A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR SPECIALTIES: JOCOTOCO FOUNDATION RESERVES 2023
February 26-March 10, 2023 with Willy Perez guiding
Once again we started this Southwester Ecuador tour in Guayaquil, and from the beginning everything worked out nicely.
We visited some of the most biodiverse areas with amazing protected forest, pleasant accommodation, delicious food, and of course a lot of birds. Our adventure started at Cerro Blanco, where we had our first encounter with a lot of Tumbesian endemics. After we left Guayaquil, we stayed three nights at Umbrellabird Lodge in Buenaventura, followed by three nights in Urraca Lodge in Jorupe, and then our last three nights at Casa Simpson in Tapichalaca. All of these lodges are owned by the Jocotoco Foundation and are located inside their incredible reserves.
In Buenaventura we focused on finding the endemic birds including El Oro Parakeet, and we even tried to see the very elusive Ecuadorian Tapaculo, which we only heard. We put some effort into seeing the Long-wattled Umbrellabird and many other Choco endemics. The hummingbird feeders at the lodge were very busy with species such as Green Thorntail, Brown Violetear, Green-crowned Brilliant, and many others. The upper feeders were even better, with Velvet-purple Coronet and Violet-tailed Sylph males with incredible long tails.
In Jorupe the morning started just outside the lodge and White-tailed Jays were the first birds to show, then our walk after breakfast was super productive with many new birds to be seen. We certainly enjoyed watching Gray-cheeked Parakeets, Ecuadorian Piculet, Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner, and many Black-and-white Tanagers that somehow were very active this year. Our half day visit to Zapotillo was fantastic, and the birds we saw there were unique but Parrot-billed Seedeater was one of the winners.
From Jorupe we adventured to Utuana which is another Jocotoco reserve at higher elevation and with very different habitat. This gave us the chance to see a completely new set of birds, the most remarkable of which were Black-cowled Saltator, Rainbow Starfrontlet, and the handsome Black-crested Tit-Tyrant.
Eventually we arrived to Tapichalaca with our eyes on the prize -- Jocotoco Antpitta, the main attraction there. Our first attempt was a bit disappointing because the bird didn't show up, but thanks to the persistence of Diego our next visit was a success, and we managed great views of this incredible bird in the end. In general Tapichalaca was wonderful and we saw a brilliant variety of stunning birds, a few of which were Golden-crowned and Grass-green tanagers, Plushcap, Barred Fruiteater, and Chestnut-crested Cotinga. Our drive towards the town of Valladolid again was superb, with Andean Motmots, colorful tanagers such as Silvery, Blue-browed, Flame-faced, and Golden eared, all showing well. Maranon Thrush and other local endemics were there too.
The whole trip was full of incredible birds, but the best one for me was of course the Buff-fronted Owl that everyone enjoyed watching at Jorupe. The weather was great, and we were able to go everywhere that we needed, so I want to say thank you to Edgar for his incredible driving skills. I also had fantastic help from key people: Leo at Buenaventura, Don Leo at Jorupe, and Diego at Tapichalaca. Each helped us find some key birds, so a big thank you to these folks. Lastly I would like to thank all of you in our group, new friends and old friends that came along to do this tour with me. I hope that you enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to seeing you all again 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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
PALE-BROWED TINAMOU (Crypturellus transfasciatus)
Seen by Becky, walking just outside the cabins at Jorupe.
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta)
We enjoyed watching this unique bird, but its call was more impressive.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
COMB DUCK (Sarkidiornis sylvicola)
Males and females were seen at Zapotillo.
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (WHITE-CHEEKED) (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis erythroptera)
It was a joy to watch a baby of this species at Jorupe.
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata)
Another Andean bird that we saw well at Tapichalaca.
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens aequatorialis)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii fagani)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
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)
BLUE GROUND DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
Males and females were coming to the feeders at Jorupe.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor)
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata)
We saw this big Dove a couple of times walking on the trail during our visit to the Jocotoco Antpitta feeder.
WEST PERUVIAN DOVE (Zenaida meloda)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (NIGRICRISSA) (Piaya cayana nigricrissa)
GRAY-CAPPED CUCKOO (Coccyzus lansbergi)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
A bird was roosting at the carpark at Cerro Blanco.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris subtropicalis)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (TUMBES) (Chaetura brachyura ocypetes)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae ludovicae)
We studied this bird quite well on our way to see the El Oro Parakeets. It was catching insects on the bank of the river and stayed there for several minutes.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis laticlavius)
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
A handsome Hummingbird that we saw at Utuana.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (MACULATA) (Adelomyia melanogenys maculata)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis aethereus)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna gracilis)
RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (COLLARED) (Coeligena torquata fulgidigula)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris iris)
One of the real jewels that we saw at Utuana.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
Very common at the feeders in Tapichalaca.
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
WHITE-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus)
At the upper feeders in Buenaventura.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides aequatorialis)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamersoni)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri sagitta)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris albicrissa)
SHORT-TAILED WOODSTAR (Myrmia micrura)
We had to work a bit for this species but at the end we had great views of a male at Zapotillo.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (EMERALD-BELLIED) (Thalurania colombica hypochlora)
TUMBES HUMMINGBIRD (Thaumasius baeri)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (WHITE-THROATED) (Amazilis amazilia dumerilii)
The ones that we saw at Cerro Blanco and Jorupe.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (WHITE-THROATED) (Amazilis amazilia alticola)
The ones that we saw at Catacocha and Catamayo.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Uranomitra franciae)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
PLUMBEOUS RAIL (Pardirallus sanguinolentus) [*]
COMMON GALLINULE (AMERICAN) (Gallinula galeata pauxilla)
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)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (CHESTNUT-BACKED) (Jacana jacana scapularis)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
At least six birds were feeding in the estuary at Puerto Jeli during our lunch.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus cirrocephalus)
FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) [b]
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga anhinga)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum brasilianum)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
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)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
It is always a joy to see Spoonbills and we saw some during our second day.
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)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis)
We saw this species by the hundreds on our way to Buenaventura.
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
One was nesting at Buenaventura.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (HARRIS'S) (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
GRAY-BACKED HAWK (Pseudastur occidentalis)
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
Strigidae (Owls)
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis albogularis)
Some of us who were in the right place at just the right time saw this bird outside the dining room at Tapichalaca.
PERUVIAN SCREECH-OWL (PACIFICUS) (Megascops roboratus pacificus)
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata chapmani)
Great looks at one bird the second morning at Jorupe.
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) [*]
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Strix nigrolineata)
BUFF-FRONTED OWL (Aegolius harrisii harrisii)
This was the icing on the cake, lovely to see this handsome Owl at Jorupe.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps)
ECUADORIAN TROGON (Trogon mesurus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (COLLARED) (Trogon collaris virginalis)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus temperatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
WHOOPING MOTMOT (ARGENTICINCTUS) (Momotus subrufescens argenticinctus)
A pair was nesting at Jorupe.
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (BLACK-BILLED) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta cyanolaemus)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca lateralis) [*]
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ECUADORIAN PICULET (Picumnus sclateri)
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates callonotus)
BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Dryobates nigriceps equifasciatus)
GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis)
The biggest of the Woodpeckers that we saw; a pair was at Cerro Blanco.
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (RUBRIPILEUS) (Colaptes rubiginosus rubripileus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (CRIMSON-MANTLED) (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris)
One of the most striking Woodpeckers that we saw on the trip.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus naso)
Most of us managed to see a bird flying across the road at Cerro Blanco.
CRESTED CARACARA (NORTHERN) (Caracara plancus cheriway)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis)
EL ORO PARAKEET (Pyrrhura orcesi)
A very rare species that has been protected for few years thanks to the Jocotoco Foundation. Their numbers are increasing and they are easier to see at Buenaventura. We did a bit of a hike but we saw them feeding nicely.
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
A species restricted to the Andes mountains, and Tapichalaca was the perfect place to see them.
RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Psittacara erythrogenys)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus callogenys)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major transandeanus)
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi)
The best looks of this species were at Cerro Blanco but we saw them again in Jorupe.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha atrinucha)
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor unicolor) [*]
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis aequatorialis)
CHECKER-THROATED STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
One played nicely and came to the side of the road for lovely views.
GRAY-HEADED ANTBIRD (Ampelornis griseiceps) [*]
ESMERALDAS ANTBIRD (Sipia nigricauda) [*]
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans elegans)
A superb bird that everyone enjoyed watching a few times.
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED GNATEATER (Conopophaga castaneiceps chapmani) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera squamigera) [*]
SCALED ANTPITTA (REGULUS/CARMELITAE) (Grallaria guatimalensis regulus) [*]
PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota) [*]
WATKINS'S ANTPITTA (Grallaria watkinsi) [*]
JOCOTOCO ANTPITTA (Grallaria ridgelyi)
As I mentioned earlier, our second visit payed off for this fantastic bird, and we had great looks at one individual.
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) [*]
EQUATORIAL ANTPITTA (Grallaria saturata) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus)
We had really nice views of this secretive bird.
ECUADORIAN TAPACULO (Scytalopus robbinsi) [*]
This very rare Tapaculo was just heard.
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
MIDDLE AMERICAN LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus)
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)
This big Woodcreeper with long curved bill showed nicely at Jorupe a couple of times.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans guayae)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
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)
One of the prettiest of the Furnariidae family that we saw in Tapichalaca.
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (LINE-CHEEKED) (Cranioleuca antisiensis antisiensis)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae ochracea)
BLACKISH-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis tithys)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (UNIRUFA) (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
We saw one bird even displaying which was very enjoyable to watch.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (GREEN-AND-BLACK) (Pipreola riefferii occidentalis)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata)
It was amazing to see them coming to eat worms at the Antpitta feeding station in Tapichalaca.
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla rufaxilla)
It was our second attempt during which we found this extremely handsome rare bird at Tapichalaca.
LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus penduliger)
DUSKY PIHA (Lipaugus fuscocinereus)
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)
Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes galbinus hederaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus squamaecrista)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis pyrrhops)
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (SCLATERI) (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri)
BROWNISH TWISTWING (Cnipodectes subbrunneus subbrunneus)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (EQUATORIAL) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens aequatorialis)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (ANDEAN) (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus)
Great looks at this handsome bird.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (WESTERN) (Myiotriccus ornatus stellatus)
ORANGE-BANDED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias lintoni)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus)
BLACK-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes nigrocristatus)
A male showed well at Utuana.
TUMBES TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus tumbezana tumbezana)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola magnirostris)
PACIFIC ELAENIA (Myiopagis subplacens)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
We had a wonderful display from this species showing the two little horns on top of Its head.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster semipagana)
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
PERUVIAN TYRANNULET (LOJA) (Zimmerius viridiflavus flavidifrons)
FULVOUS-FACED SCRUB-TYRANT (Euscarthmus fulviceps)
GRAY-AND-WHITE TYRANNULET (Pseudelaenia leucospodia)
MOUSE-GRAY FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus crypterythrus)
Split from Bran-colored Flycatcher, this is the one that we saw at Catamayo.
GRAY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus griseipectus)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus zarumae)
TUMBES PEWEE (Contopus punensis)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) [b]
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (OBSCURUS GROUP) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae)
RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta atripennis)
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Silvicultrix diadema gratiosa)
TUMBES CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca salvini)
As the name suggests, this is a truly Tumbesian endemic that we saw really well at Zapotillo.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata)
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda)
OCHRACEOUS ATTILA (Attila torridus)
This almost endemic Ecuadorian species was seen at Buenaventura.
SOOTY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (PHAEOCEPHALUS) (Myiarchus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus sulphuratus)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (TUMBES) (Myiozetetes similis grandis)
BAIRD'S FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes bairdii)
This is one of the large Flycatchers that we saw at Zapotillo.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (NORTHERN) (Myiodynastes maculatus chapmani)
SNOWY-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus niveigularis)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus)
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)
We had a close up look at these bright blue Jays at Tapichalaca.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas)
WHITE-TAILED JAY (Cyanocorax mystacalis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes)
Some were flying above us when we were waiting for the Jocotoco Antpitta.
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 went to the main square of Sabiango to see this restricted species.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
WHITE-BROWED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila bilineata bilineata)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus pallescens)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis mystacalis) [*]
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)
As the name suggests, it was beautiful to hear this bird, but even better to see it!
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
Normally they are very shy, but not this time. A very cooperative bird came near a couple of times to check us out.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (OLIVE-BACKED) (Catharus ustulatus swainsoni) [b]
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei)
MARANON THRUSH (Turdus maranonicus)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus)
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
TRICOLORED MUNIA (Lonchura malacca) [I]
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)
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (ASHY-THROATED) (Chlorospingus canigularis paulus)
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus xanthothorax)
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons aurifrons)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris striaticeps)
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)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albiceps)
We had to do a bit of a detour along the Celica road to see this bird, and luckily it was a success.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus)
BAY-CROWNED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes seebohmi simonsi)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus bellicosus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (WESTERN) (Cacicus cela flavicrissus)
WHITE-EDGED ORIOLE (Icterus graceannae)
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas taczanowskii)
The most numerous of the two Orioles that we saw on the trip.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus oryzivorus)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi warczewiczi)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (OLIVE-CROWNED) (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Setophaga pitiayumi pacifica)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus nitidior)
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)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra rubra) [b]
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-AND-WHITE TANAGER (Conothraupis speculigera)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus panamensis)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
The most common Tanager at Buenaventura, the males look like Caciques.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN TANAGER (PALPEBROSUS GROUP) (Anisognathus lacrymosus caerulescens)
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 subspecies was found on the west slope and doesn't have any white on the wings.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (WHITE-EDGED) (Thraupis episcopus coelestis)
This is the one that occurs on the east slope with white edges on the wings.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
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)
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola nupera)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala icterocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza exsul)
CAPPED CONEBILL (BLUE-CAPPED) (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (CYANEA GROUP) (Diglossa cyanea dispar)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema diadema)
This bamboo specialty was seen with a mixed flock at Sabanilla, just above Tapichalaca.
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)
SAFFRON FINCH (SAFFRON) (Sicalis flaveola valida)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina peruviensis)
PARROT-BILLED SEEDEATER (Sporophila peruviana devronis)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
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)
BANANAQUIT (CONTINENTAL) (Coereba flaveola intermedia)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Asemospiza obscura pauper)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus flavidicollis)
The ones that we saw at Cerro Blanco and Jorupe.
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus peruvianus)
This is the one that we saw at Valladolid.
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps)
A very restricted cloud forest species of Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru that we managed to scope above Sozoranga.
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
GUAYAQUIL SQUIRREL (Sciurus stramineus)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
WHITE-NOSED COATI (Nasua narica)
A family of this species was visiting the gardens at Buenaventura.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Also we found, Neotropical Otter, Lontra longicaudis
Anthony's Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates anthonyi) at Buenaventura
Totals for the tour: 376 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa