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Field Guides Tour Report
Holiday at Ecuador's Wildsumaco Lodge 2017
Dec 28, 2017 to Jan 7, 2018
Willy Perez


Barred Parakeets were a real surprise for us! We don't usually get good looks at these little parrots, but this year, the Cecropia trees were fruiting, and the Parakeets came in close to feed. Even then, it was a little hard to find small green birds in green foliage, but what a treat! Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

I really like this Wildsumaco tour because you never know what to expect. The decision was made to stay in just two lodges, which made life much easier in terms of logistics and reduced the number of long drives. However, we still were able to visit several different habitats, from the very high Andes mountains to the foothills on the east. Staying several nights in Wildsumaco is great because there is time to look for the unique birds of the foothills on the eastern side of the Andes.

We started the trip by staying in the San Jose Hotel in Puembo, which has a great garden with many nice birds from the inter-Andean valleys. Those who arrived a day early had the opportunity to get to know the garden birds there. The following day, we went to Antisana National Park, and it lived up to our expectations. The first stop had Andean Condors roosting, and also flying. We also saw a great combination of hummingbirds, like Ecuadorian Hillstar, Black-tailed Trainbearer males with very impressive long tails, and the largest hummingbird of all, the Giant. A quick stop in Guango provided us with some good additions to the hummingbird list, with the best being the Mountain Velvetbreast.

San Isidro was superb, especially for Black-banded and Rufous-banded Owls, Powerful Woodpecker and Crested Quetzal, and the friendly White-bellied Antpitta that still comes to the feeders.

But the big show was at Wildsumaco. On the second day, we had some rain, but from where we watched on the porch, we saw many stunning tanagers, including Paradise, Golden-eared and Bay-headed. Normally, you see Barred Parakeets in flight, but not at Wildsumaco! The Cecropia trees were full of fruits, and the Parakeets were perched on top, which enabled us to have a really good view of them.

The Antpitta feeder was also fantastic. The very well hidden Plain-backed Antpitta did the usual visit, followed by a Short-tailed Antthrush, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, and on another day, even a White-crowned Tapaculo.

Birding along the forest trails was hard, but the rewards were great, with Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Western Striolated- and Black-Streaked Puffbirds seen through the scope -- super cool!

The hummingbird feeders always had good activity, and the road down was always surprising us with very pretty birds like Blue-rumped Manakin, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, and Blue-browed Tanager.

We had a great birding adventure, with the luxury of staying in very comfortable places with good food and super friendly staff. We were in good hands with Edgar, our driver, who did a good job managing all the winding roads.

The adventure was complete, having all of you on board, so thank you very much to the old and new friends for coming to join me on this tour.

All the best, and good birding!

--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



Participant Gregg Recer got this gorgeous portrait of a Golden-tailed Sapphire. What a stunning bird!

BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
BLACK TINAMOU (Tinamus osgoodi) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – It is always nice to see these ducks feeding in the rushing white waters.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) [*]
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
SILVERY GREBE (Podiceps occipitalis) – Just a pair seen at Micacocha lake in Antisana; normally we see more there, but we were happy to have seen some at least.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)


Our happy group on the porch at Wildsumaco, with a great view of the Andes in the background. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
BLACK-FACED IBIS (BRANICKII) (Theristicus melanopis branickii) – Antisana is the perfect place to see this fantastic ibis; there were only a few, but we had good views of them.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Great views; Antisana is the best place to see condors in Ecuador.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – Scope views of a bird sitting on a lava rock on our way to Antisana.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [b]
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans)
SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)


Green Jays are common in this part of the Andes. Even so, they are beautiful birds! Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)
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)
BLACK-WINGED GROUND-DOVE (Metriopelia melanoptera)
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)


This Vermiculated Screech-Owl gave us a really nice look. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
RUFESCENT SCREECH-OWL (Megascops ingens) [*]
VERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL (FOOTHILL) (Megascops guatemalae napensis) – A very responsive bird came out close to the road at Wildsumaco.
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) – It was fantastic to see this big owl, especially after I failed to find it in its usual roosting place. We had one that flew just in front of the bus and it stayed on a branch, so we had a great chance to observe it.
GREAT HORNED OWL (GREAT HORNED) (Bubo virginianus nigrescens) – Pablo, our Antisana local guide, found one roosting on our way up to the park.
BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula)
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – We were able to see this difficult owl at San Isidro.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri cyanotus cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – The most common hummingbird at Guango.
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – Males and females were always present at Wildsumaco feeders.
ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii) – Some seen in Guango but also at San Isidro, mostly males with long tail.
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo)
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – This orange hummingbird was seen on our first day along the way to Antisana.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)


Just one of the antpittas we saw so well, this little Ochre-breasted Antpitta showed off nicely for us. Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This ridiculously long-billed hummingbird was seen at Antisana, and also Guango lodge.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (PERUVIAN) (Ocreatus underwoodii peruanus) – Nice males were showing off their orange boots at Wildsumaco.
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (WHITE-TAILED) (Urochroa bougueri leucura)
RUFOUS-VENTED WHITETIP (Urosticte ruficrissa)
BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii)
GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – Not many, but some very colorful males came to the feeders at Wildsumaco.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)


Tourmaline Sunangel was the most common hummingbird at Guango Lodge. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.

GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – Always feeding on the vervain flowers at Wildsumaco.
NAPO SABREWING (Campylopterus villaviscensio)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus personatus)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WESTERN STRIOLATED-PUFFBIRD (Nystalus obamai) – It took some time to find this bird way up in the canopy, but we had good scope views.
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – Jacamars are good insect hunters, and that is exactly what this one was doing from a cliff.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus derbianus)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – A male was doing its rocking chair display; what a nice bird!
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (BLACK-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus ambiguus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens)
CRIMSON-BELLIED WOODPECKER (CRIMSON-BELLIED) (Campephilus haematogaster haematogaster) – A forest woodpecker that is always hard to see, but we chased a pair inside the forest and had very decent views of a pair.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)


Participant Francois Grenon got this wonderful image of an Andean Condor as it soared over us.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) – One was very vocal the last three mornings at Wildsumaco; people who were a bit early for breakfast managed to see it, and one flew above us.
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Falco sparverius aequatorialis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis rufigularis)
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus) – After seeing Greg's photo, I confirmed that this was an Orange-breasted Falcon and not a Bat Falcon, although not many people saw it at our lunch break.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – We were lucky with this bird; they came to eat Cecropia fruits for a day, but didn't come back afterwards.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)


The Eared Dove looks a lot like the Mourning Dove back home. Photo by participant Gregg Recer.

MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris) [*]
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – A few birds were flying around, and also perched near the road at Wildsumaco.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) [*]
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
FOOTHILL ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla spodionota)
STRIPE-CHESTED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longicauda) [*]
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – This canopy antwren was seen several times, always with flocks.
RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) [*]


This Long-tailed Tyrant perched on the very top of a tree at Wildsumaco. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps)
BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis)
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (BLACK-BELLIED) (Pyriglena leuconota castanoptera)
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED GNATEATER (Conopophaga castaneiceps) – Hard to see, but with a bit of patience we managed to get one in the scope along the Piha trail in Wildsumaco.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*]
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) – Seen at the feeder at San Isidro.
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis)
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris flavirostris) – Most of the Grallaricula's wiggle their hips; it was wonderful to see them doing it.
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana) [*]


A female Lined Antshrike peers at our group from her hiding spot in the greenery. Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*]
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) – On our second visit to the Antpitta feeders at Wildsumaco, one came to eat the worms.
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) [*]
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)


We saw some really nice male Booted Racket-tails at Wildsumaco, where participant Gregg Recer got this photo. Those are some pretty fancy boots!

CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – The most beautiful of the Furnariidae, this one was a favorite for some people.
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola)
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata)
DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – A pair was seen at the Mirador del Condor; very stripy, with a little horn.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus)
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – This was the owner of the car park at Wildsumaco.


Our Coppery-chested Jacamar, taking a rest from its hunting activies. Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
BLACK-AND-WHITE TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus capitalis)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – Catching insects and displaying from a cliff, makes you realize how this bird got its name.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans)
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)


A lovely female Collared Trogon posed nicely for participant Gregg Recer.

WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) – A pair of this species were hunting close to a landslide at Guacamayos ridge.
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) [*]
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) – This black and white flycatcher with a very long tail was on top of a tree at Wildsumaco.
LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Megarynchus pitangua pitangua)


This Tawny Antpitta looks like it is waiting for something.... Worms, perhaps? Photo by participant Gregg Recer.

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
BLACK-CHESTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola lubomirskii) [*]
FIERY-THROATED FRUITEATER (Pipreola chlorolepidota) – Possibly one of the most-wanted birds for some people, it show up nicely along the Wildsumaco road, where we clearly could see the fire throat color from a male.
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) [*]
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis)
GRAY-TAILED PIHA (Snowornis subalaris) – We had to work hard and wait, but eventually we managed to see this super-cryptic bird that hides well deep in the forest.
Pipridae (Manakins)
BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei)
WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (WHITE-CROWNED) (Dixiphia pipra coracina)


Wire-crested Thorntails were very common at Wildsumaco. Participant Francois Grenon got this great image, showing the crest and tail well.

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
GREEN-BACKED BECARD (YELLOW-CHEEKED) (Pachyramphus viridis xanthogenys)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus tenebrosus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) [*]
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas) – One of the most numerous birds at San Isidro, but also seen at Wildsumaco.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)


A Long-tailed Sylph, one of the most spectacular hummingbirds! Photo by participant Gregg Recer.

WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
WING-BANDED WREN (Microcerculus bambla)
GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) [*]
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta hauxwelli)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – It is always good to see a bird, but in this case it is almost better to hear it, and that is what happened to us with this species. [*]
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) – Very vocal but hard to see, some people managed to see one that came to the antpitta feeder at Wildsumaco.
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus minimus)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The biggest tanager that we got was nicely seen along the lower road at Wildsumaco.
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis atropileus)
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis)


We found Plumbeous Sierra-Finch during our visit to high elevations. Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis melanotis)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana)
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – This very strong green-colored tanager was seen several times along the foothills.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – We saw the eastern subspecies which has white on the wings.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)


While we were in the highlands, participant Gregg Recer took this view of Antisana Volcano from Papallacta Pass.

BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – The most common tanager of the trip.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – They were always a joy to see; for sure, they are one of the most attractive tanagers in the whole group.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (FLAME-FACED) (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – This subspecies has more red on the face than the ones on the west.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata)


This tiny beauty is a Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, just one of many small flycatchers we saw, but surely one of the prettiest! Photo by participant Francois Grenon.

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Blue males with yellow socks were seen a few times.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) – One of the regular visitors to the fruiting cecropias at the lodge in Wildsumaco.
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – This very dark blue flowerpiercer with a very distinctive yellow eye was nice to see.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Some people managed to see this bamboo specialty at Guango lodge.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)


We saw so many wonderful hummingbirds, including the amazing Gould's Jewelfront, captured in this lovely photo by participant Gregg Recer.

SLATY FINCH (Spodiornis rusticus rusticus) – A female was seen at San Isidro from the car park.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-SHOULDERED GROSBEAK (Parkerthraustes humeralis) – This rare grosbeak was a good surprise for us in Wildsumaco.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)


This Bronze-green Euphonia tried to hide from us, but participant Francois Grenon got this really nice image.

CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – Of the migrant birds that we get here in Ecuador, this is my favorite.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)


One of the moths that come to the porch at Wildsumaco is the gigantic Rothschildia orizaba. It's probably bigger than some of the birds we saw, and just as lovely in its own way. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) – This small colorful bird was seen a couple of times from the porch at Wildsumaco, eating cecropia fruits.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

MAMMALS
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis) – These small monkeys visit the banana feeders every day.
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
NORTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus igniventris)
AMAZON DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus flaviventer)
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
KINKAJOU (Potos flavus)
TAYRA (Eira barbara) – This very unique mammal came a couple of times to eat bananas in front of the lodge.
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS


Totals for the tour: 341 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa