of nearby snow-capped peaks, in particular Verónica
(5,750 masl). As the winding road leaves the Inca community
of Ollantaytambo, it heads toward a high mountain pass
(Málaga), featuring abundant wetlands and lakes.
An accelerated descent begins here and leads into a
beautiful cloud-forest that is perhaps the best preserved
forest in the region. To explore this area, it is advisable
to use as a reference mark the spot known as San Luis.
This area, besides being abundant in many endemic bird
species, is considered by birdwatchers as a definite
destination in any journey through the Peruvian Andes.
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
• Andean Swift (Apus andecolus)
• Black-throated Flower-piercer (Diglossa brunneiventris)
• Brown-bellied Swallow (Notiochelidon murina)
• Creamy-crested Spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla)
• Gray-hooded Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus gayi)
• Hooded Siskin (Carduelis magellanica)
• Orange-billed Saltator (Saltator aurantiirostris)
• Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis)
• Shining Sunbeam (Aglaectis cupripennis)
• White-tufted Sunbeam (Aglaectis castelnaudii)
• The birds of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary
(1,800 masl)
Although the area next to Machu Picchu is the habitat
of some species of interest for birdwatchers, it is
the forests along the Urubamba River, located below
the archaeological site at the heart of this Sanctuary,
that are ideal for a successful ornithological excursion.
It is advisable to do these tours on foot starting from
the railway line at the community of Aguas Calientes
(the community of Machu Picchu) and following the river
downstream for a few kilometers. This area is covered
in dense tropical vegetation. What stands out in this
foliage are the patches of high-altitude bamboo that
are the habitat par excellence of an enormous number
of mountain forest species such as the spectacular Peruvian
Cock-of-the-Rocks, Peru’s national bird. Contributing
to the beauty of the area are the abundant orchids and
arborial ferns, considered to be the Sanctuary’s
most treasured plants. On the other hand there ar an
estimated 400 species of birds.
• Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae)
• Black-throated Flower-piercer (Diglossa brunneiventris)
• Blue-and-white Swallow (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca)
• Blue-crowned Tanager (Tangara cyanocephala)
• Cinereous Conebill (Conirostrum cinereum)
• Flower-piercer (Diglossa sittoides)
• Inca Wren (Thryothorus inca)
• Peruvian Cock-of-the-Rocks (Rupicola peruviana)•
• Peruvian Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus)
• Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
• Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
• Rufous-golden Tanager (Tangara ruficeps)
• Rufous-napped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes rufinucha)
• Sierran Elaenia (Elaenia pallatangae)
• Spectacled Redstart (Myioborus melanocephalus)
• Streaked-necked Flycatcher (Mionectes striaticollis)
• Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata)
• Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea)
• Tufted Tit-tyrant (Anairetes parulus)
• White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps)
• White-winged Black bird (Sayornis litoralis)
• Puerto Maldonado and Madre de Dios
Puerto Maldonado is a fast-growing border town. It
is located where the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers
join. What was just a motley collection of wooden homes
with corrugated iron roofs has been transformed into
the shining gateway to the southeastern Peruvian jungle.
The local inhabitants of this city have fittingly christened
it "the World Capital of Biodiversity". Its
tropical forests hold more species of plants and animals
than in any other spot in the world, and birds are no
exception.
The birds of Manu and Tambopata
(300 masl)
One of the spots that is a "must-see"
for any serious birdwatcher, is Explorer's Inn, a friendly
lodge just a three-hour boatride upstream from Tambopata
–accessible from Puerto Maldonado. This lodge
is famous for holding the world record for the most
species registered in any one day in one specific area:
more than 650! But if it’s records we are talking
about, the Manu jungles hold an even more amazing diversity:
specialists calculate that over 1,000 different species
of birds can be found in the park’s ecosystems.
From Cuzco, Manu can be reached by small aircraft landing
in Boca Manu. The next leg of the trip is via launch
(five hours to Manu). Another way of reaching the Manu
is via a rough-dirt road from Cusco to the communities
of Atalaya (nine hours) and Shintuya (12 hours), followed
by five-hour river journey. There are many hostels and
lodges along the most important rivers and these offer
travelers all the facilities to make their stay in the
tropical jungle pleasant and safe. Many of these also
have a good system of paths and trained guides who will
lead visitors to the marvels of the Amazon forest. Puerto
Maldonado and Tambopata offer all basic tourist services,
including daily flights to Cuzco.
• Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
• American Caracara (Daptrius americanus)
• Black-capped Mockingthrush (Donacobius atricapillus)
• Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)
• Black-faced Antthrush (Formicarius analis)
• Black-fronted Nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons)
• Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
• Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)
• Capped Heron (Pilherodias pileatus)
• Common Pooto (Nyctibus griseus)
• Cuvier’s Toucan (Ramphastos cuvieri)
• Great Black Hawk (Spizastur melanoleucus)
• Harpy Eagle (Harpya harpyja)
• Hoatzin (Ophistocomus hoazin)
• Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta)
• Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
• Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax olivaceus)
• Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata)
• Pale-winged Trumpetier (Psophia leucoptera)
• Razor-billed Curassow (Crax mitu)
• Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloroptera)
• Road-side Hawk (Buteo magnirostris)
• Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
• Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons)
• Sand-colored Nighthawk (Chordeiles rupestris)
• Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
• Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans)
• Spix’s Guan (Penelope jacquacu)
• Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
• Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus undulatus)
• Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
• White-and-green Swallow (Tachicineta albiventer)
• White-necked Heron (Ardea cocoi)
• Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona ochroceophala)
• Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela)
Arequipa and the Colca Valley
In spite of its location in the desert spurs
of the southern Andes, the White City is especially
attractive to visiting nature lovers, as apart from
satisfying the cultural and gastronomic demand of the
most demanding of tourists, it is also a gateway to
some of the most spectacular areas in the southern region
of Peru: the National Sanctuary of Lagunas de Mejía
(Mejía Lakes), the National Reserve of Salinas
y Aguada Blanca and the Colca Valley. Lagunas de Mejía,
located 150 km, or two hours, from Arequipa, south of
the outlet of the Tambo river, consist of flooded lands
covered in swampy vegetation and bull-rushes. These
lakes offer rest and refuge to many resident and migratory
birds. January through March are the best months for
observing this area’s main species.
The birds of Salinas y Aguada Blanca and of the Colca
Valley (3,200 – 3,700 masl)
Access to Salinas y Aguada Blanca is via some of the
rough-grade roads originating in Arequipa and which
lead either to the Colca Valley (150 km or three hours)
or to the city of Puno. Visitors are recommended to
take the Puno route that passes through an extensive
queñual forest (Chiguata, 3200 masl) and continues
on toward the Great Lake of Salinas. It is an ideal
spot for viewing waterfowl, groups of vicuñas
and, on occasion flocks of guanacos (Lama guanicoe).
The reserve features vast high-Andean pasturelands,
wetlands and flooded areas, as well as curious geological
formations resulting from erosion (the Maucarquipa and
Puruña stone-forests). The extraordinary Colca
River Valley is located in the reserve’s eastern
areas and borders the wide, high-Andean prairie. Colca
and its colonial communities, spectacular terraces and
landscapes, are ideal for an unforgettable visit. The
birds in this valley are similar to the ones that inhabit
the mountainous steppes in other regions of Peru. Moreover,
its cultivated land and steep cliffs offer a place,
like no other, from where one can watch some species
of great interest. This is the case of the majestic
Andean Condor, the largest of all birds capable of flight.
It is easily spotled in the place called "Cruz
del Cóndor", in the outskirts of the community
of Cabanaconde.
• Andean Avocet (Recurviorostra andina)
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
• Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
• Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
• Andean Pflicker (Colaptes rupicola)
• Black Siskin (Carduelis atrata)
• Black-chested Buzzard-eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
• Black-hooded Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus atriceps)
• Creamy-breasted Canastero (Asthenes dorbignyi)
• Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
• D’Orbigny’s Chat-tyrant (Ochtoeca
oenanthoides)
• Diuca Finch (Diuca speculifera)
• Giant Conebill (Oreomanes fraseri)
• Gray-breasted Seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus)
• James’ Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
• Ornate Tinamou (Nothoprocta ornata)
• Puna Hawk (Buteo poecilochrous)
• Puna Plover (Charadrius alticola)
• Puna Tinamou (Tinamotis pentlandii)
• Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis gayi)
• Tamarugo Conebill (Conirostrum tamarugensis)
• White-throated Earthcreeper (Upucerthia albigula)
• White-throated Sierra-Finch (Phrigylus erythronotus)
• Puno and Lake Titicaca
The majority of the bird species that inhabit Lake
Titicaca can be found on almost all bodies of water
(lakes, pools and streams) that abound in the high Andes.
However, birdwatchers will be pressed to find a setting
of more remarkable beauty than this lake of truly oceanic
proportions (8,380 km2). The endemic Titicaca Flightless
Grebe, a species that only inhabits the Lake Titicaca
basin can be easily seen along the lakeshore all year
round.
An area of archaeological interest and one of particular
appeal to birdwatchers, is the burial tower complex
at Sillustani (20 km from Puno, on the way to Juliaca).
This spot, located on a hill overseeing the beautiful
Umayo Lake, offers the possibility of observing most
species of Altiplano birds, as well as some singular
mammals such as the comic Wild Guinea pig (Cavia tschudii),
a rodent with robotic movements that has made its home
among the archaeological remains in the area.
The birds of Puno and Lake
Titicaca (3,800 masl)
• Andean Coot (Fulica ardesiaca)
• Andean Duck (Oxyura ferruginea)
• Andean Gull (Larus serranus)
• Andean Swallow (Petrochelidon andecola)
• Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus)
• Many-colored Rush Tyrant (Tachuris rubrigastra)
• Puna Ibis (Plegadis ridgwayi)
• Puna Teal (Anas puna)
• Titicaca Flightless Grebe (Centropelma micropterum)
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Suggested Reading
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A Guide to the Birds of Colombia. Hilty
& Brown. Princeton University Press,
Princeton, 1986.
An Annotated Checklist of Peruvian Birds. Parker, Parker
& Plenge. Buteo Books. Chicago, 1982.
Birds of Tambopata Reserve - Explorer’s Inn. Parker,
Schulemberg Donahue and W. Wust. In: Conservation International.
Rapid Assesment Program (RAP) Working Papers No. VI.
Washington, 1994.
Birds of the High Andes. Fjeldsa & Krabbe. University
of Princeton Press.
Prinnceton, 1989.
Las Aves de los Pantanos de Villa.
W. Wust, T. Valqui and A. Luscombe.
Asociación de Ecología y Conservación,
ECCO. Lima, 1994.
Las Aves del Departamento de Lima. María Koepcke.
1964. / The Birds of the Department of Lima, Peru.
Emma Frisk transl. Livingston Publishing Company. Pennsylvania,
1983.
La Zona Reservada de Tumbes, Biodiversidad y Diagnóstico
Socioeconómico. W. Wust.
Proyecto Conservación de la Biodiversidad en
la Zona Reservada de Tumbes.
The John D. & Catherine C. MacArthur Foundation
/ Profonanpe. Lima, 1998.
Manu, el Paraíso Amazónico del Perú.
Hnos. Blassi editores. Barcelona, 1992.
Shorebirds, an Identification Guide. Hayman, Marchant
& Prater. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1986.
The Species of Birds of South America with Their Distribution.
Meyer de Schahuensee. Livingston Publishing Company.
Pennsylvania, 1966.
Una Propuesta de Areas Protegidas para las Aves del
Perú. W. Wust. In: Diversidad Biológica
del Perú: Zonas Prioritarias para su Conservación,
Proyecto FANPE. Cooperación Técnica Perú-Alemania,
GTZ - INRENA. Lima, 1998. |
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| Primates |
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There are 32 different species of primates
in Peru. These are divided into three large taxonomical
families which group together the primates found in the
New World: Callithricidae, which includes tamarins and
marmosets; Callimiconidae, which comprises one unique
species (Goeldi’s monkey); and the Cebidae, the
largest of the three groups which includes common squirrel
monkeys, capuchin monkeys, dusky titi monkeys, night-monkeys,
howler monkeys, woolly monkeys and spider monkeys, among
others.
Monkeys of the Old World (order Platyrrhini) can be distinguished
from those of the New World (order Catarrhini) by a series
of morphological differences which are the product of
the adaptation of the latter to the tropical environment
in which they live. The most noticeable of these is the
shape of their noses. The former (including those of man),
feature elongated noses with large nostrils on each side
that point downwards while the latter, have wide, flat
and often sloping noses.
American monkeys are powerfully built. Their faces, flattened
and devoid of hair, have large eyes, small ears and short
necks. Their hind legs are generally very long and have
prehensile claws at the ends. In most cases, American
monkeys also have long prehensile tails which act like
a fifth limb. They are, for the most part, tree-dwelling,
and come down from their tree habitats only to drink water
or to cross open spaces.
Another characteristic of American monkeys is their ability
to change color dramatically according to their geographical
location. As a result, a species can change the color
of its fur within a wide range of shades, from black and
ochre to yellow, depending on the latitude of its habitat.
Monkeys scatter the seeds from the fruits they eat over
large areas, contributing to the regeneration of the dominant
lianas vines and trees of the Amazon forest, home to practically
all of Peru's monkeys. The only exceptions are the white-fronted
capuchin monkey, which is also found in certain areas
of the Andes’ western slopes in the northern departments
of Piura and Tumbes, and the howler monkey of Tumbes,
which is found only in the northernmost tropical forests
of the Pacific. |
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| Small primates |
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(up to 35 cm long and weighing up to
1.2 kg )
Tamarins
Tamarins, at most the size of a squirrel, have
large non-prehensile tails which hang vertically from
below the animal. In the forest, they let out sharp
whistles of alarm, and retreat by jumping among the
underbrush, with their heads and trunk in typical upright
position. Their social structure is highly unusual:
they live in families led by a dominant female and various
male subordinates (polyandry). Offspring, generally
one or two per year, are cared for by the males, who
carry them on their backs throughout the day. They roam
the dense vegetation area of the forest and areas containing
vines, where they find food in plentiful supply as well
as refuge from their many predators, which include eagles,
falcons, felines and boas.
There are six species of tamarins (Saguinus spp.) in
Peru: the Saddleback tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis),
Emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator), Red-chested mustached
tamarin (Saguinus labiuatus), Black-chested mustached
tamarin (Saguinus mystax), Black-mantle tamarin (Saguinus
nigricollis) and Golden-mantle tamarin (Saguinus tripartitus).
All of the species mentioned above measure some 22 cm
in length and weigh around 350 grams. A characteristic
of these monkeys is the distinctive color-patterns on
their faces, often with long mustaches, feathery crests
or markings. They also have small claws rather than
nails, which allow them to grip tree trunks securely.
These monkeys also have large incisors used to eat fruit
and capture insects, their favorite food. Diurnal creatures,
they gather in groups of up to a dozen and inhabit large
areas of territory, generally between 30 and 100 ha,
and often roam through the forest accompanied by other
species of tamarins, such as the Emperor Tamarin.
Goeldi’s monkey (Callimico Goeldi), or False-tamarin,
deserves special mention. One of the most unusual species
in the country, it belongs to a unique family known
as Callimiconidae, and bears a strong resemblance to
the true tamarin, but differs from this animal in a
number of internal characteristics of its anatomy. Black
from head to toe, it has a long, thick coat of fur with
long crests that decorate the sides of its head like
ears. A diurnal and territorial creature, they generally
move close to the ground (at less than 5 meters above
the ground), and show a preference for terra firme forests
(forests not subject to flooding or those lying some
distance from rivers).
Marmosets
The Pygmy marmoset, also known as the pocket
monkey (Cebuella pygmaea), is the world’s smallest
primate. Measuring just 11 cm long and weighing little
over 100 grams, it is a diurnal creature with a well-marked
territory, which it roams daily in search of food. It
has a somewhat unusual tooth formation, with its lower
jaw lined with small, sharp teeth which allow it to
tear the bark off trees and vines to tap a highly specialized
food: sap. The Pygmy marmoset is found in forests subject
to flooding, in trees that are over 20 m tall.
Night monkeys
Night monkeys (Aotus spp.) are the only nocturnal
monkeys in the Americas. Measuring between 24 and 35
cm long and weighing around 850 grams, their backs are
ash-colored while their stomachs are an orange-ochre
color. They also have a white mask on their faces with
a black stain between their large eyes, while their
tail is not prehensile. Living in treetops, they prefer
areas of dense vegetation and vines. They form groups
of two to five and eat fruit, insects and nectar. Monogamous
and sedentary, they live in small areas of territory
which they rarely leave, and are not unsettled by the
presence of humans.
Dusky titi monkeys
Dusky titi monkeys (Calliceibus spp.) measure
some 30 cm in length and weigh around 1.2 kg. They are
the only small monkeys that feed exclusively on soft
leaves and shoots, especially bamboo shoots. Diurnal
and tree-dwelling, these creatures are monogamous and
form families of between two and six monkeys. They are
grayish-brown or reddish-brown in color, with rounded
and compact bodies and a long, wide tail which hangs
below the animal when it is relaxed. To indicate their
possession of a particular strip of territory they emit
an unusual call consisting of a mighty screech made
in unison by the male and dominant female of the group.
Each morning this call notifies the other monkeys in
the forest of the whereabouts of the pack.
The five species of Dusky titi monkey in Peru are distributed
among flooding forests or forests close to river banks
and streams and are: Calliceibus cupreus, Calliceibus
oenanthe, Calliceibus caligatus, Calliceibus torquatus
and Calliceibus brunneus.Common squirrel monkeys Also
known as Frailecillo, the Common squirrel monkey (Saimiri
sciureus) is 25 cm long and weighs slightly under 1
kg. It has yellow fur on its back, white fur on its
stomach and black markings on its face, as well as a
black snout. Diurnal and gregarious creatures, they
form large packs of up to 70 monkeys.
Common squirrel monkeys are very active, spending most
of the day roaming floodable forests in search of insects,
nectar and small fruits. Often they join capuchin monkeys,
developing an interesting symbiotic relationship: the
squirrel monkeys, smaller and more numerous, act as
lookouts for the capuchin monkeys, alerting them to
the presence of predators, while the capuchin, stun
insects that serve as food for squirrel monkeys. |
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| Medium-sized primates |
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(up to 40 cm long and weighing up to 3.0
kg) Capuchin monkeys
Capuchin monkeys, or capuchinos, are typical
medium-sized monkeys (the classic organ grinder’s
monkey that used to be seen in the cities). In Peru there
are two species of capuchin monkey: the brown-fronted
and the white-fronted capuchin. Both weigh between 1.5
and 3 kg and measure around 40 cm in length. Brown capuchin
monkeys (Cebus apella) are generally robust and very intelligent
animals. Diurnal in nature, they roam their territory
in groups of up to 20, eating almost anything they find
–fruit, seeds, eggs, insects, reptiles and even
small vertebrates). They have strong teeth capable of
cracking the tough palm nut. The White-fronted capuchin
(Cebus albifrons) is lighter and much more agile, active
and elusive than the brown-fronted capuchin. It eats fruit,
seeds and small arthropods, in particular wasps.
Saki monkeys
Saki monkeys, or Sakis, are medium- to large-sized
monkeys, with long, spongy fur which makes them seem larger
and heavier than they actually are. They measure some
35 cm in length and weigh up to 2 kg, and are divided
into two groups: Monk Saki monkeys (belonging to the genus
Pithecia) and White Uakari monkeys (of genus Cacajao).
Monk Saki monkeys (Pithecia aequatorialis, Pithecia irrorata
and Pithecia monachus) have large, furry, non-prehensile
tails which hang like a feather duster under their bodies.
Diurnal and tree-dwelling, Monk Saki monkeys from groups
of between two and four and take large, sudden leaps between
branches, hence their common name of "flying monkeys".
Monk Saki monkeys live quietly among older and undisturbed
areas of the forest, through which they roam in search
of fruit, seeds and soft leaves.
The White uakari monkey (Cacajao albus) varies significantly
in appearance from its close relative the Monk Saki monkey.
It has a long spongy, white-yellow coat of fur and its
face is bright red (hence its common name).
Diurnal and tree-dwelling, the White uakari monkey congregates
in large groups (sometimes of over 40 monkeys). Measuring
40 cm long and weighing up to 3 kg, it eats fruit, leaves,
nectar and some types of insects, in particular caterpillars.
It has large
canine teeth capable of cracking forest nutshells.
The White uakari monkey is very active, moving around
in the floodable forests more than any other species of
monkey in the New World. |
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| Large primates |
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(up to 60 cm long and weighing up to 13
kg) Howler monkeys
Known as howler monkeys, because of their habit
of proclaiming the possession of their territory with
deafening roars, these monkeys (Alouatta spp.) are among
the largest primates in the New World. They have a strong,
prehensile tail and a bony cavity in their throat which
is used as a resonating cavity. Diurnal and tree-dwelling,
they reach 50 cm in length and weigh up to 11 kg.
Due to the fact that it feeds exclusively on vegetable
matter (fruits, leaves and flowers) which are difficult
to digest, the howler monkey leads a very sedentary existence.
They end up spending most of the day in a single tree
in groups of up to a dozen individuals. One of their most
peculiar features is that when threatened, the entire
group comes together in the treetops and launches a full-scale
aerial attack, showering faeces and urine on the enemy.
In the dry season the come down to drink from the river
banks and visit the clay cliffs or collpas in search of
salt and supplementary minerals.
Two species of howler monkeys exist in Peru: the Reddish-orange
common howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), typical of
the Amazon jungle, and the Black Tumbes howler monkey
(Alouatta palliata), that lives in a tiny portion of the
tropical forests located in the Tumbes Reserve.
Woolly monkeys
Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix spp.) are large, thick-haired
apes, with a powerful appearance. They are around 50 cm
in height and can weigh up to 10 kg. Diurnal and tree-dwelling,
they are light brown and ash-colored and congregate in
groups of up to 20 individuals while they feed on fruit,
seeds, nuts, leaves and insects.
Their size and large human presence in their habitat makes
woolly monkeys the most heavily-hunted monkey in Peru.
This and their low reproductive rate (females reach sexual
maturity at five or six years) have caused the disappearance
of this species from large areas, driving them to the
edge of extinction.
Two species of woolly monkeys exist in Peru: the Common
woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha), native to the jungle
fringe areas and distributed along the entire country,
and the Yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda),
that lives exclusively in the mountainous forests of the
departments of Amazonas and San Martín.
