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Metallic-green Tanager was one of the dozens of beautiful tanagers we saw. This one was putting on a show at Tony's house and was photographed by guide Willy Perez.
This was the first Jewels tour for 2017, and I have to say that everything worked out super well. The lodges were great, with delicious food. The gardens and even car parks were so full of birds and activity. We started in Yanacocha on the west of Pichincha volcano, going to the dry area of the Catamayo valley and to the very diverse Podocarpus National Park, including the Bombuscaro area and Copalinga. We visited the paramo in Cajas in the south and Papallacta in the north. The foothills on both sides of the Andes were different, and San Isidro was great for many east-slope birds. We finished around Mindo and in the Choco lowlands in Silanche on the west slope. In general we covered a lot of ground and we managed to see many fantastic jewels.
The hummingbirds were one of the highlights with 66 species seen on this tour, followed by colorful tanagers, especially in the Tangara genus. We also managed to see all three species of mountain-toucans, and the puffbirds also worked out well. We each had different favorites and different memories of what we saw, but it is difficult to forget the excitement we had at finding White-necked Parakeets -- we had to stop watching the superb Paradise Tanagers. Our eye-level contact with the Lanceolated Monklet was cool. The two species of trainbearer gave us a stunning tail show on our way up to Papallacta. An Ocellated Tapaculo perched on to a small branch for few seconds, and some people managed to see the white spots. We also managed to sneak in a bit of culture (thanks to the weather) and visited the main plaza in Saraguro to buy some handicrafts.
I had a great time birding and traveling with all of you -- thanks for making it happen. Edgar, our fearless driver, as usual did a great job and took care of us nicely, so my thanks to him also.
Till we meet again, take care and enjoy birding!
--Willy
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
GRAY TINAMOU (Tinamus tao kleei) – A pair nicely seen at Copalinga, these are the ones that come to eat the corn
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) [*]
CURVE-BILLED TINAMOU (Nothoprocta curvirostris curvirostris) – Seen by some people along the road on the way out from Yanacocha .
Collared Inca is a flash of black, white, and iridescent green in flight. Photo by participant Kathy John.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Great looks of a family group dealing with the rushing waters of the Zamora River. Benedict was happy to see them.
YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata)
BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – Kathy found one sitting on top of a tree in the distance, and through the scope we could see the wattle hanging down.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Seen a couple of times at Copalinga but also we found a little chick on the road.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) – Some people saw them crossing the trail at Silanche.
DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – A pair seen at Angel's reserve.
RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus speciosus) [*]
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – A couple of them along the old Loja-Zamora road, the impressive one was the juvenile that Linda found...It was so well hidden.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Butorides striata striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori)
Participant Benedict De Laender brought back this striking image of a Lanceolated Monklet we saw beautifully well at eye level.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – There was a young bird hunting for cicadas at the Silanche car park.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – An adult and a couple of babies on a nest were seen at Llaviucu lake in Cajas.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)
DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni) [*]
CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Coming to the compost pile at Copalinga.
PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida) [*]
WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon frenata) – This is a hard bird to see but one was wandering along the road in Cajanuma with some Bearded Guans.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis) [*]
BAND-BELLIED OWL (Pulsatrix melanota) [*]
GREAT HORNED OWL (GREAT HORNED) (Bubo virginianus nigrescens) – One flew by at Cajanuma.
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) [*]
PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – The best owl looks during the trip.
White-bellied Antpitta was one of the species we saw that has become habituated to being fed worms...what a show! Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) [*]
"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – This is the San Isidro one that Pete decided was his best bird of the trip...what a great look.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Nyctipolus nigrescens)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – A roosting bird at Septimo.
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – This was a great site of a roosting bird along the Loja-Zamora road.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – Fantastic views of this nice swift from the tower at Silanche.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Rhys described this bird like a white flash, and he was spot on...that is exactly how you see them.
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae)
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – We could even see the purple crown from the top of the tower at Silanche.
AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster)
A great way to spend an hour or two surrounded by myriad hummers and other birds...a socks-off visit to the deck at Tony's house in the Tandayapa Valley. Photo by participant Charm Peterman.
PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola)
WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – A few females and a male with the unique crest were seen at Copalinga.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPANGLED COQUETTE (Lophornis stictolophus) – It was only a female but she was good enough to keep us happy.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – We had to wait a bit but we managed to see this nice high-altitude hummingbird very well.
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae)
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – A stunning male came for a photo when we were driving up to Papallacta.
BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami)
VIOLET-THROATED METALTAIL (Metallura baroni) – This Ecuadorian endemic was seen nicely a couple of times at Cajas.
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani)
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – Very numerous at Yanacocha.
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris)
Green-tailed Trainbearer was another beauty among the dozens of hummer species we saw. Photo by participant Benedict De Laender.
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This incredible bird was seen first at Yanacocha but also at Guango.
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – The most spectacular choco endemic hummingbird that we saw in the Mindo area.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri) – A few times this scarce hummingbird came to the feeders at Tony's house.
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – A pair was at Copalinga.
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (NORTHERN GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania colombica verticeps)
FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata)
MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Taphrospilus hypostictus)
AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – We had a couple of good looks at a male with the white tail.
BLUE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon comptus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus) – An stunning male was seen at Silanche.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) – During our walk at Silanche we saw a male and a female...it was a nice surprise to see a pair of these rare trogons.
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus) – We did well with this group, this is the one that I scoped on the way out from Silanche.
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – Fantastic scope views when we visited the Bombuscaro area.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – This one was the best, eye level along the Loja Zamora road...great photos. Bonnie thought that this was her favorite.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) [E]
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Golden Grosbeak in the mist, by participant Pete Peterman.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) – There were a few coming to eat bananas at Angel's house.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) – We saw all the mountain-toucans possible on this tour, and this was the first one in Cajanuma, also in Cajas and Guango, but we never got tired looking at them.
PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – It is always a relief to see this Choco endemic which is on the front cover of the field guide Birds of Ecuador.
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris) – And the last one we saw along the Vinillos road at San Isidro...yes!
COLLARED ARACARI (PALE-MANDIBLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus)
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens) – The female was very distinctive, being all black with no red head, but the male was very striking.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
A view of the beautiful habitat at Yanacocha, photographed by participant Charm Peterman.
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis rufigularis)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus)
SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura)
WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus)
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)
COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris)
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis)
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul) [*]
ESMERALDAS ANTBIRD (Sipia nigricauda)
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (CHOCO) (Hafferia zeledoni berlepschi)
COMMON SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus)
White-necked Parakeet is a specialty of southern Ecuador, its range just bulging into adjacent northernmost Peru. This one's enjoying a feast of melastome fruits. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests)
ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera)
MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni) – This was the 4th antpitta at Angel's place and the favorite for Linda.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla)
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) [*]
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula) – For Bob this was the bird of the trip, and why not -- he had one coming to peck his foot at Yanacocha.
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis)
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris)
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana) – Dancing between the bamboo. Everyone enjoyed the nice chestnut color.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) [*]
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus)
CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) – Rodrigo managed to bring one out when we visited Angel's place.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
The fantastic Toucan Barbet, photographed by participant Kathy John.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – Heard only at Silanche car park. [*]
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – The white tufts are so distinctive .
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus)
SHARP-TAILED STREAMCREEPER (Lochmias nematura)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris)
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola) – This very streaky bird showed up nicely near the Papallacta pass.
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata)
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa)
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – We saw a pair from the bus when we were having lunch in our way back from Zamora to Loja.
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis)
Another fabulous portrait by participant Benedict De Laender, this time of the expressive Striped Cuckoo -- its spiky crest is often raised up and down.
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – A few people managed to see this bird at San Isidro.
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor)
TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai) [*]
WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps)
MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis)
The "San Isidro" Owl gave us some great views on a night outing near the lodge. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) [*]
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – Small, fast, and colorful. It took a while to see this bamboo-associated flycatcher at San Isidro.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-MARGINED) (Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus)
WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus) [*]
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens)
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
Another "tough" day at the "office" for guide Willy Perez and our group. Photo by participant Bonnie Schwartz.
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius) – It seems that Cajas is still the best place to see this big and handsome flycatcher.
MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta)
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
SHORT-TAILED FIELD TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – We couldn't see the bright rump, but we had good looks anyway when we were at Milpe.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox)
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
BAIRD'S FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes bairdii) – This was a nice surprise at Catamayo -- they are not so common there.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata) [*]
SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – The lek at Angel's place was superb for this subspecies.
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – The orange ones that we saw near Zamora and a female along the Loreto road were of this subspecies.
A tiny female Spangled Coquette visiting a vervain flower, photographed by participant Kathy John.
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – A female seen at Bombuscaro with Oropendolas and Cocks-of-the-rock...wow.
Pipridae (Manakins)
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – The trail was slippery, but the scope view of a male repaid us nicely.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – Some were displaying when we went to Milpe.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)
OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus)
SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
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)
PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Orochelidon flavipes)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
The distinctive profile of an Amazonian Umbrellabird, photographed by participant Pete Peterman.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus)
PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) [*]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) [*]
SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris) [*]
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa) – A couple of groups were seen at Yanacocha and Cajanuma.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – Seen near San Isidro.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata)
SLATE-THROATED GNATCATCHER (Polioptila schistaceigula)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Seen a few times along the rivers.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) – Through the scope we could see the pale eye of this nice thrush.
PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei)
ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
One of the big Chestnut-mandibled Toucans we saw. Photo by participant Bonnie Schwartz.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – The Catamayo airport was the best place to see them.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – This time of the year they are everywhere.
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus)
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – These biggest of the tanagers were present around the Copalinga area.
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus atropileus)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris)
We had some great looks at this Black-chested Mountain-Tanager! Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus melanotis)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata) – This very small tanager was seen a couple of times along the route.
FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana)
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Cnemathraupis eximia) – It was crazy to see them eating bananas at Yanacocha's feeders...cool.
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex) – A small group of these secretive tanagers was seen at Yanacocha with Rufous Wrens.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Pipraeidea bonariensis)
ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
No mistaking this one, right? The one and only Sword-billed Hummingbird, photographed by participant Pete Peterman. It's a regular at Guango.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara palmeri)
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – Seen a couple of times at Copalinga.
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra)
SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – Tony's house was full of birds, and these were present there for nice photos.
BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis)
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis)
RUFOUS-WINGED TANAGER (Tangara lavinia) – You can easily confuse this one with its cousin Bay-headed, but we had great looks at a male on our way back from Silanche.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – The very red-faced one is the east-slope type we saw at San Isidro.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii lunigera) – The west-slope birds are more orange-faced and we saw them in the Mindo area.
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
Slate-crowned Antpitta by participant Pete Peterman.
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata aequatorialis) – Again the Silanche tower gave us a face-to-face view of a male; this is the western subspecies.
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata) – Seen along the old Loja-Zamora road with many other tanagers in the same tree.
SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus)
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum)
GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – A pair showed up nicely when we went to the west side of Cajas National Park; it was great to see them looking for food under the bark of the Polylepis.
TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus)
Most tanagers are pretty flashy. Rufous-chested has opted for the more demure approach to dressing. Photo by participant Pete Peterman.
BAND-TAILED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus alaudinus)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
CHESTNUT-THROATED SEEDEATER (Sporophila telasco)
DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila angolensis)
VARIABLE SEEDEATER (VARIABLE) (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica)
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
RED-CRESTED FINCH (Coryphospingus cucullatus) – They are getting more common around Copalinga.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
BLACK-COWLED SALTATOR (Saltator nigriceps) – A nice surprise on the trip when we were going to Loja.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
YELLOW-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis)
SHORT-BILLED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus parvirostris)
The gang, with Angel and Rodrigo Paz left and right, and our fab driver Edgar and guide Willy Perez (with scope) kneeling. Photo by participant Kathy John.
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni) – Fantastic scope views of this Tumbesian endemic in the Catamayo valley.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris occidentalis) – Great looks of a bird feeding on the road at Rio Nambillo very near Mindo.
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – Seen in the Bombuscaro area.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes tricolor)
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – Several seen along the upper old Nono-Mindo road.
YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus)
WHITE-WINGED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes leucopterus)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)
OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – This is not a colorful bird but what a powerful sound it makes.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – They welcomed us in the Catamayo valley just outside the airport.
SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warczewiczi)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
The imposing Guayaquil Woodpecker, photographed by participant Willy Perez.
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus) [*]
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – Several were eating the moths at San Isidro.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – The most numerous oropendola on the trip.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
MAMMALS
BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata) – A few seen at Septimo Paraiso.
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)
SOUTH AMERICAN COATI (Nasua nasua)
MOUNTAIN TAPIR (Tapirus pinchaque) – Some lucky people managed even to get some photos of this very rare mammal from the dinning room at San Isidro.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 482 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa