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We saw this beautiful Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan on the way to Sachatamia. Our driver, Edgar, found it, and we were able to watch it at its nest-hole. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
This was my first Cloudforests of Ecuador trip, and the reason I wanted to do this trip is because the Cloudforest is a unique place with a lot of unique birds. The tour is mostly focused at an elevation of 4000 to 5000 feet, which is true cloudforest. We had only one day above (Yanacocha, traveling from Quito) and one day below (Silanche, which is in the lowlands) the actual cloudforest elevations.
We stayed in two lodges on the western side of the Pichincha province, which were the perfect locations to look for many of the species we wanted to see. The simplicity of Maquipucuna was superb, and we felt the wildness and beauty of the place when we arrived. Owl Butterflies were in the open dining room, and from our dinner-table we could see Oilbirds eating palm fruits. What a great meal experience, right? The river had White-capped Dippers, Torrent Tyrannulets, Green-fronted Lancebill and Torrent Ducks just 10 meters away from the dining room. The many trails in the reserve provided us the opportunity to explore, and we managed to see Golden-headed Quetzal, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, and many tanagers. Deeper in the forest, we found the more secretive birds, like the very special White-faced Nunbird, Barred and White-whiskered Puffbirds, and even Lanceolated Monklet.
On our way to Sachatamia, we added some other great Choco endemic birds like Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Gorgeted Sunangel, and Empress Brilliant. Sachatamia, a lodge with a lot of charm and comfort, was a great place to discover nearby areas. The visit to the Umbrellabird lek was superb, and a few males were showing off. Mashpi Road and Amagusa Reserve worked out great for the birds that we needed. Moss-backed and Glistening-green Tanagers were around, and we found a Lyre-tailed Nightjar with a baby at the entrance to Mashpi Lodge.
Silanche was full of action and colors; Rufous-winged, Golden-hooded and Blue-whiskered Tanagers were seen. Mashpishungo was a great place to see the Rufous-crowned Antpitta plus many other stunning birds, and we also got to see the chocolate project that Alejandro and Agustina have in the area. (The chocolate was delicious!)
To finish our Cloudforest adventure, we visited Angel Paz. The Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek was active and they were on full display, three Antpittas were around, followed by a Toucan Barbet (thank god!)...... a last-minute bird for us!
And all this happened because there was a very intrepid, lovely group of people who joined me to do this truly amazing adventure. For that reason, I would like to thank all of you for coming to visit Ecuador. The last thank you is to Edgar, our nice driver and good spotter, ha......!
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
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui harterti) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) – A pair was seen a couple of times from the bridge at the lodge in Maquipucuna.
This female Torrent Duck and her mate were seen several times from the bridge at Maquipucuna. Photo by Tour Manager Mandy Mantzel.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) [*]
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (HOOK-BILLED) (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus) – A male and female were showing off during our stay in Maquipucuna.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – A bird with prey in his talons was seen at Bellavista.
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps)
ROADSIDE HAWK (MAINLAND) (Rupornis magnirostris magnirostris)
VARIABLE HAWK (VARIABLE) (Geranoaetus polyosoma polyosoma)
WHITE-THROATED HAWK (Buteo albigula) – Great looks at a bird flying in Yanacocha.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (RUFOUS-FACED) (Laterallus albigularis albigularis) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Scope views of this nice pigeon from the tower in Silanche.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida) [*]
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata bourcieri) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
White-whiskered Hermit was seen well at Maquipucuna. Photo by participant Judi Manning.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (NIGRICRISSA) (Piaya cayana nigricrissa)
Strigidae (Owls)
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) – Fantastic views of one bird at Yanacocha.
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) – Sachatamia has a resident pair that are always in the car park.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra) – A female with a chick were at the entrance of Mashpi Lodge.
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – Two birds were feeding off palm fruits the first night at Maquipucuna.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (OCCIDENTALIS) (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis cayennensis) – Fantastic views of this very distinctive swift from the tower in Silanche.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
One of 50 tanager species we saw, this lovely Moss-backed Tanager was seen at Amagusa. Photo by participant Carl Manning.
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – A dark hermit that is very common at Maquipucuna.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae ludovicae) – The river at Maquipucuna was the hunting spot for this unique hummingbird.
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi albogularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri cyanotus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – The flight of this hummingbird is very distinctive, and we saw it a couple of times during our trip.
GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
The Flame-faced Tanager is a gorgeous bird! Photo by guide Willy Perez.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (MACULATA) (Adelomyia melanogenys maculata)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) – There were a lot of special hummingbirds on our trip, but the males of this species were the best.
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum microrhynchum) – Some females were seen at Yanacocha.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis luciani luciani)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – Always great to see this ridiculous bird; we saw a few at Yanacocha.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – These spectacular Choco endemics are very common at Sachatamia.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus)
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamersoni)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – The biggest of the Brilliants were seen a few times along the way.
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus melanorhynchus)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (NORTHERN GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania colombica verticeps)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae viridiceps)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (RUFOUS-TAILED) (Amazilia tzacatl jucunda)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) – They were very vocal and present along the way, seen a few times.
BLUE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon comptus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus) – Seen at Silanche.
COLLARED TROGON (COLLARED) (Trogon collaris virginalis)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus assimilis)
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii semirufus) – They were there every morning at the garden of Maquipucuna.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
We saw the Andean Cocks-of-the-rock displaying at their lek. Photo by participant Carl Manning.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – This is a widespread bird but is rarely seen; it was seen on our way to Santa Lucia.
WHITE-FACED NUNBIRD (Hapaloptila castanea) – Always difficult but we managed to see one on our way to Santa Lucia.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (BLACK-CHINNED) (Galbula ruficauda melanogenia)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus) – Quick views by some people at Silanche.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii aequatorialis)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) – They were around, and we managed to see them the last day at Angel's place.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus)
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – Edgar our driver found one building a nest in the upper Tandayapa valley.
The hummingbird feeders at Sachatamia were very popular. We had some wonderful views like this one. Photo by participant Judi Manning.
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) – This is the one with a very dark lower mandible, seen several times.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus fumigatus)
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii)
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis callonotus) – There was a nice pair at Mashpishungo.
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus) [*]
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) – We were pleasantly surprised to see a pair on the grassland below Nono. Normally they are paramo birds.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Falco sparverius aequatorialis)
Laughing Falcon is a widespread species in Central and South America; we had a great look at this one as it flew overhead. Photo by participant Judi Manning.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) – A single bird was seen at Maquipucuna.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ROSE-FACED PARROT (Pyrilia pulchra)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) – The most common parrot in the lowlands.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (CHOCO) (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota callinota)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor unicolor) – This bird was seen on our way up to Santa Lucia.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (TAWNY) (Thamnistes anabatinus intermedius)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis aequatorialis) – A pair was seen at Maquipucuna.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
PACIFIC ANTWREN (Myrmotherula pacifica) – Nice looks of this stripy antwren that likes open places. Mashpishungo's garden was a perfect place for them.
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (WHITE-FLANKED) (Myrmotherula axillaris albigula)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis consobrina) – Fantastic looks at this colorful antwren that travels in groups. For this species, Silanche was the place!
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (PACIFIC) (Pyriglena leuconota pacifica) [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul maculifer)
ESMERALDAS ANTBIRD (Sipia nigricauda) – Seen nicely on the main trail in Maquipucuna.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi)
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor aequatorialis) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
RUFOUS-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Pittasoma rufopileatum rufopileatum) – We had to do a trip to Mashpishungo for this rare bird; it worked it out nicely when after waiting a while, Danilo, our local guide, found the bird that came to eat grasshoppers.
We saw three species of antpitta at Refugio Paz, including this Moustached Antpitta. Photo by participant Judi Manning.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni andaquiensis) – This was number three of the Antpittas that we saw at Angel's place.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla)
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) – This bird was heard only at Yanacocha. [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (RUFOUS) (Grallaria rufula rufula)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*]
NARIO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-HEADED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius nigricapillus destructus) – Heard only at Silanche. [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*]
Guide Willy Perez got this beautiful photo of a Broad-billed Motmot at Mashpi.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-BROWN) (Dendrocincla fuliginosa ridgwayi)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) [*]
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) [*]
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis) – Very common woodcreeper along the trip.
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – Seen by some people at Amagusa.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii esmeraldae)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus littoralis)
BUFFY TUFTEDCHEEK (PACIFIC) (Pseudocolaptes lawrencii johnsoni)
This is why we often recommend that participants bring rubber boots! The trails were muddy, but they didn't stop us from finding many wonderful birds. Photo by Tour Manager Mandy Mantzel.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (BLACK-TAILED) (Clibanornis rubiginosus nigricauda) [*]
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Automolus subulatus assimilis)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus)
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis) – Nice looks at Yanacocha.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (UNIRUFA) (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura nigrifumosa) – The darkest of our spinetails on the trip was seen at Maquipucuna.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) [*]
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatus)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus aequatorialis)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola magnirostris) – This bamboo related bird was seen on our way back from Santa Lucia.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea) – This small flycatcher that lives close to water was present every day along the river during our stay at Maquipucuna.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) [*]
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – This tiny flycatcher was seen nicely at Silanche.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus albogularis)
TAWNY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius villosus)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
This lovely Golden-crowned Flycatcher was one of 25 or more flycatchers that we saw. Photo by participant Carl Manning.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta atripennis)
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (NORTHERN) (Attila spadiceus parambae)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (TUMBES) (Megarynchus pitangua chrysogaster)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis hellmayri)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) [*]
ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola jucunda) – This stunning bird was present when we went to Mashpi road, what a colorful male......!
Another lovely tanager, the Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) – We had a very well camouflaged male, that even through the scope was hard to find.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Several females and one male were showing off at Silanche.
LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus penduliger) – One of the big targets of the trip was seen at 23 de Junio. Some males and females were around giving us a great show.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (ECUADORIAN) (Schiffornis veraepacis rosenbergi)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor) [*]
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus)
This male Long-wattled Umbrellabird put on a good show for us. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus dorsalis)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris atrirostris)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis mikettae)
LESSER GREENLET (GRAY-HEADED) (Pachysylvia decurtata minor)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (RESIDENT CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus griseobarbatus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina murina)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis minima)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Here is our group after finding the White-faced Nunbird; look at those happy faces! Photo by Tour Manager Mandy Mantzel.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – A pair was seen at Silanche from the tower.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – Very vocal but hard to see. [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis mystacalis) [*]
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unirufa)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (ANDEAN) (Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris cinereiventris) – This secretive little bird showed up nicely along the trail at Silanche.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
SLATE-THROATED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila schistaceigula) – Great looks of this canopy bird from the tower at Silanche.
A lovely Rufous-crowned Antpitta, photographed by participant Carl Manning.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (WHITE-BELLIED) (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – Always along the river at Maquipucuna.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas ecuadoreanus) – Seen by some people, but heard mostly.
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater quindio)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis bogotensis) – Found in the grassland on our way to Yanacocha.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (DAEDALUS) (Basileuterus tristriatus daedalus)
This Violet-tailed Sylph was very acrobatic. Photo by participant Judi Manning.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda semicervina)
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Hemispingus melanotis ochraceus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus panamensis)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – The most common tanager along the way, but always nice to see.
MOSS-BACKED TANAGER (Bangsia edwardsi) – Several birds were seen during our visit to Amagusa.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris erythrotus)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus cyanopterus)
BLACK-CHINNED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus notabilis) – Coming to the feeders at Amagusa.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis darwinii) – Seen at Quito in the gardens of San Jose hotel.
GLISTENING-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis) – This unique bird was seen twice during our trip.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus quaesita)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala cyanocephala)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata fanny)
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)
Sunset at Sachatamia. Photo by Tour Manager Mandy Mantzel.
RUFOUS-WINGED TANAGER (Tangara lavinia lavinia)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii lunigera)
BLUE-WHISKERED TANAGER (Tangara johannae) – The car park at Silanche was a very nice place to watch some of the specialties of the Choco, and this was one of them.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus goodsoni)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala icterocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis occidentalis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata aequatorialis) – Great looks of males and females at Silanche from the tower.
SCARLET-BREASTED DACNIS (Dacnis berlepschi) – Another nice Choco endemic that was present at Silanche.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius berliozi) – Some people saw it from the car park at Silanche again.....
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira guirina)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera albilatera)
INDIGO FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa indigotica) – This rare bird was seen by most of the group when we went to Mashpi road.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea cyanea)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii cassinii)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus)
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris occidentalis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis costaricensis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes tricolor crassus)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata)
Hiking back after seeing the Umbrellabird lek. Photo by participant Judi Manning.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta humilis) – They were seen from the towers at Silanche.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus capitalis) – Several birds were taking a bath in front of the fuel station.
MAMMALS
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – This big weasel came very quickly to steal some bananas when we were waiting for the tanagers at Amagusa.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 304 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa