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ABRA PATRICIA

PERU
LOCALE

Area (Acres):24,000
Altitude (m):2300
# Species:424
# Excl Vagrants:424
# Endemics:16
# Near Endemics:28
Species/100 Acres:1.8
Habitat: Cloud Forest

ABOUT THE BIRDING

Abra Patricia is a private reserve adjacent to the Alto Mayo Protected Forest. Habitat is mainly lush cloud forest. Birding is along numerous trails within the reserve, along roadsides, and from an obervation tower. The site is considered one of the premier birding destinations of northern Peru and is home to some 24 endemic or near-endemic birds. Foremost among these is the Long-whiskered Owlet, a mysterious species restricted to a small area of northern Peru. It had never been observed except when captured in mist nets until 2007 when research projects began on the species. Now this tiny owlet is regularly seen with the help of local guides familiar with the their territories. A second endangered species frequently seen at a well known site is Royal Sunangel. The lodge has hummingbird and fruit feeders that attract a variety of species including Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, Emeral-bellied Puffleg, Bronzy Inca, Collared Inca, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant. Local rangers are working to habituate several species of antpittas and have already conditioned Undulated Antpitta to come out on the trails. Night birding is exceptional. In addition to the owlet, Cinnamon Screech-Owl is regularly seen and White-throated Screech-Owl, Rufous-banded Owl, Common Potoo, and Andean Potoo are very possible.

LOCATION OF SITE

Abra Patricia is located on the east slope of the Andeans in northern Peru. It's reached via a 4-5 hour drive from Tarapoto in the eastern lowlands or Olmos in the western lowlands. The road is largely asphalt in both directions. Some groups travel from Leimebamba to Abra Patricia or the reverse along a more winding, mountain road. This distance is only about 60km but takes some time as people normally bird en route and make a number of stops.