For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
One of the highlights of our visit to Ecuador's rainforests was watching a flock of Cobalt-winged Parakeets at the clay-lick ay Yasuni National Park. Not only did we see the spectacle of all of these little parrots, we also saw a Bicolored Hawk capture one, right in front of us! Plus we had a great view of a Brazilian Tapir; be sure to look at the video later in this trip-list! Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
This tour covered some of the most fascinating and diverse habitats of the northern part of Ecuador, as we visited the impressive Andes mountains, and the rainforest on both the west and east sides. We stayed at very comfortable lodges in the foothills (Septimo Paraiso on the west) and (San Isidro on the east), and ended in the Amazon Rainforest (Sacha Lodge).
The weather in the west was great, with overcast days and no rain at all. Some days we even had a few hours of sunlight that gave us the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery. Yanacocha was a full display of hummingbirds like Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing and the incredible Swordbill. Some of the colorful mountain tanagers were around but the best was the scarce Black-chested. The day at Silanche was great and the small tower worked well for us. Do you remember that tree full of Choco Toucans? That was quite a sight..!
But the best sighting was the Bat Falcon eating the poor Green Honeycreeper. The Cock-of-the-rock lek really rocked, with many males displaying, and the Toucan Barbets coming to the bananas during our breakfast time were wonderful. The highlands at Papallacta were full of activity, with an Andean Condor that flew by, the super-camouflaged Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, and to give some contrast, the stunning Ecuadorian Hillstar and the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. What beauties!
The birds on the east were, of course, different, and we enjoyed watching the Torrent Ducks in full display along the Cosanga River. San Isidro Lodge's garden was fantastic for Sickle-winged Guans, many colorful Green Jays, Powerful Woodpeckers, and Grass-green Tanagers. The morning near Cocodrilos was crazy with unique Tanagers like Orange-eared, Rufous-crested, and Flame-faced, just to mention a few, plus a Crested Quetzal.
Sacha Lodge in the Amazon worked out well. Black-headed Parrots were some of the most colorful birds that we saw. We were surprised by a Brazilian Tapir that came to drink some water at the clay lick, followed by a Bicolored Hawk that got a parakeet for lunch.
In all, it was a full combination of birding and fun. Thank you so much, to all of you! I'm so glad that you came to experience the beauty of Ecuador with me!
Keep birding,
Willy.
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
The lovely Golden Tanager was just one of many gorgeous tanager species that we saw. This one is enjoying a banana at one of the feeders. Photo by participant Wayne Kittle.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) – We had a full display of a male trying conquer a female. We though that he did his job when both jumped together from the rock straight into the rapids. It was a wow! moment!
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – A pair was present the first day at Yanacocha.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – This big guan was seen a couple of times at Sacha.
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – Opposite to the lodge in Septimo we managed to scope one that was doing the afternoon calls; the contrast between the blue bill and the yellow wattles was cool.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
This Sunbittern seems to be keeping a close eye on us! Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – A pair was around at Angel's feeding station.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – Several were along the Napo River.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
Participant Paul Kittle captured this video of a Brazilian Tapir, wading around in the clay lick where we saw the Cobalt-winged Parakeets. Be sure to have the sound up when you watch this, as you can hear the parakeets and other birds in the background.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – A young one was seen at Yanacocha the first day, and an adult at Papallacta Pass.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (HOOK-BILLED) (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) – It was very impressive to see this species catching a Cobalt-winged Parakeet at the parrot clay lick.
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
PLUMBEOUS HAWK (Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea)
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – Soaring at San Isidro.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – Great looks of a bird soaring at Yanacocha.
We got a marvelous view of this Chestnut-crowned Antpitta at Paz de los Aves. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) – We had quick but good looks at this handsome crake at Laguna Pilchecocha.
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (RUFOUS-FACED) (Laterallus albigularis albigularis) [*]
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – The level of the water being low helped us to see the Sungrebe a couple of times along the canal.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – A small flock of this truly Andean bird surprised us below Yanacocha. It is low for them, but we have seen them before in that area.
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi latreillii) – As usual the antennas in Papallacta were the best place to find this species. For such a cryptic bird, the color pattern is so unique.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
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) – This Choco endemic was seen at Silanche from the tower.
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
SAPPHIRE QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon saphirina) [*]
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
Squirrel Cuckoos are common, but fun to see. This one is enjoying a sun-bath at Sacha Lodge. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – We had great views of this crazy bird eating leaves from the Montricardia plant.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – The usual spot in Sacha worked well for this species.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – This is the one that we saw at San Isidro Lodge.
The male Velvet-purple Coronet is a very dark hummingbird, but has some surprising color under its wings. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – We found one roosting at Angel's place.
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra) – A female with a baby was seen under the bridge at Angel's reserve.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – One that looked like a dead branch was roosting along the Napo river, also we saw a head of a baby.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHESTED SWIFT (Cypseloides lemosi)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Great looks at them in different places during the trip.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (OCCIDENTALIS) (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis) – Seen at Silanche.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (ASH-RUMPED) (Chaetura cinereiventris sclateri) – Seen at Sacha.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – This bird looks like an insect, with a very skinny body and long forked tail. They were common at Sacha.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) [N]
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – Seen in different places in the west.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – Scope views of this hermit on our way back from the tower at Sacha.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi) – One juvenile was catching insects in the lower part of Angel's reserve.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
Ecuador has so many wonderful hummingbirds! Here is a small sample, captured by participant Wayne Kittle at a feeder at Septimo Paraiso. How many species do you recognize here?
LESSER VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri cyanotus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Scope views of a male were fantastic at Sacha.
GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – These were numerous at San Isidro.
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) – They were very numerous in the west, especially males.
We saw this impressive male Powerful Woodpecker on Las Caucheras Road near San Isidro. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – Fantastic scope views of this very high elevation hummingbird.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) – The best ones were at San Jose's garden with a couple of males around.
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum microrhynchum)
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi)
RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani herrani) – Ann really enjoyed watching the rainbow colors on a male that we found in Papallacta.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis luciani luciani) – Few at Yanacocha.
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) – Only one bird came to the feeders at Yanacocha, but one was enough, right?
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis) – There were many of them at Yanacocha.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena obscura)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – During our lunch time at Yanacocha, a pair were showing off their super long bills.... How can they carry it?
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) – Seen at Guango.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) – Seen on the west slope.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – This should be the most colorful hummingbird of all; also is a Choco endemic.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri leucura)
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – This was the largest hummingbird at Angel's garden.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas peruviana)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor) – A female was present at San Isidro.
We saw these wise-looking Crested Owls at Sacha Lodge. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (NORTHERN GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania colombica verticeps)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – This not so colorful hummingbird is the one that we saw on the islands.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae viridiceps)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – A couple were seen at the restaurant Susanita on our way to Coca.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps)
The Kapok Tower at Sacha affords a birds'-eye view of the forest. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – A pair was looking for a place to nest along the Anaconda Creek in Sacha.
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – The Kapok tower gave us a face to face look at a male of this species; we could easily see the yellow eye ring.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) [*]
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)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – Great looks along the Orchid Creek in Sacha.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) [*]
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – A pair was seen at the entrance of Septimo Paraiso.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Very numerous along the Napo River, always perching on dead trees.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea)
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) [*]
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – This big jacamar was seen on our way from the metal tower.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens)
ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) – This fantastic Choco endemic surprised us during our breakfast in Angel's house.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta)
Here is another example of the diversity of hummingbirds we saw: a Purple-bibbed Whitetip from Quinde Luna. Photo by participant Wayne Kittle.
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus)
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – This stunning Choco endemic showed up nicely along the Old Nono Mindo road.
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) – These were the ones that were adorning the dead tree at Silanche... at least 7 of them.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus harterti)
We heard this Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan calling along the Old Nono Mindo Road, and got a great look at it, too! Video by participant Paul Kittle.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus fumigatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris) – The car park at San Isidro was a true success for this species.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) – A pair seen from the tower at Silanche.
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – What a sight of male and female on the Anaconda Creek! They didn't even notice us.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus lineatus) – Heard at Sacha. [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) – Seen at Silanche.
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) – A nice male showed up at Las Caucheras road in San Isidro.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Few of them seen in Sacha.
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
Black-Mantle Tamarin is an attractive non-avian species that we saw at Sacha Lodge. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – Eating a Green Honeycreeper at Silanche.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – A few hundreds came to the clay lick at Yasuni National Park.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – A pair was spotted from the tower at Silanche.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
Golden-naped Tanagers also like bananas! Participant Wayne Kittle took this photo at Paz de las Aves.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – Fantastic views from the both towers at Sacha.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (CHOCO) (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) – Few flocks were around Silanche for great scope views.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (MAROON-TAILED) (Pyrrhura melanura melanura)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Few in flight, but the best ones were sitting for scope views from the metal tower at Sacha.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus)
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
The cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe is found at high elevations, such as Papallacta Pass. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Isleria hauxwelli)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – A male came close and we could even see the checkered throat.
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – A very responsive male stayed calling for a while during our way to Sacha Lodge the first day.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps occidentalis) – This bird lives in bamboo; we saw it at San Isidro
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – We had to work a bit on the island for this species, but we were paid back when one came up to us in the open.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes hyperythrus)
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul maculifer) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Akletos melanoceps)
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Hafferia fortis)
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi) [*]
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) [*]
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – We could see the dotted back on this one in the flooded forest at Sacha.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni andaquiensis) – A pair came to eat the worms fed by Angel.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla) – Fantastic views at Angel's reserve.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) – Coming to eat the worms at San Isidro.
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis quitensis)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans)
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*]
PARAMO TAPACULO (Scytalopus opacus) – One responded well to a call and showed up a few times in Papallacta.
We saw this colorful Masked Flowerpiercer at Guango Lodge. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus carrikeri) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – The metal tower at Sacha worked well for this one.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) – This big woodcreeper was seen at Silanche.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – We managed to scope one from the metal tower.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
ELEGANT WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus elegans)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
The Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager is another colorful representative of this widespread tropical group. Participant Paul Kittle got this nice portrait at Paz de las Aves.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – For a brown bird, this is a very good looking one, with big buffy spots.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis)
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – Seen a couple of times near the lodge at Sacha.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – This hornero was seen in Mindo area.
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) – We saw both cinclodes in Papallacta; this is the small one with a short and smaller bill than the other species.
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior)
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes)
We saw a pair of beautiful Cream-colored Woodpeckers at Anaconda Creek. Guide Willy Perez got this image of one of them as it foraged.
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) – Every day in the garden at Septimo.
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
FLAMMULATED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes flammulatus flammulatus) [*]
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Automolus subulatus virgatus)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) – This handsome Andean bird was seen in Yanacocha and San Isidro.
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) – Very vocal, but also active in Septimo, where we saw this one.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (UNIRUFA) (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura nigrifumosa) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua) – This had a nest on the island in the Napo River; we just heard this bird. [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatus)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus aequatorialis) – People liked the tuft of this pretty bird.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – The advantage of being high on the tower gave us the chance to see the yellow crown of this small flycatcher.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea)
Participant Wayne Kittle took this video of a Toucan Barbet calling. What a great sound! ...and a great bird!
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) [*]
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis) – A pair was in front of the Silanche tower for good looks.
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – This forest flycatcher behaved well for nice views in Guacamayos trail.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Superb views of this tiny flycatcher at Silanche.
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – They came to the open in the bamboo along the road in San Isidro; the contrast between the red, yellow and black was eye catching.
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum) – Seen on the river island on the Napo.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) [*]
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Nesting at the kapok tower in Sacha.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (ZIMMER'S) (Tolmomyias assimilis obscuriceps)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Some were present in the usual place along the Loreto road.
Pichincha Volcano on a lovely clear day. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus) – Another river island specialty that we saw through the scope.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (OBSCURUS GROUP) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) – A pair was at Canon del Chiche and also at San Jose.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Seen along the Napo River, always related to water.
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis) – This good looking flycatcher showed up nicely at Yanacocha.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) – This species that likes to be close to water was seen a couple of times on both sides of the Andes.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
This Collared Inca at San Isidro posed nicely! Photo by participant Wayne Kittle.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) – The Orchid Creek was good for this species.
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus)
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – This gray colored flycatcher was seen from the Kapok tower at Sacha.
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Seen the last day at Sacha.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
Group birding on the Napo. Photo by participant Wayne Kittle.
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) [*]
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris) – Scope views a couple of times at Sacha.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus)
SNOWY-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus niveigularis) – This very handsome kingbird was seen in Silanche.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus)
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) – Big flocks flying along the Napo River.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – A male was scoped along the road to Las Caucheras; we could see the black head and yellow collar.
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) [*]
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Long looks of this cotinga through the scope, we managed to see it even with the crest open.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – One was seen flying across the Napo River.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – This fantastic blue cotinga was seen from the metal tower.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – This has more black than the previous one and was more common.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) [*]
PURPLE-THROATED COTINGA (Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema) – Normally hard to see, but this time we saw males a few times.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – A group of 4 females and one male were seen from the Kapok tower.
Participant Wayne Kittle snapped this great photo of guide Willy Perez with a Red Cactus fruit.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) [*]
GREEN MANAKIN (Cryptopipo holochlora)
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) – We worked hard at the beginning for this one, eventually we saw them a couple of times.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – We managed to see some males that were displaying on our way back from Silanche.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – A male posed nicely for some photos.
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – This tiny canopy bird was seen from both towers.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – In San Isidro they were very active along the garden.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Seen at Silanche.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – Super common at San Isidro.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina murina)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Always close to the dining room at Sacha.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) – The only wren in the paramo.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – Good views from the metal tower.
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus) [*]
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) – A pair gave us a super show when we were at the Anaconda Creek.
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unirufa) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (ANDEAN) (Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys) – Heard a lot but seen a couple of times on the foothills on both sides of the Andes
Chestnut-breasted Coronet is yet another wonderful hummingbird that we saw. This one posed for participant Paul Kittle at Sacha Lodge.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) [*]
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (LONG-BILLED) (Ramphocaenus melanurus duidae)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – We saw one the first day along the old Nono Mindo road but also on the east.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Few pairs were present in Pilchecocha lagoon at Sacha.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) [*]
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – This is the one that was mimicking all the other birds at Sacha, always confusing the guides.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater quindio)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – This yellow warbler with black crest was seen at San Isidro.
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – One was coming to the dining room at Sacha.
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – This scarce tanager was seen near Cocodrilos along the Loreto road.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Hemispingus melanotis ochraceus)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) – Another nice bird that we saw on the island on the Napo.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – Few black males with a tawny color on the head were seen at Silanche.
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – Very numerous on the west.
We had some great looks at Sickle-winged Guan in the garden of San isidro Lodge. Photo by participant Paul Kittle.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – This red and black bird was present along the creeks at Sacha.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata)
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Cnemathraupis eximia) – This scarce bird showed up several times at Yanacocha.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii) – Super scope views of the most wanted bird for Paul.
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (PALPEBROSUS GROUP) (Anisognathus lacrymosus palpebrosus)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris erythrotus) – They are quite common, but it's always a joy to watch this super colorful bird.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis darwinii) – The last tanager of the trip that we saw at San Jose hotel.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri) – A very green male was feeding near Cocodrilos, along the Loreto road.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus quaesita) – This is the one from the west.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (WHITE-EDGED) (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – The one from the east with white on the wing.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala cyanocephala)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara palmeri) – Few seen from the tower at Silanche.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – There were few of them at El Canon del Chiche.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides labradorides) – Following a mixed flock at the entrance of Septimo Paraiso.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Some seen from the the towers at Sacha.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
Guide Willy Perez got this lovely photo of a female White-tailed Trogon at Silanche.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – We saw this species on both sides of the Andes; the one on the east has a very red face.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Stunning views from the towers at Sacha.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – These were the blue ones that we saw at Sacha.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata egregia) – There were many males around the tower at Silanche, what a combination of colors!
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – The blue guy with yellow socks.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus pulcherrimus)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides decorata) – Showed up a couple of times in the dry areas near the San Jose hotel.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina) – Nice scope views near Cocodrilos, a blue bird with a yellow eye.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens media)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Few males on the island.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – At least two groups of this tanager were present at Silanche.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
In addition to the fabulous birds we saw, the rainforests of Ecuador are home to many amazing creatures, including myriad species of insects! Participant Paul Kittle got this photo of a pair of bizarre-looking Walking Sticks.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus)
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus) – One came to eat bananas at Luna Quinde.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis) – Normally hard to see but this time one came to the feeders at Yanacocha.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon brunneinucha frontalis) – Feeding at the gardens in San Isidro.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Rufy was with us quite a lot......right?
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes tricolor crassus)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – They came to eat bananas at Yanacocha.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) [*]
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster) – At least 4 were seen at San Jose hotel.
One of the stunning male Violet-tailed Sylphs that we saw. Photo by participant Wayne Kittle.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi warczewiczi)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – Very conspicuous on the island.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus uropygialis)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – We had a face to face encounter with this species from the tower at Silanche.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Many nesting near the lodge at Sacha.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
OLIVE OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius bifasciatus) – Just a pair was spotted from the metal tower.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus capitalis) – Few at San Jose hotel.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
MAMMALS
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)
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons)
COMMON WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix lagotricha)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
BRAZILIAN TAPIR (Tapirus terrestris)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other animals that we saw were.
The rare Pinocho Lizard, in Septimo
The Basiliscus (Jesus Christ Lizard)
The Green Anole at Silanche
The White lined sac-winged bats at Sacha
The Yellow spotted Amazon river turtle
Totals for the tour: 538 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa