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We had yet another wonderful run through some of the birdiest spots of northern Ecuador, netting a huge list of many of the typical, and even some of the rarest species. Along the way we also stayed in some comfortable and strategically located eco-lodges, enjoyed some delectable food, took in the inspiring scenery, and laughed a lot!
For its length, this has to be one of the highest totaling trips that we run -- 600+ in about two weeks of birding...wow! No fancy statistics needed as this means two things: big numbers and also big-time fun! What this trip most affords the traveler is a healthy cross-section of the different elevations and habitats that northern Ecuador harbors, in an itinerary covering a relatively small area.
Ecuador has come a long way in the last decades with respect to comfortable places to stay, and we stayed at three of the premier spots: Septimo Paraiso, San Isidro, and Sacha, all with their own charm and spice and, most importantly as I hinted above, close to the great birding areas.
Highlight species were many, but here is a small selection that I believe fittingly represents some of our most interesting scores: the oh-so-close Agami Heron at Sacha; the pair of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe that we froze for!; all of those screeching parrots out at the Napo salt lick; some great owls, including responsive Crested and Spectacled at Sacha, and Rufous-banded and the "San Isidro" Owls around the cabins at San Isidro, of course; Andean Potoo on its hunting perch just after dark at San Isidro; more species of hummingbirds than you could fill a very large trick-or-treat bag with, but I think we were all most taken with those two sylph species and the Sword-billed; male Golden-headed Quetzals; that little Lanceolated Monklet that popped in at Milpe; those two stunning, blackwater kingfishers, Green-and-rufous and American Pygmy, at Sacha; Toucan Barbet at Paz's fruit feeders; tremendous scope views of Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan; some great woodpeckers, but I would have to say that the Rufous-headed at Sacha stole the show; awesome scope views of the very attractive Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner; a pair of the rare Long-tailed Woodcreeper; some beautiful antbirds, but I think the Yellow-browed deserves honorable mention; six seen species of antpitta, including Giant, Moustached, and Ochre-breasted at Paz de las Aves, and Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied at San Isidro; "Tomas" the Ocellated Tapaculo and those awesome male Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock at Paz de las Aves; dazzling males of both Plum-throated and Spangled cotingas at Sacha; those fabulous studies of Amazonian Umbrellabird on a Napo island; seven species of seen manakins with a knock-out wing display show from Club-winged... hard not to mention the Golden-winged and Wire-tailed though (!); a Plushcap that we pulled out of the bamboo at Guango; an obscene number of tanagers that precipitated some very exciting moments indeed, with the likes of Yellow-throated, Blue-whiskered, Paradise, and Grass-green, Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis; and right up there as top trip bird, the rare and extremely local Tanager Finch, of which we had a close pair, singing their hearts out for us! That was a long paragraph, but it had to be said, because the birding was spectacular.
Special thanks have to go out to our experienced driver, Edgar, who handled thousands of Andean curves with nerves of steel, as well as our bird guide at Sacha, Oscar, who knows every "peep" and "squeak" in the lowland jungle! And thanks to all of you for being a real pleasure to bird with!!!
--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
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
CURVE-BILLED TINAMOU (Nothoprocta curvirostris curvirostris) – Too bad we didn't have time to get everybody up to the front of the bus before this one blasted off from the roadside. Apart from those who did see it well sitting, at least many folks got to see it in flight!
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) – It was looking grim for this riverine duck, but we nabbed it at almost the last opportunity along the Cosanga river, not far from San Isidro, where we scoped a pair.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda) – We had our best views at a reservoir in Papallacta, for nice views of this yellow bills.
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium) – Seen side-by-side with the previous species.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Seen we at Sacha, such as from the metal towers.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Fantastic studies of the high elevation guan along the Guacamayos trail.
SPIX'S GUAN (Penelope jacquacu) – Shortly after getting to the central platform a couple of this large lowland guan were spotted feeding in a large Cecropia tree.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Nice scope views at Anangu of this handsome guan.
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) [*]
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Most got at least quick views at Paz de las Aves, but we all enjoyed nice views at this bluish-faced guan in the east.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – One of the hardest groups in the neotropics to see, so it was really a thrill to have such amazing views at three birds - 2 adults and a young - after Angel Paz sweet-talked them in for us!!!
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) [*]
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) – The large, well-marked heron that we saw a couple of times out along the Napo.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (IBIS) (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – The small heron - like a pale Green - that we saw on the edges of Pilchecocha (the Sacha lake) and the Napo.
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami) – Spectacular studies along the Orquidea stream at Sacha, where we even had one standing motionless within only a few feet as we quietly paddled by!!!
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – One flew by out over the river island where we saw the umbrellabird. Wish we had seen it a little longer, but at least we were able to make out some detail.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Flying over Pilchecocha in the evening.
BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) – Excellent studies of a day roosting bird along the Orquidea stream where we could really see that bizarre - Shoebill-like - bill, and large dark eyes.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – The common, large, and dark vulture of the eastern lowlands. I thought it most interesting - and useful to put into practice - the point that Rick (we'll keep his Brazilian name between us!) brought up that he had learned from John Rowlett: Turkey Vultures have a more sharply-angled dihedral, will this species has more of a smoother curve. Nice trick... Rick!
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Out along the Napo [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis cayanensis) – One adult flew over not far from the Napo River at Anangu.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Always elegant!
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) – Wonderful studies, both perched and in flight, from the metal towers. At one point we could really appreciate that "dangerously" hooked bill!
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – A common site from the towers at Sacha, and a handsome raptor as well... and we needed all the help we could get this trip for raptors... Not sure what they were up to!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – A few times at sacha for nice views. A close relative of the Mississippi Kite.
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) – Scope views on our day of paramo birding, not far from the Papallacta Pass. This one is sometimes simply called, "Black-chested Eagle"; Ridgely thinks that using the word "buzzard" denigrates it a bit.
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – Peter had a look at one at San Isidro. I really wish "they" would re-split this one...
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Leucopternis schistaceus) – This striking hawk species helped patch up our hawk list a bit; we had them pretty well through the scope from the metal towers at Sacha.
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus) – We caught a couple of birds starting to soar, mid-morning, in the central valley as we passed through.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) – The common hawk at many elevations with the obvious rufous patches in the wings, best seen when in flight.
VARIABLE HAWK (Buteo polyosoma) – A large hawk of high elevations, that comes in - as you might have guessed from th name - a variety of flavors; the most common being white-bellied, gray, or black, but there are some other less common mixes. We saw the white morph up on the Papallacta Pass area.
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – I have had some tough luck with this eagle of late, but we had them twice this trip. The looks we had along the old Nono-Mindo rd. were quite nice and close, as one lazily circled about no far from us.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – The common black caracara with the bright orange face and white rump, that we saw very well numerous times at Sacha.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – Up on a high perch from the metal towers at Sacha, where we were able to nab pretty decent scope views.
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) – Darn... we only managed a quick flyby from the bus as we headed up to the paramo.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Common out on sandbars along the Napo.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Looking a lot like the Lone Ranger, we scoped this masked species from the metal towers at Sacha.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – The resident breeding subspecies of the central valley.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) [*]
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – Although always thought of as a lowland species here in Ecuador, there is now a small resident population just up the road from San Isidro where saw no less than four birds as they hung out in some damp pastures.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Pretty common this time of the year along montane and lowland rivers. [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – We had them just about daily out along the Napo for nice looks. [b]
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – Hanging out with the sandpipers we saw at Sacha along the Napo. [b]
STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – Three birds that we saw on a couple of days with the previous species for really nice comparisons. While this is regular in small numbers along the coast, Amazonian records are very few, so our sighting was significant!
Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes)
RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi latreillii) – I think some of us might still be suffering from numbness in our extremities after the adventure up to the highest paramos to find this very local species, but all survived, and drove away with fabulous studies of this unique highland species. What a thrill!
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – The high elevation gull species in Ecuador; we had them on our way up to the Papallacta Pass.
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – The common little tern along the Napo.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – Almost skimmer like it its shape. This chunky tern has quite a striking wing pattern.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Common out along the edges of Pilchecocha and along the Napo.
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) – Rick and I had quick scope views along the Loreto rd. before it flew.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) – The common highland pigeon, often seen in large groups where they gather to raid fruiting trees.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Nice views from the metal towers at Sacha. This all gray pigeon has a pale eye.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – The all rufous pigeon with the red eye that we saw numerous times in the west.
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni) – Restricted to the Choco, western lowlands. We had excellent scope views of one feeding at a fruiting tree along the roadside at Silanche.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) – Common in the central valley eve in urban areas.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) – A couple of times on the west slope.
PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida) – Seen very briefly by some at Silanche.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – In flight at Sacha.
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata bourcieri) – Very nice views of this sneaky, forest understory dove at Paz de las Aves.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) – This western race was heard and seen flying by a couple of times.
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura melanura) – We never did catch them perched around Sacha, but had decent views of them in flight a time or two.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – One confusing acting bird came in to the outer parrot salt lick area along the Napo. I saw confusing because it came in, circled landed.. took off again and did the same think over and over. At any rate we had nice looks at all of its features.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – The very common (and noisy) parakeet at the outer salt lick where we had some sensational views of them coming down to the clay in large groups.
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – One flyby at from the wooden tower.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – A distant pair in flight from the metal towers was a bit of a thrill, even if far away.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – Five birds came drifting by during our birding from the metal towers for pretty nice looks; they could have been closer, but the views weren't bad.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) – The smallest macaw of the area out along the Napo.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – A common parakeet of the Ecuadorian Amazon; we had scope views a couple of times, such as at the inner salt lick at Anangu.
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) – We had about 20 fly by at the wooden towers in a tight and noisy group.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – Awesome scope views from the towers at Sacha.
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Littering the trees and clay banks of the outer Napo salt lick, if you can call these "litter"... wow!!!
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus) – Mostly in flight around San Isidro.
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – High fly-overs on the west slope.
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) – Common on the west slope in the foothills and lowlands, where we had many nice studies of them. This parrot is different from most others in that its main color is dark blue.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – A pair in good light flew by from the metal towers, where we could see the yellow in the face and orange in the wings!
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) – Two flew over on the west slope pretty high up.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Large numbers of this biggest of Amazon parrots were in attendance on the clay bank along the Napo; the one with the big, fleshy-white eyering.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – Slightly smaller and darker than the previous species, characteristics that we could compare right in the field since they were feeding on the Napo clay bank shoulder to shoulder!
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – One of Ecuador's goofiest birds, looking like a punk rocker crossed with Archaeopteryx! We had plenty of up-close views of this bizarre vegetarian out along the edges of Pilchecocha and the Napo!
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – A common, large cuckoo of the neotropics that really does run through the trees like a squirrel.
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) – Peter spotted this one perched up on a wire near Silanche, which really got interesting when it started singing for us!
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – The large black, iridescent ani of Amazonia. We had some fine views of them on most days at Sacha, usually near water.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common in secondary habitats in the foothills and lowlands of both slopes.
Strigidae (Owls)
COLOMBIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops colombianus) [*]
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) – Tremendous studies of one when it came in and landed right over our heads for spotlight views not far from the cabins at Sacha.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – A few of us stayed out owling for another 15 minutes and landed really nice studies of this large owl at Sacha.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nubicola) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – Nice spotlight views at dusk at a very responsive bird at Sacha.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – We lucked out one evening at San Isidro when we spotted one perched not far from the cabins for nice looks... made dinner a lot more satisfying!
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – What is often called the "mystery owl" that lives around the cabins at San Isidro. We had really nice views of this large and attractive species - that may turn out to be a new taxon - right next to the parking lot at San Isidro. Seeing it involved fishing folks back out of their rooms after breaking for the evening; thanks to Keith for running down to sound the alarm while I watched the bird!
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – Flyovers at dusk around San Isidro.
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor) – One of what must have been this boreal migrant at dawn during a paddle across the lake. [b]
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Flying ahead of the bus pre-dawn on our way up to Paz de las Aves.
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Nice looks at a bird on a day roost right along the Napo River.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Nice day roost views of an immature in a large ficus tree along the Napo.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – A few of us trudged on one evening before dinner at Septimo and called this wide ranging species in for quality views.
ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) – It took a little searching to find it on a feeding perch at San Isidro, but we were successful and clinched nice scope studies. This is a pretty rare and localized, east slope species.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-CHINNED SWIFT (Cypseloides cryptus) – Flyovers around San Isidro.
SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT (Cypseloides cherriei) [*]
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques) – Fairly common in the highlands.
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The large swift that we saw well a few times in the highlands.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – The stocky swift that we saw commonly in small groups over Pilchecocha.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (ASH-RUMPED) (Chaetura cinereiventris sclateri) – Nice comparisons of this species with the Short-tailed out over Pilchecocha where they appeared to be coming down to drink.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – A well marked swift that we saw from the Silanche tower.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – A petite swift with the pointy tail that we saw commonly around Sacha.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – We had our first encounters at Septimo's feeders where we saw males and females really well.
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus) – Along the blackwater streams at Sacha.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) [*]
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – Most common at Milpe's feeders, where they come in from some very close encounters.
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – Some good looks at Septimo, but we saw it best when one came to sip at Paz de las Aves' feeders.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – Tremendous scope studies of birds at a lek along Sacha's trails.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – Lekking males along the Anangu trail for full-frame scope views.
BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) – Quick views on our arrival day to Sacha of this small hermit.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis) – Recently officially split from the previous species, this occurring on the west slope. We had one buzz in at Silanche.
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae ludovicae) – Some caught pretty decent views of this long-billed species when it came to feed at some forest flowers along the Guacamayos trail.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – Common and vocal at Septimo.
GREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus) – The smaller of the violetears, and when compare to the Sparkling, this one lacks the blue in the belly and chin; this we were able to compare nicely at San Isidro's feeders.
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans) – The large and very... sparkling (!) violetear species here!
BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – Very nice views at a couple of birds across the river from Sacha at Providencia, where they interacted a bit.
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – Abundant at Guango's feeders!
BLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL (Discosura langsdorffi) – We glimpsed a female right where we saw the Black-eared Fairies; got away before we could get most folks on it.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – Both sexes were common at the Milpe feeders, but how about those long-tailed males!?
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Common at mid-elevations on both slopes.
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) – A stunning, long-tailed hummer that we had many incredible looks at on the east slope at Guango and San Isidro.
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) – Equally stunning as the previous species, and replaces it in the west. We had them Septimo and Paz de las Aves for our best views.
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – Really nice scope studies at a female in a Polylepis woodland in the paramo.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) – Fantastic studies of this central valley species at my house in Tumbaco... what a tail!
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna gracilis) – Good looks at female plumaged birds at Yanacocha.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi) – We had a great run with the paramo hummingbirds, seeing just about all of them; it is an admittedly small set, but a special one! We this one perched for views of all of its colors a couple of times, and even saw it chasing around with the Rainbow-bearded!
RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani herrani) – A gorgeous hummer when seen well; I believe our bird was a young male up in the paramo-edge shrubbery... nice!
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – Most common at Yanacocha's and Guango's feeders.
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami primolinus) – Replaces the previous species in the higher elevation paramo-edge woodlands. We had very close studies at a couple of males not far from the Papallacta Pass.
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae russata) – Some pretty good views of one feeding at a flowering tree way down the Guacamayos trail.
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita) – A few folks caught this brilliant species at the feeders at Guango.
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis luciani luciani) – This and the next species were seen very well, side by side, at the Yanacocha feeders. This one has the bluish in the crown and purple vent.
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) – See above for more, but this was the one with the yellowish wash in the chest and greener crown.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena obscura) – Shyer than the other hummers at San Isidro's feeders, but still seen well numerous times.
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) – Replaces the previous species on the west slope; the one with the big white neck spots that we saw a few times at the feeders.
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) – A real favorite for many, and how could it not be with such a dramatic plumage. We had this one most commonly at the feeders in the east.
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) – Abundant at the feeders at Yanacocha; smaller numbers were present at Guango's feeders.
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) – Females seem more common, and while we did see some, we were lucky to have had such nice views at a male at Yanacocha.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This hummer is truly unreal! How could such an extreme bill have evolved?! We were certainly lucky to have it in our presence at the Yanacocha and Guango feeders.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus) – The second largest hummingbird that we saw so well at Yanacocha's feeders.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) – The east slope, nominate form with the larger and paler patches in the tail; we had them in small numbers at Guango's feeders. Not seen much away from feeders.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) – This west slope form is common though, being seen at and away from feeders with relative ease.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – The east slope coronet that we had stunning views of at Guango's and San Isidro's feeders.
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – Possibly one of the most amazing hummers when seen in good light, wow! This west slope endemic dazzled us at Paz de las Aves' feeders.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Doubles tennis, anyone?! This little dandy is an Andean classic that we just couldn't stop watching!
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri leucura) – Spectacular scope studies of this water loving hummer on the slopes of the Guacamayos one early morning, but it was also fun seeing them zip about, flashing the large amounts of white in the tail.
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini) – The hummer with the large white spot on the top of its tail that we saw at most feeder sites on the west slope.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) – Not the flashiest of hummers, overall, but that throat patch sure is a glittering pink! We saw them at the feeders on both slopes.
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) – Common at Septimo's and Milpe's feeders, where we had repeated views of males and females.
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – We were blown away by that stunning show of males at Paz de lad Aves' feeders after the hike to the antpittas. This is a range restricted, west slope hummer.
GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas peruviana) – The biggest hummer of them all, as the name implies, and you can almost count the wing beats! We had awesome studies of a bird at my house in Tumbaco where it comes to the feeder.
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – Fine studies of this pot-bellied woodstar at Guango's feeders.
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii) – Thinner than the previous, and a bird mostly of the west slope. We had them well at feeders.
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus) – A glimmering male at my house in Tumbaco was a treat!
GREEN-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania fannyi verticeps) – In good light, I think that this is one the most attractive hummers around, with those bold, iridescent green and purples! We had them best at Milpe.
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – Fair views in the eastern lowlands at Sacha.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae viridiceps) – Common in the west at feeders; the one with the immaculate white underneath and aqua-green crown.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Seen on a couple of days at Sacha; the one with the white stripe down the belly.
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Common around the gardens at the Silanche reserve, where they constantly sing and feed at the Aphelandra-type flowers. We had some nice scope studies.
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi) – More of a forest-based bird than the previous species, but shoulder to shoulder with it at Silanche. We had some quick views from the tower there.
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – One of the first birds to tune up for dawn chorus around Septimo, and a common feeder bird there. More easily recognized by its red bill.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Scope views in marginal light along the Providencia across from Sacha.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) – We an actively feeding male on our morning birding at Septimo, which made keeping it in the scope a bit of a challenge. In the end though, we got it for everybody! Quetzals are group of flashy birds that any birder on a trip to the neotropics wants to see... and we did so!
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus) [*]
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – This Amazonian form was split from the previous species fairly recently. This yellow-bellied bird is pretty common in the Sacha area, and we had some fine studies a few times.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – Split from Violaceous Trogon, and the form that inhabits Ecuador's Amazon. We had some nice views at Sacha from the wooden tower, where they often put in an appearance.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – Nice views of this red-bellied species on our last day at Sacha.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – A regular around the cabins at San Isidro, where a pair often graces the grounds.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – The Blue-crowned Motmot went a few ways after an important split. We saw the form that was split out as the "Amazonian Motmot", and inhabits the Ecuadorian Amazon. Oscar spotted one for us out along the Napo for nice scope studies.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) [*]
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) – Very nice views at Septimo.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – Very nice views along the Orquidea stream at this handsome kingfisher; likes black water.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – Like a miniature of the previous species, and also found along black water streams with it. We lucked into awesome, close studies of a perched bird on our last full day along the Orquidea.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – It was a tad distant, but through the scope the views were pretty good from the metal towers.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – Seen well through the scopes from the metal towers.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – Always a lucky find as they tend to remain motionless and quiet well above the ground in the canopy and subcanopy, so I couldn't contain my excitement when we turned one up for killer views at Milpe.
BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea) – Responsive and seen really well along the trails at Sacha.
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Most common out along the Napo in secondary woodland.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Tends to replace the previous species in more mature forest.
YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) [*]
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Common in the eastern lowlands.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) [*]
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) – Fairly common in the swamp forests around Sacha, such as along the main boardwalk, where we enjoyed scope studies.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – Scoped well at a territory out along the Napo at Sacha.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) – The barbet of river edges at Sacha; we had both males and females in the scope.
ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus) – Excellent views of this clean-cut barbet from the tower at Silanche.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – Not sure where they were this trip as the are usually easy from the towers, but at least Keith had views one time!
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – We were so close! [*]
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – Common with flocks in the west; a gorgeous barbet!
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) – A feeder bird at Paz de las Aves these days, where the looks were incredible when a pair came down to feed.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – Seen on our last full day around San Isidro as the light started to fade.
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus) – Another bird that visits the fruit feeders at Paz de las Aves!
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – One of the great middle elevation Choco endemics that we had stunning views of along the old Nono-Mindo rd. on our last day on the west slope.
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – Scope views of this small aracari at Anangu.
COLLARED ARACARI (STRIPE-BILLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius) – Common on the west slope.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – The aracari with the red belly band that we had nicely through the scope along the Loreto rd.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – The most commonly seen aracari in the eastern lowlands.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara) – A group of them seen well from the metal towers at Sacha.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – David spotted this gaudy little toucanet for us along the trails at Sacha... nice!
BLACK-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) – The chestnut-mandibled form of this species that occurs on the west slope. We had them well on a couple of days.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – The large toucan - the "yelper" - of the eastern lowlands.
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) – Fairly common in the west; we saw our first one at Septimo during our morning of birding there.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Good looks from the metal towers at Sacha.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – We ran into this tiny woodpecker on our way out of the Providencia trail across the river from Sacha for excellent studies.
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus harterti) – Excellent views of this west slope piculet at Silanche.
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Common in the eastern lowlands.
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – Beautifully from the tower at Silanche.
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus fumigatus) – Good looks at this mostly brown woodpecker at Septimo.
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii) – A few at Silanche.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) [*]
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris) – A stunning woodpecker of the Andes that we saw so well a couple of times.
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) – Responsive and seen well at Silanche.
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) – At a nest hole along the Orquidea at Sacha!
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – Scope views of this beauty along the main Sacha boardwalk.
RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) – This can be a hard one to find, but we had sensational views across the river from Sacha one fine morning.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus lineatus) – The east slope from that we saw at Sacha.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) – The west slope bird that we had at Septimo.
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) – And powerful it is indeed... I'd especially hate to get pecked in the head by this one! This Andean woodpecker was seen wonderfully when we called in a responsive pair at San Isidro one afternoon.
GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis) – Nice views at Milpe of this large woodpecker.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Nice looks at this understory bird at Sacha.
SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) – An uncommon little leaftosser that is easily overlooked, but we called one in for some nice views, after a little work at Sacha.
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior) – Common in the high paramos of the Papallacta Pass. This was the larger one with the thicker bill.
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) – More petite than the previous species, but equally as common in the paramo. Part of the Bar-winged Cinclodes, that went a few ways - split-wise - recently.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – Common in the west in disturbed areas.
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola) – The pointy-tailed furnariid of the paramo, and one we saw well when a pair came in and perched up in full view.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media) – The common Andean Spinetail here in Ecuador.
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis rodolphei) – We had a flyby along the Loreto rd.!
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa) – Good looks in a bamboo patch along the Guacamayos trail.
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis) [*]
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops) – Common with flocks on the west slope; we called them in for inaugural views at Septimo.
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata flammulata) – The all streaky, and only, canastero up at the Papallacta Pass.
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa fuliginosa) [*]
RUSTY-WINGED BARBTAIL (Premnornis guttuligera) – Creeping around with a flock above Tandayapa along the old Nono-Mindo rd.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens) [*]
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) – An elegant furnariid that was common with the flocks in the east.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – A large and attractive furnariid of montane mixed flocks that we had at San Isidro.
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) – With the flocks in the west.
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis montana) – Replaces the previous species on the east slope, such as around San Isidro.
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) [*]
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) – Nice looks across the river at Anangu when we pulled one out of a flock.
STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Hyloctistes subulatus virgatus) [*]
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Susan spotted this one for us in a flock at Septimo.
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) – This is usually a really tough bird to see well, but we got one to perch long enough for scope views along the Providencia trail.
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) [*]
STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) – Regular around Septimo, where we saw it on our first morning there.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – With a small understory flock at Sacha right near the wooden tower.
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) – With a flock in the eastern foothills.
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina tyrannina) – Very nice views of this large and mostly rufous-brown woodcreeper at San Isidro.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – Common in the foothills and lowlands of both slopes.
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) – One of the smallest woodcreepers; we saw this one well in the eastern foothills.
LONG-TAILED WOODCREEPER (Deconychura longicauda) – A rare bird in Ecuador, but we managed to pull a responsive pair out of a flock at Anangu.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest woodcreeper; Sacha.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – Pretty good looks a time or two when one sailed right over us as we canoed across Pilchecocha.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) [*]
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) – Nice looks at this large woodcreeper at Sacha near the wooden tower.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Similar to the previous species, but usually not so tied to mature forests; we had good looks at this one out along the main boardwalk.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) [*]
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) – Pretty good looks at this swamp forest species along the Orquidea.
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) – A shy woodcreeper that we finally managed to see pretty well at Sacha.
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – One of the more common and vocal woodcreeper species around Sacha.
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – A beautifully marked woodcreeper of the western lowlands that we saw really well along the trails at Silanche.
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis) – Pretty common with the flocks on the west slope.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis) – Replaces the previous species on the east slope.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii esmeraldae) – Nice looks at Silanche.
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) – Common with flocks on both slopes.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) [*]
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus tenuifasciatus) – The one that looks like it is wearing a jailbird suit! We had good looks at a singing pair along the Loreto rd. in the eastern foothills.
WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – Nice looks at a pair at Silanche.
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – We had a responsive pair come in for a peek along the trails at Sacha.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) – A bird of terra firme forests across the river from Sacha; we had nice scope views of a male along the Providencia trail.
RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (TAWNY) (Thamnistes anabatinus intermedius) – We connected with a nice pair in a canopy flock at Milpe.
BICOLORED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus occidentalis punctitectus) [*]
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – With the understory flocks at Sacha.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) [*]
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) [*]
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – An understory antwren that we saw at Silanche.
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura) [*]
PACIFIC ANTWREN (Myrmotherula pacifica) [*]
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula hauxwelli) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – Nice looks with the flocks at Sacha.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – Good looks at this midstory antwren along the trails at Sacha.
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) – Tough to see unless you have an eye-level view of the canopy, such as from the towers! We had a nice male come through for even scope views from the wooden tower... nice!
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – Nice looks with the bird parties at Silanche.
LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata caudata) – This bamboo species was seen well in the montane zones of both slopes.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) [*]
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) – Quick but decent views of a pair along the Loreto rd. when they came sneaking through the undergrowth.
WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) [*]
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Very nice looks at a male of this attractive antbird in the understory at Sacha.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – Seen right at the same spot as the previous species, but this one stuck to the tangles overhead.
YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) – Another handsome antbird, and a strict inhabitant of terra firme forests across the river from Sacha. We called one in for great views at Anangu.
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – Numerous nice views in the swamp forests at Sacha where this one stays low to the ground (or water!).
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps) – Common and vocal in the swamp forests around Sacha.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – We worked to get good views along the Orquidea from the canoe, but were finally victorious when we got a male to pop out.
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza fortis) – It took a little work, but we finally outsmarted one along the trails at Sacha.
IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza immaculata macrorhyncha) – Fabulous studies near the lodge at Septimo where a family group came in along the entrance road.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – A very cleanly marked antbird, and yet another that is restricted to the swampy forests near the lodge; we had great views along the Orquidea.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) – Superb views of this antthrush near the wooden tower at Sacha, when it sat and sang on a low fallen branch.
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) [*]
BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima mollissima) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
GIANT ANTPITTA (Grallaria gigantea hylodroma) – Wow, an antpitta the size of a Nerf football! Angel Paz really has really done a remarkable job of taming down some of the hardest birds to see. The views that we had of his little population of this species were stunning! This species was essentially unknown on life until about 20 years ago.
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni andaquiensis) – Another bird that only fairly recently became known in life, and another one that Angel has managed to tame down. We had adult and young birds coming in to chomp on worms at Paz de las Aves.
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis regulus) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla) – San Isidro has also created its own little fleet of worm-fed antpittas, and this is one of them. We had killer views of this beautiful antpitta our first morning around San Isidro.
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) – Another one that comes in to eat worms at San Isidro. Sure is nice to have these birds easier to find these days, because it used to be like pulling teeth to even get a look at one or two; we saw six this trip with minimal effort. Although not particularly rare, this used to be a tough one to see due to its retiring habits... not anymore!
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula rufula) [*]
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis quitensis) – Common up in the highlands. We had our first one as it fed along the trail edge at Yanacocha.
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) – We missed my usual stake-out pair at Septimo, but lucky for us, Angel was able to cajole out a couple for killer views.
PERUVIAN ANTPITTA (Grallaricula peruviana) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) [*]
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus) – Yet another prize that Angel Paz has waiting for his guests. Who would have ever thought that this most stunning of tapaculos could be taught to hope right out into the open for birders?! Angel has named him "Tomas".
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) – Most glimpsed this one along the Guacamayos trail.
NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
PARAMO TAPACULO (Scytalopus opacus) [*]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – Common in the canopy with flocks at Silanche.
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) [*]
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – Good looks at my house in the central valley around Tumbaco.
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – With the canopy flocks at San Isidro.
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus) – Replaces the previous species in the higher elevation temperate forest flocks, such as around Guango and Yanacocha.
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatis) – A large tyrannulet of high temperate forests, right up to treeline; we had our first ones with the flocks at Yanacocha.
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – With the mixed flocks at San Isidro.
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) – Very nicely in some roadside bamboo along the Loreto rd.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – Scope views of this lowland canopy species at Providencia, across the river from Sacha.
GRAY ELAENIA (Myiopagis caniceps) – Very nicely from the Silanche tower.
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata) – More of a lower strata bird than th previous two elaenias; Silanche.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster) – A large and bushy crested elaenia of secondary habitats that we saw along the road into Silanche.
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis) – Common in highland scrub, gardens and forest edges.
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – Good looks at a couple of them perched up out on a Napo river island.
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) – Septimo area.
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea) – Good looks at this water loving tyrannulet along the Loreto rd. with a gorgeous river backdrop.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – Common in the lowlands - inside forest - of both slopes.
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) [*]
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) [*]
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Scope views at Septimo.
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis) – Split from the Golden-faced Tyrannulet of the east. This is a common little tyrannulet from the lowlands up into the lower montane zones.
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes) – The common Zimmerius tyrannulet of the eastern lowlands that we saw from the towers at Sacha.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops) – Tends to replace the previous species at higher elevations on the east slope; we had good looks along the Loreto rd.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – And ornate it is! We had excellent looks at this species on our second day at Septimo and Milpe.
BRONZE-OLIVE PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus pelzelni) – Really close views along the Guacamayos trail when we called on into the bushes right next to us.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – Awesome views along the upper stretches of the Guacamayos trail.
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) [*]
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) [*]
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Common around Silanche, where we had good looks.
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) – Good looks along the Providencia trail.
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – Tied to stands of Chusquea bamboo - well not literally! - at middle elevations; common around San Isidro and an attractively streaked species. If you want to see more of this genus, head to SE Brazil!
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri) – Silanche area, where common in secondary woodlands.
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) [*]
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – It took a little time and some coaxing on our part, but we finally got one to come in at the wooden tower at Sacha for eye-level views.
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (ZIMMER'S) (Tolmomyias assimilis obscuriceps) – We this and the following species very well from the wooden tower one afternoon. This can be a confusing genus owing to visual id difficulties and various taxonomic issues, but sound nails them every time!
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus albogularis) – Good looks at this tiny understory species along the Silanche trails when one came quite close.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) [*]
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus) – Common at forest edges in the highlands.
CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – We stopped at the regular spot along the Loreto rd. for scope vies of this charming flycatcher.
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher) – Good views with the mixed canopy flocks at San Isidro, right next to the cabins.
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius sulphureipygius) – One of this understory flycatcher along the trails at Silanche.
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans flavicans) – An unobtrusive little forest flycatcher that we saw at San Isidro.
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – In small numbers as a migrant; we saw one perched up along the Loreto rd. [b]
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Once lumped with the Greater Pewee, this non-migratory southern bird is pretty common at middle elevations in montane forest on both slopes.
BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris) – Common near water in the foothills and mountains.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (VERMILION) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) – A common garden bird in the central valley, such as at my house in Tumbaco.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Fairly common out along the Napo where it can usually be found low next to the water's edge.
PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus alpinus) – Fairly common up in the high, treeless paramos at the Papallacta Pass.
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus solitarius) – In small numbers in the paramo shrubbery; we had nice views on our way up to the pass as it flashed all of that white in the tail.
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) [*]
RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius erythropygius) – This can be a toughie, but we stopped at one of my favorite spots for it on our way up to the pass and nabbed two birds for great scope studies; a very attractive and distinctive, large tyrannid.
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) – Common in cleared areas, pastures, marshes, etc., on the west slope, where it can be found running about in the open. We even saw them launch into their comical wing display.
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema gratiosa) – Nice looks at this montane, understory species along the old Nono-Mindo rd. The yellow brow is really more of a key mark!
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED) (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) – We called in a really responsive bird in the Guacamayos that came in quite close. One of the more striking chat-tyrants, with that bold white in the brow.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata) – Some got onto this one briefly at Guango; wish it had stayed around a little longer.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons) – The common chat-tyrant of the paramo; we saw our first ones at Yanacocha.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) – A responsive pair performed well for us along the black water, Orquidea stream at Sacha.
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) – Unresponsive this trip at Sacha. [*]
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) – Nicely form the wooden tower at Sacha.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – A pretty drab bird that sort of reminds me of an all gray Myiarchus; we scoped one really well along the Providencia trail.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Common on both slopes.
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes) – Common around the gardens at San Isidro.
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – One pair on one afternoon out on Pilchecocha at Sacha.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – An Iconic neotropical species, and a voice that many recognize! Common around Sacha.
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – Seen on one day at Sacha.
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis hellmayri) – Pretty common in the western lowlands around Silanche.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common around the lake at Sacha.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – A few groups of them at Sacha.
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – A forest canopy species of the eastern lowlands, and one we called in along the Providencia trail for nice studies.
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti cinchoneti) – Scoped along the Loreto rd.
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor) – A common bird around Septimo, even nesting in the structure of the lodge.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – A few times at Silanche.
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – Common in the canopy of lowland forests on both slopes.
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – One of the most commonly seen birds from the towers at Sacha this time of the year. [a]
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) [*]
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus) – Yep!
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) – In migrating waves at Sacha. [b]
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – Fantastic studies at this attractive bird along the Guacamayos trail.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata) – This chunky fruiteater was vocal and visible on our first day at Yanacocha; sometimes they can be a real bear to find!
ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola jucunda) – Angel Paz led us right to an active nest where a female was standing guard!
BLACK-CHESTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola lubomirskii) – Just could not lure one into view! [*]
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – A common cotinga of the high temperate and paramo-edge zones; we saw our first at Yanacocha.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – After some pretty nice insurance views along the old Nono-Mindo rd. at a distant lek, we really scored at Paz de las Aves one early morning where we had close encounters with some vibrant males at a much closer lek... wow!!! It really was worth getting up early for.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – Just love that purple fascinator!!! We had groups of them in the lowlands of both slopes, but enjoyed especially good looks from the towers at Sacha.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – Cotingas are certainly one of the strangest and most sought after groups of birds in the neotropics; some are rare, many unbelievably beautiful or just weird, while others have voices that define the neotropics. What more could you ask for? This crow-sized cotinga is member of a genus that any birder to the tropics HAS to see. Flying like a woodpecker, with retiring habits, and a head-dress that not even British wedding designers could craft, Umbrellabirds embellish what cotingas are all about! We had some fantastic views of this one out on a Napo river island one glorious morning, with perfect light.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – Nothing epitomizes the cotinga family like the dazzling birds of the genus... "Cotinga"! How could colors like this have evolved?! We had some really nice views of this sizzler from the canopy towers.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – This one has to be plugged into 220 volts... wow! We had some crippling views from the canopy towers at Sacha.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – There just couldn't be a better name for this dull-plumaged cotinga, but its voice makes up for any drabness. Watching this species belt out its deafening lek song is a real kick, and we saw it happen through the scope!
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – Odd is the best word to describe this lanky cotinga. Its wayward flight-style, and pigeon-headed appearance make for bird that looks sort of pieced together. We had some close views from the towers at Sacha.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) [*]
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – Wonderful close studies of a calling male at a lek spot at Milpe.
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – It is always a thrill to witness the wing display of this distinctive manakin species, which happens to be the fastest known mechanical sound made by any animal... pretty impressive. The lek at Milpe was really active, so there were no shortage of activity.
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) [*]
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – One quick one sen by the group at Silanche, and a male seen by Susan and I at Anangu.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – The snaps and wing rattles of this manakin are to many who have birded the neotropics. We had excellent views of males at Silanche.
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) – A very local manakin that favors swampy forests often in black water areas, making access to it often hard without a paddle canoe; at Sacha you definitely need a canoe to get to it, this is for sure! It took us a few tries but we finally nabbed one for excellent studies as it fed and perched around us.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – Tremendous studies of this and the following species - right next to each other! - along the trails behind Sacha was a real treat. The male of this species is a stunner that sports wire-like bristles which it uses in its dance to attract females.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra erythrocephala) – Wonderful views, almost in the same binocular shot as the previous species, along the trails at Sacha.
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – Used to be called Wing-barred Manakin. [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – Fairly common in the canopy at Sacha.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Fairly common on both slopes.
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – This was long considered a cotinga, genetics have revealed it to be closer to the becards. We were graced by the presence at both the wooden and metal towers on a couple of our visits.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor) – This small becard was seen with a flock at San Isidro.
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus) – The common becard of the west slope.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – On our last day at Sacha.
BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus) – Good looks (for most) at a pair with a flock that appeared to be entirely composed of other becards and flycatchers; Milpe.
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous) – A few of this large species at Silanche.
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – An awesome male zipped in right overhead at Providencia, across from Sacha.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Pretty common with montane mixed flocks. Once lumped with the Warbling Vireo.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Probably the resident bird of the west slope.
RED-EYED VIREO (MIGRATORY CHIVI) (Vireo olivaceus chivi) – Seen on our last full day around Sacha. This bird probably refers to the form that migrates within the neotropics. [b]
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) – Responsive along the Loreto rd. in the eastern foothills.
LESSER GREENLET (GRAY-HEADED) (Hylophilus decurtatus minor) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – Very nice views with a flock at this handsome vireonid at Milpe.
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – Vocal and quite a common garden bird at San Isidro.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BEAUTIFUL JAY (Cyanolyca pulchra) – They just wouldn't pop up out of that ocean of forest! [*]
TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) – Some fantastic looks around Guango at this richly-colored Jay.
GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – Abundant on the east slope, and a fancy yard bird at San Isidro.
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – A large, noisy and common jay of the eastern lowlands and foothills that we saw well at Sacha.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – This resident form is common from the central highlands down into the foothills.
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina murina) – The common swallow at higher elevations that we had our best looks at during our hike at Yanacocha.
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis minima) – The small, all dark swallow that we saw well in the eastern foothills along the east slope.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – An elegant swallow that inhabits river edges and lakes in the Amazon. We had nice looks on the entry day to Sacha as we motored down river.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Quite common on both slopes.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Daily at Sacha, such as right from the dock.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – Right near Coca just after boarding the canoe where we had some perched and in flight.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – A handsome swallow that is common over rivers and lakes in the eastern lowlands.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – A scoped, dueting pair along the Loreto rd.
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unirufa) – Common in family groups up in the temperate forests at Yanacocha. What is the collective name for wrens? Let's just call them a "mess" of wrens!
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens olivascens) – The lower elevational representative of the previous species, although they do overlap narrowly at middle elevations. Peter was the only one to get onto them first along the Guacamayos trail, but we all caught up with them the following day at San Isidro.
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) – In the bamboo thickets along the Guacamayos trail.
STRIPE-THROATED WREN (Cantorchilus leucopogon) – Not a regular bird on this route as it is a strict forest bird of the lowland Choco, but we heard one at Silanche and called it in for pretty good looks.
BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus) – Excellent views at this pretty wren at Silanche.
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans) – Keep track of where you see these as they could be split one day!
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis) – A common forest-based wren of middle and upper elevations that we saw well on the east slope.
SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) – Another one to monitor for future splits. We called them in for nice views in the high paramo grasslands.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys) – Commonly heard, but can be hard to see. We had them really nicely around the gardens at Septimo where they come to the edges to feed.
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN (Microbates cinereiventris) – Seen well by some along the trail at Silanche.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea) – We had a small family group feeding about in the canopy at the entrance to the Providencia trail.
SLATE-THROATED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila schistaceigula) – This most beautiful of gnatcatchers also happens to be a lowland Choco endemic, and one we saw very well from the tower at Silanche.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – Good thing we worked for them on the first day, for nice views, because we never encountered them again!
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – After having been considered a mockingbird, and then a wren, a new family has finally been erected for this monotypic family. We had some nice views on one day at Sacha out along the edges of Pilchecocha.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – Seen by some in the west before it sneaked away.
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (SLATY-BACKED) (Catharus fuscater fuscater) [*]
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – Always retiring, but we called in a singing bird along the main boardwalk at Sacha for good looks.
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris) – This species is really more of a drier forest bird, but they have moved in due to human activity across western Ecuador. We had them well around Septimo.
LAWRENCE'S THRUSH (Turdus lawrencii) – After playing some song to it, a beautiful male came blasting in near the wooden tower at Sacha for super views. This species is known as one of the great mimics here in the neotropics; they often fake me out if singing at a distance.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – An open country thrush of the eastern foothills and lowlands; we saw them well along the Loreto rd.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater quindio) – The largest of the genus, and a common bird in the highlands in both dry and humid habitats.
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus) – Good looks on our first morning around San Isidro.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis bogotensis) [*]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava) [*]
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Common with the flocks around Milpe.
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – A common forest warbler of both slopes.
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis luteoviridis) – We called a responsive pair to within only a few feet in the Guacamayos!
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristatus) – Common in second growth, and we saw them well on our travel day to San Isidro.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) [*]
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys) – This Choco form is split out from the SE Peru form by some and called the "Choco Warbler". We enjoyed some nice views of them as they moved with a flock at Milpe.
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronatus) – Seen well on both slopes. What a lovely, dueted song!
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – One of the more common birds with flocks on the Andean slopes.
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus) – Replaces the previous species at higher elevations, but they do mix, such as around San Isidro. We had them first, with the flocks, at Yanacocha on our first day.
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Keep track of where you have seen this species, because there could be an explosion of splits one day.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – The longest tanager, tail-aided, of course! We had them a couple of times at Sacha.
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) [*]
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-CAPPED) (Hemispingus atropileus atropileus) – A hefty hemispingus species that performed well for us along the Guacamayos trail on morning.
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons) – We did our best to tease them into view at Yanacocha. [*]
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus melanotis melanotis) – This nominate, eastern form is common in the bamboo patches on the east slope; we had them very well at Guango.
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Hemispingus melanotis ochraceus) – Some split this western form out as a separate species from the eastern birds. Both occur in bamboo, but they do sound a little different, and this one is quite a bit duller. We had good looks at a small group of them on our first day along the old Nono-Mindo rd.
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris) [*]
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri) – A common conebill of the highlands.
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor) – Fairly common with temperate forest flocks; we say them at Yanacocha and Guango.
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) [*]
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Awesome views in the bamboo understory at Guango.
BLACK-BACKED BUSH TANAGER (Urothraupis stolzmanni) – We slammed into a family group of this high temperate forest species not far from the Papallacta Pass for some quality looks.
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – Responsive at Silanche, when a pair came in right at eye-level.
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata) – Not a common bird in Ecuador, but we called in a one bird along the main boardwalk at Sacha for good looks.
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – Perched up for scope views at Silanche, where it would shift positions and allow views of the crown, rump and flanks!
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – Common around Milpe and Silanche.
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – We ran into one group of them at Silanche along the trails, but the views were varying, and not everybody got them.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – In small numbers on both slopes.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – Crippling views of this brilliant tanager at Sacha.
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Although this one doesn't get much credit, the male is actually quite a looker; we had them a few times in the secondary habitats around Sacha.
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – An abundant second growth bird on the west slope, but still quite eye-catching!
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus quaesita) – The duller west slope form.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – This east slope bird sports a bold white shoulder bar.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – A common tanager with a large range.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis darwinii) – A common bird of the drier central valley, the males of which are quite a handsome; females are pretty dull. We had good looks at a responsive male at my house in Tumbaco.
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata) – The large mountain-tanager with a red eye that inhabits temperate and upper subtropical, humid forests. We connected with them along the Guacamayos trail one morning.
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis eximia) – Restricted to higher elevation temperate forests on both slopes. Yanacocha is one of the most reliable spots for this species where had some excellent studies.
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris erythronotus) – Mountain-tanagers as a group are certainly eye-catching, but this one is just so boldly marked with red, black and blue. We had them in good numbers at Yanacocha.
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus) – The common mountain-tanager at middle elevations that we saw best at Angel Paz's fruit feeders.
BLACK-CHINNED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus notabilis) – Traditionally one of the hardest mountain-tanagers to find in Ecuador, but now Angel Paz has them as regulars to his banana feeders, which made it really easy. It was particularly nice to compare this one shoulder to shoulder with the previous species.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii) – Some tremendous studies at a group fo them moving with a canopy flock in the Guacamayos.
YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – An understory tanager, and one we had almost pit-blank views of in the Guacamayos.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis) – On our first morning at Septimo.
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri) – Stunning views of a male with a mixed canopy flock in the Guacamayos. This species' name doesn't convey at all its brilliant green color.
GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara palmeri) – Easily for nice looks from the tower at Silanche.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – Well, there isn't really much "turquoise" about this one, nor is it found anywhere near Mexico, but hey, cool name anyway! We had them nicely at Sacha, such as from the wooden tower.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – This one's common name says it all! Wonderful were had first along the Loreto rd.
BLUE-WHISKERED TANAGER (Tangara johannae) – A pretty rare tanager of the Choco lowlands that we landed from the tower at Silanche.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – Sort of the eastern replacement of the previous species, but much more common, such as at Sacha, where we had them a few times.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – Common on both slopes; the one with the mostly yellow plumage and black face patch.
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Numerous with the flock at Milpe where we had a few nice looks.
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta) – One of the more common Tangaras at San Isidro; should be called the "Saffron-helmeted Tanager".
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – We saw the east slope form around San Isidro.
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – Nice, close views at the forest edge at Providencia, across the river from Sacha.
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara rufigula) – A special tanager of the lower subtropical/upper foothill zones in the Choco of western Ecuador. We had some nice views during our afternoon of birding at Milpe.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Pretty common in the lowlands and foothills of both slopes.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – It took a couple of tries during some birding in the drier central valley, but we dug out a pair for nice studies.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – Another Tangara that is common on both slopes.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides labradorides) – Another poorly named tanager... how about something like "Turquoisy-buff Tanager", eh? Has a nice ring to it... well not really, but the color insinuations would be more accurate. This west slope species can be a slippery bird to find, but we had nice luck with them Septimo.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – The one with the all blue head, and one we saw well on both slopes.
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – Scoped with a tanager flock at Silanche.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – A paler version of the previous species, and mostly a bird of the eastern lowlands. We had them commonly from the towers at Sacha.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – The all blue and black, speckly tanager that we saw well on both slopes.
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii vassorii) [*]
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei) – Pretty common around Septimo.
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – Common in the canopy, and seen well fro the towers at Sacha. The one with the mostly cobalt-blue and black plumage, and bright opal rump, of course!
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – This one also has an opal rump, but also sports that bold opal brow; also common in the canopy at Sacha.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – The white-bellied amazonian form that we finally caught up with on our penultimate full day at Sacha.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata egregia) – Some authorities split this yellow and turquoise from of the west slope out as its own species... I agree as its proportions seem different and the plumage is pretty divergent! We had them numerous times for excellent studies at Silanche.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – Some got onto this handsome dacnis before it slipped away on our last full day at Sacha from the wooden tower.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Susan spotted this one for us at Silanche, where we actually managed to get it in the scope.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Common mostly in the lowlands of both slopes, and best seen , as are most of these tanager-type birds, from the canopy towers.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Known to many neotropical birders!
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – The honeycreeper with the bright yellow legs that we saw first from the metal towers at Sacha as they fed at a red flowering tree.
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus) – While common in some areas of the neotropics, this is a pretty rare bird in the eastern lowlands of Ecuador, but Oscar found a male from the wooden tower at Sacha, and quickly put it in the scope.
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus pulcherrimus) – We called in a female for scope views right at the hummingbird shelter at San Isidro!
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A few along the Loreto rd. The male is just stunning!
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – A few in the roadside second growth along the Loreto rd.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Pretty common at Milpe and Silanche, mostly at forest's edge.
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis) – A west slope saltator, with that distinctive head pattern, that we saw so well at Septimo on our first morning there.
SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK (Saltator grossus) [*]
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis) – The common gray, and quite plump, sierra-finch of the high treeless paramo.
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica) – In the pastures around Silanche. The male has a bold black and white plumage.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SEEDEATER (Sporophila luctuosa) – In the roadside grasses along the Loreto rd.
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – In the pasture growth around Silanche.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – Most common out on a river island along the Napo, downriver from Sacha.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis) – Seen well during our birding along the Loreto rd.
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata minor) – The common seedeater of the high elevation grasslands... the one with the salmon bill that we saw first on our way up to Yanacocha.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii) – The most common flowerpiercer up at Yanacocha, where they visit the hummingbird feeders; the one with the bluish-gray shoulder patch.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera albilatera) – Good looks around San Isidro when we called a male into a canopy vine tangle.
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides decorata) – Good looks at a female in the gardens at my house in the central valley as she fed on some flowers.
DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina) – The east slope flowerpiercer with the bright yellow eye that we saw in the Guacamayos.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens media) – Common around San Isidro.
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – A wide-ranging flowerpiercer, in a variety of habitats; the one with the black mask and red eyes that we saw first at Yanacocha.
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Common along the lake edges at Sacha.
TANAGER FINCH (Oreothraupis arremonops) – Certainly one of the trip highlights when we called in a pair up at the Tandayapa Ridge for incredible views... wow! This is a rare and extremely localized bird found only at a few localities in Ecuador and Colombia.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon brunneinucha frontalis) [*]
GRAY-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon assimilis) – Fabulous views of this sneaky understory species at Yanacocha.
PALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae) – A really handsome brush-finch of the east slope temperate forests which we saw well at Guango.
TRICOLORED BRUSH-FINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes tricolor crassus) – At Septimo on our first morning.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – This complex - previously known as Rufous-naped Brush-Finch across its range - is still in a bit of taxonomic flux, but slowly getting sorted out. We saw this spodionotus form on our first day at Yanacocha.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Common in open habitats at lower elevations in the east.
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – Ubiquitous!
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus phaeocephalus) – Common at San Isidro where they are one of the most vocal species at dawn and dusk.
SHORT-BILLED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus parvirostris huallagae) – We came to a screeching halt in the bus in the Guacamayos when we heard a group of this east slope tanager calling along the roadside. We quickly hopped off for really close views!
YELLOW-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus flavigularis) – Most common around Milpe.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – Now grouped with the cardinals... "Ochre-breasted Cardinal"? I don't know if this name will fly... How about "Broad-billed Cardinal"? At any rate, we had some killer views of one singing at Milpe one afternoon.
GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster) – Common in the central valley scrub.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warszewiczi warszewiczi) – A recent "invader" due to the clearing of forest on the west slope.
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – A striking blackbird of the river island habitats along the Napo!
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – On our last full day at Sacha.
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Seen on most days in the eastern lowlands at Sacha.
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – This form was often split out as the "Moriche Oriole". We enjoyed some nice scope views from the towers at Sacha.
ORANGE-BACKED TROUPIAL (Icterus croconotus) [*]
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (CHAPMAN'S) (Amblycercus holosericeus australis) – Well, we just had to get this most wanted species for Rick - but for everybody else, of course! - as it happened to be one of those birds that he had missed on all of his tours. We had a pair tune up on our last afternoon at San Isidro, and we went for them, and saw pretty well as they crept through the bamboo under growth!
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus) – Common at middle and higher elevations on the east slope; the one with the bright yellow rump.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED) (Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – We saw the east slope form right around the gardens at San Isidro.
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – Abundant at Sacha!
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Ditto!
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – The pale-billed, mostly dark-plumaged oropendola of the eastern lowlands that we saw commonly at Sacha.
CASQUED OROPENDOLA (Clypicterus oseryi) – An uncommon oropendola of th eastern lowlands. I wish everybody had been there for its appearance near the Sacha Napo dock, but some were indisposed at the key moment!
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata) – Not an easy bird to find, but we had a nice look at this west slope euphonia through the scope at Silanche.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The yellow-throated euphonia that we saw in the west.
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni) – A beautiful euphonia that inhabits many habitats. We had super views of males and females at my house in the central valley.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Common from the towers at Sacha.
BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) [*]
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – The most commonly seen euphonia in much of Ecuador.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) – The euphonia with the all dark hood that we saw at Sacha.
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea) [*]
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) – A stunning chlorophonia that we called in for sensational views on our last afternoon at San Isidro; there must have been at least five of them!
YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia flavirostris) – A gorgeous chlorophonia of the west slope that we tracked down along the trails at Septimo for unforgettable views.
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus) [*]
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus capitalis) – Common in the highlands.
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) [*]
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – We saw this small bat species on a day roost at Sacha where there cling to the underside of logs, usually out over water.
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis) – The locals call this one the "milk-drinker", owing to the white muzzle! this one was common, even around the cabins at Sacha.
SADDLEBACK TAMARIN (Saguinus fuscicollis) – Some have split this form out, and call it the "Napo Tamarin". We had some quick, but good looks at them along the Loreto rd.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – Their comical antics kept us entertained around Sacha!
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – The hefty reddish monkey of the eastern lowlands, that can really belt out a furious and even terrifying cry! We saw them a few times at Sacha.
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons) – A few times at Sacha. This one just has trouble in its eyes.
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Most common in the highland forests of both slopes.
NORTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL (Sciurus igniventris) – A large, bushy-tailed squirrel that we saw well at Sacha out along the main boardwalk.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Well, we didn't see one, but we saw their tracks out on the river islands at Sacha... worth something, anyway!
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – Regular around the gardens at San Isidro, where they forage about in the open on most days.
KINKAJOU (Potos flavus) – A few of us had spotlight views of this nocturnal mammal during an evening owling foray at Septimo.
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – A relatively common mammal up in the paramo, now that hunting has been outlawed!
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana) – It was a thrill to find an individual of this small forest deer feeding so close, and seemingly fine by our presence, at Anangu! The lack of hunting has this effect.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 624 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa