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Field Guides Tour Report
AMAZONIAN ECUADOR: SACHA LODGE 2018
Jan 12, 2018 to Jan 21, 2018
Willy Perez & local guide

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.


Here is our group birding along the Napo, where we saw Capped Heron, Ladder-tailed Nightjar, and Rufous-headed Woodpecker, as well as many other wonderful sights. Photo by participant Miles Paul.

This was another wonderful trip to Sacha lodge, but what else can we expect when you visit one of the most biodiverse places on earth?! The Amazon basin has a huge variety from unique and crazy to colorful stunning birds. We were game on to get up early and go and look for them, right? The advantage is that Sacha lodge has all the facilities that make the birding in the challenging rainforest a bit easier. Very good breakfast at any time we needed, very well constructed trails, pretty creeks to paddle in the hot afternoons, and of course the superb towers that takes birding to a whole other dimension, especially when you see the birds close to you without breaking your neck looking up. So what we had to do was grab our binoculars and go and find them...... In one week, we really had some incredible encounters with some of the coolest birds that you can imagine, and here are some of your highlights.

-The small but very attractive Gray-breasted Crake that came out to see what was happening on its river island.

-We were always disturbed during our lunch by the clumsy flight of the Hoatzins or the noise of the Yellow-rumped Caciques that were always close to the dining room.

-It was absolutely stunning to see two Crested Owls sitting like small sculptures in the middle of the forest. I am still wondering if they were real ones.

-The small German flag (aka Wire-tailed Manakin) that was on a branch for some time, which allowed us nice photos.

-Water sources gave us a nice chance to see some really cool birds, like the Boat-billed and Capped Herons that were a delight to watch.

-The shows from the towers were incredible, from face to face Gilded Barbet, to Purple-throated, Spangled and Plum-Throated Cotingas, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Green and gold, Paradise and Masked Tanagers, and Crane Hawk; the impressive Harpy Eagle was a bonus!

-For me the parrot clay licks were magical, with Scarlet Macaws flashing their red, but birding is not just watching birds. For some people like Miles, birding is also listening, and we were lucky when a Musician Wren serenaded us for some time. We didn't see it, but just hearing it was enough for Miles and everyone else.

The trip was full of good memories and great fun, and all of you made it possible. Thanks for that, and I hope that I will see you again in the field.

All the best, Willy.

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) – A pair seen nicely on our way to the metal tower. It was a great encounter when you think that tinamous are not easy to see.
WHITE-THROATED TINAMOU (Tinamus guttatus) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]


Here is our group, posing on the Kapok Tower viewing platform. Photo by participant Miles Paul.

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
MUSCOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata) – A stunning male flew above us when we were on the river island.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) [*]
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) – This heron that blends in very well with the vegetation was seen a couple of times along the Orquidea creek.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Seen well along the Napo river.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Great looks of adults and juveniles.


We had a good look at this Boat-billed Heron. What an odd-looking bird! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
HARPY EAGLE (Harpia harpyja) – Seen twice on different days from the metal towers. We recorded that it was the same bird looking for food.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – Superb views from the Kapok tower.
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Buteogallus schistaceus)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Psophiidae (Trumpeters)
GRAY-WINGED TRUMPETER (Psophia crepitans) [*]
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla megalopterus)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – The best sighting ever of this big bill tern came in Pilchecocha; he was diving several times in front of us.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) – We found one roosting on our way to the Kapok tower, but to our surprise, on our way back he was already gone.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata)
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)


Participant Dorothy Paul took this photo of a lovely sunset we experienced on our way back to the lodge from a canoe trip.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Oscar spotted one the first day along the Napo River; everyone was impressed how he found it.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – There was one of these hermits on its lek, where we had great scope views.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus melanorhynchus)
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – One of the island specialties, and number 200 hummingbird for Denis.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus)
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) [*]
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) [*]


A dainty Pied Lapwing posed for us on a sandbar of the Napo River. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – The canoe rides along the creeks gave us the best chances to see this secretive kingfisher.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea)
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – Normally hard to see, we saw this species the first day on our first walk from the Napo river to the lodge.
GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – They were the most common aracari on the trip and we came eye to eye from the tower.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii)
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (CUVIER'S) (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)


We had some good times, and saw some wonderful birds on the forest trails. Photo by participant Dorothy Paul.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – It was strange to see them on a window ledge in San Jose hotel in Puembo.
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus)
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus)
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – The roosting place that Oscar knew for this species worked well, three of them were getting ready to go to sleep.....what a bird!
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – Another nice one in this group of woodpeckers, this one we saw along the Napo river on a mature river island which is where they like to live.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) [*]
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – There was one at the hotel in Puembo.


One of the most beautiful of the tanagers, the Paradise Tanager. We saw a group of them feeding near the tower. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – The most numerous parakeet at the clay-lick.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Few of them showed up on the clay-lick near the Napo river.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – We saw this species flying only.
BLUE-WINGED PARROTLET (Forpus xanthopterygius)
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus)
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – At least seven of them came down to the clay-lick in the Yasuni National Park.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
BLACK BUSHBIRD (Neoctantes niger)
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – This small gray bird was seen well the second day coming down from the Kapok tower.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana)
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – A male was scoped for great views the day that we visited Providencia.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) – Another island specialty that we saw.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmelastes hyperythrus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Akletos melanoceps) – Male and female were seen on our way out to the Napo river, the male is black and the female is chestnut with a black hood.
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Hafferia fortis)
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus)
[SPOT-BACKED] ANTBIRD (NEW SPECIES) (Hylophylax [naevius] sp. nov.?)
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata)
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) – It's always hard to see a tapaculo and this was not an exception, but for some people it was very nice to see it though the scope.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula)


A Scarlet Macaw, one of several that we saw at the clay lick in Yasuni. What gorgeous birds! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – One of these big woodcreepers came inside the dining room during one of our lunch times. Silhouetted against the sky, we could see why it is called long billed.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus)
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus)
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
DUIDA WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes duidae) – This medium canopy woodcreeper was seen from the Kapok tower.
LESSER HORNERO (Furnarius minor)
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Mazaria propinqua)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – We saw this species in Puembo.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps)
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca) – Small gray flycatcher with dark wings and dark crown that we saw in the river island.
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes)
SPOTTED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum maculatum)
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – One of the quite small flycatchers that we saw from the towers. They like the high canopy, so thank god for the towers.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) [b]
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (FUSCOUS) (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior)
WILLOW FLYCATCHER (Empidonax traillii)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Seen in Puembo.


Guide Willy Perez points out a bird as we float along in one of the canoes. Photo by particpant Nancy Johnson.

CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
SWAINSON'S FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus swainsoni)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – The most common flycatcher to see and hear.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes luteiventris)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Males were displaying and showing their wine color throat, we could see it from the towers.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus)
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – The electric blue of this cotinga is so unique.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – When you see the difference between male and female of this species you feel that it's very unfair, but we all know that there is a reason....!
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) [*]
PURPLE-THROATED COTINGA (Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema)


An Owl Butterfly, photographed nicely by participant Dorothy Paul.

BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Not easy to see but our hard work paid off.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – We had to do a hike to see this incredible bird but it was definitely worth it.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae)
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – Always on the veranda of the swimming pool.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) – I have never seen this bird so well, it came so close to sing for us that it was beautiful.
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) [*]


The colors of a male Wire-tailed Manakin reminded us of the German flag-- black, red and yellow stripes. That will be a hard one to forget! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) [*]
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli)
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – Great view from the metal tower of this bird that can imitate everything.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus) – Getting more common in the central valleys near Quito.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) – A pair were around the river island.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis) – Some around the garden in the hotel in Puembo.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – A group was feeding near the metal tower.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia)
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys)
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)


We saw a number of really nice woodpeckers, including this handsome Chestnut Woodpecker. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata)
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – It was nice to see this bird from the top, the green cap was stunning on the male.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (OCHRACEOUS) (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides decorata)
SAFFRON FINCH (SAFFRON) (Sicalis flaveola valida)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
LESSON'S SEEDEATER (Sporophila bouvronides)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Seen on the island, sounds like an insect.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides) [*]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – The most common oropendola on the trip.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus)
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – Many along the river on islands.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala)
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)


There are so many amazing creatures and plants in the forests of Ecuador, and we saw a lot of them, including this Tarantula sp. that participant Dorothy Paul caught as it posed on a Zebra plant.

RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso)
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis)
GOLDEN-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus tripartitus) – This monkey that lives on the southern bank of the Napo, we came across it when we were going to Providencia.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus)
SPIX'S NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus vociferans)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
POEPPIG'S WOOLLY MONKEY (Lagothrix poeppiggii)
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The trip had also some other wildlife that we saw in this tour.

Sac-winged Bats

Clelia sp. (Chonta snake)

Oxybelis sp. (Vain Snake)

Yellow spotted Amazon River Turtle

Spectacled Caiman

Totals for the tour: 288 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa