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This tour is hard to characterize, but one thing it has is hummingbirds! We saw almost 60 species, including the pugnacious Chestnut-breasted Coronet. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
Any trip that nets in the vicinity of 500 species is nothing less than a monster of a trip, and we certainly surpassed this on yet another successful and fulfilling Jewels of Ecuador tour! We covered many of the key habitats that the high Andes and their slopes have to offer here in Ecuador, seeing many exciting birds and other critters along the way. From Podocarpus and El Cajas National Parks in the south, with their beautiful cloud forests and high paramos, and on to the western Choco endemic biome, and Amazonian east slope in the north, we had quite a ride. We had our share of rain - maybe a little more than usual - but this is just what keeps things so green! The scenery in Ecuador is always jaw-dropping, with high peaks, deep valleys, and forested slopes... a great place to live.
There will always be favorite birds and moments, but here are some of my picks for what sent our trip over the top: three Gray Tinamou chicks accompanied by dad at Copalinga; those charming Torrent Ducks at close range; that last minute pair of Bearded Guans; Dark-backed Wood-Quail at our feet; an awesome male Swallow-tailed Nightjar on a day roost; that point-blank Andean Potoo at San Isidro; a pair of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe in the high paramos under freezing conditions, but they seemed to be doing alright; Jameson's Snipe practically at our feet; that elegant Fasciated Tiger-Heron at Copalinga; our single Andean Condor as one of the first birds of the trip near Yanacocha; that calling Plumbeous Hawk from the tower at Silanche; some great owls, including Mottled, Black-and-white, and the "San Isidro" Owl; males of both Golden-headed and Crested Quetzal; all three possible species of motmot; those cool Barred Puffbirds; Coppery-chested Jacamar at super close range; that pair of Orange-fronted Barbets at Silanche; a lot of fabulous toucans, but I think those Gray-breasted and Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans stole the show; that intense Crimson-mantled Woodpecker; a Collared Forest-Falcon that sat quietly for awesome views; those range restricted White-necked Parakeets gobbling down guava fruits; a responsive Elegant Crescentchest in all of its splendor in the Catamayo Valley; a jaw-dropping, scoped Ocellated Tapaculo; the rare and infrequently seen Greater Scythebill that offered up some nice views in the Guacamayos; a mind-boggling array of flycatchers, but the most exhilarating two that come to mind have to be Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant and that family group of Black-billed Shrike-Tyrants; that flaming and raucous lek of Andean Cock-of-the-Rock; those displaying males at Milpe's lek that blew us away; White-capped Dippers skipping about along Andean streams; a scoped feeding group of colorful Yellow-collared Chlorophonias; Red-hooded Tanagers that lit up the morning at Cajanuma and White-capped Tanagers at San Isidro that came blasting in for killer scope views, as well as a menagerie of tanagers throughout the trip (!); and those Giant Conebills and Tit-like Dacnis at Cajas National Park as the cherry on top up in the high paramos! And what about that Spectacled Bear going about its business up in the paramo... unforgettable?!
Consistent with the trip name, we had a hummingbird feast! I consider that we saw as a group 59 species well, with others either heard, glimpsed, or seen by only one observer... not bad! Some of the highlights? How about that unbelievable Sword-billed Hummingbird, the purple headed Ecuadorian Hillstar, those glittering Velvet-purple Coronets, and the elegant Empress Brilliant... wow? The hummingbird feeders were pumping and made enjoying these jewels so much easier. We also saw some fantastic antpittas at Paz de Las Aves at our morning there, netting four species. To accomplish this under normal birding circumstances, and get the looks that we did, could take weeks, or even months, so it was quite an experience, indeed! Then there are the tanagers and relatives of which we saw more than we'll ever remember. Their variety of colors, shapes, and behaviors left our heads spinning.
I'll have to stop here, because there is much to read in the pages that follow, so read on! I had a wonderful time birding with all of you during our exciting two week trip scouring the varied habitats of lovely Ecuador, and hope to do it again some time in another exotic location. Good birding!
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)
HIGHLAND TINAMOU (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Nothocercus bonapartei plumbeiceps) [*]
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao kleei) – An extremely hard tinamou species to track down, and it is certainly a big one! Thanks to the corn feeder station at Copalinga we were treated to crippling studies at an adult male caring for three chicks at point blank range... wow!!! Just as an aside, males care for the young, not females.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) – Russ and I had quick views at a bird scurrying through the brush in a pasture in the Catamayo Valley.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – A beautiful Andean duck species that we saw a couple of times wonderfully, especially along the Zamora River where we found two pairs at close range.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata) – Nice views at this range restricted guan in the highlands at the Washapampa reserve. The frosty gray coloring around the face and head were very much in evidence.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Excellent views at a pair at the fruit feeders at Yanacocha on our first day.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Nice looks at the fruit feeders at Copalinga where they flopped around for us!
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) [*]
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – Wood-quails are a tough group in general to lay eyes on, sort of like tinamous, but Angel Paz had a family group lined up for us, practically right at our feet, at his reserve on the west slope... amazing!
This beautiful male Masked Trogon sat quietly for participant Eileen Keelan at Tandayapa.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) [*]
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni) [*]
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina)
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)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata segmentata) – A killer male on a day roost for unbelievable studies in the Cordillera de Guacamayos near San Isidro.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) – I had located this territory at San Isidro a couple of months before, following a long drought, so we gave it a shot, and come up victorious when it came zooming in and landed on a hunting perch right in front of us for tremendous spotlight views.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHINNED SWIFT (Cypseloides cryptus) – Identified by sound and shape; the white chin is way too indistinct to see under field conditions.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – At Septimo's active hummer feeders.
WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila) [*]
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – This one skipped in at times at Septimo.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Carol had the best views!
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – Seen a few times in the subtropical zones on both slopes.
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – We had a glimpse of one along the old Loja-Zamora road.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Seen at Bombuscaro.
GEOFFROY'S WEDGEBILL (Schistes geoffroyi) [*]
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – In small numbers at Septimo's feeders.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri cyanotus cyanotus) – The Green Violetear was split a couple of ways, leaving this species as the representative for most of its range.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Larger and more colorful than the previous species; this one has the blue belly and chin while the Lesser is more plan green.
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – Fluttering about at Silanche for good looks.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis) – Seen at a stop along the Loja-Zamora road.
GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus) – A range restricted species whose range lies largely within NW Ecuador. We snagged them along the old Nono-Mindo road.
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – Abundant at Guango's feeders!
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster) – Also known as Flame-throated Sunangel, and that throat really is spectacular when seen well. We had them along the forested roadside at Cajanuma.
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola) – Quick views near Loja.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – We had female plumaged birds at Copalinga.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – Males and females at Milpe at point blank range!
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – Excellent views of this shy, forest understory hummer at Bombuscaro.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Most common at San Isidro's feeders.
This image shows why the bird is named the "Shining Sunbeam"! Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – The males of both sylph species are just unbelievable. We had this one at Guango's and San Isidro's feeders.
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis) – This is the one dominant in the west that we had at Septimo's feeders.
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – The head of the male blew us away at Cajas!
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – Excellent looks at long tailed males a few times in the highlands.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – Close views of a male up in the paramo as it flashed that green throat. This species often feeds on flowers right on the ground, but hey, what choice does it have?
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – Seen best at the feeders at Yanacocha; a common highland hummer.
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami) – One of our last birds of the trip when we eked this one out at treeline before heading down back into the central valley near Quito. A mostly green hummer.
VIOLET-THROATED METALTAIL (Metallura baroni) – A country endemic. This one has a tiny range centered around Cajas N.P.; we had no trouble finding them during our first real birding stop there... nice! [E]
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita) – Those white puffs really stand out on this little hummer, and we had some excellent views at Cajanuma as they fed and chased about.
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani) – The puffleg up at Yanacocha with the iridescent purple vent and bluish crown.
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) – Similar to the previous species but with a dull vent, orange wash across the chest, and no blue in the crown. This one is less common as well, but we had great looks at both species at the feeders which makes life much easier!
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – Fabulous looks at that shining rump at Yanacocha where a few birds perched at close range.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – A rather dull hummer of the subtropical zone on the east slope. We had fine looks at them at the feeders at San Isidro.
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) – The inca of the west slope foothills and subtropics, with the white spots on the sides of the neck. This one hit the feeders at Septimo in small numbers.
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) – Looks like it is wearing a tuxedo! We saw them best at Guango's and San Isidro's feeders.
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris) – Glimpsed at Cajanuma despite it flying by quite close.
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) – The large hummer with the large buffy patch on the wings that we had plenty of at Yanacocha.
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) – We could only manage a female in the upper Catamayo Valley, but we had good looks as it came to feed at roadside flowers.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This one has to be seen to be believed, and we did so in flying colors a few times over the course of the trip, such at the feeders at Yanacocha and Guango... wow!
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – Fabulous views of males and females of this second largest hummer at Yanacocha's feeders.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens) – In small numbers at Guango's and San Isidro's feeders.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – A coronet of the east slope that really likes to hog the feeders, driving all others that they can away; common at San Isidro and Guango.
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – A stunning hummer when seen in the proper light...the mix of shining blues, purples and greens are simply incredible; Septimo.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – First we saw females of the buff-booted, eastern race at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga, then we had daily views of the white-booted, west slope race at Septimo's feeders.
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa leucura) – Russ and I had quick looks at one near San Isidro.
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini) – Regular at Septimo's feeders; the one with the large white spot on top of the tail.
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii) – Males of this east slope species popped in to the feeders at Copalinga a few times for good looks.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) – Seen well at the feeders on both slopes; the brilliant with the pink throat patch.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) – The common brilliant at Milpe's and Septimo's feeders.
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – A gorgeous brilliant, with a long forked tail, that we saw numerous times at Septimo's feeders; restricted to middle elevations in the west.
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – The common hummer at Copalinga's feeders, and another stunner with that purple crown.
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – We called in female plumaged birds in the drier forests of the Catamayo Valley.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – A pot-bellied woodstar; we saw males and females at Guango's feeders.
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii) – Numerous at Septimo's feeders.
This is one of the Red-headed Barbets that entertained us at Copalinga. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – The common little hummer at the Verbena flowers at Copalinga; the one with the large white spot behind the eye.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (NORTHERN GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania colombica verticeps) – Daily at Septimo's feeders.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Replaces the previous species on the east slope; we had smashing views of this beauty at Copalinga's feeders.
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus) – Common in small numbers at Copalinga's feeders. A rather dull hummer of the eastern foothills.
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola) – Fairly common in the highlands around Loja.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae) – The one with the immaculate white underparts that we had daily at Septimo's feeders.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Seen a few times at the feeders at Copalinga. This one is easily identified by its white strip down the belly.
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – We had a female at Silanche.
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi) – Great looks at a male at Silanche. The most distinctive mark that this one has to separate it from the previous species is its white vent.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – Abundant in the foothills and lowlands of the west.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Males hit the feeders regularly at Copalinga... lovely!
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
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) – The wind was blowing a bit, and we were at very high elevation - just what this species loves (!) - so it was cold, but we made the best of it and tracked down a pair of this intricately patterned, ptarmigan-like shorebird relative in the paramos of the Papallacta Pass for sensational views.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
JAMESON'S SNIPE (Gallinago jamesoni) – Formerly known as Andean Snipe. Brian really came through on this one with his thermal scope; without it we would likely have missed this one as they are so cryptic, and know how to stay still and slink away, even when in plain sight! The views were fantastic and memorable, and made even sweeter with the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe only meters away; a great double-play!
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – A fascinating heron that specializes in grabbing fish from rushing rivers and streams... what a talent! Russ spotted this one for us at Copalinga during an afternoon stroll near the lodge for awesome scope studies.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – A must see in the Andes, and Carol came through for us on the first day with a big initial score when she spotted a female soaring up above us on our way up to Yanacocha.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
A shy-looking Cinnamon Flycatcher posed nicely for us. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – Nice scope views of a pair during our day in the western lowlands around Silanche.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Carol had one soaring over in the western lowlands.
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – We caught one as it soared by briefly in the Guacamayos; sure wish it had circled over a time or two more!
PLUMBEOUS HAWK (Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea) – Calling and up in all of its glory from the Silanche tower! This is a beautiful hawk of the west that can be hard to find.
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps) – A nice pair soaring and calling at Septimo Paraiso.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma) – Now placed in the same genus as the following species, so an eagle of sorts! We had them a few times in the high paramos.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) – Scope studies at Cajas National Park of this highland eagle.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Strigidae (Owls)
RUFESCENT SCREECH-OWL (COLOMBIAN) (Megascops ingens colombianus) [*]
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) [*]
CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nubicola) [*]
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – The pygmy-owl of the drier zones of the west, and a common bird. We had them during our birding in the Catamayo Valley after our flight from Quito for nice scope studies.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Brian's thermal scope saved us on this one when he spotted the "hot-spot" perched back in the dense foliage; without it we would have either missed it before it flew off, or been left to frantically scan for it with the spotlight. In the end, we enjoyed wonderful views.
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) – Wow... on a day roost at the Milpe reserve!
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – The "San Isidro" Owl, whose taxonomic status has been on the back-burner for years without any real answers as to what taxon this bird really pertains to; we discussed this in detail at San Isidro as we observed the bird in life, which was a thrill. I have some top Ecuadorian researchers on the case, but it will take time as this is a complicated case as there is relatively little known of this group.
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – Fine studies of this gorgeous quetzal on the west slope.
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – Suzi spotted a male for us at San Isidro for wonderful views.
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus) – Good looks at a female at Silanche reserve.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – We scoped a male at Silanche in the western lowlands as it sang from a low perch along the trail there.
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) – We had one in the Bombuscaro sector of Podocarpus National Park.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – Nice scope views of both this and the following species at Septimo during our full morning of birding there.
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus) – We called up a pair near Silanche during a stop on our way into the reserve for scope studies. This species song is so comical.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – Fabulous males on the east slope in both the north and south of the country!
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus) – Excellent view of a pair from the Silanche tower was a hit.
Velvet-purple Coronet was one of about 60 species of hummingbirds that we saw. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – A pair regularly came to the fruit feeders at Copalinga... wow!
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) – We finally connected with a small family group at Paz de Las Aves during a rain as they foraged about high overhead.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta albivitta) – Most folks got onto the ones we had during some birding along the roadside at San Isidro before they got away.
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus) – Nice views of this west slope species around Septimo.
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) – A gorgeous toucan species that we had a few fine studies of over the course of our trip.
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – We nailed a pair of this west slope toucan along the old Nono-Mindo road as they perched right overhead!
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius) – Common in the foothills and lowlands in the west.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – Great looks at both this and the Choco Toucan in the west, this one being the larger of the two and with the yelping call; the Choco croaks.
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (BLACK-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus ambiguus) [*]
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – A tiny woodpecker species that we saw with the flocks on the east slope in the south.
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus) – Good looks at a guy with the flocks at Silanche.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – That head pattern is so distinctive.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – Nice looks from the Silanche tower.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates callonotus) – Quick views in the dry Catamayo Valley when one popped up.
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates dignus) – Really nice looks at this subtropical woodpecker species along a forest trail near the dining room at San Isidro.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – We had a female on the east slope in the south.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – A relative of the Pileated Woodpecker; we had good looks at a male around Copalinga.
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) – Perched up and scoped from the Silanche tower... nice!
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Seen on our first day in the south in the Catamayo Valley at close range.
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – Always stunning!
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) – Once we had made our way back up the trail to the bus, Rodrigo (Angel Paz's brother), spotted a quietly perched bird hunkering down during a rain shower. So what did we do? Go back down and see it, of course! The looks were fabulous; forest-falcons are usually very hard to get a look at.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) – Nice looks at this paramo caracara in the Papallacta Pass area.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis rufigularis) – Good looks one afternoon at Milpe reserve.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Nancy spotted our first one in the dry rain-shadow valley as we headed over to the west slope.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops) – I sure wish we could have found them when they came in and "disappeared" briefly in a very dense tree - something they are very good at (!) - but they took off before we could do so. We did have them totally out in the open in flight though for pretty good views.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – A bird of foothill and subtropical zones that we scoped well a few times.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – Seen as flybys.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Flying over at Silanche from the tower.
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) – Nice scope studies a couple of times of this west slope species. This is an unusually colored parrot in that it isn't green, but rather more blue and bronze.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius) [*]
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – Excellent studies of this tiny and attractive parrot in the Catamayo Valley on our second day.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura) – Flyovers at Septimo.
WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus) – Wonderful studies of this range restricted parakeet at Copalinga were a major hit when they came in to feed on guava fruits.
At Papallacta Pass, we got some great looks at Carunculated Caracara, a paramo specialty. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi) – A very cooperative and fancy male came blasting right in during our survey of the Catamayo Valley.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – A canopy antshrike that we pulled out of a flock at Milpe.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) [*]
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – An understory antwren that we dug out of the darkness at Septimo as a pair fed about.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – We finally tracked this canopy antwren down for quality views during some flock birding along the old Loja-Zamora road.
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) – The Long-tailed Antbird complex was split four ways, three of which occur only north of Ecuador, leaving only this species as the sole group representative through Ecuador and further south. We had good looks at this bamboo specialist at San Isidro.
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (BLACK-BELLIED) (Pyriglena leuconota castanoptera) [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) [*]
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi) – A cooperative and very visible pair put in an impressive appearance at Septimo. This is taxon is one of the results of the split of the Immaculate Antbird.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans) – We had cracking views of this stunning little understory bird in the dry forests of the Catamayo Valley. Note that crescentchests are now in a family distinct from tapaculos.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera) [*]
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni) – We had awesome views of four species of antpittas during our morning birding at and around Paz de Las Aves... what a show! This rare and local species came hopping in out of the darkness along a forest trail, offering up some excellent views.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) – A beauty of an antpitta that we had almost at our feet at Paz de Las Aves.
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta) – Right in the same area as the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta at Paz de Las Aves, but fed at a different feeder as it is less dominant.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula) – Standing right on the trail at Yanacocha for tremendous studies on our first day; another great way to get the ball rolling!
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis) – The antpitta of the high paramo that we finally tagged in with in the Papallacta area for some highly successful clean-up of this habitat.
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) – We had our first brushes with this little antpitta at Septimo where it did a pretty good job of dancing around us, but we really drove it home at Paz de Las Aves when Angel lured out "Shakira"!
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx) – A spectacular and large tapaculo that we just absolutely crushed for scope studies as it sang along the old Nono-Mindo road.
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) – We had one come in for nice views for most along the trail at Yanacocha before it slipped out the back!
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) [*]
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) – Seen well in the understory at San Isidro.
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) [*]
NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri) – Very nice looks at a responsive bird at the Washapampa reserve near Saraguro. Named after the late Ted Parker.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) [*]
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – We saw this small, thin woodcreeper at the Bombuscaro sector of Podocarpus National Park.
Not all of the jewels we saw wore feathers... Participant Eileen Keelan snapped this shot of some beautiful Bomarea flowers.
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina) – A tough highland woodcreeper to find, but we ran into them a few times. This one is rather markless and has an obvious hook at the tip of the bill.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The tiniest woodcreeper. We had one that seemed to be either exploring or attending a nest right next to the dining room at Copalinga.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) – Good looks at this large woodcreeper species on both slopes for most.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – A strkingly marked woodcreper of the Choco zone that we saw from the tower at Silanche.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – With flocks in the west. This one sounds sort of like a horse winneying!
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – We saw this east slope woodcreeper in the gardens at San Isidro.
GREATER SCYTHEBILL (Drymotoxeres pucheranii) – We stumbled across this rare and local woodcreeper species in the Guacamayos. While birding a roadside flock, I decided to throw some sound out, and this one popped right up into a large mossy tree... incredible, and we all got on to it!
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – Fairly common in the foothills and lowlands on the west slope.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Common with flocks on both slopes in the subtropical and temperate zones.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – A common, almost nuthatch-type furnariid that moves with mixed flocks in the foothills.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – We came across a responsive pair of this flashy furnariid at the Washapampa reserve during some flock birding. Those white cheek patches really stand out!
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) – Plenty of good looks at the two cinclodes species in the paramos at both Cajas N.P. and in the Papallacta Pass area, this being the smaller one with the more petite bill.
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – A handsome, orangy canopy foliage-gleaner that moves with flocks; we had them well a few times.
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) – A distinctive species that we caught with a flock at Milpe.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Fairly common with the mixed canopy flocks on the east slope.
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) – Along the trails at San Isidro.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) – One of our first birds in the morning as we strolled along the road at the Cajanuma sector of Podocarpus N.P.
STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) – We found one along the forested roadside at Septimo for good looks.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – A sensationally beautiful bird that moves with flocks at higher elevations; we saw them numerous times.
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola) – A good looking paramo bird, with that streaky breast and white brow.
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis) – Another nice score on our first day of birding up at Yanacocha when we had them at eye-level for killer views.
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata) – We pulled one down out of its grasslands habitats at Cajas N.P. for nice scope views.
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa) [*]
MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes griseomurina) – Brian got a look at one up at Cajas N.P. as one sneaked about in dense growth.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – Common and noisy with the canopy flocks in the west.
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – The east slope counterpart of the previous species that we saw well with the canopy flocks.
LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – The common spinetail of the Andean highlands.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – Nice looks at this clean-cut tyrannid from the tower at Silanche.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) [*]
We had a great scope view of this little Peruvian Pygmy-Owl in the Catamayo Valley. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
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) – A sprite little flycatcher with the black, curly crest! We had good looks at them in the temperate shrubbery at Cajas N.P.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana) – We saw the Tumbes form in the deciduous forests of the Catamayo Valley that some authorities consider to be a different species.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – Scope studies at Copalinga of this monotypic genus of flycatcher.
FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai) – This taxon was only officially discovered and described in the last couple of decades; it was simply just overlooked previously in its narrow elevational band in the eastern foothills. We connected with a couple of pairs for nice views at Bombuscaro.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – Should be called the "Cotton-topped Elaenia". We had good looks at this hefty elaenia at the riverside park in the town of Zamora.
COOPMANS'S ELAENIA (Elaenia brachyptera) – This taxon was recently split from the Lesser Elaenia and named after the late Belgian ornithologist, Paul Coopmans; he was actually the person to realize that the Foothill Elaenia was indeed a full, valid species. We saw this recently erected species around San Isidro where it frequently feeds at fruiting trees.
SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae) – Fairly common in the temperate forests in the south of the country.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – Always around water, as its name suggests.
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) [*]
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) [*]
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – We had good looks at this and the next species with the flocks at San Isidro. This particular species is quite an attractive bristle-tyrant, with its bold facial pattern, pink mandible, bluish-gray crown, and bright yellow belly.
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – A confusing little tyrannid of the eastern foothills that we saw well with a canopy flock.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps) – The tyrannulet without wing bars!
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps)
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis) – Split from the Golden-faced Tyrannulet of the east slope, this one is common on the west slope.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A beautiful little flycatcher that we saw on both slopes.
BRONZE-OLIVE PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus pelzelni) – We called in this little understory tyrannid at Septimo for nice views.
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – A lively little tyrannid that we saw wonderfully in the deciduous forests of the Catamayo Valley.
Golden-crowned Flycatcher is more colorful than many others in its group. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) [*]
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – A bamboo dweller that we saw well at San Isidro.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) [N]
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – A boldly patterned flycatcher that we saw well from Silanche's tower.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus)
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) [*]
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Good looks at this fancy flycatcher along the old Loja-Zamora road as they perched up for scope studies.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher) – Nancy spotted this subtropical, east slope species for us with a canopy flock around San Isidro.
ORANGE-BANDED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias lintoni) – Some got onto this range restricted species at Cajanuma during a drippy morning. They were right overhead, but backlit, so hard to get much detail.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) [*]
ORANGE-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus phoenicomitra) – Nice looks at a pair through the scope of this east slope forest species at Bombuscaro.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) [*]
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) [b]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) [b]
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [b]
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) – Awesome views at a family group on our last day as we made our way down through the paramo into the central valley.
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) – Wonderful views a this somber species in the temperate forests at Washapampa reserve.
RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius) – Cajas N.P. is the place to see this large and attractive tyrannid, and we had some fabulous views.
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) – Right on the road at Milpe where they run about, and wing display frequently.
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca frontalis) – At close range on our first day at Yanacocha. This shy understory chat-tyrant can be tricky to see, but we got them!
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema) – Good looks at Cajanuma during our stroll up the road there.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris) – Great looks in the Guacamayos at this boldly patterned chat-tyrant.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – A canopy chat-tyrant that we had scope views of at Cajanuma.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – Good looks at this paramo species at Cajas N.P.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (NIGRICEPS/ATRICEPS) (Myiarchus tuberculifer nigriceps)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – The Myirachus of the subtropical east slope.
This Moustached Antpitta was one of four species of antpittas we saw at Paz de Las Aves. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Well-known to many of us neotropical birders.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Common in the warm areas on the west slope.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Similar to the previous species, but less crisply marked and with different vocalizations. The two can overlap in the west, but this one tends to prefer less humid areas in the west, and is the only one in the east; we had this one building a nest around Zamora one rainy morning. [N]
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti) – A canopy flycatcher of eastern foothill forests that we saw a few times.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – A wonderful pair along the Guacamayos ridge trail.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata) [*]
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) – We had an awesome female that popped in for us at Septimo.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – We just could not have had any better views of this must-see-bird of South America at the lek at Pax de Las Aves... wow!
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – Nice looks at the east slope race at Bombuscaro when we stumbled across a male along the trail there.
Pipridae (Manakins)
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – Nice looks at males and females at Septimo.
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) – We never could connect with a male at Bombuscaro, but we did track down a female for good looks.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – Killer studies of a male in full display at Milpe. The sound that this species produces is not vocal, but rather structural, sort of like a cicada or katydid... something known as stridulation.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Nest building at Silanche. [N]
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) – We called this understory species in for nice scope views along the trail at Silanche; that song is just so etherial.
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (YELLOW-CHEEKED) (Pachyramphus viridis xanthogenys) – Jean and I had looks a female along the old Loja-Zamora road.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – Plenty of fine studies of this small, handsome becard.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – Seen well around Silanche.
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous) – A female at Silanche.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – Nice looks at this songster in the dry forests in the Catamayo Valley on our second day... that bright orange eye gives this one a sinister look, doesn't it?
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – Right around the gardens at San Isidro where they sing all day long!
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BEAUTIFUL JAY (Cyanolyca pulchra) [*]
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) – We had our first good looks at this beautiful jay at Caja N.P. as they moved through with a small canopy flock.
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas) – Common and in your face on the east slope! Sometimes split out as the Inca Jay.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes) [*]
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – The high elevation swallow that can often be seen drifting over the paramos.
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – A diminutive species of the foothills; we had good looks at them at Silanche.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
In addition to the antpitta show, we ran into a family group of Toucan Barbets at Paz de Las Aves. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – A canopy forest wren that we saw well at San Isidro.
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – Common in the drier forests of the southwest; we had this one right at the Loja airport as they delivered their scratchy calls!
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – Related to the previous species, this one inhabits the canopy forests of the foothills and lowlands of the east. The amazing dueted song of this species is one of the great sounds of the Amazon.
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) – It took some time, but we finally nailed nice views of this bamboo specialist at San Isidro. I challenge you to find a bird with a more explosive song!
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) [*]
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris) – We brought this attractive wren up out of its Acacia forest haunts in the Catamayo Valley.
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa) – A family group graced our presence up at Yanacocha on the first day.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Replaces the previous species at middle elevations.
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) – Always a thrill to see, as they hop about on rocks along Andean rivers and streams. This one does not submerge, as does the American Dipper.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – This species' ringing song can often be heard on both slopes of the Andes. We clinched nice scope views of this retiring species at San Isidro.
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) – We had a Gray-cheeked type in the understory at Bombuscaro that was almost certainly this species, and not Bicknell's, as that species is known to winter in the Caribbean. [b]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Common this time of the year. [b]
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – As common and visible as I have ever seen this forest-based species.
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris) – Common right around the gardens at Septimo where they are almost always singing.
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) [*]
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) – Nice looks at this fancy thrush in the Acacia dominated forests of the Catamayo Valley... that pale eye really stands out!
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Nest building in Zamora. [N]
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – The common, and large, thrush of the highlands in many habitat types.
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Replaces the previous species in drier zones, such as around Cuenca.
ANDEAN SLATY THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) – Excellent scope views of a singing bird in the Catamayo Valley; this one actually sat out in the open for us which was a treat since they love to hide in the thickest of trees.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) [*]
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – The mockingbird of the drier zones of the southwest; we had them right out of the blocks after our flight to Loja.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) [*]
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia flavirostris) – Stunning scope studies of males and females as they foraged about at Septimo.
ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata) – Close views of a male from the tower at Silanche. Differs from the similar Orange-bellied in that it has an all black tail and larger crown patch.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The one with the yellow running all the way up the chin. We had numerous studies of them at Copalinga's fruit feeders.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – Nancy spotted this one for us on our first day during some birding around the gardens of the San Jose.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – Nice looks at a male - showing that yellow frontal patch - in the eastern foothills.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – The common euphonia in tropical areas in Ecuador.
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – Seen well on the east slope a dew times, such as around San Isidro.
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus) – This genus was up until recently called bush-tanagers, but to avoid confusion with "bush-tanagers" in other genera, the authorities that be decided to erect a new common group name... makes a lot of sense! We had good looks at this west slope form, and the subspecies of the east slope many times.
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis) – Nice looks at responsive birds with the flocks at Bombuscaro.
Tyrian Metaltail was a relatively common sight at the feeders at Yanacocha. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus) – San Isidro.
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus) – Mostly gray and olive, with a dark red eye. We had this guy in the subtropical zone of the west.
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni) – We had one bird come right in for excellent views in the dry forests of the Catamayo Valley. As the name hints, this bird is restricted to the Tumbes endemic zone of SW Ecuador and NW Peru.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis) – Awesome views of this boldly patterned brushfinch at Yanacocha's fruit feeders.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (AURANTIIROSTRIS GROUP) (Arremon aurantiirostris occidentalis) – Good looks at this skulking species at Milpe... that bill really stands out in the dark understory!
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (SPECTABILIS) (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) [*]
OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps) – A hard to find species of foothill forests on both slopes. After some perseverance, we scored some nice looks at a responsive individual at Bombuscaro as it sneaked about just downslope from us.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tricolor) – We picked this one up at Paz de Las Aves on our last day on the west slope.
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus) – A smashing brushfinch of the temperate zone that we slam-dunked at Guango.
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha) – Also seen with a happening mixed flock at Guango!
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – The NW form that we coaxed in at Yanacocha.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus) – The form of the east that sports the white wing patch; we had good looks at them at Cajanuma.
BAY-CROWNED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes seebohmi) – Some got onto this shy brushfinch in the scrubby forests in the Catamayo Valley.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris) – Right along the roadside in the pastures near Baeza.
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Leistes bellicosus) – Right at the airport after flight to Loja.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – All over the place in the east!
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – The mostly black oropendola with the pale bill that we saw on the east slope around Copalinga.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus) – The west slope form that we saw from the tower at Silanche.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – Common around the gardens at San Isidro where they come daily to glean insects around the dining room.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – We had a female on our last day. [b]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – One of the most common birds this time of the year in the highlands. [b]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – A common bird with understory flocks on both slopes.
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus) – A Tumbesian endemic; we drew this one out in the Catamayo Valley after playing some sound of the pygmy-owl.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – A flock warbler of the east slope that sings constantly as it forages along. We had good looks at this one at Cajanuma.
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) – Common in edge habitats in the highlands.
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys) – A rather drab warbler of the west slope foothills in the Choco zone. We had this one at Milpe for nice views.
The Ornate Flycatcher lives up to its name; what a beauty! Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata) – The dueted song of this highland warbler impressed us a few times!
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – Long way from Canada! [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – This redstart inhabits the subtropical and foothill zones, while the Spectacled occurs higher, right up to treeline; we had plenty of fine views at both.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – A noisy tanager that forages about in the understory in the lowlands of the west. We called them in for good looks at Silanche. Note that this genus now has its own family.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) [b]
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) – Now placed with the cardinals; the tanager family got blown to pieces with all of the recent genetic work! We connected with a pair at Septimo.
RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps) – Cajanuma is the place for this spectacular "tanager", now cardinal! We had some crippling scope views of a group of them as they called and foraged about in the canopy at eye level.
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – A beefy bird of the Choco zone that has an explosive song! We pulled them in at Milpe for killer views during some flock birding.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Now split from the Yellow Grosbeak of Central America, and "golden" really fits it.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The longest tanager!
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – We tracked down a loud, flamboyant group of this dazzling tanager near San Isidro... amazing!
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis atropileus) – Good looks at this chunky understory hemispsingus with the flocks at Guango; the one with the bold whte brow.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis) [*]
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis melanotis) – Common at San Isidro where they even come to the porch to glean insects.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Thlypopsis superciliaris) – We had this canopy flock hemispingus at Cajanuma where a small party called and foraged about.
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – At forest edges at Silanche.
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – Russ and I had looks at Silanche when a noisy group swept through the understory.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – Seen best - both males and females - at Copalinga's feeders.
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus) – An abundant second growth species in the west.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Takes the place of the previous species in the east.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana) – A large tanager that inhabits middle elevations; the one with the red eye. We had them for nice views a few times.
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Cnemathraupis eximia) – Smashng views of them at the fruit feeders at Yanacocha on our first day.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – About as uniquely colored as a tanager could be!
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus) – The one with the teardrop under the eye.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Also seen wonderfully at Yanacocha's fruit feeders; what an amazing tone of red!
A Crimson-rumped Toucanet looks a little embarrased in this portrait by participant Eileen Keelan.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus) – Common in the subtropical zones on both slopes.
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) [*]
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex) – A highland tanager that tends to skulk rather than forage high in the trees.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – We had a nice singing male at Septimo.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – The shade and shine of the green on this tanager is almost unreal; we had them numerous times for killer views in the eastern foothills.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – We had both the dull west slope form, and the birds of the east with the white shoulder.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Good looks at this right on the outskirts of Loja city in an Alder grove.
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Ixothraupis rufigula) – We managed scope views of this west slope specialty.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Ixothraupis xanthogastra) – Regular around Copalinga and Bombuscaro, and quite a fancy bird when seen well!
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata) – Sort of like a duller version of the previous species; we had them daily in the Zamora area on the east slope.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – In small numbers on the west slope.
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei) – The very different males and females were seen well on both slopes in the subtropical zones.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – Its name doesn't conjure up images of color, but this one is quite attractive when seen well. We had them right in the gardens at the San Jose.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – Scoped from the tower at Silanche.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – This one actually has an entirely blue head!
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii) – The highest occuring tanager of this genus in Ecuador.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Common in the subtropical zones of both slopes, and we had them at close range a few times.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – We had both the east and west slope forms. I have never really found much "metallic" about this species.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis) – Nancy got a look at this east slope species in the Guacamayos before it slipped away.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – One does truely feel in paradise when viewing this stunner!
RUFOUS-WINGED TANAGER (Tangara lavinia) – Nice looks at this west slope species when a family group came by at eye level from the tower at Silanche.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Common with the flocks in the Zamora area. Similar to the previous species, but with a blue belly.
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – At point blank range on the fruit feeders at Copalinga... wow!
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – This one really has more of a saffron helmet. Most common around San Isidro where we had them dripping from the trees a time or two!
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (FLAME-FACED) (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – This east slope form has the more red and yellow face.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (YELLOW-FACED) (Tangara parzudakii lunigera) – And this west slope form has more of a flame wash on the face.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Right at those productive fruit feeders at Copalinga!
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – One of the more common Tangaras with foothill flocks on both slopes.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Good looks from the tower at Silanche.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A strange tanager that has sometimes been placed in its own taxonomic family.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata aequatorialis) – This west slope form, which popped in for us from the tower at Silanche for good looks, has that rich yellow belly.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata) – The form of the east that we saw with the flocks in the Zamora area.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – We picked males and females out of the flocks in the east down south.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Some folks got onto this canopy honeycreeper from the tower at Silanche.
We saw two forms of Yellow-breasted Brushfinch. This one is from Yanacocha. Photo by participant Eileen Keelan.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – A wide ranging honeycreeper in the neotropics.
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – We had some fine studies of this western lowland tanager, scarlet brow and all!
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) – Some got onto this one at Silanche.
GIANT CONEBILL (Conirostrum binghami) – A special bird that inhabits the high paramo Polylepis forests. We had little trouble this trip locating a pair at Cajas N.P. as they foraged about nuthatch-like!
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor) – A temperate forest conebill that we had some excellent views of as they ran with the canopy flocks.
CAPPED CONEBILL (BLUE-CAPPED) (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum) – Always pumping that tail!
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – Common in the highlands.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – A very localized species, known only from a few spots in the highlands of Ecuador where they specialize feeding on mites found on the leaves of Gynoxys trees. We had them right off the bat at Cajas for great looks at males and females.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii) – The all black flowerpiercer with the bluish shoulder patch that we saw well on our first day at Yanacocha.
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis) – More common in drier habitats than the previous species.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Fabulous scope studies of a male in the gardens at the San Jose in the central valley near Quito.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – Those bright yellow eyes against the royal blue plumage make quite an impacting appearance! We had them come right in on the south slope of the Guacamayos.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens) – Especially common around San Isidro.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Common in many habitats in the highlands and seen on many days of the tour.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus) – We caught a quick female in the Catamayo Valley as it flashed that white in the tail.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor) – The plump finch of the high paramos that we had right at our feet a few times.
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis plebejus) – Prefers drier habitats than the previous species, we had our first looks at this rather markless sierra-finch at the Loja airport right after the flight.
SLATY FINCH (Spodiornis rusticus) – A strange finch that sometimes shows up at seeding bamboo in huge numbers after seeming to have disappeared for long periods. Every now and then though, you kick one up, sometimes even foraging right along roads, as a young male did for us near Saraguro.
BLACK-HEADED HEMISPINGUS (Pseudospingus verticalis) – A curious hemispingus of canopy flocks that we saw at Washapampa. This species stays right up at the top of canopy trees, pumping its tail almost constantly.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris) – Another tail pumper! we had this in the same flock as the previous species at Washapampa and Guango.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex) – We scoped a singing male in the scrub forests of the Catamayo Valley. This was the dull one with the obvious pale wing bars.
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea) – We had a male of this all dark finch up and singing at Silanche.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis) – Sometimes considered conspecific with the previous species, but this one has a rich chestnut-belly, and happens to occur on the east slope. We had a nice male near Copalinga one afternoon.
Participant Eileen Keelan got this shot of one of the Brazilian Rabbits we saw in the highlands.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis) – Good looks at a few of these attractive little seedeaters in some dry fields north of Quito.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – The one with the pinkish bill that we saw in the highland grasslands; one of the first birds of the trip!
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – We saw the resident pair at Copalinga right around the gardens.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis) – We called up this west slope, and very handsome, saltator on our first day birding the west slope.
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps) – That huge coral bill really stands out! After having some trouble locating them, we finally nailed a pair near Loja.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
MAMMALS
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – Seen scurrying around in the highlands.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – We had some discussion regarding the id of the animals we saw around San Isidro mainly since Brian didn't have Red-tailed Squirrel listed for this region. I did some digging and all I could find was this species for the east slope at that elevation (San Isidro), pertaining to the race "chrysuros"; physical descriptions fit well too. The race we saw in the west is "morulus". This squirrel species is quite variable as we saw when comparing the races on the different slopes. So, I think we got to the bottom of this little mystery.
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – Well, I'm cheating a bit here, because didn't see them, but we did smell them around San Isidro!
SPECTACLED BEAR (Tremarctos ornatus) – Without doubt, the mammal of the trip! Jean's sharp eyes spotted this rare bear - up on a rocky hillside - on our way up to the paramos of the Papallacta Pass, a place where they have really been showing up of late to feed on terrestrial bromeliads... nice! It is worth mentioning what Brian said about this being the only surviving member of the short-faced bear subfamily, a group different from the more familiar black bears, etc.
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua) – Coming to the fruit feeders at Copalinga on the last day there; I was wondering where they were.
MOUNTAIN COATI (Nasuella olivacea) – Some got onto this higher elevation coati species at Cajanuma.
WESTERN LOWLAND OLINGO (Bassaricyon medius) – After some research we were able to determine that the two animals we saw at Septimo one evening were indeed this more wide ranging species, and not the Olinguito. We enjoyed some fabulous spotlight views right overhead as they stayed quiet, without spooking.
MOUNTAIN TAPIR (Tapirus pinchaque) – Tracks at San Isidro, so they were around!
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Seen well on both of our passes through the paramos of the Papallacta Pass.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 531 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa