Birding in Peru

Peru is a top destination for birders from all over the world. With more than 1800 species of birds, it’s easy to see why! But what makes Peru such a great place for birding? In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why Peru is a top destination for birders, as well as some of the best places to go birding along the Manu road. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, read on to learn more about this birding destination.

Birdwatching along the Manu Road

When it comes to birdwatching, Manu road is one of the best places to go. There are so many different types of birds that you can see, and the rainforest is such a unique environment. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want to have a successful birdwatching trip from the Andes, Cloud Forest, and rainforest.

The best time to go birding along the Manu Road

Manu Biosphere Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of birds, with over 1100 species recorded. This makes it a top destination for birders from all over the world. But when is the best time to go birding in Manu?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of birds you are hoping to see. If you are interested in seeing the iconic Cock of the Rock, then the best time to go birding is from April to October. However, this majestic bird can be seen all year round displayed at the LEK (courtship dancing place) many individuals congregate to perform dancing and mating.

If you are more interested in seeing diversity and are lister the best would be to spend at least a couple of nights at the higher and lower cloud forest so this will impact greatly your bird list, over this elevation is where the large mixed flocks occur (tanagers, dacnis, flower piercers, Euphonias, flycatchers, Foliage gleaners, woodcreepers among others flyes in flocks)  Anyway the best time to explore the cloud forest it’s during the dry season from May to October so, On the other hand, there is no definitive answer to this question. It all depends on what kind of birds you hope to see during your trip to Manu

How to prepare for your trip?

When you’re planning a trip to see Peru’s amazing birds, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your trip is a success. First, you’ll want to pick the right time of year to go. The best time to see most of the country’s bird species is during the dry season, from April to October. Keep in mind that some regions, like the Cloud forest, can be inaccessible during this time due to landslides and rains

Next, you’ll need to decide how you’re going to get around. Manu is a large park (2 million hectares )with a variety of terrain, so your transportation options will depend on where you’re going and what kind of birds you’re hoping to see. If you’re planning on visiting multiple regions, flying between them may be your best option.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear for birding. A good pair of binoculars is essential, and a camera can help you capture memories (or evidence!) of your sightings.  Download a couple of apps such as  Merlin (download the Peru bird pack) and  Ebird (quite useful for uploading your bird records, all lodges provide a WIFI connection )

Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can protect you from the elements. With a little planning and preparation, your trip to see Peru’s amazing birds will be a success!

Getting to know the best birding lodges in Manu

You will be accommodated at a number of lodges that make it possible to see some of the rarest and most beautiful birds. Whether they reside here year-round or migrate.  This lodge selection is the most available and comfortable and with the greatest bird sightings.

Wayquecha Lodge. (2,903 meters / 9,525 feet)

The only lodge with certainly a privileged location. Surrounded by elfin forest, the underlying of the Andean mountains. And as a result, this location is a niche for birds such as; Barred Antthrush, Cuzco Brushfinch, Golden-collared Tanager, Andean Potoo, Purple backed Thornbill, Red-and-white Antpitta, and Marcapata Spinetail. Chestnut-crested Cotinga, and many more. Currently, this location holds around 303 bird species according to Ebird.

Cock of the Rock Lodge (1,880 meters / 6168 feet)

The Lodge sits in the heart of the Manu Cloud Forest on 1,500 meters of elevation surrounded by lush vegetation and a humid forest. The specialties living here are; Cock of the Rock, Crested Quetzal, Rufous-winged Antwren, Handsome Flycatcher, Solitary Eagle, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Geoffroy’s Daggerbill, Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Piedtail, Lanceolated Monklet, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Olive Finch, and Cerulean-capped Manakin, among many many others. This location holds around 500 bird species according to Ebird

Guadalupe Lodge (635 meters / 2084 feet)

This location is ranked as a hotspot by Ebird counting the 390 bird species and rising bird species. In turn, making it the best birding lodge in Peru. This location is one of the newest birding destinations in Manu. Reported from the mature bamboo forest, Aguaje Palm forest, and the Foothill Forest which is relatively the Terra Firme in the lower mountains, you will encounter; Blue-Headed Macaw,  Buff-tailed sicklebill, Peruvian recurbill, Black-backed Tody-flycatcher, White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, Flammulated Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow Tyrannulet, Manu Antbird, Yellow-Billed Nunbird, Golden-collared toucanet, Red-billed Pied Tanager, Black-banded woodcreeper, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Fine Barred Piculet and many more.

Eco Manu Lodge (492 m / 1615 Feet)

The Eco Manu Lodge holds currently 266 bird records according to Ebird, this is a sustainable lodge with a solar-powered hot water system and its own hydro-powered electricity. You can enjoy a radiation-free and natural environment, away from civilization. This is a new paradise for birding adjacent to the riverside of the Alto Madre de Dios and the fabled Amazonia Lodge (Not much-performing birding activities) the area is prime for observing the following; Amazonian Antpitta, Koepcke’s Hermit, Rufous-crested Coquette, Lemon-throated Barbet, Agami Heron, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Plum Throated Cotinga, and others interesting birds nestling in the foothill forest.

Other Top Locations for Birdwatching in Manu

Cocha Machuhuasi

An oxbow lake attracts a large number of Amazonian birds such as; egrets, hoatzins, herons, kingfishers, rails, crakes, horned screamers, caciques, and oropendolas. The lake sits at an elevation of around 500 meters approx, Currently, there is a list of 421 species of birds recorded at this location. But this is forever rising, check the updated list on Ebird.

Laguna Patria

Another bonus location to look for is amazonian aquatic birds, migrants, and second-growth specialists. The location congregates; Hoatzin, Capped heron, Least Grebe, Sunbittern, Amazonian Antpitta, Brazilian Teal, Red Capped Cardinal, Spot Breasted  Woodpecker, Black Billed SeedFinch, and others. Over this location around 182 bird species have been reported via Ebird.

Where to see Hummingbirds in Manu?

In addition to the birds that you can see along the Manu road, you can see more than 30 species of hummingbirds on the following locations, these two locations will be visited along this 6 days tour.

Jardin Pico de Hoz

Not far from Pilcopata town, this location incredible holds 356 birds species check out the whole list in Ebird 

Jardín de Picaflores Inkamazonia

Another interesting hotspot that will be covered along this tour, currently this location holds 204 bird species among hummingbirds, tanagers, saltators, antbirds, and other emblematic species, check the whole list at Ebird 

Interesting Birds  Families.

The Antpittas 

In general, antpittas are shy and retiring and as a result of this, can be quite hard to see. More commonly you will hear, as their call from the dense forest understory. Side trails offer the patient observer a chance to glimpse these seldom-seen species. The forest also is home to a gorgeous variety of hummingbirds. These spectacular birds can be found feeding on roadside flowering trees and shrubs.

The Cock of the Rock

Cock of the rock (Rupicola Peruviana) is another one of the most spectacular and well-known birds in Peru.  It inhibits the lower montane forest below 2,000 m altitude. This large orange bird is often seen feeding on fruit trees. But it’s most impressive when seen at an LEK.

Displaying Site

Here the males gather at the traditional LEK sites in the early morning to display. This is where the action happens. They squeal loudly and dance, bending their heads forwards and raising their wings. The duller females visit the Leks to select a male, who after mating, plays no further part in the nesting or feeding of the young.

Hummingbirds

Furthermore, Peru supports an impressive 127 species (39 % of all the hummingbirds) of which Manu National Park is their home. Hummingbirds occur in all the habitats of the region, from the high montane forest to the flooded forest. Even being spotted in the towns and agricultural areas. Consequently most of them you can see in the gardens of these selected lodges specific to this tour.

Tanagers

The tanagers are one the most colorful and distinctive groups of birds in the world. Only in the new world tropics with the highest diversity of species occurring in the forest of the southern Andes. Even more, Manu Park holds an extraordinary number of them. A colorful procession of these fruit-eating birds scores through the sky. Of which you can see in mixed flocks moving through the forest canopy.

What to do if you see a rare bird?

If you see a rare bird while birding in Peru, it is important to take a few steps to ensure that the sighting is properly documented. First, try to get a good look at the bird and take note of its appearance, including any markings that will help with identification. Then, take photos or videos if possible. It is also helpful to make a sound recording of the bird if you can.

Once you have all of this documentation, you should report the sighting to a local birding authority or club so that they can follow up on it. This is important because rare bird sightings are not always well-documented and reported, and this information can be used to help improve our understanding of Peruvian bird populations.