Birdwatching in Peru

Avid birders will tell you that there is no better place for birdwatching than Peru. Estimates state that about 19 percent of all bird species in the world and some 45 percent of all neo-tropical birds can be found in this amazingly bio-diverse South American country. That’s about 1,800 species in total…truly an awesome number.

If you are heading to Peru specifically for birdwatching, chances are you’ll feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. If time and budget permits, most birding guides suggest that you stretch your trip to at least three weeks in order to see all there is to see as far as species of birds are concerned. If you simply want to include birding as part of your vacation, you should dedicate at least two days to this pursuit or else you’ll be missing a lot. Also, if you’re traveling to various regions of the country, you may want to dedicate a day or two in each area in order to see a wide variety of birds.

Most birding guides divide birdwatching into five regions:

• The Coast – The dry forest and scrubs of the coastal region are home to numerous endemic (birds that a particular to a geographic region) species – by last count, more than 50. Along the Equatorial Pacific Coast you’ll find such birds as White-winged Guan, Peruvian Plantcutter, Rufous Flycatcher, White-tailed Jay, and Sulphur-throated Flinch. In the Peruvian desert along the coast – the driest desert in the world – there aren’t many species that can survive but you will find a few, like the Chilean Woodstar or Swallow.
• The Highlands (Andes region) – The Andes are divided into several sub-regions. The Tropical Pacific Andes includes the western slopes and you’ll find several endemic species there. The Subtropical Pacific Andes boasts a number of different species of finch and several others. The Central Sierra, between the eastern and western slopes, is mainly covered by puna grasslands and the species there are all endemic. Conversely, in the Southern Sierra, you’ll find a number of different eco-systems like scrub, wetlands, and woodlands and will find a much more diverse population of birds.
• Yungas – The Yungas is a stretch of forest along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, divided into three areas – Equatorial, Central, and Subtropical. All are extremely humid areas and are chock full of literally dozens of species. This is an excellent birdwatching area and though the subtropical area is the second-wettest in the world, it’s worth putting up with the weather.
• Amazon Region – The Amazon is vast so the species here number in the hundreds. Many avid birders come to Peru particularly to view the birds of Amazonia. Many species are found here and nowhere else in the world, leading experts to dub Peru the best birding location on the planet. Subtropical Amazonia, specifically, which encompasses the eastern lowlands in the departments of Madre de Dios, of Cuzco, and southern part of the departments of Ucayali and lowlands of Junin, has a very high percentage of protected areas so viewing is a pleasure here and many outfitters offer guided trips to this area.
• The Ocean – The shorebirds of the Pacific Ocean vary depending on whether you’re in the northern or southern portion of Peru. The cold Southern portion includes the opportunity to spot Markham’s Storm-Petrel, Peruvian Tern, Inca Tern, Red-legged Cormorant, and Surf Cinclodes, while the warmer northern portion includes the  Galapagos Petrel, Black Storm-Petrel, Dark-rumped Petrel, Nazca Booby, Waved Albatross, and Swallow-tailed Gull.

Preparing for the Trip

Obviously, a top notch pair of binoculars is a must for a birdwatching trip to Peru. It’s also a wise idea to purchase a guide book that’s particular to Peru and is divided into the various areas described above. If you’re really into the sport, you may want to bring a spotting scope or other more sophisticated equipment. Remember good walking boots that are both comfortable and will keep your feet dry.

If you’re looking for a guide, you’ll find a number of outfitters that offer birdwatching tours. Many are full service and will pick you up at the airport in Lima and stay with you throughout your trip, which will include accommodations, meals, and other needs. Furthermore, these companies know exactly where to take you for the best birding experiences. Check out outfitters like Gran Peru (www.granperu.com) to get some idea of the itineraries available.

Remember to check for health problems in the areas you’ll be visiting. A trip to the jungle, for example, demands a yellow fever vaccine and, often, malaria prophylaxis.

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