Manu National Park, located in the southeastern region of Peru, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park is home to over 1,000 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. From the high Andean grasslands to the lowland tropical rainforests, Manu National Park offers a wide range of habitats for birders to explore. In this article, we will explore the best bird watching and bird photography opportunities that the park has to offer, as well as tips for planning a successful birding trip.
Key Habitats in Manu National Park:
Manu National Park is divided into three main regions: the Andean grasslands, the cloud forests, and the lowland tropical rainforests. Each of these regions is home to a unique set of bird species, making it important for birders to visit all three during their trip.
The Andean grasslands
The Andean grasslands, also known as the Puna, are located at elevations above 3,500 meters (11,480 feet). This habitat is home to a number of high-altitude specialists, including the Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma), the tyrian metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina) and white throated quail dove (Zentrygon frenata). The grasslands are also a great place to see the Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater), one of the most common birds on this way.
The cloud forests
The cloud forests, located between 2,500 and 3,500 meters (8,202 and 11,480 feet), are home to a number of unique bird species. These forests are characterized by their high humidity and cloud cover, making them ideal habitats for birds such as the Golden headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), the Hooded Mountain-Tanager (Buthraupis montana), Grass green tanager (Chlorornis riefferii) and the Masked trogon (Trogon personatus).
The lowland tropical rainforest
The lowland tropical rainforests, located below 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), are home to the greatest diversity of bird species in the park. These forests are characterized by their dense vegetation and high rainfall, making them ideal habitats for birds such as the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), the Versicolored Barbet (Eubucco versicolor), and the Koepcke’s Hermit (Phaethornis koepckeae).
Best Time for Birding
The best time to visit Manu National Park for bird watching and photography is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the bird activity is at its highest and the visibility is at its best. Additionally, many of the park’s bird species are easiest to see during the nesting season, which also coincides with the dry season.
Planning Your Trip
When planning a birding trip to Manu National Park, it is important to keep in mind the park’s remote location and the need for a guide. The park is only accessible by car, and it is important to have a guide who is familiar with the park’s bird species and habitats. Additionally, it is essential to bring the proper equipment, including binoculars, a bird guidebook, and a camera for photography. Check out our bird photography tours at Manu National Park.
Manu National Park offers some of the best bird watching and bird photography opportunities in the world. With over 1,000 bird species, the park is home to a wide range of habitats.
Colourful Birding invites you to discover beautiful bird gardens that can be visited and that create a space of protection for many animal species. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about our bird photography travels.
