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Well, once again, Sacha Lodge proved that it just can't disappoint! What an awesome spot from which to base Ecuadorian, Amazon basin birding. Accommodations are delightful, the food delicious and abundant, the staff possibly as well-trained as at any other lodge (and so friendly), and the forests are just full of exciting bird species, from the understory all the way up to the canopy treetops! One of the most impressive features that Sacha has to offer - and certainly its greatest birding strength - are the jaw-dropping canopy towers; the metal towers and walkways have to be seen to be believed! How could anybody ever forget mornings spent up there, eye-to-eye with some of the hardest canopy species to find?
Three hundred bird species can be a lot to digest in a week's worth of birding, especially when many of them are new to most folks! One thing is for sure though: it is always big fun! Picking favorites is a personal thing, but there are always some birds - whether for rarity's sake, or just because they are flashy or performed well - that deserve some special recognition from the leader. So here are my picks for their moment in the birding limelight: how about that Bartlett's Tinamou that came strutting out right in the open for us... and that happened to be a visual lifer for the leader!?; that immature Agami Heron that even posed for us along the railing of the main boardwalk; some fantastic raptors, but nothing can come close to that Ornate Hawk-Eagle that crashed into a large canopy tree right above us, chasing all of the parakeets out in record time; that sneaky little Gray-breasted Crake that pranced across right in front of us out on the river island; that cooperative Ruddy Quail-Dove that trotted up ahead of us along the trail on our first morning; a great show of screaming parrots at the Napo salt lick; Hoatzin, just because it's so peculiar and comical to watch; those roosting Crested Owls; all of those colorful trogons - we saw five of the six possible; all of the possible toucan species, but I am always taken by that Golden-collared Toucanet; Striated Antthrush on a song perch, through the scope... this doesn't happen everyday; Rusty-belted Tapaculos practically at our feet; some bizarre cotingas, but how can you beat the male of the Spangled?; gorgeous Wire-tailed Manakins, right next to the equally gorgeous Golden-headed Manakin; sensational scope views of White-browed Purpletufts from the towers; and a slew of colorful tanagers, but Paradise and Masked tanagers, seen well, are just heaven on earth.
We had some some other interesting critters that also deserve mention, such as those troops of acrobatic squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys (whose cries sound like a wind storm), a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth seen through the scope from the towers, and the strange caiman lizard that cracks apple snails with its powerful jaws.
Wow, this should be enough to conjure up plenty of birding sugarplum fairies in our heads for a while! I also want to thank our local guide, Oscar Tapuy, for putting to use his great knowledge of the Amazon and finding us a huge chunk of the birds that we had the privilege to see. Thanks, Oscar! And thank you guys for being such a motivated and fun group, always ready to get out there and observe the wilds that make Amazonia so special. Read on for more highlights!
--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)
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) [*]
VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) [*]
BARTLETT'S TINAMOU (Crypturellus bartletti) – Well, I guess that there is some irony in the fact that the only tinamou that we saw - and saw very well, I might add! - happened to be the only one (of the Sacha area) that your leader had not ever seen, in his Amazonian travels! This was one of only a couple of birds that I had mentally noted as a new possibility for me for this trip, so the hairs of my neck stood up on end when one called very close along the main boardwalk; I just knew we had a chance of seeing it. We got into position, played the sound that I had just recorded - you guys did just great (holding still), by the way! - and called it right across the trail for sensational views. What a hoot, or toot, or whatever! At any rate, we had a nice celebration once it had done its thing, trotting across the boardwalk in full view. Thanks, guys!
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Fairly common in second-growth areas.
BLUE-THROATED PIPING-GUAN (Pipile cumanensis) – Distant views of one through the scope from the metal towers.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) – We flushed them during our walk to the metal towers one morning, but they got away all too quickly. [*]
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
AGAMI HERON (Agamia agami) – Despite the higher water levels, we still managed some amazing views of this reclusive, swamp heron. That immature bird along the main boardwalk was unforgettable!
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – We had one fly by during our trip back up to Coca on our last day.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) [*]
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – The light was still dim, but at least we could make out the shapes of them perched on a leaning trunk along the edges of Pilchecocha.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) – The large, black, forest-based vulture of the eastern lowlands. We had some nice views of that bright yellow head!
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Roy had one out along the Napo.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – We had one in-flight for good looks from the metal towers.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) – Never in big numbers in the Amazonian lowlands, but we had that faithful immature bird on almost a daily basis along the edges of Pilchecocha.
SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) – Good looks at birds perched and in flight from the towers, especially on sunny mornings when they tend to soar.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) – Nest building at the metal towers!
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) – If you know the Mississippi Kite, you'll recognize this one as they are essentially geographic replacements. We had some nice views of them a few times perched and in-flight.
SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Leucopternis schistaceus) – Very nice scope views from the towers.
WHITE HAWK (Leucopternis albicollis) – A spectacular hawk that we had in the scope from the metal towers.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) – The common hawk with the rufous patches in the wings.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Seeing all three hawk-eagles was a treat, and sometimes tough to do. In general this is the more common of the three, and the one that often gets up and soars (and calls loudly) on sunny mornings. We had one gliding over the lake at Sacha as it sailed overhead.
ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus ornatus) – Jaw-dropping, scope views near the inner parrot salt lick. Guess it wasn't a mystery anymore why the parrots were spooked there! I could not believe our luck when this one flew up in a tree above us, scaring all of the parakeets, but who cared?!
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus) – We caught one as it started to soar one sunny morning from the metal towers for pretty good views.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) [*]
BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) – The orange-faced, white-rumped caracara that we say commonly from the towers and out along the Napo.
RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) – A species that needs large chunks of "healthy" forest; degraded forests are often not as attractive as they require plenty of wasp nests for food. Yep, these guys crash into wasp nest and eat the larva! We had some nice scope views of a perched bird from the metal towers.
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) – Most common out along the Napo.
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Brief views from the canoe on our first day during our canoe ride down to Sacha.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) – Mostly a river island bird along the Napo of very early growth. After clearing a narrow trail - for it to sneak across - it only took a short while for it to fall for the trap for really nice views!
CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) – Mostly heard across the Napo, but Roy and Oscar got a quick look along the Providencia trail.
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
SUNGREBE (Heliornis fulica) – Quick, but decent, views for some along the Orquidea stream before it made its great escape!
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – Along the edges of Pilchecocha.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
COLLARED PLOVER (Charadrius collaris) – A few out on the river island sandbars.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) – The fairly common small tern along the Napo, looking much like a Least Tern.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex) – Nice vies of this handsome tern out along the Napo, where it is usually only found in small numbers.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Common in riparian habitats.
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – A few nice views from the towers.
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Also seen best from the towers. This one is quite similar to the previous species but is more richly colored and has a reddish eye, not pale.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Quito.
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) – Nice looks at them out along the main boardwalk.
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – One of our first birds on our first morning at Sacha when we watched one trot ahead of us in the trail after dawn.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura) – Fairly common in noisy groups.
WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – Seen as flybys.
DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) – We had outstanding luck at the outer parrot salt lick, with all of the regulars in attendance and even feeding on the clay bank! This was one of them, and certainly the noisiest and most numerous... nice!
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Seen in flight and perched, mostly from the metal towers.
SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) – Wow... three birds perched or us near the inner salt lick for awesome scope studies!
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) – The best we could do were two birds flying along from the metal towers at a great distance.
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) – This small macaw was seen on most days, for some nice views.
COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) – They weren't hitting the salt lick on the day of our visit, but we discovered why later (see the comments for the Ornate Hawk-Eagle!). We still managed to locate a few screeching birds for scope views as they perched in the canopy above the salt lick.
SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) – We had about 30 birds fly by as we birded from the metal towers; we heard them around the inner salt lick across the river, but never could locate any there.
BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) – Superb scope studies from the towers.
ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pyrilia barrabandi) – A no-show at the inner parrot salt lick, but we lucked out along the Shipati stream when we located a few perched birds feeding at a fruiting tree. A really beautiful parrot!
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – In good numbers at the outer parrot salt lick, where we had some excellent studies.
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) – Seen on our penultimate day out along the Napo when some flew over.
MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – The largest Amazona parrot of the area, which we saw really well at the outer parrot salt lick.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) – Shoulder-to-shoulder with the previous species at the outer parrot salt lick.
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) – Now this is one goofy bird! We had many nice encounters out along the edges of Pilchecocha and along the Napo.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – Fairly common in many habitat types throughout the neotropics.
DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus) – On quick flyby out on the river islands. [a]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) – This large ani species is quite gregarious, moving around in some quite large groups, usually near water. Different from other ani species, this one has some pretty flashy iridescent flares to the plumage.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common in secondary habitats.
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – It took some work to find the hideout from which this species was singing from along the lake one evening, but we did, and enjoyed some nice spotlight views before it flew off into the night!
TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) – It was only matter of a couple of minutes into our search for this one near the lodge one evening before it popped right in for incredible spotlight views.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – Awesome day-roost studies near the lodge of a pair!
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) – A regular voice around the lodge, where they proved difficult this trip, but we outsmarted one out along the main boardwalk for nice views.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Excellent views at males and females out along the Napo on day roosts.
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
GREAT POTOO (Nyctibius grandis) – Nice to see this giant of a potoo on a day roost along the Napo, where it chose a pale trunked Ficus tree, similar in coloration its own plumage.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The giant swift with the white collar that we saw on one day.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) – Common around Sacha, such as right over Pilchecocha. This swift can be identified on shape alone.
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – Less stocky than the previous species. We had then on one day over the lake in front of the lodge.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) – A few of this elegant swift drifting over, with their pointy tails and white highlights.
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) – The dainty swift that frequented Pilchecocha lake and the towers.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – Seen feeding at the Zapote flowers right next to the Napo dock!
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – Quick views of this swamp hummer along the Anaconda stream.
PALE-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes leucurus leucurus) – Also seen by some along the Anaconda stream.
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) – A hummer of secondary habitats which we saw well along the main boardwalk.
STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) – Unbeatable scope views of males singing at a lek near the metal towers was a nice treat.
GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) – Oscar and I always have a contest - for a beer - who will find this one first on its lek song perch... he usually wins and it is a beer well spent! We had very nice scope studies of this large hermit near the inner parrot salt lick across the river at Anangu.
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – Roy and I had quick looks at a male of this small hummer during our first trip trip across the lake out in front of Sacha.
OLIVE-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus chlorocercus) – Common out on the river islands, where it is a specialist of these early growth habitats.
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Feeding at the Zapote flowers out at the Napo dock alongside the White-necked Jacobins.
GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Glimpsed from the wooden tower... looked like a female bird.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) – We had a good trip for seen trogons, missing only one of the possibles. This was one of our last trogon scores when we got one on our last afternoon.
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) – Part of the White-tailed Trogon group, and recently split from it. This was the most commonly seen and heard trogon around Sacha.
AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) – The representative of the Violaceous Trogon group in this part of Amazonia. We had good looks at this small but attractive trogon a couple of times.
BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) – I find this to be hardest of the trogons to find on this tour, but we hit a nice patch of them across the river at Providencia for excellent looks.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON (Trogon rufus) [*]
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – This species tends to stick pretty close to swampy forests in the Amazon. We had good looks at them along the main boardwalk.
Momotidae (Motmots)
AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) – The Blue-crowned Motmot went several different ways after a recent split, and this form ended up being called the "Amazonian Motmot".
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) – Most common out along Pilchecocha.
GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) – I was sort of surprised to have missed the Amazon and Green Kingfishers, but was more than pleased to have gotten this and the next species so well for our trip. This species is one of my favorites, because it really is so striking, plumage wise.
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) – This is like a miniature version of the previous species, and also a swamp-loving species. We had some views of this tiny kingfisher that I'm sure we'll all remember.
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – This was a strong trip for the puffbirds... I've had trips where we barely see more than just the nunbirds! We had very nice scope studies of this husky puffbird during our first stint at the metal tower.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – Just like the kingfishers I just discussed, this is like the miniature of the White-necked Puffbird. We had excellent scope views of this canopy puffbird from the towers a couple of times.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED PUFFBIRD (Bucco macrodactylus) – Roy had one along the Anaconda stream.
COLLARED PUFFBIRD (Bucco capensis) – A hard puffbird to find much of the time, but thanks to Oscar's and Angel's help, we had some nice scope views.
LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) [*]
BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea) – We could not have seen this reclusive little puffbird any closer!
BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) – Common in the riparian woodlands out along the Napo.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Replaces the previous species in more primary habitats.
SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Pretty common at forest edges.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) – The jacamar with the coral colored bill that we saw across the river at Anangu.
WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) – Nicely in the swampy forests around Sacha.
PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) – We were lucky to have nabbed this and the previous species on out first day for nice views. This one we had out along the Napo for scope studies.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) – A common riparian woodland barbet that we saw out along the Napo edge.
GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) – The common and most vocal barbet around Sacha, which we saw especially well from the towers.
LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) – Nice views along the Shipati stream; this can be a tricky barbet to find sometimes.
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – The smallest of the area's aracaris, and the one with the yellow breast.
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) – The aracari with the red belly band that we saw best along the Shipati stream.
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – The common aracari at Sacha.
IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara) – Seen best on our last full day from the metal towers, where had a nice visit in the afternoon.
GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) – Scoped from the wooden tower.
WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – The large toucan that can often be heard "yelping" from a distance.
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Very similar to the previous species, but smaller, and with more of a "croaking" call.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – An attractive woodpecker that we saw numerous times.
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – Very responsive out on the river islands.
RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) [*]
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros) – Not a common woodpecker in Ecuador, but we called one up for nice scope views at the metal towers where could even see the blue irides!
SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) – Roy and I had one at Sacha for quick views.
CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) – Superb views from the wooden tower at this very striking woodpecker species.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Along the Shipati stream.
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) – One of the largest woodpeckers of the area. We had them well numerous times during our stay.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus) – Nice looks at this understory, ground-dwelling species along the trails at Sacha.
WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua) – A spinetail of early growth river islands can be a real devil to see, but we had some pretty nice views when they popped up out of the grasses.
PARKER'S SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpecula) – Split from Rusty-backed Spinetail of zones further east in South America. This species prefers slightly taller growth out on the river islands than the previous species, such as stands of native canes.
CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) [*]
CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterum) – One flew over as it moved with a flock at Anangu.
CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) – One responsive bird along the Orquidea stream.
OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipileatus) – A very skulking foliage-gleaner of riparian woodlands and stream edges. We had surprisingly good views of this one along the Shipati stream when it crept through a tangle, appearing in various windows for us.
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – With an understory flock along the trails at Sacha.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) – A pretty common woodcreeper in many areas of the neotropics.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – The smallest woodcreeper that Roy and I saw a couple of times.
LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) – Woodcreepers can be a tricky group to identify, but this is certainly one of the exceptions, with that unbelievably long bill!
CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Nice looks upon arrival as we walked the trail parallel to the Napo.
AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) – A large woodcreeper that we had a couple of times. Now split from the Northern Barred-Woodcreeper.
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Similar to the previous species, but with much streaking on the head.
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus) – Pretty common out along the lake edge at Sacha, where it prefers fairly open swampy habitats.
STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) – Pretty common in taller swampy forest. We had them along the Orquidea stream for decent views.
SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) [*]
BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – One of the most commonly seen and heard woodcreepers in the eastern lowlands; we had them well a few times.
LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) – Good looks at one with a canopy flock along the Providencia trail.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
UNDULATED ANTSHRIKE (Frederickena unduligera) [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) – Some folks got this one along the trails at Sacha.
MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) – Prefers the terra firme forests across the river, such as along the Providencia trail, where we saw it.
CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) – Wow, these guys are talented at staying out of sight, but we did finally see a pair well after some work out on a more developed river island.
DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – Common and noisy with understory flocks around Sacha.
CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) – Tends to be more common with understory flocks in terra firme forest; it doesn't seem to be found much in the transitional forests right around Sacha. We had good looks at them in the flocks across the river at Anangu.
SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) [*]
BROWN-BACKED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fjeldsaai) – Only fairly recently described, and almost an Ecuadorian endemic. We were successful at calling them in out of a flock along the Providencia trail.
RUFOUS-TAILED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla erythrura) – Quick views with a flock along the Anangu trail.
PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) – Nice looks at a responsive bird that came in overhead along the main boardwalk.
MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura) – Fabulous studies at a pair of this canopy antwren from the metal towers.
PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula hauxwelli) [*]
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) – With a mixed flock at Anangu along the trail into the inner parrot salt lick.
LONG-WINGED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula longipennis) – In the same flock as the previous species. This one is more tied to the terra firme, hilly forest, such as at Anangu.
GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) – Seen with the terra firme flocks across the river.
DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) – A strict canopy species that is very hard to see except in the flocks that come by the towers. We had some really nice views from the wooden tower on our morning there.
GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) – A bird of canopy vine tangles, and one we saw pretty well along the Providencia trail.
BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) – Prefers understory tangles at re-growing treefalls; also seen along the Providencia trail when a pair came in for nice looks.
BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Good looks along the trails out behind Sacha, where they sneak around in the understory.
PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) – A lover of midstory vine tangles. We had this speckled species well around Sacha.
BLACK-AND-WHITE ANTBIRD (Myrmochanes hemileucus) [*]
SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) – Common on or near the ground of swampy forest around Sacha.
SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Schistocichla leucostigma) [*]
WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps) – Good looks along the main boardwalk of this swamp/riparian forest species.
PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) – Yet another antbird that specializes in swampy forest, such as along the main boardwalk.
SOOTY ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza fortis) – Good looks at one in the understory in the terra firme forests of the Providencia trail.
WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) [*]
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) [*]
SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevius) – Good looks at this swamp forest species along the Anaconda stream.
DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulatus) – Can you believe it? Yet another swamp forest antbird?! We had nice looks at this cleanly marked species along the Orquidea stream.
SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Willisornis poecilinotus) – An attractive and distinctive antbird that we saw along the trails at Sacha.
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis) – Incredible scope studies of this hard to find species not far from the lodge!
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) [*]
Conopophagidae (Gnateaters)
CHESTNUT-BELTED GNATEATER (Conopophaga aurita) – An understory species that seems to prefer dark tangles around old treefalls. We had good looks at this little stinker near the lodge.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO (Liosceles thoracicus) – Good looks at a pair of this only lowland species of tapaculo as they strutted around just off the trail in front of us.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET (Ornithion inerme) – Awesome views of one up and singing from the metal towers.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) – Seen on our last day out along the Napo River before the ride up to Coca.
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) – Very nice views of this canopy species along the Providencia trail.
RIVER TYRANNULET (Serpophaga hypoleuca) – Very active and vocal out on one the river islands that we birded.
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) – A common forest flycatcher, but sometimes inconspicuous.
SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius gracilipes) – Pretty common in the canopy where we had good looks from the towers.
LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT (Stigmatura napensis) – Responsive out in the willow beds of one of the river islands we birded.
SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus) [*]
DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus vitiosus) – Providencia trail.
WHITE-EYED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus zosterops) – A midstory bird along the ridges of terra firme forest; Providencia trail.
YELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) [*]
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis) – Pretty common in the canopy once you are up in the towers.
GRAY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias poliocephalus) – Similar in appearance to the previous species, and also a regular at the towers. We saw this one from the metal towers for nice views.
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – Schwinne and I had looks at one along the terra firme trail at Providencia.
RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – With some mixed flock activity along the Providencia trail.
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri) – Good looks at this inconspicuous flycatcher along the Orquidea stream.
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus fuscatior) – An understory bird of river islands in this part of its range, and we had nice views of one feeding about down on a river island near Sani Isla.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Coca airport, where they seem to be increasingly regular.
DRAB WATER TYRANT (Ochthornis littoralis) – Common along the banks of the Napo where they rarely stray too high above the water's edge.
RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL (Ramphotrigon ruficauda) – A flycatcher of the lower canopy and midstory of swampy forest in the Sacha area, which we saw well along the Orquidea stream.
CINNAMON ATTILA (Attila cinnamomeus) – Nice looks at this brightly colored species along the Anaconda stream.
CITRON-BELLIED ATTILA (Attila citriniventris) [*]
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) – Some got onto this vocal species on our last full day.
SIRYSTES (Sirystes sibilator) – Nice studies from the towers, where they roam about with canopy flocks.
GRAYISH MOURNER (Rhytipterna simplex) – Nicely from the metal towers. This one looks sort of like an all gray Myiarchus flycatcher.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Pretty common in the canopy.
SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Out along the edges of Pilchecocha.
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor) – Seen first, and very well, along the Shipati stream across the Napo from Sacha when a vocal pair popped up. This one is almost always found near water.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Common, known to many, and seen everyday of the trip!
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua) – A large, chunky-billed species that actually feeds mostly on fruit.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common along the edges of Pilchecocha.
GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes granadensis) – This one has a strangely shaped head, but don't him... might hurt his feelings! We had plenty of fine views at forest edges, such as out along the Napo.
DUSKY-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes luteiventris) – A forest canopy bird that usually avoids edge situations. We had good looks at responsive birds along the Providencia trail.
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus) – The all streaky, large flycatcher that we saw on a few days.
VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus varius) – A pretty common austral migrant. [a]
CROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER (Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – Another austral migrant that frequents the treetops, and that can often be seen from the towers. [a]
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – A canopy flycatcher that can often be found in Moriche palm swamps; we saw them a couple of times for decent views.
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – The ole TK that we all know well and love!
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – A lively species that always seems to do its best to entertain birders at the canopy towers; they always seem to come bounding by, calling loudly and perching at close range.
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – It was a tad distant, but we enjoyed some pretty nice views of this weird cotinga out along the Napo one morning when one posed for us in the tops of emergent Cecropia trees out on a river island at Sacha.
PLUM-THROATED COTINGA (Cotinga maynana) – After seeing immature males and females, we finally connected with a male on our last afternoon from the metal towers.
SPANGLED COTINGA (Cotinga cayana) – The male of this species looks like it has to be plugged into an electrical outlet! We enjoyed some fabulous views from the canopy towers.
SCREAMING PIHA (Lipaugus vociferans) – One of the loudest and most distinctive voices of the Amazon basin... maybe you've heard it on the wrong continent in a few Tarzan movies? We had some very nice scope views of them at a couple of leks.
BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW (Gymnoderus foetidus) – A large cotinga with a very distinctive, buoyant flight. We had them on most days for some close studies.
Pipridae (Manakins)
DWARF TYRANT-MANAKIN (Tyranneutes stolzmanni) – Birds don't come much more diminutive than this tiny manakin, but we had nice looks at this little manakin nonetheless on our second day.
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata) – Glimpsed along the trail at Anangu.
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – Some had views of a female along the Anaconda stream, where it sported those bright orange legs.
ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) – Quite a range-restricted species that inhabits swampy forests at Sacha, only accessible along the Orquidea stream; we had nice looks on a couple of days during our paddle canoe trips here.
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (Pipra filicauda) – Bird plumages do not come more striking than this understory manakin of transitional forests, such as those around Sacha. We had some memorable scope views of this beauty that will remain indelible on our memory banks.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra erythrocephala) – Fine studies of them at Sacha right alongside the Wire-tailed Manakin.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana) – The common eastern lowlands tityra that we saw well from the towers.
WHITE-BROWED PURPLETUFT (Iodopleura isabellae) – This odd little canopy species has now been transferred, from the cotinga family, to the tityra family. We had some nice encounters with this sprite "tityra" as they perched for scope views atop tall canopy trees from the towers.
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – The very black, eastern Amazonian race.
BLACK-CAPPED BECARD (Pachyramphus marginatus) – Nice looks at a male during our second visit to the metal towers for some clean-up!
PINK-THROATED BECARD (Pachyramphus minor) – Another one that we had from the metal towers during some flock activity.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus) – The large and noisy jay that is common in the eastern lowlands.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (PATAGONICA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca patagonica) – We had this migratory form on our penultimate day.
WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – A graceful swallow that we saw along the Napo on most days as they drifted by, usually over water.
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – Most common around Pilchecocha, where they frequently perch up on trees near the dock.
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera) – First seen right in Coca as we started our canoe ride downriver.
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) – The common swallow out over Pilchecocha, and a striking one as well.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
THRUSH-LIKE WREN (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – We called this large, canopy wren in for nice views along the Shipati stream.
CORAYA WREN (Pheugopedius coraya) [*]
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – Good looks at this sneaky understory species around Sacha.
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
MUSICIAN WREN (Cyphorhinus arada) – What a song... certainly one of the most memorable voices of the neotropics! We had nice luck calling one in for good looks along the forest trails at Sacha.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus) – Glimpsed from the metal towers.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) – Now widely regarded to be in its own monotypic family, this swamp-loving species was seen well along the edges of Pilchecocha.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
HAUXWELL'S THRUSH (Turdus hauxwelli) – A pretty drab thrush that we saw along the swampy stretches of the main boardwalk.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – Common in secondary, edge and riparian habitats.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – This largest of the genus was seen in Quito on our first day on the way to the airport.
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) [*]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
ORANGE-HEADED TANAGER (Thlypopsis sordida) – Roy and I had one out on the river islands.
FULVOUS SHRIKE-TANAGER (Lanio fulvus) – A nice responsive pair of this flock-leading tanager came in for us along the Anangu trail.
MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER (Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – This one looks to be sporting bright black and red velvet... wow!
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Common in secondary habitats.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – The Amazonian race with the white in the shoulders.
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – A common tanager throughout Central and South America.
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana) – I still have yet to find any real "turquoise" color on this species... and it does not occur anywhere near Mexico (check out the scientific name)! We had some really nice views from the wooden tower.
PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – A spectacular bird that we saw well numerous times. And why does Chile get the credit (scientific name again) when it doesn't even occur there?! Well, this and the previous species were obviously named from trade skins that turned up in the wrong places!
GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – We had our best looks at this fancy tanager from the towers.
MASKED TANAGER (Tangara nigrocincta) – This canopy tanager was seen very well from the towers, and what a handsome bird it is!
OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER (Tangara velia) – This cobalt-blue and black tanager was a regular from the towers, where they frolic about in small groups.
OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara callophrys) – Quite similar to the previous species, but this one sports that bold opal brow!
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (Dacnis lineata) – A beautiful turquoise and black dacnis, that we saw a couple of times.
YELLOW-BELLIED DACNIS (Dacnis flaviventer) – Nice scope views a couple of times.
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Most common from the metal towers.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Widespread throughout the neotropics.
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – The male is quite striking, with that deep-purple plumage and yellow legs!
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – A fairly common, but nomadic tanager, at lower elevations in South America. We had some nice views on one day at this flashy tanager species!
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Good looks at this riparian woodland species along the Shipati stream.
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Common in many regions in the neotropics!
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
CAQUETA SEEDEATER (Sporophila murallae) – Perched up for nice scope views on the river islands.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – The most common seedeater in the Amazonian lowlands here in Ecuador.
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL (Paroaria gularis) – Quite common in small numbers along the edges of Pilchecocha.
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Seen during our day of river island birding, where they can be frequently be seen scurrying around over the sand.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris) – One of the last birds of the trip when we caught one out along the edges of the airport runway, where it perched in the grasses.
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – This boldly-plumaged river island species is aptly named! We had them numerous times out along the Napo for nice studies.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – The largest cowbird; we saw it best during our day of river island birding.
EPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE) (Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – A canopy species that we saw well first through the scope from the metal towers.
ECUADORIAN CACIQUE (Cacicus sclateri) [*]
SOLITARY BLACK CACIQUE (Cacicus solitarius) [*]
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela) – The common - and very noisy - cacique around Sacha.
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Seen daily in good numbers around Sacha.
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – Slightly less common than the previous species; this one has the ivory bill and blacker plumage.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The chunky euphonia with the yellow throat.
GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chrysopasta) – Also known as "White-lored Euphonia". We had many fine studies from the canopy towers.
WHITE-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia minuta) – One scoped male from the Wooden tower was a nice surprise.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – The common euphonia in many parts of Ecuador.
RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia rufiventris) – A large euphonia with the all dark hood.
MAMMALS
LONG-NOSED BAT (Rhynchonycteris naso) – We slowed down the canoe along the Napo to enjoy a group of this small bat roosting along a trunk out along the Napo.
BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN (Saguinus nigricollis) – This small monkey - with the white muzzle- often feeds right around the cabins at Sacha.
COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY (Saimiri sciureus) – Common in large groups at Sacha, where they perform their acrobatics on a daily basis.
DUSKY TITI MONKEY (Callicebus moloch) [*]
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) – This large monkey emits a sound that once heard, will never be forgotten... sounding like a hurricane! Sacha is now one of the best spots to see this one, where they often can be seen from the canopy towers and along the stream rides in the paddle canoes.
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons) – A few times in small bands.
BROWN-THROATED THREE-TOED SLOTH (Bradypus variegatus) – We enjoyed scope views of this lethargic mammal from the metal towers on our second day.
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) – Seen briefly by some as it swam along the Orquidea stream, before ducking under!
BLACK AGOUTI (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – This hefty rodent made a few appearances during our trip.
KINKAJOU (Potos flavus) – We had one for a few moments in the spotlight along the main boardwalk one evening.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 302 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa