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Black-capped Donacobius has a wonderful song, as well as being a very attractive bird. We saw them in the swamps around Yankuam. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
Our second running of the Southeast Ecuador tour proved to be another grand success, with fine birding - netting a good haul of the target species - tasty and inventive food, and accommodations at two strategic lodges near to most of the key birding spots, limiting longer drives. Our birding was divided between two major venues: Yankuam and Copalinga Lodges. Out of Yankuam, on the first half of our tour, we explored the hills and slopes that spill down from the Cordillera del Condor right on the Peruvian border. From Copalinga, and slightly upslope from Yankuam, we scoured the foothill and subtropical forests of the Bombuscaro sector of Podocarpus National Park and the old Loja-Zamora road. We even built in some time at the beginning and end of the trip to dip into the drier, Acacia habitats further west to enjoy some of the great birds to be found around the Catamayo Valley. Now to get to the birds!
Whether rare, local, beautiful, interesting, or all of the above, we had some tremendous highlight birds on this tour. Everybody will have their favorites, but here are some leader picks that I thought set our trip apart as exiting and unique: that Gray Tinamou prancing about at close range at Copalinga's corn feeder station; those attractive Torrent Ducks; an Oilbird flying out in front of the bus one evening; some mesmerizing hummingbirds, but those male Wire-crested Thorntails blew us away... with a special mention going out to that cooperative Ecuadorian Piedtail that perched so nicely for us; Fasciated Tiger-Herons perched out on the rocks; an amazing Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle perched and in flight right in the city of Zamora; that bold Band-bellied Owl that came blasting in at dusk for spotlight views; our scoped Lanceolated Monklet right overhead; those glittering Coppery-chested Jacamars at close range; a group of the local White-necked Parakeet that we scoped right from the dining room at Copalinga; a male Zimmer's Antbird in full song right in front of us; both Hairy-crested and White-plumed Antbirds at a roadside antswarm at Yankuam; an amazing Elegant Crescentchest that played hide-and-seek with us before giving it up; a pair of close Equatorial Graytails with a flock; a hard to find Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet; fabulous looks at the rare and peculiar Cinnamon Manakin-Tyrant; jaw-dropping views of a scoped male Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater; the local Bar-winged Wood-Wren that we tracked down on the higher slopes of the Cordillera del Condor; White-capped Dippers skipping about along the river edges; Black-capped Donacobius full of personality, as always; that shy Olive Finch in the understory at Bombuscaro; and some glamorous tanager species including Orange-eared, Golden-eared, and Paradise, but I think the magnificent Orange-throated Tanager at Yankuam was the undisputed grand prize!
I had a great time birding with all of you during our week together in Ecuador's deep southeast, exploring great birding sites and enjoying awe-inspiring scenery all the while. So turn some pages and re-live some exhilarating birding moments... good birding!
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
This male Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater was amazing! What spectacular colors! Photo by participant Alan Orr.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao kleei) – An exceedingly hard tinamou species to find under normal birding circumstances, but the corn feeders at Copalinga lodge have really been the bomb of late and we enjoyed point-blank studies here of one at the blind... wow!
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Nice looks at males and females along the Zamora River on our final day of the trip. This duck is quite merganser-like.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Fairly common in the east.
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) [*]
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – We managed scope views of this mostly gray pigeon along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Fairly common around Yankuam.
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – Common in the drier habitats of the Catamayo Valley. This is a very recognizable species with that bright yellow cere, not to mention its bizarre call!
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – More common in humid areas, such as on the east slope.
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – Replaces the previous species in drier zones. We had them on our last day in the Catamayo Valley.
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta) – Nice looks at this rufous-colored cuckoo as we made our way to Yankuam on our first day, seen during a quick roadside stop next to a swamp.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Keith spotted our first one on the first day; we had plenty of fine subsequent looks.
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – We got a charge out of the individual that we had flying ahead of us near Yankuam - for spotlight views - one evening. Its floppy flight and large size were noted!
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHINNED SWIFT (Cypseloides cryptus) – Seen zooming by in noisy groups at Copalinga a couple of times as they emitted their distinctive chatter.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – Seen flying over for good looks around Copalinga.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The large swift that we had zooming around us a few times.
