This 2022 Southwest Ecuador tour was a success. Visiting the fantastic Jocotoco lodges and reserves was a treat and in many ways easy for birding. Apart from Guayaquil, our accommodations were in the middle of the forest so we didn't have to go too far to find our birds. Food was delicious, the scenery was lovely, the staff were great and birds were superb. Plus we were supporting conservation and being part of the Jocotoco movement!
We started at Cerro Blanco, north of Guayaquil and travelled down south to Buenaventura reserve which had a lot of the Choco endemic species in their most southern range. Here in Buenaventura, we came across Harold Greeney who was working with some bird nests and he kindly showed us some of them. Lucky us! After, we ventured further south, going to Jorupe where most of the Tumbesian endemic species are present, and finally we went to Tapichalaca to look for the most iconic bird of this tour, the Jocotoco Antpitta. Among all of these amazing habitats we managed to see most of our target birds and more, from Crescentchest, Umbrellabird, Tapaculos, Hummingbirds, to Tanagers, and of course several Antpittas.
The change in the itinerary in relation to flight schedules gave us the chance to visit the highlands near Quito and the nice Guango lodge for a delicious lunch with an incredible number of hummingbirds and possibly the best place to see Torrent Ducks. Despite some heavy rains and some landslides, Edgar, our skilled driver managed to take us to our destinations on time and more importantly, safely.
I have to mention how important it is to travel with a great group, and believe me you were definitely this. Always looking and finding birds was part of the game, and being patient and ready was also very important, and something our group did brilliantly. Overall It was great, and I would like to say thank you to all of you for coming to do this fantastic tour that, as I mentioned before, supports the conservation efforts that the Jocotoco foundation is doing to protect a crazy number of birds in those amazing places.
Keep birding and I hope that I will see you soon,
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
PALE-BROWED TINAMOU (Crypturellus transfasciatus)
It is always a thrill to see a Tinamou but this one is a very special one with a very restricted distribution. Jorupe is the place to see them specially this time of the year.
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta)
These birds are very bizarre looking and we certainly enjoyed watching them on our way from Guayaquil to Buenaventura.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis sylvicola)
We had few males close to the road feeding on the rice fields near Zapotillo.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors) [b]
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris)
RUFOUS-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis erythroptera)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata)
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens aequatorialis)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea chapmani)
ECUADORIAN GROUND DOVE (Columbina buckleyi)
CROAKING GROUND DOVE (Columbina cruziana)
We saw this bird well, but their sound was also unique and funny.
BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata)
At least a pair, seen eating corn on Jocotoco Antpitta trail.
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia naevia)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (NIGRICRISSA) (Piaya cayana nigricrissa)
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) [b]
GRAY-CAPPED CUCKOO (Coccyzus lansbergi)
Great looks of this secretive and colorfull bird.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
We almost missed this well camouflaged bird that was just above us during our picnic lunch at Cerro Blanco. Thanks to Daniel, who worked as a local guide; he pointed it out for us.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris subtropicalis)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (TUMBES) (Chaetura brachyura ocypetes)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila heterurus)
I am counting this bird because we saw it in a way... the bird was sitting in a nest which was a fascinating thing to see; also we ventured through a muddy trail with heavy rain. That made the trip exciting!
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (AMETHYST-THROATED) (Heliangelus amethysticollis laticlavius)
All the Sunangel hummingbirds are stunning but this species was the winner at Tapichalaca. Kathy enjoyed watching them.
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
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)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis aethereus)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna gracilis)
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps)
We had to do a sort of special trip to find this bird. The good news is that we found a couple of them and we had great looks at Tapichalaca.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi)
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)
This hummingbird got given the right name! When we saw them in good light we could see the rainbow.... It was a WOW moment!
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (WHITE-BOOTED) (Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides aequatorialis)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamersoni)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris albicrissa)
SHORT-TAILED WOODSTAR (Myrmia micrura)
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny fanny)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (ECUADORIAN) (Chalybura buffonii intermedia)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (EMERALD-BELLIED) (Thalurania colombica hypochlora)
TUMBES HUMMINGBIRD (Thaumasius baeri)
Not the most colorful hummingbird, but it was one of our targets because of its very small distribution.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (WHITE-THROATED) (Amazilis amazilia dumerilii)
We had many of them in Guayaquil and Jorupe.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (WHITE-THROATED) (Amazilis amazilia alticola)
This subspecies is the one that we saw in Loja.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Uranomitra franciae)
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Chlorestes julie)
RUFOUS-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides axillaris)
We had a nice surprise with this bird at Jorupe; they were very vocal and we managed to see one crossing the road.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (RUFOUS-FACED) (Laterallus albigularis albigularis)
LIMPKIN (BROWN-BACKED) (Aramus guarauna guarauna)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (BLACK-NECKED) (Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus)
WATTLED JACANA (CHESTNUT-BACKED) (Jacana jacana scapularis)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)
Two of them were seen at Puerto Jeli.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
We saw them flying when we were in the Guayaquil area.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum brasilianum)
PINNATED BITTERN (Botaurus pinnatus pinnatus)
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)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (AMERICAN) (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
It was so nice to see many of them feeding on a rice field.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
OSPREY (CAROLINENSIS) (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis) [b]
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii magnus)
Edgar spotted one from the bus and we saw it mostly in flight.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) [N]
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
Unfortunately we found a dead one along the road above the lodge in Tapichalaca.
COMMON BLACK HAWK (MANGROVE) (Buteogallus anthracinus subtilis)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (HARRIS'S) (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
GRAY-BACKED HAWK (Pseudastur occidentalis)
This almost Ecuadorian endemic was seen few times in Buenaventura.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus brachyurus)
PERUVIAN SCREECH-OWL (PACIFICUS) (Megascops roboratus pacificus)
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata chapmani)
Some people saw this big owl and some of us couldn't sleep because they were calling so loudly near our cabins.
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
We had fantastic looks at a bird just outside of the dining room at Buenaventura.
BUFF-FRONTED OWL (Aegolius harrisii harrisii) [*]
ECUADORIAN TROGON (Trogon mesurus)
COLLARED TROGON (COLLARED) (Trogon collaris virginalis)
WHOOPING MOTMOT (ARGENTICINCTUS) (Momotus subrufescens argenticinctus)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana cabanisii)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca lateralis)
Mountain-Toucans are superb birds, so any of them are nice to see. We were lucky enough to find one near the lodge at Tapichalaca and this one was a trip favorite for a few people.
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
ECUADORIAN PICULET (Picumnus sclateri)
These tiny woodpeckers are always a joy to see, we saw them several times in the lowlands.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates callonotus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (RUBRIPILEUS) (Colaptes rubiginosus rubripileus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (CRIMSON-MANTLED) (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris)
We didn't see many woodpeckers on this tour but it was a pleasure to admire its colors.
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus naso) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (NORTHERN) (Caracara plancus cheriway)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Falco sparverius peruvianus)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
GRAY-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera)
ROSE-FACED PARROT (Pyrilia pulchra)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
As usual, we saw this species in flight few times in Tapichalaca.
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis)
EL ORO PARAKEET (Pyrrhura orcesi) [E]
It is always nice to see an endemic bird and this one was certainly nice. The nesting project in Buenaventura seems to be working and this time we had a great looks at a pair.
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Psittacara erythrogenys)
CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae zarumae) [*]
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha atrinucha)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis aequatorialis)
CHECKER-THROATED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
We saw a male in Buenaventura and with good light we could see the checkered throat on a male.
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
GRAY-HEADED ANTBIRD (Ampelornis griseiceps)
I had never seen this bamboo specialty well until this trip; one bird was very relaxed sitting for a few minutes.
ESMERALDAS ANTBIRD (Sipia nigricauda) [*]
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans elegans)
One of the most wanted birds for some people and we had fantastic views of them a few times.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla connectens)
WATKINS'S ANTPITTA (Grallaria watkinsi)
JOCOTOCO ANTPITTA (Grallaria ridgelyi)
Obviously this was the icing on the cake. It took a while for them to show up but it was worth the wait when two of them suddenly appeared, and the trip was complete. Of course for the majority of the group, this was the bird of the trip!
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis)
EQUATORIAL ANTPITTA (Grallaria saturata)
TAWNY ANTPITTA (WESTERN) (Grallaria quitensis quitensis)
PARAMO TAPACULO (Scytalopus opacus)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus)
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri)
It is always hard to see a Tapaculo, but Mike certainly enjoyed watching this one.
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)
They were common in Buenaventura.
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)
We enjoyed watching them along the way, mostly in the lowlands.
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
RUFOUS-NECKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla ruficollis)
HENNA-HOODED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis erythrocephalus)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus)
The most beautiful Furnariidae on the trip, what a treat to see it!
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (FUMIGATA) (Asthenes fuliginosa fumigata)
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (LINE-CHEEKED) (Cranioleuca antisiensis antisiensis)
Great looks at this arboreal spinetail above Sosoranga.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae ochracea)
BLACKISH-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis tithys)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (UNIRUFA) (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
Manakins are a very special group of birds, and this was not an exception. We saw males displaying and making that incredible song.
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (GREEN-AND-BLACK) (Pipreola riefferii occidentalis)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata) [*]
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla)
For me this one was the bird of the trip! Anything that is rare and hard to find is always welcome.
LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus penduliger)
It was fascinating with this bird; we visited the lek several times but no luck until the last minute; thank you to Mathew, who found a male just quietly ignoring us...
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor)
SLATY BECARD (Pachyramphus spodiurus)
BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus guayaquilensis)
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous homochrous)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
It was fantastic to be in Buenaventura at the same time with Harold Greeney. He showed us several nests and this one was of them, with the bird coming in and out.
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (WESTERN) (Platyrinchus mystaceus albogularis)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-STRIPED) (Mionectes olivaceus hederaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus squamaecrista)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (SCLATERI) (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri)
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus subbrunneus)
This big flycatcher was the last bird that we saw in Buenaventura.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (EQUATORIAL) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens aequatorialis)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (ANDEAN) (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (WESTERN) (Myiotriccus ornatus stellatus)
A pair was catching insects at the hummingbird place in Buenaventura.
ORANGE-BANDED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias lintoni)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus)
BLACK-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes nigrocristatus)
For a black and white bird, I have to say that it is pretty spectacular, and we very much enjoyed watching this bird.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola magnirostris)
PACIFIC ELAENIA (Myiopagis subplacens)
GREENISH ELAENIA (GREENISH) (Myiopagis viridicata implacens)
Seen in Cerro Blanco.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps) [*]
FULVOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus fulviceps)
This tiny flycatcher was very common along Guayaquil and also Jorupe.
GRAY-AND-WHITE TYRANNULET (Pseudelaenia leucospodia)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (MOUSE-GRAY) (Myiophobus fasciatus crypterythrus)
GRAY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus griseipectus)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) [b]
TROPICAL PEWEE (TUMBES) (Contopus cinereus punensis)
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (OBSCURUS GROUP) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae)
Always nice to see this beauty.
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus)
RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius erythropygius)
Nicely seen along Papalacta pass.
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta atripennis)
TUMBES TYRANT (Tumbezia salvini)
Always hard to see it in Ecuador in its most northern range.
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis)
JELSKI'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca jelskii)
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (BROWN-BACKED) (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons)
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda)
I enjoyed watching this unique flycatcher; we even saw them displaying.
OCHRACEOUS ATTILA (Attila torridus)
Another nearly Ecuadorian endemic that we saw nesting in Buenaventura.
SOOTY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (PHAEOCEPHALUS) (Myiarchus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus sulphuratus)
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)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (YELLOW-BACKED) (Cyclarhis gujanensis virenticeps)
Jorupe was the best place for this handsome bird.
LESSER GREENLET (GRAY-HEADED) (Pachysylvia decurtata minor)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys josephae)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
CHIVI VIREO (RESIDENT) (Vireo chivi griseobarbatus)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
WHITE-TAILED JAY (Cyanocorax mystacalis)
This time there were many coming to the feeders at Jorupe.
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) [b]
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufocollaris aequatorialis)
We had to do a special trip to the church at Malacatos where we saw many nesting at the top of the building.
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris cinereiventris)
WHITE-BROWED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila bilineata bilineata)
Possibly one of the most common birds of the trip.
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
GRASS WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus pallescens)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys)
We saw them well but we also enjoyed their duets.
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (SPECKLE-BREASTED) (Pheugopedius sclateri paucimaculatus)
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus) [N]
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unibrunnea)
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens olivascens)
We had great looks at this species to differentiate from the previous one.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (HILARIS) (Henicorhina leucophrys hilaris)
SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
Normally you hear them but don't seen them, but this time we managed to see them really well a few times near Valladolid.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (SLATY-BACKED) (Catharus fuscater fuscater) [*]
PALE-VENTED THRUSH (Turdus obsoletus parambanus)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei)
MARANON THRUSH (Turdus maranonicus)
We had fantastic views of this very spotted thrush in Valladolid.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (CHIGUANCO/CONRADI) (Turdus chiguanco conradi)
TRICOLORED MUNIA (Lonchura malacca) [I]
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (THICK-BILLED) (Euphonia laniirostris hypoxantha)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus xanthogastrus)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
SAFFRON SISKIN (Spinus siemiradzkii)
We saw them twice but they didn't stay for long near Zapotillo.
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus)
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris)
We saw this species in Guango lodge.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus)
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis nigrifrons)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (AURANTIIROSTRIS GROUP) (Arremon aurantiirostris santarosae)
BLACK-CAPPED SPARROW (BLACK-CAPPED) (Arremon abeillei abeillei)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
Great looks of this forest bird at Tapichalaca.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (SLATY) (Atlapetes schistaceus schistaceus)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus)
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (WHITE-WINGED) (Atlapetes leucopterus dresseri)
BAY-CROWNED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes seebohmi simonsi)
We saw few birds near Sosoranga.
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus bellicosus)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (RUSSET-BACKED) (Psarocolius angustifrons atrocastaneus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (WESTERN) (Cacicus cela flavicrissus)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
WHITE-EDGED ORIOLE (Icterus graceannae)
Some seen nicely at Jorupe.
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas taczanowskii)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus oryzivorus)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi warczewiczi)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
MASKED YELLOWTHROAT (BLACK-LORED) (Geothlypis aequinoctialis auricularis)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (OLIVE-CROWNED) (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Setophaga pitiayumi pacifica)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
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 fraseri)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata castaneiceps) [*]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra rubra) [b]
RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps)
This uncommon tanager was another treat on our tour. A single bird showed up near the lodge at Tapichalaca.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Sphenopsis melanotis melanotis)
We saw this subspecies in Guango lodge.
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (PIURA) (Sphenopsis melanotis piurae)
This striking bird is the one that we saw above Sosoranga on our way to Utuana; some authorities considered this one as a different species.
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata media)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus panamensis)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
The most common tanager in Buenaventura.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo carbo)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN TANAGER (PALPEBROSUS GROUP) (Anisognathus lacrymosus caerulescens)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex rufivertex)
Few were seen at Tapichalaca.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus quaesita)
This is the one that is on the west of the Andes.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (WHITE-EDGED) (Thraupis episcopus coelestis)
The one that we saw on the east and has a white patch on the wing.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Ixothraupis rufigula)
SILVERY TANAGER (Stilpnia viridicollis fulvigula)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia 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)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
One single bird was scoped from the bridge at Valladolid.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala icterocephala)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza exsul)
Always entertained us in Buenaventura coming to the feeders.
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (BLUE-CAPPED) (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera schistacea)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (CYANEA GROUP) (Diglossa cyanea dispar)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema diadema)
I was excited to see this very handsome bird in the same flock with the Silvered Tanagers.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor geospizopsis)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus ocularis)
BAND-TAILED SIERRA FINCH (Rhopospina alaudina)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris)
COLLARED WARBLING FINCH (Poospiza hispaniolensis)
Some males and females were seen at Zapotillo.
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)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
There were big flocks of them in the lowlands.
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
CRIMSON-BREASTED FINCH (Rhodospingus cruentus)
BANANAQUIT (CONTINENTAL) (Coereba flaveola intermedia)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus maximus)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus flavidicollis)
We saw this subspecies several times in Cerro Blanco and Jorupe.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus)
Heard only in Valladolid.
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps)
Beautiful saltator that we found above Sosoranga.
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A young one was walking along the road at Buenaventura.
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
GUAYAQUIL SQUIRREL (Sciurus stramineus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
They came almost every day to the lodge at Buenaventura.
Totals for the tour: 384 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa