A single trip is not enough to discover all the wonders that Peru has to offer. With more than 1800 bird species, 106* of which are endemic, Peru is a true paradise of birdwatching. According to the South American Classification. Committee of the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU).

1. Inca tern (Larosterna inca)

Endemic species of the Humboldt current, found on the coast of Peru.

This is a very sociable bird that lives in large colonies; it feeds mainly on anchovies. As a length it has an approx. of 40 cm and as a threat it is vulnerable (VU). The best time for observation is all year round, habitat in rocky areas near the coast.

It is located in the ANP: Paracas National Reserve (IBA). Is it an endemic species? Yes, from the Humboldt Current.

Characteristics: Deep red beak and legs, and a bluish black head and forehead. The whole body is dark gray. Under its beak it has a yellow fleshy growth and from the base of the beak there are white moustaches that curve downwards and forwards.

Length: approx. 40 cm and
Threat: Vulnerable (VU)

The best time for observation are all year round, habitat in rocky areas near the coast Peru.

2. Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)

This bird feeds mainly on fish, mollusks and amphibians and builds its nest in the tops of the tallest trees. Jabiru is one of the largest storks in Peru.

It is located in the ANP: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (IBA).
Is it endemic? No

Characteristics: It has a large bill and black and red neck.
Length: 127 to 150 cm
Wingspan: 3 m (wings spread out)
Threat: Near Threatened (NT)
The best time for observation: August – November
Habitat: Can be seen in the different rivers within the Reserve

3. Peruvian plantcuer (Phytotoma raimondii)

Medium-sized bird, which can usually be seen in an upright position. The best place to see it is in front of the millenary tree, where the Cortarrama route begins, as well as in the Palería sector.

It is located in the NPA: Pómac Forest Historic Sanctuary (IBA).
Is it endemic? Yes

Characteristics: Males are characterised by a rust-coloured belly and forehead,
while females have a black body.

Length: 18 to 19 cm
Threat: Endangered
The best time for observation: April – November (in the breeding season).
Habitat: Areas with dense and semi-dense forest.

4. Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

In the mornings and afternoons, males get together in exhibition places called leks, where they compete with each other in order to find a mate.

It is located in the NPA: Manu National Park (IBA)
Is it endemic? No

Characteristics: This bird has a yellow beak and yellow legs, while its head, characterised by a rounded crest, is projected up to its beak. Its plumage is mostly intense red, while its wings and tail are shiny black.

Length: 31 to 33 cm
Threat: The Least Concern (LC)
The best time for observation: All year round
Habitat: Mountain forests near San Pedro (at 2300 m altitude)

This species is most easily observed between 5 and 6 AM in the area of San Pedro on the Manu road, between Acjanaco and Tono.

5. Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)

This bird feeds mainly on sloths and monkeys, and sometimes on large birds. It builds its nests in large trees, where it raises only one chick every 2 or 3 years; harpy eagles are known to mate for life.

This is the biggest eagle in the Americas.
It is located in the NPA: Tambopata National Reserve (IBA)
Is it endemic? No

Characteristics: Females are larger than males and weigh up to 11 kg., while the males
weigh only about 6 kg. Both have the same plumage features.

Length: 89 to 105 cm
Wingspan: 180 to 200 cm
Threat: Vulnerable (VU)
The best time for observation: All year round
Habitat: In the entire reserve between the ceibos, shihuahuaco, and chestnut trees.

6. Iquitos gnatcatcher (Polioptila clementsi)

This bird normally inhabits the forest canopy in the company of other bird species and forms what is known as a mixed canopy flock. It feeds on small insects.

It is located in the NPA: Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve (IBA)**
Is it endemic: Yes

Characteristics: Thin black bill and legs, grey plumage, its chest and the boom of its tail are white and it has long wings.
Length: 16 cm
Threat: Critically Endangered (CR)
The best time for observation: All year round
Habitat: Varillal forests.

The greatest chances to observe this rare species are found in the varillal forests located on the premises of INIA (National Institute of Agrarian Innovation); as well as in the surroundings of the communities of Nueva Esperanza and Mishana (Nanay River).

7. Bare-throated tiger heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)

This bird normally remains immobile for long periods at the water’s edge, with its neck extended diagonally. It is a solitary bird, although it is sometimes seen in groups in open areas or on the edge of wetlands.
It was given its name because of its beautifully striped neck.

It is located in the NPA: Mangroves of Tumbes National Sanctuary
Is it Endemic? No

Characteristics: Yellow-green skin on the face and orange iris; it differs from other
species by its white bare throat

Length: 80 cm
Threat: The Least Concern (LC)
The best time for observation: All year round
Habitat: In the mangroves, from the marshes and canals, with greater chances from the trail towards the viewpoint that exists inside the mangrove and in the Envidia estuary.

8. Apurímac spinetail (Synallaxis courseni)

It forages near the ground, solitary or in pairs, between bushes and in the
Undergrowth. This bird is most likely to be seen in the Intimpas forest before
8 a.m.

It is located in the NPA: Ampay National Sanctuary (IBA)
Is it Endemic? Yes
Characteristics: Generally dark grey, with a rufous or reddish crown and wings, and a
long, dark tail. The tails of some individual birds show blunt edges.

Length: 19 to 20 cm
Threat: Vulnerable (VU)
The best time for observation: All year round
Habitat: Forests and shrub vegetation between 3000 and 3600 metres above sea level.