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See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
The first of two Giant Antpittas that silently appeared when Angel whispered "Maria," this rarity must be at least the third generation of responsive Giants named "Maria." Tour participant Marshall Dahl captured the subtleties of its beautiful plumage in his photo.
With more than 1000 species possible on our 13-day transect of northern Ecuador--from the Choco in the northwest across two Andean cordillera to the Amazon rainforest of the eastern lowlands--we were sure to see some fabulous birds. We enjoyed whatever activity there was in each area sampled, and we focused extra effort on some of the hard-to-see specialties. In the process we had some wonderful experiences with some of Ecuador's foremost prizes, many of them new to most folks in our group.
Aesthetic highlights were many! There was the excitement of our first morning afield, at beautiful Yanacocha, with dazzling pufflegs and Great Sapphirewings and Buff-winged Starfrontlets and Shining Sunbeams. And it got even better at Pacha Quindi, where Tony and Barbara enthusiastically shared 17 additional species of hummers! We marveled at the big white "boots" of the tiny Booted Rackettail and the glowing head of the Buff-tailed Coronet and the incredible Violet-tailed Sylphs. Glittering hummers--one of Ecuador's strong suits--were a theme throughout the Andes, from those shining Crowned Woodnymphs and Green Thorntails, so abundant at the Milpe feeders; to the Velvet-purple Coronet and Empress Brilliant at Refugio Paz; to the Chestnut-breasted Coronet and the Sword-bill at Guango; and we were still seeing a new hummer, the scarce and local Blue-headed Sapphire, on our final afternoon of the tour! All told, we saw an impressive 54 species.
Almost as dazzling as the hummers were the many colorful tanagers, especially the mountain-tanagers and Tangaras. From those first Scarlet-bellied and Blue-winged mountain-tanagers on our first day to the many Opal-rumped, Opal-crowned, and Paradise tanagers foraging in "our canopy tree" at Sacha, we were awed by their colors and patterns.
Another of Ecuador's strong suits is its antpittas. Though not so colorful as hummers and tanagers, they can be equally intoxicating, especially when one can see them well. This was certainly an antpitta trip! The fact that there had been no rain on the west slope for more than a month when we visited Refugio Paz de las Aves likely contributed to our success there; earthworms are surely harder to find when the soil is dry, making a free handout more attractive. Angel & Rodrigo were able to show us all four of the antpittas we tried for there (Yellow-breasted, Giant, Ochre-breasted, & Moustached), as well as an habituated Rufous-breasted Antthrush! While it was tougher on the east slope (with the heavy rains), we managed to see White-bellied and Chestnut-crowned at San Isidro's feeding stations. And, with considerably more effort, we found three more species on our own (Tawny, Slate-crowned, and White-lored), totalling an amazing 9 species of antpittas! And what wonderful looks we had at most of them!
Of course, there were many highlights among additional families. In fact, our antpitta day with Angel started at an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek, where we watched the bright-red males (of the west-slope race) strutting, flapping, popping, and calling excitedly. And how about that displaying Club-winged Manakin, making its wing noise by stridulation, a process unique among vertebrates? Or those two stunning male Wire-tailed Manakins sitting side by side at their lek? What of that Black-bellied Cuckoo that came right into "our tree" in the canopy at Sacha? Those prehistoric-looking Hoatzins? Or that "San Isidro Owl"? What of that fabulous Ocellated Tapaculo or its aberrant rainforest cousin, the Rusty-belted, that sang from the forest floor as we watched? What of that handsome Collared Puffbird? Or that threesome of interacting Pied Puffbirds from the metal tower? We mustn't forget the extraordinary Toucan Barbet stuffing its bill with bananas or the many toucans and aracaris, including that male Golden-collared Toucanet bowing right below us, tail cocked, as it uttered its croaking calls. I could go on and on with all the canopy birds we saw so well from the three canopy platforms we visited; they added immensely to the quality of our experience with innumerable canopy species.
But as rarely seen birds go, the foremost on our trip were seen from ground (or water) level, usually by creeping along trails: that Chestnut-headed Crake that circled us near Providencia; that Greater Scythebill along the Guacamayos Ridge trail; that singing male Blue Seedeater in the bamboo at Septimo; and, ultimately, that cooperative female Cocha Antshrike along the beautiful Anaconda waterway at Sacha.
Read on for brief annotations on many of the additional species we encountered. Plus, we enjoyed some breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Special thanks to Marshall Dahl and Peggy Keller for sharing their many photos, including the metal canopy vista (PKeller) and the view of Pichincha from Yanacocha (MDahl) on the color cover of the printed version. Credits for other cover photos are given in the text under the species. I've embedded many more photos and a few audio cuts in the online version of this triplist. Enjoy!
The promised reference info for the book we were discussing is A Neotropical Companion: An Introduction to the Animals, Plants, and Ecosytems of the New World Tropics. By John C. Kricher, Princeton Univ. Press, 1997, ISBN 0-691-04433-3. It is on our reference list for the tour.
During our sampling of Ecuador's varied habitats, we stayed in some comfortable lodgings right in great habitats, ate some delicious food, and met some wonderful people. We owe thanks to our hosts, our local guides (especially Oscar, Wilson, Angel, & Rodrigo), and our terrific driver, Edgar, who not only transported us safely, but found us some great birds as well.
I had a great time sharing this transect of Ecuador with you guys. Now that you've sampled some of its riches, consider coming again sometime to Ecuador; there are many more birds to be seen!
Hugs,
Rose Ann
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
The Yanacocha trail winds through montane forest on the slopes of Volcan Pichincha, the peaks of which are visible in the distance. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) [*] Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
A male Sapphire-vented Puffleg at Yanacocha, photographed by participant Peggy Keller, lands with its "pufflegs" extended.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis)
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (IBIS) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
This Double-toothed Kite had settled on the cable along the canopy walkway one late afternoon at Sacha. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller).
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (HOOK-BILLED) (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
CRESTED EAGLE (Morphnus guianensis)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor)
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps) [*]
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis)
BROWN WOOD-RAIL (Aramides wolfi) [*]
CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps)
BLACK-BANDED CRAKE (Anurolimnas fasciatus) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
The prehistoric-looking Hoatzin has an exceptionally large foregut for processing, ruminant-style, large quantities of leaves, especially those of the Araceae (Arum or Philodendron family), like the large leaves seen in the background of this photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b] Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata bourcieri) [*]
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
This responsive Black-bellied Cuckoo called from a tree right below our wooden canopy platform in a big ceiba at Sacha. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata)
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
The "San Isidro Owl" is intermediate in plumage between Black-and-white Owl, of the west-slope lowlands and foothills, and Black-banded Owl, of the eastern lowlands. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*] "BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
A male White-necked Jacobin, one of 54 species of hummingbirds we saw on the tour (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (ASH-RUMPED) (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri)
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae ludovicae)
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans)
At Mindo Loma we had wonderful studies of this male Violet-tailed Sylph, a species widespread at middle elevations on the west slope. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis)
This Viridian Metaltail was extremely responsive to playback at Papallacta Pass, despite the cold and the rain. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna gracilis)
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum microrhynchum)
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami primolinus)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis luciani luciani)
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis)
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena obscura)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus)
A female Buff-tailed Coronet was feeding nestlings in a beautiful moss- and lichen-covered nest at Pacha Quindi. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) [N]
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (NORTHERN GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania colombica verticeps)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus)
Velvet-purple Coronet, photographed at Mindo Loma by participant Peggy Keller
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae viridiceps) PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
BLUE-HEADED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis grayi)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) [N]
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
COLLARED TROGON (COLLARED) (Trogon collaris virginalis)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) [*]
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
These Crowned (Northern Green-crowned) Woodnymphs were absolutely dazzling at the Milpe feeders. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) [*]
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) [*]
This Toucan Barbet was carrying large beakfuls of bananas away from the feeders, presumably to feed its young. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
This Crimson-rumped Toucanet was drinking from a bromeliad at Refugio Paz de las Aves. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus)
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris)
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris spilorhynchus)
The Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan is named for the yellow "plates" on the sides of its bill; they project slightly out from the bill. Listen to the audio cut below to hear its distinctive raspy call. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) COLLARED ARACARI (STRIPE-BILLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus harterti) YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) [*]
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus lineatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) [*]
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
A handsome Choco Toucan, flying over our lodging at Septimo Paraiso (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus semitorquatus) [*] BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (MAROON-TAILED) (Pyrrhura melanura melanura) [*]
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma)
Hordes of Dusky-headed Parakeets were landing on the riverbank clay lick, where they come every day or so to ingest a beakful or two of the mineral-rich clay that is thought to contain chemicals that neutralize certain poisons in their fruity diet. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata)
Heading across Pilchicocha toward Sacha Lodge, Oscar in the bow (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola tigrinus) BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii)
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus)
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) [*]
COCHA ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus praecox) [E]
This Chestnut-crowned Antpitta at San Isidro was getting a free meal for showing up! (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius)
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) [*]
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps occidentalis)
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
Yellow-breasted Antpitta was the first of four species of antpittas we saw in one morning at Refugio Paz de las Aves. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*] WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota)
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus)
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul maculifer) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps)
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra)
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Myrmeciza zeledoni macrorhyncha) [*]
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius)
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus)
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
Named "Shakira" for the dance it does with its rear end, this Ochre-breasted Antpitta put on a show for us. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
GIANT ANTPITTA (Grallaria gigantea hylodroma) MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni andaquiensis)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla)
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)
"Pepito," Angel's habituated Rufous-breasted Antthrush, also came for earthworms. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis quitensis) WHITE-LORED ANTPITTA (Hylopezus fulviventris)
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris)
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED) (Grallaricula nana nana)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus)
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans)
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus)
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus carrikeri)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus) [*]
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina tyrannina) [*]
Our view upon arrival at Sacha Lodge, on the edge of Pilchicocha, a blackwater oxbow lake surrounded by palms (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (LAFRESNAYE'S) (Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides) [*]
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) [*]
One of several Montane Woodcreepers that gathered each morning along the path to the San Isidro dining area to feed on moths concentrated there by the lights overnight. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
GREATER SCYTHEBILL (Drymotoxeres pucheranii) MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis)
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus) [*]
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) [*]
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens) [*]
Early morning vista from the balcony of the newly remodeled dining room at Cabanas San Isidro (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola)
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata flammulata)
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa fuliginosa)
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula) [*]
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media)
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) [*]
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus)
We encountered fog, rain, and snow on the ground in the paramo above Papallacta Pass. (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatis) TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus aequatorialis)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis)
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops) [*]
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
This Choco Tyrannulet, as split from Golden-faced Tyrannulet, was our constant companion at the Rio Silanche tower. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri) [*]
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum)
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) [*]
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris)
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) [*]
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis)
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons)
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus)
This pair of Crested Owls was awakening at their day roost in the late afternoon at Sacha. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis hellmayri) [*]
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor) [N]
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus)
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) [b]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
A male Andean Cock-of-the-rock at a lek at Refugio Paz (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana)
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana)
DUSKY PIHA (Lipaugus fuscocinereus) [*]
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans)
Pipridae (Manakins)
Male Club-winged Manakin on its display perch at Milpe Reserve (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) [*]
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola) [*]
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra mentalis)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex)
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
A flowering and fruiting tree below the tallest platform in the metal walkway was attracting a host of birds, including this Black-tailed Tityra. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) [*]
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Hylophilus hypoxanthus)
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) [*]
LESSER GREENLET (GRAY-HEADED) (Hylophilus decurtatus minor)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
Birding from the wooden tower in the big ceiba at Sacha (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) [N]
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina murina)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) [N]
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans) [N]
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
Black-mantle Tamarins were a daily occurrence behind Julie's and Peggy's cabins at Sacha. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) [*] CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya)
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus) [*]
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
SLATE-THROATED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila schistaceigula)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
Early morning light on Pilchicocha (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (SLATY-BACKED) (Catharus fuscater fuscater)
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) [*]
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
PALE-VENTED THRUSH (Turdus obsoletus)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) [*]
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
Its all-black undertail showing, this Golden-headed Quetzal flew in overhead along the lower Nono-Mindo road. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus fulviventris) GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater quindio)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
Flame-faced Tanager, one of the fancy Tangaras, this one at Finca Paz (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus melanotis melanotis)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus palpebrosus)
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager at Finca Paz (Photo by participant Marshall Dahl)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris erythronotus) BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus quaesita)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus coelestis)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala cyanocephala)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
A Beryl-spangled Tanager in a fruiting melastome at Finca Paz (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara rufigula) [*]
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides labradorides)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii)
Representing the colorful genus Tangara, this Golden Tanager from Refugio Paz lit up the forest, as did the many other Tangaras we encountered throughout the trip. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) BLUE-WHISKERED TANAGER (Tangara johannae)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata egregia)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
This Masked Flowerpiercer, a nectarivore that adapts readily to taking syrup from hummingbird feeders, was common at Yanacocha. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis aterrima) WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera albilatera)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens media)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae) [*]
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
When we first reached the tallest platform of the metal canopy walkway, we found this Flat-headed Bromeliad Treefrog (Osteocephalus sp.) atop the rope. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis) Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon brunneinucha frontalis)
TRICOLORED BRUSH-FINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes tricolor crassus)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus)
WHITE-WINGED BRUSH-FINCH (WHITE-WINGED) (Atlapetes leucopterus leucopterus) [N]
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus)
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
Four hours later, as the day heated up, the same Flat-headed Bromeliad Treefrog had completely changed colors! (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster) BLUE SEEDEATER (BLUE) (Amaurospiza concolor aequatorialis)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
Sunset from the canopy walkway at Sacha (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) [N]
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) [N]
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
Three Three-striped Night Monkeys peek out from their tree hollow on a cloudy day. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus capitalis)
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
PYGMY MARMOSET (Cebuella pygmaea)
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis)
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus trivirgatus)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
AMAZON DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus flaviventer)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
This tarantula lived in a hole under one of the steps leading to our cabins at Sacha. It emerged at night. (Photo by participant Peggy Keller)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
In addition to the birds and mammals listed above, we encountered a nice sampling of other critters of note, most of them in the rainforest at Sacha:
--Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) - fairly common along the edges of Pilchicocha, as detected by their bright eyeshine at night; one medium-sized one seems to be resident under the dining room; and we watched one big one behind the open-air bar-b-que area on stilts.
--Turnip-tailed Gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) - A pair of these big-headed, leaf-toed geckos seemed to have adopted the walls of the cabins Marshall and I were in as their nocturnal foraging grounds. The blue tail was likely regrowing after an a "close call" of some sort. The cover photo was by MDahl.
--Common Ameiva (Ameiva ameiva petersi) - The large lizard several of us encountered near our cabins during the breaks seems to have been of this species. They often bask in the sun at forest edges or in clearings.
--Common Neotropical Skink (Mabuya mabouya) - The common, smooth-skinned skink we saw several times moving among the leaves along the trails.
--The snake coiled in a tree above the riverside clay lick Oscar called a "Red-tailed Boa," which is a subspecies of Boa constrictor. Examining the plates (long afterward!), I wasn't sure it wasn't a smaller Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria). If anyone got a photo of it, please send it and we'll check it out.
--Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) - These were the many turtles with the spotted cheeks we saw mostly along the Napo, but also right on Pichicocha.
--Giant Toad (Bufo marinus) - We saw a big one near the dining room while we were looking for screech-owls.
--Flat-headed Bromeliad Treefrog (Osteocephalus sp.? cf planiceps) - This is what Oscar called the fabulous frog on the rope railing of the metal canopy walkway. It amazed us by changing colors during the sunny morning from blackish with rust mottling to almost entirely white with pale yellowish mottling!
--The yellow-eyed frog that we photographed under the light near our meeting place I had trouble confirming. Oscar suggested Scinax garbei, but my photos don't match what I could find online, and we don't seem to have enough information to key it out using "The Biology of an Equatorial Herpetofauna in Amazonian Ecuador." So I'm left baffled by this one. Let me know if any of you figure it out.
Beyond the herps, there were the colorful butterflies (including the one on the cover taken by MDahl) and moths, the tarantulas and other spiders, and the impressive cuicas, or Giant Earthworms.
Totals for the tour: 508 bird taxa and 11 mammal taxa