In Peru, 125 hummingbird species have been identified (SACCC, 2018) out of the 340 that exist in the world (Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, 2019). More than 50% of them can be observed on the Northern Peru Birding Route, especially between the regions of San Martin and Amazonas, where there are more than 50 species reported.
The hummingbirds are wonderful and beautiful birds, they are among the smallest in the world, with an average size of 8.5 cm and a weight between 2 and 20 g. In addition, they can fly both backwards and forwards, from side to side, upside down and even float.
Their physiology is also very interesting, hummingbirds compared to humans have a heart 5 times greater in proportion, breathe 20 times faster and have a temperature 8 degrees higher.
Such a lifestyle requires continuous feeding during the day, with a diet of nectar and flying insects. An interesting fact is that due to the variety of flowers they feed on, these birds have different sized and shaped beaks. Likewise, it is very interesting to note the color difference between the different species of hummingbirds, especially in the males (Audubon Arizona, 2019).
Because of this great potential and interest in learning more about these beautiful species, Ikam Expeditions has been studying these birds for over a year. As part of this study, the company documented an expedition focused on seeing the highest number of hummingbirds along the route Tarapoto, Alto Mayo, Abra Patricia and the Cordillera Colan, in just three days.
The idea was to visit the main hummingbird observation sites to register as many species as possible and validate previous reports. Ikam Expeditions will keep you updated on our wildlife monitoring and expeditions.
Results of Hummingbird monitoring
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- Date: August 2019
- Nº of days: 3
- Sighting hours: From 6:00 to 18:00, especially very early in the morning.
- Total observed species: 40
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- N° of species in Cordillera Escalera: 11
- N° of species in Alto Mayo: 31
- N° of species in Abra Patricia – Cordillera Colán: 17
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List of Hummingbirds observed: Click here
Links of related videos:
Bibliography
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- Facts about hummingbirds. https://az.audubon.org/conservation/fun-facts-about-hummingbirds
- The Sciencie of Hummingbirds. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/07/the-science-of-hummingbirds/#close
- https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/hummingbirds
- Birds of Peru. 2010. Thomas S. Schulenberg (Author), Douglas F. Stotz (Author), Daniel F. Lane (Author), John P. O’Neill (Author), Theodore A. Parker (Author).
- Species Lists of Birds for South American Countries and Territories. South American Classification Committee. http://www.mulsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCCountryLists.htm
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