Spider monkeys
The best known monkey of the Peruvian tropical
jungle is, without a doubt, the spider monkey. Also known
as maquisapa (from the Quechua maqui, arm and sapa, large),
it has adapted extremities which allow it to move through
the treetops where it lives. It reaches some 60 cm in
height and weighs up to 13 kg. This monkey’s strong
prehensile tail is used as a fifth limb and it can often
be seen suspended from its tail. Diurnal and eminent tree-dwellers,
spider monkeys make up family groups of up to 20 individuals
that feed on fruit, young shoots and leaves.
Like woolly monkeys, they are heavily hunted for their
meat and have disappeared from areas close to human settlements.
This situation has been further aggravated by their extremely
low reproductive rate (females attain sexual maturity
at four or five years and have offspring every three to
four years).
Two species of spider monkey live in Peru: the Black spider
monkey (Ateles paniscus), common in the central jungle
and in the south of Peru, and the Long-haired spider monkey
(Ateles belzebuth), whose geographic range is restricted
to the extreme north of the Amazon basin (departments
of Amazonas and Loreto). |
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| Suggested Reading |
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Lista Anotada de los Mamíferos Peruanos.
Víctor Pacheco, et. al. Conservation International
Occasional Papers, 1995.
Neotropical Rainforest Mammals. A Field Guide. Louise
Emmons. Chicago Press, 1990.
Portraits of the Rainforest. Adran Forsyth. Firefly Books.
Ontario, 1990. |
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| Marine Mammals |
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There are a total of 33 species of marine
mammals in Peru ranging from the tiniest salt-water
marine otters or chingungos, that inhabit inaccessible
beaches to the large whales and sperm-whales that roam
the open sea. Scientists group them into nine taxonomic
families, with the most important being the otariidae
and the delphinus, that group the sea lions and southern
fur seals and the dolphins, respectively.
Undoubtedly the most widely-seen mammals on the Peruvian
coast, are the sea lions. Two different species share
the coast bathed by the cold Peruvian ocean current:
the large South American Sea Lion (Otaria byronia) weighing
up to 300 kg, which prefers to gather on sandy beaches,
and the smaller South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus
australis), which tends to group on outcrops of inaccessible
rocks along the coast. Both species reproduce between
November and March, ideal months for observation.
The best spots for finding them is along the southern
coast: Paracas (250 km from Lima) features major breeding
grounds on the Ballestas Islands (a one-and-a-half hour
boat-ride from the El Chaco dock or from the Hotel Paracas),
Punta Arquillo (15 minutes on a rough-grade road that
runs through the peninsula) and Morro Quemado (a three-hour
drive in an all-terrain vehicle) where possibly the
largest number of sea lions and southern fur seals in
the country congregate.
The coastal beaches of the Paracas National Reserve
are also the best spots for viewing the elusive chingungo
or marine otter, a marmot that inhabits the rarely-visited
rocks and beaches of the central and southern Peruvian
coast. The beaches of Mendieta and La Catedral have
the greatest number of recorded endangered species.
A bit further south (480 km from Lima via the Pan-American
Highway) is Punta San Juan, a Reserve established to
protect the nesting grounds of guano birds, Humboldt
penguins and a large colony of sea lions.
Cetaceans are well represented in Peruvian waters. Observing
them, however, is rather difficult since there is a
lack of tourist infrastructure for this end. Several
species of dolphins, such as the Bottlenose Dolphin
and the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin, as well as Porpoise,
are habitual residents of the relatively shallow coastal
waters. The best way to observe these creatures is to
rent a boat in the larger coves or ports and then to
request information on the best spots and times for
viewing. In Peru, all cetacean species are protected
by law. The capture, consumption or sale of these animals
or any product derived thereof, is strictly prohibited
Main species
• Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
• Lesser-Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon peruvianus)
• Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)
• Humpback Whale (Megaptera novangliae)
• Short-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)
• Sperm Whale (Physeter catodon)
• Short-Beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
• Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus)
• Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
• Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)
• Marine Otter (Lutra felina)
• Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis)
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