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These White-headed Brushfinches are related to the Pale-headed Brushfinches we saw. Although they are not real colorful, these are handsome little birds, and we got some good looks at them. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
It was another fantastic Southern Ecuador Specialties tour! The name describes the main point of this tour, which is to find very restricted species, especially from the Tumbesian zone. We also looked for some Choco endemics that occur in Buenaventura, and even some Ecuadorian endemics. We were very busy on this tour, starting in the city of Guayaquil where we birded the edges of the western part of the city. We then went on to the super comfortable Jocotoco lodges and reserves. The lodges are spot on, just in the middle of the reserves and close to the birding areas. They have developed great settings, with feeders for some rare species like the Jocotoco Antpitta, nests for El Oro Parakeet and hummingbird feeders. All of this made life easy for us on the tour. The weather was dryer than It should be at this time of the year, but It was all good for us, as we went to the places that we needed with no problems.
There were a lot of highlights on this tour, some species were easier than others to spot but that is the way it is, and is also part of the game. Imagine if it was all easy.....there would be no fun ha ha.....!
Here are some of the great moments that we had:
-The first lovely Peruvian Pygmy-Owl that came out to see what was going on in Cerro Blanco
-After failing in the first approach to the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, it was fantastic the second time to see a male just sitting there, showing his spectacular wattle and calling.
-In Jorupe, thanks to Rick, we had an incredible moment when he came to tell us that from his cabin (number 6) he could see a Laughing Falcon eating. We all gathered there to discover that the bird was eating a Parrot Snake a few meters away from the cabin. That is what I call a true National Geographic moment!
-The Jocotoco Antpitta feeder was fantastic and seeing the birds was great, but what I couldn't believe was when we were just sitting, there a group of at least 8 Golden-plumed Parakeets landed a few meters away for super views; I call it luck.
-The muddy adventure to see Chestnut-naped Antpitta was incredible; we arrived when there was just enough light to see the bird that appeared like a ghost to eat some worms from Vicente's hands, and few seconds later it vanished in the forest.
-We had many fantastic feeding flocks, with many birds that kept us very busy. The best one was at Tapichalaca, with a Golden-crowned Tanager, Orange-banded Flycatchers, Black-capped Hemispingus and Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager.
-For me, the most adrenaline pumping moment was when the big Terciopelo snake (Bothrops asper) crossed the road. My childhood came to my mind, and I discovered that I still have a lot of respect for this extraordinary creature.
-The icing on the cake was the Pale-headed Brush-Finch; we had to wait a bit, but eventually It came to the feeder to eat some crumbs that Enrique put there.
All the tour worked well, the roads, lodges, and hotels. We had a great time on the bus with Edgar, our driver, at the wheel, and he took us safely to our destinations. Also, he prepared the worm BBQ, even for the vegetarians; thanks for that.
To finish, I want to say that all of you people who joined this tour did great, and I hope you enjoyed the amazing views and incredible birds that we saw in these magical places where we were birding these two weeks.
Take care, and all the best,
Willy.
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui harterti) – At least a pair was calling at Manglares Churute. [*]
PALE-BROWED TINAMOU (Crypturellus transfasciatus) – Seen by some people who were at the right place. It looked like a football crossing the trail at Jorupe.
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – Great scope views from the main road in Manglares Churute reserve; we could even see the horn.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
COMB DUCK (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Sarkidiornis melanotos sylvicola) – Fantastic male sitting on a tree on our way to Zapotillo.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis erythroptera)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata) – This rare guan has a very small range in the Andes of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Cajanuma and Tapichalaca are the best places to see them.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens aequatorialis)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (AMERICAN) (Ardea alba egretta)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula thula)
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Butorides striata striata)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
Our group, waiting for the "big show" to start! We had to wait for a while, but then the Jocotoco Antpittas came in, and we were all very happy! Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (CAROLINENSIS) (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii magnus)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (HOOK-BILLED) (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus vicarius) – We had far scope views, but it was great to see this elegant and slender eagle with a black crest and chestnut sides on the neck...what a treat!
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (HARRIS'S) (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – It was the perfect place to see this hawk that soared close to us for a while. As the name suggests, the species is very variable in colors, but it was nice to see a gray morph.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
GRAY-BACKED HAWK (Pseudastur occidentalis) – Another Tumbesian endemic that we saw in Buenaventura, but also one was soaring on our way to Jorupe.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (NORTHERN) (Buteo platypterus platypterus) [a]
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (RUFOUS-FACED) (Laterallus albigularis albigularis) [*]
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (BROWN-BACKED) (Aramus guarauna guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (BLACK-NECKED) (Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (CHESTNUT-BACKED) (Jacana jacana scapularis)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
ECUADORIAN GROUND-DOVE (Columbina buckleyi)
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
MAROON-CHESTED GROUND-DOVE (Claravis mondetoura) – Normally very closely related to bamboo in the cloud forest, it was a nice surprise to see a female that came to eat corn at Jorupe.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida) [*]
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – Great looks of this handsome bird at Tapichalaca.
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
Here is one of the three White-capped Tanagers we saw so well. This bird is getting a good look at us, too! Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (NIGRICRISSA) (Piaya cayana nigricrissa)
Strigidae (Owls)
PERUVIAN SCREECH-OWL (PACIFICUS) (Megascops roboratus pacificus) – Some people managed to see this small owl at Jorupe.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata chapmani) [*]
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (RUFOUS-NAPED) (Systellura longirostris ruficervix) – Fantastic flying views of a bird that responded well at Cajanuma.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata)
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris subtropicalis)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (OCCIDENTALIS) (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila heterurus)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (BARON'S) (Phaethornis longirostris baroni) – It was a treat to see one feeding on a ginger flower at the Churute reserve car park.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis subrufescens)
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (WESTERN) (Schistes geoffroyi albogularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (AMETHYST-THROATED) (Heliangelus amethysticollis laticlavius)
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (MACULATA) (Adelomyia melanogenys maculata)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii mocoa) – We saw many hummingbirds, but this was some people's favorite, due to its amazing tail.
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis aethereus)
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps) – This very poorly know hummingbird is always hard to see but we were lucky when one was feeding on the side of the road.
RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (TYRIAN) (Metallura tyrianthina tyrianthina)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita smaragdinipectus)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (COLLARED) (Coeligena torquata fulgidigula)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris iris) – We had the perfect light on this bird to appreciate why they are called a Rainbow Starfrontlet!
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides aequatorialis)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamersoni)
Participant Subhash Chand got this photo of the Crescent-faced Antpitta that we found. This tiny bird was one of the favorite birds of the trip!
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris albicrissa)
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny fanny)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (EMERALD-BELLIED) (Thalurania colombica hypochlora)
TUMBES HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus baeri)
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (AMAZILIA) (Amazilia amazilia dumerilii) – Very common in the west lowlands.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola) – We saw this one a couple of times in Vilcabamba.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Juliamyia julie)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
ECUADORIAN TROGON (Trogon mesurus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus temperatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
WHOOPING MOTMOT (ARGENTICINCTUS) (Momotus subrufescens argenticinctus)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) [*]
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca lateralis) – Restricted to the Andes mountains of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, this is one of 4 colorful species of mountain-toucan that occur in South America.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ECUADORIAN PICULET (Picumnus sclateri)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis callonotus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (RUBRIPILEUS) (Colaptes rubiginosus rubripileus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (CRIMSON-MANTLED) (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (DUSKY-WINGED) (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis)
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway cheriway)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Falco sparverius peruvianus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
RED-LORED PARROT (SALVIN'S) (Amazona autumnalis lilacina)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis)
EL ORO PARAKEET (Pyrrhura orcesi) – We couldn't ask for better weather for these birds when 4 of them came to feed the chick in a nest; the sky was blue and had no clouds. It was stunning to admire this amazing Ecuadorian endemic.
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Psittacara erythrogenys)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus callogenys)
Here is our group at Jorupe, with a gorgeous big Ceiba tree in the background. We had some wonderful experiences here! Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major transandeanus)
CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae zarumae) [*]
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha atrinucha)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis aequatorialis)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps occidentalis) [*]
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans) [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
GRAY-HEADED ANTBIRD (Ampelornis griseiceps) [*]
ESMERALDAS ANTBIRD (Sipia nigricauda) – This Choco endemic that we saw in Buenaventura was as far south as this species goes in its range.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi) [*]
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans elegans)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla connectens) [*]
WATKINS'S ANTPITTA (Grallaria watkinsi) – This shy antpitta was seen a couple of times but there were even greater views through the scope.
JOCOTOCO ANTPITTA (Grallaria ridgelyi) – This species, of course, was the main reason to organize this tour, and was almost the king of the show. It took a bit of time and some effort from Franco before a pair showed up and the pressure was over........ What a spectacular rare bird and thank god that there are feeders!
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (RUFOUS) (Grallaria rufula rufula)
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED) (Grallaricula nana nana)
CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons) – I have to say, that this was one of the most wanted birds on the trip. We had to work hard but the rewards were superb when one just popped out in the open for the most stunning views that I have ever had from this species. I guess that was the reason why this bird was the favorite for most of you.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) [*]
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (PACIFIC) (Sittasomus griseicapillus aequatorialis)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-BROWN) (Dendrocincla fuliginosa ridgwayi)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (PECTORALIS GROUP) (Glyphorynchus spirurus subrufescens)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris thoracicus) [*]
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans guayae)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii orientalis)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
RUFOUS-NECKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla ruficollis) – Two birds played nicely at Jorupe. They liked the tangles in the forest, but this time they came out and we had great looks.
HENNA-HOODED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis erythrocephalus)
UNIFORM TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes ignobilis)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) – One of the most impressive birds in the brown category was seen several times, especially in the mountain forest.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes griseomurina) – As soon as you notice the name of this bird you don't expect much of a color, but when you see the tail and the shape, especially in the open as we saw, you will be surprised by the potential of this very unique bird.
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis antisiensis)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae ochracea)
BLACKISH-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis tithys)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (UNIRUFA) (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatus)
BLACK-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes nigrocristatus) – This is a bird that just gets into Ecuador and Utuana is the best place to see them; two birds showed up nicely.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola magnirostris)
PACIFIC ELAENIA (Myiopagis subplacens)
GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata implacens)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster semipagana)
This Chestnut-capped Brushfinch put on a real show for us! Photo by participant David Woods.
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – The elaenia with two horns, it was so nice to see them.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (ANDEAN) (Elaenia pallatangae pallatangae)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-STRIPED) (Mionectes olivaceus hederaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus nigrocapillus)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (LOJA) (Zimmerius chrysops flavidifrons)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (WESTERN) (Myiotriccus ornatus stellatus)
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (TAWNY-FRONTED) (Euscarthmus meloryphus fulviceps)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus squamaecrista)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis pyrrhops) [*]
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (EQUATORIAL) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens aequatorialis)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus)
ORANGE-BANDED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias lintoni) – The distribution of this bird is very limited, just Ecuador and most northern Peru, making it special. They're always with a mixed flock, that is how we saw them this time in Tapichalaca.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (BRAN-COLORED) (Myiophobus fasciatus crypterythrus)
GRAY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus griseipectus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus zarumae)
TROPICAL PEWEE (TUMBES) (Contopus cinereus punensis)
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (OBSCURUS GROUP) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae)
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus solitarius)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus cajamarcae)
JELSKI'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca jelskii) – We had to work hard for this, but we managed to see it nicely at Utuana.
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema gratiosa)
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata)
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda)
OCHRACEOUS ATTILA (Attila torridus) – This bird gave us a hard time but eventually I managed to scope him to have decent views.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer nigriceps)
SOOTY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (PHAEOCEPHALUS) (Myiarchus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (TUMBES) (Megarynchus pitangua chrysogaster)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis hellmayri)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (TUMBES) (Myiozetetes similis grandis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor)
This Rufous-throated Tanager was one of the many tanagers we saw. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
BAIRD'S FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes bairdii)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (STREAKED) (Myiodynastes maculatus chapmani)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
SNOWY-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus niveigularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (GREEN-AND-BLACK) (Pipreola riefferii occidentalis)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus penduliger) – Cotingas are always nice to see, but this is even better than most, and the lek at Buenaventura is the best place to see them.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (ECUADORIAN) (Schiffornis veraepacis rosenbergi)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor)
SLATY BECARD (Pachyramphus spodiurus)
BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus guayaquilensis)
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous homochrous)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (YELLOW-BACKED) (Cyclarhis gujanensis virenticeps)
LESSER GREENLET (GRAY-HEADED) (Pachysylvia decurtata minor)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys josephae)
RED-EYED VIREO (RESIDENT CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus griseobarbatus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas)
WHITE-TAILED JAY (Cyanocorax mystacalis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis uropygialis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea chalybea)
BARN SWALLOW (AMERICAN) (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufocollaris aequatorialis) – We had to do a tour to the church in Malacatos to see this restricted species, where we saw them nesting.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus pallescens)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys)
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (SPECKLE-BREASTED) (Pheugopedius sclateri paucimaculatus)
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus)
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unibrunnea)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (HILARIS) (Henicorhina leucophrys hilaris) [*]
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus) – It was fantastic to see this secretive wren, but Its song was even more impressive.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (SLATY-BACKED) (Catharus fuscater fuscater) [*]
We had some good views of the Ecuadorian countryside, in addition to seeing so many wonderful birds. Here we are stopped, enjoying a view near Tapichalaca. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) – This Tumbesian endemic was very common close to the coast and also in the dry forest at Jorupe.
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
MARANON THRUSH (Turdus maranonicus)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (CHIGUANCO) (Turdus chiguanco conradi)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (OLIVE-CROWNED) (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi pacifica)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (MANGROVE) (Setophaga petechia peruviana) – Lovely looks of a male when we visit the mangroves at Churute.
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus nitidior)
CITRINE WARBLER (NORTHERN) (Myiothlypis luteoviridis luteoviridis)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
GRAY-AND-GOLD WARBLER (Myiothlypis fraseri ochraceicrista) – This is the northern form that we saw at Manglares Churute.
GRAY-AND-GOLD WARBLER (Myiothlypis fraseri fraseri) – This one has a yellow stripe on the head, a few were around Jorupe.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata castaneiceps)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
BLACK-AND-WHITE TANAGER (Conothraupis speculigera)
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – This big tanager looks and behaves more like a jay than a tanager. We had three of them that gave us the most fantastic show that you can imagine. Flying and displaying above us and producing fascinating calls; it was magic!
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-CAPPED) (Kleinothraupis atropileus atropileus)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Thlypopsis superciliaris maculifrons)
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata media)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus panamensis)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii) – Another target for some members of the group. What a nice bird to see, the best sightings that we had were in Tapichalaca.
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (PALPEBROSUS GROUP) (Anisognathus lacrymosus caerulescens)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (SCARLET-BELLIED) (Anisognathus igniventris erythrotus)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (BUFF-BREASTED) (Dubusia taeniata taeniata)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex rufivertex) – Restricted to the mountain forest in the Andes from Venezuela to northern Peru, it's a real beauty; we saw a pair near Tapichalaca.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis)
The Short-tailed Field-Tyrant was one of the special birds we found that has a limited distribution in Ecuador. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus quaesita) – This is the one that we saw on the west.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (WHITE-EDGED) (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – With white on the shoulders this is the one that we saw in Valladolid.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Ixothraupis rufigula)
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis fulvigula) – Some people managed to see a male of this species in Valladolid, which is the farthest northern part of their range.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (BLUE-AND-BLACK) (Tangara vassorii vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola nupera)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – We saw the eastern race of this colorful tanager, which has a more red face than the one on the west.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala icterocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus chocoanus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza exsul)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera schistacea)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea dispar)
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus ocularis)
BLACK-HEADED HEMISPINGUS (Pseudospingus verticalis) – This uncommon and local species that liked the wet montane forest was seen in a mixed flock near Acacana.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris)
SAFFRON FINCH (SAFFRON) (Sicalis flaveola valida)
GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (MONTANE) (Sicalis luteola bogotensis)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina peruviensis)
PARROT-BILLED SEEDEATER (Sporophila peruviana devronis) – This very unique seedeater was seen at Cerro Blanco.
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
CRIMSON-BREASTED FINCH (Rhodospingus cruentus) – Another very range restricted species, the males of this species are striking and colorful, and we had great looks on the west of Guayaquil and some females were seen at Jorupe.
BANANAQUIT (CARIBBEAN) (Coereba flaveola intermedia)
Golden-crowned Tanager is another restricted species that we saw really well. We found a pair near Tapichalaca. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus pauper)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus maximus)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus flavidicollis) – We saw this unstreaked one first below Catacocha but also in Jorupe.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus) – This is the one that we saw at Valladolid.
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps) – Restricted to the western Andes in southern Ecuador and northern Peru, this is a colorful bird that we saw on our way to Utuana.
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (ASHY-THROATED) (Chlorospingus canigularis paulus)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus)
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons aurifrons)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris striaticeps) [*]
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis nigrifrons) – Another one that came to the feeders at Yunguilla reserve.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (AURANTIIROSTRIS GROUP) (Arremon aurantiirostris santarosae)
BLACK-CAPPED SPARROW (BLACK-CAPPED) (Arremon abeillei abeillei)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha) – It is always hard to see a Brushfinch, but we had cracking views of this one at Tapichalaca when one was feeding on the ground.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albiceps)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus)
PALE-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidiceps) – Located just in one dry valley in the central highlands of Ecuador, this species has to be one of the rarest birds in the world, with no more than a 100 pairs. Thanks go to the Jocotoco Foundation, that is saving the habitat and making it easier for people to see this. It was so nice to see this birds coming to the feeders.....wow that was beautiful!
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa bellicosa)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (WESTERN) (Cacicus cela flavicrissus)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
WHITE-EDGED ORIOLE (Icterus graceannae) – This bright yellow bird shows a lot of white on the wings, and its habitat is the dry Tumbesian forest. We saw them few a times in Jorupe.
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas taczanowskii)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi warczewiczi)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (THICK-BILLED) (Euphonia laniirostris hypoxantha)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus xanthogastrus)
SAFFRON SISKIN (Spinus siemiradzkii)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
TRICOLORED MUNIA (Lonchura malacca)
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTH (Choloepus hoffmanni)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
GUAYAQUIL SQUIRREL (Sciurus stramineus)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The birds and mammals were cool, but there were other animals that came across our path, or possibly we came across theirs!
Either way here they are.
-Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) at Cerro Blanco and Jorupe
-Anthony's Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates anthonyi) at Buenaventura
-False Coral snake (Tantilla capistrata) at Jorupe
And of course the big Terciopelo snake (Bothrops asper) that crossed the road at Buenaventura; luckily we were in the bus!
Totals for the tour: 399 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa