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Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager was one of the many "jewels" we found along the way...dozens and dozens of tanagers in the mix with the glorious hummingbirds and some very cool antpittas. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
This was our second Jewels of Ecuador tour of 2017, and I have to say that something that I love about guiding is that every tour is different from one departure to the next, even in a very short period of time between them. The west slope was wetter this time and there were some fresh mudslides along roads, and our flight to Catamayo was diverted to Guayaquil (luckily only for two hours) -- but that is part of the adventure. The good news is that, Ecuador being a superb country full of birds and plenty of facilities, we managed to adjust our plans slightly as needed and just keep birding.
As soon as we landed in Catamayo the fun started just outside the airport, with many new birds to add to the list, and our driver, Edgar, plied us with some yogurt and plenty of delicious bananas to keep us energized. Peruvian Meadowlark welcomed us, followed shortly by the Short-tailed Field-Tyrant, Tumbes Sparrow, and many other Tumbesian endemics.
The weather in Cajanuma in Podocarpus National Park was great, and birds such as Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Red hooded Tanager, and Bearded Guans kept us busy. On the way to Zamora from Loja, Torrent Ducks were swimming along the rushing rivers, and Fasciated Tiger-Heron was working hard to get a fish, but the best sighting was the pair of Oilbirds roosting.
Copalinga with the lovely gardens was as birdy as usual, but the male Wire-crested Thorntail and Masked Tanager were impressive to watch. The highlights in the Bombuscaro area were Amazonian Umbrellabird, Lanceolated Monklet, and Blackish Rail.
Cajas National Park was fantastic, with Giant Conebill, Andean Condor that is rarely seen there, and the endemic Violet-throated Metaltail. The northern part of the trip was also full of good birds on both sides of the Andes. The west had a nice variety of choco endemics such as Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Empress Brilliant, and Velvet-purple Coronet, just to mention a few. On the east slope the owls in San Isidro were cool, with Black-banded and Rufous-banded showing nicely. The whole trip was full of birds but also fantastic scenery with nice places to stay and delicious food along the way.
My thanks to the intrepid group who joined me this trip and made it such a success. Also, thanks to Edgar, who drove us so well along the winding roads in Ecuador to see these magic jewels. Keep birding, and I hope that I will see you again soon!
Cheers,
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)
TAWNY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Nothocercus julius) – At Huashapamba some of us managed to see this secretive bird that we normally only hear in the montane forest.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – A nice pair plus a young one were seen on our way from Loja to Zamora
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Very colorful male with bright blue bills were seen in Cajas National Park
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata) – This rare Guan which is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN list is still very reliable in Cajanuma, we had a few of them along the road.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) [*]
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
Dark-backed Wood-Quail, photographed by participant Linda Rudolph. We got lucky with a pair of these at Angel's reserve.
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – A pair of these choco endemics surprised us while we were watching the cocks-of-the-rock at Angel's reserve.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – This widespread heron is always a joy to see, especially when it is fishing. Great looks on our way to Zamora.
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) – Cajas is not the best place to see this truly Andean bird, but a fantastic male showed up and landed on a cliff for stunning scope views.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – This unmistakable bird is very common at this time of year.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – A soaring bird was seen flying together with a group of vultures when we were at Alambi garden.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – We watched a young male for quite a long time from the tower at Silanche. We had to wait until it showed its chestnut wings to confirm that it was a Plumbeous Kite.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – This small Buteo was perched near the Guacamayos ridge.
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – We saw only a pair of this migratory raptor, most of them had already left for the north.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
VIRGINIA RAIL (ECUADORIAN) (Rallus limicola aequatorialis)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – One was crossing the road near Zamora, it even stayed for a photo.
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – This high-altitude gull is normally more common on this trip, but this time we saw only a couple of them.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni)
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina)
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – We enjoyed watching this small ground-dove and especially listening to its call.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Ten antpitta species seen, this White-bellied among them, and an additional two heard. Not a bad trip! Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
Strigidae (Owls)
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – This day-active small owl is the only one in the lowlands west of the andes, but in Catamayo valley you can see them at 1240m above sea level.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – Restricted to the Andes, this unique owl was seen well at San Isidro.
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – A great scope view of this species, the only avian nocturnal frugivore.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – This very attractive swift was seen from the tower at Silanche.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – This dark hermit endemic to the Choco was seen during our stay in Mindo.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri cyanotus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – The male of this species looks like a cartoon character with the spiky crest and ragged tail.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis) – In the hummingbird world, a male of this species definitely has to be considered one of the best. Mindo was a prefect place to see them.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna)
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami)
VIOLET-THROATED METALTAIL (Metallura baroni)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
Willy and gang on the hunt for Red-faced Parrots at Huashapamba. Photo by participant Dorothy Paul.
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris)
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
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)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
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) – We really enjoyed watching the iridescent green plumage and the contrast with the red colors of these cloud-forest birds.
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) [*]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
We had great looks at this Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan on the east slope, while we found Plate-billed on the westernd side. Photo by participant Merrill Lester.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) [*]
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) – This colorful choco endemic, which is in appearance between a toucan and a barbet, gave us some lovely looks when we were at Angel's reserve.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta)
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus derbianus)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca)
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – Found only southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, these are the most charismatic birds in Ecuador.
