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Cajas National Park is THE place to see the fabulously blue Tit-like Dacnis -- and see it we did! Photo by participant Peter Relson.
What a great name for such a wonderful tour! While putting this triplist together, I was thinking about all of the "magical jewels" that we saw during our two weeks. I have to say that the person who named this tour was spot on -- but just to let you know, it wasn't me. It isn't just the birds that make this tour fantastic; it's also the landscapes, the people, the food, the contrast between habitats -- many things. Ecuador is a small country with everything. The lodge facilities were great, and good feeders along the way yielded many hummingbirds, antpittas, tanagers and (in Copalinga) even tinamous.
We saw so many stunning birds. Here are some of the favorites: the Pacific Pygmy-Owl that perched for a few minutes at Catamayo Valley, allowing nice photographs, and the very unusual-looking Short-tailed Field-Tyrant at the same location; the curious Elegant Crescentchest that came out in the open to see what was going on in its territory; the stock-still Lanceolated Monklet; the male and female Collared Antshrikes we saw so well, quickly followed by the Chapman's Antshrike; the "San Isidro Owls" -- three feeding this time, instead of the regular two; the Golden-winged Manakin that flashed his gold as he flew up and down in a tree; the three mountain-toucans (which are all so cool), but especially the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, which is so distinctive; the bewildering variety of hummingbirds, especially (for shape and design) the Booted Racket-tail and the Wire-crested Thorntail. And what about the colors of the Rainbow Starfrontlet that we saw on the way to Loja? For me, the Wattled Guan was the best; we could even see its yellow wattle hanging down!
Angel's place was once again was superb, with Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock in full display, five species of antpittas, and a very hungry Rufous-breasted Antthrush taking all the worms it could! The roads all over the country are great, so to go from one place to another was quick and easy, thanks to our super driver, Edgar, who took us to every place necessary to find these stunning birds.
To conclude, it was a real pleasure sharing this birding adventure (and enjoying its feathered jewels) in Ecuador with you. Thank you for coming, and I hope that I will see you again soon!
A big hug,
-- Willy
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
A trio of Gray Tinamous that came to eat corn at a Copalinga feeding station were a treat. Tinamous aren't usually nearly so confiding. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao kleei) – Three of them came to eat corn at Copalinga -- what a sight!
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – A male was seen nicely along the old Loja Zamora road.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata) – Two were seen on our first visit to Cajanuma.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – At least one pair was seen just before breakfast in Copalinga on our last day.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – We saw a few of them flying out of their roosting place when we were at the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek.
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) [*]
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – It was stunning to see them in flight with the Antisana volcano in the background.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Ecuador is justly famous for its hummingbird diversity, and one of the most fabulously endowed is the appropriately-named Sword-billed Hummingbird. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – We saw one on a nest at the Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary. [N]
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis) – We scoped one along the Bombuscaro River near Copalinga.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
VIRGINIA RAIL (ECUADORIAN) (Rallus limicola aequatorialis)
SORA (Porzana carolina) – Nice views of a single bird at Lago Llaviucu in Cajas National Park.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi) – We saw them flying around a couple of times, but they never landed.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
ANDEAN SNIPE (Gallinago jamesoni) – We would have had to chase one out of the grass to see it well in Papallacta.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni)
Like the rest of its congeners, Peruvian Pygmy-Owl is a small, fierce predator. Photo by participant Tom Hammond.
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana)
MAROON-CHESTED GROUND-DOVE (Claravis mondetoura) – A bird was calling in the forest along the road to Cajanuma, but it never showed itself. [*]
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) [*]
CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nubicola) – Great scope views of this tiny owl at Septimo Paraiso.
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) – It took a bit of a time to find one, but we managed to get good views of it along the old Nono Mindo road.
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum)
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1)
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – We saw a female roosting when we went to Angel's reserve.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – We had a young bird just outside the lodge at Septimo Paraiso.
ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus)
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis)
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Sparkling Violetear is probably the most commonly seen hummingbird around the San Jose hotel. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi) – We saw them a couple of times, but our best view was at Angel's feeders.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – Fantastic views from the tower at Silanche.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – Very common at Guango.
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – Both males and females were seen in Copalinga's garden.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis) – The difference between the male and the female of this species is remarkable. Males have very long, colorful tails, while females have short tails and orange breasts.
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – We waited for some time before a very handsome male came to feed on the Chuqiragua flowers in Cajas NP.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna)
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
Long-tailed Sylph is the most widespread of the slyphs, though it is found only on the eastern slope of the Andes. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani)
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – There were many of them at Yanacocha on our first day.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris)
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – Seen a couple of times; they're always impressive!
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – The most colorful hummingbird of all, and also a Choco endemic.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri)
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – The biggest of the brilliants, seen nicely in Angel's garden.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
The gorgeous Velvet-purple Coronet is a Choco endemic. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus)
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (NORTHERN GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania colombica verticeps)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – This is the fanciest of the trogons seen on this tour. We saw a male with a lot of white on his tail and a beautiful crest.
BLUE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon comptus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) [*]
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) – Scope views at San Isidro.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) – A pair nesting along the Septimo entrance road. [N]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus) [*]
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
The tiny Lanceolated Monklet is seldom seen -- partly because it's easy to overlook and partly because its range appears to be patchy and localized. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) – We had to work a bit for this species, but the rewards were great when we found one at Angel's reserve.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca)
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – All the mountain toucans are fantastic, but this was the best; it was just sitting on an open branch, surrounded by moss and bromeliads -- a classic picture of the cloud forest. Great!
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris)
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) [*]
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – This one surprised us; he was looking for food on a mossy rock. What a sight!
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens) [*]
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
The eponymous colors of the Rainbow Starfrontlet were clearly visible on this feeding male. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – One seen flying at Acacana.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) [N]
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) – The tower at Silanche put us at the right height to see this lovely parrot very closely.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – Many of them seen in the Catamayo valley.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus) – We only a couple as they flew by, but it was a good look.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae)
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis) [*]
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (BLACK-BELLIED) (Pyriglena leuconota castanoptera) [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
Willy points out a nearby (giant!) mountain-tanager to our happy group at the top of the Mindo valley. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
GIANT ANTPITTA (Grallaria gigantea) – This is the king of the group, and it is definitely big! I'm so glad that we saw it well, to prove that it is indeed a giant.
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla)
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula)
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis)
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris)
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana)
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx)
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) – We had nice views of this bird at Lago Llaviucu in Cajas.
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) [*]
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus)
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus)
BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest of the woodcreepers seen on this tour.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
We found a Broad-billed Motmot building a nest along the Septimo Paraiso entrance road. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – Fantastic views on the way out of Silanche.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Very common throughout the tour.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – Two were building a nest at Catamayo. [N]
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) [*]
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Automolus subulatus assimilis) [*]
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – We saw them several times with mixed flocks.
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis)
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata)
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa) [*]
MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes griseomurina) [*]
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – A pair was nesting in the garden of Septimo Paraiso. [N]
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
RUFOUS-WINGED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus calopterus) – Normally scarce on the eastern slope, but we found a pair along the Loja Zamora road.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – I like this bird with its two-pointed crest; we saw one from above on the way to Copalinga.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – We saw them in several places, always close to water.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
We had to wait a while before this male Ecuadorian Hillstar finally came in to feed. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
FULVOUS-BREASTED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-MARGINED) (Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Normally they prefer cliffs, but we saw one on a wire, which they sometimes hunt from.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) [*]
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius)
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema)
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – We saw a male along the Jenairo road near Zamora.
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer nigriceps)
A Black-billed Mountain-Toucan provides a classic cloud forest shot -- with plenty of bromeliads and mosses for company. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata) – A pair seen at Cajanuma.
BLACK-CHESTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola lubomirskii) – This small fruiteater was hard to find in the green vegetation, but we managed to see a very fine male in the end.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – There were a few displaying males and one female at Angel's lek.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – A female of this eastern subspecies was seen along the Bombuscaro trail.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
Pipridae (Manakins)
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus)
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) [*]
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) – A young male was seen in Bombuscaro.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
It was surprising to see this Crimson-mantled Woodpecker searching for ants on a mossy rock. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – Very common around San Isidro's car park.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufocollaris aequatorialis) – We did a bit of a trip to downtown Catamayo to see this unique swallow. It was great to see them in flight.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
WING-BANDED WREN (Microcerculus bambla) [*]
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – They welcomed us when we arrived at Catamayo airport.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys)
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) [*]
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris)
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Some people managed to see this species while we waited for the Yellow-breasted Antpitta to make an appearance at Angel's reserve.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Pacific Parrotlets were common in the Catamayo valley. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
SLATE-THROATED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila schistaceigula)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) [*]
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) [*]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – They were so numerous along the way!
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus)
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
White-bellied Antpittas are among the antpitta species that have been trained to come in to feeding stations for earthworms. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The biggest of all the tanagers that we saw.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis)
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus atropileus)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus melanotis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Hemispingus melanotis ochraceus)
BLACK-HEADED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus verticalis)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana)
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Cnemathraupis eximia)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – The most impressive of the group, and also the most common.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex) – On the first day, when we went to Yanacocha, we got great looks from above, so we could see the gold.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
Scrub Tanagers are common and widespread in the open, brushy areas of Ecuador's (and Colombia's) intermontane valleys. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara palmeri) – The Silanche tower put us face to face with this unique bird.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – This subspecies has more red on the face; we saw them well along the Loreto road.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii lunigera) – We saw a few of these on the western slope; they have orange, rather than red, on the face.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata aequatorialis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata)
One last hummingbird: the tiny but fabulous Booted Racket-tail, named for those puffy "boots" (white in the melananthrus subspecies, buffy in the peruanus), and that wonderful tail. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
SCARLET-BREASTED DACNIS (Dacnis berlepschi) – Another Choco endemic that showed nicely at Silanche.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – Some were seen from the tower at Rio Silanche.
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – Cajas NP is the place to see this species and this time was no exception. Always nice to see!
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – A very plain female was seen in the gardens of the San Jose hotel.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – The first ones were seen at Catamayo airport.
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
If the Green Jay complex is ever split by the AOU, the birds in Ecuador would become Inca Jays. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae) – Scope views along the Loreto road.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis)
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris) [*]
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris occidentalis) – Great looks on the day we went to Mindo town.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tricolor)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus)
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes leucopterus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
A Red-hooded Tanager displays a regular habit of the species -- sitting up on an exposed perch. Photo by participant Peter Relson.
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)
RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – This very plain-looking bird was seen and heard well at Milpe.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – It was very exciting for me to see this bird; what a nice pink breast!
BLUE SEEDEATER (Amaurospiza concolor)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – Very common at Catamayo.
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warszewiczi)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus) – This subspecies is found only on the western slope; we saw one at Angel's place.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – These are the ones that we saw nesting at San Isidro, and also along the old road from Zamora to Loja.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia flavirostris) – Some people had good views of this tiny Choco endemic.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 519 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa