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For only a week long trip, Montane Ecuador really packs in a whopping number of species, and in only surprisingly short distances from Quito; it is always nice to minimize travel and maximize the birding! With two nights at Tandayapa Bird Lodge, and four at Cabanas San Isidro, we are really able to scour the middle and upper elevations... and this we did!
Tandayapa Lodge, situated in the Tandayapa Valley (along the fabled old Nono-Mindo road), perches atop a picturesque knoll surrounded by lush, lower montane forest. One of the current highlights here is the bird blind that attracts a number of interesting and hard to find understory species, such as White-throated Quail-Dove. The lodge's proximity to other key Choco birding spots makes it an ideal spot as a base for birding the west slope. Cabanas San Isidro surrounds itself by a vast cloud forest reserve, right at middle elevations - about 2,000 meters elevation - on the east slope, which is perfect for reaching the lower montane zones and even paramo/temperate highlands, such as the Antisana Reserve and Cayambe-Coca National Park. The gardens that surround the cabins, the forested roadsides, and trails that radiate out from the cabins are just the beginning of a tremendous birding experience loaded with birds. The antpittas that trot into the worm feeders here are a real thrill
Best birds? Picking highlights is often a very personal affair, but there were some clear runaway favorites, which I'll do my best to cite here... so here it goes: that soaring adult Andean Condor at Yanacocha; a pair of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes in the high paramo; fantastic views at that long-tailed Lyre-tailed Nightjar; two Andean Potoos at San Isidro; gobs of beautiful hummers, but I think the sylphs really tagged in as favorites; gaudy Toucan Barbets and Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans on the middle elevation slopes of the west; that pair of Powerful Woodpeckers at San Isidro on our penultimate day; an impressive seven antpittas seen, but I'll have to pick the Scaled at Tandayapa's blind, and the White-bellied and Chestnut-crowned at San Isidro's worm feeders as tops; I just have to mention a flycatcher, so I think that Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant on the last day in the paramo is fitting and fancy enough!; two male Black-chested Fruiteaters in the scope on one afternoon at San Isidro; a courting pair of Dusky Pihas in the Guacamayos engaging in some rarely heard wing displays... wow; male Club-winged Manakins at Milpe at the lek; a close pair of rare Beautiful Jays near Tandayapa; wonderful views at a Giant Conebill in the high elevation Polylepis woodlands on our last day; a numbing array of colorful tanagers... but how about White-capped, Vermilion, Orange-eared, Golden-eared, Grass-green, Flame-faced, and Blue-browed!?; but don't forget those stunning mountain-tanagers, like Black-chested and Scarlet-breasted... wow!; and finally, a pair of the rare and range-restricted Tanager Finch up on the Tandayapa Ridge for knock-out studies... simply amazing!
I think this sums up the bird greats pretty well, but there were so many more; if I kept singling out favorites, I'd end up almost re-writing the list that follows! So, read on... and enjoy.
I had a wonderful time enjoying Ecuador's birding wonders with you over our tremendously successful week! Let's get together again sometime on another far-flung trip!
--Mitch
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for
individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I =
introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b =
boreal migrant
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) – We cut it close on this one, but finally
managed to scrounge a female at Guango on our last day!
ANDEAN TEAL
(Anas andium) – Fairly common on high Andean lakes.
RUDDY DUCK
(ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis
ferruginea) – Distant scope
views up on Lake Sucus after a steep, uphill hike!
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and
Curassows)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – We ran into a small group along
Tandayapa's trail one morning for nice views. Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) [*] Podicipedidae (Grebes)
SILVERY GREBE (JUNINENSIS) (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis) – Seen distantly through the scope on Lake
Sucus above Papallacta... but we could make out the black in
the head! Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
CATTLE EGRET (IBIS) (Bubulcus ibis ibis) Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) TURKEY VULTURE
(Cathartes aura)
ANDEAN CONDOR
(Vultur gryphus) – It was a high-flying bird, but the looks
weren't bad at all when it came drifting over us at
Yanacocha!
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis)
– Some really nice views at this
majestic eagle (an adult) as we made our way up to the
Papallacta Pass. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
(PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter
striatus ventralis) – We
caught a soaring bird when it hit the thermals at San
Isidro. Too bad they re-lumped this South American form with
the migratory North American birds!
BARRED HAWK
(Leucopternis princeps) – We had a nice hawk show at San Isidro on
our first morning, and had pretty good looks at this large
hawk when it came up to soar.
ROADSIDE HAWK
(Buteo magnirostris magnirostris)
– A common hawk of more cleared
habitats; we had one on the west slope.
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK
(Buteo leucorrhous) – The light was tricky, but we had ok views
of one at San Isidro as it soared by. At least we could make
out that it was all dark!
WHITE-THROATED
HAWK (Buteo albigula) – In small numbers this time of the year
when they migrate up from southern South America. [a]
VARIABLE HAWK
(VARIABLE) (Buteo polyosoma
polyosoma) – A large Buteo of
the highlands and paramos. We enjoyed some fine views of
them a few times, especially when we found one devouring
that rabbit in the paramo.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT
EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori)
– I've had a hard time finding this one
of late, but we were lucky to have seen them on two days.
Our second sighting was the best when we were able to make
out the patches of white in the wings and tail.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus semitorquatus)
[*] CARUNCULATED
CARACARA (Phalcoboenus
carunculatus) – Good looks at
this handsome caracara in the paramos above Papallacta.
AMERICAN KESTREL
(COLOMBIAN) (Falco sparverius
aequatorialis)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – A few of this chunky coot out on Lake
Sucus. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (NORTHERN) (Vanellus chilensis cayennensis) – A small population have taken up
residence in some wet pastures near San Isidro; previous to
this only known to be a lowland bird. We had some nice scope
studies of this elegantly plumaged bird. ANDEAN LAPWING
(Vanellus resplendens) – A bit of a bonus, because this is not a
common bird on our route. We had one for good looks up in
the paramo on our last day when we went up for another go at
the seedsnipe.
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi latreillii) – I don't think that there is any doubt
that this was one of the highlights of the trip! We really
worked hard for this high elevation paramo bird, missing it
on our first attempt. But hey, persistence paid off, and we
clinched really nice views of a pair right up at the
antennas on a glorious last afternoon... nice! The
intricate, vermiculated plumage pattern of this species
reminds me of the feathering of owls. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] PLUMBEOUS PIGEON
(Patagioenas plumbea) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON
(Patagioenas subvinacea) – Good looks at this red-eyed species on
our last day near Baeza.
EARED DOVE
(Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) – Common in the central valley highlands.
Eve notice how the birds around Quito are darker, perhaps
covered in exhaust soot?
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE
(DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi
decolor) – Fairly commonly
seen along trails and roadsides in the west.
WHITE-THROATED
QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata
bourcieri) – Quail-doves are
tough bunch to see as they are so adept at sneaking around
on the forest floor. The blind at Tandayapa is really a
bonanza, and affords great opportunities to see stealthy,
deep forest forest species such as this!
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) – Heard at Milpe. [*]
BARRED PARAKEET
(Bolborhynchus lineola tigrinus)
– Mostly heard, but we did catch quick
views at a small group of them on the wing at San Isidro.
RED-BILLED PARROT
(Pionus sordidus corallinus) – A common bird of the montane zone, but
not always easy to see well as they are often in flight. We
did however get good looks a time or two.
SPECKLE-FACED
PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus
tumultuosus seniloides) –
Nice perched views at a large group near San Isidro one
afternoon.
BRONZE-WINGED
PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
– Most parrots are green; these guys
are a deep royal blue! We had some nice scope views at
Milpe.
SCALY-NAPED PARROT
(Amazona mercenaria) – Nice in-flight views around San Isidro.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (NIGRICRISSA) (Piaya cayana nigricrissa) – Good looks at Milpe on our afternoon
there. Strigidae (Owls)
GREAT HORNED OWL (GREAT HORNED) (Bubo virginianus nigrescens) [*] MOTTLED OWL
(Ciccaba virgata) [*]
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL
TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1)
– Much has been written in previous
triplists about this bird, so I won't rehash here! We had
them right around the lodge at San Isidro for excellent
studies! Whatever it ends up being, it is a gorgeous owl!
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra) – Outstanding views at a long-tailed male,
in flight, near Tandayapa one evening! Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) – Not one, but two birds at dusk along the
roadside at San Isidro for superb studies in the spotlight!
Always a thrill to see as it is a rare and low density
species. Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHESTED SWIFT (Cypseloides lemosi) – Long thought to be a Colombian endemic,
but as it turns out, this species is actually not really
that rare here in Ecuador, such as around San Isidro. We had
them zipping overhead for good looks, seeing the white
chest-patch. SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT
(Cypseloides cherriei) [*]
CHESTNUT-COLLARED
SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila
brunnitorques) – Common in
the highlands, but seeing the chestnut collar can be a
challenge!
WHITE-COLLARED
SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
– The common and very large swift,
found from the lowlands all they way up to the paramos.
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT
(Aeronautes montivagus montivagus)
– Seen mid-morning near Tandayapa when
the swifts started to soar.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – A striking hummer that we had good looks
at during our stints at Tandayapa's feeders. WHITE-WHISKERED
HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
– Most common at Milpe's feeders.
TAWNY-BELLIED
HERMIT (Phaethornis
syrmatophorus) – A few times
when they buzzed in.
WEDGE-BILLED
HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes
geoffroyi albogularis) –
Excellent scope views of one at the small lek along
Tandayapa's trails.
BROWN VIOLETEAR
(Colibri delphinae) – Common in smaller numbers at Tandayapa's
feeders.
GREEN VIOLETEAR
(ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus
cyanotus) – It was a treat to
have all three violetears present at Tandayapa's feeders for
comparison. This was the smaller one that lacks the green in
the throat and on the belly.
SPARKLING
VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans
coruscans) – Large than the
previous species, and much more glittering.
GORGETED SUNANGEL
(Heliangelus strophianus) – Very briefly along the Tandayapa Ridge.
TOURMALINE
SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
– Abundant and dominant at Guango's
feeders.
GREEN THORNTAIL
(Discosura conversii) – A tiny hummer that is common at Milpe's
feeders.
SPECKLED
HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia
melanogenys) – Most common at
San Isidro's feeders... the runt!
LONG-TAILED SYLPH
(Aglaiocercus kingi mocoa) – Male sylphs are a sight to behold; their
long, glittering tails are just magnificent! We had some
wonderful encounters in the west with this species.
VIOLET-TAILED
SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis
coelestis) – Replaces the
previous species in the east, and equally impressive. We had
breath-taking, long-tailed males at Guango and San Isidro.
MOUNTAIN
AVOCETBILL (Opisthoprora
euryptera) – A rare and local
species found in the understory of temperate forests on the
east slope. Occasionally they hit the feeders at Guango, and
we hit it just right when we spotted one there, sipping away
for a bit for nice views.
BLACK-TAILED
TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae
victoriae) – Satisfying views
of a male in the central valley as we headed up to the
Papallacta Pass... what a tail!
TYRIAN METALTAIL
(Metallura tyrianthina) – A common highland hummer that we saw well
at Yanacocha and Guango, at the feeders. This was the one
with the purple-rufous tail.
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL
(Metallura williami primolinus) – Replaces the previous species at higher
elevations on the east slope, such as in the treeline
forests around Papallacta. We had some nice views at this
deep green species in the Cayambe-Coca National park.
GLOWING PUFFLEG
(Eriocnemis vestita smaragdinipectus)
– The hummer with the metallic-green
rump that we had awesome views of at Guango's feeders.
SAPPHIRE-VENTED
PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis
luciani luciani) – Common at
Yanacocha's feeders. We were able to get good looks at them
to see the bluish crown and purple vent.
GOLDEN-BREASTED
PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)
– Present in smaller numbers at
Yanacocha's feeders, but we still connected with them for
nice views. This one lacks the color in the crown and vent,
but has that rich orange in the chest.
SHINING SUNBEAM
(Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis)
– The mostly orange, highland hummer
that we saw first at Yanacocha.
BRONZY INCA
(Coeligena coeligena obscura) – Common at San Isidro's feeders. Not a
real looker, but an east slope specialty!
BROWN INCA
(Coeligena wilsoni) – The mostly brown hummer with the white
neck patches that we saw at Tandayapa's feeders.
COLLARED INCA
(Coeligena torquata) – A hummingbird dressed in a tuxedo!
BUFF-WINGED
STARFRONTLET (Coeligena
lutetiae) – Most common at
Yanacocha's feeders.
MOUNTAIN
VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya
lafresnayi saul) – Quick
views at Yanacocha's feeders, where it is always wary. The
one with the decurved bill and white in the tail.
SWORD-BILLED
HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera
ensifera) – A true wonder of
nature... how could a bird like this possibly have
evolved??? Must really like those flowers with long
corollas! We had them a few times at Yanacocha's and
Guango's feeders.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING
(Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus)
– Spectacular studies at males and
females at Yanacocha's feeders.
BUFF-TAILED
CORONET (Boissonneaua
flavescens flavescens) – The
nominate form of the east slope, with the larger and paler
patches in the tail. We had them well at Guango's feeders.
BUFF-TAILED
CORONET (Boissonneaua
flavescens tinochlora) – A
common feeder bird at Tandayapa. This west slope form has a
buffier tinge to the tail.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED
CORONET (Boissonneaua
matthewsii) – Common at the
feeders at Guango and San Isidro, where they hog the
feeders.
VELVET-PURPLE
CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
– Occurs at a narrow elevational band
on the west slope in very humid cloud forest. We enjoyed
some time with them for excellent studies at Mindo Loma's
feeders.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL
(Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus)
– Tennis anyone? Is this a motmot
wanna-be, or what? This is without doubt one of the most
incredible, must-see hummers of the Andes. We had them from
every possible angle at Tandayapa's feeders.
WHITE-TAILED
HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri
leucura) – We saw the east
slope form quite well on the slopes of the Guacamayos.
PURPLE-BIBBED
WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
– Many of these hummers used to be very
hard to find, and then even see well before the advent of
the feeders situation, and this is certainly one of them; we
used to only catch them at times feeding at the white
flowering Inga trees. Ah, how times have changed! We enjoyed
some excellent views at this looker at Tandayapa.
FAWN-BREASTED
BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa
rubinoides) – This
pink-throated species was seen very well at the feeders on
both slopes.
GREEN-CROWNED
BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula
jamesoni) – Common at Milpe's
feeders.
EMPRESS BRILLIANT
(Heliodoxa imperatrix) – Another one that was rarely seen - at
least, anyway - before feeders became popular. We had them
for excellent views at Mindo Loma.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD
(Patagona gigas peruviana) – Size-wise, the king of all hummers; they
look almost more like swifts in flight! We had our best
looks at this "giant" at my house in Tumbaco, where it
regularly hits the feeders.
WHITE-BELLIED
WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus
mulsant) – This pot-bellied
little hummer is common in small numbers at Guango's
feeders.
PURPLE-THROATED
WOODSTAR (Calliphlox
mitchellii) – Slimmer than
the previous species, and a common bird at Tandayapa's
feeders.
WESTERN EMERALD
(Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
melanorhynchus) – Nice looks
at them in the central valley.
GREEN-CROWNED
WOODNYMPH (GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania
fannyi verticeps) – A
richly-colored green and purple hummer that we had at arm's
length at Milpe's feeders.
ANDEAN EMERALD
(Amazilia franciae viridiceps) – The snowy-bellied hummer, with the aqua
crown, that was common at the feeders in the west.
RUFOUS-TAILED
HUMMINGBIRD (RUFOUS-TAILED) (Amazilia
tzacatl jucunda) – The common
orange-billed hummer of the west.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) – An incredible golden-headed male at
Tandayapa. Quetzals are always a thrill to see! MASKED TROGON
(Trogon personatus personatus) – The east slope form of middle elevations.
This one hangs out around the cabins at San Isidro, where it
often perches almost too close to focus.
MASKED TROGON
(Trogon personatus assimilis) – The west slope form that we saw at
Tandayapa. There has been talk of splitting the various
forms, which I why I include them as different taxa here.
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Called "Highland Motmot" in the Birds of
Ecuador and now, finally, officially split from the
Blue-crowned. We had some nice scope views at this large
motmot at San Isidro one afternoon. Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii aequatorialis) – A stunning barbet - especially the male -
with that red head and yellow bill! We had them a few times
with the flocks on the west slope. Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus)
– Dressed like a clown! This
mid-elevation, Choco endemic is a very special bird on the
west slope of both Ecuador and Colombia. We had some
memorable encounters a couple of times. Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – Glimpsed at San Isidro. CRIMSON-RUMPED
TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus
haematopygus sexnotatus) –
Seen on our first day along the old Nono-Tandayapa road.
PLATE-BILLED
MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena
laminirostris) – Right up at
the Tandayapa Ridge, where they usually are! We had a
fantastic encounter with this almost emblematic, highland
Choco species.
BLACK-BILLED
MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena
nigrirostris spilorhynchus) –
Heard them so close , but they just slipped away! [*]
COLLARED ARACARI
(STRIPE-BILLED) (Pteroglossus
torquatus erythropygius) –
Common around Milpe.
CHOCO TOUCAN
(Ramphastos brevis) – Quick views of them at Milpe.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus fumigatus) – Good looks at his mostly brown woodpecker
at Tandayapa, where they were attending a nest. YELLOW-VENTED
WOODPECKER (Veniliornis
dignus) – Joe had the first
views at San Isidro, but we all caught up with one in a
flock at San Isidro.
GOLDEN-OLIVE
WOODPECKER (Colaptes
rubiginosus) – On our last
day in the Baeza area.
CRIMSON-MANTLED
WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii
brevirostris) – A stunning
woodpecker of the highlands that we saw wonderfully on both
slopes.
