Peru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 1800 species of birds, including some of the most colourful and vibrant tanagers in the world. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual bird enthusiast, a photography tour in Peru is a must-do for anyone interested in capturing the beauty of these feathered creatures.
As a country with a diverse range of habitats, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andean mountains, Peru offers a wide variety of opportunities for bird photography. But for those specifically interested in tanagers, there are several species that stand out for their striking plumage and photogenic behavior.
You can also read: Photography essential gear for wildlife photo trips
One of the most sought-after tanagers for photographers is the Golden collared Tanager (Iridosornis jelskii). Found in the lowland rainforests of eastern Peru, this striking bird boasts a bright yellow collar, contrasting with its black head and back. The Golden-collared Tanager is often found in flocks, making for great opportunities to capture group shots.
Another beautiful tanager commonly seen in Peru is the Blue gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus). This species is found in a wide range of habitats, from humid lowland forests to high altitude cloud forests, and is known for its striking blue-gray plumage and red bill. The Blue-gray Tanager is also known for its acrobatic behavior, often seen hanging upside down while feeding.
The Scarlet bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris) is another species that is a must-see for bird photographers visiting Peru. Found in the Andean mountains, this tanager boasts a bright red belly and blue-black head and back. The Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager is often found in small groups, making for great opportunities to capture group shots in the stunning Andean landscape.
The Black capped Tanager (Stilpnia heinei) is another beautiful tanager found in Peru, particularly in the high Andes. This bird is known for its striking black head and bright orange plumage and is often found in mixed flocks with other tanagers. The Black-capped Tanager is a active and agile bird, often seen moving through the canopy, making it a challenging but rewarding subject for photographers.
Yellow scarfed Tanager (Iridosornis reinhardti) Yellow-scarfed Tanager, a species of bird that is found exclusively in Peru. It inhabits cloud forests at high elevations in the Eastern Andes. The physical description of the bird includes that it is completely blue with a black head and a thick yellow band around the top of its head, making it easy to identify. It is typically found in small groups, often as part of mixed flocks, and feeds on fruits and insects.
Due to its striking plumage and elusive nature, the Yellow-scarfed Tanager is considered a highly desirable target for birdwatchers and bird photographers visiting the northern Peru. It is one of the most sought-after tanagers in the Andean cloud forests.
You may also like: Exploring the Peruvian avian diversity
For those interested in photography travel, Peru offers a wide range of tour options, from multi-day birding and photography tours to custom itineraries tailored to your specific interests. These tours typically include expert guides with extensive knowledge of the local birds and habitats, as well as access to prime photography locations.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual bird enthusiast, a photography tour in Peru is a must-do for anyone interested in capturing the beauty of these feathered creatures. With a wide variety of habitats and a diverse range of tanager species, Peru offers endless opportunities for stunning bird photography. So pack your camera and join a birding and photography tour to discover Peru’s most beautiful tanagers.
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.