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This beautiful Yellow-throated Tanager was just one of the highlights of our visit to Southeastern Ecuador. We saw a number of these beauties at Chinapintza. Photo by participant Tony Ward.
Field Guides' inaugural SE Ecuador tour, specifically aimed at targeting the superb Orange-throated Tanager, was a grand success. Not only did we find the tanager in all of its glory early on, but we spent a marvelous week scouring the humid eastern foothills in search of many of its rare and fascinating species.
We based ourselves out of two major birding hotspot lodges that offer great birding, comfortable digs, and surprisingly tasty food: Yankuam Lodge - nestled in the Nangaritza Valley at the base of the Cordillera del Condor near to the Peruvian border - and Copalinga Lodge further west and closer in to the main Andean chain. Yankuam is strategically positioned near to the newly established Maycu Reserve, the best spot to find the fabled Orange-throated Tanager anywhere in its range. The flock birding is outstanding here, and we enjoyed many morning and afternoon strolls along forested roadsides surrounded by awesome birding. Copalinga, set in the steep Bombuscaro River Valley, is the gateway to the Rio Bombuscaro sector of Podocarpus National Park where we birded some of the finest and most accessible eastern foothill forests in the country. We also took a couple of mornings to explore the eastern slopes of the outlying Cordillera del Condor - such as around the mining settlement of Chinapintza - where we snagged some interesting birds of this zone in the more subtropical habitats that cloaked the slopes. Amazing scenery was a daily event, whether scanning jagged slopes or hiking through lush tropical forest... we just couldn't go wrong!
We had our fair share of incredible birding and special birds, and there will always be favorites, but here are some that I thought really set our trip over the top: those mesmerizing Gray Tinamous trotting around at Copalinga's corn feeders up the trail; Sickle-winged Guan in our faces at Copalinga's corn feeders; a belated Fasciated Tiger-Heron for scope studies; Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle soaring for exceptional views; that surprise Tiny Hawk that perched in the early morning light; some fantastic hummers of the east slope, including Black-throated and Violet-fronted Brilliants, Napo Sabrewing, Golden-tailed Sapphire, and Many-spotted Hummingbird; a nice showing of puffbirds, with the likes of White-necked and Black-streaked, and Lanceolated Monklet; those colorful Purplish and Coppery-chested Jacamars; male Lemon-throated Barbet; Chestnut-tipped Toucanet moving with a large flock; the range-restricted White-necked Parakeet at very close range raiding a guava tree; a nice assortment of antbirds with some of the eastern goodies we were after, like Yellow-breasted and Foothill Antwrens, and Zimmer's Antbird; an Elegant Crescentchest that finally popped out for views; White-crowned Tapaculo calling and sneaking around almost right at our feet; both Ocellated and Duida Woodcreepers; a feast of interesting foliage-gleaners... Rufous-necked and Buff-browed come to mind; more flycatcher species than many could ever digest, but how about White-lored Tyrannulet, Foothill Elaenia, Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, Orange-crested Flycatcher, and Blackish Pewee for quality and beauty?; that awesome male Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater; Amazonian Umbrellabird perched up in perfect afternoon light; an active pair of Blue-rumped Manakins at a fruiting melastome tree; a Foothill Schiffornis as easy as they come around Yankuam; Gray-mantled Wrens hitching about in the canopy flocks; and a fantastic array of colorful tanager species, but nothing comes close to the Orange-throateds that we had bombing in around us on several occasions!
I thank you all for sharing this wonderful first run and adventure with me, and hope we can all do it again sometime soon. Good birding, and have a read through for more birding memories.
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
White-necked Parakeets were one of our primary targets, and we saw them really well at Copalinga! Photo by participant Tony Ward.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao kleei) – Sensational and essentially unprecedented studies at a pair at the corn feeder along the trails at Copalinga where we even observed them copulating!
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – A scoped male was a welcome sight on our last day as it perched on a boulder along the Zamora River.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Seen best at the banana feeders at Copalinga.
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – The large dark guan seen in the Cordillera del Condor might have been this large species.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Point-blank studies of them raiding the banana feeders at Copalinga.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) – Heard along the trail at the Bombuscaro sector of Podocarpus National Park. While on the subject of heard wood-quails, we heard a voice emanating from the understory at the Orange-throated Tanager reserve (Reserva natural Maycu) that had many of us convinced we were hearing Starred Wood-Quail, a bird not known from the area. It may well have been this species even though it is not known from over 300 meters elevation here in Ecuador; the Peru field guide does show it as occurring right up to the SE Ecuadorian border up to 1,000, so not out of the question. Will be interesting to see what gets turned up in the future. [*]
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – It took some searching, and a few tries, but we finally clinched fine, scope views at an adult along the Zamora River... what a beauty.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – In small numbers in the Yankuam/Nangaritza area.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Seen in flight along the roadside as we made our way to Copalinga.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – Fabulous studies of a soaring bird at the Orange-throated Tanager (Maycu) reserve; those white leading edges of the wings were certainly in evidence.
Violet-headed Hummingbirds were seen well at Copalinga. Participant Tony Ward got this nice portrait of one perched on a stem near the vervain flowers they were feeding on.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Both this and the following species of relatively common kite species were seen in Orange-throated Tanager reserve area.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – This was a grand way to kick off our exit day from Yankuam when Sandra spotted a perched individual for us just after crossing the Nangaritza River ferry!
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – Seen almost daily; the one with the rufous wing panels.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – Common this time of the year. [b]
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – This and the previous marsh habitat crake species were heard in the Yankuam area. [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Seen best at Rio Bombuscaro, one of the most important of the NE sectors of Podocarpus National Park.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Good looks at a pair along the roadside near Yankuam. Definitely more richly-colored than the previous species.
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – We picked up this common ground-dove, of more arid zones, on our first and last days around the Catamayo airport for nice views. The one with the obvious yellow cere.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Finally on our last day in the Catamayo Valley before the flight back to Quito, but in good numbers!
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Always a bit skittish, but we managed some good looks at them at the corn feeder at Copalinga where they sneaked in repeatedly.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Abundant in the drier Catamayo Valley.
We had amazing views of Gray Tinamou at the corn feeder at Copalinga. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common in the humid areas of the east, especially in disturbed zones.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – Replaces the previous species in drier habitats, such as around the acacia-dominated forests of the Catamayo Valley.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Some folks got onto this one in some marshy habitat south of Yankuam, but it got away before we could all get onto it.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – The common and large cuckoo of forest canopy, and one we saw almost daily.
Strigidae (Owls)
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) – These guys did a fine job of tap-dancing around us at both Yankuam and Copalinga, never really showing despite a considerable amount of vocal activity. [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Quite common in the Yankuam area.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The common, large swift with the bold white collar that many of you were already familiar with.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Fairly common in small numbers in the foothills; the one with the thick wings and cropped tail.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – Thinner and longer tailed than the previous species; seen at both Yankuam and Copalinga. We did run into a small group of suspicious Chaetura swifts that had me scratching my head, wondering if they could have been the little-known Chapman's; their flight calls reminded me a bit of what I know of them from Colombia.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) [*]
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Numerous encounters, but best at the feeders at Copalinga.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – A fly-by of this large hermit in the Yankuam area.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – A small hermit that zipped by us along the roadside during some birding near the Achuar settlement of Shaime.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – A feeder bird at Copalinga, which was a nice addition to the feeder list there.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Spotted along the old Loja-Zamora road feeding at a patch of Fuchsia flowers.
This obliging Black-streaked Puffbird posed for us near Chinapintza. Photo by participant Tony Ward.
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi) – A peculiar forest-based hummingbird that often feeds on flowers through holes made at the bases of corollas, much like a flowerpiercer. We had pretty good looks at one feeding at flowers near Paquisha.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Fairly common in small numbers in the Copalinga area, and a wide-ranging hummer species in general.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Seen on our first day around Yankuam where we were first drawn to it by the bold white tail flashing.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – Responsive and seen pretty well along the roadside at the Orange-throated Tanager (Maycu) reserve... but they were like rockets as they zipped about around us!
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Seen in the more montane zones in the Cordillera del Condor (Chinapintza) and out of Copalinga along the old Loja-Zamora rd. A common bird of the Andes.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – A nice male in the Chinapintza area.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Seen a few times along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Seen best at Copalinga when a male hit the verbena flowers upon our arrival there; this form is the one that sports the buffy leggings.
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii) – Common in small numbers at Copalinga's feeders where we enjoyed nice views of its purple chest band in good light.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – The common and dominant hummer at Copalinga's feeders where we had them from all angles.
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – Responsive to owl tape on our last round of birding in the Catamayo Valley before our flight to Quito; we had both males and females.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – Mostly seen hitting the purple verbena flowers at Copalinga.
NAPO SABREWING (Campylopterus villaviscensio) – At a couple of the sites in the Cordillera del Condor where we had some good looks at males.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Many stunning males at Copalinga's feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – A tough hummer to track down, but the feeders at Copalinga made a huge difference with respect to our experience with this rather drab, but range-restricted, eastern foothill species.
Here is the group watching the Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle at the Maycu Reserve. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola) – The common hummer of the Catamayo Valley.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – One of the more common hummer species of the trip, and a visitor to both Yankuam's and Copalinga's feeders. The one with the white stripe down the belly.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – A common hummer this trip that we saw especially well at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Superb studies at a full-blown male along the road S. of Yankuam - a short stretch where we saw three species: "Trogon Avenue" - on our first full morning there.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – A pair of this one responded well at Trogon Avenue for close-range studies.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – You guessed it: right in the some trogon area! This was the first one we had here that kicked it all off, and one that came in after some light whistling.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – This large kingfisher was seen a couple of times along river courses.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – We had a pair of this large, canopy puffbird species along the Shaime side road... always an impacting sight!
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – Fabulous views at a very responsive bird in the roadside forests below Chinapintza... the scope studies were unforgettable.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – We had some excellent luck tracking down this small, canopy puffbird species for scope studies, and they were as vocal as I have ever had them. This is one that is often on checklists, but one that is frequently missed.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – Wonderful studies at a male along the road up to Chinapintza... good thing too, because we never connected with them again.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – Great looks at a pair on our first full day in the Maycu reserve at a tree-fall spot for tremendous scope studies... excellent!
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) – Heard calling from the roadside forests near the settlement of Shaime. [*]
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) [*]
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – Quite numerous in the Yankuam/Maycu area, and we enjoyed nice views at a male on our first full day of birding in the area.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – Seeing barbets just never gets old! We had at least one male with a flock (and even in the scope) along the trail at Rio Bombuscaro that knocked our socks off.
We saw a number of Short-billed Chlorospingus, and participant Tony Ward was able to get a nice shot of this one along the old Loja-Zamora road.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus derbianus) – With a last minute, roadside flock in the Los Encuentros area; the great looks at this one really helped boost our weak toucan list!
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Toucans in general seemed to be on a bit of a hiatus this trip. [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – Sandra spotted our first one with a flock in the Yankuam area, and we continued with repeated views throughout the trip. This tiny little woodpecker relative has quite an intricate plumage.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Scoped in the Yankuam area, and very distinctive, with those large yellow spectacles.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus) – A mostly brown and smallish woodpecker of mid-elevations that we had with some morning activity in the Los Encuentros area.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – On the lower slopes of the flood plain of the Nangaritza Valley.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) – Common with the canopy flocks around Yankuam and in the Maycu reserve.
WHITE-THROATED WOODPECKER (Piculus leucolaemus) – This is supposed to be the likely species of the genus Piculus of the area, but the quick looks that we had of the bird in a large afternoon flock near Yankuam really appeared to have a full yellow throat, being much more consistent with Yellow-throated Woodpecker. Given that Yellow-throated has apparently not been registered for the area, we were above its known elevational range, and none of us really had the looks needed to clinch the id, I'll hold off on a final ruling.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Seen well along the old Loja-Zamora road.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Brief looks at a fast-moving pair during some morning birding in the Rio Nangaritza flood plain.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Glimpsed at Yankuam.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – One immature bird perched through the foliage at Bombuscaro was a nice surprise.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – Common in open areas of the foothills.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – David L. had the only one of the trip on our first day.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Tony spotted the first one during our drive into Yankuam on our first day.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Seen on our first day after leaving the Loja (Catamayo) airport.
A nice shot of the male Blue-crowned Trogon we saw, by participant Tony Ward.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera cyanoptera) [*]
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – Fly-overs north of Paquisha.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – The common parrot around Yankuam, and one we had some quality scope views of.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) [*]
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – Awesome scope views on our last day in the arid Catamayo Valley.
WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus) – A range-restricted parakeet species of extreme SE Ecuador that just barely makes it into NW Peru; this was one of our big targets for this very reason, and we got them in flying (and especially sitting!) colors. Our first looks along the trail at Bombuscaro were more than satisfying, but when a noisy group come screeching in and landed in the fruiting guava trees right next to the dining room at Copalinga, we were nothing less than blown away!
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus) – Nice views at a perched group at Yankuam.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – We saw this large and handsome antshrike with a flock near Yankuam.
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – The antshrike that looks like it is wearing a jailbird suit; we had views at them a couple of times, both around Yankuam and at Copalinga.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) [*]
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) – Nice looks at a pair for those in the right position as they foraged about and vocalized along a trail near Chinapintza.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) – Glimpsed in the understory of the Maycu reserve... man were they skittish!
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – We finally caught up with this canopy flock species with a large flock along the old Loja-Zamora road.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) – We spotted a male when it sneaked in near Yankuam.
FOOTHILL ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla spodionota) – A couple of times, but probably best at Bombuscaro when we called in a pair out of the understory.
While our toucan-sightings in general were rather scarce, we got great views of Chestnut-tipped Toucanet. Photo by participant Tony Ward.
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda) – Just wouldn't come down that hill! [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – We even got them in the scope a couple of times which is no easy feat when dealing with an active, canopy species.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – Good looks at this well-marked, canopy antwren around Yankuam with the flocks.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – Surprisingly unwilling to pop in for a look. [*]
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides serva) – Pretty good views at a vocalizing male as it sang and called from the undergrowth near Yankuam.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis) – Similar in behavior and plumage to the previous species, but quite different vocally. We teased a pair out along the road up to Chinapintza.
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (BLACK-BELLIED) (Pyriglena leuconota castanoptera) [*]
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) [*]
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax castanea) – A long-standing split from the Chestnut-tailed Antbird of areas further south and east of Ecuador; while there are plumage differences, their songs are especially divergent. We had a wonderful experience one afternoon along a side trail into the Maycu reserve when one danced around us, singing in the open at close range.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – Brief views at jumpy birds near Yankuam... they definitely knew how to stay out of sight.
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – Better seen on an Amazonian lowlands trip! [*]
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans) – A stunning skulker that inhabits the scrubbier zones of the west, and we enjoyed some crippling studies of one on our last day in the Catamayo Valley when we coaxed one up out of the low brush. Note that crescentchests have finally been awarded their own family status, so are no longer lumped in with those mostly gray tapaculos.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis) [*]
PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota) [*]
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Speckled Chachalacas were seen well at Copalinga, where they hung out at the banana feeders. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) – Outstanding views - especially for a tapaculo! - along the trail at Bombuscaro as a close bird skulked about, calling all the while, almost under foot.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – A small woodcreeper that we saw numerous times in the Copalinga area.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) [*]
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest woodcreeper, and a common one with the flocks at both Yankuam and Copalinga.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) – After hearing numerous individuals in the forests around the Maycu reserve, we finally tracked one down for excellent studies once we got it to stay still for more than a nano-second!
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – Seen up on the slopes of the Cord. del Condor during some birding in the subtropical zone.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – A well-marked and slim woodcreeper species of the montane zone that we saw on our last day during some humid forest birding along the old Loja-Zamora road.
DUIDA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes duidae) – The Lineated Woodcreeper was split several ways recently, and the Duida is the one that this region of the Amazon got! Common with the canopy flocks, we had some fine views a few times of this cleanly marked species.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Common with the mixed flocks; nuthatch-like.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – We played with them a bit in the arid zone in the Catamayo Valley when they perched for us a time or two.
DUSKY-CHEEKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabazenops dorsalis) [*]
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Especially common with canopy flocks in the Copalinga area and along the old Loja-Zamora road.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Often right in the same flocks as the previous species, and we had some very close views a few times as it sported those large spectacles.
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) – Seen disappearing into a roost right at dusk in the Maycu reserve; we never could get one during normal daylight hours for a solid view.
A pair of Red-crested Finches were in residence at Copalinga. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
BUFF-BROWED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla rufosuperciliata) – This species reaches the extreme NW edge of its range in the Cord. del Condor; we had excellent looks at one around Chinapintza as moved with some flock activity.
RUFOUS-NECKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla ruficollis) – We just barely peeked into the NE edge of the drier Tumbesian zone on our first and last days of the trip; this due to the location of the location of the Loja airport in the Catamayo Valley. We snagged this handsome Tumbesian-endemic foliage-gleaner in some remnant highland forest after a little effort, and even managed scope studies.
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) [*]
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (Automolus subulatus) – After having heard them a few times along the roadsides near Yankuam, we finally got one to sit long enough for scope studies... quite a high elevation for this one.
EQUATORIAL GRAYTAIL (Xenerpestes singularis) – Sensational views at a pair of this easily overlooked furnariid species on a sunny afternoon during some birding near Paquisha. It was so wonderful to watch the pair singing through the scope... wow!
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – A common arboreal spinetail that was common with the mixed flocks in the Copalinga area.
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – Very responsive, but also a devil to see well as our noisy pair blasted from tangle to tangle with a canopy flock. In the end some of us did manage some decent views though; Yankuam.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – Good looks at this spinetail of second-growth areas in the Nangaritza Valley flood-plain.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – The common spinetail of the highlands; we had a cooperative pair along the old Loja-Zamora road.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – Fine scope studies near Shaime of this canopy tyrannulet.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – We saw the Tumbesian form on the slopes of the Catamayo Valley before flying back to Quito; watch for a valid split someday!
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*]
FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai) – Many fine studies at Bombuscaro with the canopy flocks as they were as active and vocal as I've ever had them. This is a relatively new species to science that was actually first "officially" found along the trails we birded here.
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – A flashy elaenia when that significant crest is raised; we had nice scope views of them a couple of times.
Violet-fronted Brilliants were common at Copalinga. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Some got onto them along the Zamora River on the last day.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – Most prominent with the flocks around Copalinga where they were quite vocal.
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – Good looks at this flock-following bristle-tyrant on the slopes of the Cord. del Condor.
SPECTACLED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes orbitalis) – A rare bristle-tyrant that we glimpsed on the slopes above Paquisha is it moved with a sizable mixed flock... wish it had stayed with us a bit more!
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – Common with the canopy flocks in the eastern foothills and active as they forage about, calling frequently.
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) [*]
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops) – Common in the eastern foothills and often heard; we had good looks at them on one occasion. The face is actually more of a washed out yellow; not golden.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A handsome little flycatcher that we saw almost daily.
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – This large-eyed little tyrannid was seen well in the Acacia scrub of the Catamayo Valley on our final day.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Good looks at one as it flitted about in some roadside growth near Paquisha.
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops) – Nice scope views of at least a pair in the Maycu reserve near Yankuam.
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis) – Common in the Yankuam area where we enjoyed some fine views of this flashy little flycatcher.
GOLDEN-WINGED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus calopterus) – Very cooperative around Yankuam in the understory of roadside second growth... and a real looker.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – The common tody-flycatcher of the lowlands and foothills in disturbed areas.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Some got onto this one when a pair flitted about and called from the canopy during our birding drive to Yankuam on the first day.
The bridge over the Rio Nangaritza is certainly memorable! Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
FULVOUS-BREASTED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus) – We had some good luck with this rather unobtrusive species, seeing it around Copalinga and along the old Loja-Zamora road with the mixed canopy flocks.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Common and noisy in the eastern foothills.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – We turned up a pair along the side road to Shaime.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – In the same spot as the previous species, both right at their upper elevational ranges.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – A tiny flycatcher of mixed flocks that we saw well along the Shaime side road.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – A conspicuous and large flycatcher that we saw a few times well.
ORANGE-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus phoenicomitra) – A tricky flycatcher to find much of the time as it spends most of its day foraging quietly in the midstory of tall, dense forest. We had bombed at Bombuscaro (haha...) up until the last few bends of the trails when we got one to call back, finally nailing fine scope views of a pair.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Seen at a gas station stop on our way to Yankuam on our first day. Why do gas stations always seen to turn up interesting birds?
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – Some got onto this one as it flitted about in the montane scrub in the Catamayo Valley on our last day.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) [*]
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Scope views at Bombuscaro. [b]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Common in tall trees in the montane zone, that pointy crest always evident.
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – The common wood-pewee (as a northern migrant) in the foothills. [b]
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – Heard around Yankuam. [b*]
BLACKISH PEWEE (Contopus nigrescens) – Excellent scope studies at this rare eastern foothill species near Yankuam. We heard one calling and finally got it to land right along the roadside at close range.
This lovely Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager was seen in the flocks on the Cordillera del Condor. Photo by participant Tony Ward.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) – Heard around Yankuam, which sort of surprised me. [*]
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – Common anywhere there is water.
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – This snazzy flycatcher was particularly common in the Yankuam area where we had nice looks numerous times.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – We nabbed this drab Myiarchus-like species as it moved with a huge mixed flock in the Maycu reserve near Yankuam... and what a flock it was; one of those dream flocks. One never sees them all, but we did get a fine sampling, adrenaline pumping all the while!
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer atriceps) [*]
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Seen on our first afternoon during a roadside birding stop as we neared Yankuam. This one has a rather large head and bushy crest.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Known to many, and quite the emblematic neotropical species.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common throughout.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) [*]
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – Superb scope studies right at Yankuam lodge when a small group perched up for us!
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Scope views along the trail at Bombuscaro.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Everyday of the trip!
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SCARLET-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola frontalis) – Tony spotted a stunning male for us during some flock birding north of Paquisha, and the looks were crippling!
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – This one sort of sidestepped us, but we did manage good views at an immature male at Bombuscaro.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – This one thought it was going to get away at Bombuscaro, but we clinched a knee-buckling, last minute male as it perched up for scope studies in some nice afternoon light!
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – One female at Yankuam.
We visited the wonderful Maycu Reserve, and had great success! Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Wonderful looks at this diminutive little manakin along a side trail near Yankuam as it called incessantly!
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – We caught a female along a trail near Chinapintza.
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) – Memorable views at a pair as they raided a fruiting melastome tree along the trail at Bombuscaro; that male sure gave us all of the right angles!
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – A quick female at Copalinga helped beef up our manakin list.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Common and vocal near Yankuam along the forested roadsides. A big-eyed, round-headed manakin species.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Plenty of fine studies around Yankuam.
FOOTHILL SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis aenea) – The forms of this complex recently underwent a mass split, pumping out four species; in Ecuador alone it went three ways! We saw the form of the eastern foothills - hence the name - with tremendous scope studies at the most cooperative bird I've ever seen.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (YELLOW-CHEEKED) (Pachyramphus viridis xanthogenys) – Killer views at this colorful becard near Yankuam.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – A female with a flock in the Cord. del Condor was a write-in!
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – These guys danced around us in the shadows at Yankuam, but we found a more visible pair during some morning birding in the flood plain of the Nangaritza River Valley.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – A wide-ranging species that we had some good looks at a few times.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) – A vocal greenlet full of song variations; we had them a few times for good looks.
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – We spotted one with a flock in the Maycu reserve as it sang away.
DUSKY-CAPPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia hypoxantha) – Tom, David B., and I saw the individual that was lurking about with a flock near Yankuam.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Common with the flocks along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
And the objective of our tour was seen well! Participant Tony Ward got this image of an Orange-throated Tanager that shows why it got its name!
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas) – Loud, colorful, and in your face... as usual!
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – A large jay that we saw almost daily in the foothills.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – One of the few that we saw everyday of the trip.
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – A trim little swallow that we had in the Yankuam area as they perched and floated around us one morning.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – An elegant swallow with the clean white breast band that we saw on our first day along the Nangaritza River.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A chunky swallow with that pale rump; common in the foothills.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Seen perched about at the Loja airport.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – Never could get one to respond. [*]
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – An entertaining canopy flock bird to watch, reminding one of a gnatcatcher in behavior and general aspect; we had them with the flocks a few times.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – A familiar species to us all.
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – Another of our Tumbesian zone pick-ups during some brief birding in the Catamayo Valley.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – What a song! We had them for scope studies as a pair launched into that distinctive duet near Yankuam.
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Up on the montane slopes of the Cord. del Condor when a family group came in for close views.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Good looks at this understory species on the slopes of the Cord. del Condor in the Chinapintza area.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Right along the roadside in the Maycu reserve, where a pair responded vigorously with that fabulously melodic song!
The Ecuadorian Tyrannulet is an attractive little flycatcher, and was quite common in the foothills. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata) – In the dry forests of the Catamayo Valley, where they were often the first on the scene after playing pygmy-owl sound.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – We managed to finally track them down on our last day along the Zamora River where we stumbled upon a pair at close range.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Common in the wetlands in the Yankuam area; a fancy bird with an enchanting song.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – A common migrant from the north that is always a joy to see on its wintering grounds. [b]
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Common in open areas throughout the east.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus fulviventris) – This one brings to mind the American Robin with respect to its plumage. We had one on the slopes of the Cord. del Condor for some nice views.
SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) [*]
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – The common thrush of the highlands, and the largest of the genus.
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – A common bird along roadsides in the drier valleys of the west; we had them at close range in the Catamayo Valley.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common with the flocks in the Copalinga area.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – If one wants to see this species, just come to Ecuador during the northern winter! We had some fabulous, orange males with the flocks. [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – With flocks in the montane zones.
This Brown-capped Vireo was seen along the old Loja-Zamora Road. Photo by participant Tony Ward.
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus) – A Tumbesian-based warbler of middle elevations. We called them in for quality studies in the Catamayo Valley.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Quick views of them scurrying around along the roadsides in the Yankuam area.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) [*]
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Common in the understory this time of the year. [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – Just try and find a flock without a pair of this species!
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The longest tanager species, and a frequently seen bird in the foothills.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis) – An obscure hemispingus of subtropical zones that we had some nice encounters with on the slopes of the Cord. del Condor.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – This one lives up to its name, and we saw them with the flocks in flying colors.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – The glossy-black male, and rufous female travel about in close pairs in open areas, away from deep forest, and we had them well a few times, such as around the gardens at Copalinga.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – A couple of memorable encounters with this loud, flock sentinel at Yankuam and Bombuscaro.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Common in second growth. That male, with its velvety plumage and silvery bill, is really quite a looker!
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – Fabulous studies with a flock right out the front door from Yankuam.
ORANGE-THROATED TANAGER (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron) – The namesake of the tour and certainly a runaway highlight!!! That first drippy morning at Yankuam made us wait for our first looks at this dazzling and very range-restricted species, but when the weather cleared they emerged and absolutely stunned us with that mind-blowing plumage and wacky songs and calls... wow! Can't wait to get back and see them again next year.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus) – With the subtropical flocks on the slopes of the Cord. del Condor.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – Plenty of fine studies of this understory tanager species in the Chinapintza area as they lurked about with the flocks; the yellow throat really stands out in all of that greenery!
Our group at Bombuscaro, where we had some great encounters with birds like the Red-headed Barbet, and an immature Collared Forest-Falcon. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – An unreal, all glittering green tanager of the east slope that we had some smashing views of with the canopy flocks in the Copalinga area.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – The Amazonian form with the white shoulder bar.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Not half bad looking when seen in nice light!
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra) – A few of this speckly-green tanager around Yankuam.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata) – Not as colorful as many of the others, but this one still packs a punch with its intricate plumage.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – Good looks a few times at this canopy tanager with the pale blue head.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – This one has a much more intense blue head than the previous species; we them on everyday of the trip.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – And spangled with beryl spots it is! We had them with the flocks in the Chinapintza area.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – I've never really found anything particularly "turquoise" about this tanager, but it draws attention nonetheless with its bright yellow and purple plumage!
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – The etymology of the word "paradise" pretty much boils down to meaning "Garden of Eden", and this one sort of leaves you feeling as if you had taken a trip straight to there! This was another everyday-bird, and we never got tired of them!
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Daily with the tanager flocks, and another smorgasbord of colors.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – An east slope tanager of the foothills that we rounded up nicely around Copalinga as they visited the banana feeders right next to the dining room!
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Should be called "Saffron-helmeted Tanager". We ran into healthy numbers of them with the mixed flocks along the old Loja-Zamora road on a drippy morning.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Another dazzling tanager that hit the banana feeders at Copalinga.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – Common with the foothill flocks... the name says it all!
The rushing Zamora River gave us some great birds like Torrent Duck and Fasciated Tiger-Heron. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Perched a few times. A very distinctive tanager species that is considered by some to deserve its own family status.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata) – A regular with the flocks around Yankuam.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – The male is the blue one, but the female is mostly green with blue in the head.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Joe spotted out first male.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – A wide-ranging honeycreeper that we saw well a few times.
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) – After having heard them a few times,we finally got a stunning male to come in at seriously close range for unbelievable views along the old Loja-Zamora road.
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – We turned up a small group of this canopy tanager along the Shaime side road, but they got away before everybody in the group could get onto them.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) – We found a male feeding about up in the subtropical zone around Chinapintza.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) [*]
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Most common in drier areas, such as the Catamayo Valley.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Common in grassy fields in the Nangaritza River Valley.
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex) – Our last new bird of the trip before heading to the Loja airport for our flight to Quito; the rather brownish seedeater with the white wing bars and pale bill.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – We did get some males perched up for nice views.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – We scoped a male on our first day as it sang.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa) – We stumbled into a field of this distinctive seedeater on the first day on our way into Yankuam.
Yankuam Lodge was a wonderful base for our exploration of the Maycu Reserve in search of the Orange-throated Tanager. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – A resident pair has set up shop in the gardens at Copalinga where they tend to hang around the Verbena flowers and even the compost.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – All over the place!
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – And it is indeed dull. Apart from its pied bill, there isn't much distinguishing about it. We had a few of them on our last day in the dry Catamayo Valley.
YELLOW-SHOULDERED GROSBEAK (Parkerthraustes humeralis) – Just couldn't manage a view. [*]
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Heard and seen numerous times.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Scoped on our first full day around Yankuam.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis) – The birds of this genus were all perviously known as bush-tanagers, so I guess we'll have to get used to the weird new name! This noisy and conspicuous chlorospingus is one of the more prominent birds in the foothill zone.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – Similar to the previous species, but with more of an orange tinge to the throat that flanges off to the sides towards the malar. We had them numerous times for good looks along the old Loja-Zamora road.
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – We had our best views at this flock species along the trail at Bombuscaro where they chipped about overhead.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – In the subtropical zone around Chinapintza with the flocks.
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni) – Seen right next to the Drab Seedeater in the scrub of the Catamayo Valley.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Common along roadsides in the foothills.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Sandra got onto one at the banana feeders at Copalinga.
OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – One of the most common birds in the highlands.
BAY-CROWNED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes seebohmi) – We teased a pair of this shy species out in the Catamayo Valley on our last day as they sneaked about.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) – Up along the old Loja-Zamora road where there is a small, reliable, resident population.
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – A few times. [b]
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – A wonderful pair with a large flock along the old Loja-Zamora road.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – A stunning male in the Catamayo Valley added a splash of color to the rather dull set of birds that tend to inhabit this area.
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – This and the following oropendola species were both very common throughout our trip.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) [*]
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – The black-and-yellow cacique that we had commonly in the foothills.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – In the Catamayo Valley on our last day.
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi) – One of the first birds we saw after gathering our bags at the Loja airport on the first day.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Point-blank views at Copalinga's banana feeders at both males and females.
This South American Coati was seen at the banana feeder. Photo by guide Mitch Lysinger.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) [*]
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – A euphonia that you don't see everyday, so it was a nice surprise to turn up a male for scope studies along the Shaime side road. Apart from its distinctive song, that small yellow frontlet really gives it away.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – The common euphonia species of the trip, and another banana feeder visitor.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – A colorful male in the Catamayo Valley on the last day performed well.
MAMMALS
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons) – Sandra had them come down to the Copalinga banana feeders one morning.
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – And a mammal role it was for Sandra when she reported this understory species from around Copalinga as well!
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua) – We all caught up with this potential trouble maker at the banana feeders; at other lodges they can become a nuisance at open air dining rooms, so they have to be watched!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 327 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa