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A female Torrent Duck is dwarfed by the raging waters below. It's hard to believe that they can swim through these torrents, but that is how they got their name. (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
This year's San Isidro trip was yet another roaring success; as usual, our list topped out at over 300 species, with a nice haul of both rare and specialty, target species. The rain didn't directly interfere much with the birding, except for the last day. Wow! Unusually cold, cloudy, and breezy conditions made for some quiet periods. But, the proof is in the pudding, and as the list that follows shows, we did really well.
Designed to keep driving distances to a minimum, this trip still samples a wide range of birdy Andean habitats, from the drier chaparral of the central valley and high cold grasslands of the paramo, down through the stunted temperate woodlands of Papallacta and Guango and the lusher subtropical forests of Cabanas San Isidro, right into the warmer more tropical feeling foothills of the Loreto Road region. Can there be any question that this is one of the top, world-class transects on the planet?!I think not!
Highlight birds were many, and I'm sure we all have our personal favorites, but here are some that I thought really put some extra spice into our trip: a surprise adult Gray-bellied Hawk perched up on a snag for unbelievable studies; Black-and-chestnut Eagles soaring by right from the town of Baeza; close studies of a long-tailed male Swallow-tailed Nightjar one evening; Andean Potoo at San Isidro for tremendous studies as it posed for us at dusk; some stunning and/or rare hummers, including Mountain Avocetbill, Glowing Puffleg, and Sword-billed Hummingbird; stunning male Golden-headed and Crested quetzals within only minutes of each other along the trails at San Isidro; great views of both Gray-breasted and Black-billed mountain-toucans... not an easy feat; Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied Antpittas at worm feeding stations for point-blank studies; a scoped male Andean Cock-of-the-Rock; a curious Giant Conebill in a Polylepis tree right next to the bus; and clouds of gorgeous tanagers, with the Masked Mountain-Tanager taking the prize for rarity and excitement!
As important as the birding was the camaraderie; we joked and laughed our way through the east slope of Ecuador... gotta keep it fun. It was also big fun to have Sandra Morocho - an eager local guide in training - along with her lively spirit and talented eyes... not to mention our expert driver, Edgar, who did a fantastic job behind the wheel. So have a read through the list that follows, and relive some of the birding action. Good birding!
--Mitch
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
The lights around the parking lot at San Isidro have become a big draw for a variety of birds in the last few years, with this female Crested Quetzal being one of the most recent arrivals to partake in the morning bug feast. (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) – Paul spotted this one for us at the end of our second day for scope views of a pair at he town of Cosanga... nice!
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda) – Distant scope views up on Papallacta Lake.
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium andium) – At the same spot as the previous species.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – Vocal this time of the year, where they often call loudly from high up in the tree-tops. We scoped one at quite a distance on our first afternoon at San Isidro, but the views weren't too bad.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii tschudii) – Good looks one fine afternoon up a side road near San Isidro.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – In small numbers along the larger rivers of the area. This one seems to be moving up in elevation.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Common in the central valley and in the foothills.
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Most common in the foothills.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Always a welcome sight.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) – A chunky, yet majestic, highland eagle, that we had really nice views of on our second day.
GRAY-BELLIED HAWK (Accipiter poliogaster) – Probably the biggest surprise of the trip; it is a rare species anywhere, especially as high as we saw it. There are a few recent and confirmed sightings of this species from San Isidro, but I had never seen it here, so it was a real thrill for your guide! It was a real treat to find an adult perched along the roadside one afternoon for tremendous studies, where it allowed for some quality pics... yeah!
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – Seen flying around San Isidro. The Birds of Ecuador splits this non-migratory form out as Plain-breasted Hawk, but the SACC re-lumps it.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris magnirostris) – The common hawk of open areas with the rufous panels in the wings.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (NORTHERN) (Buteo platypterus platypterus) – Common at middle elevations here during the boreal winter. [b]
VARIABLE HAWK (Buteo polyosoma) – The common Buteo at high elevations.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – I had not expected to see this one right from the town of Baeza! I could not believe our luck when we spotted a juvenile, and then an adult, as they soared by for nice studies in nice light.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) – An attractive, highland caracara, that we had some decent views of in the paramo on a couple of occasions.
