Birds North of Peru
Top 10 Birds North of Peru Peru Birding Route
The Northern Peru Birding Route is one of the most biodiverse birding destinations in the world, boasting a remarkable 1,500+ bird species. This route spans the Pacific coast, the Andes, and the Amazon lowlands, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is also home to a high number of endemic and rare species, making it an unmissable destination for avian lovers and nature photographers alike. Trips manu
1. Scarlet-banded Barbet (Capito wallacei) -Birds North of Peru .
A striking bird found in the eastern forests of north-central Peru, between Loreto and San Martín. With only around
1,000 individuals left, this species is classified as vulnerable. It is one of Peru’s most iconic birds, even featured on
the cover of Birds of Peru.
- Where to See: Cordillera Azul
- Related Tours: Scarlet-banded Barbet & Cordillera Azul Antbird
2. Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) -Birds North of Peru .
This endemic hummingbird of the Utcubamba Valley, Amazonas, is famous for its spectacular racket-shaped tail
feathers. Due to habitat loss, it is classified as near-threatened. It can be observed around Pomacochas and other
areas in the Utcubamba Valley.
- Where to See: Pomacochas, Utcubamba Valley
- Related Tours: Hummingbird Route of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
3. Long-whiskered Owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi) Birds North of Peru.
A tiny and elusive owl, distinguished by its long facial whiskers. This vulnerable species is endemic to the humid
forests between Amazonas and San Martín, particularly around Abra Patricia.
- Where to See: Alto Mayo Protected Forest, Abra Patricia
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
4. Pale-billed Antpitta (Grallaria carrikeri) Birds North of Peru.
This endemic species is recognized by its ivory-colored bill and red irises. It inhabits the high-elevation forests of San
Martín, Amazonas, and La Libertad.
- Where to See: Pomacochas Lake
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
5. Rusty-tinged Antpitta (Grallaria przewalskii) Birds North of Peru .
A Peruvian endemic that thrives in humid montane forests at elevations between 1,700 and 2,750 meters. It is more
often heard than seen due to its elusive nature.
- Where to See: Alto Mayo Protected Forest, Abra Patricia
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
6. Ochre-fronted Antpitta (Grallaricula ochraceifrons) Birds North of Peru .
Another endemic species found in dense cloud forests of Amazonas and San Martín. It is classified as vulnerable and
is known for its secretive behavior.
- Where to See: Alto Mayo Protected Forest, Abra Patricia
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
7. Johnson’s Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus luluae) Birds North of Peru .
A colorful bird restricted to northern Peru, inhabiting the montane rainforest edges and preferring areas with
bamboo thickets. It is endangered due to habitat destruction.
- Where to See: Near Abra Patricia
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
8. Painted Manakin (Machaeropterus eckelberryi)
A recently described species found in the understory of lowland forests in Loreto and northern San Martín. It thrives
in nutrient-poor sandy areas.
- Where to See: Morro de Calzada Amazon Center
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
9. Yellow-scarfed Tanager (Iridosornis reinhardti)
A high-altitude tanager, known for moving swiftly through the montane forest canopy. It is often seen foraging with
mixed flocks.
- Where to See: Abra Patricia
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
10. Black-bellied Tanager (Ramphocelus melanogaster)
Also called the Huallaga Tanager, this endemic species is commonly seen in bushy areas along the Huallaga and
Mayo Rivers, at elevations up to 1,000 meters.
- Where to See: Tarapoto, Moyobamba, Alto Mayo Protected Forest
- Related Tours: Endemic Birds of Northern Peru, Endemic Birds & Archaeology of Northern Peru
Bonus Birds:
Golden-backed Mountain Tanager (Cnemathraupis aureodorsalis)
A rare, high-altitude tanager found in central Peru. The best place to spot it is the Unchog Forest, Huánuco, though
recent sightings have also been recorded in southern San Martín.
Cordillera Azul Antbird (Myrmoderus eowilsoni)
Discovered in 2016, this newly identified Peruvian endemic is named after its primary habitat: the Cordillera Azul
Highlands in San Martín.
- Where to See: Cordillera Azul
- Related Tours: Scarlet-banded Barbet & Cordillera Azul Antbird
Why Choose the Northern Peru Birding Route?
Over 1,500 species, including highly sought-after endemics
Diverse habitats from coast to Amazon peru
Expert-guided tours for optimal birdwatching experiences
Incredible opportunities for nature photography
Don’t miss the chance to explore one of the world’s most spectacular birding destinations.
Book a tour and discover Peru’s rarest and most stunning bird species