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
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)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops) [*]
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis)
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
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)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) [*]
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans)
Here's a rainbow-graced view from San Isidro on the east slope of the Andes. Photo by participant Dorothy Paul.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera) [*]
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni)
PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) – One of the four antpittas that we saw at Angel's place; this one showed so well that it was a tour favorite for some people.
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) – The Grallaricula antpittas are all fun to watch, especially when they are shaking their "hips." One gave a nice show at Angel's reserve.
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana)
CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons) – For the people who were in the right spot, this small antpitta was the best of all.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus)
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus)
NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) – One flew across the stream at Angel's place.
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri)
PARAMO TAPACULO (Scytalopus opacus) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
Plumbeous-backed Thrush, photographed by participant Merrill Lester.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) [*]
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – The prettiest furnariid on our trip, very numerous along the way.
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola)
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)
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) [*]
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
Empress Brilliant is one of the larger hummers we see on the tour. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus)
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – The little yellow guy with the reddish crown was in the bamboo at San Isidro.
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus)
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Male and female were seen at the San Jose hotel.
PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius)
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
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)
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda) – Catamayo was a perfect place for this dry forest species.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer nigriceps)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer atriceps)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – A pair showed nicely at Copalinga's garden.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
BLACK-CHESTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola lubomirskii)
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) – This stunning cotinga was seen the day that we visited Angel's reserve.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – These stunning cloudforest birds, even with the spectacular colors of the males, are not easy to see if you don't visit a lek, which is exactly what we did to see a few males and several females in full display.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – We had to run a bit to be able to spot this impressive species -- luckily for us a male stayed long enough to scope him...what a crest!
Pipridae (Manakins)
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – Scope views during our day at Silanche.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
Participant Dorothy Paul grabbed this image looking down on Catamayo.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus tenebrosus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – San Isidro still the best place to see this bird.
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
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)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes) – A few were at Cajanuma.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – Some people even saw the white thigh well after a while.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufocollaris aequatorialis)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – The big wren at Catamayo.
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) – Great looks of this bamboo specialty.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa)
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – After several attempts we managed to actually see one of these skulkers.
The group birding at Huashapamba. Photo by participant Dorothy Paul.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
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) – Nice scope views, we even saw the pale eye.
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – The males were even singing, ready to start their trip to the north.
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata)
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)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
BLACK-AND-WHITE TANAGER (Conothraupis speculigera) – The big surprise for me was when a male of this tanager (rare in Ecuador) just popped up from a bush to see what was going on, and later we managed even to see one through the scope.
We had great views of this Black-banded Owl type, known locally at the San Isidro Owl since there is some mystery about its exact taxonomic status. Photo by participant Linda Rudolph.
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis)
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus atropileus)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus melanotis)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
VERMILION TANAGER (Calochaetes coccineus)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – They are quite common, but it was a real treat to see them on our way back to Quito from Mindo.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex)
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis)
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – This uncommon bird was very striking, especially the males with good light...wow.
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)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – The last but not the least -- we managed to see this one the last minute in the San Jose car park.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – This tanager is found on both sides of the andes, and we had great scope views.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – All the species in the Tangara genus are colorful, but this one has the correct name. Many were around Copalinga and Zamora.
RUFOUS-WINGED TANAGER (Tangara lavinia)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
Black-cowled Saltator near Loja was an unexpected surprise along our route! Photo by guide Willy Perez.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – The bright red-faced one is in the east.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii lunigera) – This one on the west slope has orange on its 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) – This is the west-slope subspecies.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer)
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – The males at the Silanche tower were fantastic.
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – A bird that is restricted to Polylepis trees and not easy to see; behaved nicely even we witnessed them feeding under the bark of the trees.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – Cajas is the only place to see this species, and several males and females were around during our visit to the park.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
BLACK-BACKED BUSH TANAGER (Urothraupis stolzmanni) – The Cayambe Coca reserve was a perfect place for this high-elevation species.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco) – Catamayo once again was superb for this species; some males were feeding around the valley.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
A fabulous Booted Racket-tail male at Alambi, photographed by guide Willy Perez.
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps) – Another unique bird that we had to work a bit to see, but is was stunning to see this restricted species.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
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)
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus)
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni) – A lovely Tumbesian endemic that we found at Catamayo.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – I have to mention our friend rufie...they were everywhere, ha!!
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – This one we saw in the northwest close to Nono .
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus) – This subspecies was see in the Loja area.
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes leucopterus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps) – We had a group of 5 individuals at Cajanuma in the south.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – They welcomed us at the Catamayo airport.
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – This is the one that we saw at Zamora.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (WESTERN) (Cacicus cela flavicrissus) – It was nice to see this subspecies of cacique in Silanche -- normally they occur lower in elevation.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – This was the biggest of the oropendolas, with a black body.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
Participant Paul Bisson captured this lovely pose of a Chestnut-breasted Coronet.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 473 bird taxa and 4 mammal taxa