The Province of Piura in Peru is home to various birds, from the majestic Andean condor to the colorful and vibrant parrots. Bird watching is a popular pastime in this region, as it is home to a wide range of endemic and migratory birds.
More than 500 species of birds live in the region, with an estimated 20 species of birds that are endemic to the region. The diversity of birds in Piura is a testament to the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving the environment.
Whether you are a professional bird watcher or a casual observer, the birds of Piura will captivate you with their beauty and unique characteristics.
10 Birds to Watch in Piura
Piura is a northern Peru province known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches. But did you know that Piura is also a paradise for bird lovers? Piura has more than 500 species of birds, including some that are endemic, rare, or endangered.
Whether you are a professional birdwatcher or a curious traveler, you will be amazed by the diversity and beauty of the birds in Piura.
Here are ten birds that you should not miss when you visit Piura.
1. Pale-legged Hornero
The Pale-legged Hornero is a species of bird belonging to the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in four South American countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, and Peru.
This bird species is known for its unique pale legs and habitat preferences. The pale-legged Hornero spends most of its time in open areas like grasslands, savannahs, and even agricultural fields. It can also be found in lightly wooded areas.
The bird mainly feeds on ground-dwelling insects, as well as a variety of seeds and fruits. It builds large, round nests by lining them with mud and building a small entrance. The Pale-legged Hornero is a reasonably common bird whose population is considered stable.
It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN’s Red List, meaning it is not under any immediate threat of extinction.
However, habitat destruction and fragmentation due to human activities concern the species, and conservation efforts are needed to ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Furnariidae |
| Genus | Furnarius |
| Species | F. leucopus |
2. West Peruvian Dove
The West Peruvian dove, also known as the Pacific dove, is a dove species belonging to the genus Zenaida. This species is native to the western coasts of South America, specifically the region from Peru to Chile.
The West Peruvian dove is small to medium-sized with grayish-brown plumage and white underparts. It has a pale yellowish-brown head and a short, rounded tail. The West Peruvian dove produces a loud, repetitive cooing like other doves.
It typically feeds on the ground, eating various seeds and grains. This species is found in multiple habitats, including dry grasslands, scrublands, and coastal areas. It is also found in agricultural areas, where it may forage on grain or other crops.
The West Peruvian dove is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, as its population is believed to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. meloda |
3. Baird’s Flycatcher
Baird’s flycatcher is a species of bird from the family Tyrannidae. It is often found in South America, particularly in Ecuador and Peru.
Its habitats are typically subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forests. This means that Baird’s flycatcher is adapted to various climates and conditions.
The dry forests protect from the sun’s heat, while the moist forests provide shelter from the rains. The degraded former forests offer plenty of food and shelter for the birds. Baird’s flycatcher is a hardy species that can thrive in various habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiodynastes |
| Species | M. bairdii |
4. Peruvian Pelican
The Peruvian Pelican is a large, coastal bird member of the pelican family. It is native to the west coast of South America, from central Chile in the south down to Piura in the north of Peru.
It is also known to visit the south of Chile and Ecuador occasionally. The Peruvian Pelican typically lives in loose colonies, breeding in large numbers. Its breeding range covers 33.5 degrees of latitude, stretching from central Chile in the south and up to northern Peru.
This species is most commonly found near the shore, feeding on small fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.
In the breeding season, the Peruvian Pelican congregates in large colonies, often on rocky islands and cliffs. The Peruvian Pelican is an impressive bird, with its large size, distinctive pinkish-red bill, and white plumage.
It has long wings and a large, pouch-like bill, which it uses to scoop up fish from the sea.
Its plumage is primarily white, with black wings, a dark grey back, and a white head and neck. The Peruvian Pelican is a vulnerable species with a declining population due to several factors, including overfishing, egg collection, and destruction of its habitat.
It is also threatened by pollution and climate change. As a result, conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect this species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. thagus |
5. Long-tailed Mockingbird
The long-tailed mockingbird is a species of bird belonging to the family Mimidae. It has a distinctive appearance with its long tail and its brownish-gray color. The long-tailed mockingbird is found in the countries of Ecuador and Peru.
It is a very adaptable species found in various habitats, such as tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and shrublands. They often feed on insects, small reptiles and amphibians, and fruits. Their diet varies depending on the season.
The long-tailed mockingbird is solitary, usually seen alone or in pairs. It is an essential species in controlling insects and other pests.
This species is not considered to be threatened or endangered. However, its population is decreasing due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Its conservation status is of Concern, and efforts to protect its habitat are necessary for long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. longicaudatus |
6. Coastal Miner
The coastal miner is a species of bird found only in Peru. It is part of the subfamily Sclerurinae, a group of birds commonly known as leaf tossers and miners. The coastal miner belongs to the ovenbird family, Furnariidae.
The coastal miner is endemic to Peru, meaning it is only found in this region and nowhere else. It is an important species to the biodiversity of Peru, and conservation efforts are underway to ensure its continued survival in the wild.
The coastal miner is an interesting species, as it is a small bird that makes its nest in a tunnel in the ground. It is mainly greyish-brown, with white patches on its wings and tail.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it finds using its long bill to turn over leaves and search for food. The coastal miner is a fascinating species, and its conservation is essential for the overall health of the ecosystem in Peru.
This species’ continued survival is essential for maintaining the local biodiversity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Furnariidae |
| Genus | Geositta |
| Species | G. peruviana |
7. Fasciated Wren
The fasciated wren is a small, brown bird with a long tail and a black and white barred back. Its Latin name is Thryothorus fasciatus, a member of the family Troglodytidae, which includes other species such as the Winter Wren, the Carolina Wren, and the Marsh Wren.
The fasciated wren is native to Ecuador and Peru, inhabiting humid lowland forests, second-growth forests, and scrubland. It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates and is usually found at ground level.
The fasciated wren is solitary, and males and females have different plumage.
The male has a black stripe on its back, while the female has a white stripe. The fasciated wren is listed as a species of most minor Concern by the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently threatened with extinction.
However, its habitat is declining due to deforestation, which could lead to a decline in its population. Protecting this species and its habitat is essential to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Campylorhynchus |
| Species | C. fasciatus |
8. Scrub Blackbird
The scrub blackbird is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, which is one of the most diverse families of birds. It is found in Ecuador and Peru and inhabits moist subtropical or tropical lowland forests and heavily degraded former forests.
These forests may have been cleared for agricultural land or damaged by natural disasters such as floods, fires, or other extreme weather events.
The scrub blackbird is a notable species because it can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Its preferred habitats are dense vegetation and plenty of food sources, such as fruiting trees, shrubs, and grasses. The scrub blackbird is a medium-sized bird with a blackish-brown body, white eye ring, and breast band.
It has a long, slightly decurved bill and a short tail. Its diet consists of insects, small vertebrates, other small animals, and fruits and seeds.
It forages on the ground or in trees and shrubs and is often seen in small flocks. The scrub blackbird is a shy and retiring species that is rarely seen.
It is also sensitive to disturbance, so it is essential to take extra care when visiting areas where it can be found. Conservation efforts for this species focus on protecting its habitats, which deforestation and other human activities threaten.
By protecting its natural environment, the scrub blackbird can continue to thrive in its natural habitats in Ecuador and Peru.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Dives |
| Species | D. warczewiczi |
9. Green Kingfisher
The green kingfisher is a water kingfisher found in North, Central, and South America. It is a part of the subfamily Cerylinae, part of the more prominent Alcedinidae family.
In the United States, it is found in southern Texas, while in Central America, it is found throughout the region. It is found in every mainland country except for Chile in South America. Finally, the green kingfisher can also be found on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
These birds have adapted to various habitats, from wetlands and rivers to coastal areas and estuaries. They are usually found near water, as they feed mainly on fish and aquatic insects.
The green kingfisher is a small bird, measuring around 15-19 cm in length, with bright green feathers and a long, pointed bill. It has a distinctive call and is highly active, often hovering over the water as it looks for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Chloroceryle |
| Species | C. americana |
10. White-tailed Jay
The white-tailed jay is a species of bird belonging to the Corvidae family. It is native to Ecuador and Peru and can be found in subtropical or tropical dry and moist lowland forests.
This species does not exhibit any differences between the sexes, known as sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look the same.
This is uncommon in the bird world, as males and females of the same species look different, usually in different-colored plumage. White-tailed jays are unique in the bird world due to this characteristic.
They are usually seen in small flocks, foraging for food among the branches of trees. These birds feed mainly on insects, fruits, and seeds. They can survive in various habitats, from dry to moist forests.
This species is considered of least Concern, meaning it is not endangered or threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocorax |
| Species | C. mystacalis |
Conclusion
Birds are an integral part of the environment in Piura. They are found in both rural and urban areas, providing various services such as pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal while also providing enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.
The Piura region is home to diverse bird species, highlighting the importance of conserving and managing habitats for their protection and preservation.