Quinoa is a main crop in the Peruvian highland, very valued at present due to the nutritional qualities of its seeds, but with serious incidences of bird pests that can decrease significantly the yield. The objective of this research was the assessment of the community of granivorous birds in this crop and their levels of potential damages. A census was made in count points in the crop field, according to bird species, phenology of the crop and time of day. The importance and potential damage of bird pests were determined by analysis of stomach contents of the more abundant species. The farm field was frequented by 9523 individuals of birds from 12 species, dominated by Patagioenas maculosa (Temmink) (28.76 %), followed by Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs) (22.15 %), Sicalis uropygialis (D’Orbigny and Lafresnaye) (25.61 %), and Zonotrichia capensis (Muller) (20.28 %). The largest populations occurred at physiological maturity of the grain, during autumn months, with 35.5 % of all populations, and the lowest levels (13.2 %) at the milky grain period. Most birds were detected during morning times (23.56 %), then at midday (30.84 %) and late afternoon (25.59 %). Quinoa grains accounted for 82.66 % of the P. maculosa diet, 59.46 % of S. uropygialis, 70.13 % of Z. auriculata, and 35.9 % of Z. capensis, eating each of them approximately 23.79 g, 1.5 g, 15.54 g and 0.54 g, respectively, per day. According to the population incidences and consumption capacity, we conclude that P. maculosa and Z. auriculata may be considered key pests, and the two others, potential pests.