Photographing the Bright Colors of Hummingbirds in Peru

Peru is home to some of the most stunning species of hummingbirds in the world! Capturing these tiny flying jewels on camera can be challenging, but it’s worth it to witness their dazzling colors and graceful flight.

Capture Hummingbirds in their Natural Habitat

The best way to photograph hummingbirds is by capturing them in their natural habitat. Make sure to use a telephoto lens, so that you can maintain a safe distance and allow the birds to naturally interact with their environment. It’s also important to stay still and patient; wait for the birds to come to you instead of trying to approach them. This will help you get clearer photos and capture subtle details.

There are 125 hummingbird species in Peru, making it a great destination for bird watching and photography. Some of the most common and colorful include the Andean Hillstar, Buff-tailed Coronet, Giant Hummingbird, Peruvian Sheartail, Violet-fronted Brilliant and Sparkling Violetear. Most of these birds are possible to see year-round across much of Peru’s many habitats from the tropical lowlands to the high andes.

Endemic Hummingbirds of Peru

Here is a list of all the hummingbird species that are present only in Peru:

1. Marvelous Spatuletail
2. Green-and-white hummingbird
3. Koepcke’s Hermit
4. Gray-bellied Comet
5. Bronze-tailed Comet
6. Bearded Mountaineer
7. Coppery Metaltail
8. Spot-throated Hummingbird
9. Fire-throated Metaltail
10. Black-breasted Hillstar
11. Purple-backed Sunbeam
12. White-tufted Sunbeam
13. Peruvian Piedtail
14. Black Metaltail

We can find these species in a variety of habitats throughout Peru, including the Andean highlands, dry forests, humid forests, and cloud forests. They are important pollinators and play a vital role in the health of Peru’s ecosystems.

Find Good Locations to Photograph Hummingbirds.

Here are a few tips for finding good locations to photograph hummingbirds in Peru:

1. Visit national parks and nature reserves: These protected areas are home to a wide variety of hummingbird species. Often have a variety of flowering plants that the birds visit for nectar. Some examples of national parks and nature reserves in Peru where you might find hummingbirds include Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, Machu Picchu, and Huascarán National Park.
2. Look for areas with a variety of flowering plants: Hummingbirds are attract to nectar-rich flowers, so finding areas with a diverse array of flowering plants is a good way to increase your chances of seeing these birds. Gardens, parks, and other areas with flowering plants can be good places to look for hummingbirds.
3. Consider hiring a guide: Local birding guides and tour companies can be a great resource for finding good locations to photograph hummingbirds. They can often take you to areas where hummingbirds are known to be present and can provide information about the habits and behavior of the birds you are trying to photograph.
4. Be patient and stay quiet: Hummingbirds can be skittish, so it’s important to be patient and stay quiet when trying to photograph them. Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, and try to blend in with your surroundings.
5. Use a telephoto lens: A telephoto lens will allow you to capture close-up shots of hummingbirds without disturbing them. A lens with a focal length of at least 300mm or more is a good choice for photographing hummingbirds.

Learn About the Habitats of Hummingbirds in Peru

Peru is home to a wide variety of hummingbird species, which can be find in a range of habitats throughout the country. Here is a brief overview of some of the habitats in which hummingbirds can be find in Peru:

1. Tropical rainforests: A high rainfall is the characteristic of these habitats, high temperatures, and a diversity of plant and animal life. Located in the lowland regions of Peru, such as the Amazon rainforest, and provide ideal conditions for many species of hummingbirds like the beautiful Rufous-crested coquette.
2. Cloud forests: The main characteristic is a high humidity and a diverse array of vegetation, and generally cooler temperature, which makes it suitable for many bird species and also hummingbirds, who thrive with the abundance of food source. These mountain forests, often shrouded in clouds, mist, and fog, at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters in the Andes, provide suitable habitat for high-altitude hummingbirds.
3. Andean paramo habitats: These are high-elevation grasslands and shrublands that are located above the tree line in the Andes. Characterized by low temperatures, high winds, and a limited diversity of plant life. Some species of hummingbirds, such as the Andean Hillstar and the Great Sapphirewing, are restrict to these habitats.
4. Coastal deserts: This habitats are located in the dry coastal area of Peru, characterized by very low precipitation, high temperatures, and sparse vegetation. The Peruvian Sheartail is an example of species of hummingbirds which can be find in this habitat.

To see these birds, you can visit national parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas where these habitats are preserved. It may also be possible to see hummingbirds in gardens and other areas where flowering plants are present.

Explore the Best Bird-Watching Locations in Peru.

Peru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 1,800 species of birds found within its borders. Here are some of the best places to go birdwatching in Peru:

1. Tambopata National Reserve: Located in the Amazon rainforest in southeastern Peru, this reserve is home to more than 600 species of birds, including the Peruvian piedtail, the Golden-tailed-Sapphire, and the Wire-crested-Thorntail.
2. Manu National Park: Located in the Amazon Basin in southeastern Peru, this park is home to more than 1,000 species of birds, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the hoatzin, and the purple-throated fruitcrow.
3. Machu Picchu: Bird watching is a popular activity that many people enjoy, and it can be even more enjoyable when combined with the exploration of some of the world’s most beautiful tourist attractions. Machu Picchu, located in Peru, is one such attraction that should not be missed. With its stunning architecture, lush landscapes and rich history, Machu Picchu is a must-see for any bird watcher.
4. Pantanos de Villa Reserve: Located near Lima, this reserve is home to a variety of wetland birds, including the puna ibis, the black-necked stilt, and the Chilean flamingo.
5. Huascarán National Park: Located in the Andes in north-central Peru. This park is home to a variety of highland birds, including the Andean hillstar, the purple-collared woodstar, and the amethyst-throated sunangel.
6. Lomas de Lachay National Reserve: Located near Lima, this reserve is home to a variety of desert and coastal birds, including the Peruvian sheartail, the Oasis hummingbird, and the Amazilia hummingbird.

No matter where you go birdwatching in Peru. It’s important to remember to respect the birds and their habitats, and to follow any rules and regulations in place to protect them.