The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism announced on May 6 that Peru will participate in the Global Big Day, an international birdwatching event, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The ministry is encouraging citizens across the country to join this global effort to observe and record as many bird species as possible in a single day.
Global Big Day brings together thousands of people worldwide who use the eBird platform to document birds over a 24-hour period. This initiative provides valuable data for science and biodiversity conservation while raising awareness about each nation’s natural heritage. The event coincides with World Migratory Bird Day, highlighting seasonal migrations from the southern to northern hemisphere.
With around 1,900 bird species—119 of which are endemic—Peru is recognized as one of the world’s premier destinations for birdwatching. Notable species include the marvelous spatuletail hummingbird (Loddigesia mirabilis), white-winged guan (Penelope albipennis), bearded mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis), and yellow-scarfed tanager (Iridosornis reinhardti). “El Global Big Day es una oportunidad única para que todos los peruanos conecten con nuestra biodiversidad y, al mismo tiempo, contribuyan al posicionamiento del país como líder mundial en turismo de naturaleza. Invitamos a los jóvenes y viajeros a participar activamente y ser parte de este gran movimiento global,” said José Reyes, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Since its first participation in 2015, Peru has consistently ranked among the top countries in terms of recorded bird species during Global Big Day. The country has achieved first place twice and secured second place in 2025 with observations from more than one thousand participants nationwide.
Participation is open to everyone by creating a free account on eBird (https://ebird.org/home) and submitting lists of observed birds from any location between May 9 and before May 12 for inclusion in official results. Suggested locations include urban parks or natural areas such as Lomas de Lachay or Pantanos de Villa near Lima; nationally recognized routes span sites like Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, Marañón Valley, Abra Patricia, Moyobamba-Tarapoto corridor in San Martín; Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve; Pacaya Samiria National Park; Los Manglares de Tumbes Sanctuary; Cerros de Amotape National Park; among others.
Beyond observation opportunities, organizers say that Global Big Day supports sustainable tourism development by promoting local economies tied to ecotourism activities. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism contributes to cultural progress by fostering sustainable tourism strategies alongside trade facilitation efforts throughout Peru’s regions according to the official website.
