Duration
Half Day
Difficulty
Easy, Easy
600 feet (139 meters)
Half Day / Morning
by Bus
All year
The Cachuela Blue-Headed Parrot, also known as the Blue-Headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus), is a species of parrot found in parts of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin. It is known for its vibrant blue plumage on the head and neck, which contrasts with its green body.
One interesting behavior exhibited by the Cachuela Blue-Headed Parrot is its clay lick usage. Clay licks, also known as “collpas,” are specific sites where various bird species gather to consume clay. The clay contains minerals that are essential for the birds’ diet, especially sodium and other nutrients that may be lacking in their regular food sources.
The Cachuela Blue-Headed Parrots, along with other parrot species and parakeets, visit clay licks to ingest the clay. These clay licks are often located along riverbanks or in specific areas of the rainforest. The parrots congregate in large numbers, creating a vibrant and noisy spectacle.
The clay lick behavior is believed to serve several purposes for the parrots. Firstly, the clay helps neutralize toxins that may be present in their diet, such as certain compounds found in fruits and seeds. Additionally, the clay may aid in digestion by absorbing harmful substances and promoting the elimination of parasites.
Which are smaller parrots belonging to various genera, can also be seen visiting clay licks. Parakeets often flock together in large numbers and exhibit similar behavior to the Cachuela Blue-Headed Parrots when visiting clay licks.
Clay licks are not limited to parrots and parakeets. Many other bird species, including macaws, toucans, and other wildlife like tapirs and deer, also visit these sites to obtain essential minerals.
The phenomenon of clay licking is a fascinating behavior observed in many bird species, and it provides valuable insights into their dietary needs and ecological interactions. It also offers opportunities for researchers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts to observe and study these colorful and charismatic avian species in their natural habitats.
La Cachuela Parrot Clay Lick is a famous natural attraction located in the Amazon rainforest in Puerto Maldonado, Peru. It is famous for its lively and diverse bird population, especially parrots and macaws that flock to the mudflats to feed on the mineral-rich clay. Here are some of the highlights of La Cachuela’s Parrot Clay Lick:
Impressive bird diversity: La Cachuela Parrot Clay Lick attracts a variety of bird species, including blue-headed parrots, parakeets, Amazon parrots and more. The sight of these colorful birds against the backdrop of lush rainforests is truly breathtaking.
Daily Morning Activities: Mud licking usually occurs in the early morning hours when birds land on the mud banks. This is a great time to see the birds’ vibrant plumage and observe their social behaviors such as arguments, courtship and feeding rituals.
Mineral Rich Clay: Birds love to lick clay because of the minerals it contains. Clay contains essential minerals such as sodium, calcium and potassium, which have a beneficial effect on bird nutrition and overall health. Birds eat clay to supplement their diet and help digest certain foods.
Natural environment: La Cachuela Parrot Clay Lick is located in the pristine Amazon rainforest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Clay Lick is surrounded by tall trees, lush vegetation and forest sounds, creating an unforgettable experience.
Photo opportunities: The vibrant colors of parrots and macaws combined with the lush greenery of the rainforest make La Cachuela Parrot Clay Lick a wildlife photographer’s paradise. Capturing birds in flight or on clay banks can produce great photographs.
Ecotourism and Conservation: Clay Lick is frequented by tourists interested in ecotourism and bird watching. Local guides and tour operators provide an educational experience that emphasizes the importance of protecting birds and their habitats. A visit to La Cachuela’s Parrot Clay Lick contributes to the local economy and conservation efforts.
Note that specific experiences and highlights may vary depending on the season and bird behavior. We always recommend that you contact your local travel agent or tour guide for the latest information and the best time to visit.
Experience the enchanting wonders of the Tambopata National Reserve by indulging in a rejuvenating break amidst the heart of the jungle.
Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the renowned “Sandoval Lake,” an exquisite natural attraction teeming with vibrant flora and fauna.
Embark on the exhilarating journey known as the LA CACHUELA PARROTS CLAY LICK tour. This extraordinary adventure commences at daybreak as we board our boat and venture upstream along the Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes.
En route, you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking splendor of a radiant sunrise bestowed upon us by nature itself.
Upon reaching our destination, the clay lick known as “La Cachuela,” we equip ourselves with essential bird-watching tools such as binoculars and telescopes.
Prepare to be enchanted as you observe an array of medium-sized macaws, parrots, parakeets, and, if fortunate, even spot sloths perched upon the river cliffs. On particularly favorable days, it is possible to witness up to seven different species of these magnificent birds.
Only during the morning hours, these avian creatures flock to partake in ingesting clay rich in mineral salts. Notably, research suggests that this clay also aids in enhancing the birds’ digestion and metabolism.
Following this Sandoval Lake and Cachuela Parrrots Clay Lick, we make our way back to the city of Puerto Maldonado, enriched by the memories of an extraordinary day spent amidst nature’s wonders.
Group Service US$80 per person:
Private Personalized Service Price per person US$180
(04-06ppl Average – 08ppl Maximum)
To confirm the tour/trek we need you to send us your personal information: Full Names, Passport Numbers, Nationalities, Ages, Gender as well as a deposit to secure the trip/tour.
For Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) – Manu National Park We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
As soon as you had sent us all your personal information as well as the deposit we will send you a Trip Confirmation by email.
Please, After your deposit, send Us, Transfer Number to: peruamazongardenlodge@gmail.com, After we are going to confirm your deposit and reservation.
A parrot clay lick, also known as a clay lick or clay lick wall, is a specialized area where parrots and other birds gather to consume clay. These clay licks are commonly found in certain areas of the Amazon rainforest, especially in South America. Clay contains important minerals and nutrients that support the bird’s digestion and overall health. A large number of parrots and other birds come here to lick the clay, creating an impressive and colorful sight.
Parrots lick clay and can be found throughout the Amazon rainforest, mainly in countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia. Specific examples include upper tambopata, Yasuni National Park in Ecuador, and Manu National Park in Peru. These areas allow visitors to observe and enjoy the lively sight of parrots and other birds that flock to Clay Lick.
Parrots ingest the clay by licking it, providing it with essential minerals and nutrients. Clay helps neutralize dietary toxins, aids digestion, and provides minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium. The clay is also thought to help parrots neutralize the effects of certain plant toxins they ingest while foraging in the rainforest. Clay licking is essential to your parrot’s overall health and well-being.
Yes, many travel agencies and hotels in the Amazon rainforest offer tours or excursions to see parrots licking clay. These tours often give visitors the spectacular sight of hundreds or even thousands of parrots and other birds congregating on loaves of clay. Local guides provide information about the birds and their behavior, enhancing the overall experience. It is important to choose a reputable and responsible tour operator that prioritizes the welfare of birds and the protection of their habitats.
As a natural phenomenon, clay-licking parrots are not endangered. However, the parrot species that visit the mud licks may be threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade. Because of these factors, some parrot species are threatened or endangered. Conservation measures are important to protect the habitats of parrots and other wildlife, including the protection of clay acorns, to ensure the long-term survival of these species.
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We are a 100% local amazon guided tours based in Puerto Maldonado, specializing in the incredible biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve. Our experienced team is passionate about sharing the beauty and richness of the jungle with travelers from around the world. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, we offer safe, meaningful, and immersive experiences designed to connect you deeply with the Amazon rainforest
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