AMERICAN KESTREL (COLOMBIAN) (Falco sparverius aequatorialis) – This resident race is common in the central valley.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Floating around and feeding along the edges of Papallacta Lake; also known as Andean Coot.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – A pretty large resident population has established itself up in some pastures along the road above San Isidro, which is a tad surprising as it is known as more of a lowland bird... but they seem plenty content!
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – In small numbers along rivers and streams. [b]
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi latreillii) – Celestyn and I made the last climb up to about 14,200 feet in elevation to see a standing pair that Edgar located. The conditions were tough - freezing and very windy - so the rest of the group decided to wait lower. Luckily though, they did come flying by quite close for quick views a few minutes later.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – The gull of the highlands, and an attractive one it is, that we saw well a few times.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
Before feeders were established at Guango and San Isidro,the Chestnut-breasted Coronet was not an easy bird to see. Hard to imagine, isn't it, considering how numerous they are now! (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) – The common highland pigeon, usually in humid areas.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (RUDDY) (Patagioenas subvinacea bogotensis) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) – The common dove of the direr central valley.
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina quitensis) [*]
Psittacidae (Parrots)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma callogenys) – A pair flew over during our birding along the Loreto rd.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – A couple of fly overs along the Loreto rd. of this smaller macaw species.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus) – After numerous flybys, we finally enjoyed some nice perched views a few times in the San Isidro area.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (Pionus tumultuosus) – We finally nailed some nice perched views of this one on our penultimate day after many days of just flybys.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) – We had this one on four different days as flybys, but never managed to find any perched.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (AMAZONIAN) (Piaya cayana mesura) – We found one near Baeza during some afternoon birding. This one really does resemble a squirrel when seen running through the treetops.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common in the foothills right along roadsides.
Strigidae (Owls)
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – We tried a few times. [*]
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – Seen on our first night right after dinner near the parking lot, where they often perch.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – Eldon spotted this large nighthawk for us during some pre-dinner nightbirding up in the Guacamayos.
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata segmentata) – Really nice views at a long-tailed male up in the Guacamayos was the perfect way to end and awesome afternoon of birding!
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra) – We had a few female-plumaged birds; never could turn up a solid male.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) – Spectacular close studies of a perched bird at dusk at San Isidro was certainly one of the trip highlights!
Apodidae (Swifts)
SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT (Cypseloides cherriei) – Flyovers at San Isidro, right over the lodge.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques) – Not as common as usual, but we still had some decent views.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The largest and one of the most common swifts at all elevations.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis griseogularis) [*]
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans) – Seen best at San Isidro's feeders where they are a dominant species.
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Quick looks at one that came buzzing in above us along the Loreto rd.
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – The most abundant hummer at Gaungo's feeders, and a real stunner in good light.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – We nabbed a female of this small hummer along the Loreto rd.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys melanogenys) – Seen everyday of the trip; a regular at San Isidro's feeders.
The Sword-billed Hummingbird's bill may seem unnecessarily long, but when you consider that their preferred flowers are those long trumpet flowers (Brugmansia), it actually makes perfect sense! (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
MOUNTAIN AVOCETBILL (Opisthoprora euryptera) – A rare, low-density species of temperate humid forests on the east slope, and a bird that turns up at Guango's feeders sometimes. We really got lucky when one visited the feeders two different times, allowing for point-blank studies!
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) – Fabulous studies of a long-tailed male in the central valley at my house!
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum microrhynchum) – Quick views of a female on our first day.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi) – A high elevation hummer that spends much of its times feeding on terrestrial flowers in the paramo. We had good looks at them on our first day.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – Seen best at Guango's feeders, where they are really common, and sort of the runts there! This was the one with the obvious rufous tail.
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami primolinus) – Replaces the previous species in the higher temperate forests and treeline habitats. We had very nice studies at close range up near the pass.
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita) – Not always around at Guango's feeders, but we lucked into a cooperative male that hung around during our visits... and what an unbelievable bird.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis) – Nice looks at this mostly orange hummer in the high country on our first day.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena obscura) – Common at San Isidro's feeders. Not the flashiest hummer, but an east-slope specialty!
COLLARED INCA (COLLARED) (Coeligena torquata torquata) – A well-dressed hummer, and always a crowd pleaser! We had them on all eight days.
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) – In small numbers at Guango's feeders. Those big buff wing patches make it an easy id!
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) – We had a female at Guango on our second day, but some of connected with a nice male on our final day as we headed back up-slope.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This bird just has to be seen to be believed; it looks anatomically incorrect, doesn't it!? Watching this one is always worth the time spent, and Guango's feeders are one of the best spots to admire them.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus peruvianus) – Some folks had looks at this second largest hummer on our first day in the treeline elfin woodlands.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) – Not a common bird away from the feeders here on the east slope, but Guango's feeders attract a healthy number.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – Most numerous at San Isidro's feeders, where they dominate.
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri bougueri) [*]
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides cervinigularis) – Common at San Isidro's feeders. Those pink-throated males were stunning.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas peruviana) – A dry habitat species of the central valley, and one we saw well at my house on our first morning during our first round of birding.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – The pot-bellied woodstar that regularly visited the feeders at Guango.
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus melanorhynchus) – We had one around the gardens at my house in the central valley.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata viridipectus) – Some folks had looks at this one in the foothills along the Loreto rd.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone oenone) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) – Paul spotted that stunning male along the trails at San Isidro for our best views through the scope in awesome light.
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – We called in a male of this one only minutes before seeing the previous species... a real one-two punch! We also had nice views of a female out near the parking lot at San Isidro.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus personatus) – A garden bird at San Isidro that did plenty of posing for photographers!
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus temperatus) – The highland form that Eldon saw at Guango.
Momotidae (Motmots)
San Isidro's friendly pair of Masked Trogons have got to be the most photographed trogons anywhere! (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – Nice scope views at a pair along the Loreto rd.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii orientalis) – We had a female with a mixed tanager flock one afternoon not far from Baeza.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – The east-slope, higher elevation toucanet, which we saw well a few times this trip.
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca hypoglauca) – We didn't hear a even a "peep" put of them during our first comb through Guango, but really lucked out on the last day - a very rainy one, I might add - when one popped in for awesome views right next to the lodge! A really nice catch-up bird, indeed.
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris spilorhynchus) – We set out one afternoon specifically in search of this species. It took a little time, but we managed to coax a pair into pretty close range for memorable scope studies; funny how they sneaked in under the radar.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – Sandra went on a spotting rampage for a few minutes there, and found us this and the next species - in the same tree - for killer views! This species is a small aracari and has the all yellow belly. Loreto rd.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – Larger than the previous species, and sports the belly bands.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus) – We had one fly by along the Loreto rd., and heard others.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi lafresnayi) – Another one of Sandra's nice finds when she pointed out this tiny woodpecker relative during some bird activity along the beginning of the Loreto rd.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – A boldly patterned woodpecker that we saw along the Loreto rd.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Seen briefly in the same area as the previous species.
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus baezae) [*]
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris) – One of the most striking woodpeckers of them all, and a pretty common bird in the Andes. We had some very nice views of them a couple of times.
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) – Heard drumming along the Guacamayos trail, but we could never clinch a visual. [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – A pair of this large woodpecker along the Loreto rd. when they came charging in.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior) – The larger of the two cinclodes that occur in Ecuador; this one can be easily recognized by its longer, more decurved bill. Both species were seen well as we made our way up to the Papallacta Pass on our first day.
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) – The smaller of the two Ecuadorian cinclodes. This species belongs to the Bar-winged Cinclodes superspecies complex that went three ways in a recent split.
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media) – The common spinetail of the Andes here in Ecuador; the one with the rufous cap, wings, and tail, that we saw well around San Isidro.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis rodolphei) – We called one up out of some roadside grasses to within only a couple of yards along the Loreto rd.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa) – Seen in a bamboo stand along the forested roadside at San Isidro.
DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta brunneicaudalis) [*]
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata cisandina) – A canopy spinetail that often travels with mixed flocks in the lower montane and foothill zones. We tracked one down one afternoon near Baeza in the midst of clouds of tanagers.
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata flammulata) – Couldn't get one to pop up. [*]
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa fuliginosa) – Thistletails as a group were just recently lumped into the same genus as the canasteros for genetic reasons, but still retain the "thistletail" name. We had some nice views of at least three birds at close range on our first day as they chased about.
RUSTY-WINGED BARBTAIL (Premnornis guttuligera guttuligera) – Good looks for most along a trail close to the the dining room at San Isidro when we found them moving with an understory mixed flock.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens) – Great looks at a family group in the understory along the trails at San Isidro.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) – A fancy furnariid that commonly moves about with canopy mixed flocks; we had fine views of them many times over the course of the week,
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii orientalis) – We pulled a responsive bird out of a flock at San Isidro. This is one of the best looking birds of the family, in my opinion!
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis montana) – A flock bird of the lower montane and foothill zones that we saw with a flock along the Loreto rd.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum bolivianum) [*]
The massive Strong-billed Woodcreeper can be tricky to see, but this bird cooperated beautifully on our first morning at San Isidro! (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (AMAZONIAN) (Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus) [*]
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) – A hulking woodcreeper that we turned up during our first morning right in the gardens at San Isidro.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis) – Pretty common with the flocks in the San Isidro.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) – The common woodcreeper with flocks at mid-elevations.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata caudata) – A bamboo specialist that we dug out one afternoon during some roadside birding at San Isidro.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima mollissima) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla) – The worm-fed bird at San Isidro performed wonderfully after a short wait. And what a beautiful antpitta!
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca castanea) – The other of the two antpitta species that are currently coming in to worms at San Isidro. Only a short stroll from the dining room is the haunt of this "trained" individual. We had tremendous studies.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula rufula) [*]
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis quitensis) – Donna spotted this one for us up in the paramo!
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED) (Grallaricula nana nana) – Very nice studies at this small antpitta along the Guacamayos trail when one came into some branches right over our heads.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*]
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) – Quick views along the trails at San Isidro. Tapaculos gave us a hard time this trip!
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) [*]
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri) [*]
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – Pretty common with flocks at San Isidro.
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus) – Replaces the previous at higher elevations, such as around Guango. This one is easily recognized by its bold, white eye-brow and wingbars.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatis) – A large tyrannulet of higher elevations that moves with mixed flocks. We had nice looks at this one up at treeline on our first day.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – Another pretty common tyrannulet of the subtropical zone mixed flocks; we had them on our first morning at San Isidro.
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus aequatorialis) – A sprite little flycatcher - with those curled tufts - that we saw a small group of in the central valley on our first day.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis) – A few in the gardens at San Isidro.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea) – A common little tyrannulet of rushing rivers and streams, where they grab aquatic insects.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis columbianus) – Celestyn and I were the only ones to get a decent look at this forest-based flycatcher at San Isidro.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (SUPERCILIARIS) (Leptopogon superciliaris superciliaris) – With the insectivorous flocks along the the Loreto rd.; this is a pretty common - and vocal - flycatcher with mixed flocks in the foothill zones of both slopes.
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) – Much of this species' range lies within Ecuador, so it is almost a specialty. We had a tough time finding this usually pretty easy bird, but we did it on the fifth day of the trip for nice looks.
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) [*]
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus ophthalmicus) – In the same flock as the previous species, but this one we saw! Bristle-Tyrants are flock birds that often prefer the canopy, so they can be tough to see well, but we pulled this one down for nice views.
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – With a mixed flock in the foothills along the Loreto rd.
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Most folks saw this one during our first morning of birding at San Isidro. This chunky Phyllomyias has a distinctive head pattern, but its call really helps nail the id!
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops) – A common bird in the foothills, that likes mistletoe berries. The face is really yellowish, but "Yellowish-faced Tyrannulet" is too long, and less poetic!
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus phoenicurus) – Good looks at this fancy little flycatcher in the foothills.
BRONZE-OLIVE PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus pelzelni pelzelni) [*]
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – We called in a pair of this understory species one afternoon for quality views.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus pileatus) – Nice looks at this vocal species along the Loreto rd., in the foothills, and we were even able to discern the scaly crown.
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – A bamboo specialist, and a really handsome little flycatcher. The nest of this species is about the size of a soccer ball, and woven out of dried bamboo leaves; quite amazing considering the size of the bird! We had some very nice views a couple of times at San Isidro.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum peruanum) – Roadside along the Loreto rd.; this is a common neotropical bird in secondary habitats.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (CONFUSUS) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens confusus) – Good looks at one with a mixed flock along the Loreto rd. This genus is a confusing complex, and there are likely going to be many splits, so keep track of where you see them! This species, for instance, could go more than six or seven ways.
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus) – Common along roadsides and at forest edges at mid-elevations and in the highlands where there is humid forest.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher bellus) – A bird of mixed, insectivorous flocks at mid-elevations. We had them a couple of times for nice views around San Isidro.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans flavicans) – An inconspicuous forest flycatcher that is fairly common around San Isidro. The yellow eye-crescents help with the id.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Good looks at this foothill species in some roadside shrubbery along the Loreto rd.; this one best identified - other than its drab plumage - by those bold, white wingbars.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Some distant scoped birds along the Loreto rd. [b]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus ardosiacus) – A common canopy bird of the highlands and middle-elevations, and easily recognized by the pointy crest and all gray plumage.
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – A common bird this time of the year in the foothills... known to many. [b]
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris) – The birds down here are blacker than you North Americans are used to!
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (VERMILION) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) – A common bird of the central valley where it often inhabits gardens... like at my house!
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) – My favorite of the chat-tyrants; I just think it is the most classy dress, like it is ready for a costume party, with those white headlights! This one fancies streams and waterfalls.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata) – Good looks at this canopy chat-tyrant at Guango, when we called in a pair.
It may not be the flashiest of the hummers, but the tiny Speckled Hummingbird does have the cuteness factor in its favor. (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – We had one of this wide-ranging Myiarchus along the Loreto rd., right up at its maximum elevational limit.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes) – Common around the gardens at San Isidro, where they even nest in the buildings!
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – A few of this large flycatcher along the Loreto rd. This "flycatcher" actually prefers fruit!
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti cinchoneti) – A canopy bird of the foothills that travels around in small family groups. We had some nice scope views of them along the Loreto rd.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor) – Pretty common around the gardens at San Isidro, where they come in to feed on moths at the lights in the mornings.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus) – Yep!
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (GREEN-AND-BLACK) (Pipreola riefferii confusa) – Fruiteaters are always a grand sight when birding the neotropics as they are colorful and, sometimes, tough to see. We had some great looks at this one a couple of times, such as along the Guacamayos trail.
BLACK-CHESTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola lubomirskii) – A strict canopy species of mid-elevation, mature forest. I find this to be one of the hardest birds to see well, even when you know it is present, but we were successful in finding them a couple of times for good looks.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Nice looks at this high elevation species near the Papallacta Pass on our first day.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – We did score scope views of a male down the trail at San Isidro, which is always an impressive sight. The cotinga family is really a diverse bunch, with some amazing shapes and colors... almost like South America's version of the birds of paradise.
DUSKY PIHA (Lipaugus fuscocinereus) – This happens to be one of the dull cotingids, but it does have loud, piercing call! We enjoyed some really nice views of this one along the Guacamayos trail as it fed and perched about for nice views.
Pipridae (Manakins)
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) – Most folks got onto the female we had along the roadside in the Guacamayos... that tiny, greenish bird that popped around in the mid-story!
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata fortis) – After years of taxonomic uncertainty, and being bounced around between the flycatchers and cotingas, a new family was finally erected for the tityras and becards... "Tityridae"! We had nice looks at a group of this black and white bird in the foothills along the Loreto rd.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (YELLOW-CHEEKED) (Pachyramphus viridis xanthogenys) – A very nice male came in along the Loreto rd. for scope views.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor) [*]
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus tenebrosus) – The (male) birds on the east side of the Andes here in Ecuador are very black, with white on the wings and tail. We had good looks at a male along the Loreto rd... not a bad day for the new Tityridae family!
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys leucophrys) – Common with flocks at middle elevations. This one was once lumped with the more migratory Warbling Vireo.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) [*]
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris nigrirostris) – A regular in the gardens at San Isidro, where they glean insects and sing their loud ,and very recognizable, song.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) – This one often looks a little more bluish than turquoise, but hey, it is a cool name anyway! We enjoyed some nice views of this jay at Guango, where they travel around in groups and are common at the forest edge.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – Dripping from the trees at San Isidro. The Birds of Ecuador splits the South American form out as the "Inca Jay".
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) [*]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca) – The common swallow at middle elevations.
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes) – Not an easy swallow to find, and tied to more intact, humid forest than other swallows. We lucked out and had a group cruise low, right over us, and then land for scope studies, where we could see the rusty throat.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina murina) – The high elevation swallow that ones sees swirling around up in the paramo.
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis griseiventris) – A few along the Loreto rd. This is an all dark swallow, with a slightly paler rump.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis ruficollis) – Pretty common along the Loreto rd. The one with the very pale rump.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus hypostictus) – We called in a pair of this arboreal wren for fabulous scope studies along the Loreto rd.
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unibrunnea) [*]
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – A gregarious wren that often moves about in groups up to 10 or so. We had good looks at this forest-based wren at San Isidro.
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys longipes) – Aside from being a handsome wren, the explosive voice of this bamboo-dweller is really an attention grabber! We called in a pair along the roadside at San Isidro for quality studies.
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus) [*]
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis) – The more forest-based relative of the House Wren, and a common bird around Guango and San Isidro.
SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) [*]
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta hauxwelli) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys) – One of the most commonly heard songs in the montane zone, but we did have some nice looks at this small wren one day at San Isidro.
WING-BANDED WREN (Microcerculus bambla albigularis) [*]
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – Some got quick looks at them the first day, but all caught up with this water-based species along the Loreto rd. during some birding over a gorgeous, roaring river there.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla nigrodorsalis) – We scoped them out in a wet pasture along the Loreto rd. This is another bird that has had a convoluted taxonomic history, first being placed with mockingbirds, and then later with the wrens. After some genetic work, it was decided that it too - like the tityras and becards needed its own family: "Donacobiidae".
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides venezuelensis) – Always heard much more than seen. A few of us saw this one during some early morning birding around San Isidro.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (SLATY-BACKED) (Catharus fuscater fuscater) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Common in the foothills and lower montane zone during the boreal winter. [*]
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) – We scoped one along the roadside at San Isidro one afternoon as it belted out its mimetic repertoire.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis debilis) – Common in cleared areas in the foothills.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater quindio) – The largest Turdus... that doesn't sound to complimentary, now does it? Let my try again: the largest of the genus Turdus. This one is a daily sight in the highlands; San Isidro the lodge is just below its minimum elevational limit here.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus) – Similar to the previous species, but smaller, darker, and more tied to forest. We had nice scope views of males on song perches.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis bogotensis) – Not always an easy bird, but we flushed one up out of the paramo grasses on our second day.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – The eastern foothills are the boreal winter haunts of this decreasing species, and we had a good showing of them, with nice views at both males and females along the Loreto rd. [b]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi alarum) – A common neotropical species that we saw well in the foothills.
Ecuador's east slope offers a veritable smorgasbord of delicious tanagers, making it difficult to choose a favorite. No doubt this smashing Flame-faced Tanager received at least a little consideration. (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) – One popped up for us along the Loreto rd., pale legs and all. This is not particularly common at this elevation at this time of the year; it tends to be seen more in the lowlands. [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus baezae) – A forest-based warbler that often moves with understory. We had good looks at them along the trails at San Isidro.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristatus) – Common and vocal in shrubby habitats in the montane zone.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronatus orientalis) – A common understory warbler. The dueted song of this one is always a pleasure to hear.
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Also common in the understory, this time of the year. [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus ballux) – In every flock at mid-elevations.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus) – Replaces the previous species at higher elevations, but the two do narrowly overlap right around the lodge at San Isidro.
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola intermedia) – Some got onto this wide-ranging neotropical species along the Loreto rd.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus leverianus) – The longest of all tanagers, and a common bird in more secondary habitats up into the foothills and pre-montane zone.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis) – Some caught this one as it moved with a flock one afternoon not far from our Black-billed Mountain-Toucan spot!
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-CAPPED) (Hemispingus atropileus atropileus) – We had struck out early on in the trip with this understory hemispingus, but connected with it on our last day at Guango when we tracked down the right flock.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons) – A canopy-flock hemispingus that found above the town of Papallacta.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis frontalis) – A very sneaky understory bird that we hunted down with a flock at San Isidro.
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus melanotis melanotis) – Pretty common in stands of bamboo, but these understory hemispingus know how to stay out of sight. We had good looks at them on our last two days, finally.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris) – A canopy flock bird of the temperate zone that we saw well on both of our passes through Guango. This one has the peculiar habit of flicking its tail constantly as it forages along.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri) – A conebill of the highlands, both in the dry valley and humid, temperate forest edges.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor) – We caught up with this temperate forest conebill on our last day at Guango with the flocks... a real looker it is!
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum) – Pretty common with the flocks at Guango and San Isidro. This is another tail flicker.
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – Always a big score, as it is a local bird of the very high elevation Polylepis forests, and a handsome bird as well. We lucked out on our second day for some nice studies of this one near the pass when it bombed in to a tree right next to us! My feeling is that this bird isn't really "giant", even by conebill standards; I think that "Polylepis Conebill" would have been a better name choice.
BLACK-BACKED BUSH TANAGER (Urothraupis stolzmanni) – We reeled in a small group of this one up in the treeline shrubbery above Papallacta for nice looks.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – A few in the foothills along the Loreto rd.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo carbo) – Common in the secondary, roadside growth along the Loreto rd.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – The Amazonian form with the white shoulder-patch.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum melanoptera) – Known to many neotropical birders!
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis darwinii) – Wonderful views of this central valley species at my house in Tumbaco. I have a bitter-sweet relationship with this one: I love having them in my gardens, but really get tired of them pooping all over my car after fighting with their reflexions in the mirrors!
VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus) – I was really jazzed to have pinned this one down on the slopes of the Guacamayos as it is such a special east-slope tanager species!
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata) – Oh, mountain-tanagers... I love them; they just exemplify the colorful birds of the Andes! We had some fantastic views of this hefty mountain-tanager along the Guacamayos trail... the one with the red eyes.
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis eximia chloronota) – Nicely up in the treeline, elfin woodlands above Papallacta.
MASKED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis wetmorei) – But it was this one that we were really after, and we scored big when we located one perched in a roadside tree not far from the previous species, for scope views. This is a rare mountain tanager that can only be found right up at treeline, and usually in very low densities... it also happens to be a stunner, and one of the trip birds, I'd say!
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus palpebrosus) – Most got onto this one in the Guacamayos one morning.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris erythronotus) – Another really fancy mountain-tanager that we saw up in the highland forests above Papallacta. The bold black, red, and blue really make for a striking color combination.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus baezae) – The common mountain-tanager at middle elevations, such as around the cabins at San Isidro.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii) – An Andean classic; how could you ever get tired of seeing this one?! We had some crippling views of them a couple of times in the Guacamayos.
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata taeniata) – Great views of them as they traveled with the mixed flocks at Guango. The song of this one reminds of a chickadee.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – Killer views of this understory tanager on the slopes of the Guacamayos where we even got one to pop up into a tree!
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis) – Near Baeza one afternoon with some tanager activity.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis chilensis) – A most-wanted bird for some, and we enjoyed some knee-buckling views along the Loreto rd. What was evolution thinking when it "designed" this one? Wow!
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus aequatorialis) – We had struck out on this a one a few times with the flocks in the foothills, but finally tracked it down near Baeza during a tanager-packed afternoon!
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta) – The common Tangara tanager at San Isidro. This one really has more of a saffron helmet, rather than crown.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – A beautiful foothill species that we saw right up at its maximum elevational range near Baeza one afternoon.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – What an intensely colored head! We some had real close encounters with this beauty at San Isidro when we brought one to within only a few feet!
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – We played with one that foraged with a canopy flock along the Loreto rd. for decent looks.
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata zamorae) – Pretty common with the flocks in the foothills along the Loreto rd.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola catharinae) – A wide-ranging neotropical bird, and a snazzy one as well; foothills.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – The name "Scrub Tanager" doesn't really conjure up the a proper image of how this bird really looks; it is actually quite handsome, with bold turquoise-green and rufousy tones. But, it does tend to occur in the central valley scrub and gardens, so it is well named from this point of view. We had good looks at them near my house on our first morning.
Generally the easiest of the flowerpiercers to see on the trip, Masked Flowerpiercers are aggressive and cheeky at the feeders at Guango. (Photo by tour participant Sandy Paci)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala) – This one has more than just a blue neck; it has an entirely blue head! We had them commonly in the foothills along the Loreto rd.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis nigroviridis) – Another of the common tanagers of the subtropical zone that we saw frequently at San Isidro. In good light, this one is really some serious eye candy!
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii vassorii) – The high elevation Tangara tanager; we has our first good looks with the flocks at Guango Lodge.
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei) – A few around San Isidro, where they tend to be pretty common. Unlike most of the birds of tis genus on our trip, this one is strikingly sexually dimorphic.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – We scoped a beautiful male along the Loreto rd. for memorable views. We saw this one at its maximum elevational range.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Males and females along the Loreto rd.; a wide-ranging neotropical species, occurring in a variety of habitats.
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus pulcherrimus) – A monotypic genus that was, for a short time, lumped with the Tangaras. We had some fine studies of both sexes at San Isidro and in the foothills, but the male really takes the cake!
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis occidentalis) – In the treetops along the Loreto rd. Although now not the case, this species once had its own monotypic family, Tersinidae. We'll see what future genetic studies have on store for it.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (GRAYISH) (Saltator coerulescens azarae) [*]
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis) – The sierra-finch of the paramo here in Ecuador; I have taken to calling it the "Plumpiest" Sierra-Finch... well, it is chunky! We had nice looks at both sexes up around the pass.
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae) – A few in the grassy areas along the Loreto rd.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa) – A few in the grassy areas along the Loreto rd. This one seems to do fine breeding in humid foothill areas, as well as in the drier central valley.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis vivida) – In full song in the central valley, where they breed this time of the year.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – The common seedeater of lowland and foothill areas in the east.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis torridus) – Nice scope views of a singing male along the Loreto rd.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii) – The black flowerpiercer with the bluish-gray shoulder patch that we saw up at treeline.
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis aterrima) – All black, and more a bird of the drier central valley woodlands.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera albilatera) [*]
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides decorata) – We had several singing males in the central valley scrub as we made our way up to the pass.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina) – The fanciest of the flowerpiercers, in my opinion.. that yellow eye is just so intense against that rich blue plumage. We had some nice studies of them in the foothills a couple of times.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens media) – The common flowerpiercer around San Isidro, and the one with the least pronounced hook on the bill.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea cyanea) – Most common around Guango, where they raid the hummingbird feeders.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – This one has had a recent population explosion in the central valley out of Quito, but I wonder if this could have to do with escaped cage birds. Who knows, but wild stock are indeed common in southern Ecuador.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon brunneinucha frontalis) – Quick views at Guango on our first day.
PALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae) – An attractive brush-finch with the white crown-stripe that we saw well at Guango.
SLATY BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus schistaceus) – Celestyn had quick looks on the first day at Guango, but the rest of us caught up with it on the last day there. This is a flock bird, and a very boldly marked species.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons aurifrons) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis costaricensis) – Abundant in cleared areas in the montane zone.
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus phaeocephalus) – Common around San Isidro, and an especially loud voice during the dusk chorus.
YELLOW-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis) – Common in small groups along the Loreto rd. in the foothills.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (EASTERN) (Piranga rubra rubra) – A common boreal migrant. [b]
GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster) – Mostly a bird of the dry central valley; those males are certainly eye-catchers.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (CHAPMAN'S) (Amblycercus holosericeus australis) [*]
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus) – The black cacique with the yellow shoulders and rump.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – All black with a red rump and ivory bill that we saw commonly around the gardens at San Isidro.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons angustifrons) – Often cohorts with the previous two species. Oropendolas are known for their long, pendulum-shaped nests, which we saw a few times... hence the name!
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni) – Fantastic studies of gorgeous males feeding at the mistletoe bushes at my house in the central valley.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa mesochrysa) [*]
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster brevirostris) – A common euphonia from the lowlands all the way up to the montane zones, such as around San Isidro.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) – We were able to scope a pair as they fed about along the roadside in a mistletoe bush for some good looks... stunning!
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – A few of this foothill bird along the Loreto rd.
MAMMALS
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – Some folks saw them scurrying across the road up in the paramo.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – The common mammal, and most visible, mammal of the montane zone.
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – We continue to fatten them up at the corn feeders at San Isidro, but don't worry; there are no ulterior motives in this practice!
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Nice looks at a few of them out in a high paramo bog near the pass.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 305 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa