Birds and mammals of Manu

Birds have captured our attention since the first civilisations. Cave paintings, Egyptian paintings, Incan ceramics, Greek mythology and Roman symbols all reflect this fascination. Later on, during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many northern naturalists focussed their interest on this group. Men such as Audubon testify this strong interest in their splendid paintings. In recent years, researchers have broadened our knowledge of the behaviour, physiology and importance of birds, primarily in the most threatened ecosystems. Today, this information, the sum of the observations of thousands of birdwatchers, has transformed this group into the best documented and one of the most reliable groups to analyse for the purpose of decision-making and policies related to conservation.

One of the most notable commonalities between birds and humans is that both consider colour and form as types of signals. These signals are a type of communication, albeit in different ways. For many birds, sexual rituals entail an exhibition of colour. Colour is also used in a threatening manner to defend their territories. Humans have often regarded those displays as having aesthetic value and have studied them with natural curiosity, two well-developed qualities among those who observe birds.

As we have already noted, the colours and designs of plumage are numerous and the beginner must concentrate his or her attention on all of the details. The spots, lines and patches of different colours and shades are very important when trying to identify a species. If the plumage has not been indicative, the attentive observer can make use of other data. For example, the way the bird moves along the ground or through the air, the relationship between the bird and other animals, the type of vegetation that it inhabits, the time of day and year in which they sing are all characteristics that tend to be unique to different species. A good observer should also try to distinguish birds by their song. This, of course, is an arduous task, as each species has its own song; however, being able to identify songs is greatly satisfying.

A prolonged observation reveals much more than a rushed observation. For this reason, it is important to arm oneself with a lot of patience to remain calm and to observe the bird for as long as possible. These experiences lead to the possibility of interesting: and information exchanges, undoubtedly one of the entertaining activities among birdwatchers. Below, we have some brief notes that may be useful during your travels Manu National Park and the Manu Biosphere Reserve.

The male Andean cocks-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana) gather each morning to display before the females who will then select a mate. In the cloud forest, these gathering places (leks) are always the same and some can be found close to San Pedro during your trip overland.

The male Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons) perches in the uppermost ranches of solitary trees. From this perch, he rocks back and forth and emits loud cries that heard at a great distance. If his call is successful, he will shortly have a number of females weaving large nests that hang the branches like heavy drops of water.

The Crimson-bellied Woodpecker (Campephilus haematogaster) is of the most difficult birds to find. However, it is possible to see them in late afternoon when they return to their roosts to rest.

Take note of the exact location of any slender, pole-like tree with lines of holes, sometimes three holes. The woodpecker will arrive quickly and silently. Once it examines the area it will rest, concealing only its head in the hole.

The Musician Wren (Cyphorhinus aradus) has the most beautiful voice in the forest and can be heard in the morning at about 9:00 or 10:00 am. However, it is not easy to see. For this reason, it is useful to have a few clues: the wren is territorial and is almost completely dependent on a type of tree inhabited by ants, the «tangarana» (Triplarix americana). In those trees, the wren builds a tubular, curved nest with the entrance at the front about 1.5 m above ground. In the same territory there can be three to five and even seven of those nests in different states of conservation. Anyone trying to observe this bird should find a place in the middle of its territory, between the nests, and wait patiently. The bird flies low to the ground, almost on the ground, rapidly and silently until is chooses a perch from which to sing. It is well worth the wait!

If you come across a line of army ants (Eciton burchelli) you will most likely see one of the most interesting sights in the tropical forests. At the head of the column, where the ants advance in a tight line of voracious hunters, you will probably see a group of at least five species of birds catching insects as they try to escape from the ants. Black-spotted Bare-eyes (Phlegopsis nigromaculata), the most restless of those species, form family groups of three or four s with one leader at the head. Hairy-crested Ant birds (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) are the most timid and hunt a few centimetres above the ground. White-chinned Wood creepers (Dendrocincla merula) capture their prey while moving along tree trunks. Sooty Ant birds (Myrmeciza fortis) and White-throated Ant birds (Gymnopithys salvini) are very discreet and move about in pairs.

Partridges are more complicated, as their spotted brown-grey makes them difficult to see. They are usually seen by accident when they are flushed from the vegetation by our approach. At the end of the day, you can hear Bartlett’s Tinamous (Crypturellus bartletti) singing from all different directions, trying to find mates. In this case, the females sing more often. They are larger than the males and are solitary. If you hang back he calls, you may see one.

As the night progresses and when the moon is bright in a clear sky. The "ayaimama" or Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) comes out. The strong, terrifying call of this bird can frighten even the most visitor, If you can determine the direction of the call and

a flashlight towards a high, exposed branch, you may discover r of shiny red eyes observing you. Like all nocturnal animals, they are bothered by the light, so you must be quick in your observations!

During the day, you can hear a sound so low that you are left doubting that you heard anything at all. The Razor-billed Curassow (Mitu tuberosa), a large, black bird with a wide, red beak is the owner of this voice. This bird perches on a branch at a medium height and emits a call so scattered that it is difficult to determine its origin. Up close, it is only a question of looking carefully at the branches. They can also sometimes be seen feeding on the ground around "cumala" trees ( Virola spp.) in fruit.

Termite mounds are structures constructed by insects and are more common in the low rainforest. Numerous species of parakeets (Brotogeris spp) capitalise on their abundance. Due to their characteristics, termite mounds offer ideal conditions in which to build nests. One easy way to determine if this is the case is to look at the lower part of the mound. Parakeets will construct a small hole as an entrance. If the hole is perfectly round and small, it is probably that of a pair of parakeets. If not, there are probably bats inside. Any doubts can be cleared up in the early morning before the sun’s fruits rays when you see the parakeets emerging quickly and silently. If you heard a repeated «chiiiwuik!» from a few metres above the ground and always in the same place, it is likely the call of a male Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin (Tyranneutes stolzmanni). This diminutive bird has greenish plumage and sometimes stays so still that it foliage. This manakin will always be there when you Its territories are only a few metres squared in size s the same perches to sing all day. If you return the ear, you will probably still find the tiny manakin there.

Finally, remember that birds do not usually move or sing in the rain. It would be a wasted effort to try to find them at this time.