Birds in Calca are some of the most diverse and fascinating creatures in the world. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a delight for birders and nature lovers alike.
From the majestic Andean Condor to the colorful Toucan, Calca has many exciting and unique birds.
Whether you are a beginner birdwatcher or a seasoned veteran, you will find plenty of opportunities to observe and appreciate the many avian species in Calca. So grab your binoculars and head to Calca to discover the beauty and diversity of its birds.
15 Birds to Watch in Calca
Calca is a small town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, surrounded by mountains and rich in biodiversity. If you are a bird lover, you will find plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse birds.
Here are 15 birds that you should not miss when visiting Calca.
1. Pied-billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe is a species of the Grebe family of water birds found throughout the Americas. This species is the sole remaining member of the genus Podilymbus after the extinction of the Atitlán grebe.
The Pied-billed Grebe is most commonly spotted in ponds and other aquatic settings. It has a unique appearance, with a black and white bill and a brownish-gray body. Its legs are short, and its tail is short and square.
The Pied-billed Grebe is an excellent swimmer and can dive underwater to find food. It can also float on the surface of the water, using its wings to propel itself. The diet of the Pied-Billed Grebe consists of aquatic invertebrates, fish, and amphibians.
During the breeding season, these birds form monogamous pairs and build floating nests in shallow water. The female typically lays three to five eggs, which both parents incubate for about three weeks.
The Pied-billed Grebe is a fascinating species and plays a vital environmental role.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podilymbus |
| Species | P. podiceps |
2. Grebes
Grebes are a type of bird in the order Podicipediformes, which encompasses aquatic and diving birds. They are widely distributed worldwide and can be found in both freshwater habitats and the marine environment during their migratory and wintering periods.
Most grebes can fly, although some species are flightless. This is especially true in areas with a stable body of water, such as a lake or pond. These flightless grebes often rely on their swimming ability to get around and to search for food.
Grebes usually feed on small fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and other invertebrates. They also feed on amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. Grebes are social birds and can often be seen in large flocks.
They are known to be monogamous and will often stay with the same mate throughout their life.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Mirandornithes |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
3. Rock Dove
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a species of bird that is part of the Columbidae family. It is commonly referred to as the “pigeon” and is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon.
Domestic pigeons were initially bred from the rock dove, and when these domesticated birds escape or are released, they join feral populations worldwide.
Feral pigeons, essentially wild, are found in many cities and towns and are easily recognized by their light gray color, with two dark bars on each wing.
These birds are considered to be a nuisance by some, but they are still an essential part of the avian world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
4. Masked Duck
The masked duck is a small species of duck that is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. This duck is easily identifiable by its stiff tail feathers, held upright in a fan shape.
It is considered the smallest stiff-tailed duck in the world, with adults usually measuring between 14 and 16 inches in length. It has a dark brown head with a white eye mask, and its chest and flanks are grayish-brown.
The masked duck typically feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans, which it finds while foraging in shallow water. It also eats seeds, grains, and other plant material.
During the breeding season, this species can be found in marshes, ponds, and other permanent bodies of shallow water, where they establish territories and build nests. The female masked duck usually lays between five and eight eggs in each clutch.
Both parents take part in incubating and caring for the young. The masked duck is generally a solitary bird but may form small flocks when migrating or on wintering grounds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Nomonyx |
| Species | N. dominicus |
5. Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy duck is a species native to the Americas, ranging from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Mexico to the southernmost parts of Argentina and Uruguay.
This duck has also been introduced to other parts of the world, especially where it is now considered a feral species – meaning that it now lives in the wild in areas where it was not originally native.
Feral Muscovy ducks have been found in New Zealand, Australia, and many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, where they have become established populations.
Muscovy ducks are omnivorous, meaning they feed on plant and animal matter, and are often found in wetlands where they can find food and shelter. They are typically amiable animals and are usually seen in groups or pairs.