LINEATED
WOODPECKER (Dryocopus
lineatus) [*]
POWERFUL
WOODPECKER (Campephilus
pollens pollens) – One of our
big target birds, that we tracked down along the trails at
San Isidro one afternoon for really nice views when a pair
came in!
GUAYAQUIL
WOODPECKER (Campephilus
gayaquilensis) – A flyby at
Milpe.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Excellent views at an individual perched
and singing along the trails at Tandayapa. STOUT-BILLED
CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior
excelsior) – The larger of
the two cinclodes species here in Ecuador; this one has the
longer, more decurved bill. We had good looks up in the
paramos.
CHESTNUT-WINGED
CINCLODES (Cinclodes
albidiventris) – Called
"Bar-winged Cinclodes" in the Birds of Ecuador, but now
split several different ways; The birds here can now be
referred to "Chestnut-winged". This species is smaller than
the Stout-billed, with a more petite bill. We had plenty of
them scurrying about in the paramo.
ANDEAN
TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura
andicola andicola) – A
common, streaky bird of the paramo shrubbery, which we saw
well.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL
(Synallaxis azarae media) – The common highland spinetail here in
Ecuador.
DARK-BREASTED
SPINETAIL (Synallaxis
albigularis rodolphei) – We
had a responsive bird on the slopes of the Guacamayos for
good looks.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL
(Synallaxis unirufa unirufa) – This all rufous spinetail was seen well
in a bamboo thicket at San Isidro.
WHITE-BROWED
SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis)
– Glimpsed at Yanacocha.
RED-FACED
SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca
erythrops erythrops) – This
arboreal spinetail was common with the flocks in the west.
ASH-BROWED
SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca
curtata) – We dug this one
out on our last day near Baeza as it moved through the trees
above us.
MANY-STRIPED
CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata
flammulata) – Furnariids come
in many forms, and this is one of them! Canasteros are more
diverse further south in South America... we only have two.
This species has a nice mix of streaking and and orange
hues, and we had some really nice views up in the paramos
above Papallacta.
WHITE-CHINNED
THISTLETAIL (Asthenes
fuliginosa fuliginosa)
[*]
RUSTY-WINGED
BARBTAIL (Premnornis
guttuligera) – A sneaky
understory flock bird. We had them well during our trail
birding at Tandayapa.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL
(Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens)
– For a skulking understory bird, we
had some pretty nice views along Tandayapa's trails!
PEARLED TREERUNNER
(Margarornis squamiger perlatus)
– A very handsome that moves with
flocks in the montane zone; we had them for nice views on
most days of the trip.
STREAKED
TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes
boissonneautii) – A gaudy and
large furnariid that moves with mixed species flocks in
montane zones; its large white cheek patch makes it
unmistakable! We had some quality scope views.
SCALY-THROATED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
– Fairly common with the flocks in the
west..
MONTANE
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia
striaticollis montana) –
Replaces the previous species in the east, such as on the
slopes of the Guacamayos.
LINEATED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla
subalaris) – With the flocks
at San Isidro.
BUFF-FRONTED
FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor
rufum) – A canopy
foliage-gleaner that moves with the mixed flocks; we had
some responsive birds for nice views at Milpe.
UNIFORM TREEHUNTER
(Thripadectes ignobilis) – A quick trot up a trail, along the
Nono-Mindo rd., scored us some quick but nice views at this
rare, west slope Choco endemic!
STRIPED TREEHUNTER
(Thripadectes holostictus) [*]
STREAK-CAPPED
TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes
virgaticeps) – Nicely at
Tandayapa.
FLAMMULATED
TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes
flammulatus flammulatus) –
Good looks at this hard-to-find treehunter along the
Guacamayos trail.
TYRANNINE
WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla
tyrannina tyrannina)
[*]
PLAIN-BROWN
WOODCREEPER (PLAIN-BROWN) (Dendrocincla
fuliginosa ridgwayi)
[*]
WEDGE-BILLED
WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus
spirurus) [*]
STRONG-BILLED
WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes
promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) – A hulk of a woodcreeper, which we saw
well on both slopes.
SPOTTED
WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus
erythropygius aequatorialis) –
With the flocks at Tandayapa and Milpe.
OLIVE-BACKED
WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus
triangularis triangularis) –
The east slope replacement of the previous species, which we
saw with a flock at San Isidro.
MONTANE
WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes
lacrymiger aequatorialis) –
Common with montane mixed flocks.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor unicolor) [*] SLATY ANTWREN
(Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor)
– It took some work, but we all enjoyed
some excellent views at this understory antwren as it moved
with the flocks at Tandayapa.
LONG-TAILED
ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata
caudata) – A bamboo lover,
which we called in for nice looks at San Isidro.
IMMACULATE ANTBIRD
(Myrmeciza immaculata macrorhyncha)
– Seen really well at the Tandayapa
bird blind at dawn when a pair came in to glean insects.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*] BARRED ANTTHRUSH
(Chamaeza mollissima mollissima)
[*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis) – A bird that is far more heard than seen,
but the bird blind at Tandayapa came to our rescue once
again for stellar views of this sneaky species when it came
hopping in for unbelievable views. CHESTNUT-CROWNED
ANTPITTA (Grallaria
ruficapilla ruficapilla) – It
took a couple of tries, but our strategy of visiting the
worm-fed bird a second time really paid off when one popped
up onto the platform for killer views; San Isidro.
CHESTNUT-NAPED
ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis)
[*]
YELLOW-BREASTED
ANTPITTA (Grallaria
flavotincta) – We sure tried
to see it! [*]
WHITE-BELLIED
ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)
– It was only a matter of minutes until
this sly species jumped out onto the trail for memorable
views at San Isidro. Who would have ever guessed that these
shyest of birds could be tamed down to trot in like
chickens?! San Isidro.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA
(Grallaria rufula rufula) – The staff at the Yanacocha reserve has
done a fine job of taming down their own set of antpittas;
once again, some of the traditionally hardest birds have
been made easy to see! We had unbeatable views of this one
behind the far hummingbird feeders at Yanacocha when it ran
in only meters away!
TAWNY ANTPITTA
(Grallaria quitensis quitensis) – Ditto!!! Go Yanacocha!
OCHRE-BREASTED
ANTPITTA (Grallaricula
flavirostris mindoensis) – We
called in a responsive bird at Tandayapa for nice looks.
This tennis ball-sized bird can be a devil to see.
SLATE-CROWNED
ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED) (Grallaricula
nana nana) – A relative of
the previous species, which we saw well in the bamboo
tickets of the Guacamayos trail. We saw seven species of
antpitta well this trip... not a bad feat!
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus) [*] BLACKISH TAPACULO
(BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans
latrans) – Responsive and
seen well at San Isidro, right near the dining room!
LONG-TAILED
TAPACULO (Scytalopus
micropterus) – Good looks at
this sneaky species at San Isidro when one crept up into a
nearby tree.
NARINO TAPACULO
(Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
SPILLMANN'S
TAPACULO (Scytalopus
spillmanni) – Glimpsed along
the Guacamayos trail.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN)
(Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri)
– Good looks in the central valley at
my house. WHITE-TAILED
TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus
poecilocercus) – Common with
montane flocks.
WHITE-BANDED
TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus
stictopterus stictopterus) –
Found higher than the previous species, such as around
Guango; we had good looks on the last day.
WHITE-THROATED
TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus
leucophrys rufomarginatis) –
Common with high elevation flocks in temperate forests.
SULPHUR-BELLIED
TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus
minor) – With the flocks at
San Isidro. I don't think that anybody could have better
looks than we did when one came in and stared at us along
the roadside at San Isidro, at knee-level!
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT
(Anairetes parulus aequatorialis)
– Good looks in the central valley
scrub near Calacali.
WHITE-CRESTED
ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia
albiceps griseigularis) – In
the gardens at San Isidro.
TORRENT TYRANNULET
(Serpophaga cinerea cinerea) – A water-loving bird, almost always near
rivers.
STREAK-NECKED
FLYCATCHER (Mionectes
striaticollis) – With a flock
on our last day in the west.
OLIVE-STRIPED
FLYCATCHER (Mionectes
olivaceus) – Milpe.
RUFOUS-BREASTED
FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon
rufipectus) – Brief looks
with a flock at San Isidro. Harder than usual!
VARIEGATED
BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes
poecilotis) – We worked to
get good looks at this one at San Isidro; it can be a tough
forest bird to see, but we were victorious!
MARBLE-FACED
BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes
ophthalmicus ophthalmicus) –
Glimpsed in the same flock as the previous species.
ASHY-HEADED
TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias
cinereiceps) – We called in a
responsive bird on the west slope.
CHOCO TYRANNULET
(Zimmerius albigularis) – Recently split from the Golden-faced
Tyrannulet of the east mainly due to vocal differences. We
had good looks at Milpe.
GOLDEN-FACED
TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius
chrysops chrysops) – Common
on the slopes in the east.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER
(Myiotriccus ornatus) – It lives up to its name! Seen well at
Milpe.
BRONZE-OLIVE
PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus
pelzelni) – Some folks got
good looks at this nondescript species in the understory at
Tandayapa as it moved with a flock.
RUFOUS-HEADED
PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus
ruficeps) – Fabulous studies
of this understory species along the Guacamayos trail.
SCALE-CRESTED
PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus
pileatus) [*]
RUFOUS-CROWNED
TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus
ruficeps) – Common in the
bamboo patches at San Isidro, where we called them up for
nice looks.
CINNAMON
FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias
cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus) –
Common at forest edges.
HANDSOME
FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias
pulcher) – Common with flocks
along the Guacamayos trail.
FLAVESCENT
FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus
flavicans flavicans) – Quick
views at Tandayapa.
SMOKE-COLORED
PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
– The common pointy-crested pewee on
both slopes.
BLACK PHOEBE
(WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis
nigricans angustirostris)
VERMILION
FLYCATCHER (VERMILION) (Pyrocephalus
rubinus piurae) – A nice male
at my yard in Tumbaco.
RUFOUS-TAILED
TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus)
– Always in low numbers on the slopes
of the Andes, but we had one for good looks in the
Guacamayos, where we could even see the red eye.
WHITE-BROWED
GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola
albilora) – Fairly common
this time of the year in plowed fields of the central
valley. [a]
PLAIN-CAPPED
GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola
alpinus alpinus) – Prefers
paramo highlands, where it forages about in the paramo
shrubbery.
BLACK-BILLED
SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis
montanus solitarius) – Good
looks at this white-tailed species on our way up to the
Papallacta Pass.
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT
(Myiotheretes fumigatus fumigatus)
[*]
RED-RUMPED
BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus
erythropygius erythropygius) –
What a thrill it was to catch up with this scarce highland
species in the paramos on our last day!
MASKED
WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola
nengeta atripennis) – Running
about in the pastures, and even on the road, at Milpe.
CROWNED
CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca
frontalis frontalis) –
Fabulous views at this shy understory species at Yanacocha.
YELLOW-BELLIED
CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema
gratiosa) – Responsive and
very visible along the Tandayapa Ridge!
SLATY-BACKED
CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca
cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) – We had a great run of the chat-tyrants
this trip, seeing ll of the possible species. We had this
one along a stream during a stop along the old
Nono-Tandayapa road.
RUFOUS-BREASTED
CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca
rufipectoralis obfuscata) –
This canopy chat-tyrant gave itself up on our last day at
Guango.
BROWN-BACKED
CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca
fumicolor brunneifrons) – The
high elevation chat-tyrant that we saw well a couple of
times in the paramo shrubbery.
DUSKY-CAPPED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
tuberculifer) – Milpe.
PALE-EDGED
FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus
cephalotes cephalotes) – The
common east slope Myiarchus.
RUSTY-MARGINED
FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes
cayanensis hellmayri) –
Common around Milpe.
GOLDEN-CROWNED
FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes
chrysocephalus minor) –
Common in the montane zone, such as around Tandayapa.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD
(Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – It took up until our penultimate day to
get this one, but finally tagged in with some stellar views
along the Guacamayos trail. BLACK-CHESTED
FRUITEATER (Pipreola
lubomirskii) – We set out to
specifically find this one at San Isidro, and did so in
flying colors... in more ways than one. We found a couple of
males for quality scope studies that I'm sure we will all
remember!
SCALED FRUITEATER
(Ampelioides tschudii) – We heard one calling in the distance at
Tandayapa, so scurried along the trails until we got to the
right spot, and called in a male for really nice looks!
RED-CRESTED
COTINGA (Ampelion
rubrocristatus) – Sen well a
couple of times in the highlands; first at Yanacocha.
ANDEAN
COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola
peruvianus sanguinolentus) –
A female seen really well on our first day along the old
Nono-Tandayapa rd.
DUSKY PIHA
(Lipaugus fuscocinereus) – This was one of my highlights of the trip
when we came across a pair calling and displaying along the
Guacamayos trail; I had never heard that crazy wing display
before (much less recorded it!), so it was a thrill.
Pipridae (Manakins)
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – Nice looks at a calling male along the
trails at Tandayapa for scope views. CLUB-WINGED
MANAKIN (Machaeropterus
deliciosus) – Fabulous views
at the males at a lek at Milpe.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor)
– With the flocks at San Isidro.
CINNAMON BECARD
(Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus)
– Common at Milpe.
WHITE-WINGED
BECARD (Pachyramphus
polychopterus dorsalis) – A
yard bird at Tandayapa.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Common with the montane flocks on both
slopes. RED-EYED VIREO
(RESIDENT CHIVI) (Vireo
olivaceus griseobarbatus) –
Gobs of them at Milpe.
BLACK-BILLED
PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis
nigrirostris nigrirostris) –
The resident pair at San Isidro.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BEAUTIFUL JAY (Cyanolyca pulchra) – I just knew that the trip was going to be
a great one when we found this rare jay near Tandayapa on
our first day. It took some time to call them closer, but
when we did, it was well worth the effort. We enjoyed some
stunning views of this scarce jay at close range, setting a
precedent that would continue for the rest of the trip.
TURQUOISE JAY
(Cyanolyca turcosa) – Also seen on our first day... how could
we go wrong?
GREEN JAY (INCA)
(Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – Common around the cabins at San Isidro.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA)
(Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED
SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina
murina) – The common swallow
at high elevations.
WHITE-THIGHED
SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis
minima) – The small brown
swallow that we saw at Milpe.
SOUTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx
ruficollis) – Chunkier than
the previous species, and with a whiter rump.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unirufa) – Good looks at some family groups at
Yanacocha. SHARPE'S WREN
(Cinnycerthia olivascens olivascens)
– Replaces the previous species at
lower elevations. We saw them in family groups for good
looks on both slopes.
PLAIN-TAILED WREN
(Pheugopedius euophrys) – A loud wren that has a wonderful, dueted
song. We called in a pair that circled us for good looks at
San Isidro.
HOUSE WREN
(SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon
albicans)
MOUNTAIN WREN
(Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis)
– The more arboreal cousin of the
previous species, that we saw at Guango and San Isidro.
SEDGE WREN
(POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus
platensis aequatorialis) –
One of our first birds of the trip when we called on in out
of the paramo grasslands near Yanacocha.
GRAY-BREASTED
WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina
leucophrys leucophrys) –
Heard in humid forest up and and down the Andes on every
day, but seen very well a couple of times.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – We got nice looks at a pair early on when
during our trip down from Yanacocha to Tandayapa. Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Quick flyby at San Isidro. PALE-EYED THRUSH
(Turdus leucops) [*]
ECUADORIAN THRUSH
(Turdus maculirostris) – Tandayapa area where found in more
secondary habitats.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED
THRUSH (Turdus fulviventris)
– We lucked into this east slope thrush
- looking much like an American Robin - in the Guacamayos.
GREAT THRUSH
(Turdus fuscater quindio)
GLOSSY-BLACK
THRUSH (Turdus serranus
fuscobrunneus) – Like a small
version of the previous species, but more blacker, with more
rich orange soft part colors. This one also tends to be more
of a forest based species.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis bogotensis) – Nice looks on our first morning in the
grasslands on our way up to Yanacocha. Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava) – We pulled this one up out of a pasture at
Milpe for quality studies. TROPICAL PARULA
(Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common in a wide variety of habitats.
THREE-STRIPED
WARBLER (Basileuterus
tristriatus) – Seen first
with the understory flocks at Tandayapa.
CITRINE WARBLER
(Myiothlypis luteoviridis luteoviridis)
– A very cooperative pair in the
Guacamayos. This is a pretty low density, forest based
species that often moves with mixed flocks in the
understory.
BLACK-CRESTED
WARBLER (Myiothlypis
nigrocristatus) – Common in
secondary habitats in montane, humid areas.
GOLDEN-BELLIED
WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis
chrysogaster chlorophrys) –
Pretty common with the understory flocks at Milpe, where we
had some really nice and close studies.
RUSSET-CROWNED
WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronatus
elatus) – The
yellower-bellied west slope form that we saw at Tandayapa.
Most curious was the bird that I saw at San Isidro - east
slope - that appeared to be a clean west slope bird...
wanderer?
RUSSET-CROWNED
WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronatus
orientalis) – This east slope
form is grayer underneath We had them well right in the
gardens at San Isidro.
SLATE-THROATED
REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
– A common bird with flocks in the
subtropics and foothills on both slopes.
SPECTACLED
REDSTART (Myioborus
melanocephalus ruficoronatus) –
Replaces the previous species at higher elevations, such as
in temperate forests and paramo edge habitats, but they do
narrowly overlap.
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba
flaveola) – Seen at the Milpe
feeders. Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – This seems to be a nomadic species;
sometimes they are easily found around San Isidro, while
during other periods they seem to be absent. We hit it right
and had family groups on two days for excellent views. The
heaviest tanager. And yes, it has been proven to be a true
tanager indeed; for years there was debate as to whether it
might even belong with the jays or even blackbirds. RUFOUS-CRESTED
TANAGER (Creurgops verticalis)
– Nicely with the canopy flocks in the
Guacamayos.
BLACK-CAPPED
HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-CAPPED) (Hemispingus
atropileus atropileus) – A
chunky understory hemispingus that we had great looks at
along the Guacamayos trail and at Guango as it moved with
mixed flocks.
OLEAGINOUS
HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus
frontalis frontalis) – We
spotted this very drab species as a small group foraged with
a midstory flock along the roadside in the Guacamayos.
BLACK-EARED
HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus
melanotis melanotis) – The
true black-eared form of the east slope that can almost
always be found in stands of Chusquea bamboo. We had them
well at San Isidro.
BLACK-EARED
HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Hemispingus
melanotis ochraceus) – The
Birds of Ecuador splits out this rather drab form of this
group, calling it the "Western Hemispingus". We had nice
looks at a calling pair along the old Nono-Mindo rd. one
afternoon.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH
TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus
rubrirostris rubrirostris) –
A tail flicker that hangs out with canopy flocks in the
temperate zone. We had some nice studies of them with the
flocks at Guango.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL
(Conirostrum cinereum fraseri) – The conebill with the pale brow and
wing-spot, that we saw on our first day at Yanacocha.
BLUE-BACKED
CONEBILL (Conirostrum
sitticolor sitticolor) – Seen
really well with the canopy flocks in the temperate zone on
both slopes.
CAPPED CONEBILL
(Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
– We had our first good looks at this
canopy flock species along the old Nono-Mindo rd. one
afternoon.
GIANT CONEBILL
(Oreomanes fraseri) – A stunning conebill that we hunted down
on our last day up near the Papallacta Pass for very good
looks. This species is a specialist in the high elevation
Polylepis woodlands, where it pokes about under the flaky
bark for arthropods.
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema diadema) – Nice looks at this bamboo understory
species with a flock along the old Nono-Mindo rd.
BLACK-BACKED BUSH
TANAGER (Urothraupis
stolzmanni) – Another nice
eleventh hour score when we found a foraging group of them
in the high elevation paramo-edge shrubbery!
WHITE-LINED
TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
– On the slopes of the Guacamayos.
SILVER-BEAKED
TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo
carbo) – Common in the
secondary growth in the lower montane zone of the east slope
where it reaches its highest elevations.
FLAME-RUMPED
TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus
flammigerus icteronotus) –
Abundant in secondary woodlands of the west.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER
(Thraupis episcopus quaesita) – The duller west slope form.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER
(Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – This east slope subspecies has the white
shoulder bar.
PALM TANAGER
(Thraupis palmarum) – Common in humid areas on both slopes;
mainly restricted to lower elevations.
BLUE-CAPPED
TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala
cyanocephala) – Good looks on
the west slope near Bellavista. We could even make out the
yellow leggings!
BLUE-AND-YELLOW
TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis
darwinii) – Good looks at a
male in my yard in Tumbaco; a common central valley bird of
drier habitats.
VERMILION TANAGER
(Calochaetes coccineus) – Stunning, stunning, and stunning!!! One
of my favorite tanagers... can you tell? We tracked down a
group of them with a flock in the Guacamayos.
HOODED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis
montana cucullata) – The
mountain-tanager with the red eye that we saw first at
Yanacocha.
BLACK-CHESTED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis
eximia chloronota) – Great
looks at this one on our first and last days of the trip.
This chunky mountain-tanager can be hard to track down up in
the high temperate forests, but we hit it right.
LACRIMOSE
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus
lacrymosus palpebrosus) – The
mountain-tanager with the yellow tear-drop spot below the
eye, that we saw in the Guacamayos on a couple of days.
SCARLET-BELLIED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus
igniventris erythronotus) – A
perfect combination of black, red, and blue!
BLUE-WINGED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus
somptuosus cyanopterus) – We
had our best views of this western form at Mindo Loma when
they came into the banana feeding station.
BLUE-WINGED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus
somptuosus baezae) – The east
slope form with the greener back; common around San Isidro.
BLACK-CHINNED
MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus
notabilis) – A hard west
slope mountain-tanager to find much of the time, but we
lucked into a group of them when they hit the bananas at
Mindo Loma.
GRASS-GREEN
TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii
riefferii) – An Andean
classic! We had them for awesome views on both slopes.
FAWN-BREASTED
TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota
venezuelensis) – In the
gardens at San Isidro.
ORANGE-EARED
TANAGER (Chlorochrysa
calliparaea bourcieri) – An
electrifying green tanager species of the east slope that we
saw well with the flocks in the Guacamayos.
GOLDEN TANAGER
(Tangara arthus goodsoni) – The more yellow west slope form that was
common with the flocks.
GOLDEN TANAGER
(Tangara arthus aequatorialis) – This east slope form is more of an orange
cast to its plumage; Guacamayos.
SILVER-THROATED
TANAGER (Tangara
icterocephala) – Common
around Milpe. Superficially similar to the Golden Tanager,
but a paler yellow, and with a pale gray throat and
black-goggled effect.
SAFFRON-CROWNED
TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala
venusta) – Should be called
the "Saffron-helmeted Tanager"! It is not just the crown
that is yellow. A common flock bird around San Isidro.
GOLDEN-EARED
TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
– We called in a very cooperative pair
in the Guacamayos for stellar views... another one of my
favorite east slope tanagers.
FLAME-FACED
TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii
parzudakii) – This east slope
form has more distinct yellows and reds to the face.
FLAME-FACED
TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii
lunigera) – ... while these
birds of the west have more of a flame-orange face effect to
the face, as well as more of a green tinge to the body.
SPOTTED TANAGER
(Tangara punctata) – A few for nice studies on the slopes of
the Guacamayos.
RUFOUS-THROATED
TANAGER (Tangara rufigula)
– A foothill Choco species that we
found at Milpe.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER
(Tangara gyrola) – A few around Milpe... what a looker.
SCRUB TANAGER
(Tangara vitriolina) – A dry forest, central valley species that
we tracked down in Tumbaco. The name "Scrub Tanager " does
not do it justice, as it is really quite a nice looking
bird.
GOLDEN-NAPED
TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
– Pretty common in the west.
BLUE-BROWED
TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis
lutleyi) – We made almost a
clean run of the expected east slope tanagers, which is
quite a feat! It was an exciting moment when we called up
this uncommon species for excellent view in the Guacamayos.
BLUE-NECKED
TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
– Should be called the "Blue-headed
Tanager"! We had good looks in the east.
BERYL-SPANGLED
TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
– Common with the montane mixed flocks.
BLUE-AND-BLACK
TANAGER (Tangara vassorii
vassorii) – The high
elevation Tangara here in Ecuador, that we saw up on the
Tandayapa Ridge.
BLACK-CAPPED
TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
– Common at middle elevations on both
slopes.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS
(YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis
lineata egregia) – At Milpe
one afternoon.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER
(Chlorophanes spiza) – A common neotropical species.
BUFF-THROATED
SALTATOR (Saltator maximus
maximus) – Common around
Milpe.
BLACK-WINGED
SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
[*]
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and
Allies)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis) – The sierra-finch of the high and treeless
paramos, which we saw a couple of times as they fed about in
the tundra-like landscape. VARIABLE SEEDEATER
(Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
– In the pastures around Milpe.
YELLOW-BELLIED
SEEDEATER (Sporophila
nigricollis vivida) – Briefly
in the central valley.
PLAIN-COLORED
SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata
minor) – In the grasslands
leading up to Yanacocha.
GLOSSY
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
lafresnayii) – The all black
flowerpiercer with the bluish shoulder-patch that we saw
well at Yanacocha.
WHITE-SIDED
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
albilatera albilatera) – One
quick flyby in the San Isidro area.
DEEP-BLUE
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca
tyrianthina) – My favorite
flowerpiercer, with that bright yellow eye and deep-blue
plumage. We had some nice views on the Guacamayos.
BLUISH
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa
caerulescens media) – Common
around San Isidro.
MASKED
FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea
cyanea) – The most
wide-ranging flowerpiercer.
TANAGER FINCH
(Oreothraupis arremonops) – Another of the great trip highlights! We
located a pair up along the Tandayapa Ridge for some
spectacular studies as they sang and foraged about in a
ravine just below us. This is a very range-restricted
species that occurs in only very small numbers at a few
sites in Colombia and Ecuador.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED
BRUSH-FINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon
brunneinucha frontalis) –
Nice views at Tandayapa's bird blind.
GRAY-BROWED
BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon
assimilis) – Good looks in
the understory at Yanacocha.
PALE-NAPED
BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes
pallidinucha papallactae) –
On our last day in the highlands when a pair performed for
us at Guango.
TRICOLORED
BRUSH-FINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes
tricolor crassus) – A few in
the west in the Tandayapa area.
YELLOW-BREASTED
BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes
latinuchus spodionotus) –
Most common around Yanacocha.
SLATY BRUSH-FINCH
(Atlapetes schistaceus schistaceus)
– A clean-up bird at Guango when we
found a few with the flocks.
WHITE-WINGED
BRUSH-FINCH (WHITE-WINGED) (Atlapetes
leucopterus leucopterus) –
Fairly common in the west. We had some nice views at them at
meal time at Tandayapa.
YELLOW-BROWED
SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons
aurifrons) – In some cleared
habitat near Baeza on our last day.
RUFOUS-COLLARED
SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis
costaricensis)
COMMON
BUSH-TANAGER (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus
ophthalmicus phaeocephalus) –
Common at San Isidro.
DUSKY BUSH-TANAGER
(Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus)
– With the flocks on the west slope.
YELLOW-THROATED
BUSH-TANAGER (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus
flavigularis marginatus) –
The west slope form that we saw at Milpe.
YELLOW-THROATED
BUSH-TANAGER (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus
flavigularis flavigularis) –
On the slopes of the Guacamayos with flocks.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – Now placed with the cardinal family. Are
we soon going to have to call this the "Ochre-breasted
Cardinal"? Hope not! We had a vocalizing bird in the scope
at Milpe. GOLDEN-BELLIED
GROSBEAK (Pheucticus
chrysogaster chrysogaster) –
Common in the drier habitats of the central valley, where we
had some nice views.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warszewiczi warszewiczi) YELLOW-BILLED
CACIQUE (CHAPMAN'S) (Amblycercus
holosericeus australis) – A
bamboo specialist that we saw well at San Isidro.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE
(GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus
chrysonotus leucoramphus) –
The yellow-winged cacique that we saw in the San Isidro
area.
SCARLET-RUMPED
CACIQUE (Cacicus uropygialis)
– Common and vocal at San Isidro, where
we saw them around the cabins daily.
RUSSET-BACKED
OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius
angustifrons atrocastaneus) –
The orange-billed form of the west. We had three fly by near
Tandayapa.
RUSSET-BACKED
OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius
angustifrons angustifrons) –
Common in the east.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and
Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Good views at Milpe. GOLDEN-RUMPED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia
cyanocephala pelzelni) –
Males and females in my yard at Tumbaco, in the central
valley.
BRONZE-GREEN
EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
[*]
ORANGE-BELLIED
EUPHONIA (Euphonia
xanthogaster)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED
CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia
pyrrhophrys) – We finally
managed to track down a full-blown male along the trails at
San Isidro on our penultimate day!
HOODED SISKIN
(Spinus magellanicus capitalis) – In the highlands on our last day.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN
(Spinus olivaceus) – Around Baeza on our last day.
MAMMALS
RED-TAILED
SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
– The common mammal of the trip.
BLACK AGOUTI
(Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – Seen at San Isidro where they come to
feed on corn near the hummingbird feeders.
MOUNTAIN TAPIR
(Tapirus pinchaque) – Of all of the critters that we saw on
this trip, this is the rarest. I could not believe our luck
when we stalked up on this large mammal along the trail at
San Isidro, within sight of the dining room! What a thrill
to see it standing there and then gallop away into the
wilderness!
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 345 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa