SOUTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT 2023

12 - 30 January 2023

by John McLoughlin

Another highly enjoyable, fruitful and hitch-free tour was completed under the expert leadership of Juan Carlos Calvachi. This unforgettable itinerary criss-crossed the southern Andes of Ecuador sampling the diverse avifauna of both slopes as well as visiting the dry deciduous forests in the southern Tumbesian region. Travel continued to the eastern slopes and the sub-tropical foothill forests at the head of the Amazonian tributaries in the relatively under explored southeast of the country. On the west coast we explored desert like scrub, coastal wetlands more dry forest and finally an isolated strip of moist evergreen forest at Ayampe.
This sheer diversity of habitats led to an impressive number of bird species encountered amongst these came a high percentage of Birdquest “Diamond Birds” which included several endemic and many near-endemic species which are only shared by the difficult to reach neighbouring parts of southern Colombia and northern Peru.

Two iconic species stood out on this itinerary: firstly, the famous Jocotoco Antpitta of the Podocarpus National Park. Only discovered at the close of the last century this “mega” is only known from a small area of Andean montane forest. Much more recently the Blue-throated Hillstar was accidently discovered in 2017 and is apparently restricted to an isolated offshoot of the Central Andean chain. Fortunately, we saw both these species during the well-executed tour as well as many other special birds. These included the once mythical Crescent-faced Antpitta, the tricky to see Ochre-breasted Dove, the extremely rare El Oro and White-breasted Parakeets. A pair of nomadic Grey-capped Cuckoos, an out-of-range Euler’s Flycatcher. High elevation specialities included the sought after Masked Mountain Tanager and endemic hummingbirds such as the Neblina and Violet-throated Metaltails. In the deep south we encountered the attractive Orange-throated Tanager in the Maycu watershed which is probably the only accessible place on the continent to see these unique birds. New species for this itinerary included the xenops-like Spectacled Prickletail, a pair of Western Striolated Puffbirds and the extremely localised Bar-winged Wood-Wren.
The tour convened at our conveniently placed hotel in Guayaquil on the evening of the 12 January. Next morning, we were up bright and early and soon on the road heading south across the magnificent near kilometre long Samborondon bridge. First port of call was the park reception of the Manglares- Churute Ecological reserve. As the name suggests the park preserves extensive tracts of coastal mangroves. Whilst inland are wetland areas which hold an important population of Horned Screamer, a species which we saw well later that morning.

It was hot and atypically very dry underfoot and the birds appeared somewhat unresponsive as though they weren’t quite in full breeding mode. A walk along the mangrove boardwalk produced several Tropical Gnatcatchers and a couple of Mangrove Warblers. Back around the car park area an elusive Pallid Dove slipped away through the leaf litter whilst a female Blue ground Dove flew by. Jet Antbirds called from deep cover and we would see this skulking species on a second visit on our return journey to the capital. New birds included a colourful Pacific Hornero and the rather striking Collared Antshrike. Other sightings included Streaked Flycatcher, Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet and Fulvous-faced Scrub Tyrants. Species restricted to this part of Ecuador included the subtly marked Tumbesian Tyrannulet.
Before lunch we had two more stops to make the first was at a patch of roadside wetland which held the hard-to-find Large billed Seed Finch. The birds found here are of the race occcidentalis only found in west Ecuador and adjacent western Colombia. The next port of call was a remnant patch of secondary forest called Quisas Hoy. Here we flushed a roosting Spectacled Owl before stumbling across a stunning Grey backed Hawk which remained perched in full view for everyone to enjoy. We would return to this site later in the tour to catch up with further southern Ecuadorian specialities.
Meanwhile we took lunch at a pleasant roadside restaurant where we enjoyed Tamales Bolloo, sea fish wrapped in banana leaves, accompanied by very refreshing blackberry smoothies. Whilst waiting to be served we were entertained by both Ringed and Green Kingfishers fishing on a small lake whilst a Striated Heron crept along the shoreline.
Quickly we continued our onward journey as our ultimate destination was the Buenaventura Reserve near Pinas. We finally arrived at the lovely Umbrellabird Lodge in the late afternoon where we still had time to seek out the lodge’s namesake. A Long-wattled Umbrellabird boomed out his distinctive call which echoed through the forest, however the fading light and incoming rain meant we did not connect on our first attempt.

