FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Holiday at Ecuador's Wildsumaco Lodge 2019

Field Guides Tour Report

Holiday at Ecuador's Wildsumaco Lodge 2019

Dec 28, 2019 to Jan 7, 2020

Willy Perez

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.

This view of snow-capped Antisana volcano from the rainforest is one of many wonderful scenes that we experienced during our holiday tour. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

This Wildsumaco tour is relatively short, but with a lot going on and full of action on the birding front. When I did my first Wildsumaco tour in 2011, I was really impressed with everything, and after so many years, I have to say that the lodges have improved and the birding is better. For those reasons this is one of my favorite tours in Ecuador. The lodges are great, the food is delicious and the birding simply is wonderful.

The main focus is to stay as long as we can in the eastern Ecuadorian foothills where the fantastic Wildsumaco lodge is located. But because the biodiversity is so vast in Ecuador, we couldn’t resist visiting several places at different altitudes along the way before we got to the hot spot at the lodge. Starting in the dry valleys of Tumbaco, where we stayed in a very comfortable and bird orientated hotel, to the majestic Andes Mountains, where we were impressed by the snow-capped Antisana volcano, we saw some wonderful sights.

The Paramo grassland is a unique landscape, where the views of Andean Condors, many Carunculated Caracaras and a few Andean Ibis made our day. The Paramo can be a bit challenging when the weather is bad, but we were blessed and very lucky that day, because the sun was out and the birds were fabulous. The two nights that we stayed at San Isidro lodge gave us a taste of the tropics; at 2000 meters of elevation, we realized the birding was very different to the previous day in the highlands. We were caught by surprise just after breakfast when Masked Trogons, Scarlet-rumped Caciques and Green Jays began feeding just outside the dining room… We had to eat quickly go out and see them before they vanished. The Black-banded (San Isidro) Owl is more reliable than ever, and we saw a pair every night. Some of us were even lucky enough to see a Mountain Tapir whilst having a late-night beer.

Driving down the slopes of the Andes, we eventually arrived at Wildsumaco lodge where we spent 6 nights. We had several days to enjoy this unique place full of birds. The combination of road birding and walking along several trails was perfect; the road was full of mixed flocks every day that we went out. A lot of colorful birds like the Golden-collared Toucanet, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Paradise Tanager and the biggest group of Military Macaws that I have ever seen there (26!) gave us a wonderful show. The trails were a bit more challenging, but we wanted to see some of the forest birds. And we did! We saw the Blackish Antbird, and White-crowned and Blue-rumped Manakins. The hide near the lodge was very active with three species of Antbirds plus Collared Trogon and White-chested and Black-streaked puffbirds. Overall, we saw 37 species of Hummingbirds with some very fancy ones like the Booted-racket Tail and Wire-crested Thorntail.

The whole trip worked out well, even on the last day when we had a bit of a hiccup after being told that the main road going back to Quito was going to be closed. We decided to change the plan, be adaptable and leave at 4:30am. It was painful at the beginning, but with binoculars in hand, plus a packed breakfast and lunch, we managed to do it. The plan was to bird along the way and that’s exactly what we did! At the first stop, we saw a male Swallow-tailed Nightjar roosting, followed by a flock of Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Grass-green Tanagers, Green-and-Black Fruiteater and Turquoise Jay at Guacamayos. Before our lunch stop in Guango, we did a successful walk, hunting for an Andean Potoo. The last stop was near the Papallacta hot springs, where we had a flock with several nice birds like Scarlet-bellied and Buff-breasted Mountain Tanagers, the cute Agile Tit-Tyrant, and a lot Rufous Wrens.

Since this tour comes at the end of the year, we also managed to include a bit of the cultural side of Ecuador. We had a nice cocktail prepared by Carolina, the manager of Wildsumaco lodge, and after dinner we all watched the dummy which represents the old year (2019) being burnt.

I can’t believe that all of happened in one week! I try my best to keep you busy, help you enjoy the birding and have a good time, but it all wouldn’t be possible without the help of some key people along the way: Edgar, our super fearless driver; Henry, the manager of San Isidro lodge; and also Carolina, the Wildsumaco boss. They all were all great hosts. Thank you, to all of you who came and joined me on this fantastic tour! I certainly enjoyed it.