They are also known to hybridize with other ducks, though they are recognized as a distinct species in their own right.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cairina |
| Species | C. moschata |
6. Ruddy Duck
The ruddy duck is a species of duck that is native to North America. They are part of the family of stiff-tailed ducks, which get their name from their tails, which stand straight up. The genus name for this species, oxus, is derived from Ancient Greek and means “sharp.”
The specific epithet, jamaicensis, is derived from the fact that the duck is native to Jamaica. This duck species is well known for its rusty-red color and white cheek patches.
They are also known for their unique courtship behaviors, involving the male raising its feathers to form a crest and slapping the water’s surface.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. jamaicensis |
7. Spot-winged Pigeon
The spot-winged pigeon is a bird species belonging to the family Columbidae. It is native to South America and can be found in several countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
This pigeon species is quite distinct from other species in the Columbidae family, as it has distinctive spots on its wings. The spot-winged pigeon is a medium-sized bird with mainly brown plumage, a white throat, and distinctive white-spotted wings.
Its body is quite slim, and its tail is relatively long. It has blue-gray feet and a gray beak. The spots on its wings form a unique pattern that can help quickly identify it amongst other birds of its species.
The spot-winged pigeon is a sociable bird, often seen in small groups or pairs. They inhabit forests, woodlands, and grasslands, feeding on grasses, grains, and fruits. They are pretty adaptable and can be seen in urban areas and more rural locations.
The spot-winged pigeon is an important species, as it provides an essential food source for many other animals, including other birds, mammals, and reptiles.
They are also an essential source of seed dispersal, as they often consume and pass on seeds in their droppings, which aids in the regeneration of forests and other vegetation.
The spot-winged pigeon is a resilient species, but it is still vulnerable to human activity and the destruction of its natural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. maculosa |
8. White-tufted Grebe
The white-tufted grebe is a species of bird belonging to the Podicipedidae family of grebes. It is commonly referred to as Rolland’s grebe and is native to the southern half of South America. Its preferred habitat is freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
This species is primarily aquatic but can sometimes be seen on land near its watery homes. The white-tufted grebe is a striking bird with white feathers adorning its head, neck, and back. Its body is a deep chestnut brown, and its eyes, beak, and legs are black.
Its short and rounded wings make it a solid but clumsy flyer. Its feet are lobed, meaning they are webbed, which helps it to swim and dive underwater. These birds are solitary and usually hunt alone.
They feed mainly on fish and aquatic invertebrates but also take amphibians and small birds. They can dive up to six meters underwater in search of food.
They build nests out of floating vegetation and lay up to five eggs at a time. The white-tufted grebe is listed as a vulnerable species due to pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing.
Conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect its natural habitats and ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Rollandia |
| Species | R. rolland |
9. Razor-billed Curassow
The razor-billed curassow is a species of bird that belongs to the family Cracidae, which also includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is native to South America, specifically Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
This bird species is easily recognizable due to its unique and distinctive bill, which has a sharply hooked upper mandible, giving it its name.
The razor-billed curassow lives in various habitats, including tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forests.
It is a ground-dwelling bird and usually feeds on fruits, seeds, and invertebrates. Due to the destruction of its habitat and hunting, it is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the razor-billed curassow and its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Mitu |
| Species | M. tuberosum |
10. Orinoco Goose
The Orinoco goose is a species of waterfowl classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. It belongs to the Tadornini tribe of the Anserinae subfamily.
This goose species can be found throughout mainland South America, except Chile, French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay. The Orinoco goose is an important indicator species for the health of aquatic ecosystems in South America.
Its presence is a sign of healthy wetlands and is an integral part of the aquatic food web. Unfortunately, the Orinoco goose population has declined recently due to habitat destruction and hunting. This has led to its Near Threatened status.
Conservationists are working hard to protect this species and its habitat to preserve the aquatic ecosystems of which it is an integral part.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Neochen |
| Species | N. jubata |
11. Scaled Pigeon
The Scaled Pigeon is a large tropical dove native to the New World. It is found in various habitats, ranging from southern Mexico to western Ecuador, south Brazil, northern Argentina, and Trinidad.
These birds generally prefer semi-open forested areas, where they can easily find food and shelter. The Scaled Pigeon builds its nests in trees, making a platform out of sticks.
These nests are usually built high in the trees, and the female will lay two white eggs in each nest. The Scaled Pigeon is a common species, although its numbers have declined in some areas due to human activities such as deforestation and hunting.
Despite this, it is still considered a species of most minor concern, and efforts are being made to protect its populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. speciosa |
12. Sickle-winged Guan
The Sickle-winged Guan is a fascinating species of bird that belongs to the family Cracidae, a group of birds that includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows.
This species is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it is typically seen in the upper elevations of tropical and cloud forests.
Its distinctive black body has a white throat and white-tipped tail feathers, and its wings have a long, curved shape, giving it a “sickle-winged” appearance.
It feeds mainly on fruits and insects and is a solitary species rarely seen in groups larger than five individuals.
The Sickle-winged Guan is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to its restricted range and population decline caused by habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, including habitat restoration and the creation of protected areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Chamaepetes |
| Species | C. goudotii |
13. Sunbittern
The sunbittern is a unique bird species found in the tropical regions of the Americas. It is the sole member of the family Eurypygidae and genus Eurypyga. This bird is found in Central and South America, and three distinct subspecies have been identified.
The sunbittern is a medium-sized bird, growing up to 28-35 cm long, and weighs around 70-90 grams. Its wingspan averages at about 30 cm. This bird is known for its unique and beautiful plumage, combining brown, black, white, and orange.
It has a distinctive crest on its head, and its bill is long and slightly decurved. This species is usually found near bodies of water and feeds mainly on invertebrates like insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It also eats small fish and lizards.
The sunbittern is a shy and secretive species rarely seen in the open. It usually relies on its camouflage to protect itself from predators. The sunbittern is an essential species in its ecosystem, as it helps to keep the insect population in check.
It is also an important indicator species, as its presence or absence in an area can tell us something about the overall health and balance of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, the sunbittern is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued existence of this unique and beautiful species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Eurypygiformes |
| Family | Eurypygidae |
| Genus | Eurypyga |
| Species | E. helias |
14. Silvery Grebe
The silvery grebe is a species of bird from the family Podicipedidae, commonly known as the grebe family. It is found primarily in the western and southern parts of South America and is known to inhabit freshwater lakes at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters.
The silvery grebe is an aquatic bird that primarily feeds in freshwater lakes. However, it has also been seen to feed in saline lakes, which is unusual for a freshwater bird species.
The silvery grebe is a unique species of bird and is an essential part of the ecosystem of South America. It helps to maintain balance in its environment, as it feeds on specific organisms, such as fish, and helps to keep the lake’s population from getting too large.
This grebe species is also significant to the local people, as it provides them with food and entertainment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. occipitalis |
15. Marbled Wood-Quail
The marbled wood quail is a New World quail family bird species. It is found in Central America and northern South America, usually in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
This species is known for its unique marbled pattern on its feathers, which is how it got its name. The marbled wood quail is a relatively small bird, with males typically measuring up to 8 inches long and females up to 7 inches.
Its plumage is generally brown, with black streaks on its wings and back and a white throat and breast.
The upper parts of the wings have a marbled pattern of black, white, and brown. The diet of the marbled wood quail consists mainly of insects, but they also feed on seeds, fruits, and other vegetation. They often forage in small groups but will also spend time alone.
These quails make a loud, distinctive call consisting of several clucking notes. The marbled wood quail is a shy, secretive bird and is challenging to observe in the wild. They are also threatened by deforestation and hunting.
As a result, their populations are declining in many areas, and the species is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Odontophorus |
| Species | O. gujanensis |
Conclusion
Birds in Calca are an essential part of the local ecosystem. They benefit the environment, including pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal.
They also provide enjoyment to locals and tourists alike with their beautiful songs and vibrant colors. The Calca region is home to many birds, from the more common species to the rare and threatened species.
We must do our part to protect these birds and their habitats so that future generations can enjoy their presence in Calca.