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CHECKLIST

BALSAS & MARAÑON CANYON

PERU
LOCALE

Altitude (m):950
# Species*:130
# Excl Vagrants*:130
# Endemics*:8
# Near Endemics*:25
*Based on partial or incomplete data.
Habitat: Arid scrub, desert

ABOUT THE BIRDING

Balsas is located at the bottom of the Marañon Canyon on the road between Celendin and Leimebamba in northern Peru. The winding road out of Celendin drops 2000m to the river. It's a long and dusty drive. The upper slopes of the canyon are covered with humid shrubbery, while the lower slopes and canyon bottom are arid scrub and desert with cacti and orchids along the river. Birding is mostly along the road near the river. Key target birds are Peruvian Pigeon, Yellow-faced Parrotlet, Marañon Thrush, and Buff-bridled Inca-Finch. It's possible to camp at the valley bottom, but most birders just stop while en route between Celendin and Leimebamba.

LOCATION OF SITE

Balsas is a small village in the Marañon Canyon, reached by driving from Celedin toward Leimebamba or the reverse.