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

A little Ochre-breasted Antpitta posed nicely for us. This was one of five antpitta species that we saw. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – A truly Andean duck that depends on fast-moving clean water to survive. A pair was seen at Cosanga on our second day.

YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)

ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)

ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea)

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)

WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – This big guan, that is very vocal at night, was seen in our spotlight and we had good scope views on the same night that we were looking for the Rufous-banded Owl..... It was a shame that we didn't see the owl.

SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) [*]

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

SILVERY GREBE (Podiceps occipitalis)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)

RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)

WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) [*]

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

Here is part of the group looking for Torrent Ducks at Guango. We got great views of a pair of these special ducks at Cosanga. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – This very widespread species was seen at the entrance of Wildsumaco lodge.

SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata segmentata) – The male of this species is a truly beautiful inhabitant of the cloudforest on both sides of the Andes. We were thrilled to find one roosting.

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) – Andean Potoo occurs very locally from western Venezuela to west Bolivia. Considered a rarity, this species is always difficult to find. We made a special short hike to see this well-camouflaged bird on his roost.

Apodidae (Swifts)

CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Sometimes these big swifts were so close that we could see their actual size and their white collar.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)

WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila)

GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)

BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)

SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – Although it is widespread, it was a nice surprise to see a male of this fantastic hummingbird at Wildsumaco.

TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)

WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – The males of this species are the kings of the show on the hummingbird front. The spiky crest and the tail makes this bird incredibly special when they are displaying.

The Turquoise Jay is a common bird of the montane forests in Ecuador; we got a nice look at this one as it was foraging in the mossy branches. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus)

SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)

LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)

ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – The stunning males with purple heads are very territorial and they protect the feeding grounds very actively. We had a great look at one guarding its territory from the top of a bush.

BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)

TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)

VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (ECUADORIAN) (Metallura williami primolina)

GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)

GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)

SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis)

BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)

COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)

BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)

MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) – This hummingbird has a thin, long curved bill which makes them easy to identify. There were a few females and some males at Guango.

SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This is so different from any other hummingbird and should be called a master of adaptation. With its long bill, this is the only hummingbird that can pollinate angel trumpet flowers.

The bar at Wildsumaco is well-stocked, and features a pretty hanging artwork of Green Jays. We saw these colorful jays outside the bar, too! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)

BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)

CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)

BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (PERUVIAN) (Ocreatus underwoodii peruanus)

BLACK-THROATED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa schreibersii)

GOULD'S JEWELFRONT (Heliodoxa aurescens) – There were several males coming to the feeders at Wildsumaco, and wow! they were bright and colorful, especially when the light was good.

FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)

VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)

GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) – Not the most colorful hummingbird but the largest; we saw this at Antisana.

WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)

GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)

WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus pumilus) – The gardens at the San Jose hotel were the best place to see this attractive hummingbird. The male that we saw feeding was a glow of green.

VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)

NAPO SABREWING (Campylopterus villaviscensio)

FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)

MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)

GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans)

SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca)

CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) [*]

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – These lapwings have been colonizing the valleys near San Isidro where they are getting more common every day.

ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens)

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

ANDEAN IBIS (Theristicus branickii) – Still called Black-faced by some people, this Ibis is rare in Ecuador, and Antisana is the best place to see them.

This Rothschilida moth was bigger than some of the birds we saw! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – It is always impressive to see this majestic bird. We had a great view of it, especially in flight.

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)

DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

HARRIS'S HAWK (HARRIS'S) (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi)

VARIABLE HAWK (Geranoaetus polyosoma)

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

Strigidae (Owls)

FOOTHILL SCREECH-OWL (FOOTHILL) (Megascops roraimae napensis)

BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) – This large, scarce and local owl somehow is very common at Wildsumaco, we were awakened a couple of times by their loud, loud call.

BLACK-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba huhula) – This is the fantastic owl that we saw at San Isidro.

Trogonidae (Trogons)

GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)

One of the hummingbirds we saw was this male Black-throated Brilliant. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)

COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)

MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus personatus)

Momotidae (Motmots)

ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) – This large motmot that lives higher than its cousin, the Amazonian motmot, is easy to identify by the aquamarine blue crown, black mask and red eye; also they have rackets at the end of their tail.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca)

BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis)

Galbulidae (Jacamars)

COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – This is almost an Ecuadorian endemic but it is also found at the tip of southern Colombia and on the border with northernmost Peru. It is always a big target on our trip and luckily we saw one at Wildsumaco.

Capitonidae (New World Barbets)

GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus)

RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)

GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – This really fancy small toucan showed up along the road at Wildsumaco, where it was great to see the male calling and doing a display.

YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (BLACK-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus ambiguus)

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (YELLOW-RIDGED) (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)

SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)

LITTLE WOODPECKER (Dryobates passerinus)

CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – This large woodpecker with a large red head was seen several times on our trip.

CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – The contrast between the red and the yellow in this woodpecker is spectacular; that is why it was a favorite bird for some people.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

BUCKLEY'S FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur buckleyi) [*]

CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)

AMERICAN KESTREL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Falco sparverius aequatorialis)

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis rufigularis)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola)

RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus)

SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)

SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)

We had a nice day when we were able to take in this view of Antisana. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris) – This rare and local big parrot is always a challenge at Wildsumaco, but this time we saw them a couple of times.

CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)

WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)

WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus aethiops)

PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)

ORNATE STIPPLETHROAT (Epinecrophylla ornata) – Until recently it was called Ornate Antwren. They are found at Wildsumaco, which is the highest place they are seen.

YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris)

RUFOUS-WINGED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus)

STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps)

PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – We were lucky with some members of this group when a few of them were coming to the hide at Wildsumaco.

BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides nigrescens aequatorialis)

WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (BLACK-BELLIED) (Pyriglena leuconota castanoptera) – Males and females were at the hide.

BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus)

Grallariidae (Antpittas)

PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota)

Another hummingbird that we enjoyed was the fancy Wire-crested Thorntail. This male posed nicely for a portrait by guide Willy Perez.

WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) – Guido, the Antpitta whisperer, had to do some work to bring this secretive bird to the feeders at San Isidro.

TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis)

OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris flavirostris)

SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana)

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)

BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans)

LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*]

WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) [*]

Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

SHORT-TAILED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza campanisona) [*]

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

GRAY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus albigularis) [*]

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)

OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)

MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)

STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)

CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)

STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior)

BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)

MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)

LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)

BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus)

PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – This super-handsome little furnariid that makes the cloudforest its home is always with mixed flocks and a few of them were seen along the way on our trip.

ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola)

MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata)

WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa)

DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta) [*]

DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)

AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)

Pipridae (Manakins)

BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) – The blue rump and the white cap of this black manakin was very distinctive in the male, while the female is mostly pale green.

WHITE-CROWNED MANAKIN (WHITE-CROWNED) (Dixiphia pipra coracina)

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – Miles spotted a male of this attractive bird in Guacamayos.

RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)

ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – Linda thought that this was the bird of the trip for her. I agreed after seeing a male of this species at the lodge at Wildsumaco. It is a shame that some people were having a rest and missed it.

GRAY-TAILED PIHA (Snowornis subalaris) [*]

We had six nights at Wildsumaco, so we were able to enjoy birding from the porch on several occasions. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)

BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)

BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus)

Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)

TAWNY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius villosus)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]

YELLOW-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus flavigularis)

OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)

SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)

MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus)

ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)

SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)

BUFF-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus rufigularis) [*]

RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – Most of the time seen in bamboo, this colorful bird is one of my favorites in the flycatcher family.

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)

CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – There were some very friendly ones at San Isidro just outside of the dining room... some people even enjoyed the name of them.

This pair of White-chested Puffbirds sure was cute! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)

WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)

WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)

WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatus)

SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)

AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agilis) – A rare small flycatcher found at high elevation that travels with mixed flocks; we saw them near Papallacta.

FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai)

TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)

RED-BILLED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius cinereicapilla)

GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)

OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus)

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) [b]

SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) [*]

WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) [b]

BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

This lovely Green-and-Black Fruiteater was found at Guacamayos. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (OBSCURUS GROUP) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) – They like the gardens in the hotel in Quito.

PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus)

SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) – This brown flycatcher has nice cinnamon colors that you see when they fly. It is found in the mountain forest from Venezuela to Peru.

RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius erythropygius)

BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)

LARGE-HEADED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon megacephalum) – Also known as the Bamboo Flatbill because it lives mostly in the guadua bamboo, where we saw one near the research station at Wildsumaco.

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Megarynchus pitangua pitangua)

SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)

LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)

GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – Just found in Ecuador and Colombia, this canopy species is normally hard to see, but in San Isidro we saw a pair coming to eat moths near the dining room.

OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)

Here is the group posed in front of Sumaco Volcano on one of our walks. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea) – Always with mixed flocks, this attractive greenlet is also a common voice of the forest.

BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)

RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) [b]

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa)

GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)

VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)

WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – This small dark swallow has white thighs that are very hard to see when they are sitting. We had a challenge trying to see the white ...... did we actually see it?

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

WING-BANDED WREN (Microcerculus bambla) [*]

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)

SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) [*]

THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – We really enjoyed watching this bird, especially when it was singing.

PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) [*]

CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]

RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa)

SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens)

WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta hauxwelli)

GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – This handsome looking wren gave us a nice show in the car park at San Isidro.

MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – We heard one of the most incredible songs in nature produced by this bird; some lucky people even saw the actual bird!

Cinclidae (Dippers)

WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]

SPOTTED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus dryas) [*]

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus minimus) [b]

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]

WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]

PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)

BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)

GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)

GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)

Hooded Mountain-Tanager was one of many tanager species that we saw; what a gorgeous bird! That red eye really stands out in the dark face, and contrasts with the yellow and blue feathers. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – The only pipit in Ecuador that likes the grassy plains in the mountains; at least a few were seen at Antisana.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala)

BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa)

ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)

HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)

OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis)

ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)

COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus)

YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)

GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – This super wide-spread bird kept us well entertained.

PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae)

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – We enjoyed watching this brown oropendola with a yellow tail; some were building nests at San Isidro.

CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)

Black-mantle Tamarin is a small monkey that we saw at the banana feeders at Wildsumaco Lodge. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) [b]

CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – Wildsumaco is the best place to see this migrant, especially at this time of the year. [b]

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]

THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)

BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)

RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)

CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) [b]

SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)

SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) [b]

SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) [b]

We were really happy to find this roosting male Swallow-tailed Nightjar. Look at those tail-feathers.... Amazing! Photo by guide Willy Perez.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – A spectacular black and white tanager with yellow eyes that is common in pasture land and open places.

BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis melanotis)

SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Thlypopsis superciliaris nigrifrons)

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) – This is another spectacular tanager. The contrast of the amazing green body with the red face and red legs is out of this world. There were a few of them at Guacamayos.

LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)

SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – This is one of the most abundant species of mountain-tanagers but possibly the most striking one to see because of the bright colors that they have. We saw several of them on our last day near Papallacta.

BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)

BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)

FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)

ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – Sometimes it is difficult to see the orange "ear" on this species but we managed to see the bright green color of a fancy male.

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

SPOTTED TANAGER (Ixothraupis punctata)

BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia cyanicollis)

BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)

BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – These very social tanagers travel with mixed flocks or in small groups on their own. They showed up at Guacamayos where we enjoyed watching them.

TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)

PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – A truly Amazon basin bird that reaches the most western point of its range at Wildsumaco. It is normally common and easy to see, and we had some nice views of them.

BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)

SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)

FLAME-FACED TANAGER (FLAME-FACED) (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – The subspecies of this tanager that we saw has a very red face on the east side of the Andes, in contrast to the one from the west which has an orange face.

GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)

SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Males of this species are bright blue and the females are green. It was a treat to see both through the scope.

BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata)

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)

CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)

GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)

The comfortable dining room at Wildsumaco provided us with some great meals. Photo by guide Willy perez.

BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)

WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)

RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)

BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)

MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)

PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)

CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)

CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)

PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)

BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)

GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)

WESTERN WOOLY OPOSSUM (Caluromys lanatus)

BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis) – A few individuals of this small primate came to eat bananas at Wildsumaco lodge.

BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)

RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)

The Reventador Volcano was erupting during our visit, and we could see the cloud rising from the peak. Luckily, it isn't too close to Wildsumaco, but it was an amazing sight to see. Photo by guide Willy Perez.

NORTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus igniventris)

BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)

MOUNTAIN TAPIR (Tapirus pinchaque) – Some people who stayed up a bit later than usual saw this mammal from the dining room at San Isidro.

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 313 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa