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Ecuador has so many "jewels", it's hard to know where to begin! And, we saw so many of them, including this gorgeous Green-and-Gold Tanager. Altogether, we saw at least 50 tanager species, and that's only the ones that include "tanager" in their name. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
This tour is designed to explore the south and the north, from going very high up in the Andes to descending the foothills in the west and east of the stunning and tiny country of Ecuador. The main gain is to see the jewels, but believe me we saw a lot more than the incredible jewels. We visit completely different habitats and each one contains a unique avifauna. Yanacocha on the west of the Pichincha volcano near Quito was buzzing with hummingbirds. We flew south and landed in the unique Catamayo valley with many Tumbesian species. For a few days we visited the Podocarpus National Park that holds many birds that are restricted to that area.
Cajas was the perfect example of a good paramo; it was full of birds and the landscape was breathtaking.
Mindo and Silanche in the northwest were busy with many interesting birds, specially the Choco endemics. Papallacta, San Isidro and Guacamayos were all full of surprises on the bird front, perfect to fill up our list of birds and places during these two exciting weeks. We saw 65 species of hummingbirds, some with the most incredible colors, such as Velvet-purple Coronet, and some with the most crazy adaptations, like the Sword-billed Hummingbird. There were a lot of what I call memorable moments and some of them were more memorable than usual. How many times do you see an Amazonian Umbrellabird with the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, side by side along the Bombuscaro river? That was quite something! The coordination of the stunning duet of the Plain-tailed Wrens was a delight to hear. The two Black-billed Mountain-Toucans that saved my afternoon were both a big relief, and it was a pleasure to watch them.
The Rufous Antpitta that walked between our legs was something that doesn't happen very often!
We admired the difference between the male and female of the Powerful Woodpecker along Las Caucheras. It took some time to relocate the Greater Scythebill, but we all saw it, right? Wow... And I could keep going on and on with my list of fantastic moments, because we had a lot of great moments on this trip. A lot of people helped me to make it happen. One of them was Edgar, our super driver, who took us where we needed to be safely and on time. I'd also like to thank Angel Paz and his family for the incredible birds, and also for a delicious breakfast. But the last ones to thank are all of you people who came along and joined me on this truly amazing birdwatching adventure! I hope that I will see you all 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
Our group with Angel Paz and family. One of the highlights of our tour was the visit to the reserve maintained by the Paz family. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao kleei)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata)
WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)
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)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens aequatorialis)
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus)
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)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (AMERICAN) (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli)
Another set of jewels we saw were all of the amazing hummingbirds. Participant Elena Laborde shared this video of one of the feeders we watched.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
VIRGINIA RAIL (ECUADORIAN) (Rallus limicola aequatorialis) [*]
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi)
Tinamous are usually very hard to see, but this Gray Tinamou was coming to corn at Copalinga, so we saw it very well. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
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)
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida) [*]
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
COLOMBIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops colombianus) [*]
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) [*]
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii)
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
We will remember this Rufous Antpitta for a long time, since it ran right between our feet! What an incredible experience! Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri cyanotus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus)
A female Great Sapphirewing posed nicely for us. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii)
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPANGLED COQUETTE (Lophornis stictolophus)
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo)
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna)
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
VIOLET-THROATED METALTAIL (Metallura baroni)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani)
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris)
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera)
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)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
Participant Elena Laborde got this image of a lovely collection of "jewels" at a feeder.
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
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)
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Juliamyia julie)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
BLUE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon comptus) [*]
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) [*]
This male Andean Cock-of-the-Rock seems to glow! We had some great looks at them. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) [*]
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis)
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta albivitta)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca)
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris)
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris)
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus)
BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
The Amazonian Umbrellabirds put on a great show for us at Bombuscaro. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
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) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops)
ROSE-FACED PARROT (Pyrilia pulchra)
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)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
Dark-backed Wood-Quail are endemic to the Choco region, and we were really pleased to see this family group that Angel Paz has coaxed to his feeders. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus)
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Psittacara erythrogenys)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae) [*]
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis) [*]
BICOLORED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus occidentalis)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
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 (Poliocrania exsul) [*]
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi)
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor aequatorialis)
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera) [*]
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni)
PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota chaplinae) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla)
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta)
We saw both male and female Powerful Woodpecker; guide Willy Perez got this nice image of the female.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula)
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis)
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris)
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana) [*]
CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx) [*]
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus)
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) [*]
NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-HEADED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius nigricapillus) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*]
Participant Elena Laborde got this amusing video of Speckled Chachalacas on a rotating feeder.
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)
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
GREATER SCYTHEBILL (Drymotoxeres pucheranii)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
This tiny Little Woodstar was one of so many wonderful hummingbirds that we saw during our trip. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
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)
STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps)
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus)
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Automolus subulatus assimilis)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola)
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis)
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata)
MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes griseomurina)
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa)
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)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agilis)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
We found this Giant Conebill on a Polylepis tree in Cajas National Park. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
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)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps)
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) [*]
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
A beautiful Golden-breasted Puffleg shows off both of the features it is named for. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-FACED) (Tolmomyias flaviventris viridiceps)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea)
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
ORANGE-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus phoenicomitra)
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus)
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)
SPOT-BILLED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola maculirostris)
PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis albicauda)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
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)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer atriceps)
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
In contrast to many of the birds we saw, the Tumbes Sparrow may seem very plain, but it is special because it has a limited range. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
Pipridae (Manakins)
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus dorsalis)
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) [*]
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
One of the Golden-eared Tanagers we saw at Copalinga. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
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)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys)
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)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
We also got to see some amazing tropical plants in their native habitats. Here, our group poses with some very large-leafed specimens. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus)
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis)
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis melanotis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Sphenopsis melanotis ochracea)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Thlypopsis superciliaris)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis)
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
White-necked Jacobins were some of the most common hummingbirds that we saw. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara palmeri)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (FLAME-FACED) (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (YELLOW-FACED) (Tangara parzudakii lunigera)
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
Participant Elena Laborde photographed the amazing countryside in the mountains.
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)
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
GIANT CONEBILL (Conirostrum binghami)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
We were not concentrating on mammals, but we did see a few notable species, such as this Black Agouti. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
PARAMO SEEDEATER (Catamenia homochroa)
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)
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus)
Here is our group in the highlands, on a lovely sunny day. Photo by participant Elena Laborde.
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and 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)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) [*]
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tricolor)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus)
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes leucopterus)
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) [b]
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni)
Bronze-winged Parrots are not as showy as some, but they have their own beauty. Photo by guide Willy Perez.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) [b]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia flavirostris)
ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
MOUNTAIN COATI (Nasuella olivacea)
Totals for the tour: 533 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa