NORTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT 2024

6 - 24 November 2024

by Juan Carlos Calvachi

Northern Ecuador is one of the finest birding destinations in South America, standing out for its exceptional diversity of birds and the variety of habitats available across different elevation ranges on both slopes of the northern Ecuador Andes. On the western slope, you will encounter Chocó birds; on the eastern side, an Amazonian influence is evident; and as you ascend, you reach the paramo regions. Ecuador is renowned for its birdwatching infrastructure in both private and state reserves, where numerous feeder attractions have been developed for colourful birds like tanagers and hummingbirds as well as for secretive species such as antpittas and wood quails. We make use of these feeder stations, but we also venture off the beaten path in search of rarer specialties, which is what makes this tour truly exceptional. The northwest region of Ecuador is one of the best areas to observe Chocó endemic birds, and the tour emphasizes the search for many Chocó specialties. While Colombia is also an excellent destination for Chocó endemics, some species—like Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Dark-backed Wood Quail, Choco Tyrannulet and Scarlet-breasted Dacnis (to name just a few)—occur only in the far southern parts of Colombia. Ecuador, by contrast, offers easier access to outstanding birding sites for these species. To name a few highlights of the tour; we can start with my bird of the tour: a great sighting of a Long-tailed Potoo at Sumaco Reserve. Another major highlight, voted as bird of the trip, was observing the fantastic Buff-fronted Owl – one of the rarest and most elusive owl species of Ecuador – at Pululahua Volcano.

A record of 691 bird species, with at least one participant having seen 639 of them, goes to show you how impressive this tour can be! This impressive tally included major targets such as Five-colored Barbet, Chestnut-bellied Cotinga, Beautiful Jay, and the unique Tanager Finch.

Other avian highlights included sightings of Rufous-breasted Wood Quail, Band-winged, Swallow-tailed, and Lyre-tailed Nightjars, Choco Poorwill, Oilbird, Andean Potoos, Spot-fronted Swift, Little Cuckoo, Dusky Pigeon, and Tooth-billed Hummingbird. During the tour we recorded 80 species of hummingbirds, which provided great views of species including White-tipped Sicklebill, Rufous-throated Sapphire (a write-in for the tour), Wire-crested Thorntail, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Violet-tailed Sylph, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Mountain Avocetbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Hoary and Black-thighed Pufflegs, Green-backed and Rufous-gaped Hillstars, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Giant Hummingbird, and Gorgeted and Amethyst Woodstars. Furthermore, we saw the rare and local Brown Wood Rail, and had great views of Blackish Rail, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and Andean Ibis. We did really well on the raptor front too! Major rarities like Ornate Hawk-Eagle, White-rumped and Barred Hawk and Orange-breasted Falcon were seen. In terms of owling, we scored with several species including Cloud-frest and Andean Pygmy Owl, White-throated, Tropical and Foothill Screech Owl, Spectacled, Band-bellied, Stygian and the mysterious “San Isidro” Owl (currently still labelled under Black-banded). Much more was seen but to complement the summary a bit more, we also had great views of Crested Quetzal, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Pied, Barred, Black-streaked and White-whiskered Puffbirds, Orange-fronted, Five-colored and Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed and Black-billed Mountain Toucans, Golden-collared Toucanet, and the Ecuadorian endemic Pale-mandibled Aracari.

On our first day we left our hotel early in the morning to go to Yanacocha Reserve, where we had our first session at the bird feeders with several Shining Sunbeams, Buff-winged Starfrontlets and a female Great Sapphirewing, along with Masked and Glossy Flowerpiercers and other birds included Andean Guan, Hooded, Black-chested, and Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanagers. We hiked the so-called “Masked Trogon” trail, where we managed to see several species such as White-throated Tyrannulet, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, Spectacled Whitestar, Superciliaried Hemispingus, and Blue-backed Conebill. Right after this, we encountered the uncommon Andean Pygmy Owl, which responding to my playback and perched in the open for us! We waited at another section of hummingbird feeders to see if the Golden-breasted Puffleg was around, and it appeared, just as we were about to leave! We continued our journey to the Mindo area, where we would spend the next four nights.

Our first day in the Mindo area was dedicated to a visit to the Angel Paz Reserve, where we were lucky enough to meet Angel Paz himself and he even showed us several Giant Antpittas! Angel Paz is known as the original ‘antpitta man’ because it was him who pioneered feeding antpittas (and other secretive species) with worms—a practice that changed the game for us, birders, and for many families, including his own, as it makes for an innovative way to earn an income whilst or by protecting the forest, instead of converting the land to cattle pastures. We were assisted by Rodrigo (Angel’s brother), who gave us a superb tour of the reserve, that began with a visit to the highly active Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek. After the lek session and the Giant Antpittas that Angel showed us, we went to look for “Willy,” the Yellow-breasted Antpitta, which appeared quite quickly. Later, we met “Shakira” (a female Ochre-breasted Antpitta) who performed very nicely for our group. We also saw a Moustached Antpitta, followed by a Chestnut-crowned Antpitta. That increased the total of antpittas to five in one morning! We were delighted as well with two individuals of Rufous-breasted Antthrushes that completed the worm feeder’s show. Other interesting species seen during our visit to the Angel Paz Reserve were the Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Purple-throated Woodstar, Masked Trogon, Ecuadorian Thrush, Toucan Barbet, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, and both Beryl-spangled and Flame-faced Tanager. We were also delighted to try the famous “bolones” during our visit. In the afternoon, we drove toward the Oilbirds cave site, where we added several new birds to our list, including, of course, the Oilbirds themselves!

Our second day in the Mindo area saw us visiting the Mashpi region in combination with the Amagusa Reserve. In this area, we enjoyed a mix of hummingbird feeders, fruit feeders, moth lights, and very productive roadside birding at one of the most diverse elevations of the western slope (800–1500 metres). A major highlight was spotting the very localised Choco Vireo, which we eventually managed to observe in the canopy of primary forest through sheer persistence. Other notable species of the day included Dark-backed Wood Quail, White-throated Quail-Dove, Collared Trogon, Barred Puffbird, Orange-fronted Barbet, and an uncommon Tooth-billed Hummingbird visiting the feeders and flowers near the main house. We also observed Rose-faced Parrot, Esmeralda’s Antbird, Scaled and Orange-breasted Fruiteaters, Tawny-breasted Myiobius, Cryptic and One-colored Becard, Black-billed Peppershrike, Rufous-brown Solitaire, Choco Warbler, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, and Glistening-Green, Moss-backed and Grey-and-gold Tanagers. A fine selection of new hummingbirds for the tour included the White-whiskered Hermit, Green Thorntail, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Velvet-purple Coronet, White-booted Racket-tail, and Empress Brilliant. It was an exceptionally diverse day, with more than 100 species recorded by the end. Additional species that enhanced our day included the endemic Pale-mandibled Aracari, the Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Choco Toucan, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Maroon-tailed Parakeet [pacifica], Brown-billed Scythebill, Scaly-throated and Lineated Foliage-gleaners, Streak-capped Treehunter, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Zeledon’s Antbird, Bay Wren [nominate ssp], Pale-eyed Thrush, Yellow-throated and Dusky Chlorospingus, Choco Brushfinch, and a range of tanagers including Dusky-faced, Ochre-breasted, Fawn-breasted, Rufous-throated, Golden-naped, Blue-necked, Bay-headed, Flame-faced [lunigera], Golden and Silver-throated Tanagers.

Another location we visited during our days in Mindo was Bellavista Road, which offers a great selection of birds found at higher elevations—above 2000 metres. It was very hard to choose the best bird of our visit because we enjoyed fantastic views of the Flammulated Treehunter, and everyone managed to see Tanager Finch, a bird belonging to the monotypic genus Oreothraupis, and can sometimes be tricky to spot. However, if I had to choose the best bird we saw at Bellavista, it would be the fantastic Ocellated Tapaculo, a species that is difficult to locate within its distribution range and provided our group with excellent views. Other noteworthy birds seen at Bellavista included Gorgeted Sunangel, Buff-tailed Coronet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Spillman’s Tapaculo, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Glossy-black Thrush, Dusky Bush Tanager, Choco Brushfinch, Capped Conebill, and Grass-green, Blue-and-black, and Flame-faced Tanagers. The birding around Mindo town and along the Septimo Paraiso trails was very productive, and we enhanced our Chocó birding days with species such as White-necked Jacobin, Fawn-breasted and Green-crowned Brilliants, Crowned Woodnymph, Andean Emerald, Red-headed Barbet, Olivaceous Piculet, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Pacific Antwren, Torrent and Choco Tyrannulets, and the gorgeous Sunbittern. Two of the best birds we encountered in the area were White-throated Daggerbill—a tricky hummingbird to see as it does not come to feeders—and the local Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl. We also visited an Oilbird cave in the El Chontal area, a unique experience where we saw the birds up close while listening to their distinctive screaming and snoring sounds. At El Chontal, we added several species to our list, including Pallid Dove, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Pacific Hornero, Shiny Cowbird and Scrub Blackbird, Yellow Tyrannulet, Little Cuckoo, and Yellow-faced Grassquit, among others.

On the day we left the Mindo area, we visited a new place known as Fruti Tour. It is located at lower elevations in areas characterised by disturbed forest and agriculture, offering an interesting selection of birds for the tour. These included Bronzy Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat, Violet-bellied and Blue-chested Hummingbirds, Pallid Dove, Laughing Falcon, Red-billed Scythebill, Sooty-headed and Choco Tyrannulet, White-lined Tanager, and Blue-necked Tanager. A new bird for me in Ecuador was a female Baltimore Oriole (a write-in for the list, recently recorded as a northern migrant in Ecuador last year). However, the best bird we saw that morning was Brown Wood Rail, a secretive and localised species that the entire group managed to observe. Afterwards, we had the longest drive of the tour to reach Selva Alegre, where we took a boat to the Playa de Oro Reserve. We didn’t do much birding on the way to Playa de Oro, but we added some species during our lunch stop on the coast near Esmeraldas, including new birds such as Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican, and Osprey. Once we reached the Selva Alegre dock, we stowed our belongings in the boat to protect them from the rain and began our journey to Playa de Oro. We did not see many birds during the boat trip as there was quite a bit of rain. Fortunately, we arrived at our accommaction before the heavy rains began and spent some time birding here at Playa de Oro, one of the best lowland Chocó sites in Ecuador. Some of the birds we saw that afternoon included the Gray-rumped Swift, Black-tipped Cotinga, Purple-chested Hummingbird, and a pair of noisy Gray-headed Kites around the lodge.

We spent two full days exploring the forest trails of Playa de Oro in search of some of the most remarkable lowland Chocó endemics, as well as many other birds. Among the best species we encountered were Choco Poorwill, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Five-colored Barbet, Stub-tailed Antbird, Black-tipped Cotingas, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Choco Manakin, Blue-whiskered and Scarlet-browed Tanagers, and Scarlet-breasted Dacnis. Other birds seen at Playa de Oro included Stripe-throated Hermit, Dusky Pigeon, White-whiskered Puffbird, Stripe-billed Aracari, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Plain-brown and Black-stripe Woodcreepers, Dot-winged, Moustached and White-flanked Antwrens, Checker-throated Stipplethroat, Spot-crowned Antvireo, Black-crowned Antshrike, Dusky, Spotted and Chestnut-backed Antbirds, Yellow-crowned and Brown-capped Tyrannulets, Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Snowy-throated Kingbird, Velvety, White-bearded and Red-capped Manakins, Striped-throated Wren, Song Wren, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Slate-coloured Grosbeak, Tawny-crested, Golden-hooded and Rufous-winged Tanagers, and we enjoyed great views of a Plumbeous Hawk. Some mammals observed at Playa de Oro included Spider Monkey and Mantled Howler. On our final day at Playa de Oro, we departed after an early breakfast, and on our way out we managed to see a Rufous-headed Chachalaca and a Pied Puffbird.

After our stop at Yalare, we continued to Alto Tambo, where we found a superb selection of Chocó foothills species. Notable among these were the two members of the genus Bangsia—Golden-chested and Yellow-green Tanager—which both have a very restricted distribution in the lower Chocó foothills. Other species of interest included Lita Woodpecker, Stub-tailed Antbird, Choco Tapaculo, Ochre-breasted Tanager, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, and Scarlet-and-white, Grey-and-gold and Emerald Tanagers. After our birding session at Alto Tambo, we retired to our pleasant accommodation where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and celebrated the great success of the day. The following day provided our final opportunity to see some of the remaining Chocó endemics, as well as many excellent cloud forest species. During the morning, we travelled along the Chical Road and encountered a fine selection of birds including Beautiful Jay (an ultimate Chocó endemic), Star-chested Treerunner—a local and rare funariid—the localised Hoary Puffleg, the rare Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Ornate Hawk-Eagle and Barred Hawk. Other main targets of the morning were the Purplish-mantled Tanager, which put on a delightful display for our group, and Toucan Barbet. We also observed Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, the secretive Olivaceous Piha, Narino Tapaculo, as well as Streak-necked, Flavescent and Handsome Flycatchers, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Golden-winged Manakin, both Masked and White-sided Flowerpiercers, and Glistening-green, Moss-backed, Flame-faced, Metallic-green and Rufous-throated Tanagers. After that, we continued our journey to Ibarra, an area located in the intermontane dry Andean valleys with very arid vegetation. Here, we achieved one of our main targets, the Scrub Tanager, and then had to work harder to locate Blue-headed Sapphire near the hotel area. Although the weather that afternoon was less than ideal and it was rather windy, we still managed to see other birds such as Western Emerald, Eared Dove, Harris’s Hawk, American Kestrel, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical Mockingbird, Golden Grosbeak, Dull-coloured Grassquit, and Variable Seedeater.

The following day, we visited a new locality on the tour: Cerro Mongus, an area where elfin forest transitions into paramo. We were hoping to see the rare and localised Chestnut-bellied Cotinga, among other species. To reach the appropriate habitat, we drove through several agricultural villages, going as far as our vehicles could manage. From there, we began our uphill hike to reach the areas where we might see the cotinga. Once in the right spot, we were fortunate enough to see a pair of Chestnut-bellied Cotingas from a distant viewpoint! Although our time for proper birding was very limited, we still managed to see some interesting birds, with excellent views of a male Black-thighed Puffleg, Mountain Velvetbreast, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, Golden-crowned Tanager, Mountain Cacique and Lacrimose Mountain Tanager. We also had a close encounter with an Andean Pygmy-Owl. After our visit to Cerro Mongus, we continued our journey to Pululahua, an area in the highlands located within the crater of a dormant volcano. We arrived at night, just in time for dinner, and planned to search for Buff-fronted Owl that evening. It provided superb views and became the bird of the trip. Immediately afterwards, we caught brief views of a pair of White-throated Screech Owls and enjoyed magnificent sightings of a Stygian Owl as well as a Band-winged Nightjar. We simply had an unbeatable and unforgettable owling session.

The next day, we began with a relaxed start as we continued our search for birds such as Rufous-breasted Antpitta. This antpitta can be of special interest, as it might be elevated to full species status; currently, it is not even considered a separate subspecies, but the isolation of this Pululahua population is very intriguing. Other birds observed during our morning in Pululahua included Black-tailed Trainbearer, Tyrian Metaltail, Collared Inca, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Azara’s Spinetail, White-tailed Tyrannulet, as well as Grey-browed, Yellow-breasted and White-winged Brushfinches, Black-crested and Russet-crowned Warblers, Rufous-chested Tanager, a pair of Golden-rumped Euphonias, and Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager. After our morning session, we continued our journey to the eastern slope of the Andes. Along the way, we made a couple of stops at the Papallacta Pass, in areas of paramo and at some polylepis forest patches. Taking advantage of clear weather as we passed through the highest section of the paramo, we promptly went to search for Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe: we managed to see a pair at the top of the Antenas area! Other birds observed during our stops along Papallacta Pass included Variable Hawk, Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes, the rare Red-rumped Bush Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, and Black Flowerpiercer. After our birding session along Papallacta Pass, we focused on the drive to Wild Sumaco, which would be our base for the next four nights. On the way to Sumaco, we waited for the Orange-breasted Falcon along the Loreto Road. It was briefly spotted by Peter, and then I managed to find it perched, obtaining excellent views of what became the second-best bird of the trip.

Wild Sumaco is a premier birding lodge with an excellent network of trails, situated on the lower eastern foothills of the Andes and influenced by Amazonian species. Over the next three days (and one additional morning), we recorded a large number of birds. Highlights at Wild Sumaco included species such as the striking Wire-crested Thorntail, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Gould’s Jewelfront, Black-throated Brilliant, Gorgeted Woodstar, Napo Sabrewing, Blackish Rail, Foothill Screech Owl, Band-bellied Owl, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Black-streaked Puffbird, Military Macaw, Black-billed Treehunter, Ornate and Foothill Stipplethroat, Long-tailed Tapaculo, Ecuadorian Tyrannulets, Foothill Elaenia, Grey-tailed Piha, Blue-rumped and White-crowned Manakins, Grey-mantled Wren, Cerulean Warbler (which was quite common), Ashy-throated Chlorospingus, Fulvous Shrike-Tanager, and Orange-eared, Golden-eared, and Paradise Tanagers.

One morning during our stay at Wild Sumaco, we visited a new reserve called Amarun Pakcha. It is an interesting project developing various types of feeders—including fruit feeders, hummingbird feeders, and corn feeders with a hide, as well as a moth light trap. They also intend to purchase land to create corridors with the Sumaco-Galeras National Park, an area with great potential for observing interesting birds. Amarun Pakcha is situated at slightly lower elevations than Wild Sumaco, yet it shares many of the same species. We did not have a specific target during our visit, but we knew there were opportunities to see several species of interest. For example, Rufous-breasted Wood Quail came to feed at the corn feeder hide, followed by a pair of Gray-cowled Wood-Rails with their chick, and a Little Tinamou—a bird that is extremely difficult to see in Ecuador. A roosting Band-bellied Owl was a pleasant surprise, and we also enjoyed good views of the Coppery-chested Jacamar. One morning during our stay at Wild Sumaco, we visited a new reserve called Amarun Pakcha. It is an interesting project developing various types of feeders—including fruit feeders, hummingbird feeders, and corn feeders with a hide, as well as a moth light trap. They also intend to purchase land to create corridors with the Sumaco-Galeras National Park, an area with great potential for observing interesting birds. Amarun Pakcha is situated at slightly lower elevations than Wild Sumaco, yet it shares many of the same species. We did not have a specific target during our visit, but we knew there were opportunities to see several species of interest. For example, Rufous-breasted Wood Quail came to feed at the corn feeder hide, followed by a pair of Gray-cowled Wood-Rails with their chick, and a Little Tinamou—a bird that is extremely difficult to see in Ecuador. A roosting Band-bellied Owl was a pleasant surprise, and we also enjoyed good views of Coppery-chested Jacamar. Other birds observed during our visit included Great-billed Hermit, Grey-breasted Sabrewing, Ruddy Pigeon, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Streaked Xenops, Olive-chested and Lemon-browed Flycatchers, Olive-faced Flatbill, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch, Rufous-throated Sapphire (a new write-in), and Spotted, Yellow-bellied, Blue-necked and Green-and-gold Tanagers. We also searched for additional birds in the vicinity of the Sumaco area, adding species such as Channel-billed and Yellow-throated Toucans, Little and Crimson-crested Woodpeckers, Black Caracara, Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner, Dusky Spinetail, Yellow and Golden-faced Tyrannulets, Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, and the rare Tiny Hawk, which was perched along the road to Sumaco Lodge. Also noted were White-lined Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, and Magpie Tanager. Although we spent three full days in the area, plus part of the morning before our departure, it was not enough time to see all the diversity the area has to offer. Special thanks to our local guide, Juan, at Amarun Pakcha. I had previously heard about feeding at a new site for Thrush-like and White-lored Antpittas near the town of Archidona, and we had made plans to visit the site the previous night. In fact, we had a successful visit, with both species of antpittas observed clearly, as well as several write-in birds for our list: Rufous-throated Sapphire (female), Masked-Crimson Tanager, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Golden-bellied Euphonia, Lemon-throated Barbet, and Peruvian Warbling Antbird—all of which were new additions to our trip.

After our productive birding in the Archidona area, we began our journey back to higher elevations. However, while at the lower elevations before reaching the Guacamayos Ridge and our hotel, we did some birding. In that area, we observed Scaly-naped Amazon, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Blue-browed Tanager, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer, Common Chlorospingus, Green-fronted Lancebill and a group of noisy Northern Mountain Caciques. At dusk, we observed a pair of Andean Potoos flycatching not far from the lodge. Afterwards, we made our way to our pleasant hotel where we stayed for the next two nights. At dinner, we encountered a San Isidro Owl—currently considered a subspecies of the Black-banded Owl, although its distribution, voice and physical appearance suggest it might be a distinct taxon—perched on the porch, catching moths by the light. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and compiled an extensive bird list after a very successful day.

Our first full day was spent on the Jumandi Trail along the Guacamayos Ridge, from early morning until mid-afternoon. The weather was less than cooperative and we had to contend with drizzle for most of the day, but we still enjoyed some interesting encounters, including a group of at least three Common Woolly Monkeys. In terms of birds, we saw Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Scaled Fruiteater, Olivaceous Piha, Sephia-brown Wren, Spotted Barbtail, White-throated Toucanet and Bluish Flowerpiercer. Back in San Isidro, we managed to see a pair of Lemurine Night Monkeys before dinner, and once again encountered a pair of ‘San Isidro’ Owls near the restaurant.

On the second day, we started by drinking coffee and watching the birds attracted to the moth light near the restaurant, as well as hummingbirds visiting the feeders and flowers in the gardens. Before breakfast, we observed species such as Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy and Collared Incas, Buff-tailed and Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Masked Trogon, Olive-backed and Montane Woodcreepers, Streak-headed Antbird, Smoke-coloured Pewee, a male Black-capped Tanager, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Inca Jay, Mountain Wren, Masked Trogons, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Subtropical Cacique, Black-crested Warbler, Canada Warbler and Blackburnian Warbler. Just before breakfast, we had an appointment with the White-bellied Antpitta’s, which was due for its own breakfast. It did not take long for the birds to arrive for Edwin’s worms (the antpitta man); we managed to see two individuals feeding openly. After this brief show, we had our breakfast. We spent most of the morning birding in the San Isidro Reserve. Despite a rainy start, we managed to see several excellent species, including Red-billed Parrot, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Sickle-winged Guan, Andean Motmot, Rufous-crowned Tody Flycatcher, Flammulated Treehunter, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Glossy-black Thrush, as well as Beryl-spangled and Saffron-crowned Tanagers. We also spotted a Torrent Duck nearby. By mid-afternoon, we drove to Guango Lodge, where we continued birding for the rest of the afternoon and spent the night. At Guango Lodge, we observed Tourmaline Sunangel, White-bellied Woodstar, Tyrian Metaltail, Andean Guan and Pale-naped Brush-Finch.

After an early breakfast, we hiked the trails around Guango Lodge, enjoying a very successful birding session. We encountered a large flock that included Black-capped and Black-eared Hemispingus, a striking and noisy Red-hooded Tanager that I had not seen in the area for several years, as well as Andean Guan, Turquoise Jay and the rare Mountain Avocetbill. We then continued on to Cayambe-Coca National Park, an area of elfin forest on the eastern side of the Andes, where we added several new species to our list. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, with mist and cold temperatures, we managed to see Viridian Metaltail, Great Sapphirewing, White-chinned Thistletail, White-throated Tyrannulet, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Pale-naped Brushfinch, Golden-crowned Tanager, Black-chested Mountain Tanager and a pair of Masked Mountain Tanagers (a write-in) mobbing an Andean Pygmy Owl. We then continued our drive towards the polylepis forest, where we observed a pair of Giant Conebills and enjoyed an excellent scenic view of a lagoon, which featured a Silvery Grebe, a few Yellow-billed Pintails and several Andean Ducks. Afterwards, we drove back to Guango Lodge for lunch and a walk along the trails after lunch. The afternoon session at Guango included birds such as Andean Guan, Tourmaline Sunangel, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Rufous Spinetail, Smoky Bush Tyrant, a beautiful male Crested Quetzal, Mountain Cacique, Russet-crowned Warbler, Capped Conebill and Blue-and-black Tanager. We then stopped briefly at Papallacta Pass, where we enjoyed open views and added a Paramo Tapaculo to our list. We continued on to Quito, where we spent the final night of our tour.

On the last day of the tour, we made a day trip to Antisana National Park. First, we searched for Giant Hummingbird (the largest hummingbird in the world) around the gardens, followed by Black-tailed Trainbearer, Shining Sunbeam, Black Flowerpiercer, several Carunculated Caracaras and a group of Andean Condors flying against the cliffs. We then continued to Antisana to look for the remaining birds on our list. The birds observed during our visit to Antisana included Andean Teal, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Black-winged Ground Dove, Andean Lapwing, Andean Gull, Andean Ibis, Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes, Many-striped and Streak-backed Canasteros, Grass Wren, Paramo Pipit, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Paramo Ground-Tyrant and Plain-coloured Seedeater. After observing the expected birds at Antisana, we returned to Tambo Condor for our final lunch and meal of the trip. At that point, the tour was drawing to a close, and we finished our last list and chose the bird of the tour. Following our farewell lunch, we proceeded to the airport where the tour officially concluded. It was a truly remarkable tour during which we managed to see an excellent quality and quantity of birds. Special thanks to Peter Marki for his help in finding some important birds and his bird photography, and to our driver Segundo, who was always very alert and assisted us as much as possible. Many thanks to all the members of our group for being excellent birding companions and maintaining a positive attitude throughout, which made the tour very enjoyable from start to finish

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st Buff-fronted Owl

2^nd Orange-breasted Falcon

3^rd Mountain Avocetbill

4^th Chestnut-bellied Cotinga

5^th Beautiful Jay

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 Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.2).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS
Great Tinamou Tinamus major Heard only at Playa de Oro and Wild Sumaco.
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui One seen at Amarun Pakcha feeders.
Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus Heard only at Amarun Pakcha.
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Good views at Cosanga.
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Seen at San Pablo lake and Papallacta Pass.
Andean Teal Anas andium Seen at Papallacta Pass.
Andean Duck (A Ruddy D) Oxyura ferruginea Seen at San Pablo lake and Papallacta Pass.
Rufous-headed Chachalaca Ortalis erythroptera Good views in the boat ride on the way in of Playa de Oro.
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Seen at Amarun Pakcha Reserve.
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii Seen at Yanacocha reserve and Guango lodge.
Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens One individual seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Wattled Guan ◊ Aburria aburri Heard at Septimo Paraiso lodge and San Isidro lodge.
Sickle-winged Guan ◊ Chamaepetes goudotii Seen at San Isidro lodge.
Dark-backed Wood Quail ◊ Odontophorus melanonotus Good views at Amagusa Reserve.
Rufous-breasted Wood Quail ◊ Odontophorus speciosus Seen at Amarun Pakcha feeders.
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk ◊ Lurocalis rufiventris Seen roosting at Angel Paz reserve.
Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis Seen one at Angel Paz reserve and at Wild Sumaco.
Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris Seen at Pululahua.
Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentate A female seen at Bellavista reserve.
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra One female was seen at Mindo.
Choco Poorwill ◊ Nyctiphrynus rosenbergi Excellent views at Playa de Oro reserve.
Oilbird Steatornis caripensis Excellent views at their cave.
Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
Long-tailed Potoo Nyctibius aethereus A roosting bird seen at Wild Sumaco.
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus Seen perched at Playa de Oro reserve.
Andean Potoo ◊ Nyctibius maculosus Two birds seen flying at San Isidro reserve.
Spot-fronted Swift ◊ Cypseloides cherriei A few birds were seen along the Chical road.
Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila Seen at Mindo, Mashpi and Wild Sumaco.
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Commonly seen in different altitudes and habitats.
Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Seen at Playa de Oro.
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura Two birds seen at Archidona area.
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Seen at the feeders of Septimo Paraiso and Fruti Tour.
White-tipped Sicklebill ◊ Eutoxeres aquila Excellent views at Mashpi area.
Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus One bird came at Fruti Tour feeders.
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Seen at Playa de Oro.
White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus Seen at Archidona area.
White-whiskered Hermit ◊ Phaethornis yaruqui Commonly seen at Mashpi, Mindo and Playa de Oro reserve.
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Regular at Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
Tawny-bellied Hermit ◊ Phaethornis syrmatophorus Seen at San Isidro lodge.
Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris One bird coming to the Amarun Pakcha feeders.
Green-fronted Lancebill ◊ Doryfera ludovicae Seen at Mashpi area and along at Chical Road.
White-throated Daggerbill ◊ Schistes albogularis One bird seen at Mashpi area and another one at Septimo Paraiso lodge.
Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Seen at Septimo Paraiso and San Isidro lodge.
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Common at Pululahua, Tambo Condor and Sumaco lodge.
Tooth-billed Hummingbird ◊ Androdon aequatorialis Seen at Mashpi area.
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Seen at Mashpi area and at Playa de Oro.
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Seen at Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
Gorgeted Sunangel ◊ Heliangelus strophianus Seen at Bellavista reserve.
Tourmaline Sunangel ◊ Heliangelus exortis Seen at San Isidro and Guango feeders and trails.
Green Thorntail ◊ Discosura conversii Seen at different feeders localities in the west slope.
Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii Common at Wild Sumaco.
Ecuadorian Piedtail ◊ Phlogophilus hemileucurus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Several seen at Bellavista area, and San Isidro lodge feeders.
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Seen at San Isidro lodge.
Violet-tailed Sylph ◊ Aglaiocercus coelestis A regular hummingbird around Mindo area.
Ecuadorian Hillstar ◊ (Chimborazo H) Oreotrochilus chimborazo Seen at Antisana.
Mountain Avocetbill ◊ Opisthoprora euryptera Seen by all participants on one territory at Guango trails.
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae Seen at Pululahua and Antisana.
Purple-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron microrhynchum One female at Cerro Mongus by leader only.
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani A pair seen at Cerro Mongus.
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Common at higher elevations like Yanacocha and Cerro Mongus.
Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami Seen several times at Cayambe-Coca NP.
Hoary Puffleg ◊ Haplophaedia lugens Good views at Chical Road of this localized near-endemic species.
Glowing Puffleg Eriocnemis vestita A female seen at Cerro Mongus.
Black-thighed Puffleg ◊ Eriocnemis derbyi Seen at Cerro Mongus.
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani Common at Yanacocha.
Golden-breasted Puffleg ◊ Eriocnemis mosquera One bird was seen at Yanacocha and other seen at Cerro Mongus.
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis A few were seen at the higher elevations.
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Seen at San Isidro.
Brown Inca ◊ Coeligena wilsoni Seen around Mindo area, also at Chical Road.
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Common in upper subtropical and temperate forest.
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae Common at the Yanacocha and Cerro Mongus.
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi A male seen at Guango lodge.
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera One bird seen at Tambo Condor.
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus Seen at Yanacocha, Cerro Mongus, and Tambo Condor.
Buff-tailed Coronet ◊ Boissonneaua flavescens Seen at Bellavista reserve and San Isidro feeders.
Chestnut-breasted Coronet ◊ Boissonneaua matthewsii Common at San Isidro feeders, also seen at Guango feeders.
Velvet-purple Coronet ◊ Boissonneaua jardini A stunning Choco specialty, seen regularly in feeders on the west.
White-booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Seen at different localities on the west.
Peruvian Racket-tail Ocreatus peruanus Seen at Wild Sumaco feeders.
Rufous-gaped Hillstar Urochroa bougueri One bird seen along the Chical road.
Green-backed Hillstar ◊ Urochroa leucura Seen at Wild Sumaco feeders.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip ◊ Urosticte benjamini Seen at Angel Paz and Septimo Paraiso feeders.
Black-throated Brilliant ◊ Heliodoxa schreibersii Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Gould’s Jewelfront ◊ Heliodoxa aurescens Great views at Wild Sumaco.
Fawn-breasted Brilliant ◊ Heliodoxa rubinoides Seen around Mindo area and San Isidro.
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Seen at Septimo Paraiso and Fruti Tour feeders.
Empress Brilliant ◊ Heliodoxa imperatrix A regular Choco specialty that was seen mostly at Mashpi area.
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Few birds were seen at Wild Sumaco feeders.
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Nice views at Tambo Condor.
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris One bird seen at Fruti Tour and Amarun Pakcha.
Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina A female seen at Wild Sumaco.
Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny Heard only at El Chota area.
Purple-throated Woodstar ◊ Philodice mitchellii Seen at Angel Paz and Mindo area.
White-bellied Woodstar ◊ Chaetocercus mulsant Seen at Guango lodge feeders.
Gorgeted Woodstar ◊ Chaetocercus heliodor Cracking views at Wild Sumaco deck.
Western Emerald ◊ (West Andean E) Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus Seen at the grounds of our hotel at El Chota area.
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis Seen at Amarun Pakcha Reserve.
Napo Sabrewing ◊ Campylopterus villaviscensio A localized species of the east Andes gave us great looks at Wild Sumaco.
Crowned Woodnymph ◊ Thalurania colombica Seen on the western slope of the Andes.
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Common W) Thalurania furcata Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Many-spotted Hummingbird ◊ Taphrospilus hypostictus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Common on the west.
Andean Emerald ◊ Uranomitra franciae Seen at Angel Paz and Mindo area.
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Common at Wild Sumaco.
Blue-headed Sapphire ◊ Chrysuronia grayi Seen at our hotel at El Chota area.
Rufous-throated Sapphire Hylocharis sapphirina A female seen at Amarun Pakcha. A write-in for the checklist.
Glittering-throated Emerald Chionomesa fimbriata Seen at Archidona area.
Blue-chested Hummingbird Polyerata amabilis Seen at Fruti Tour feeders.
Purple-chested Hummingbird ◊ Polyerata rosenbergi Several birds seen at Mashpi area and Playa de Oro.
Violet-bellied Hummingbird ◊ Chlorestes julie Seen at Fruti Tour feeders.
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Commonly seen at lower elevations.
Little Cuckoo Coccycua minuta Great views of a single bird at El Chontal.
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Several seen in different locations.
Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Common near populated areas.
Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa One bird seen at Wild Sumaco.
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Several birds seen at higher elevations.
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea Seen at Alto Tambo, Wild Sumaco, and Amarun Pakcha Reserve.
Dusky Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas goodsoni Good views at Playa de Oro.
Common Ground-Dove (Scaly G-D) Columbina passerina Seen in the dry regions of El Chota area.
Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti Few birds seen near Amarun Pakcha.
Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera Good views at Antisana.
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Common along the road near Bellavista reserve.
Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla Seen at Amarun Pakcha Reserve.
Pallid Dove ◊ Leptotila pallida Excellent views at Fruti Tour.
White-throated Quail-Dove ◊ Zentrygon frenata Seen at Amagusa reserve feeders.
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Common near populated areas.
Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans Excellent views of a single bird at Wild Sumaco.
Brown Wood Rail ◊ Aramides wolfi Seen by the whole group in the western lowlands.
Gray-cowled Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus A pair with a young one seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Ecuadorian Rail Rallus aequatorialis Seen at San Pablo lake.
Limpkin Aramus guarauna Seen at Mindo area (a write-in to the checklist).
Andean Coot (Slate-coloured C) Fulica ardesiaca Seen at San Pablo lake and Papallacta Pass.
Chestnut-headed Crake ◊ Rufirallus castaneiceps Heard only at Amarun Pakcha.
White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis Heard only at Mindo area.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Seen at San Pablo lake.
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis Seen at Papallacta Pass.
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Seen at Playa de Oro and San Isidro area.
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Seen at Antisana.
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe ◊ Attagis gayi A pair seen at Papallacta pass.
Spotted Sandpiper (W) Actitis macularius Seen along the main rivers.
Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Seen at Antisana.
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Seen at the Pacific coast.
Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Nannopterum brasilianum Mostly seen along the Santiago river.
Andean Ibis Theristicus branickii Seen at Antisana.
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum Seen along the Santiago river.
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common in the lowlands.
Great Egret (American G E) Ardea [alba] egretta Several seen along the ponds and rivers.
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Seen along the Santiago river on the way in and out of Playa de Oro Reserve.
Striated Heron Butorides striata Seen along the Santiago river on the way in and out of Playa de Oro Reserve.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Seen along the Santiago river on the way in and out of Playa de Oro Reserve.
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Seen at the Pacific coast.
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Excellent views at Antisana, also at Papallacta.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common everywhere.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common at lower elevations.
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus Few seen around the Archidona area.
Osprey (W) Pandion haliaetus Seen along the Santiago river on the way in and out of Playa de Oro Reserve.
Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis A pair seen at Playa de Oro lodge.
Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Best views at Fruti Tour and El Chontal area.
Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K) Elanoides forficatus First seen at El Chontal, also in the eastern Andes slope.
Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus Great views at Chical Road.
Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus Seen at Archidona area.
Tiny Hawk Microspizias superciliosus A single bird seen near Wild Sumaco.
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Several sights at Playa de Oro and the eastern lowlands.
Plumbeous Hawk Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea Two birds seen at Playa de Oro.
Barred Hawk Morphnarchus princeps Seen at Bellavista and Wild Sumaco, heard calling at other places.
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Common in the tropics.
Harris’s Hawk (Bay-winged H) Parabuteo unicinctus Several birds seen at El Chontal and El Chota area.
White-rumped Hawk Parabuteo leucorrhous Great views at Chical Road.
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma Seen at Papallacta Pass and Antisana.
Broad-winged Hawk (W) Buteo platypterus Two sightings of this boreal migrant.
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus One bird seen along the Chical Road.
Buff-fronted Owl ◊ Aegolius harrisii Amazing views of a single bird at Pululahua.
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium nubicola Best views at Chical Road, also at Septimo Paraiso lodge.
Andean Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium jardinii Seen at Yanacocha Reserve and at Cerro Mongus.
White-throated Screech Owl ◊ Megascops albogularis Seen at Pululahua.
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Rufescent Screech Owl ◊ (Colombian S O) Megascops [ingens] colombianus Heard at Septimo Paraiso.
Choco Screech Owl ◊ Megascops centralis Heard only at Playa de Oro.
Foothill Screech Owl ◊ (Napo S O) Megascops [roraimae] napensis Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata Seen at Playa de Oro Reserve.
Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota Great views at Amarun Pakcha (roosting!).
Mottled Owl Strix virgata Heard only at Mindo.
Black-banded Owl Strix huhula Great views at San Isidro of the undescribed cloud-forest form known as “San Isidro Owl.”
Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis Heard only at San Isidro.
Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata Heard only at Playa de Oro reserve.
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps Great views at Angel Paz reserve.
Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus Seen at Guango Lodge trails.
Choco Trogon ◊ (White-eyed T, Blue-tailed T) Trogon comptus Heard only at Mashpi area.
White-tailed Trogon (Western W-t T) Trogon chionurus Seen at Mashpi area and at Playa de Oro reserve.
Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Seen at Mashpi area and at Wild Sumaco.
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus Seen at Yanacocha, Angel Paz reserve, and San Isidro Lodge.
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Seen along the Santiago River.
Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Seen along the Santiago River.
Andean Motmot Momotus aequatorialis Seen at San Isidro Lodge.
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Seen at Mindo area and Fruti Tour.
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Seen at Mashpi area.
Coppery-chested Jacamar ◊ Galbula pastazae Seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Pied Puffbird Notharchus tectus Seen at Humedal Yalare.
Barred Puffbird ◊ Nystalus radiatus Good views at Mashpi area.
Western Striolated Puffbird Nystalus obamai Seen along the Loreto Road.
Black-streaked Puffbird ◊ Malacoptila fulvogularis Attending the moth lights at Wild Sumaco.
White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis A pair seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Lanceolated Monklet ◊ Micromonacha lanceolata Heard only at Playa de Oro reserve.
Orange-fronted Barbet ◊ Capito squamatus Two birds seen at Mashpi area.
Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni A male seen at Archidona area.
Five-colored Barbet ◊ Capito quinticolor Seen at Playa de Oro.
Red-headed Barbet ◊ Eubucco bourcierii Seen at Mindo area and Wild Sumaco.
Toucan Barbet ◊ Semnornis ramphastinus Great views at Angel Paz reserve and Chical Road.
White-throated Toucanet (Andean T) Aulacorhynchus albivitta Seen at Guacamayos Ridge and San Isidro.
Crimson-rumped Toucanet ◊ Aulacorhynchus haematopygus Seen at Angel Paz reserve.
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Seen at Amarun Pakcha and Archidona area.
Stripe-billed Aracari Pteroglossus sanguineus Found at Playa de Oro; to the south, replaced by Pale-mandibled Aracari.
Pale-mandibled Aracari ◊ Pteroglossus erythropygius (E) Endemic. Seen at El Chontal.
Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii A male seen at Wild Sumaco area.
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan ◊ Andigena laminirostris Seen at Bellavista and near Tandayapa Valley.
Black-billed Mountain Toucan ◊ Andigena nigrirostris Seen at Guacamayos Ridge.
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus Seen at Sumaco area.
Choco Toucan ◊ Ramphastos brevis Seen at Playa de Oro and Alto Tambo.
White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus Heard only and seen by leader at Wild Sumaco.
Yellow-throated Toucan ◊ Ramphastos ambiguus Few sightings on the west side, also at Wild Sumaco.
Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Good views at Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus Great views at Mindo area.
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Seen a few times at Sumaco area and Amarun Pakcha.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Seen on several occasions on the western side.
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus Seen at Fruti Tour.
Yellow-vented Woodpecker ◊ Veniliornis dignus Great views of a male at Chical Road.
Lita Woodpecker ◊ Piculus litae Three individuals seen at Alto Tambo.
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Seen a few times on the western side.
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Seen at San Isidro area.
Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus Great views at Playa de Oro reserve and Alto Tambo area.
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen at Archidona area.
Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens A male seen at Guango Lodge trails.
Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Guayaquil Woodpecker ◊ Campephilus gayaquilensis Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Black Caracara Daptrius ater Seen at Wild Sumaco and Archidona area.
Carunculated Caracara ◊ Phalcoboenus carunculatus Common in the high Andes.
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Seen at Amarun Pakcha and along the Loreto Road.
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Few birds seen at Fruti Tour and Playa de Oro reserve.
Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis  Heard only at Angel Paz reserve.
Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus  Heard only at San Isidro Lodge.
Buckley’s Forest Falcon ◊ Micrastur buckleyi  Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Commonly seen in the highlands.
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis One bird seen at Yanacocha reserve.
Orange-breasted Falcon ◊ Falco deiroleucus A great find by me on the Loreto Road.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Two birds seen along the Loreto Road.
Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola Seen in big numbers at Wild Sumaco area.
Rose-faced Parrot ◊ Pyrilia pulchra Excelent views at Amagusa, also seen at Playa de Oro.
Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus Seen at Angel Paz reserve, Wild Sumaco, Amarun Pakcha and San Isidro.
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus First seen at Playa de Oro, also at Wild Sumaco.
Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus Common on the western side.
Scaly-naped Amazon (S-n Parrot) Amazona mercenarius Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Mealy Amazon (M Parrot) Amazona farinosa A regular parrot at Playa de Oro.
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis Two birds seen at Mindo area.
Maroon-tailed Parakeet ◊ Pyrrhura melanura Two different subspecies were seen on the tour One of them at Mashpi area and the other one at Wild Sumaco. See taxonomic note.
Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus Several birds were seen at Sumaco area.
Military Macaw ◊ Ara militaris Good numbers at Wild Sumaco.
Great Green Macaw ◊ Ara ambiguus A pair seen at Alto Tambo.
White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus Commonly seen at Wild Sumaco, Amarun Pakcha and Archidona area.
Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera Seen at Archidona area.
Grey-throated Leaftosser (G-t Leafscraper) Sclerurus albigularis A skulky bird came at Amarun Pakcha feeders.
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus Seen at Amarun Pakcha and Wild Sumaco.
Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina Good views at Angel Paz reserve.
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Seen at Playa de Oro and Sumaco area.
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Seen at Mashpi area and Wild Sumaco.
Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae Heard only at Playa de Oro.
Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus Seen at Bellavista, also heard at Angel Paz.
Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus Good views at Playa de Oro.
Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Seen at Mashpi area.
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis Seen at Wild Sumaco and San Isidro lodge.
Red-billed Scythebill ◊ Campylorhamphus trochilirostris A pair was seen at Fruti Tour.
Brown-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus pusillus Two birds seen at Amagusa Reserve.
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Commonly seen at mid elevations of both slopes.
Plain Xenops Xenops genibarbis Seen at Mashpi and Wild Sumaco.
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Good views at Playa de Oro and Wild Sumaco.
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii Seen at Bellavista and Guacamayos Ridge.
Pacific Hornero ◊ Furnarius cinnamomeus Seen at El Chontal.
Chestnut-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albidiventris Common at the high altitudes in the Paramo.
Stout-billed Cinclodes ◊ Cinclodes excelsior Common in the Paramo.
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Good views at Wild Sumaco.
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner ◊ Anabacerthia variegaticeps Coming to the moth lights at Amagusa Reserve, also at Septimo Paraiso trails.
Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia ruficaudata Excelent views at Sumaco area.
Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris First seen at Amagusa Reserve, also at Bellavista and Septimo Paraiso.
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Dendroma rufa Seen at Amagusa reserve.
Uniform Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes ignobilis Coming to the moth lights at Amagusa, also seen at Mashpi.
Flammulated Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes flammulatus Seen at San Isidro reserve.
Black-billed Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes melanorhynchus Coming to the moth lights at Wild Sumaco.
Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus  Heard only at Guacamayos Ridge.
Streak-capped Treehunter ◊ Thripadectes virgaticeps Coming to the moth lights at Amagusa.
Eastern Woodhaunter Automolus subulatus Heard only (and seen by leaders) at Wild Sumaco.
Western Woodhaunter Automolus virgatus Seen at Mashpi and Playa de Oro reserve.
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens First seen at Septimo Paraiso lodge and San Isidro.
Star-chested Treerunner ◊ (Fulvous-dotted T) Margarornis stellatus Seen at Chical Road, one of finest choco specialties.
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Common at higher elevations.
Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola One bird seen nicely at Antisana N.P.
White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis  Heard only at Yanacocha Reserve.
Many-striped Canastero ◊ Asthenes flammulata Seen at Papallacta Pass.
Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti Seen at Antisana N.P.
White-chinned Thistletail ◊ Asthenes fuliginosa Seen at Cayambe-Coca NP.
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops Commonly seen in the northwestern mid elevations.
Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata Seen joining a mix-species flock at Wild Sumaco.
Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Seen at El Chontal.
Dusky Spinetail ◊ Synallaxis moesta Good views of this skulker at Sumaco area.
Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis Seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Seen at Pululahua.
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Seen at Guango trails.
Rufous-rumped Antwren ◊ Euchrepomis callinota Seen at Amagusa and Septimo Paraiso lodge.
Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus Seen at Mashpi area.
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis Seen at Playa de Oro.
Checker-throated Stipplethroat Epinecrophylla fulviventris Seen at Playa de Oro.
Ornate Stipplethroat Epinecrophylla ornate Seen at Wild Sumaco area.
Foothill Stipplethroat ◊ (F Antwren) Epinecrophylla spodionota Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Moustached Antwren ◊ Myrmotherula ignota Seen at Playa de Oro.
Pacific Antwren (Pacific Streaked A) Myrmotherula pacifica Great views at Mindo.
Stripe-chested Antwren Myrmotherula longicauda Seen at Archidona area.
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Seen at Playa de Oro.
Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor  Heard only at Septimo Paraiso Trails.
Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Rusty-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus frater Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis  Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
Spot-crowned Antvireo ◊ Dysithamnus puncticeps Great views at Playa de Oro.
Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Black-crowned Antshrike (Western Slaty A) Thamnophilus atrinucha A female seen at El Chontal.
Mouse-coloured Antshrike Thamnopilus murinus Seen at Wild Sumaco and a write in.
Ocellated Antbird Phaenostictus mcleannani Heard only at Playa de Oro reserve.
Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys bicolor Seen at Playa de Oro in an ant swarm.
Streak-headed Antbird ◊ Drymophila striaticeps Good views at El Chical road.
Blackish Antbird Cercomacroides nigrescens Heard at Wild Sumaco.
Dusky Antbird Cercomacroides tyrannina Heard at Playa de Oro.
Spotted Antbird ◊ Hylophylax naevioides Seen several times at Playa de Oro.
Chestnut-backed Antbird Poliocrania exsul Seen at Playa de Oro.
Stub-tailed Antbird ◊ Sipia berlepschi Seen at Playa de Oro.
Esmeraldas Antbird ◊ Sipia nigricauda A male seen at Amagusa Reserve.
Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus Attending to the moth lights at Wild Sumaco.
Peruvian Warbling-Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana Seen at Archidona area and a write in.
Western Fire-eye ◊ Pyriglena maura Attending to the moth lights at Wild Sumaco.
Zeledon’s Antbird ◊ Hafferia zeledoni Coming to the moth lights at Amagusa Reserve.
Rufous-breasted Antthrush ◊ Formicarius rufipectus Great views of 2 individuals at Angel Paz Reserve.
Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
Barred Antthrush ◊ Chamaeza mollissima  Heard only at the Guacamayos ridge trail.
Giant Antpitta ◊ Grallaria gigantea The first of the five antpittas species that we saw at Angel Paz.
Moustached Antpitta ◊ Grallaria alleni One bird came to feed on worms at Angel Paz.
Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonota  Heard only at Wild Sumaco and Mashpi.
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla The last antpitta that we saw at Angel Paz, heard it at many other sites.
Chestnut-naped Antpitta ◊ Grallaria nuchalis Heard only at Yanacocha reserve.
Yellow-breasted Antpitta ◊ Grallaria flavotincta The charismatic “Willy” at Angel Paz.
White-bellied Antpitta ◊ Grallaria hypoleuca Two birds came to feed on worms at San Isidro.
Equatorial Antpitta Grallaria saturata Seen at Yanacocha reserve.
Tawny Antpitta ◊ Grallaria quitensis Excellent views at Papallacta Pass.
Streak-chested Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus Heard only at Playa de Oro reserve.
Thrush-like Antpitta Myrmothera campanisona Seen at Archidona feeders.
White-lored Antpitta Hylopezus fulviventris Seen at Archidona feeders.
Ochre-breasted Antpitta ◊ Grallaricula flavirostris We saw a single bird at Angel Paz.
Peruvian Antpitta ◊ Grallaricula peruviana  Heard only at Guacamayos Ridge.
Rufous-breasted Antpitta ◊ Grallaricula leymebambae Seen at Pululahua.
Slaty-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana Seen at Guacamayos Ridge.
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx  Seen quite well at Bellavista reserve.
Ash-colored Tapaculo Myornis senilis  Heard only at Zuro Loma.
Paramo Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus opacus Seen very well at Cayambe-Coca NP.
White-crowned Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus atratus Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
Long-tailed Tapaculo ◊ (Equatorial Rufous-vented T) Scytalopus micropterus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Blackish Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus latrans Seen at San Isidro lodge.
Narino Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus vicinior Seen by some at Septimo Paraiso and Chical Road.
Choco Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus chocoensis Seen by some at Alto Tambo.
Spillmann’s Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus spillmanni Good views at Bellavista.
White-fronted Tyrannulet ◊ Phyllomyias zeledoni Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps Seen at El Chontal.
Black-capped Tyrannulet Tyranniscus nigrocapillus Heard only Yanacocha reserve.
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Tynanniscus cinereiceps Seen at Angel Paz reserve and San Isidro lodge.
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Tyranniscus uropygialis Seen at Cerro Mongus.
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus Best views at El Chontal.
Foothill Elaenia ◊ Myiopagis olallai Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Seen at El Chontal.
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps One bird seen at Pululahua.
Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus Close views at Playa de Oro.
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Seen by at El Chontal.
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Seen at Yanacocha, Cerro Mongus and Cayambe-Coca NP.
White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus Seen at Angel Paz, Bellavista and San Isidro.
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor Great views of a responding bird at San Isidro.
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Several birds seen at Yanacocha reserve.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus Seen at the Papallacta Pass.
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea One bird seen at El Chical road.
Northern Mouse-colored Tyrannulet Nesotriccus incombus Seen at El Chota area.
Subtropical Doradito Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis.  Seen only by leader.
Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola Seen at Mindo area.
Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant ◊ Pseudotriccus pelzelni  Heard only at Amagusa Reserve.
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps Seen at Guacamayos Ridge.
Golden-faced Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius chrysops Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Choco Tyrannulet ◊ Zimmerius albigularis Seen at Amagusa, Fruti Tour and Playa de Oro.
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet ◊ (E Bristle Tyrant) Phylloscartes gualaquizae Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis Seen at Chical Road, San Isidro and Angel Paz reserve.
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes galbinus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Seen at Septimo Paraiso and Amarun Pakcha.
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher ◊ Leptopogon rufipectus Good views at Guacamayos Ridge.
Flavescent Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus flavicans Good views at Chical Road.
Olive-chested Flycatcher ◊ Myiophobus cryptoxanthus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Handsome Flycatcher ◊ Nephelomyias pulcher First seen at Chical Road, also at San Isidro and Guacamayos Ridge.
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus First seen at Mashpi, also at Séptimo Paraiso and Wild Sumaco.
Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus Seen at Alto Tambo.
Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Heard at many sites, but it was seen at Séptimo Paraíso.
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher (R-c T-Tyrant) Poecilotriccus ruficeps Good views at San Isidro.
Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher ◊ (B-a-w T-Tyrant) Poecilotriccus capitalis Seen very well at Sumaco area.
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Commonly seen in different locations.
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps Seen at Playa de Oro.
Pacific Flatbill ◊ Rhynchocyclus pacificus Good views at Playa de Oro.
Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens One bird seen at Mashpi area.
Yellow-winged Flatbill (Y-m Flycatcher) Tolmomyias flavotectus Seen at Playa de Oro.
Olive-faced Flatbill (O-f Flycatcher) Tolmomyias viridiceps Good views at Amarun Pakcha and Archidona area.
Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus Heard only at Playa de Oro.
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Commonly seen at mid elevations.
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Excellent views from the cliff areas of Loreto Road.
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Commonly seen near rivers.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (W) Contopus cooperi A few were seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Seen at Amagusa, Chical Road and San Isidro.
Western Wood Pewee (W) Contopus sordidulus Seen at different localities on both slopes.
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus obscurus Seen at the gardens of our hotel at El Chota.
Paramo Ground Tyrant ◊ Muscisaxicola alpinus A few were seen at Papallacta pass and Antisana N.P.
Red-rumped Bush Tyrant ◊ Cnemarchus erythropygius Seen at Papallacta pass.
Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis One bird seen at Cerro Mongus.
Smoky Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes fumigatus Seen at Yancocha reserve.
Masked Water Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta A pair was seen at Chontal.
Crowned Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix frontalis Heard only at Yanacocha.
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant ◊ Silvicultrix diadema Heard only at Bellavista reserve.
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant ◊ Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris Seen at Guacamayos ridge and Guango lodge trails.
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Seen at Guango lodge trails.
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor Seen at Cerro Mongus and Cayambe-Coca NP.
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Seen at Alto Tambo.
Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Seen at Archidona area.
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Seen in different locations in the northwest.
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Commonly seen in the lowlands of both slopes.
Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Seen at Archidona area.
White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Lemon-browed Flycatcher Conopias cinchoneti Seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus Attending the moth lights at San Isidro and El Chical road.
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Seen at Amagusa reserve.
Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Commonly seen during the tour.
Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra Great views of this local bird at Playa de Oro reserve.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Seen at Amagusa.
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Seen at San Isidro.
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox Seen at Wild Sumaco area.
Large-headed Flatbill (Bamboo F) Ramphotrigon megacephalum Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus Scope views at Playa de Oro reserve.
Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii Great views from Angel Paz, Amagusa and Guacamayos Ridge.
Black-chested Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola lubomirskii Good views at Guacamayos ridge trail.
Orange-breasted Fruiteater ◊ Pipreola jucunda Good views from Amagusa Reserve.
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata Excellent views at Guango lodge trails.
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii Commonly seen in the mid elevations.
Grey-tailed Piha ◊ Snowornis subalaris Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Olivaceous Piha ◊ Snowornis cryptolophus Good views from El Chical and Guacamayos Ridge trail.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus One of many star birds of the tour! We got a very active morning at the Angel Paz lek, also seen at different localities during the tour.
Chestnut-bellied Cotinga ◊ Doliornis remseni A rare and localized species of Cotinga. Our main target at Cerro Mongus that luckily we succeeded to see again with scope views.
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus Seen at Cerro Mongus.
Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus Heard only at Playa de Oro reserve.
Black-tipped Cotinga (White C) Carpodectes hopkei A male was seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus Seen at Amagusa reserve and Chical Road.
Green Manakin ◊ Cryptopipo holochlora Good views from Wild Sumaco.
Choco Manakin ◊ Cryptopipo litae Seen at Playa de Oro.
Velvety Manakin Lepidothrix velutina Seen at Playa de Oro.
Blue-rumped Manakin ◊ Lepidothrix isidorei Seen at Wild Sumaco.
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus Seen at Playa de Oro.
Club-winged Manakin ◊ Machaeropterus deliciosus A female was seen at Amagusa reserve.
Striolated Manakin (Western-striped M) Machaeropterus striolatus Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
White-crowned Manakin Pseudopipra pipra Good views of a male at Wild Sumaco.
Red-capped Manakin Ceratopipra mentalis A female seen at Playa de Oro.
Tawny-breasted Myiobius ◊ Myiobius villosus First seen at Amagusa Reserve, also was seen at Wild Sumaco.
Sulphur-rumped Myobius Myobius sulphureipygius Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Heard only at Playa de Oro.
Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Seen at Mahpi area, Playa de Oro and Wild Sumaco.
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor A male seen at Amagusa reserve.
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Seen at Amagusa Reserve and Playa de Oro.
White-winged Becard ◊ Pachyramphus polychopterus One subspecies was seen from the east slope at Wild Sumaco [tenebrosus].
Cryptic Becard Pachyramphus salvini Good views from Mashpi area. A recent split of Black-and-white Becard.
Black and White Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus A male seen at Wild Sumaco.
One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous One bird coming to the moth light at Amagusa.
Chestnut-crowned Becard Pachyrampus castaneus Seen at Archidona area.
Black-billed Peppershrike ◊ Cyclarhis nigrirostris Excellent views at San Isidro.
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis Heard only at Playa de Oro and Wild Sumaco.
Olivaceous Greenlet ◊ Hylophilus olivaceus Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Tawny-crowned Greenlet Tunchiornis ochracelceps Heard only at Playa de Oro.
Lesser Greenlet Pachysylvia decurtata Seen at Mashpi, and Playa de Oro reserve.
Rufous-naped Greenlet ◊ Pachysylvia semibrunnea Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Yellow-green Vireo (W) Vireo flavoviridis Seen at Archidona area.
Red-eyed Vireo (W) Vireo olivaceus Several birds were seen at Wild Sumaco.
Chivi Vireo Vireo chivi Seen several times on the western side.
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Commonly seen on both slopes of the Andes.
Choco Vireo ◊ Vireo masteri An ultimate Chocó endemic that we managed to see at Amagusa Reserve.
Turquoise Jay ◊ Cyanolyca turcosa Seen at Pululahua and Guango lodge.
Beautiful Jay ◊ Cyanolyca pulchra Great views of this Choco endemic along the Nono-Mindo road.
Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus Common in the Sumaco area.
Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas Common around the San Isidro area.
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Seen at Playa de Oro area.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Commonly seen during the trip.
White-thighed Swallow ◊ Atticora tibialis Seen at the Mashpi area.
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Commonly seen during the trip.
Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina Seen at the high altitudes of Cayambe Coca NP and Antisana NP.
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata A new write-in to the list seen at Archidona area.
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Seen at Wild Sumaco area.
Grey-mantled Wren ◊ Odontorchilus branickii One bird joining a mixed-species flock at Wild Sumaco.
Rufous Wren Cinnyrcerthia unirufa Seen at Yanacocha reserve and Guango lodge trails.
Sepia-brown Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens Good views at Mashpi, Bellavista reserve, and Guacamayos Ridge.
Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis Seen at Cerro Mongus and Antisana NP.
Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys Heard only at Bellavista reserve, Guango lodge, and San Isidro.
Coraya Wren Pheugopedius coraya Seen at Loreto Road.
Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Seen a few times in the western lowlands.
Stripe-throated Wren Cantorchilus leucopogon Excellent views at Playa de Oro.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Commonly seen during the trip.
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Commonly seen on both slopes of the Andes.
White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta Two different subspecies were seen on the tour, one in the Choco foothills [inornata] and the one on the eastern foothills [hauxwelli].
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Commonly seen and heard on both slopes of the Andes.
Southern Nightingale-Wren (Scaly-breasted W) Microcerculus marginatus Seen at Playa de Oro.
Wing-banded Wren ◊ Microcerculus bambla Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Musician Wren Cyphorhinus arada Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus Great views at Playa de Oro.
Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris Good views at Playa de Oro.
Slate-throated Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila schistaceigula Seen at Alto Tambo area.
White-browed Gnatcatcher Polioptila bilineata Seen at El Chontal area.
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus Seen in the dry areas of El Chota valley.
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides Seen at El Chical road.
Speckled Nightingale-Thrush Catharus maculatus Heard only at Wild Sumaco.
Swainson’s Thrush (W) Catharus ustulatus It was very common during the whole trip.
Pale-eyed Thrush Turdus leucops Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus First seen at Bellavista, also at San Isidro and Guacamayos Ridge.
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Commonly seen during the trip.
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Common in the eastern lower foothills.
White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Ecuadorian Thrush ◊ Turdus maculirostris Seen at different sites on the western side.
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus Good views at El Chical area and Amarun Pakcha.
Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis Seen at Antisana NP.
Olivaceous Siskin ◊ Spinus olivaceus Heard only at Loreto Road.
Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus Seen at El Chota area and Tambo Condor.
Golden-rumped Euphonia Chlorophonia cyanocephala Seen at Pululahua.
Chesnut-breasted Chlorophonia Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys Heard only at San Isidro area.
White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Seen on both slopes during the tour, mainly in lower foothills.
Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster The most common euphonia during the trip.
Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa Seen at Wild Sumaco and Loreto road.
Golden-bellied Euphonia Euphonia chrysopasta Seen at Archidona area. A new write-in for the list.
Tanager Finch ◊ Oreothraupis arremonops Finally, we encountered a single bird at Bellavista reserve, not an easy bird nowadays.
Yellow-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavigularis Seen in different sites, in the foothills of both slopes.
Ashy-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus canigularis One bird seen with a mixed-species flock along the Loreto road.
Common Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavopectus Common at El Chical road, San Isidro, and Guacamayos Ridge.
Dusky Chlorospingus ◊ (Dusky-bellied B-T) Chlorospingus semifuscus Seen at Amagusa, Bellavista, and Chical Road.
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.
Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris Seen at Amagusa Reserve.
Grey-browed Brushfinch Arremon assimilis Seen at Yanachocha and Guango lodge.
Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Seen at Mindo area.
Chestnut-capped Brushfinch Arremon brunneinucha Seen at Guango lodge, also seen at Amagusa reserve.
Olive Finch ◊ Arremon castaneiceps Seen at Amagusa reserve.
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Commonly seen during the trip.
Choco Brushfinch ◊ (Dusky B-F) Atlapetes crassus Good views at Mashpi area.
Slaty Brushfinch ◊ Atlapetes schistaceus Seen at Cerro Mongus area.
Pale-naped Brushfinch ◊ Atlapetes pallidinucha Good views at Guango lodge and Cayambe-Coca NP.
Yellow-breasted Brushfinch (Northern Rufous-naped B-F) Atlapetes latinuchus Good views Yanacocha and Cerro Mongus.
White-winged Brushfinch Atlapetes leucopterus Seen at Angel Paz reserve and Pululahua.
Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Seen at Playa de Oro. Local and rare bird for Ecuador.
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Commonly seen on the eastern slope.
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Commonly seen on the eastern slope.
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Seen at Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus Seen at Mashpi and Playa de Oro.
Subtropical Cacique Cacicus uropygialis Great views at San Isidro coming to the moth lights.
Mountain Cacique (Northern M C) Cacicus [chrysonotus] leucoramphus Great views at Guacamayos ridge, Guango lodge trails, also seen at Cerro Mongus.
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Seen at Frutitour a new bird for me in Ecuador and a write in for the tour.
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Commonly seen at scrubby areas and forest edges.
Scrub Blackbird Dives warczewiczi Seen at Frutitour.
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Common in the towns close to the Pacific Coast.
Black-and-white Warbler (W) Mniotilta varia Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava Seen at El Chical road.
American Redstart (W) Setophaga ruticilla Seen at Amarun Pakcha and Wild Sumaco.
Cerulean Warbler (W) Setophaga cerulea Several individuals (10+) were seen at Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Commonly seen on the lowlands and foothills.
Blackburnian Warbler (W) Setophaga fusca The most common North American Warbler of the trip.
Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata Seen at Archidona area.
Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata Best views at Pululahua and San Isidro.
Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Choco Warbler ◊ Myiothlypis chlorophrys Good views at Mashpi and Amagusa.
Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata Seen at Bellavista, Pululahua and Guango.
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Seen at Bellavista reserve.
Canada Warbler (W) Cardellina canadensis A common bird at San Isidro, Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
Slate-throated Whitestart (S-t Redstart) Myioborus miniatus Commonly seen during the tour.
Spectacled Whitestart (S Redstart) Myioborus melanocephalus Commonly seen in high elevations.
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii Seen at Mashpi and heard at Playa de Oro.
Summer Tanager (W) Piranga rubra Commonly seen during the tour.
Scarlet Tanager (W) Piranga olivacea Seen at Wild Sumaco and Amarun Pakcha.
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera Seen at Mashpi area.
Ochre-breasted Tanager ◊ Chlorothraupis stolzmanni Seen at Amagusa Reserve and Alto Tambo.
Golden Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Seen at Pululahua.
White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata Heard only at San Isidro area.
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen at Mashpi and Playa de Oro.
Golden-collared Honeycreeper ◊ Iridophanes pulcherrimus Best views at Amagusa reserve Wild Sumaco.
Scarlet-and-white Tanager ◊ Chrysothlypis salmoni Great views at Alto Tambo area.
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira A male seen at Mindo area.
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Commonly seen during the trip.
Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Commonly seen on the western lowlands.
Scarlet-breasted Dacnis ◊ Dacnis berlepschi Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta Seen at Playa de Oro.
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Seen at Mashpi area and Playa de Oro reserve.
Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia Seen at El Chontal area.
Bluish-grey Saltator Saltator coerulescens Seen along the Loreto road.
Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Seen at El Chota valley area.
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Commonly seen on the western foothills and lowlands.
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis Commonly seen on the western lowlands and foothills.
Slate-colored Grosbeak (Slaty G) Saltator grossus Seen at Alto Tambo area.
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Commonly seen on the lowlands.
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus Seen at El Chontal area.
Dull-colored Grassquit (D-c Seedeater) Asemospiza obscura Seen at El Chontal and El Chical road.
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Commonly seen on the western and eastern lowlands.
Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii Common at Playa de Oro and Alto Tambo.
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Good views at El Chontal,Mashpi and Sumaco areas.
Crimson-breasted Finch ◊ Rhodospingus cruentus A male seen at Frutitour.
Fulvous Shrike-Tanager Lanio fulvus Several indivuduals were seen at Wild Sumaco.
Lemon-rumped Tanager (Yellow-r T) Ramphocelus icteronotus Commonly seen on the western slope.
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Commonly seen on the eastern slope.
Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Common on the western slope.
Black and White Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa Seen at Mindo area.
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis Seen on the western lowlands.
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Seen at Sumaco area.
Black-capped Hemispingus Kleinothraupis atropileus Seen at Guacamayos ridge trail and Guango lodge.
Oleaginous Hemispingus Sphenopsis frontalis Heard only at San Isidro.
Black-eared Hemispingus Sphenopsis melanotis Seen at San Isidro.
Superciliaried Hemispingus Thlypopsis superciliaris Seen at Yanacocha reserve and Cerro Mongus.
Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata Seen at Pululahua.
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons Seen at Bellavista and Guango.
Giant Conebill Conirostrum binghami A pair seen at Papallacta Pass.
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Seen at Yanacocha reserve and Pululahua.
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Seen at Frutitour.
Ash-breasted Sierra Finch Geospizopsis plebejus Seen at El Chota valley and San Pablo lake.
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Geospizopsis unicolor At the higher areas in Paramo, like Papallacta pass and Antisana NP.
Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis Seen at Pululahua.
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Seen at Antisana N.P.
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Deep-blue F-p) Diglossa glauca Excellent close views from the lower Guacamayos Ridge.
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Seen at San Isidro and Guacamayos Ridge.
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Common at subtropical forest areas on both slopes.
Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossa indigotica Seen at Amagusa and Mashpi.
Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides Good views at Pululahua.
Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii Good views at Yanacocha, Cerro Mongus and Cayambe Coca NP.
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Seen at Chical road.
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis Common at Tambo Condor and Papallacta.
Purplish-mantled Tanager ◊ Iridosornis porphyrocephalus Great views at Chical Road.
Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis Good views along the Loreto road.
Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex Seen at Yanacocha reserve.
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota Seen at Angel Paz reserve and Bellavista reserve.
Masked-crimson Tanager Ramphocelus nigrogularis Seen at Archidona area and a new write in for the list.
Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager Dubusia taeniata Seen at Guango lodge trails.
Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana Seen at Yanacocha reserve, Cerro Mongus and Guango lodge trails.
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Seen at Bellavista reserve and Guango lodge Trails.
Black-chested Mountain Tanager Cnemathraupis eximia Seen at Yanacocha and Cayambe-Coca NP.
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Seen a few times on both slopes in places like Bellavista and San Isidro.
Black-chinned Mountain Tanager ◊ Anisognathus notabilis Great views coming to the Amagusa feeders and El Chical road.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris First seen at Yanacocha reserve, also at Cerro Mongus and Cayambe-Coca NP.
Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Seen at Cerro Mongus.
Masked Mountain Tanager Buthraupis wetmorei Great views at Cayambe Coca N.P and a new write in for the list.
Glistening-green Tanager ◊ Chlorochrysa phoenicotis Great views at Amagusa, also at Chical Road.
Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Yellow-green Tanager ◊ (Y-g Bush Tanager) Bangsia flavovirens A very special Chocó endemic, great views at Alto Tambo.
Moss-backed Tanager ◊ Bangsia edwardsi Great views at Amagusa and Chical Road.
Golden-chested Tanager ◊ Bangsia rothschildi What a stunner!!! Great views at Alto Tambo of one of the most sought after Chocó endemics.
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Good views at Sumaco area and Loreto Road.
Rufous-throated Tanager ◊ Ixothraupis rufigula This Choco Endemic was seen nicely at Amagusa and Chical Road.
Spotted Tanager Ixothraupis punctata Joining mix-species flocks at Wild Sumaco.
Yellow-bellied Tanager Ixothraupis xanthogastra Great views at Amarun Pakcha and Archidona area.
Golden-naped Tanager Chalcothraupis ruficervix Regular sightings around Mindo.
Grey-and-gold Tanager ◊ Poecilostreptus palmeri Good views at Mashpi, Playa de Oro reserve and Alto Tambo.
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Commonly seen during the tour.
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Commonly seen during the tour.
Black-capped Tanager Stilpnia heinei Seen at San Isidro lodge.
Golden-hooded Tanager (G-masked T) Stilpnia larvata Seen at Playa de Oro.
Blue-necked Tanager Stilpnia cyanicollis Seen on both slopes (two different subspecies).
Scrub Tanager ◊ Stilpnia vitriolina Good views at El Chota valley.
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii First seen at Bellavista, also seen at Guacamayos Ridge and Guango lodge trails.
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Most abundant at Bellavista, also seen at San Isidro and Guacamayos Ridge.
Blue-browed Tanager ◊ Tangara cyanotis A single sight at the lower part of the Guacamayos ridge area.
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides A single bird at El Chical road.
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen at Mashpi and Wild Sumaco.
Rufous-winged Tanager ◊ Tangara lavinia Seen at Playa de Oro.
Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis Seen in the lower part of the Guacamayos ridge area.
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Regular sightings at El Chical road, San Isidro and Guacamayos Ridge.
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Seen on both slopes, two different subspecies. The nominate form parzudakii on the east, and lunigera (Yellow-faced) on the west.
Blue-whiskered Tanager ◊ Tangara johannae Seen with scope views at Playa de Oro.
Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Seen at Amarun Pakcha.
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Commonly seen in both slopes.
Emerald Tanager Tangara florida Great views at Alto Tambo.
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Several birds seen in the western lowlands.
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis A big group (15+) seen on the deep section of Wild Sumaco trails.

MAMMALS
Kinkajou Potos flavus One individual seen at Mashpi area.
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus At least 100 individuals, but easily more, at Antisana NP.
Colombian White-faced Capuchin Cebus capucinus Seen at Playa de Oro.
Black-mantled Tamarin (Black-and-red T) Saguinus nigricollis Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Lemurine Night Monkey Aotus lemurinus A pair was seen at San Isidro.
Mantled Howler Alouatta palliata Seen at Playa de Oro.
Common Woolly Monkey Lagothrix lagothricha A group of 7 at Guacamayos Ridge.
Andean Tapeti (Tapiti, Brazilian Rabbit) Sylvilagus brasiliensis
Black Agouti (Grey Agouti) Dasyprocta fuliginosa Seen at San Isidro.
Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Leader-only. Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S) Sciurus granatensis
White-nosed Coati Nasua Seen at Mashpi area.
Brown-headed Spider Monkey Ateles fusciceps Seen at Playa de Oro reserve.
Andean Black-eared Opossum Didelphis marsupialis Seen at Wild Sumaco.
Robust Dusky Mouse Seen at Wild Sumaco.

SNAKES
Fer de Lance Seen at Playa de Oro.
Rainforest Hog-nosed Pitviper Porthidium nasatum Seen at Playa de Oro.