1.- Introduction to Birds of Machu Picchu Peru
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered a unique wonder because it has a great historical and archaeological legacy, however there are also other factors that make it special among world travelers, as a natural wonder has become a sanctuary for passionate people who practiced bird watching, as many of the Birds of Machu Picchu Peru are unique because they have an endemic origin and in some cases are species declared endangered. This is also because the geography that is presented in the citadel is varied because its location is special being located between the Andean region and the Amazon region, because of this you can see how the Birds of Machu Picchu Peru have different kinds of inhabited as there are sectors where the terrain is mountainous and steep, on the other hand there are also other places where the habitat is mainly cloud forest, canyons, valleys and mighty rivers that create different kinds of microclimates in addition to various ecosystems where the Birds of Machu Picchu Peru develop and create their habitat.
Currently there are more than 400 species of Birds of Machu Picchu Peru that have been registered within this protected area, making it one of the favorite destinations for bird watching activities, being quite popular with specialists and ornithologists from all over the world. You can appreciate some of the Popular birds in Machu Picchu as is the case of the iridescent hummingbird, parrots, Andean birds of prey and tanagers of multiple colors. It is an experience that is certainly not only part of the traditional experience in fact it is a specialty since it is not only distinguished by the variety of species that can be found but also for the opportunity to appreciate their lifestyle in its wildest natural state.
2.- THE UNIQUE ECOLOGY OF MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu is a very special place because it contains a very complex and unique ecological system due to the interaction of mountainous geography that has in addition to an altitudinal gradient is also influenced by the presence of the Urubamba River. In general you can see how the whole place has a variation in altitude ranging from 1800 m above sea level to more than 4000 m above sea level so there is a natural transition from the incredible juicy forests to altitudinal grasslands, due to this altitudinal variety is seen as a variety of habitats are interconnected and directly create an appropriate environment for the Popular birds in Machu Picchu, allowing this can easily adapt to the ecological floors.
Due to the presence of the immense canyon where the Urubamba River runs, it creates a biological corridor that directly channels the humidity that comes from the Amazon and influences within the formation of micro premiums in addition to habitats that extend on its slopes, thanks to this is created in environments where there is a fairly dense vegetation where humidity is very strong, you can also appreciate sunny clearings, rich areas and even closed canopy forests where it has been identified the presence of various species of Birds of Machu Picchu Peru.
Finally another aspect that is directly related to the Popular birds in Machu Picchu is the seasonal variation that has a very important role in the dynamic aspect of various populations of migratory birds at various times of the year have learned their pattern of behavior between feeding and reproduction, this has led to an ecological complexity making the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered as a living laboratory and a complete paradise for those passionate about bird watching constantly seeking a unique experience and to appreciate the soft favorite in its natural state.
3.- ICONIC BIRD SPECIES OF MACHU PICCHU
3.1.- Andean Condor
Considered as part of the Popular birds in Machu Picchu, the Andean condor is an imposing species catalogued even as iconic within all of South America and it is because it has a sense of connection with the spiritual within the Andean belief. During the time of the Inca culture this bird was considered sacred because it was given the context of being the messenger of the gods being a link between the divine world ruled by the gods and the earthly world where the ancient culture developed.
The main characteristic of this bird is the colossal size it presents with more than 3 meters, a silhouette that is commonly seen in black tone, besides having the characteristic white feathers on the neck and wings so it is difficult to confuse its presence when you see it flying or gliding in the middle of the mountains. Of course, due to its habit it is not common to see it inside Machu Picchu, only during the first hours of the day in the highest sectors such as the Sun Gate and also at the ends of the Valley, its condition is still “violated” because due to illegal logging many natural habitats where it used to develop have been destroyed, so seeing it in flight has become something very special.
3.2.- Colorful Tanagers
The tanagers are also Birds of Machu Picchu Peru, in fact they are the most colorful group since they inhabit the elevated forests surrounding the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. They are characterized mainly by their bright plumage and their active and frequent habits, which fascinates ornithologists and birdwatchers.
3.2.1.- Blue-gray Tanager
Known scientifically as Thraupis Episcopal is considered one of the easiest Birds of Machu Picchu Peru to see and also to identify since it has a light blue plumage but contrasts quickly with the wings and tail because these are bluish-gray. It is commonly found in open areas or forest edges as well as in nearby gardens. Many orthinologists easily differentiate them by the soft song they possess and also by the habit of always staying in small groups.
3.2.2.- Blue-headed Tanager
With the scientific name of Tangara Cyanicollis, this peculiar species is quite striking because of the striking color of its head. An intense blue that directly contrasts with the emerald green body. It is easily seen in areas of dense vegetation and humidity where it can feed on fruits and insects. It can usually be seen in mixed flocks and in the treetops where it looks for food.
3.2.3.- Collard-tailed Tanager
The Iridosornis Jelskii is also considered as one of the most difficult and special Birds of Machu Picchu Peru to see, this is because its plumage is adorned by the peculiar collar of intense yellow color that simulates gold, which allows its identification. This species lives in elevated and cold areas that are within the cloud forests where the vegetation is very dense and there is enough humidity. Thanks to this, it has adopted a discrete behavior, preferring remote areas where for any birdwatching enthusiast, any chance or lucky encounter is a real achievement.
3.3.- Hummingbirds of the Cloud Forest
These kinds of birds are characteristic of inhabiting areas such as the cloud forest and are cataloged as a living natural wonder because they stand out for their speed and adaptation within a vertical environment. Inside the Inca citadel and surroundings it is common to see how the humidity is shown as a light veil that is wrapped between the vegetation and environment so many of the species of hummingbirds have found here their perfect habitat to develop.
3.3.1.- Sword-billed Hummingbird
It is catalogued as one of the most emblematic Birds of Machu Picchu Peru, scientifically it is known as Ensifera ensifera, the particular characteristic it has is a long beak that is similar in size to its entire body, this way they can access the nectar found in certain flowers that have a tubular shape and deeper. It is characteristic to see how its flight is more precise and elegant so it can be observed flying on hillsides in search of native flowers such as brugmansias and passifloras.
3.3.2.- Giant Hummingbird
This specular species is also known as Patagona Gigas and as its name suggests it is considered the largest hummingbird in the world, when compared to other species of hummingbirds it can be appreciated with a much slower and leisurely flight that directly helps with its observation by ornithologists or birdwatching enthusiasts. It is also characterized by a plumage of brown and greenish tones and of course a large wing that easily impressed. It is commonly seen in flowering bushes or open areas, for those who enjoy the experience of the Inca Trail is also easy to appreciate.
3.3.3.- Ventriblanco Hummingbird
One of the smallest birds in size but certainly the most resplendent in beauty, scientifically known as Eriocnemis Albiventer. It is characterized by having a white breast and the rest of the plumage with emerald green metallic tones. This species is undoubtedly much more elusive and difficult to appreciate, inhabiting mainly humid areas within the cloud forests or near watercourses, visiting smaller flowers than usual.
3.3.4.- Chestnut-breasted Hummingbird
This species is much easier to recognize because it is characterized by its bright brown breast and intense green back. For the scientific community it is known as Boissonneaua Matthewsii. Its main habit is that it always consumes its food from the same flowers so it regularly returns frequently to the chosen spots, making it an easy species to capture in photographs. It is located mainly in shady trails and where there is secondary vegetation with less density.
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4.- ENDEMIC SPECIES OF BIRDS OF MACHU PICCHU PERU
Within the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu you can see different kinds of birds throughout its territory, however it is also characteristic to see species that are identified as endemic or typical of the place and can only be seen in this part of the world. Each one of these birds is a representation of the wide variety and biological richness that exists in addition to the fact that it has evolved in an impressive way, managing to adapt from microhabitats, besides the fact that due to its location it is geographically isolated within the Peruvian Andes.
4.1.- Inca Cockatoo
This is a small bird that has very discreet habits, however it is characterized by having a very loud and melodious voice at the same time. It has a brown plumage with gray aspects and a long tail, so it is very difficult to see it, but thanks to its melodious song it is recognizable. Its habitat is located mainly between lands that have bushes in addition to trails where it is possible to see how it shakes the branches that are in the lower part where it commonly looks for insects, it is also known that this is a very territorial species so the distribution of its presence has made it the symbol of the unique avifauna of the place.
4.2.- White-browed Blackbird
Unlike other species, this one is undoubtedly much more visible since it is a representation of the particular characteristic of its habitat, it has a more sober aspect where the dark brown plumage stands out and the peculiar characteristic of white eyebrows that easily contrast with a melodious and clear song which can be enjoyed mainly at dawn, this species has also managed to adapt to open areas and even on the edges of the same cloud forest so it is easy to identify and observe it in this way.
4.3.- Marcapata Spinetail
Among the endemic birds that exist in this place there is no doubt that this is the most specialized, is a fairly small bird that has a plumage of earthy color and nervous movement, it has been identified that lives in the understory where the verification is more dense and there is a high presence of moisture where it can move freely between this same vegetation where it looks for insects and larvae to feed, It is also a rather complicated species to observe since the nature of this species is always elusive, however what is known for certain is that its presence is a sure indicator of what the ecosystem has a high degree of health.
5.- THE NATIONAL BIRD OF PERU
“Something quite characteristic is that among the Birds of Machu Picchu Peru is also the popular cock of the rock that due to its beauty and peculiar characteristic of intense red plumage with black has managed to have the title of national bird of Peru, being so recognized that even its silhouette has been captured in the collection coins that exist to date.”
6.- FAQs ABOUT BIRDS OF MACHU PICCHU
- What is the best time of year to see birds at Machu Picchu?
Undoubtedly the best time of the year to appreciate the birds in the Inca citadel is May and October. These months are also part of the dry season and is the time where the weather is more stable in addition to having clear skies and trails are shown with better conditions where the habit of species interaction is greater.
- Can I see Andean Condors at Machu Picchu?
Yes, it is possible to see this species of bird, however it is not something common or frequent, mainly it can be seen in elevated areas such as the Sun Gate or at the top of the Huaynapicchu mountain.
- How many bird species can be found in Machu Picchu?
More than 400 species of birds have been recorded within the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, including stationary and endemic birds.
- Do I need special permission for birdwatching in Machu Picchu?
No, in fact it is for this reason that this activity is quite popular, however it is important to know that if you use professional equipment such as a tripod, large camera and others, you must request a permit from SERNANP.
If you are passionate about nature and enjoy bird watching there is no doubt that visiting Machu Picchu will be like a dream come true. Auri Peru can organize a personalized experience that guarantees your comfort and experience while you immerse yourself in nature and appreciate the different birds in their natural habitat. Contact us now and enjoy a safe and purposeful trip.
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