This male Torrent Duck is one of a pair we saw on the Zamora River. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – The small Chaetura swift that we saw around Yankuam. This one will remind some of the Chimney Swift.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) [*]
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Coming to the feeders at Copalinga, especially the one at the bar... wonder what that feeder was laced with?!
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) [*]
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – This tiny hermit was seen along the roadside in the Yankuam area.
GEOFFROY'S WEDGEBILL (Schistes geoffroyi) – The "Wedge-billed Hummingbird" has been split, east/west. The eastern bird that some folks saw along the old Loja-Zamora rd. was this newly erected species.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Sharp-eyed Eric spotted this one for us on our first full day around Yankuam for scope studies... yes!
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – Males and females dazzled us as they fed at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga... what a spectacle!
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – We called one right up into view at Yankuam for sensational studies!
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Seen on the subtropical slopes of the Cordillera del Condor.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – Spectacular males on the slopes of the Cordillera del Condor. Could that tail get any more electric?
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Keith and I had them on the slopes of the C. del Condor, but they wouldn't stay long enough for everybody else to get onto.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) [*]
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii) [*]
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – Eric spotted a female for the group at Yankuam; always a thrill to see as this is a tough one to come by and a very attractive hummer.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – The default hummer at Copalinga's feeders, but stunning nonetheless!
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – Stephanie and I caught looks it this dry habitat species in the Catamayo Valley on our last day as we birded our way to the airport for our flight back to Quito.
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – An uncommon and tiny woodstar that has a spotty distribution in the Andes and its foothills. We had some excellent views of an immature male as it fed about at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – A glittering male dazzled us at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga!
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – The common hummer at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga; the one with the large white spot behind the eye.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – A stunning hummer of the eastern foothills and lowlands that blew us away at Copalinga's feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – A rather dull hummer of the eastern foothills that was regular in small numbers at Copalinga's feeders.
Gray Tinamou has become easy to see at Copalinga, thanks to a corn feeder put out by the lodge. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – The hummer with the white stripe down the belly; common around the gardens at Copalinga, even visiting the feeders a time or two for nice views.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Incredible! The males at the feeders at Copalinga splashed us with amazing, iridescent colors!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) – We spotted one in a roadside swamp on our way into Yankuam on our first day.
CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) [*]
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) – Seen soaring by some at Yankuam, and then again at a roadside pond in the area later on.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – Stupendous views of this river-edge tiger-heron a couple of times in the Zamora area where the scope really brought them to life.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – We landed this and the following heron species at a quick roadside stop at a swamp for good views.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – We had this large vulture in the foothills on our way into Yankuam.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Always a thrilling sight!
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – Stephanie spotted this magnificent hawk-eagle for us - of all places - right from the river promenade in the city of Zamora for unforgettable scope studies!
TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) – I think I was the only one to get onto this one at Copalinga, but I include it as it was right in the area at Copalinga!
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris) – The common hawk with the obvious rufous wing panels.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – A large raptor of dry habitats that we nailed on our last day in the Catamayo Valley.
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – Nice looks at this handsome hawk around Yankuam.
A beautiful Golden Grosbeak posed briefly for participant Alan Orr in the Catamayo Valley.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – Seen soaring on the slopes of the C. del Condor.
Strigidae (Owls)
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) – We set up the perfect ambush when we called this powerful owl up at dusk for fabulous spotlight views near Yankuam.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Keith spotted a female for us at Yankuam.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – After hearing them daily at Yankuam, we finally spotted a female for nice views.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Nice views at a pair at Yankuam.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – We called one in near Yankuam on our last morning there for spectacular scope studies. Although a wide-ranging species, this one can be really hard to track down when silent; lucky for us it was singing!
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – I was wondering if we were headed for a miss on this one after low song activity from them, but Eric came through, spotting our first at Bombuscaro in the form of a very close female that offered up some excellent scope studies! We reconnected with them the following day as well to really drive this species home.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – Just couldn't get them to cooperate! [*]
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) [*]
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) [*]
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – Good looks at a pair with a flock along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Mostly heard, but we did have a quick flyby near Yankuam.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – This tiny woodpecker was common with the flocks in the Zamora area.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – This distinctive woodpecker was fairly common in the Yankuam area and seen very well. Gotta love those yellow spectacles!
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus) – Some folks got onto this rather drab species.
We saw a number of Magpie Tanagers on the tour. This photo by participant Alan Orr captures the length of the bird nicely!
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus) – Flyby only on our first day!
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – We had a female on our first day of birding out of Yankuam.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – The neotropical version of the Pileated Woodpecker. We had this one well at Yankuam.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – We ran into a male of this handsome woodpecker along the lower old Loja-Zamora rd.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – The mostly black caracara with the orange face.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – The Lone Ranger of the falcon world, with that bold black mask!
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis rufigularis) [*]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – Nice scope views along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – The common parrot in the Yankuam area; we had plenty of fine scope studies.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) – We had a pair fly by at Copalinga.
DUSKY-BILLED PARROTLET (Forpus modestus) – A pair came zipping into a Cecropia tree along the roadside on our exit day from Yankuam, but they didn't stay long before they flew off.
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – There to great us at the airport in the Catamayo Valley after our flight from Quito on the first day. That male has some beautiful blue highlights.
WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus) – This local species was long considered to be an Ecuador endemic, but was not long ago found just over the border in Peru, and it did its best to sidestep us in the Zamora area. First we had flybys of them at Bombuscaro, which were exciting, but not at all satisfying. The staff at Copalinga said that they were frequently coming to some fruiting trees on the property, which we fervently staked out, but no luck. As luck would have it, while lunching at Copalinga, they unexpectedly flew in right next to the dining room, giving us fabulous scope views... finally!
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota) – Some had this canopy antwren as it moved with a flock on the slopes of the Cordillera del Condor.
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – Excellent studies of a pair near Yankuam on our first full day of birding there.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – Fairly common along the roadside at Yankuam, but not always easy to see. We called them in for nice views.
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops) – A tough antshrike to come by as it is very local and shy, inhabiting the forest understory where darkness reigns! We chased a male as it moved through the forest, keeping with it until we had the looks we needed, challenging is it may have been!
FOOTHILL ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla spodionota) – We lucked into some fine views of this understory antwren species near Yankuam as it called and popped about along the roadside!
ORNATE ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla ornata) [*]
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Fairly common with the understory flocks at Yankuam.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – It took us up until near the end of the trip to track this canopy antwren down with a canopy flock along the old Loja-Zamora rd., but it was worth the wait!
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) – Common with the canopy flocks around Yankuam, but often a challenge to see well. We were lucky and landed good looks at them along the roadside at Yankuam on our first full day there.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – An antbird of thickets and vine tangles that we saw well a couple of times.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides serva) – We pulled them out from their undergrowth haunts at Yankuam for nice views.
Violet-fronted Brilliants were plentiful at the feeders at Copalinga. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis) – Most got onto the female along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
WHITE-BROWED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus leucophrys) – A classy antbird that we cornered in a tangle at Yankuam after it danced around us a bit.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) [*]
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes leucostigma) – Excellent looks at a male of this active understory species at Yankuam after some persistence!
ZIMMER'S ANTBIRD (Sciaphylax castanea) – Split from the Chestnut-backed Antbird; this one prefers hillier areas. We tracked this species down along a side trail at Yankuam for amazing studies when a male popped out of the undergrowth, singing its heart out!
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) – I had not had an antswarm experience like this in years, so it was really really a thrill for me, and I hope for all of you as well! Seeing these marvelous antbirds flit about in the sunbeams that shone through to the forest floor was simply magnificent. After some hard work - these guys are shy! - we enjoyed some memorable views of one of the most amazing antbirds of them all!
HAIRY-CRESTED ANTBIRD (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) – With the same antswarm as the previous species, and a very hard bird to see well, but we were rewarded with some pretty memorable views.
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – We teased out a male of this beautiful antbird at Yankuam on our last full morning there.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans) – A gorgeous understory species that was once considered to be, of all things, a tapaculo! We coaxed this little jewel out in the scrub forests of the Catamayo Valley on our last day, and it really made for a killer final wrap up!
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) – Seen by most in the Zamora area.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – A small and slender woodcreeper of tropical areas that we saw on our first day as we neared Yankuam. Watch for some splits in the future as there are many very different subspecies throughout this species' range.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest woodcreeper, we had plenty of fine studies of them in the forest understory.
OCELLATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus ocellatus) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – With the mixed flocks on the slopes of the C. del Condor.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – Also seen on the slopes of the C. del Condor. This is a very well-marked furnariid that acts somewhat nuthatch-like.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – Seen well in the dry Catamayo Valley at nest, and "chicken-walking" all the while!
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura) [*]
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – A beautiful foliage-gleaner of foothill slopes that we ran into with a flock on the C. del Condor. The orange tones really make this a distinctive species.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – We had several with the mixed canopy flocks at Bombuscaro; this is the one with the obvious spectacles.
RUFOUS-TAILED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia ruficaudata) – Some got onto this foothill, canopy species in the Yankuam area.
RUDDY FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rubiginosus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – Nice looks at this skulker with some flock activity on the slopes of the C. del Condor where it even popped out into the open a time or two!
Here is the female Torrent Duck that we saw at the Zamora River. In some ways, she is prettier than the male. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (Automolus subulatus) – We enjoyed scope studies of a calling bird near Yankuam, a hard feat indeed!
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – We got one to pop in on the slopes of the C. del Condor as it fed about in the understory.
EQUATORIAL GRAYTAIL (Xenerpestes singularis) – It took some searching, but we finally connected with a pair of this range-restricted species as they fed with a large flock along the old Loja-Zamora rd., and the views were memorable!
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – Common with the canopy flocks in the Copalinga area.
SPECKLED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca gutturata) – This canopy spinetail is always a devil to see well, but we cornered one pretty well during some roadside birding near Yankuam for pretty good views as it called back to us.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina) – We saw the Tumbesian form of the dry forests in the Catamayo Valley on our last day before heading to the airport for our flight to Quito.
FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai) – A range-restricted elaenia species of the eastern foothills that was only described to science fairly recently. We had them pretty easily with the flocks at Bombuscaro for some nice scope studies; they were particularly vocal this trip.
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – Good looks on our first day on the east slope as we made our way down to Yankuam. This one needs a re-name: "Cotton-topped Elaenia"!
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Seen along the streams, where they usually are!
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Right at the lodge at Yankuam where we found one stunned around the cabins. Luckily it revived itself and flew off seemingly unharmed.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – A common flock bird in the foothills, and almost always vocalizing!
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – With a flock on the slopes of the C. del Condor.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – A diminutive tyrannulet of canopy flocks in the east that we saw well a few times well. The distinctive, trilled call of this species helps identification along a bit, for sure!
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps) – We called a pair of this drab tyrannulet in near Yankuam on our first day... the one without wing bars.
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) – A rare canopy flock tyrannulet of the east slope that we stumbled across during some flock birding along the old Loja-Zamora rd. for some quality views.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – Always a thrill to see and one of the most attractive flycatchers around!
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – We snagged this big-eyed little tyrannid in the dry forest of the Catamayo Valley.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis) – Most got onto this handsome, but shy, little skulking flycatcher at Yankuam as they zipped about.
GOLDEN-WINGED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus calopterus) – Beautifully at Yankuam for point-blank studies.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) [*]
One of the Bronzy Incas sat long enough for participant Alan Orr to get this nice photo.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Scope studies of this little canopy beauty lit up our day!
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Right around the gardens at Copalinga as they belted out their harsh songs.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-FACED) (Tolmomyias flaviventris viridiceps) – Celia spotted this loud, but inconspicuous species for us at Copalinga.
CINNAMON MANAKIN-TYRANT (Neopipo cinnamomea) – This one has gone by a few names and has been bounced around between the manakins and flycatchers, although it looks like it has finally found its place in the flycatchers. This species has a large range in the tropical and foothill zones of South America but always seems rare and hard to find, so certainly one of the birds of the trip! We had some excellent looks at this tiny understory species near Yankuam as it called and actively flitted about at close range. It didn't ever stay still for very long, but it did so long enough a few times to give us the satisfying views we were hoping for!
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – Very similar in appearance to the previous species but with pale legs and different proportions and vocalizations. We had nice views of one at Bombuscaro.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – A large and colorful flycatcher that we saw well along the old Loja-Zamora rd. As its name hints at, this one is almost always found near rocky escarpments
ORANGE-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus phoenicomitra) – An inconspicuous forest flycatcher of the foothill zone, and if not calling, very hard to track down, but we hit a pair just right along the trail at Bombuscaro for nice views.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Common in secondary habitats such as along roadsides in the foothill zone.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus) – Seen in the drier forests of the Catamayo Valley.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) – Glimpsed at Yankuam.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Common in small numbers as a boreal migrant. [b]
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – The common wood-pewee in the foothills. [b]
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) – We may have had this one around Yankuam, but it was hard to confirm without a call.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – A handsome flycatcher with that elegant tail and white brow that can be found perched on tall snags, and we saw them many times.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (NIGRICEPS/ATRICEPS) (Myiarchus tuberculifer atriceps)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) [*]
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – some got onto this iconic neotropical species on our first day.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common in secondary woodland and seen on most days.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – Right around the lodge at Yankuam, "pipping" all the while!
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – A forest canopy flycatcher that moves about in small groups, almost constantly calling. After hearing them throughout the trip we finally nailed them during some roadside birding along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Common around Copalinga where they give their high-pitched, squeeze-toy calls.
This pretty little Ornate Flycatcher looks like it is using a giant leaf as a parasol. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – We connected with one along the highway as we birded our way into Yankuam.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Every day of the trip, as expected! This is always a good one to learn early on for comparison with other similar species.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
SCARLET-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola frontalis) – A stunning male put on quite a show for us on the subtropical slopes of the C. del Condor. Those full-frame scope views were just crippling!
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – We had brushes with males a few times, but best along the old Loja-Zamora rd. on the last day, where they were perching about along a side track we birded... always a blast to see!
GRAY-TAILED PIHA (Snowornis subalaris) – Just couldn't get the calling bird we were hearing interested. [*]
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – Flying by at Bombuscaro, but they just wouldn't stop for a perched view.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – We had little trouble finding this drab manakin species on its song perch along a side trail near Yankuam and enjoyed fabulous scope views.
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – We hit a male at Bombuscaro for good looks.
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) – We never could connect with a male, but we did have nice views at a female at Bombuscaro.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) [*]
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Fairly common in the canopy, but a real bear to see well at times. We finally ended up with fine views of one moving with a flock at Bombuscaro, sporting those bold wing bars and distinctive facial pattern.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – An uncommon tityra species, but we stumbled into a pair on our first day near Yankuam for scope views.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Common in the foothills and a boldly-patterned bird that is always a joy to see.
FOOTHILL SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis aenea) – The Schiffornis complex has finally been split up, leaving numerous species throughout the neotropics, with three in Ecuador! The form that we saw on this trip occupies the eastern foothills, as the name implies. We had incredible scope studies of a singing bird along a side trail near Yankuam that blew us away.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD (Pachyramphus castaneus) – Good looks at this small becard right around the lodge at Yankuam.
Ecuador has such astounding biodiversity that sometimes it is difficult to focus on the birds! Participant Alan Orr got an image of a brilliant orchid species.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus tenebrosus) [*]
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas) – A beautiful and noisy jay that we saw daily in the Copalinga area. Note that some authorities split this South American form out as a different species due to plumage and vocal differences.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – A large and loud jay of the eastern lowlands and foothills that we saw well in the Yankuam area.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – The common swallow.
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – A confusing, dark little swallow that we had some good looks of as they perched up on some power-lines near Yankuam.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – An elegant swallow of Amazonian waterways.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – A strange wren of the canopy that runs with mixed flocks, almost acting more like a gnatcatcher crossed with a nuthatch! We finally fished this one out with a flock along the old Loja-Zamora rd. for fine studies as it went about its foraging.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – As with all of the wrens of this genus, these guys are full of energy and loud song! Most folks got onto this large wren in the Catamayo Valley on the final day.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – The explosive song of this large canopy wren is one of the signature sounds of Amazonia! We called in a pair on our first day on our way into Yankuam.
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris) – Most got onto this sprite and bright rufous species in the Catamayo Valley on our last day.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – With an understory flock on the subtropical slopes of the C. del Condor.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – We landed this songster on our first full day of birding out of Yankuam.
BAR-WINGED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucoptera) – A range-restricted species of the outlying ridges of SE Ecuador and NE Peru that we tracked down on the upper slopes of the C. del Condor after hiking up from the town of Chinapintza... nice!
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – The common wood-wren of the highlands.
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – Quick looks for some near Yankuam when we called one in along the roadside.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata) – We had them coming in to mob when we played the pygmy-owl tape in the dry Catamayo Valley.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Wonderfully along the Zamora River on our last day.
Bran-colored Flycatcher was seen in the dry forest of the Catamayo Valley. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Fairly common in the swamps around Yankuam... this is a beautiful bird, but what a song it has!
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – We had nice views of this sneaky species in the subtropical zone of the C. del Condor.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – Some folks had looks at this forest thrush around Yankuam.
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) [*]
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) – A cleanly marked thrush of drier habitats that we saw at the upper end of its range in the Catamayo Valley.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Common on the east slope in secondary habitats.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus fulviventris) – Great looks at this robin-like thrush on the lush slopes of the C. del Condor.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
ANDEAN SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) – We scoped this shy thrush in the Acacia forests of the Catamayo Valley as it sang from a hidden perch, between flights across the road.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – The mockingbird of the drier western slopes and lowlands.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The euphonia with the yellow all the way up to the chin!
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – Common in humid areas in Ecuador, and seen almost daily on the tour.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Seen on the high ridges of the Catamayo Valley.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – Scoped on the east slope.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis) – One of the more common birds with the flocks in the foothills.
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris) – Also known as Yellow-whiskered Chlorospingus. We ran into a group of this vocal species on our last day.
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – Common with the canopy flocks in the foothills.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps) – A rare understory finch that we cornered for fabulous looks at Bombuscaro.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – The common sparrow of the highlands.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus) – Seen on our first day in the Catamayo Valley.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – The common oropendola of the east.
The bridge over the Rio Nangaritza is quite distinctive! Photo by participant Alan Orr.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – The oropendola with the all dark plumage and ivory bill.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Particularly common in the Yankuam area where they are almost always within earshot.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – It was fascinating to see a young bird of this species being attended by Russet-backed Oropendola, which is one of the more common host species for this large cowbird.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common and vocal with canopy flocks in the Zamora area.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – A very common bird with flocks this time of the year in the foothill and subtropical zones, and we saw some beauties! [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – An active little understory warbler that we saw on the slopes of the C. del Condor with some flock activity. The head stripes of this species are very distinctive.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – Good looks at this ground-dwelling warbler along the old Loja-Zamora rd. as it ran about and pumped out its loud song.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Another common boreal migrant. This one inhabits the understory of forest and forest-edges and offered up plenty of nice views this trip. [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – The common resident warbler of canopy flocks in the humid foothills and subtropical zones throughout Ecuador, and we had many fine views of this conspicuous bird over the course of the trip.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) [*]
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – Fairly common here in its northern winter range. [b]
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – Nice scope views at a pair of this canopy tanager with a flock along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – We had a quick flyby of this brightly-colored grosbeak on our last day in the dry Catamayo Valley.
AMAZONIAN GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia rothschildii) – Note that Amazonian birds have been split off from birds west of the Andes as this species. [*]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The longest tanager species and seen well numerous times on this trip.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – We had some close views of this subtropical species with a flock at close range on the slopes of the C. del Condor; the one with the all dark slaty upper-side and rich cinnamon underside.
Golden-crowned Flycatchers were common around Copalinga. Photo by participant Alan Orr.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – A striking tanager of canopy mixed flocks. We had some excellent views of a male as it foraged about near Yankuam one morning.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Fairly common in secondary habitats of the foothills. This is the one with the all black male and rufous female.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – Excellent scope studies at a pair as they foraged with an eye level mixed flock at Bombuscaro; that male is a real stunner when seen well!
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – The most common tanager of secondary habitats.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – Celia spotted our first ones in the Yankuam area. This species' incredible black and red plumage is just spectacular!
ORANGE-THROATED TANAGER (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron) – This headliner bird for the tour gave us a run for our money in the sense that it danced around us quite a bit over the course of our time birding the Maycu Reserve, its stronghold in the immediate Yankuam area. This reserve was set up primarily to protect this species, and the project really seems to be doing a fine job of protecting this local species as well as numerous other rare species of the zone. Yankuam's owner also told me that there are plans to expand the reserve significantly, so this is great news! Back to the tanager, we actually had excellent scope views of this large, flamboyant and noisy tanager on our first day birding the reserve, but they were jumpy and stayed high in the canopy, but hey... mission accomplished! We continued to run into them daily as they moved about high overhead, but never managed to repeat those first cracking views.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus) – A striking and conspicuous mountain-tanager of the subtropical zone that we had good looks at on the slopes of the C. del Condor.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – Superb views at this beautiful understory tanager on the slopes of the C. del Condor; the bright yellow throat of this one really stands out in a sea of green!
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – An electric green tanager of the foothill zone of the east that we saw wonderfully with the canopy flocks around Copalinga and Bombuscaro.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – A common bird of secondary habitats that we saw on everyday of the trip. Note that we saw the more plain west slope form in the Catamayo Valley, as well as the more colorful form of the east with the bold white wing bar over the course of most of the trip.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – When seen well this is a surprisingly handsome tanager!
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra) – After having this pretty tanager dance around us a bit, we finally snagged nice views of them right from the dining room at Yankuam on our last day there. Those dark spectacles really define this one.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata) – Sort of like a plainer version of the previous species, we had good looks at this foothill species along the old Loja-Zamora rd.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – Common with the canopy flocks around Yankuam.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Seen on everyday of the trip, and a smashing tanager species!
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Common in the subtropical zone, we had crippling views of this strongly-patterned tanager on the slopes of the C. del Condor.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – We saw the form of the east slope with a flock on the slopes of the C. del Condor. This one can be hard to find, but we hit it just right.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Plenty of stunning views of this outrageous tanager species!
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – A well-known tanager species throughout many areas of the neotropics, although some splits might be on the way as there are some very distinctive forms. We had them with the flocks for nice views.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – We finally managed to track this magnificent east slope species down with a flock along the old Loja-Zamora rd.; the patterning on this one is so intricate.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – This one should be called the Saffron-helmeted Tanager, don't you think? This was another awesome tanager that we saw on the slopes of the C. del Condor.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – One of the tanager species that we saw on most days, and as like of the others, some serious eye candy!
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – Unmistakeable, with that lovely yellow-orange plumage!
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – We spotted a male during our day birding the C. del Condor.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata) – Frequent with the flocks in the foothill zone.
Here's the group celebrating another great day of birding together! Photo by participant Alan Orr.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – Common in the Yankuam area, such as right around the lodge, and a real stunner with that bold black and yellow plumage, and red eye.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Larry and I had one along the the old Loja-Zamora rd.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Nice scope studies of a bright yellow-legged male on our first day on our way into Yankuam.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – A common and very recognizable neotropical species that we saw many times during our trip.
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) – We had our best views of this cleanly-marked honeycreeper species along the old Loja-Zamora rd. when one came in for eye-level studies and simply dazzled us!
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – The male of this canopy tanager is quite the handsome bird, and not always an easy one to come by. We lucked into a small group of this species near Yankuam as they foraged about in the canopy with a flock, and even perched up quite nicely at one point.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – The royal blue flowerpiercer with the bright yellow eye of the eastern foothills that we tracked down on the slopes of the old Loja-Zamora rd.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus) – Seen right around the Loja airport after our flight form Quito on the first day of our trip.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – This bright yellow finch species is common in the dry Catamayo Valley.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – Seen launching into their comical hopping, flight display a few times.
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco) – Seen by some briefly on the first day in the Catamayo Valley.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Nice looks at males a few times.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – This thick-billed finch was seen well through the scope on our first day as it sat up and sang for us.
BLACK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila atrirostris) – Although a bird of pastures and swampy areas, this one is surprisingly hard to come by, but we ran into a pair for excellent studies near Yankuam on our first day.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa) – A nomadic seedeater that pops up sporadically in pastures and grassy areas. we ran into a patch of them as we left Yankuam. The pied male of this species is very distinctive.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Common in many areas of the neotropics.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – As its name implies, this is one dull species, without any real plumage, field marks, but it does have that distinctive bill that helps identify it. We had good looks at this one in the Catamayo Valley on our last day.
YELLOW-SHOULDERED GROSBEAK (Parkerthraustes humeralis) – A scarce grosbeak species of the eastern lowlands and foothills that is easily overlooked as it moves about in inconspicuous groups in the canopy, often with flocks. Since its calls are indistinct, it is hard to detect, but we did so along the forested roadsides near Yankuam, and nailed them for killer scope studies.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – A common saltator, but not always easy to see. We connected with them around Copalinga for nice views.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Fairly common in secondary woodlands.We finally hit them in the Zamora area for good looks as they sat up and sang.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
MAMMALS
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons) – These guys stalked about the gardens at Copalinga right around the cabins and gave us some nice views.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Keith spotted this cute little squirrel for us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 315 bird taxa and 2 mammal taxa