Slender Billed Kite

Slender billed kite

Images of this Slender Billed kite were taken May 21, 2018 by  Anthony Giardenelli owner/operator Otorongo Expeditions Amazon River Lodge. It was a family outing, a swift visit to Fossil Creek Wildlife Reserve by boat.

During the High water season, we can drive right into the reserve through a trail we maintain the rest of the year by foot.

It was a quick visit to the reserve to check the trail cameras, for my children it would be the second time they made it in. Each time they visit they learn more and even start to point out the wildlife to me!

On our way back through the trail, we noticed this magnificent raptor which I first believed to be a hook billed kite due to the colorful skin around its orbits.   I archived the shot until recently. Time went by and while reviewing the images I have been stocking up on,  began to doubt the  ID as a hook billed kite, so a bit of investigation and consulting came into play. 

The Facebook group Birds of Peru has a few ornithological experts and the wisdom bestowed is priceless!

Daniel Lane a renown ornithologist and illustrator from Louisiana State University managed to ID this rarity in an instant. Thanks Dan!

We have a research center in plan to tend to such illustrious guests. As well as other biological investigators to study in the Terra Firme forest that borders the lowermost varzea of the Napo River where it meets the Amazon. There are plenty of things to keep biologists busy!

The area of Fossil Creek Wildlife Reserve is special for having the small ranged Black-headed Ant bird and holds mysteries of the diversification of birds and fish in lowland Peruvian Amazon. Adding another bird to the list for the Amazon River Lodge

For birdwatching trips around the Amazon River, Loreto-Peru contact us and we can show you some rarities!