The combination of geographical, climate and evolutionary factors mean that there are 1,830 different bird species in Peru (according to the official lists of SACC/CRAP), which makes it an exceptional place for birdwatching
Peru is the second of the twelve megadiverse countries. 70% of the biological diversity of the planet is concentrated within its borders. According to the Holdridge classification, it has 84 of the 117 zones of life registered on the earth. Its location in the central-west of the South American continent, the two currents that feed its coasts and the presence of the Andes Mountains create the ideal conditions for such diversity
There is also huge potential for future scientific discoveries at species and subspecies level in areas of the country that are relatively inaccessible and that, as a result of their isolation, may add new records of species not previously known.
Peru has more bird species than North America and Europe put together. It records the largest number of endemic species in the world (more than 120). Over the past three decades an average of two new species has been discovered each year.
The largest flying bird in the world (the Andean Condor -Vulturgriphus) is found in Peru, as well as the second smallest bird on the planet (Short-tailed Hummingbird -Myrmiamicrura).
Our country holds the world record for the largest number of birds observed in one day without the use of motorized vehicles. This was a total of 331 birds spotted in the Biological Station of Cocha Cashu, in Manu National Park. The record was set by Ted A. Parker III and Scott Robinson in 1982.
Three principal birdwatching routes have been developed that allow birdwatchers to cover a great many zones of life, crossing the country from west to east in the form of transects at different altitudes, with the corresponding variation in birdlife. It is possible to record lists of several hundred species on each trip.