Birds and mammals of Manu

1. A good field guide complete with names, clear descriptions and, aboye all, trustworthy illustrations is indispensable. This guide has 60 of the most common species and a complete list of the species observed to date. If you require more information you can consult one of the books listed at the end of this guide.

2. The accuracy of your observations depends to a great extent on a good pair of binoculars. The most recommended are binoculars between 7 x 30 and 10 x 50. In tropical rainforests like Manu, where the dense vegetation may only permit close viewing, it is important to select a mode! that will focus at a short distance. Some binoculars will focus on objects 1.5 metres away.

3. In order to be able to compare and review your observations, we recommend that you carry a small notebook for the field. The humid, rainy climate can cause ink to run, so it is better to use a pencil and to protect the notebook by keeping it in a bag. If you prefer, you can take a special waterproof notebook, but remember not to throw the pages on the ground as they will not biodegrade.

4. Some information to record is the following:

Date, time, place, temperature.

Physical characteristic of the bird:

• Relative size (for example: smaller than a dove, larger than a sparrow).

• Shape or silhouette: general body proportions (if possible with a sketch).

• Length and shape of the tail (forked, round, with some longer feathers).

• Length and shape of the winds (narrow, wide, pointed, rounded).

• Shape of the beak (short, long, curved, thick, fine, hooked).

• Length of the legs and neck.

• Colours and distinctive markings (bands on the winds and tail, a superciliary, crests, etc.).

• Songs and calls.

c.- Behaviour:

• Type of movement (walkin, hopping, climbing, swimming).

• Type of flight (agile and energetic, gliding, in a straight line, up and down).

• Place where it feeds (on the ground, in trees, in the air, in the water).

• Type of food (nectar, fruit, meat, fish, insects).

• With regard to eggs and chicks, it is best to observe them quickly without touching them. In the tropical rainforest, more than anywhere else, there are many vigilant eyes watching and we could make a predator’s work a lot easier for them.

• Type of flight (agile and energetic, gliding, in a straight line, up and down).

• Place where it feeds (on the ground, in trees, in the air, in the water).

• Type of food (nectar, fruit, meat, fish, insects).

• With regard to eggs and chicks, it is best to observe them quickly without touching them. In the tropical rainforest, more than anywhere else, there are many vigilant eyes watching and we could make a predator’s work a lot easier for them.