Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (image by Daniel Branch)
Rufous-breasted Wood Quail (image by Daniel Branch)
Moss-backed Tanager (image by Daniel Branch)
Crimson-rumped Toucanet (image by Daniel Branch)
Black-banded Crake (image by Daniel Branch)
Rose-faced Parrot (image by Daniel Branch)
Wing-banded Wren (image by Daniel Branch)
Ecuadorian Thrush (image by Daniel Branch)
Black Agouti (image by Daniel Branch)
White-bellied Antpitta (image by Daniel Branch)
Oilbirds (image by Daniel Branch)
Giant Antpitta (image by Daniel Branch)
Andean Condor (image by Daniel Branch)
Violet-tailed Sylph (image by Daniel Branch)
Napo Sabrewing (image by Daniel Branch)
Chestnut-headed Crake (image by Daniel Branch)
Spectacled Bear (image by Daniel Branch)
Brown Wood Rail (image by Daniel Branch)
Scarlet-and-white Tanager (image by Daniel Branch)
Long-wattled Umbrellabird (image by Daniel Branch)
Ecuadorian Hillstar (image by Daniel Branch)
Black-bellied Thorntail (image by Daniel Branch)
Yellow-throated Spadebill (image by Daniel Branch)
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (image by Daniel Branch)
female Five-colored Barbet (image by Daniel Branch)
Black-backed Bush Tanager (image by Daniel Branch)
White-lored Antpitta (image by Daniel Branch)
Rainforest Hog-nosed Viper (image by Daniel Branch)
Band-bellied Owl (image by Daniel Branch)
Ocellated Tapaculo (image by Daniel Branch)
Choco Tapaculo (image by Daniel Branch)
Tawny Antpitta (image by Daniel Branch)
Mountain Avocetbill (image by Daniel Branch)
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater (image by Daniel Branch)
Scarlet-breasted Dacnis & male Scarlet-thighed Dacnis (image by Daniel Branch)
Sapayoa (image by Daniel Branch)
Masked Water Tyrant (image by Daniel Branch)
Brown Nunlet (image by Daniel Branch)
(San Isidro) Black-banded Owl (image by Daniel Branch)
Great Potoo (image by Daniel Branch)
Wattled Guan (image by Daniel Branch)
NORTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT 2026
5 - 24 August 2026
Daniel Branch & Juan Carlos Calvachi
The 2026 Northern Ecuador tour was once again a phenomenal success. The tour saw us travel from over 4300 metres at the tops of the Andes down to the Amazonian foothills and into the lowland Choco forest at less than 100 metres above sea level. Along the way we recorded a total of 677 different bird species, including 204 diamond species and an awesome array of specialities from each of the different habitats we visited.
The highlights of this tour were plentiful! We enjoyed 83 different species of hummingbirds, including rare species like the Mountain Avocetbill, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Hoary Puffleg, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Gorgetted Sunangel, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Blue-headed Sapphire, Black-bellied Thorntail, Napo Sabrewing and Lazuline Sabrewing among others. Our views of these incredible birds were often enhanced by an excellent array of hummingbird gardens throughout the trip. Although the incredible array of hummingbirds was present throughout, there were ample other awesome species picked up as we went along. From the country capital of Quito, we started by descending the west slope of the Andes, where we got our first taste of just how excellent the birding would be! This first morning started us with amazing species such as Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Crowned Chat Tyrant and Equatorial Antpitta. As we ventured to the Choco forest at lower elevations we were treated to a smorgasbord of avian delights, with Wattled Guan, Toucan Barbet, Giant Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Ocellated Tapaculo, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Oilbird, Dark-backed Wood Quail, Zeledon’s Antbird, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Black Solitaire, Moss-backed Tanager, Esmeraldas Antbird, Barred Puffbird and Lanceolated Monklet being highlights. Once in the western lowlands this bonanza continued with a showy Brown Wood Rail, followed by Sapayoa, Choco Poorwill, Choco Screech Owl, Stub-tailed Antbird, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Five-coloured Barbet, Pacific Flatbill, Scarlet-and-white Tanager and Golden-chested Tanager among others. On our way back up the west slope we added Beautiful Jay and Star-chested Treerunner, before birding the tops of the Andes. Even at these altitudes we added Ecuadorian Rail, Andean Pygmy Owl, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Buff-fronted Owl and even the rare Spectacled Bear! The tour then saw us once again descend in elevation, down the east slope of the Andes to the Amazonian foothills. Here the list of highlights grew considerably with species such as Chestnut-headed Crake, Black-banded Crake, Plain-backed Antpitta, Rufous-breasted Piculet, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Wing-banded Wren, Grey-tailed Piha, Rufous-breasted Wood Quail, Black-and-white Tody Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Spadebill, White-lored Antpitta and the rare Orange-breasted Falcon. We finished off our trip birding on the east slope of the Andes, with superb additions such as Slaty-crowned Antpitta, Greater Sycthebill, Black-banded Owl and Black-chested Fruiteater. Each new location on the trip brought a new array and exciting and rare species, reflected in the staggering trip total.
On our first day we departed Quito early in the morning and began our birding at the Yanacocha Reserve, where we encountered our first hummingbird species at the reserves excellent feeder setup. Golden-breasted Puffleg, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Great Sapphirewing and an impressive Sword-billed Hummingbird were all enjoyed during this first morning. Additionally, the walk to the feeders saw us encounter a range of species from this high elevation with Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill and Cinereous Conebill encountered in impressive mixed-species flocks, while Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant and Crowned Chat-Tyrant were spotted in the vegetation along the edge of the trail. In the dense vegetation, we worked hard and were rewarded with sightings of Equatorial Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo and Blackish Tapaculo. After lunch at Yanacocha, we began our descent down to the village of Mindo. This drive took us through some impressive expanses of cloud forest. On the way we enjoyed encounters with Golden-headed Quetzal and a surprise Baird’s Sandpiper feeding on the side of the road. We spent the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the hummingbirds at our excellent lodge near Mindo, where we recorded an amazing 15 different species, including Tawny-bellied Hermit, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Velvet-purple Coronet, Purple-bibbed Whitetip and Green-crowned Brilliant. The day was capped off superbly by a surprise Wattled Guan that appeared in the trees next to the hummingbird feeders, before flying right overhead and continuing into the forest.
For our first full day in the Mindo area, we visited the famous Paz de las Aves, or Angel Paz, reserve to see the array of secretive species trained to visit feeders here over years of dedication by Angel Paz and his family. We started the day with a surprise Moustached Antpitta on the trail, as we made our way to a lek site of fabulous Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, where we enjoyed several males performing. Next was the star of the show, the Giant Antpitta, which gave an excellent performance at the feeder. Our final stop before breakfast was a pair of the delightful Yellow-breasted Antpittas. After breakfast, we added Rufous-breasted Antthrush to the list, before finishing the morning by visiting a feeder for Ocellated Tapaculo and Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, both of which performed excellently. In between, we also spent some time at the excellent hummingbird and tanager feeders. We added Empress Brilliant to our growing hummingbird list, whilst we enjoyed excellent views of Toucan Barbet and Red-headed Barbet gorging themselves on bananas. Additional visitors to the feeders included Golden-naped Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Golden Tanager and Black-capped Tanager. In the afternoon we travelled to visit a roosting cave for the peculiar Oilbird. In this small area we got to see 24 Oilbirds resting on the cliff walls. Additionally, in the open areas around the cave we enjoyed our first encounters with species such as Pacific Hornero, Masked Water Tyrant, Pale-mandibled Aracari and Pacific Antwren.
The following day we visited the excellent Reserva Mashpi-Amagusa, with its excellent array of feeders and trails. Our visit here was incredibly productive, and we finished the day with an incredibly variety of different species. We arrived early in the morning to enjoy the birds visiting the moth trap, with highlights including many Zeledon’s Antbirds, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Pacific Tuftedcheek and Black Solitaire. Next our attention shifted to the fruit feeders, with many new tanagers on offer here; Silver-throated Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager and the star of the show, the Moss-backed Tanager. Additionally the feeder was visited by Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Maroon-tailed Parakeets and many Rose-faced Parrots. After a long wait, the seed feeder in the garden finally produced a family of Dark-backed Wood Quails, including a young chick! The hummingbird feeders here are also excellent, with Green Thorntail being a new addition to our trip. Around the grounds are a network of trails and walking along these added several interesting species to our list, including Choco Warbler, Choco Vireo, One-coloured Becard and Rufous-brown Solitaire. In the garden there were also some excellent species we saw with two yellow-collared Chlorophonia in the canopy and a surprise Long-wattled Umbrellabird showing well! In the afternoon we spent some time birding the nearby road where we encountered a range of excellent new species. We started with some tricky views of Esmeraldas Antbirds, before a nice Western Woodhaunter and then a smart pair of Barred Puffbirds. After eating our packed lunch, we continued exploring the road and added Lanceolated Monklet, Russet Antshrike, White-tailed Trogon, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and a male Orange-fronted Barbet to our excellent assortment of species for the day.
Our final day in the Mindo area started with a morning visit to the Bellavista cloud-forest reserve, an excellent area of forest where we managed to find several key species including Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Crested Quetzal, Gorgetted Sunangel, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Streaked Tuftedcheek and Flavescent Flycatcher, while a small flock of Spot-fronted Swifts flew overhead. As we descended the road back towards the lodge, we added Streak-headed Antbird to our morning. In the afternoon, we started by birding the excellent gardens of our lodge. Here we had a short list of birds we wanted to find, and over the next hour we got fantastic views of them all. We started with a nice Scaled Fruiteater, followed by a pair of Slaty Antwren. Club-winged Manakin required a bit more work, but we had nice views in the end. The rare Ecuadorian Seedeater showed nicely for us, and we rounded out the walk we a distant Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl. Next we explored some locations around the village of Mindo itself starting with a Sunbittern sitting on a nest, a roosting Common Potoo and a nest of Buff-rumped Warblers. We then travelled to the other side of the town where we saw Choco Tyrannulet, Mouse-grey Flycatcher and Ecuadorian Thrush. We finished the day with a Lyre-tailed Nightjar displaying overhead.
The following morning we set off from the Mindo area heading down the Andes towards the coast. We stopped at a site called Sendero Frutti Tour to see the rare Brown Wood Rail, which showed phenomenally well! We also spent some time at a lively feeding station here, with good birds like Little Tinamou and Pallid Dove visiting seed feeders, species such as Ecuadorian Thrush, Great Antshrike and Black-cheeked Woodpecker visiting fruit feeders and then hummingbird feeders on top. Here we added Bronzy Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat and Violet-bellied Hummingbird to our ever increasing list of these incredible birds. The rest of the day was spent in transit, as we continued travelling into the western lowlands of Ecuador, to the remote Playa de Oro lodge, deep in the lowland Choco forest. Along the way we added Brown Pelican and Magnificent Frigatebird as we travelled along the coast road. By mid-afternoon we finally reached the village of Selva Alegre, where we caught the boat to take us an hour up the Santiago River to the Playa de Oro lodge, where we would spend the next three nights. Once on the river, we enjoyed a few birds including the rapids specialist Fasciated Tiger Heron.
We spent one evening and two full days birding the trails around Playa de Oro. Around the lodge we enjoyed the Purple-chested Hummingbirds and Blue-chested Hummingbirds visiting the Verbena flowers in the garden, while in the trees around the lodge we spotted the extremely localised Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, as well as Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Tawny-crowned Tanager, Dusky Pigeon, Five-coloured Barbet and White-ringed Flycatcher. A nearby clearing provided us with more tanager species including Rufous-winged Tanager, Scarlet-browed Tanager and Golden-hooded Tanager, as well as Guayaquil Woodpecker, Lita Woodpecker and a female Orange-fronted Barbet. Inside the forest, the birding very rewarding. Antbirds abound here, with Checker-throated Stiplethroat, Spotted Antbird, Dusky Antbird, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Stub-tailed Antbird, Bicolored Antbird and the striking Ocellated Antbird. Also lurking in the understorey of Playa de Oro we saw a few different Great Tinamou, and enjoyed encounters with Tawny-faced Gnatwren, White-whiskered Puffbird, Song Wren, Lemon-spectacled Tanager and the rare Pacific Flatbill. In the mid-storey there were more excellent species, including the Velvety Manakin, Red-capped Manakin, Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Choco Trogon and Choco Black-throated Trogon and overhead we recorded Black Hawk-Eagle and King Vulture! Sadly goodies like Tawny-faced Quail and Pale-vented Thrush remained heard only. At night we searched for and found both Choco Screech Owl and Choco Poorwill. Of course one of the main targets at Playa de Oro is the monotypic Sapayoa. After a frustrating ‘heard only’ on the first morning, it looked like this peculiar species might go missed on this trip, but on our final afternoon we finally struck lucky, with three of these birds!
Our final morning at Playa de Oro started early, as we said farewell to our home for the past three nights and set off towards our next destination, the forests of Alto Tambo. Here we searched for rare species of tanagers, and had a great time finding several; Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Emerald Tanager, Grey-and-gold Tanager, Yellow-green Tanager and the superb Golden-chested Tanager. Additionally in the mixed-species flocks we added Slate-throated Gnatcatcher and both Thick-billed Seed Finch and Large-billed Seed-Finch. Other good species we encountered here included Choco Tapaculo, Purple-crowned Fairy, Barred Hawk and a White-throated Crake that refused to come out of the dense grasses. Additionally there were several highlights that also overlapped with our time in Playa de Oro, including Ocellated Antbird, Tooth-billed Hummingbird and Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant. We ended the day driving back up into the Andes, and finishing at 1,200 metres above sea level.
The following morning we birded the excellent cloud forest of the Chical Road. We started the morning with a stunning Beautiful Jay, followed by the first of many Hoary Pufflegs. Further up the road we concentrated on finding the local Star-chested Treerunner, which took some time but we were eventually rewarded with excellent views of two individuals. Cloud-forest Screech Owl, Purplish-mantled Tanager, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Handsome Flycatcher and Yellow-vented Woodpecker were all good birds which we seen here. Sadly Narino Tapaculo and Choco Brushfinch both remained heard only. We ended the day with a short but successful birding session in the dry intermontane area near our hotel in the village of Ambuqui. The range restricted Blue-headed Sapphire was our main target and we quickly found a female. Scrub Tanager was another bird we wanted to find here and we saw several during the afternoon. Other goodies encountered here included Northern Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet, Western Emerald, Lesser Goldfinch and Streaked Saltator.
The following morning saw us ascend the trail of Cerro Mongus, a difficult trail through Elfin Forest and Paramo. The weather was not kind to us today, and we struggled with relentless rain and mist. Our main target, the Chestnut-bellied Cotinga was still spotted by the tour leader despite the conditions. Additionally, we enjoyed several other species associated with this type of Paramo habitat; Purple-backed Thornbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, Golden-crowned Tanager and Northern Mountain Cacique. The afternoon saw us take a deviation from the planned itinerary, and enjoy one of South Americas most iconic mammals in the Spectacled Bear! In total we saw three of these rare animals in less than an hour! After this marvellous encounter we continued exploring the dry habitat and headed to a new location near the village of Tumbabiro to try find the rare and beautiful Buff-fronted Owl. It took some time, but we eventually managed to see the bird singing low down in the scrubby vegetation.
The following day we began making our way down to the Amazonian foothills of the Andes, with various stops included along the way. We started the day with some birding in the dry habitat near our hotel, where we finally saw a superb male of the Blue-headed Sapphire, as well as adding Dull-coloured Grassquit, Black-backed Grosbeak, Golden Grosbeak and Ash-breasted Sierra Finch to our lists. Our next stop saw us visit one of the high Andean lakes in search of the elusive Ecuadorian Rail. After some time everyone was able to see this elusive reedbed inhabitant. Additionally we enjoyed excellent views of Subtropical Doradito, Andean Duck, Andean Coot and Andean Gull, with Band-tailed Seedeater feeding on the adjacent short grassy areas. We then passed over the highest point of our trip, the Papallacta Pass. Despite the fog on the tops, we decided it was worth trying to find the rare Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe here, and a great decision it turned out to be as we quickly found two confiding individuals. Despite the conditions, we were also able to see Blue-backed Thornbill and Chestnut-winged Cinclodes. We then continued down the east slope of the Andes to our next destination, the WildSumaco Lodge, nestled in the forests at the base of the mountains.
Over the next three days we enjoyed some fabulous birding with the company of our excellent local guide Byron. Around the lodge were an excellent series of hummingbird feeders, home to several new species for our trip, with highlights including Green Hermit, Wire-crested Thorntail, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Gould’s Jewelfront, Gorgeted Woodstart and Many-spotted Hummingbird, with rarer species being Rufous-vented Whitetip, Black-throated Brilliant, Green-backed Hillstar, Lazuline Sabrewing and Napo Sabrewing. Not visiting the feeders but visiting the garden were Ecuadorian Piedtail and Violet-headed Hummingbird. In the trees around the lodge we enjoyed seeing Many-banded Aracari, Gilded Barbet and Firey-throated Fruiteater. There was also a banana feeder in the garden that brought in some interesting mammals; South American Coati, Black-mantled Tamarin and even a Tayra!
We spent some time exploring the lodge trails encountering some amazing species. Mixed species flocks here included great species such as Lafresneys Piculet, Golden-eared Tanager, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, White-fronted Tyrannulet, Plain-winged Antwren, Rufous-tailed Foliage-Gleaner, Orange-crested Flycatcher, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer and Blue-rumped Manakin. In the understorey we added even more targets, with goodies such as Yellow-throated Spadebill, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Short-tailed Antthrush, Black Antbird, Blackish Antbird, Black-faced Antbird, Sooty Antbird, Grey-throated Leaftosser, Wing-banded Wren and a enchanting session with a Musician Wren in full flow, delighting us all with its complex array of notes! In the canopy and mid-storey were even more special birds, with Grey-tailed Piha, Gilded Barbet, Brown Nunlet and Coppery-chested Jacamar being standouts. Byron had an excellent selection of stakeouts to show us. For secretive Rallids, we got to see Blackish Rail, Black-banded Crake and Rufous-sided Crake, all coming to feed on provided worms. There were also roosting spots for Foothill Screech Owl, Rufescent Screech Owl and a fabulous Band-bellied Owl. The Antpitta feeder below the lodge provided views of Plain-backed Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Antpitta and Long-tailed Tapaculo, while the moth traps allowed us to view Black-billed Treehunter and Black-streaked Puffbird. On one morning we also visited a nearby community reserve with Byron, which had a great selection of species on offer. We started the morning with a close lek of Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, followed by a pair of Common Scale-backed Antbirds visiting a moth trap. Finally, before breakfast, we visited a hide which produced a small group of Rufous-breasted Wood Quail and finally two Grey-cowled Wood-Rail. During breakfast we watched the hummingbird feeders, where we enjoyed new species such as Amethyst Woodstar, Grey-breasted Sabrewing and Blue-fronted Lancebill, while in the trees around we enjoyed Amazonian Umbrellabird and Masked Tanager. We finished our morning here with a visit to another hide to see the elusive Chestnut-headed Crake. This normally very shy bird performed excellently!
After three days we departed wild Sumaco and spent the morning birding around the town of Archidona. Although it initially made us wait, we eventually had fabulous views of the range-restricted White-lored Antpitta visiting a feeder. We followed this up with a roosting Great Potoo, with it’s chick nestled beneath it. We finished off our time in this area by visiting a viewing area full of Verbena flowers. This had the desired effect of attracting dozens of hummingbirds, and we had fabulous views of Black-bellied Thorntail, Blue-tailed Emerald and Grey-chinned Hermit. From the viewpoint we also enjoyed seeing Violaceous Jay and Crimson-crested Woodpecker. We then spent the rest of the day driving back up the Andes to our penultimate lodge, the fabulous Cabanas San Isidro.
For our first day based at the San Isidro lodge we travelled to the Guacamayos Ridge trail, a long trail that produces the opportunities to see many unusual species. Highlights from our walk here included Green-fronted Lancebill, the always tricky White-faced Nunbird, Greater Scythebill, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Dusky Piha, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet, Turquoise Jay, Northern Chestnut-breasted Wren, Rufous-crested Tanager and right at the end a pair of Slaty-crowned Antpitta. The rare Marañón White-fronted Capuchin was an excellent bonus mammal reward for the long trail.
The following day we spent the morning exploring the trails around the San Isidro Lodge. An early start rewarded us with a flyover Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, while Rufous-bellied Owl was calling in the distance. Fortunately later in the morning we were able to see one of these owls roosting in a tree-fern! Before breakfast we enjoyed a lively session at the lodge moth trap. From first light the trap was visited by great numbers of confiding birds, including Subtropical Cacique, Green Jay, Andean Solitaire, Black-eared Hemispingus, Mountain Wren, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Flavescent Flycatcher, Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant and Barred Becard. On the lawns in front of the moth trap we enjoyed nice views of Glossy-black Thrush and Black Agouti. We finished off our pre-breakfast birding with a visit to the lodge White-bellied Antpitta feeder. The bird made us wait, but it eventually came for it’s breakfast, meaning that we could finally go for ours! After breakfast we did some more exploring of the lodge trails and the road outside the lodge. Mixed-species flocks contained several new birds for us, such as Bluish Flowerpiercer, Streaked Tuftedcheek and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. We checked patches of bamboo and found the tricky Oleaginous Hemispingus and Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, whilst in the canopy we spotted White-throated Toucanet, Olivaceous Siskin and the rare Black-chested Fruiteater. After an afternoon away from the lodge we returned late afternoon and added Collared Forest Falcon in the lodge garden, and at night we had great views of the local Black-banded Owl from the restaurant veranda. The taxonomic status of this ‘San Isidro’ Owl has been unresolved for some time, but it may well represent a new species. Finally at night those interested enjoyed nice views of the local Lemurine Night Monkeys leaving their roost. During the afternoon we descended the road again to try to find the rare Orange-breasted Falcon. Due to rain this represented our third attempt to see this beautiful and rare raptor, but thanks to the improvement in the weather we were treated to fabulous views of an individual soaring overhead calling loudly. After a celebratory ice-cream we slowly returned back up the Andes towards the lodge, with a few choice stops for various targets including Cliff Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Tanager, Golden-eared Tanager, White-chested Swift and the rare Vermillion Tanager. A final stop after dark brought us fabulous views of the White-throated Screech-Owl.
For our final full day, we drove higher up the Andes to Guango Lodge where we hoped to find the rare Mountain Avocetbill, an unassuming hummingbird with a very peculiar bill. We were treated to fabulous views of this rare hummingbird! The trail to the Avocetbill also produced excellent views of Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan and Andean Motmot. We also spent some time enjoying the lively lodge garden, where we had excellent views of Turquoise Jay visiting fruit feeders. There was also an excellent selection of hummingbirds coming to feeders, with highlights including Tourmaline Sunangel, White-bellied Woodstar and Long-tailed Sylph. In the lodge garden we added Spectacled Whitestart and Black-capped Hemispingus. Overhead we enjoyed our first Andean Condor and a bonus Black-and-chestnut Eagle. We also explored some high-altitude Paramo habitat during the day, first at the Cayambe National Park, where we enjoyed new species like Viridian Metaltail, Tawny Antpitta, Pale-naped Brushfinch and the tricky Black-backed Bush Tanager. During the afternoon we returned to the Papallacta Pass and added Tufted Tit-Tyrant and the impressive Giant Conebill. We finished the day in Quito, spotting Carunculated Caracaras on our way into the city.
For our final day in Ecuador we headed into the Antisana National Park. We started at a viewpoint to see Andean Condor, of which we saw several as well as a Black-chested Buzzard Eagle. At the same viewpoint were several hummingbird feeders, where could see Black Flowerpiercer, Cinereous Conebill, Great Sapphirewing and the always impressive Giant Hummingbird. On the short grass in front of the viewpoint was an especially confiding Tawny Antpitta, while a Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant flew through. From here we walked down to a nearby lake, where we counted good numbers of Yellow-billed Pintail and Andean Teal, as well as six Least Sandpipers. Higher into the national park we found a superb male Ecuadorian Hillstar, as well as both Streak-backed Canastero and Many-striped Canastero. We continued working this area, and were rewarded with Grass Wren, Paramo Ground Tyrant, Paramo Pipit, Andean Lapwing and a distant female Cinereous Harrier. We wrapped up our morning with views of both Chestnut-winged Cincloides and Stout-billed Cincloides. After that, we had our final lunch and prepared for our return to the airport and the end of the tour.
Huge thanks to Juan Carlos for his knowledge of the itinerary, while making sure that the trip ran as smoothly as possible and was extremely rewarding for birds. Also immense thanks to our driver Jefferson, who made sure we always arrived safely and promptly. And finally a huge thanks to all the guests on this tour for your enthusiasm and patience throughout the tour, helping to make it so enjoyable.
BIRDS OF THE TOUR
1st Sapayoa
2nd Oilbird
3rd Long-wattled Umbrellabird
4rd Orange-breasted Falcon
5th Musician Wren
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR
Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).
The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows AviList v2025b (AviList Core Team 2025. AviList: The Global Avian Checklist, v2025); this was the current version when the checklist for the tour report was created.
Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.
The species names and taxonomy used in the mammal list follow the mammal list on the iGoTerra website (www.igoterra.com). This list largely follows IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) taxonomy with just a few modifications. It is listed in family order, alphabetically by genera within families. Some alternative names are given in parentheses.
BIRDS
Great Tinamou Tinamus major Three seen and others heard at Playa de Oro
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui An adult and a juvenile visiting a feeder at Sendero Frutti Tour
Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus Heard-only at Wild Sumaco
Ruddy Duck (Andy D) Oxyura [jamaicensis] ferruginea Seen on a a lake near Quito
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Seen on a a lake near Quito and Antisana NP
Andean Teal Anas andium Seen at Antisana NP
Wattled Guan ◊ Aburria aburri One seen at our lodge in Mindo
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii Seen at Yanacocha reserve and Cerro Mongus
Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Heard-only at Angel Paz and Playa de Oro
Rufous-headed Chachalaca ◊ Ortalis erythroptera Two seen as we drove away from Playa de Oro
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Common seen and heard at Wild Sumaco
Tawny-faced Quail ◊ Rhynchortyx cinctus Heard-only at Playa de Oro
Dark-backed Wood Quail ◊ Odontophorus melanonotus A family group seen at Reserva Amagusa
Rufous-breasted Wood Quail ◊ Odontophorus speciosus A group was seen at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Two seen on a a lake near Quito
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Seen occasionally in wetland and cultivated habitats throughout
Common Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Seen at Playa de Oro and Wild Sumaco
Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera A handful seen at Antisana NP
Common Ground Dove (Scaly G-D) Columbina passerina A few seen whilst birding at Ambuqui
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Seen and heard occasionally throughout
Pallid Dove ◊ Leptotila pallida A few seen at Sendero Fruitti Tour
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Regularly seen throughout in more open environments
White-throated Quail-Dove ◊ Zentrygon frenata One seen at Angel Paz and five seen at Resrva Mashpi Amagusa
Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Seen occasionally around Mindo. Also seen at Sendro Fruitti Tour
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Regularly seen in cloud forest environments
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Regularly seen and heard at Wild Sumaco
Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea One heard at Playa de Oro and seen at Wild Sumaco
Dusky Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas goodsoni Frequently seen and heard at Playa de Oro
Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Seen sporadically in urban environements throughout the trip
Chestnut-headed Crake ◊ Anurolimnas castaneiceps One was seen at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco
Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans One seen at Wild Sumaco
Brown Wood Rail ◊ Aramides wolfi One seen at Sendero Fruitti Tour
Grey-cowled Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Two were seen at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco
Ecuadorian Rail ◊ Rallus aequatorialis Two seen on a a lake near Quito
Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Two seen on a a lake near Quito
Andean Coot (Slate-coloured C) Fulica ardesiaca Seen on a a lake near Quito
Black-banded Crake ◊ Rufirallus fasciatus Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Rufous-sided Crake Laterallus melanophaius Two seen at a small wetland near Wild Sumaco
White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis Heard only at Reserva Amagusa and Alto Tambo
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Seen occasionally in cultivated habitats
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Seen at Antisana NP
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe ◊ Attagis gayi Two seen at Papallacta
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Several seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii One seen on the road near Yanacocha reserve
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Six seen at Antisana NP
Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Seen on a a lake near Quito and Antisana NP
Sunbittern Eurypyga helias One seen on a nest in Mindo
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Several seen as we drove along the Pacific coast
Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Nannopterum brasilianum Several seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Several seen as we drove along the Pacific coast
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum Three seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea One seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Several seen on the drive to Playa de Oro
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea One heard at Playa de Oro
Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striata One seen at Mindo and one seen at Wild Sumaco
Great Egret (American G E) Ardea [alba] Egretta Five seen on the drive to Playa de Oro
Western Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Regularly seen throughout the tour
Cocoi Heron (White-necked H) Ardea cocoi One seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk ◊ Lurocalis rufiventris One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and San Isidro Lodge
Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, two seen at Bellavista and seven seen at Wild Sumaco
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra One seen displaying near Mindo
Choco Poorwill ◊ Nyctiphrynus rosenbergi One seen at Playa de Oro
Oilbird Steatornis caripensis A total of 24 seen at roost in the Oilbird cave
Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis One seen roosting with a chick at Archidona
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus One roosting near Mindo
Fork-tailed Palm Swift Tachornis squamata Several seen at Archidona
Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutile A few small flocks seen at Wild Sumaco
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Seen occasionally throughout the tour
White-chested Swift Cypseloides lemosi Five seen on the road below San Isidro Lodge
Spot-fronted Swift ◊ Cypseloides cherriei A small group seen flying over Bellavista
Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Five seen at Wild Suamco
Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicaudus 10 seen at Playa de Oro
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura Some seen near Archedona
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis One seen at Playa de Oro
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Seen occasionally at cloud forest sites throughout the tour
White-tipped Sicklebill ◊ Eutoxeres aquila One seen at Wild Sumaco
Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri Leader-only. One seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
White-whiskered Hermit ◊ Phaethornis yaruqui Seen occasionally at sites on the western Andean slope throughout
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Tawny-bellied Hermit ◊ Phaethornis syrmatophorus Two seen at the lodge near Mindo and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis One seen at Playa de Oro
Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis One seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen at Archidona
Green-fronted Lancebill ◊ Doryfera ludovicae One seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Blue-fronted Lancebill Doryfera johannae Two seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen at the nearby community reserve
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Seen occasionally throughout the tour
Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen occasionally throughout the tour
Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Three seen at Angel Paz, one seen in Mindo, one seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen at San Isidro Lodge
Tooth-billed Hummingbird ◊ Androdon aequatorialis One seen at Alto Tambo
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Two seen at Alto Tambo
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and several seen at Wild Sumaco
Greenish Puffleg ◊ Haplophaedia aureliae Two seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Hoary Puffleg ◊ Haplophaedia lugens Several seen on the Chical Road
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis Luciani Several seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Golden-breasted Puffleg ◊ Eriocnemis Mosquera One seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi Leader-only. One seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Seen commonly at Yanacocha Reserve, Cayambe NP and Antisana NP
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Several seen at San Isidro Lodge
Brown Inca ◊ Coeligena wilsoni Seen occasionally at sites on the western Andean slope throughout
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata One seen at Bellavista and several seen around San Isidro Lodge and Guango Lodge
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae Several seen at Yanacocha Reserve and one seen at Cayambe NP
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Two seen at Yanacocha Reserve, one seen at Guango Lodge and one seen at Antisana NP
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus Five seen at Yanacocha Reserve, one seen at Cerro Mongus, three seen at Cayambe NP and four seen at Antisana NP
Buff-tailed Coronet ◊ Boissonneaua flavescens One seen at Angel Paz and two seen at Guango Lodge
Chestnut-breasted Coronet ◊ Boissonneaua matthewsii Abundant at San Isidro Lodge and Guango Lodge
Velvet-purple Coronet ◊ Boissonneaua jardini Common at mid-elevation cloud forest sites on the western slope of the Andes
Purple-bibbed Whitetip ◊ Urosticte benjamini Common at mid-elevation cloud forest sites on the western slope of the Andes
Rufous-vented Whitetip ◊ Urosticte ruficrissa One seen at Wild Sumaco
White-booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Several seen at our lodge near Mindo and at Angel Paz
Peruvian Racket-tail Ocreatus peruanus Several seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen at San Isidro Lodge
Green-backed Hillstar ◊ Urochroa leucura Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Black-throated Brilliant ◊ Heliodoxa schreibersii Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Gould’s Jewelfront ◊ Heliodoxa aurescens Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Fawn-breasted Brilliant ◊ Heliodoxa rubinoides Seen occasionally at mid-elevation cloud forest sites throughout the tour
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Occasionally seen at mid-elevation cloud forest sites on the western slope of the Andes
Empress Brilliant ◊ Heliodoxa imperatrix Several seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two seen at Angel Paz
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Black-bellied Thorntail Discosura langsdorffi Several seen at Archidona
Green Thorntail ◊ Discosura conversi One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, one seen at Playa de Oro and several seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
Ecuadorian Piedtail ◊ Phlogophilus hemileucurus Four seen at Wild Sumaco
Gorgeted Sunangel ◊ Heliangelus strophianus Several seen at Bellavista
Tourmaline Sunangel ◊ Heliangelus exortis Two seen at Guango Lodge
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Seen occasionally at mid-elevation cloud forest sites throughout the tour
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Several seen at San Isidro Lodge and Guango Lodge
Violet-tailed Sylph ◊ Aglaiocercus coelestis Common at mid-elevation cloud forest sites on the western slope of the Andes
Purple-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron microrhynchum One seen at Cerro Mongus and one seen at Guango Lodge
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae Leader-only. One seen at Antisana NP
Ecuadorian Hillstar ◊ (Chimborazo H) Oreotrochilus Chimborazo Three seen at Antisana NP
Mountain Avocetbill ◊ Opisthoprora euryptera One seen at Guango Lodge
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Several seen at Yanacocha Reserve, three seen at Cerro Mongus, two seen at Papallacta and two seen at Antisana NP
Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami Two seen at Cayambe NP
Blue-mantled Thornbill ◊ Chalcostigma stanleyi Two seen at Papallacta Pass
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani Two seen at Cerro Mongus and one seen at Cayambe NP
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Three seen at Antisana NP
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris One seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and one seen at a community reserve at Wild Sumaco
Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystine One seen at a community reserve at Wild Sumaco
Purple-throated Woodstar ◊ Philodice mitchellii One seen at the hotel near Mindo and three seen at Angel Paz
White-bellied Woodstar ◊ Chaetocercus mulsant Several seen at Guango Lodge
Gorgeted Woodstar ◊ Chaetocercus heliodor Two seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen at Archidona
Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus Two seen at Archidona
Western Emerald ◊ (West Andean E) Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus One seen near Quito and four seen at Ambuqui
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis One seen at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco
Napo Sabrewing ◊ Campylopterus villaviscensio Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Lazuline Sabrewing Campylopterus falcatus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Crowned Woodnymph ◊ Thalurania colombica Several seen at our lodge near Mindo
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Common W) Thalurania furcata Several seen at Wild Sumaco and Archidona
Many-spotted Hummingbird ◊ Taphrospilus hypostictus Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Seen occasionally at sites on the western Andean slope throughout
Andean Emerald ◊ Uranomitra franciae Several seen at our lodge near Mindo and also at Angel Paz
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Abundant at Wild Sumaco and Archidona
Blue-headed Sapphire ◊ Chrysuronia grayi Two seen at Ambuqui
Glittering-throated Emerald Chionomesa fimbriata Two seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen at Archidona
Purple-chested Hummingbird ◊ Polyerata rosenbergi Several seen at Playa de Oro
Blue-chested Hummingbird Polyerata amabilis One seen at Playa de Oro
Violet-bellied Hummingbird ◊ Chlorestes julie Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
American Barn Owl Tyto furcata Heard near the village of Tumbabiro
Buff-fronted Owl ◊ Aegolius harrisii One was seen not far from the village of Tumbabiro
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium nubicola One seen at our lodge in Mindo and two seen on the Chcial Road
Andean Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium jardinii One seen at Cerro Mongus
White-throated Screech Owl ◊ Megascops albogularis Two seen on the road south of San Isidro Lodge
Rufescent Screech Owl ◊ Megascops ingens One seen roosting at Wild Sumaco
Rufescent Screech Owl ◊ (Colombian S O) Megascops [ingens] colombianus One heard at our lodge in Mindo
Choco Screech Owl ◊ Megascops centralis A pair seen at Playa de Oro
Foothill Screech Owl ◊ (Napo S O) Megascops [roraimae] napensis One seen at roost at Wild Sumaco
Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota One seen at roost at Wild Sumaco
Black-banded Owl ◊ (San Isidro Owl) Strix huhula One seen from the restaurant at San Isidro Lodge
Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis One heard and one seen roosting at San Isidro Lodge
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa One seen at Playa de Oro
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus One flew over at Guango Lodge and several seen at Antisana NP
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Regularly seen throughout the tour
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Occssionally seen throughout the tour
Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus One seen at Mindo and another at a community reserve near Wild Suamco
Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K) Elanoides forficatus One seen at at Playa de Oro, one seen at Chical Road and several seen at Wild Sumaco
Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus One seen at Playa de Oro and one seen at Wild Sumaco
Black-and-chestnut Eagle Spizaetus isidori One seen at Guango Lodge
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Plain-breasted H) Accipiter [striatus] ventralis One seen on the road near Wild Sumaco
Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus A ringtail seen at Antisana NP
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Barred Hawk Morphnarchus princeps One seen at Alto Tambo and two seen at Wild Suamco
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Seen occasionally throughout the tour
Harris’s Hawk (Bay-winged H) Parabuteo unicinctus One seen whilst birding at Ambuqui
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma Two seen at Papallacta Pass and two seen at Antisana NP
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (B-c Eagle, B-c E-B) Geranoaetus melanoleucus Two seen at Antisana NP
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Four seen at Wild Sumaco
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps Two seen around Bellavista
Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus One seen at Bellavista
Choco Trogon ◊ (White-eyed T, Blue-tailed T) Trogon comptus One seen at Playa de Oro and one seen at Alto Tambo
White-tailed Trogon (Western W-t T) Trogon chionurus One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two seen at Playa de Oro
Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis One heard only at Wild Sumaco
Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui One seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen at Archedona
Choco Black-throated Trogon ◊ Trogon cupreicauda Two seen at Playa de Oro
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus One seen at Angel Paz, one seen at Chical Road, Two seen at San Isidro Lodge and two seen at Guango Lodge.
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Three seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Three heard at Playa de Oro
Andean Motmot Momotus aequatorialis One seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Six seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana One seen on the boat trip to Playa de Oro
Coppery-chested Jacamar ◊ Galbula pastazae Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Barred Puffbird ◊ Nystalus radiatus Two seen near Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Western Striolated Puffbird Nystalus obamai One heard only at Wild Sumaco
Brown Nunlet ◊ Nonnula brunnea Two seen at Wild Sumaco
White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis Two seen at Playa de Oro
Black-streaked Puffbird ◊ Malacoptila fulvogularis One seen at Wild Sumaco
White-faced Nunbird ◊ (W-f Puffbird) Hapaloptila castanea Two seen at Guacamayos Ridge
Lanceolated Monklet ◊ Micromonacha lanceolata One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Red-headed Barbet ◊ Eubucco bourcierii Seen at Angel Paz, Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, Sendero Frutti Tour and Wild Sumaco, often visiting feeders.
Orange-fronted Barbet ◊ Capito squamatus A male seen near Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and a female seen at Playa de Oro
Five-colored Barbet ◊ Capito quinticolor Three seen at Playa de Oro
Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Toucan Barbet ◊ Semnornis ramphastinus Two seen at Angel Paz and one heard at Chical Road
Yellow-throated Toucan ◊ Ramphastos ambiguus Seen and heard occasionally in forest habitats throughout
Choco Toucan ◊ Ramphastos brevis One seen near Mindo, heard occasionally throughout the Andean west slope
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus Four seen at Wild Sumaco
Pale-mandibled Aracari ◊ (Stripe-billed A) Pteroglossus [erythropygius] sanguineus Three heard at Playa de Oro
Pale-mandibled Aracari ◊ Pteroglossus [erythropygius] erythropygius Two seen at the Oilbird Cave and four at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Southern Emerald Toucanet (Andean T) Aulacorhynchus albivitta One seen at San Isidro Lodge
Crimson-rumped Toucanet ◊ Aulacorhynchus haematopygus One seen at Angel Paz and two at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan Andigena hypoglauca Leader-only. One seen at Guango Lodge
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan ◊ Andigena laminirostris Two seen at Bellavista
Black-billed Mountain Toucan ◊ Andigena nigrirostris One seen at Guacamayos Ridge
Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Rufous-breasted Piculet Picumnus rufiventris One seen at Wild Sumaco
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus Two seen at Alto Tambo
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Lita Woodpecker ◊ Piculus litae One seen at Playa de Oro
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and two seen at Wild Sumaco
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii One seen at Cerro Mongus, three seen at Guacamayos Ridge and one seen at Antisana NP
Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula One seen at Wild Sumaco
Crimson-bellied Woodpecker Campephilus haematogaster Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucus Two seen near Archedona
Guayaquil Woodpecker ◊ Campephilus gayaquilensis Two seen at Playa de Oro
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Six seen at Wild Sumaco
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and two at Playa de Oro
Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii Two seen at Playa de Oro
Yellow-vented Woodpecker ◊ Veniliornis dignus One seen at Chical Road and one at San Isidro Lodge
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans One seen at Playa de Oro and heard only at Sendero Frutti Tour
Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus Leader-only. One seen at San Isidro Lodge
Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis One seen at Bellavista and heard only at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and Wild Sumaco
Yellow-headed Caracara Daptrius chimachima Seen a few times in lowlands of the east slope of the Andes
Black Caracara Daptrius ater Two flew over at Wild Sumaco
Carunculated Caracara ◊ Daptrius carunculatus Two seen at Papallacta Pass and several seen at Antisana NP
American Kestrel Falco sparverius One seen at Yanacocha Reserve, One seen at Angel Paz and one seen at Ambuqui
Orange-breasted Falcon ◊ Falco deiroleucus One seen flying over the road near Wild Sumaco
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis One seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola Heard-only. Flocks heard at Mindo, Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and Bellavista
Rose-faced Parrot ◊ Pyrilia pulchra Large numbers seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two seen at Playa de Oro
Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus Seen occasionally in mid-elevation cloud forest sites throughout the tour
Speckle-faced Parrot (White-capped P) Pionus [tumultuosus] seniloides Some were heard at San Isidro Lodge
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus One seen at Playa de Oro and one seen at Archidona
Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus Regularly seen at mid-elevation sites on the Andean west slope
Mealy Amazon (M Parrot) Amazona farinosa Some flocks were seen at Playa de Oro
Maroon-tailed Parakeet ◊ Pyrrhura melanura Around 15 seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, six seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and some seen at Wild Sumaco
Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus Six seen at Wild Sumaco
Military Macaw ◊ Ara militaris Two heard at Wild Sumaco
Great Green Macaw ◊ Ara ambiguus Two heard at Alto Tambo
White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus Two seen at Wild Suamco
Sapayoa ◊ Sapayoa aenigma Three seen at Playa de Oro
Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus A single was seen on the Chical Road
Green Manakin ◊ Cryptopipo holochlora One seen at Wild Sumaco
Velvety Manakin Lepidothrix velutina Two seen at Playa de Oro
Blue-rumped Manakin ◊ Lepidothrix isidorei A few seen at Wild Sumaco
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus Several females seen at Playa de Oro and one seen at Alto Tambo
Club-winged Manakin ◊ Machaeropterus deliciosus Two seen at our hotel in Mindo
Striolated Manakin (Western-striped M) Machaeropterus striolatus One seen at Wild Sumaco
White-crowned Manakin Pseudopipra pipra A few individuals seen around Wild Sumaco
Red-capped Manakin Ceratopipra mentalis Three seen at Playa de Oro
Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii One seen in the garden of the lodge in Mindo
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii Two seen at Bellavista, two seen on the Chical Road and four seen around San Isidro Lodge
Orange-breasted Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola jucunda Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Black-chested Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola lubomirskii Three seen at San Isidro Lodge
Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola frontalis (H/LO) One heard only at Wild Sumaco
Fiery-throated Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola chlorolepidota Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Grey-tailed Piha ◊ Snowornis subalaris One seen and several heard at Wild Sumaco
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus A lek at Angel Paz had five males and a lek at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco had 11 males.
Chestnut-bellied Cotinga ◊ Doliornis remseni Leader-only. One seen at Cerro Mongus
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus Four seen at Yanacocha Reserve and two seen at Cerro Mongus
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus Two seen at Wild Sumaco and another seen at the nearby community reserve
Long-wattled Umbrellabird ◊ Cephalopterus penduliger One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Dusky Piha ◊ Lipaugus fuscocinereus Two seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Three seen at Playa de Oro
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata One seen at Playa de Oro, one seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen near Achidona
Green-backed Becard ◊ (Yellow-cheeked B) Pachyramphus [viridis] xanthogenys One seen at Wild Sumaco Lodge
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and one seen at San Isidro Lodge
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and one seen at Playa de Oro
White-winged Becard ◊ Pachyramphus polychopterus One seen at Wild Sumaco
One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous A female seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus One seen at Playa de Oro
Tawny-breasted Myiobius ◊ Myiobius villosus Three seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Sulphur-rumped Myiobius Myiobius sulphureipygius One seen at the Oilbird Cave
Black-tailed Myiobius Myiobius atricaudus One seen at Playa de Oro
Wing-barred Piprites (W-b Manakin) Piprites chloris One seen at Wild Sumaco
White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus One seen near Mindo
Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus One heard at Playa de Oro
Yellow-throated Spadebill ◊ Platyrinchus flavigularis One seen at Wild Sumaco
Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant ◊ Pseudotriccus pelzelni One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps One seen at Guacamayos Ridge
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Three seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and three seen at Wild Sumaco
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis One seen on the Chical Road
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus One seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen on the road below San Isidro Lodge
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus Two seen at Wild Sumaco and three seen at San Isidro Lodge
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet ◊ (E Bristle-Tyrant) Phylloscartes gualaquizae Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Pacific Flatbill ◊ Rhynchocyclus pacificus One seen at Playa de Oro
Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens One seen at Playa de Oro and another seen at Wild Sumaco
Olive-faced Flatbill (O-f Flycatcher) Tolmomyias viridiceps Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Two seen Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum One seen at Wild Sumaco
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher (R-c T-Tyrant) Poecilotriccus ruficeps Three seen at San Isidro Lodge
Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher ◊ (B-a-w T-Tyrant) Poecilotriccus capitalis Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher ◊ Poecilotriccus calopterus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus One seen at Playa de Oro, plus one heard only at Alto Tambo
Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Four heard at Playa de Oro, one seen at Alto Tambo plus one seen and two heard at Wild Sumaco
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Six seen on the road near Wild Sumaco
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Seen several times at San Isidro Lodge
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus Seen occasionally at forested habitats throughout
Handsome Flycatcher ◊ Nephelomyias pulcher Four seen on the Chical Road and one seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Choco Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius albigularis One seen near Mindo, one seen at Playa de Oro and another seen at Alto Tambo
Golden-faced Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius chrysops Four seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
White-fronted Tyrannulet ◊ Acrochordopus zeledoni One seen at Wild Sumaco
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Tyranniscus uropygialis One seen at Cerro Mongus
Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus Two seen at Playa de Oro
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum One seen near Quito and two seen at Ambuquí
Foothill Elaenia ◊ Myiopagis olallai Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Five seen at Ambuqui
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps One seen at Antisana NP
Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae Two seen at Cerro Mongus
Small-billed Elaenia Elaenia parvirostris One seen at Wild Sumaco
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps Two seen at the Oilbird Caves and two seen at Wild Sumaco
Mouse-colored Tyrannulet (Northern M-c T) Nesotriccus [murinus] incomtus Two seen at Ambuqui
White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus One seen at Angel Paz
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Two seen at Yanacocha Reserve
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Seen occasionally in Paramo habitats throughout the tour
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor One seen at Guacamayos Ridge and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Subtropical Doradito Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis Several seen at a lake near Quito
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Two seen near San Isidro Lodge
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus Two seen near Quito and two seen at the Papallacta Pass
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer One seen at Yanacocha Reserve, one seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and one seen at Wild Sumaco
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox One heard only at Wild Sumaco
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus One seen and one heard at Playa de Oro
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Two seen at the Oilbird Cave and two seen at Mindo
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Seen and heard occasionally throughout
Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis One seen at Playa de Oro and one seen around Archidona
Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus Seen regularly at mid-elevation cloud-forest sites throughout the tour
White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus Three seen at Playa de Oro
Lemon-browed Flycatcher Conopias cinchoneti One seen at Wild Sumaco
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Seen regularly throughout the trip
Flavescent Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus flavicans One seen at Bellavista, one seen at the Chical Road and another seen at San Isidro Lodge
Orange-crested Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus phoenicomitra One seen at Wild Sumaco
Olive-chested Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus cryptoxanthus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Bran-colored Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus fasciatus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Mouse-grey Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus crypterythrus One seen near Mindo
Crowned Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix frontalis One seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix diadema One heard only at Bellavista
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor Two seen at Yanacocha Reserve, two seen at Cayambe NP and one seen at Antisana NP
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus One seen at Alto Tambo
Masked Water Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta Two seen at the Oilbird Cave
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Four seen near Quito and five seen around Ambuqui
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Seen occasionally on rivers throughout the tour
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Seen regularly at mid-elevation cloud-forest sites throughout the tour
Paramo Ground Tyrant ◊ Muscisaxicola alpinus Six seen at Antisana NP
Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis One seen at Cerro Mongus
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus One seen at Antisana NP
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater ◊ Conopophaga castaneiceps Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Rufous-rumped Antwren ◊ Euchrepomis callinota Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, one seen at Wild Sumaco and one seen on the road near San Isidro Lodge
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis Four seen at Playa de Oro
Checker-throated Stipplethroat Epinecrophylla fulviventris Two seen at Playa de Oro
Ornate Stipplethroat Epinecrophylla ornata One seen at Wild Sumaco
Moustached Antwren ◊ Myrmotherula ignota One heard only at Playa de Oro
Pacific Antwren (Pacific Streaked A) Myrmotherula pacifica Two seen at the Oilbird Cave and one seen at Mindo
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Several seen at Playa de Oro
Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Two seen in Mindo
Plain-winged Antwren ◊ Myrmotherula behni Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Great Antshrike Taraba major Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Two seen and two heard at Wild Sumaco
Spot-crowned Antvireo ◊ Dysithamnus puncticeps Three seen at Playa de Oro
Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Rusty-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus frater One seen and several heard at Wild Sumaco
Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus Several seen around Wild Sumaco
Black-crowned Antshrike (Western Slaty A) Thamnophilus atrinucha Six seen around Playa de Oro
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and one heard at Mindo
Ocellated Antbird Phaenostictus mcleannani One seen at Playa de Oro and two seen at Alto Tambo
Common Scale-backed Antbird Willisornis poecilinotus One seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen at a nearby community reserve
Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys bicolor Five seen at Playa de Oro
Dusky Antbird Cercomacroides tyrannina Three seen at Playa de Oro
Black Antbird Cercomacroides serva One seen at Wild Sumaco
Blackish Antbird Cercomacroides nigrescens Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Peruvian Warbling Antbird ◊ Hypocnemis peruviana One heard at Archidona
Streak-headed Antbird ◊ Drymophila striaticeps One seen at Bellavista, two seen on the Chical Road and one heard at San Isidro Lodge
Chestnut-backed Antbird Poliocrania exsul Several seen around Playa de Oro
Esmeraldas Antbird ◊ Sipia nigricauda Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Stub-tailed Antbird ◊ Sipia berlepschi Several seen and heard around Playa de Oro
Spotted Antbird ◊ Hylophylax naevioides Five seen at Playa de Oro
Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Western Fire-eye ◊ Pyriglena maura Two heard at Wild Sumaco
Sooty Antbird Hafferia fortis One seen at Wild Sumaco
Zeledon’s Antbird ◊ Hafferia zeledoni Several seen around Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Ochre-breasted Antpitta ◊ Grallaricula flavirostris One seen at Wild Sumaco
Slaty-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana Two seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Streak-chested Antpitta ◊ Hylopezus perspicillatus One showed well at Playa de Oro
White-lored Antpitta ◊ Myrmothera fulviventris One seen at Archidona
Giant Antpitta ◊ Grallaria gigantea One seen at Angel Paz
Moustached Antpitta ◊ Grallaria alleni One seen at Angel Paz
Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonota One seen and several heard at Wild Sumaco
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla One seen at Angel Paz and
Yellow-breasted Antpitta ◊ Grallaria flavotincta Two seen at Angel Paz
White-bellied Antpitta ◊ Grallaria hypoleuca One seen and others heard at San Isidro Lodge
Equatorial Antpitta Grallaria saturate One seen and others heard at Yanacocha
Tawny Antpitta ◊ Grallaria quitensis Seen commonly at Cayambe NP and Antisana NP
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx One seen at Yanacocha Reserve and another at Angel Paz
Paramo Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus opacus One heard at Cerro Mongus and two heard at Papallacta Pass
White-crowned Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus atratus One heard at Wild Sumaco
Long-tailed Tapaculo ◊ (Equatorial Rufous-vented T) Scytalopus micropterus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Blackish Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus latrans One seen at Yanacocha plus others heard and also heard at San Isidro Lodge
Narino Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus vicinior Heard at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, Bellavista and Cachi Road
Choco Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus chocoensis Two seen at Alto Tambo
Spillmann’s Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus spillmanni One seen and several heard at Bellavista
Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona One seen and others heard at Wild Sumaco
Barred Antthrush ◊ Chamaeza mollissima One heard on the Guacamayos Ridge
Black-headed Antthrush ◊ Formicarius nigricapillus One heard at Playa de Oro and another at Alto Tambo
Rufous-breasted Antthrush ◊ Formicarius rufipectus One seen at Angel Paz
Grey-throated Leaftosser (G-t Leafscraper) Sclerurus albigularis Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, Playa de Oro and at Wild Sumaco
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus One seen at Wild Suamco
Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina Three heard only on the Guacamayos Ridge
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa One seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and two seen at Alto Tambo
Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae Two seen at Playa de Oro
Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus One seen at San Isidro Lodge
Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, one at Mindo and one at Sendero Frutti Tour
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis Three seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Red-billed Scythebill ◊ Campylorhamphus trochilirostris Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
Greater Scythebill ◊ Drymotoxeres pucheranii Leader-only. One seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Two seen at Angel Paz and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Two seen at Playa de Oro and two seen at Wild Sumaco
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens Two seen at Wild Sumaco and another heard on the Guacamayos Ridge
Star-chested Treerunner ◊ (Fulvous-dotted T) Margarornis stellatus Two seen on the Chical Road
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger One seen at Bellavista, several seen at San Isidro Lodge and two seen at Papallacta Pass
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner ◊ Anabacerthia variegaticeps One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two at Mindo
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Five seen at Wild Sumaco and one heard at San Isidro Lodge
Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia ruficaudata One seen at Wild Sumaco
Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and one heard at Angel Paz
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Dendroma rufa Frequently seen and heard at Wild Sumaco, with another heard near San Isidro Lodge
Flammulated Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes flammulatus One heard at Bellavista
Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus One heard at San Isidro Lodge
Black-billed Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes melanorhynchus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Western Woodhaunter Automolus virgatus One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two seen at Playa de Oro
Pacific Tuftedcheek ◊ Pseudocolaptes johnsoni Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii Seen occasionally at mid-elevation cloud forest sites
Pacific Hornero ◊ Furnarius cinnamomeus One seen at the Oilbird Caves and another heard at Sendero Frutti Tour
Chestnut-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albidiventris Several seen at Papallacta Pass and at Antisana NP
Stout-billed Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes excelsior Two seen at Antisana NP
Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola Leader-only. One seen at Antisana NP
Many-striped Canastero ◊ Asthenes flammulata Three seen at Antisana NP
Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti Two seen at Antisana NP
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, two seen at Mindo and two seen on Cachi Road
Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata One seen on the road near San Isidro Lodge
Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Two seen in Mindo
Dusky Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis moesta One seen and one heard at Wild Sumaco
Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Two seen near Quito, one seen at Cerro Mongus and four seen at San Isidro Lodge
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa One seen at Guango Lodge
Black-billed Peppershrike ◊ Cyclarhis nigrirostris Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and then regularly seen and heard at San Isidro Lodge
Olivaceous Greenlet ◊ Hylophilus olivaceus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and Wild Sumaco
Lesser Greenlet Pachysylvia decurtate One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, another at Playa de Oro and at Wild Sumaco
Rufous-naped Greenlet ◊ Pachysylvia semibrunnea Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Commonly seen and heard at Angel Paz, Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and Mindo
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Chivi Vireo Vireo chivi Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, two at Bellavista, two around Mindo and several at Alto Tambo
Choco Vireo ◊ Vireo masteri One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Beautiful Jay ◊ Cyanolyca pulchra One seen on the Chical Road
Turquoise Jay ◊ Cyanolyca turcosa Three seen at Yanacocha Reserve, as well as five on the Guacamayos Ridge and several at Guango Lodge
Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus Two seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen at Archidona
Green Jay Cyanocorax yncas One seen at Wild Sumaco and commonly seen at San Isidro Lodge
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Commonly seen around Playa de Oro
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen occasionally throughout the tour
White-thighed Swallow ◊ Atticora tibialis A small number seen at Alto Tambo and again at Wild Sumaco
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Several seen at Archidona
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Commonly seen throughout the entire tour
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina Commonly seen at high altitude sites
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica One seen on a lake near Quito
Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris Two seen at Playa de Oro
Slate-throated Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila schistaceigula Two seen at Alto Tambo
Southern Nightingale-Wren (Scaly-breasted W) Microcerculus marginatus Heard a few times during the trip but only seen at Playa de Oro
Wing-banded Wren ◊ Microcerculus bambla One seen and two heard at Wild Sumaco
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Three seen at Wild Suamco
Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis One seen at Antisana NP
Southern House Wren Troglodytes musculus Commonly seen throughout the entire tour
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis One seen on the Chical Road and Cerro Mongus. Commonly seen at San Isidro Lodge
Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys Heard only on the Guacamayos Ridge
Coraya Wren Pheugopedius coraya Heard only at Wild Sumaco
Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa Eight seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Sepia-brown Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens One seen at Bellavista
Stripe-throated Wren Cantorchilus leucopogon Several seen at Playa de Oro
Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Several seen and heard at Reserva Amagusa, also heard at Alto Tambo
White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticte (H/LO) Heard only at Wild Sumaco
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Seen and heard regularly at mid-elevation cloud forest sites
Northern Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus dichrous One seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus One seen at Playa de Oro
Musician Wren Cyphorhinus arada One was seen as it serenaded us at Wild Sumaco
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus Seen around Quito and also around Ambuqui
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus One seen on the road between Yanacocha and Mindo
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides Seen and heard occasionally at mid-elevation cloud forest sites
Rufous-brown Solitaire Cichlopsis leucogenys One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Black Solitaire ◊ Entomodestes coracinus One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Speckled Nightingale-Thrush One seen at Wild Sumaco
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater Two heard at Bellavista
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus One seen at Bellavista and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Regularly seen at high elevation sites throughout the tour
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Three seen at Wild Sumaco
White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis One seen at Wild Sumaco
Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus One heard only at Playa de Oro
Ecuadorian Thrush ◊ Turdus maculirostris Two seen at Mindo and several seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus One seen on the drive to Playa de Oro
Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis Four seen at Antisana NP
Golden-rumped Euphonia Chlorophonia cyanocephala One seen at Angel Paz
Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea One seen at Wild Sumaco
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia ◊ Chlorophonia flavirostris Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Orange-crowned Euphonia ◊ Euphonia saturate One seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta Two seen at Playa de Oro
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout the tour
Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa One seen at Playa de Oro
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Seen regularly in forested habitats throughout the tour
Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa Three seen at Wild Suamaco
Lesser Goldfinch (Dark-backed G) Spinus psaltria One seen near Ambuqui
Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus Two seen at Yanacocha, five seen near Ambuqui
Olivaceous Siskin ◊ Spinus olivaceus A few were seen around San Isidro Lodge
Yellow-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavigularis Several seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, five seen around Mindo and several seen at Wild Sumaco
Yellow-whiskered Chlorospingus ◊ (Short-billed B-T) Chlorospingus parvirostris Three seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Ashy-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus canigularis Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Common Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavopectus One seen on the Chical Road and several seen at San Isidro Lodge
Dusky Chlorospingus ◊ (Dusky-bellied B-T) Chlorospingus semifuscus One seen at Angel Paz, two seen at Bellavista and three seen on the Chical Road
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons Commonly seen and heard in cultivated habitats around Wild Sumaco
Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris One heard at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two seen at Alto Tambo
Grey-browed Brushfinch Arremon assimilis Three seen at Yanacocha Reserve and two seen at Guango Lodge
Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and one seen at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco
Chestnut-capped Brushfinch Arremon brunneinucha One seen at Angel Paz, two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and several seen at San Isidro Lodge.
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Seen with regularlity throughout the tour
Choco Brushfinch ◊ (Dusky B-F) Atlapetes crassus One heard only on the Chical Road
Pale-naped Brushfinch ◊ Atlapetes pallidinucha Two seen at Cayambe NP
Yellow-breasted Brushfinch (Northern Rufous-naped B-F) Atlapetes latinuchus Three seen at Yanacocha Reserve and two seen at Cerro Mongus
Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus One heard only on the Guacamayos Ridge
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Commonly seen and heard at sites on the east slope of the Andes
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Commonly seen and heard at sites on the east slope of the Andes
Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Three seen at Playa de Oro
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus [uropygialis] microrhynchus Several seen at Playa de Oro
Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Subrtopical C) Cacicus [uropygialis] uropygialis Several seen at San Isidro Lodge
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela One seen near Archidona
Mountain Cacique (Northern M C) Cacicus [chrysonotus] leucoramphus Seven seen at Cerro Mongus and six seen at Guango Lodge
Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Three seen near Mindo
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis One seen near Mindo and several seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus One flew over Wild Sumaco
Scrub Blackbird Dives warczewiczi Two seen at the Oilbird cave
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Seen and heard occasionally throughout the tour
Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata Three seen at San Isidro Lodge
Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda An active nest seen in Mindo, three seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and two at Alto Tambo
Choco Warbler ◊ Myiothlypis chlorophrys Three seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata Heard only at Bellavista and San Isidro Lodge
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Two seen at Angel Paz, one seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and two seen at Mindo
Slate-throated Whitestart (S-t Redstart) Myioborus miniatus Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout the tour
Spectacled Whitestart (S Redstart) Myioborus melanocephalus One seen at Yanacocha, two seen at Guango Lodge, two seen at Papallacta Pass and four seen Antisana NP
Golden Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Three seen at Ambuqui
Black-backed Grosbeak Pheucticus aureoventris One seen at Ambuqui
Ecuadorian Seedeater ◊ Amaurospiza aequatorialis One seen near the lodge in Mindo
Lemon-spectacled Tanager ◊ Chlorothraupis olivacea Two seen at Playa de Oro
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii Heard only at Playa de Oro and Alto Tambo
White-capped Tanager ◊ Sericossypha albocristata Heard only on the Guacamayos Ridge
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Six seen at Mindo and one seen on the Chical road
Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Several seen at Playa de Oro, Alto Tambo and Wild Sumaco
Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis [lineata] lineata Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta Three seen at Playa de Oro
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Three seen at Playa de Oro, two seen at Alto Tambo and three seen at Wild Sumaco
Scarlet-breasted Dacnis ◊ Dacnis berlepschi Four seen at Playa de Oro
Golden-collared Honeycreeper ◊ Iridophanes pulcherrimus Six seen at Reserva Amagusa, one seen on the Chical Road and one seen near San Isidro Lodge
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Two seen near Reserva Mashpi Amaguse, three seen at Playa de Oro, Four seen at Alto Tambo and two seen at Wild Sumaco
Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus Two females seen at Alto Tambo
Scarlet-browed Tanager ◊ Heterospingus xanthopygius Three seen at Playa de Oro and four seen at Alto Tambo
Scarlet-and-white Tanager ◊ Chrysothlypis salmoni Several seen at Alto Tambo
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira Two seen near Mindo
Rufous-crested Tanager ◊ Creurgops verticalis One seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and several seen in cultivated areas near Wild Sumaco
White-shouldered Tanager Loriotus luctuosus Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus One seen at Wild Sumaco
Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii Several seen at Playa de Oro and Alto Tambo
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Two seen near Mindo, several seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and four seen at Wild Sumaco
Flame-rumped Tanager (Lemon-rumped T) Ramphocelus [flammigerus] icteronotus Commonly seen at sites on the Andean west slope
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Commonly seen around Wild Sumaco
Chestnut-vented Conebill Conirostrum speciosum A pair seen at Wild Sumaco
Giant Conebill Conirostrum binghami Two seen at Papallacta Pass
Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor Two seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons One seen at Angel Paz, one seen at Bellavista and another at Guango Lodge
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Five seen at Yanacocha Reserve and four seen at Antisana NP
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Dozens seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and one seen near Wild Sumaco
Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Geospizopsis plebejus Two seen at a lake near Quito
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Geospizopsis unicolor Several seen at Antisana NP
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Two seen at a lake near Quito
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Three seen at Cerro Mongus, five seen at a lake near Quito and one seen at Antisana NP
Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii Several seen at Yanacocha, three seen at Cerro Mongus and four seen at Papallacta Pass
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis Several seen at Antisana NP
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera One seen on the Chical Road and two seen at Guango Lodge
Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossa indigotica One seen on the Chical Road
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Deep-blue F-p) Diglossa glauca Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Three seen at San Isidro Lodge
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Several seen at Yanacocha and several seen at San Isidro Lodge
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus One seen at Mindo, two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour and one seen at Wild Sumaco
Black-winged Saltator ◊ Saltator atripennis Seen occasionally at sites on the Andean west slope
Bluish-grey Saltator Saltator coerulescens One seen at Wild Sumaco
Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Three seen at Ambuqui
Slate-colored Grosbeak (Slaty G) Saltator grossus Two heard at Playa de Oro, one seen at Alto Tambo and two seen at Wild Sumaco
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Thick-billed Seed Finch Sporophila funerea One seen at Alto Tambo
Large-billed Seed Finch Sporophila crassirostris One male seen at Alto Tambo
Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Sporophila angolensis Three seen at Wild Sumaco
Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Seen occasionally at sites on the Andean west slope
Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis Two seen at Mindo and one seen at Ambuqui
Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris Leader-only. Two seen at Guango Lodge.
Black-backed Bush Tanager Urothraupis stolzmanni Five seen at Cayambe NP and one seen at Papallacta Pass
Black-capped Hemispingus Kleinothraupis atropileus One seen on the Guacamayos Ridge and three seen at Guango Lodge
Oleaginous Hemispingus Sphenopsis frontalis Two heard in the bamboo at San Isidro Lodge
Black-eared Hemispingus Sphenopsis melanotis Several seen at San Isidro Lodge and three seen at Guango Lodge
Superciliaried Hemispingus Thlypopsis superciliaris Two seen at Yanacocha Reserve
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Seen frequently in lowland habitats throughout the tour
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus One seen at the Oilbird Cave
Dull-colored Grassquit (D-c Seedeater) Asemospiza obscura Leader-only. One seen at Ambuqui
Vermilion Tanager Calochaetes coccineus One seen on the road below San Isidro Lodge
Purplish-mantled Tanager ◊ Iridosornis porphyrocephalus Three seen on the Chical Road
Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis Six seen on the road near to Wild Sumaco
Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex One seen at Cerro Mongus and two seen at the Papallacta Pass
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota One seen at Wild Sumaco
Buff-banded Mountain Tanager Dubusia taeniata One seen at the Papallacta Pass
Blue-capped Tanager Sporathraupis cyanocephala One seen at Bellavista
Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana Two seen on the Guacamayos Ridge and two seen at Guango Lodge
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Two seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Black-chested Mountain Tanager Cnemathraupis eximia Two seen at Yanacocha Reserve and seven seen at Cerro Mongus
Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Leader-only. One seen at Cerro Mongus
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris Seen occasionally in Paramo habitats throughout the tour
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Five seen at Angel Paz, three seen at Bellavista and four seen at San Isidro Lodge
Black-chinned Mountain Tanager ◊ Anisognathus notabilis Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and three seen at Cachi Road
Glistening-green Tanager ◊ Chlorochrysa phoenicotis Four seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, two seen at our lodge in Mindo and three seen at Cachi Road
Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea Several seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Golden-chested Tanager ◊ Bangsia rothschildi Two seen at Alto Tambo
Moss-backed Tanager ◊ Bangsia edwardsi Several seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa plus two at Alto Tambo and Cachi Road
Yellow-green Tanager ◊ (Y-g Bush Tanager) Bangsia flavovirens Five seen at Alto Tambo
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Several seen at Bellavista and five seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Seen occasionally in mid-elevation cloud forest sites throughout the tour
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides One seen at the hotel in Mindo
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Commonly seen around Wild Sumaco and Archidona
Rufous-winged Tanager ◊ Tangara Lavinia Two seen at Playa de Oro and one seen at Alto Tambo
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout
Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis One seen at Wild Sumaco and two seen on the road near San Isidro Lodge
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Several seen around San Isidro Lodge
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout
Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Several seen at Wild Sumaco and Archidona
Golden Tanager Tangara Arthus Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout the tour
Emerald Tanager Tangara florida Two seen at Alto Tambo
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Two seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, two seen at Mindo and two seen at Sendero Frutti Tour
Golden-naped Tanager Chalcothraupis ruficervix Several seen at Angel Paz and Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Seen regularly throughout the tour
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Seen occasionally throughout the tour
Rufous-throated Tanager ◊ Ixothraupis rufigula Four seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Yellow-bellied Tanager Ixothraupis xanthogastra Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Spotted Tanager Ixothraupis punctata Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Grey-and-gold Tanager ◊ Poecilostreptus palmeri Three seen at Alto Tambo
Black-capped Tanager Stilpnia heinei Two seen at Angel Paz and two seen two seen near San Isidro Lodge
Scrub Tanager ◊ Stilpnia vitriolina Several seen around Ambuqui
Golden-hooded Tanager (G-masked T) Stilpnia larvata Two seen at Playa de Oro
Blue-necked Tanager Stilpnia cyanicollis Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout the tour
Masked Tanager Stilpnia nigrocincta One seen at a community reserve near Wild Sumaco and two seen at Archidona
MAMMALS
Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus Three seen at a site near Ambuqui
South American Coati Nasua nasua One seen at Wild Sumaco
Tayra Eira Barbara One seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa and one seen at Wild Sumaco
Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus One seen on the drive to Cerro Mongus
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus One seen near Mindo and very common at Antisana NP
Black-mantled Tamarin (Black-and-red T) Saguinus nigricollis Several seen at Wild Sumaco
Lemurine Night Monkey Aotus lemurinus Two seen at San Isidro Lodge
Mantled Howler Alouatta palliata Heard-only at Playa de Oro
Brown-headed Spider Monkey Ateles fusciceps Heard-only at Playa de Oro
Marañón White-fronted Capuchin Cebus yuracus Three seen on the Guacamayos Ridge
Andean Tapeti Sylvilagus andinus Three seen at Yanacocha Reserve and three seen at Antisana NP
Black Agouti (Grey Agouti) Dasyprocta fuliginosa One seen at San Isidro Lodge
Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Singles seen at Angel Paz, Reserva Mashpi Amagusa, near Mindo and Sendero Frutti Tour
Amazon Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus flaviventer Two seen at Wild Sumaco
Western Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus mimulus Three seen at Reserva Mashpi Amagusa
Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S) Sciurus granatensis Seen occasionally in forested habitats throughout the tour
Common Tent-making Bat Uroderma bilobatum Five seen roosting at Playa de Oro


