Huaura is home to various birds, from large, soaring raptors to small and colorful songbirds. Huaura is home to over 300 species of birds, making it an ideal place for birders and wildlife lovers.
The region is primarily known for its abundant avian life, with many species of raptors, waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds.
Birders can expect to see a variety of species, including the Peruvian Pigeon, the Great Egret, the Andean Condor, the White-tailed Kite, and the Andean Gull.
Huaura is also an excellent place for birders to observe migratory species as they pass through the region during their seasonal journeys. Whether you are a beginning birder or a seasoned expert, Huaura will surely provide an exciting and rewarding birding experience.
24 Birds to Watch in Huaura
Huaura is a province of Lima located on the Pacific coast of Peru. It has a rich biodiversity and a variety of ecosystems, from the ocean to the mountains.
Huaura is also a historical and cultural destination, as it was part of the ancient Chimu empire and the site of important events during the Peruvian independence movement.
Here are 24 birds that you can watch in Huaura.
1. Andean Goose
The Andean goose is a species of waterfowl, an aquatic bird that spends much of its time in and near water. It is placed in the tribe Tadornini of the subfamily Anserinae, which includes many other types of geese and swans.
This goose species can be found in South America, in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. These countries, located in the Andes mountain range, are the natural habitat of the Andean goose.
They are mainly found at higher altitudes and feed on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants. The Andean goose is a colorful species with a bright red bill, a white head, and a black and white body.
It is considered a relatively common species, although its exact population numbers are unknown.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Chloephaga |
| Species | C. melanoptera |
2. Crested Duck
The South American Crested Duck, also known as the Lophonetta, is a species of duck native to South America. It is a unique species and is the only one in its genus. It is sometimes included in the Anas genus of dabbling ducks.
However, it belongs to a different clade of dabbling ducks that diverged early in their evolution. This clade comprises ducks native to South America, meaning the South American Crested Duck is closely related to other South American ducks.
The South American Crested Duck is a unique species; its evolution has been well-studied over time. It is an important species to understand the evolution of dabbling ducks in South America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Lophonetta |
| Species | L. specularioides |
3. Puna Teal
The Puna teal is a species of dabbling duck belonging to the family Anatidae. It is native to the Andes in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina and can be found inhabiting larger lakes and pools of the altiplano.
This species was once considered a subspecies of the silver Teal but has since been identified as its unique species. The Puna teal is a medium-sized duck, with males weighing up to 1.5 pounds and females up to 1.3 pounds.
The male Puna teal has a reddish-brown head and neck, a white eye-ring and a gray breast. The female is mottled brown and white, with a grayish-brown crown and a dark brown eye-ring. Both sexes have a dark greenish-brown back with white spots and a white underside.
The Puna teal is a very social bird, often seen in large flocks of up to 100 individuals. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and seeds.
It nests in shallow depressions on the ground, lined with grass and feathers, and typically lays 4-6 eggs. The Puna teal is essential for local communities, providing food and recreational opportunities.
It is also a vital indicator species, as its presence can tell us about the local environment’s health. Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction, the Puna teal is in decline and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. puna |
4. Yellow-billed Pintail
The yellow-billed pintail is a species of duck native to South America. It belongs to the genus Anas, a large group of ducks commonly referred to as dabbling ducks.
Three distinct subspecies of the yellow-billed pintail have been identified and described within this genus. These three subspecies are found across different parts of South America. The yellow-billed pintail is a relatively large duck with an average length of around 43 cm.
Its plumage is mainly brown, with white patches on its wings and tail. The most distinctive feature of this duck is its bright yellow bill, which is why it has been given its common name.
The yellow-billed pintail is mostly a ground-dwelling species and can often be found in shallow wetlands, such as marshes, ponds, and rivers. It feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation, such as pondweed and duckweed.
The yellow-billed pintail is not considered a threatened species, but its population is decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting. It is listed as a species of most minor concern on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that this species can continue to thrive in its native habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. georgica |
5. Spot-winged Pigeon
The spot-winged Pigeon is a species of bird found in South America. It belongs to the family Columbidae, which includes all types of pigeons and doves.
This particular species is found in several countries in the region, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It has distinctive spots on its wings, which is how it got its name.
Its diet consists mainly of fruits and seeds, usually found in open areas such as grasslands and savannahs. The spot-winged Pigeon is essential in the local ecosystem, as it helps disperse seeds and pollinate plants.
Humans also hunt it for food in some areas, although this is not widespread. Overall, the spot-winged Pigeon is an important species in the region, and its conservation is essential to preserve the local biodiversity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. maculosa |
6. Ornate Tinamou
The ornate tinamou is a species of ground-dwelling bird from the Tinamidae family. It is mainly found in the subtropical and tropical regions in western-central South America. The ornate tinamou prefers to live in high-altitude grasslands and dry shrublands.
It is a medium-sized bird with a length of about 33 centimeters and a weight of approximately 190 grams. Its plumage combines brown, gray, and black feathers, with brown and white spotted wings and a white belly. It also has a distinctive yellow eye ring.
The ornate tinamou has many habitats, from moist lowland forests to high-elevation grasslands. It mainly feeds on various insects, small reptiles, and seeds.
The ornate tinamou is an essential species in the local ecosystem, as it helps to disperse seeds and maintain the local vegetation. Unfortunately, it is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Conservation efforts are needed to help protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothoprocta |
| Species | N. ornata |
7. Andean tinamou
The Andean tinamou is a species of bird found in the Andes mountain range of South America. It is a tinamou family member, a group of ground-dwelling birds found in Central and South America.
The Andean tinamou is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 35cm long. It is characterized by its brownish-grey plumage, dark wings, and a white stripe above its eyes.
This bird species is most commonly found in high-altitude shrubland, a type of habitat characterized by shrubs, grasses, and other low-lying vegetation. The Andean tinamou is an omnivorous species, feeding mainly on fruits, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.
This species is highly adaptable and can survive in various habitats, from low-lying forests to high-altitude shrubland. The Andean tinamou is an integral part of the Andean ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and providing food for other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothoprocta |
| Species | N. pentlandii |
8. White-tufted Grebe
The white-tufted grebe, also known as Rolland’s grebe, is a species of bird found in the southern half of South America. It is part of the family Podicipedidae, which includes various species of grebes.
This particular species is known for its unique tufts of white feathers on its head, making it stand out from the rest of the family. The white-tufted grebe is found in various habitats, such as freshwater lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams.
It is most commonly seen in shallow, slow-moving water, such as the shallow margins of lakes and ponds. They feed on various aquatic organisms, including fish, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
The white-tufted grebe is a gregarious species that often forms large flocks at favored sites. It breeds in colonies, often near the margins of lakes and ponds. The nest is a floating platform of vegetation located in shallow water.
The female lays two to four eggs, which are incubated for around 25 days. The white-tufted grebe is a conservation concern, as its numbers have been declining due to habitat destruction and pollution. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and restoration, are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Rollandia |
| Species | R. rolland |
9. White-cheeked Pintail
The white-cheeked pintail is a species of dabbling duck found in the Bahamas and other tropical regions. It is also known as the Bahama pintail or summer duck.
Renowned naturalist Carl Linnaeus first described the species in his landmark publication Systema Naturae, published in 1758.
This 10th edition of Systema Naturae is widely considered to be the first comprehensive catalog of the animal kingdom. In this publication, the white-cheeked pintail was given its modern scientific name.
The white-cheeked pintail is a medium-sized duck, measuring between 20 and 25 inches in length. Its body is predominantly brown feathers with a white head and cheeks, and its tail is long and pointed.
These ducks are found in freshwater wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans. They are also known to be friendly animals, often seen in groups.
The white-cheeked pintail is not currently threatened, but its populations are declining due to habitat loss. As such, conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. bahamensis |
10. James’s Flamingo
The Puna Flamingo, also known as James’s Flamingo, is an extraordinary species of bird that is native to the Andean plateaus of South America. It is mainly found in Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and northwest Argentina.
This species of flamingo is named after the British naturalist Harry Berkeley James, who dedicated his life to studying this particular species. The Puna Flamingo is a remarkable bird, as it has adapted to living in high altitudes.
These birds can be found in altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,500 meters. They are well-suited for the cold mountain climate, having thick down feathers which help to insulate them from the often harsh conditions.
In addition, their long legs help them wade through the shallow waters of their mountainous habitats, and they can survive in temperatures as low as 20 °C. The Puna Flamingo has a distinct coloring, featuring a greyish-white plumage with pink accents on the wings.
Their beak is also a striking pink color. They mainly feed on algae, plankton, and other invertebrates which they find in their mountain lakes. The Puna Flamingo is an endangered species whose population has declined since the 19th century.
This is due to human activity such as overgrazing, mining, and water pollution. However, conservation efforts such as establishing protected areas have been helping protect the species.
In conclusion, the Puna Flamingo is a unique and remarkable bird species native to the Andean plateaus of South America. It is named after Harry Berkeley James, a British naturalist who dedicated his life to studying this species.
The Puna Flamingo is adapted to high altitudes and has a distinct greyish-white plumage with pink accents. Unfortunately, due to human activity, the population is in decline. However, conservation efforts are helping to protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicoparrus |
| Species | P. jamesi |
11. Black-bellied Whistling Duck
The black-bellied whistling duck, formerly known as the black-bellied tree duck, is a species of duck mainly found in the southern United States, Mexico, and tropical Central to south-central South America before the year 2000.
This duck species is characterized by its loud and unique whistling call, hence its name. It is now found year-round in much of the United States and is considered one of the most wide-ranging duck species in the world.
Its range has expanded due to the introduction of water features in the United States, such as artificial ponds, sewage treatment plants, and artificial wetlands.
This duck species is also hugely popular with birdwatchers and is often seen in parks and other public areas. Its colorful markings, unique call, and friendly nature make it an excellent birdwatcher subject.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. autumnalis |
12. Maroon-chested Ground Dove
The maroon-chested ground dove is a species of bird that is part of the Columbidae family.
It is found across various countries in Central and South America, including Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. This bird is a small to medium-sized dove with a maroon chest and white belly.
Its head is grey, and the wings, tail, and legs are brown. It is usually seen walking on the ground and sometimes perched on low trees and shrubs. It mainly feeds on seeds, grains, and small insects.
The maroon-chested ground dove is a common species throughout its range and is not considered threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Paraclaravis |
| Species | P. mondetoura |
13. Picui Ground Dove
The Picui ground dove is a species of bird native to South America. It is a Columbidae family member, including doves and pigeons.
This species is found in several countries in South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It is characterized by its small size, gray-brown plumage, and white rump.
The Picui ground dove is a terrestrial species, meaning it spends most of its time on the ground, where it feeds on various seeds.
Although it is not considered an endangered species, its population has declined in some areas due to habitat destruction and hunting. The Picui ground dove is an essential species in the region, as it plays a role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columbina |
| Species | C. picui |
14. Puna Tinamou
The Puna tinamou, also known as Pentland’s tinamou, is a bird native to southern South America. It belongs to the tinamou family, one of the oldest bird families.
The binomial name of the species, Pentland’s tinamou, was given in 1837 by Nicholas Aylward Vigors in honor of the Irish natural scientist Joseph Barclay Pentland.
This species is an integral part of the ecosystem in South America, and ornithologists and other scientists often study it. Its binomial name highlights its importance, which honors an essential figure in natural science.
The Puna tinamou is an integral part of the bird species in South America, and its binomial name is a testament to the value of the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Tinamotis |
| Species | T. pentlandii |
15. Silvery Grebe
The silvery grebe is a small aquatic bird from the family Podicipedidae. It is native to the western and southern parts of South America, at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters.
This species is typically found in freshwater lakes, where it feeds on small fish, insects, and other aquatic organisms. It is also known to inhabit saline lakes, looking for food in the bottom sediment.
Depending on the season and food availability, these birds are seen alone, in small groups, or in large flocks. They are well-adapted to life in the water and have strong legs and webbed feet that help them to swim and dive.
They also have a streamlined body and long neck, which helps them maneuver through the water. The colors of the silvery grebe range from grey to brown and white, with a distinct white forehead.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. occipitalis |
16. Eared Dove
The eared dove is a species of dove found in the New World. It is a resident breeder, meaning it does not migrate throughout a large region of South America. This region includes Colombia, southern Argentina, Chile, the Grenadines Islands, and further south.
It is believed that the eared dove may have only recently migrated to Tobago and Trinidad. This dove species is not found in other parts of the world and is an essential resident in South America, where it breeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. auriculata |
17. Comb Duck
The knob-billed duck, or African comb duck, is a unique species found across a large world region. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and mainland Indochina.
This type of duck prefers wetland and waterway habitats and is especially common in tropical and subtropical regions. Taxonomically, the knob-billed duck and the comb duck are two separate species.
While they may look similar and live in the same areas, they are officially classified as two different species.
This is important because it helps us understand the differences between the two species regarding their behavior, habitat, and other characteristics.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sarkidiornis |
| Species | S. melanotos |
18. Black-winged Ground Dove
The black-winged ground dove is a beautiful bird species belonging to the Columbidae family. It is found in various countries in South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
This bird species is easily identifiable due to its unique black wings and gray body. The black-winged ground dove is a ground-dwelling bird that prefers to stay close to the ground. It has a strong preference for open grasslands and sandy habitats.
This bird species typically feeds on insects and seeds found in the ground. It is also known to feed on small fruits and berries when available. The black-winged ground dove is a solitary bird, usually only seen alone or in small groups of two or three.
It is a reasonably common species in its range and is not considered to be threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Metriopelia |
| Species | M. melanoptera |
19. Red Shoveler
The red shoveler is a waterfowl species belonging to the dabbling duck family. It is native to southern South America and is commonly found in areas with plenty of shallow water, such as marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes.
The red shoveler is striking, with a bright red head and neck and a white patch across the upper part of its back. It also has a distinctive, spoon-shaped bill used to scoop up food from the water.
The red shoveler feeds mainly on aquatic plants and small aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, snails, and worms. It also scavenges for food on land, searching around in leaf litter and on the ground for seeds and other items.
The red shoveler can be seen swimming in small groups and pairs, and it is a noisy and active duck, often flying around in tight flocks. It is an important species in its native habitat, playing an essential role in the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. platalea |
20. Andean Flamingo
The Andean flamingo is a species native to the Andes mountains of South America. This species of flamingo is closely related to James’s flamingo, and both species are placed in the same genus, Phoenicoparrus.
Until 2014, the Andean flamingo was classified in its genus, Phoenicopterus. However, further research determined that the Andean flamingo and James’s flamingo were so closely related that they should be placed in the same genus.
This reclassification reflected the two species’ close connection and provided a more accurate understanding of their relationship.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicoparrus |
| Species | P. andinus |
21. Brazilian Teal
The Brazilian Teal is a species of duck that is the only one in its genus, Amazonetta. It is native to South America and can be found in much of the eastern part of the continent.
Its range extends from Uruguay to Colombia, and it can be found in various habitats, from rivers to wetlands to open fields. It is a medium-sized duck, with males measuring around 16 inches in length and females slightly smaller.
The Brazilian Teal has a distinctive appearance, with its mottled brown and white body and bright blue bill. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, insects, and other invertebrates.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate, and pairs typically raise several broods each year.
The Brazilian Teal is considered a species of most minor concern by the IUCN, and its population is supposed stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Amazonetta |
| Species | A. brasiliensis |
22. Orinoco Goose
The Orinoco Goose is a species of waterfowl belonging to the Tadornini tribe of the Anserinae subfamily. This species is considered Near Threatened, meaning its population is declining and it is close to becoming threatened.
This species is native to most mainland South America and is found in all countries except Chile, French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay. The Orinoco Goose has a primarily grey plumage with a white rump and wings.
The male of this species is larger than the female, with a total length of up to 75 cm and a wingspan of up to 150 cm. The bill of the Orinoco Goose is orange-red with a black tip.
The legs and feet are also orange-red. The Orinoco Goose inhabits wetlands and open water mainly found near rivers and streams. It feeds on insects, seeds, and grains. This species nests in colonies, typically on islands in the middle of lakes or rivers.
The female lays up to three eggs in a nest made from grass and twigs. The population of the Orinoco Goose is declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. As a result, this species is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
To ensure the survival of this species, conservation efforts must be made to protect its habitats and to reduce hunting and pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Neochen |
| Species | N. jubata |
23. Blue Ground-Dove
The blue-ground dove is a small bird native to the tropical regions of the New World. It is found in an area stretching from southeastern Mexico to northwestern Peru and northern Argentina, as well as on the Caribbean island of Trinidad.
This species is a resident breeder, meaning it remains in the same area all year round. It typically nests in trees and shrubs, laying two white eggs in a shallow cup nest. The blue ground dove is a small species, typically measuring around 21 cm long.
Its plumage is primarily light grey, with darker grey wings, tail, and back, and a blackish-brown iris. It has a white patch on its neck and a reddish-brown patch on its chest. Its call is a soft coo-coo-roo-coo.
This species feeds primarily on seeds, insects, and spiders, which it finds on the ground or in low vegetation. It is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, meaning that it is not at risk of extinction in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Claravis |
| Species | C. pretiosa |
24. Pale-vented Pigeon
The pale-vented Pigeon is a species of large Pigeon native to the tropical areas of the Americas. It was formerly classified as part of the Columba genus but has since been reclassified as part of the older New World genus Patagioenas.
This reclassification is part of a more considerable evolutionary radiation found throughout the warm-temperate and tropical regions of the Americas. This evolutionary radiation is comprised of several closely related bird speciest are all found in the Americas.
These species have adapted to the various climates and habitats throughout the Americas, allowing them to survive and thrive.
The pale-vented Pigeon is just one example of this evolutionary radiation, and its continued presence in the Americas is a testament to its success in adapting to its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. cayennensis |
Conclusion
The Huaura Province is an essential area for bird conservation in Peru. Its varied habitats provide an essential refuge for various bird species, both resident and migratory.
This wealth of biodiversity makes Huaura an essential area for birdwatching and nature appreciation.
Local conservation efforts have helped to protect and preserve the local bird population, helping to ensure the continued existence of these beautiful creatures for generations to come.