ABRA BARRO NEGRO
PERU
LOCALE
| Altitude (m): | 2000-3670 |
| # Species: | 269 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 269 |
| # Endemics: | 17 |
| # Near Endemics: | 25 |
| Habitat: Cloud forest patches, dense bamboo stands, puna grassland | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
Abra Barro Negro ("Black Mud Pass") is a high mountain pass near Leimebamba in northern Peru. The pass forms the eastern side of the Marañon River Valley and towers above it. Birding is typically along the road or occasionally along a trail leading up the mountain. Some patches of cloud forest are present in the pass. One important target bird in these forest patches is the recently re-discovered Russet-mantled Softail, which can be difficult to find but with effort is usually seen. A second target species is the endemic Coppery Metaltail, usually found in the same forest. Mixed species tanager flocks may include Rufous-chested Tanager, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, and Blue-capped Tanager. Other interesting species commonly seen are Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Golden-headed Quetzal, White-collared Jay, and Mountain Cacique, especially at fruiting trees along the road. Dense patches of bamboo along the road are home to the endemic Yellow-scarfed Tanager and the highly desired Plushcap. Puna grassland above the cloud forest patches is home to Blackish Tapaculo, Many-striped Canastero, and White-chinned Thistletail. Also possible though more difficult are Stripe-headed Antpitta and Neblina Tapaculo.
LOCATION OF SITE
Abra Barro Negro is a mountain and pass near the town of Leimebamba in northern Peru. The pass is located 16km from Leimebamba. Likely birding areas are between KM399 (at the pass) and KM406.