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This tour is all about finding some of the most special birds of Ecuador. One of these is the Pale-headed Brushfinch, which is endemic to a small portion of southwestern Ecuador. We had to wait for a while, but we had great views of two pairs of these endangered birds at Yunguilla Reserve. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
Any tour in Ecuador has to be fantastic, but this Southwestern Ecuador Specialties was spectacular. First of all, the weather worked out in our favor. There were quite a few landslides that happened a few days earlier, but luckily we managed to miss them. Being concentrated in an area with a lot of unique species, many regional endemics, and even Ecuadorian endemics, was very exciting.
Starting in Cerro Blanco gave us a great introduction for what was to come. We stayed at most of the Jocotoco lodges and reserves, which were great, but more importantly, the birding was amazing. We got to witness and support the conservation that the Jocotoco Foundation is doing in Ecuador. We were lucky enough to meet Doug Wechsler and his wife Debbie at Buenaventura. Doug gave us a great talk about the Jocotoco Antpitta and how the conservation movement began after they found the bird.
The whole trip was full of great moments and a few challenges, but the birding was full of fun. We saw so many different birds, and each person had a different favorite. The unique display and call of the male Long-wattle Umbrellabird was something to watch. Other special birds were the colorful Golden-crowned Tanager and the fancy Pearled-Treerunner that were always around the flocks in the highlands. The pair of Crimson-bellied Woodpeckers that we watched for a long time near Tapichalaca, the rare Black-and-White Tanager, the elusive Gray-capped Cuckoo and the fancy Black-crested Tit-Tyrant gave us an idea of how diverse this part of the country is. We certainly enjoyed watching the display of the Club-winged Manakin, the size of the Jocotoco Antpittas was impressive, and the noise of the Rufous-headed Chachalaca was quite something. A most special moment, and something that we will remember for a long time, was the presence of the small Crescent-faced Antpitta that came a meter away from us. It was incredible!
The trip was full of good birds and a lot of fun. Thank you all for coming and joining me to do this tour. I hope that I will see you again somewhere, looking for more birds. And last but not least, I want to say thanks to Edgar for his great driving, and helping us find all these super cool birds.
Good birding to you all, 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
One of the absolute best moments of the tour was when we watched this tiny Crescent-faced Antpitta. Be sure to have the sound turned up when you watch this! The song is almost as beautiful as the bird! Video by participants David and Judy Smith.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui harterti) [*]
PALE-BROWED TINAMOU (Crypturellus transfasciatus) – This super shy bird showed nicely at Urraca Lodge in Jorupe.
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) – Seen a couple of times on our way to Buenaventura.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis sylvicola) – The males of this species have very large crests, and they are also bigger than females, a few pairs were seen near Zapotillo.
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – This was a nice surprise on our way to Cuenca from Loja. When we arrived at the bridge of Rio Leon, a male was sitting on a rock below the bridge.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis erythroptera) – We came across a group that was very vocal at Buenaventura.
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (SPECKLED) (Ortalis guttata guttata)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata)
The Long-wattled Umbrellabird is always fun to see, and we got to watch two of them display at Buenaventura. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
RUDDY PIGEON (BERLEPSCH'S) (Patagioenas subvinacea berlepschi)
ECUADORIAN GROUND-DOVE (Columbina buckleyi)
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – This Ground Dove has a very unusual call; it was great to hear them.
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – The Tapichalaca hide worked well for this nice looking dove; one spent a while eating the corn that the rangers put down.
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
We got a pretty good look at this Ocellated Tapaculo, all things considered. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (NIGRICRISSA) (Piaya cayana nigricrissa)
GRAY-CAPPED CUCKOO (Coccyzus lansbergi) – One seen nicely at Cerro Blanco and many were calling at Zapotillo.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris subtropicalis)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (OCCIDENTALIS) (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A very common species at Buenaventura.
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri ruckeri)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – Great scope views of a male along the Umbrellabird trail.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (AMETHYST-THROATED) (Heliangelus amethysticollis laticlavius)
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
Tinamous are usually very shy, but this Pale-browed Tinamou at Urraca Lodge showed itself nicely for us. Photo by guide willy Perez.
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – They were like bees coming to the feeders at Buenaventura.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (MACULATA) (Adelomyia melanogenys maculata)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii mocoa)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis aethereus)
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (TYRIAN) (Metallura tyrianthina tyrianthina)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita smaragdinipectus) – We saw some individual pufflegs, and the males really glowed.
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (COLLARED) (Coeligena torquata fulgidigula)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris iris) – Utuana reserve was the place to see this stunning hummingbird.
Buenaventura is the home to several breeding groups of the endangered El Oro Parakeet. This family is posing at the entrance to their nest box. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (PERUVIAN) (Ocreatus underwoodii peruanus)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides aequatorialis)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamersoni)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri sagitta)
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny fanny) [N]
SHORT-TAILED WOODSTAR (Myrmia micrura) – A nice male was seen on our first day north of Guayaquil.
TUMBES HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus baeri)
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (AMAZILIA) (Amazilia amazilia dumerilii) – Seen along the the west lowlands and very numerous at Jorupe.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola) – Some people call it the Loja Hummingbird. We managed to see this bird a couple of times, especially on our way to Tapichalaca and Yunguilla.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Juliamyia julie)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (RUFOUS-FACED) (Laterallus albigularis albigularis) [*]
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (BROWN-BACKED) (Aramus guarauna guarauna)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (BLACK-NECKED) (Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus peruvianus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (CHESTNUT-BACKED) (Jacana jacana scapularis)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) – One was sitting on a fence post at Zapotillo.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PINNATED BITTERN (Botaurus pinnatus pinnatus) – Spotted by Lynn, this very well camouflaged bird was seen on our way to Buenaventura.
The amazing Rainbow Starfrontlet was found at Utuana Reserve. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (AMERICAN) (Ardea alba egretta)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Butorides striata striata)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (HOOK-BILLED) (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
The Jocotoco Antpitta is surprisingly large, and has very long legs, as shown in this video by participants David and Judy Smith. It was fun to see the two sitting side-by-side for a while!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (HARRIS'S) (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
GRAY-BACKED HAWK (Pseudastur occidentalis) – We managed to see one of these unique hawks on our way to El Oro Parakeet site. Scope views helped us to enjoy the bird and it stayed there for a while; it was the only one that we saw in the entire trip.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus brachyurus)
Strigidae (Owls)
PERUVIAN SCREECH-OWL (PACIFICUS) (Megascops roboratus pacificus) – Great views of at least two birds that were close to the cabins.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata chapmani)
This White-throated Quail-Dove was feeding on corn put out by the rangers at Tapichalaca. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – Very common along the first part of our trip.
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
ECUADORIAN TROGON (Trogon mesurus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – This yellow breasted Trogon was seen the first day at Cerro Blanco.
COLLARED TROGON (COLLARED) (Trogon collaris virginalis)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus temperatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
WHOOPING MOTMOT (ARGENTICINCTUS) (Momotus subrufescens argenticinctus)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca lateralis)
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
Pearled Treerunner is one of the most beautiful furnariids. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – The biggest Toucan that we saw at Buenaventura; we could see its chestnut lower mandible.
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) – A bit smaller than the previous one with a black lower mandible.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi lafresnayi)
ECUADORIAN PICULET (Picumnus sclateri)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates kirkii cecilii)
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates callonotus)
CRIMSON-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Campephilus haematogaster) – This big, rare woodpecker really gave us a great show. A pair was spotted on our way down to Valladolid and we enjoyed watching them for a while.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (RUBRIPILEUS) (Colaptes rubiginosus rubripileus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (CRIMSON-MANTLED) (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
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) – A parakeet with a very small distribution range, this was seen several times in Jorupe.
RED-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis)
EL ORO PARAKEET (Pyrrhura orcesi) – This Ecuadorian endemic is doing well in Buenaventura, where they are breeding every year. We had to do a bit of a hike but we managed to see at least two groups of them.
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Psittacara erythrogenys)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae zarumae) [*]
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi) – This Tumbesian endemic with a very small population in the Maranon valley was seen few times around Jorupe.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha atrinucha)
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (TAWNY) (Thamnistes anabatinus intermedius)
Red-masked Parakeet is a near-endemic to Ecuador. It's interesting to see how well a bright green and red bird can blend in, especially when the plants have matching bright red fruits! Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis aequatorialis)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) [*]
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans elegans) – We managed to see this elusive species the first day, when we visited the Peninsula north of Guayaquil.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera squamigera) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla connectens) [*]
WATKINS'S ANTPITTA (Grallaria watkinsi)
JOCOTOCO ANTPITTA (Grallaria ridgelyi) – It was just spectacular to see this stunning bird! A pair plus a young one came to eat the worms that Diego the park ranger brought with him.
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis) – Another ranger, Vicente, is still feeding this species and 3 of them showed up nicely.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (RUFOUS) (Grallaria rufula rufula)
We found a couple of Peruvian Screech-Owls near our cabins, and had great looks at them. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED) (Grallaricula nana nana)
CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons) – This was one of my best looks ever of this small but colorful Antpitta..... wow!
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) [*]
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (PACIFIC) (Sittasomus griseicapillus aequatorialis)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (PECTORALIS GROUP) (Glyphorynchus spirurus subrufescens)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris thoracicus) – We had to be patient, but we saw this big woodcreeper with a long curved bill, what a sight!
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans guayae)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii orientalis)
Golden-crowned Tanagers were seen with a number of the flocks we found in the highlands. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
RUFOUS-NECKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla ruficollis)
HENNA-HOODED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis erythrocephalus) – Some people managed to see this big foliage gleaner at Jorupe.
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Automolus subulatus virgatus) – Nice scope views of this bird; it's normally hard to see.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (GULARIS) (Hellmayrea gularis gularis)
MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes griseomurina)
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (LINE-CHEEKED) (Cranioleuca antisiensis antisiensis)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae ochracea)
BLACKISH-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis tithys) – Another restricted species that we saw in Jorupe.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus)
The small Scarlet-backed Woodpecker is another species found only in SW Ecuador and nearby Peru. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
BLACK-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes nigrocristatus) – This is one of the fanciest flycatchers, and the only reliable place to see it in Ecuador is Utuana, which is exactly where we saw it.
AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agilis)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
PACIFIC ELAENIA (Myiopagis subplacens)
GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata implacens)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster semipagana)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-STRIPED) (Mionectes olivaceus hederaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus nigrocapillus)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (LOJA) (Zimmerius viridiflavus flavidifrons)
The Parrot-billed Seedeater does have a parrot-like bill if you get a good look at it, which we did! Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (WESTERN) (Myiotriccus ornatus stellatus)
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (TAWNY-FRONTED) (Euscarthmus meloryphus fulviceps) – This very small flycatcher with a big voice was seen a couple of times on the west.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus squamaecrista)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri)
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus subbrunneus) [*]
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (EQUATORIAL) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens aequatorialis)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (WESTERN) (Platyrinchus mystaceus albogularis)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (ANDEAN) (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (BRAN-COLORED) (Myiophobus fasciatus crypterythrus)
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) – This nice and seldom seen flycatcher showed up nicely for us on our way down from Tapichalaca to Valladolid.
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus cajamarcae)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta atripennis)
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis)
JELSKI'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca jelskii) – A pair of this rare species was seen in Utuana.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (BROWN-BACKED) (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons)
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda) – This unique flycatcher that lives in southern Ecuador, all the coast of Peru, and very occasionally in the most northern part of Chile, was seen once on our trip.
OCHRACEOUS ATTILA (Attila torridus)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (NIGRICEPS/ATRICEPS) (Myiarchus tuberculifer nigriceps)
SOOTY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (PHAEOCEPHALUS) (Myiarchus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus sulphuratus)
We had great views of several pairs of the odd-looking Comb Duck. Females are smaller than the males, and do not have the large crests on their bills that the males have. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (TUMBES) (Megarynchus pitangua chrysogaster)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (TUMBES) (Myiozetetes similis grandis)
BAIRD'S FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes bairdii)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus chapmani)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
SNOWY-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus niveigularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus) – Very striking kingbird that we saw north of Guayaquil.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (GREEN-AND-BLACK) (Pipreola riefferii occidentalis)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata) – Great views of this secretive bird at Cajanuma.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus penduliger) – Two males were displaying and calling at Buenaventura.
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – We managed to see the display of this superb manakin, a small bird with a powerful song.
Agile Tit-tyrant was one of the small flycatchers we saw; this one is found in the mountains. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
NORTHERN SCHIFFORNIS (ECUADORIAN) (Schiffornis veraepacis rosenbergi)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor)
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)
CHIVI VIREO (RESIDENT) (Vireo chivi griseobarbatus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) [*]
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas)
WHITE-TAILED JAY (Cyanocorax mystacalis) – This Tumbesian endemic was seen every day at Jorupe.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)
We were able to watch a pair of Crimson-bellied Woodpeckers near Tapichalaca. Participants David and Judy Smith got this video of the male tearing into a tree.
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) – The church of Malacatos is still holding a nice nesting site of this nice swallow.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus pallescens)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) – We enjoyed listening to the song of these birds instead of seeing them.
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (SPECKLE-BREASTED) (Pheugopedius sclateri paucimaculatus)
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus)
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unibrunnea)
Chestnut-naped Antpitta is another species that is coming to worm-feeders; we got a great view of three of them. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (HILARIS) (Henicorhina leucophrys hilaris) [*]
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus) – The name makes sense for this bird; we didn't see it but it was very nice to hear them. [*]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (RUFIVENTRIS GROUP) (Ramphocaenus melanurus rufiventris) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (SLATY-BACKED) (Catharus fuscater fuscater)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris) [N]
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) – The most common thrush on the west.
MARANON THRUSH (Turdus maranonicus)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (CHIGUANCO/CONRADI) (Turdus chiguanco conradi)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus)
The Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant is a small bird with a loud voice that we saw a few times. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
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) – One of the rare siskins of the arid pacific coast that we saw near Jorupe.
Passerellidae (New World 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) – As the name describes, another Tumbesian endemic that we saw close to Catamayo.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons aurifrons)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis nigrifrons)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (AURANTIIROSTRIS GROUP) (Arremon aurantiirostris santarosae)
Often we focus on the male hummingbirds, but this little female Violet-tailed Sylph is very pretty as well. Photo by participants David and Judy Smith.
BLACK-CAPPED SPARROW (BLACK-CAPPED) (Arremon abeillei abeillei)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albiceps)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus)
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (WHITE-WINGED) (Atlapetes leucopterus dresseri)
PALE-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidiceps) – This Ecuadorian endemic normally takes a bit of effort to find, and this time was not an exception. But with a little patience we saw two pairs nicely in Yunguilla reserve.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus bellicosus)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (RUSSET-BACKED) (Psarocolius angustifrons atrocastaneus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (WESTERN) (Cacicus cela flavicrissus) – Very noisy at Cerro Blanco.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
WHITE-EDGED ORIOLE (Icterus graceannae)
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas taczanowskii)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi warczewiczi)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (BLACK-LORED) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis auricularis) – The yellowthroat that we saw in Zapotillo.
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (OLIVE-CROWNED) (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Setophaga pitiayumi pacifica)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus nitidior)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
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) – The one at Jorupe.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata castaneiceps)
Peruvian Pygmy-Owl was common during the first days of the tour. Photo by participant Brian Armstrong.
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (HIGHLAND) (Piranga flava lutea)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni)
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-AND-WHITE TANAGER (Conothraupis speculigera) – Thanks to Jay, we nailed it when he found a male just sitting in the open......
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – This fantastic tanager was seen on our way out of Tapichalaca. [*]
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-CAPPED) (Kleinothraupis atropileus atropileus)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Thlypopsis superciliaris maculifrons)
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata media) – Nice views of this colorful small tanager at Yunguilla.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus panamensis)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
One of the Plumbeous-backed Thrushes we saw was caught in an interesting pose by participants David and Judy Smith. The eyes of this bird are such an interesting color!
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata)
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)
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus quaesita) – This is the western bird with no white on the wings.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (WHITE-EDGED) (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – The eastern ones with white on the wings.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
Our group stopped long enough for guide Willy Perez to get this photo at Podocarpus.
SILVERY TANAGER (Tangara viridicollis fulvigula) – We had great looks, especially at Valladolid when a male was sitting on top of a tree.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (BLUE-AND-BLACK) (Tangara vassorii vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola nupera)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala icterocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus chocoanus)
The distinctively-colored Blue-capped Tanager is another species found in the mountains. This photo by participant Brian Armstrong gives a good view of the epiphyte-covered tree as well, and shows how tricky it can be to find a small bird, even if it is very colorful!
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza exsul)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor)
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)
SLATY FINCH (Spodiornis rusticus rusticus)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris)
SAFFRON FINCH (SAFFRON) (Sicalis flaveola valida)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina peruviensis)
A Broad-billed Motmot demonstrates its sit-and-wait technique of hunting, as well as its habit of twitching its tail from side to side. Video by participants David and Judy Smith.
PARROT-BILLED SEEDEATER (Sporophila peruviana devronis) – Super looks at males at Zapotillo.
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)
PARAMO SEEDEATER (Catamenia homochroa homochroa)
CRIMSON-BREASTED FINCH (Rhodospingus cruentus)
BANANAQUIT (CONTINENTAL) (Coereba flaveola intermedia)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus maximus)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus flavidicollis)
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps)
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
TRICOLORED MUNIA (Lonchura malacca) [I]
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) [*]
A colorful Orange-bellied Euphonia posed nicely for participants David and Judy Smith.
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
GUAYAQUIL SQUIRREL (Sciurus stramineus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 371 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa