Birds in Cotabambas are a beautiful sight to behold. The region is located in the Apurimac region of Peru and is home to various birds, both native and migratory.
The area is known for its unique and diverse bird populations, which include a wide variety of species, from hummingbirds to toucans to eagles.
Cotabambas is an ideal spot for birdwatching, with its lush vegetation and open areas providing plenty of opportunities to view birds in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a novice, Cotabambas offers something for everyone.
12 Birds to Watch in Cotabambas
Cotabambas is a province in the Apurimac region of Peru, known for its diverse and unique bird populations. The area is home to native and migratory birds, ranging from hummingbirds to toucans to eagles.
Whether an experienced birdwatcher or a novice, you will find something to marvel at in Cotabambas. Here are 12 birds to watch in this region:
1. Sickle-winged Guan
The Sickle-winged Guan is a species of bird that belongs to the Cracidae family, which includes the Chachalaca, Guan, and Curassow. This bird species is native to four countries in South America: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
The Sickle-winged Guan is identified by its distinctively shaped wings curved like a sickle. This species of bird is a medium-sized bird and is typically found in humid tropical forests, such as in the Andes Mountains.
These birds feed on various fruits, nuts, and insects and have been known to feed on small reptiles and amphibians. The Sickle-winged Guan is a shy bird often seen alone or in pairs.
They are territorial and aggressive when defending their food supply or nesting sites. As with many bird species, the Sickle-winged Guan is threatened by the destruction of their habitat due to deforestation and other human activities.
As a result, their populations are decreasing, making it important to preserve their habitats to protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Chamaepetes |
| Species | C. goudotii |
2. Andean Flamingo
The Andean flamingo is a species of bird found in the Andes mountains of South America. It is one of the few species of flamingo in the world, and until 2014, it was classified in the genus Phoenicopterus, along with James’s flamingo.
The two species form the genus Phoenicoparrus, which is closely related. The Andean flamingo is brightly colored with pink and yellow feathers and stands approximately 4 feet tall.
It spends much of its time in shallow waters, feeding on algae and other small aquatic creatures. The Andean flamingo is threatened by habitat loss and hunting, with its population estimated at just over 10,000 individuals.
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect this species from extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicoparrus |
| Species | P. andinus |
3. Black-capped Tinamou
The black-capped tinamou is a ground-dwelling bird species found in moist forest lowlands in subtropical and tropical regions. It is a member of the family Tinamidae, which includes all tinamous.
The black-capped tinamou is medium-sized, 30-40 cm long, and easily identifiable by its black cap and white cheeks. Its upperparts are dark brown to black, with light barring on the wings and tail, and its underparts are pale brown or buff.
This species is also known for its short, rounded wings and tail, long legs, and bill. The black-capped tinamou is most commonly found in moist forest lowlands, ranging from sea level to elevations of up to 1,800 m.
They inhabit various habitats, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and dry deciduous forests. They are also known to inhabit parks and gardens in cities.
They typically inhabit areas with dense ground cover, such as fallen logs, dead leaves, and low shrubbery, which protect them from predators. The black-capped tinamou is an omnivorous species, feeding on various items, including fruits, seeds, and insects.
They are a solitary species and spend much of their time foraging for food on the forest floor. They are also known to roost in tree cavities or on branches and are known to fly short distances in search of food.
Overall, the black-capped tinamou is an essential species in tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems, where it plays a vital role in the food chain. Its presence also serves as an indicator of a healthy, well-preserved habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Crypturellus |
| Species | C. atrocapillus |
4. Grey Tinamou
The Grey Tinamou is a ground bird species native to South America. It is a member of the Tinamidae family, which is a group of flightless birds that are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
There are four distinct subspecies of the Grey Tinamou, each of which is distinguished by its unique coloration, size, and habitat preferences. The first subspecies is the Grey Tinamou, which is found in Brazil’s Amazon region.
This subspecies is typically grey, with a white underside and a black stripe along its back. The second subspecies is the Andean Grey Tinamou, found in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
This subspecies is similar to the Grey Tinamou, except that its plumage is more brown than grey. The third subspecies is the Rufous-bellied Tinamou, found in Paraguay and Argentina’s lowlands.
This subspecies has reddish-brown upperparts and white underparts, and its tail is tipped with black. Finally, the fourth subspecies is the White-winged Tinamou, found in the higher elevations of Ecuador and Peru Andes Mountains.
This subspecies is brown with white wing patches, and its tail is tipped with white. All four subspecies of the Grey Tinamou are listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to their wide distribution and stable population numbers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Tinamus |
| Species | T. tao |
5. Ruddy Pigeon
The Ruddy Pigeon is a species of bird native to several regions of South America. It can be found from Costa Rica to western Ecuador, Bolivia, and central Brazil.
This bird species belongs to a particular group within the genus Patagioenas, consisting of small and generally plain-looking birds with distinctive vocalizations. This group is further classified as the subgenus Oenoenas.
The Ruddy Pigeon is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 33 and 35 centimeters in length. Its plumage is reddish-brown, with a paler belly and breast. Its wings are short and rounded, and its tail is pretty long.
It has a brownish-black bill and pinkish or reddish legs. The Ruddy Pigeon’s call is high-pitched and repetitive and is distinct from the calls of other species of birds.
The Ruddy Pigeon is typically found in humid and semi-arid forests and occasionally visits humid scrublands. It prefers to feed on ground vegetation, such as seeds, leaves, and fruits. Additionally, it sometimes feeds on small invertebrates.
The Ruddy Pigeon breeds from March to July and typically lays two eggs in a simple nest of twigs and leaves. The female incubates the eggs for around 19 days, and both parents help to feed and care for the young.
This bird species is not considered endangered, but its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as a species of Least Concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. subvinacea |
6. Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail
The rufous-breasted wood quail is a bird species belonging to the family Odontophoridae. It is found in South America and mainly in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru in the eastern Andes.
Its habitat is in the subtropical or tropical moist montane forests at an elevation of 800 to 2000 meters. This bird species has been listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
This means they are not in danger of becoming extinct shortly. The rufous-breasted wood quail is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive chestnut-brown coloring. It has a black crest on its head and a white throat.
Its bill is short, and its legs are long. It can be found in small flocks of between five and ten individuals. They feed mainly on the ground, searching for fallen fruits and seeds.
They will also eat small insects and other invertebrates. The wood quail is threatened by habitat destruction, as much of the forest in the Andes has been cleared for agricultural land. It is also hunted for its meat and eggs, which has caused a decline in its numbers.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the wood quail’s habitat and to reduce hunting pressures. If these efforts are successful, the species can continue to thrive in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Odontophorus |
| Species | O. speciosus |
7. Stripe-faced Wood-Quail
The Stripe-faced wood quail is a bird native to the New World. It is a species of quail, a small game bird found in many parts of the world. This particular quail species is found mainly in Bolivia and Peru.
It is a plump, round bird and can be identified by its black and white facial stripes. The Stripe-faced wood quail is also known for its beautiful song. It is a shy species, living in small groups in the undergrowth of tropical forests and woodlands.
It feeds primarily on the ground, eating various seeds, fruits, and insects. This species of quail has seen a drastic decline in population in recent years due to habitat destruction and hunting.
Conservation efforts are being made in Bolivia and Peru to protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Odontophorus |
| Species | O. balliviani |
8. White-throated Tinamou
The white-throated tinamou is a bird species found in the Amazon rainforest of South America. It is native to Brazil, northern Bolivia, southeastern Colombia, northeastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and southern Venezuela.
This bird species is mainly found in areas of dense vegetation, including tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forests.
The white-throated tinamou is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring 30-40 cm long with a wingspan of up to 48 cm.
It has a grey-brown plumage with white stripes on its throat and black and white stripes on its head. Its diet consists of various fruits, insects, and small rodents.
The white-throated tinamou is an integral part of the Amazon rainforest ecosystem, providing food for other animals and dispersing seeds. Local people also hunt it for its meat.
However, its population is stable, and it is not currently considered a threatened species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Tinamus |
| Species | T. guttatus |
9. Marbled Wood-Quail
The marbled wood quail, also known as the Amazonian wood quail, is a species of bird that is a part of the New World quail family. This bird species is quite widespread, with a range covering much of Central America and the northern part of South America.
Its habitat is primarily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, providing the bird with plenty of trees and other vegetation to feed on.
Due to its presence in lowland forests, the marbled wood quail is classified as an understory species, meaning it typically prefers to remain at lower levels of the forest. This bird species is omnivorous, consuming both insects and plant matter to survive.
The marbled wood quail has adapted to a wide range of habitats, including secondary forests and areas of disturbed land, and is considered one of the most widespread species of quail in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Odontophorus |
| Species | O. gujanensis |
10. Tawny-breasted Tinamou
The tawny-breasted tinamou is a ground-dwelling bird species found in montane moist forests in northwestern South America. They are small birds, usually measuring between 20 and 25 centimeters in length.
The upper parts of the tawny-breasted tinamou are an earthy brown color, while the underparts are a light tawny color. They have a short, curved bill and short tail. The tawny-breasted tinamou is found in montane moist forests in the northwestern regions of South America.
This includes parts of the Andes mountains and the coastal ranges and lowland areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. They are typically found in humid and wet forests, near streams, and other areas with high moisture levels.
The tawny-breasted tinamou is a terrestrial bird species that primarily feeds on seeds, insects, small fruits, and other small food sources. They will often forage on the ground for food and are known to visit bird feeders occasionally.
They also inhabit small flocks, particularly during the breeding season. The tawny-breasted tinamou is a species of conservation concern due to its restricted range and declining populations.
They are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as logging and agricultural expansion. It is essential to protect their remaining habitats to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothocercus |
| Species | N. julius |
11. Roseate Spoonbill
The roseate spoonbill is a species of wading bird belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is found in both North and South America, where it breeds in both regions.
The roseate spoonbill is easily recognizable due to its unique pink color derived from its diet. The carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin causes the pink hue, the same pigment responsible for the pink coloration of the American flamingo.
This pigment is found in shrimp, crayfish, and other crustaceans that the roseate spoonbill eats. This colorful bird is essential to its native habitat and indicates the health of the wetlands and estuaries where it feeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Platalea |
| Species | P. ajaja |
12. Rufous-bellied Nighthawk
The rufous-bellied nighthawk, also known as Taczanowski’s nighthawk, is a member of the Caprimulgidae family, commonly referred to as nightjars. It is native to five South American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
This nightjar species is characterized by its unique plumage, which features a rufous-colored belly and a mottled gray back. It also has a white throat, face, black crown, and barred tail.
The species has a nocturnal lifestyle, which means it is active at night and sleeps during the day. It typically forages for food in open areas, such as grasslands and savannas, and is known to feed on insects, such as moths and beetles.
With its distinct and attractive plumage, the rufous-bellied nighthawk is a fascinating bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Lurocalis |
| Species | L. rufiventris |
Conclusion
Birds in Cotabambas are a great source of beauty and enjoyment for the local community. These birds have adapted to the climate and surroundings and are a great asset to the region.
They provide a unique opportunity for birdwatchers and naturalists to observe various species in their natural habitat. The region has multiple species, from the majestic Andean Condor to the colorful Macaws.
Cotabambas has something to offer locals and visitors; its birds are a great reminder of the region’s natural beauty.