BIRDS IN PERU Discover the emblematic birds of Tambopata

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Birds in Peru: What birds can I find in Peruvian Amazon?

Birds in Peru? Yes. Actually, the Peruvian Amazon is home to an incredibly diverse range of birds, with over 1,800 species residing in this region alone. With its lush rainforest, winding rivers, and stunning array of habitats, it’s no wonder that birdwatchers from around the world flock to the region to catch a glimpse of its many avian wonders.

Iconics birds in the Amazon Rainforest

One of the most iconic birds of the Peruvian Amazon is the macaw. These large, brilliantly colored parrots are impossible to miss with their bright blue, yellow, and red feathers. Visitors to the region can spot several species of macaw, including the scarlet macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, and red-and-green macaw. These social birds are often seen in flocks and are known for their raucous calls and playful behavior. One of the unmissed activities to watch these birds in Peru is to visit a Macaw Claylick. A nature show full of sounds and colors.

Scarlet Macaw flying by Paul Bertner

Scarlet macaws by Paul Bertner

Another spectacular bird species found in the Peruvian Amazon is the harpy eagle. These majestic raptors are one of the largest birds of prey in the world, with a wingspan of up to seven feet. With their striking grey plumage and distinctive crested head, they are a sight to behold. However, they are also elusive and can be challenging to spot in the dense rainforest.

Among all birds in Peru, we’ve been very lucky to follow a couple of wild Harpy Eagles near Refugio Amazonas raising a baby in 2017. The nest becomes very active every rainy season.

Harpy Eagle by Arturo Bullard

Harpy Eagle by Arturo Bullard

The toucan is another iconic bird of the Peruvian Amazon. With its oversized bill and vividly colored feathers, it’s hard to miss this charismatic species. Toucans are frugivores, meaning they primarily feed on fruit, and can often be seen perched on the treetops enjoying a juicy snack.

Fortunately, toucans are all around the pristine forest that surrounds our Amazon ecolodges and the canopy tower is, without doubt, the best moment to spot them.

White throated toucan by Paul Bertner - Birds in Peru

White-throated Toucan by Paul Bertner

Help me plan my birding trip to the Peruvian Amazon in Tambopata


Other notable species of birds in Peru Amazon include the hoatzin, a unique species with a prehistoric appearance and a distinctive odor; the wattled curassow, a large and striking bird with a bright blue head and red wattles; and the cotinga, a family of brightly colored songbirds known for their stunning plumage.

Oxbow lake visits or even small streams are perfect to find this rare but amazing bird.

Hoatzin bird in the Peruvian Amazon by Arturo Bullard

Hoatzin Bird in the Peruvian Amazon by Arturo Bullard

With its incredible diversity of bird species and breathtaking natural beauty, the Peruvian Amazon is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply enjoy watching these winged wonders, a trip to this region is sure to leave you awe-inspired and enchanted.

Don’t miss the new BIRDS CHECKLIST for our lodges in Tambopata, recently updated by Mr. Silverio Duri, a renowned Birdwatcher in Peru. If you’re interested in planning a complete bird expedition in Peru, don’t hesitate to contact him at: picoplata1@gmail.com

Get our 2023 Birds List for Rainforest Expeditions Lodges Here

Finally, there are some nonfamous species that our Wildlife Photographer Paul Bertner has found in Tambopata inside the forest. Birdwatching among all excursions is the one that requires more patience but very well deserves it after encountering these beauties.

While in the Peruvian Amazon, in Tambopata, Happy Birding!

Cream-colored woodpecker by Paul Bertner - Birds in Peru

Cream-colored woodpecker by Paul Bertner

Amazonian-barred Woodcreeper by Paul Bertner

Amazonian-barred Woodcreeper by Paul Bertner

White-necked Thrush by Paul Bertner

White-necked Thrush by Paul Bertner

Golden-crowned Spadebill by Paul Bertner

Golden-crowned Spadebill by Paul Bertner

NOW READ: How to see exotic birds in the Peruvian Amazon

 

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

S. K. February 2026

Julian S January 2026

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Laura Franklin December 2025

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AMJNZ November 2025

This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all

We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all

I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all

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