The rain had eased as we took our breakfast at the lodge next morning. Soon we found ourselves back along the Umbrellabird trail. What an aptly named bird this is as we watched a displaying male from under the shelter of our umbrellas! The bird even took advantage of the rain shower to take an impromptu bathe and preen. In the half-light we could hear calling Chestnut-backed Antbirds, a Western Woodhaunter and a very vocal Northern Schiffornis. We would obtain excellent views of the latter as we walked back up to the trailhead. Back at the lodge we marvelled at the hummingbirds on show at the feeders as we sat out the rain. Green Thorntails were in abundance alongside White-necked Jacobins, Brown Violetears, Green-crowned Brilliants, Violet-bellied Hummingbird and Andean Emerald. A rather bedraggled gang of Pale-mandibled Aracaris also frequented the balcony along with two Rufous-headed Chachalacas. In the surrounding trees a pair of Plumbeous Kites also sat out the downpour. As the rain eased off the group headed back along the road for a lively birding session which produced two Crested Guans, a pair of displaying Barred Hawks, a nest building Band-tailed Barbthroat and ace views of a couple of White-tailed Sicklebills. A small lek of White-whiskered Hermits whizzed through the undergrowth whilst overhead both Choco and Yellow-throated Toucans called from the same tree. First a Rufous Motmot showed well to the group followed by a diminutive White-throated Spadebill. Low down below the trail a pair of Esmeraldas Antbirds were lured into view, the male distinctively raising both wings in display. Meanwhile we attempted to obtain views of the delightful Club-winged Manakins which we all just about managed in the end.
After lunch it was off up to the higher reaches of the reserve to an area which made this place famous. No less than the breeding grounds of the endemic El Oro Parakeet. The provision of nest boxes on the edge of forest clearings has provided safe havens for this threatened bird. The nest boxes help reduce the threat of nest predation by toucans and the box we were shown held an incubating female. After a short wait the rest of the extended family returned home and provided brilliant views as they perched both on the box and in the surrounding trees before retiring to roost. As we waited a pair of Golden headed Quetzals foraged nearby whilst a mixed flock in the canopy contained Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Brown-capped Vireos and delightful Blackburnian Warblers.

Today was to prove to be a very special day although at 4 am many felt less than convinced. A road was out so a lengthy diversion was in order as we headed towards Zaruma. The town was deserted as we passed through in the darkness and started our winding ascent to Cerro de Arcos. As dawn broke, we found ourselves in the paramo along a dirt road to the Arco’s Refugio on the edge of the Neblina Forest Reserve. After a short walk a steep valley appeared below as the mists lifted to reveal a carpet of flowering Chuquiragua shrubs with their distinctive orange flowers the preferred foodplant of our quarry. It took a while but then suddenly there he was a splendid male Blue throated Hillstar complete with its strikingly blue throat. This species was only discovered by chance in 2017 and we were now amongst a select band of admirers. Tawny Antpittas called from isolated bushes on the hillside and we obtained views of the skulking Many striped Canastero some Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, a dazzling Shining Sunbeam and several Black tailed Trainbearers. On the walk in a pair of Aplomado Falcons had drifted overhead and on the return, we were treated to similar views of Mountain Caracaras.
At our picnic stop the hillside was covered in Datura trees in full flower but amazingly there was no sign of the Sword-billed Hummingbird. However, a Red-crested Cotinga perched up nearby as did a White-tailed Shrike Tyrant. Close by both Equatorial Antpitta and a Slaty backed Nightingale Thrush could be heard calling from the hillside forest.
It was time to head back towards the Umbrellabird Lodge but on the journey, we stopped again at the high point of the Buenaventura Reserve. At Moromoro we were invited to the home of the National Park Warden. Here we made good views of an Elegant Crescentchest, a confiding pair of Guayaquil Woodpeckers, Orange crowned Euphonia, the Loja Tyrannulet and Amazilla (or Loja) Hummingbirds. A White-vented Plumeleteer, of the Ecuadorian race, also graced the garden.
Heading back towards the lodge we made another attempt for the localised Ochraceous Attila, a declining near endemic, no joy however on this occasion. We did great looks at a male Zeledon’s Antbird, this bird cocking its tail in alarm in comparison to the wing flapping Esmeraldas Antbird we had observed the previous day. A Black and White Owl called near the lodge but once again rain stopped play and we grabbed the chance of a comfortable bed.

By the next morning the overnight rains had eased so we took advantage of the glorious sunny conditions to bird the higher elevations, c.1000m, of the old road which runs through the Buenaventura reserve. We started with great views of the endemic El Oro Tapaculo at a roadside spot which also held Crimson- rumped Toucanets and a couple of Speckled Nightingale Thrushes. Along the sunny trail we enjoyed views of Golden-olive Woodpecker, Spotted Woodcreeper, Scaly-throated Foliage Gleaner, a heard only Streak-capped Treehunter, Line cheeked Spinetails, Andean Solitaire, both Three striped and Three banded Warblers. Blue-necked Tanagers were striking in the vivid light and here we also saw our only Silver-throated Tanagers of the trip. A pair of Olive-crowned Yellowthroats were found on the edge of some overgrown pasture. A short while later a hulking Great Antshrike was also lured into view amongst the roadside vegetation. However, we were still on the trail of the elusive Attila and then suddenly there he was sat high in the canopy given away by the tell-tale wagging of his tail. Ochraceous Attila is a near endemic to Ecuador and a species that is on the decline through habitat loss.
A distinctive call from the undergrowth revealed the presence of a Scaled Antpitta and soon we were enjoying close up views of this super skulker on the edge of the trail! We were doing well with ace views of both a tapaculo and an antpitta “in the field” on the same morning. Before we departed for our next lodge, we stopped by another hummingbird feeding station at the upper park entrance at Moromoro. Here enjoyed views of Brown Inca and Velvet Purple Coronets as well as several brilliantly coloured Violet tailed Sylphs. We had already enjoyed views of the latter that morning along the reserve trails as well as our only sighting of Tawny bellied Hermit for the trip.
By mid-afternoon we found ourselves in a seemingly alien landscape of deciduous dry forest dominated by huge green trunked Ceiba trees. Here it was both hot and dry with the seasonal rains still to arrive as we headed south towards the border with neighbouring Peru.
Another mid-afternoon stop produced yet more new regional endemics. Tumbes Hummingbird, White headed Brushfinch and Grey-cheeked Parakeets. A female Grassland Yellow finch was also an unusual sighting. A White-rumped hawk was glimpsed so we pulled over but could not relocate the bird and had to be content with a soaring Harris Hawk. Late afternoon we arrived at our next base the Urrara Lodge at Jorupe. We dropped our bags and gathered at the lodge reception and here we set first eyes on those glorious White-tailed Jays. Whilst all around the bell like calls of the Pale-browed Tinamou rang out as the sun went down. Nocturnal adventures led us around the lodge grounds and we heard West Peruvian Screech Owls call as did a distant Spectacled Owl. Closer to the lodge was a Buff- fronted Owl which drifted away like the other owls as nothing proved very responsive.

Next morning, we were again out early and in the hour before dawn we had pinned down not one but two Buff fronted Owls. They remained very quiet and also very close but not close enough and we had to walk away empty handed as daylight broke over the forest. Back at the lodge feeders post breakfast activity picked up as a gang of noisy Rufous-headed Chachalacas arrived and a growing group of Blue- ground Doves gathered, 2 Whooping Motmots were soon joined by the impressive White-tailed Jays. The place was bouncing! Finally, 2 Pale browed Tinamous crept in, quietly by comparison, to provide the grand finale.
A good morning walk started from the lodge returning via the Tinamou and the White-tailed Jay trails. A major surprise came in the form of the seldom seen Ochre-bellied Dove which walked out in full view. A bunch of Tumbesian specialists included Tumbes Pewee, a family group of Grey-breasted Flycatchers, all around us Watkins Antpittas were calling and eventually one was pinned down trackside and showed well. Flocks of Grey cheeked and Red-masked Parakeets whirled around our heads and a juvenile Short-tailed Hawk soared up into the crystal blue sky. Target birds continued to fall as we encountered a pair of tiny Ecuadorian Piculets, a cooperative Blackish Headed Spinetail, the distinctive Pacific Elaenia showed well but we failed to obtain conclusive views of the endangered Slaty Becard.
Our afternoon walk saw us at a slightly higher elevation so more new birds followed apace. A much-wanted Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner finally gave itself up as did a Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner. A pair of Chapmans Antshrikes entertained us whilst an Elegant Crescentchest walked out into the open for some. Many had their first views of the striking Plumbeous-backed Thrush, whilst skulkers included Speckle-breasted and Fasciated Wrens. We ended the day down in the valley in the quiet village of Saviango to visit a colony of Chestnut-collared Swallows. The nests were not yet occupied but several birds were observed returning to roost in the late afternoon. Back at the lodge calling Pacific Pygmy Owls once again featured as dusk fell.

We departed the lodge after an early breakfast on the road to our next destination the Tapichalaca Reserve. At the first stop a flock of 40 Chestnut collared Swifts wheeled past overhead whilst on the ground we quickly picked up a Bay- crowned Brushfinch amongst a bunch of White-winged Brushfinches. Close-by we also found a pair of Silver backed Tanagers and our first Rufous chested Tanager. At Utuana we visited the Hanne Bank Reserve which protects a remnant patch of moss forest. On arrival an Undulated Antpitta called close by but kept its distance. Similarly, a calling Leymebamba Antpitta remained downslope in deep bamboo as did a Blackish Tapaculo.
This site is famous for a couple of specialities and we scored with the “jumpy” Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant and after three attempts some patchy views of the scarce Grey-headed Antbird. Having failed to pick up either the Piura Hemispingus or the Black-crested Tit-Tyrant we retired to the high elevation hummingbird feeders. Some gloriously named and combative Rainbow Starfrontlets and the simply dazzling Purple throated Sunangels whizzed to and fro between us and the feeders on the forest edge.
On the outskirts of Catamayo we dodged the warm showers to successfully locate the very localised Tumbes Sparrow. The roads then became progressively steeper and windier as we headed over the Andean ridge onto the eastern slope and here our final destination of the day was the famous Casa Simpson lodge at the Tapichalaca Biological Reserve of the Jocotoco Foundation. Home of the Jocotoco Antpitta! It was already dark so we settled down to eat and visit the days log before reassembling for another night excursion. We didn’t have to go far as a Rufous-banded Owl called from below the lodge, however he was a long way down! Closer was a responsive White throated Owl and after a couple of false alerts there it was roadside sat just below eye level giving walk away views.

Heavy overnight rain continued into the daylight hours but this was our day and our one shot at the mega Grallaria first discovered by Robert Ridgely at this very spot in late 1997. Shortly after breakfast we were striding along the Antpitta trail through high montane cloud forest in rather cloudy and wet conditions. It seemed a long wait at the prescribed spot and the feeding station was initially gate-crashed by a brazen Chestnut-naped Antpitta, you could feel the tension rising. Our guide remined confident however and then all of a sudden, the Jocotoco appeared just feet away. This bird was apparently a “new” visitor and proved to be rather shy female hence the delayed arrival. However, this meant she stayed in the shadows and thus made it a more natural viewing opportunity.
On the walkout a couple of White-throated Quail Doves had been tempted out onto the trail for our delectation. Without prompting a Chusquea Tapaculo took a sneaky bath trailside whilst above us a parade of tanagers included Yellow-crowned, Hooded and Lacrimose Mountain Tanagers. A party of Golden plumed Parakeets rather frustratingly landed out of view and in the mist. A Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant played it cagey but eventually gave good views. Other species we picked out included Montane Woodcreeper, Rufous Wrens and White-banded Tyrannulets. On our return we found that the lodge feeders were busy even in the rain and attracted a score of Chestnut-fronted Coronets and two species of Sun-angel, Amethyst and Flame-throated.
After lunch we headed downhill to the outskirts of Valladolid where at the roadside, we found a pair of the very distinct paynteri race of the White-winged Brushfinch. We then explored a couple of remnant tracts of forest which proved most productive. Raptors included Hook-billed Kite and a Grey-lined Hawk whilst a Long-tailed Tapaculo was seen well. Other species included a Black throated Toucanet and then a pair of sought after Blue browed Tanagers. Later in some scrubbed up former pastures a host of new birds appeared. Rufous-fronted Thornbird, White-browed Spinetail, Lined Antshrike, Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Maranon Thrush, Highland Elaenia, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Black and White Becard, White-lined Tanagers, Silver-beaked Tanagers, Chestnut-bellied Seedeaters, Golden-eyed and Bluish Flowerpiercers plus close up views of some very smart Saffron-crowned and Flame-faced Tanagers.

When a day kicks-off with one of those special birds you know life is good and today, we were rewarded with prolonged views of Masked Mountain Tanager an uncommon species which can be seen with any regularity at a few select high Andean sites. So, there we were stood in exactly the right place on the edge of the treeline at an altitude of 3000m asl. The Neblina Metaltail is a very localised endemic found high up on Cerro Toledo and we made two good close sightings along with no less than five Glowing Pufflegs, more gems of the avian world. At the edge of the paramo we had already found a pair of Rainbow-bearded Thornbills with the female appearing to have a nest close by. Loja and Ash coloured Tapaculos remained heard only but for the second day running we obtained decent views of the Chusquea Tapaculo. A vocal Ocellated Tapaculo once located gave decent rewards but didn’t quite step out into the open. Mouse-coloured Thistletails did show well whilst a Crowned Chat-tyrant led a short dance and was followed by a “squeaky” gang of half a dozen Orange banded Flycatchers which passed through. A proper bird wave always provides for exciting moments, whatever the habitat. On this occasion the species included Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Black-headed Hemispingus, Pale-naped and Yellow-breasted Brushfinches, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Lacrimose and Scarlet bellied Mountain-Tanagers.
Afternoon was spent downhill around the outskirts of the town of Vilcabamba it was here that the countries first Plumbeous Rails were discovered in late 1991. They are still to be found there on the edge of town and viewable after a spot of refencing manoeuvres!
The old roads are the best, the first to create a pathway through original forested habitats. Over time the surrounding landscape becomes degraded. However, on the steeper slopes and around watercourses some essential gallery forest remains. These make for excellent birding spots which many species remain faithful to and allows a keen group with an excellent guide to make some memorable encounters.

The following morning, we were along such a birdy highway, namely the old Loja to Zamora Road and Juan showed us two roosting Oilbirds on a ledge above the rushing river. Nearby a female Andean Cock of the Rock sat quietly whilst below a pair of Torrent Ducks and White capped Dippers bobbed around amongst the rushing brown waters. Green-fronted Lancebill also favours fast flowing water and we had a couple of brief sightings on the side streams. Slowly but surely the new species came our way Blackish Antbird, Red-hooded Barbet, Orange-eared Tanagers, Spotted Tanagers, Golden-eared Tanager a flurry of bush tanagers included Yellow whiskered, Yellow-throated and Ashy-throated in roadside flocks. Juans sharp ears paid off as we continued along the old dirt road when all of a sudden, a noisy gang of White-capped Tanagers appeared, interestingly at a lower elevation than usually expected. But we were not to argue as we enjoyed prolonged views as they passed through in and out of the mist. A short while after we picked up not one but two Fasciated Tiger Herons on the river as we slowly passed over an old bridge.
Lunch was taken at a rather special place created by a local landowner. Over the last few he has planted an abundance of purple flowered verbena bushes which now attracts a host of hummers. Star bird was a female Spangled Coquette which was present on arrival. Although we waited in vain for a male to show we were highly entertained by several Little Woodstars as well as a gorgeous Wire-crested Thorntail alongside Blue-tailed and Glittering throated Emeralds. We still had a fair way to go as we pushed ever onward to the subtropical foothills of south-eastern Ecuador. A series of roadside stops produced the rare and localised, in eastern Ecuador, Black billed Seed Finch whilst another fortuitous stop for a Bat Falcon mobbing a “white-hawk” turned out to be an immature Black and White Hawk Eagle.
Yankuam Lodge is one of those special places and is located on the banks of the Nangaritza river which flows north along the western flank of the Cordillera del Condor. Late afternoon we crossed the bridge over the fast-flowing Nangarizta to walk along a section of the dirt road which passes through the Maycu Protected Area. Here a block of gallery forest sits high above the river and has proven to be a very productive stretch of foothill forest with a distinctive Amazonian flavour. A Greater Yellow-headed Vulture circled overhead whilst a Great Tinamou called close by in the forest. Next, we encountered a Sickle-winged Guan whilst hearing a typically noisy party of Speckled Chachalacas. It was a very birdy session with sightings including the elusive Back and White Tody-flycatcher a Duida Woodcreeper, both Gilded and Lemon -throated Barbets as well as our first Paradise and Swallow Tanagers. Whilst overhead the distinctive calls of the Orange throated Tanager could be heard but just too far away to be located. At dusk we waited for the Band-bellied Owls to become active and were subsequently treated to excellent views of two birds.

Following heavy overnight rain frequent lighter showers continued into the morning. This was perfect for bird activity as we returned to the road following our breakfast at the lodge. One of the first species encountered was a Slaty capped Shrike Vireo. Both Hairy crested and Scale backed Antbirds were heard calling from the understorey however we only managed to clap eyes on a male White-browed Antbird which was striking in itself. As the rains cleared mid-morning, we encountered a noisy of flock of the target bird the striking Orange throated Tanager here at one of the very few known locations for this threatened species. Extensive forest clearance at its favoured elevations means that very little suitable habitat remains. In between we managed a heady list of desirable species including Purplish Jacamars, another Black and White Tody-Flycatcher plus a stunning male Golden-winged Tody- Flycatcher, Several Fulvous-shrike Tanagers gleaned the canopy leaves for insects. Mixed flocks contained beautiful Gold and Green Tanagers, Masked Crimson Tanager, Paradise and Opal-rumped Tanagers. Other desirable species included good views of Speckled Spinetail, Rufous tailed Foliage Gleaner, Lined and Plain-winged Antshrikes and a very smart Black-eared fairy Hummingbird. The rare and localised Grey-tailed Piha remained however just a” heard only”.
The afternoon session started well when a White Hawk appeared low overhead hotly pursued by a gang of Violaceous Jays. Along the way we managed decent views of a shy Black faced Ant-thrush, a Greyish Mourner and then to top that a Lanceolated Monklet perched out in the open. All that was quickly followed by a pair of scarce Yellow-shouldered Grosbeaks. Unfortunately, though a male Fiery throated Fruiteater appeared only too briefly. We finished the day with several Wing- barred Piprites, a pair of Slender billed Xenops and yet another pair of the rarely encountered Yellow shouldered Grosbeaks.

An early morning drive took us to a new location?? on the Birdquest itinerary, El Zarza, the valley of the “fireflies”. Within minutes of arriving, we were watching a female Amethyst-throated Woodstar flycatching above the canopy followed by a Peruvian Racket-tail. A short while later we also obtained good views of a Greenish Puffleg. A Bar-winged Wood Wren showed well to the group and then a male Masked Trogon perched up out in the open close to a Flavescent Flycatcher. Juan picked up on a pair of Western Striolated Puffbirds, a “write-in” which perched up high having been pursued by a gang of Lesser Violetear hummingbirds. A passing flock contained an Olive backed Woodcreeper when Juan shouted out “Scarlet throated Fruiteater”! but all too soon it was gone.
By late morning we were walking back along the entrance road towards the reserve HQ which would take us until late afternoon to achieve. Huge bird waves passed across the road and the action was literally non-stop until we took our picnic lunchbreak. Amongst the bird waves were Golden and Golden-eared Tanagers plus two Rufous-crested Tanagers, Blue-winged Mountain Tanagers and several glorious Yellow-throated Tanagers. These were joined by not one but two Equatorial Graytails, Grey-rumped Wren, several Golden-eyed Flowerpiercers and finally an elusive Spectacled Prickletail with two sightings made but not everyone connected. Juan pointed out a used prickletail nest which was hanging from a vine above our picnic spot. As we continued a distant White bellied Antpitta called from the valley whilst we enticed out two White-crowned Tapaculos for all to see. Another Olive-backed Woodcreeper was seen plus a singing Pale-eyed Thrush and a smart Chestnut-tipped Toucanet which posed nicely low down amongst the canopy. As we left the park a smart Chestnut-bellied Thrush perched up nicely on a roadside tree and a pair of Cliff Flycatchers performed at the roadside. Our early evening journey concluded at the wonderful Copalinga Lodge located in verdant second growth forest adjacent to the Podocarpus National Park.

The next morning our post breakfast walk took us to the park entrance by the fast-flowing Rio Bombuscaro and a productive session ensued before heavy rains set in. A Plain-backed Antpitta sang by the riverside trail as did a couple of Foothill Schiffornis. Despite the rain we did see a good selection of target birds including the localised Foothill Elaenia, Coppery chested Jacamar, Ecuadorian Pied-tail and Olive Finch the latter singing from an open perch! Then we almost stumbled over a Black-billed Treehunter which was feeding on the ground at our feet. An Amazonian Umbrellabird was calling from the forest behind the HQ clearing where we could also hear an Andean Cock of the Rock. As we retraced our steps a small flock of endangered White breasted Parakeets flew into their favoured clay lick spot right on cue. We settled down to obtain good views of eight birds despite the falling rain,
Back at the lodge a selection of hummingbirds at the feeders included a diminutive Grey chinned Hermit, Green Hermit, several Many-spotted Hummingbirds, a Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sparkling Violetear, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Violet-fronted Brilliants whilst a tiny Little Woodstar and several Violet-headed Hummingbirds fed in the garden Verbena patch. Swainson’s Thrushes showed well from our dining table as did a confiding Canada Warbler which fed out in the open and on the ground.

As we made ready to visit the lodge trails first a Grey-fronted Dove and then a Grey Tinamou briefly visited the lodge feeding station! However, we had a date to keep so off uphill we went to a blind on the upper path. As we waited a couple of pairs of nervous Orange billed Sparrows came and went and it was nice to obtain such good views of this secretive bird. Then the star of the show arrived a veritable butterball of a bird the Grey Tinamou, arriving just as dusk began to fall. We still had time to observe a Blackish Nightjar before supper, it proved to be a remarkable end to a remarkable day in the eastern Andes.
Following a dry night at Copalinga Lodge we were off again to the Bombuscaro entrance of the Podocarpus NP with some unfinished business to attend to. With the rains holding off we continued beyond the park HQ bumping into a Black streaked Puffbird and another Ecuadorian Pied-tail. A little way along the trail along we came across a small inconspicuous group of at least three Orange-crested Flycatchers. Along a higher trail the group stumbled upon an almost confiding Short-tailed Antthrush, a good sighting. Both Rufous-rumped and Rusty-winged Antwrens were located amongst the canopy flocks. Some larger flocks also contained numerous Orange eared Tanagers, Spotted Tanagers, Ornate and Ruddy-tailed Flycatchers and Ecuadorian Tyrannulets.
Two Amazonian Umbrellabirds eventually showed back near the HQ along with a male Andean Cock of the Rock which flew down to feed on some palm fruits. Again, on the way out a party of ten White breasted Parakeets flew in, all flashing their vivid red wing panels, to visit their favoured clay lick.
After lunch at the lodge, we headed off back over the Andean ridge to Loja the regions capital for an overnight stay. On the journey we stopped at the pass at around 2800m asl for a walk along the old road. This proved to be a very productive stop as we obtained great views of an Equatorial Antpitta as well as hearing several more and we could also hear the larger Chestnut-naped Antpitta which we had already observed well at Tapichalaca. A couple of Buff-winged Starfrontlets buzzed past giving their distinctive squeaky calls. A mixed flock held Yellow breasted Brushfinches, Black-crested Warblers, a Black-headed Tyrannulet, was also new for the trip. A male White-sided Flowerpiercer showed well as di the expected Masked and Glossy Flowerpiercers. A Mouse-coloured Thistletail called from deep although we had already obtained good views on Cerro Toledo. Overhead a feeding flock of White collared Swifts drifted by under a blue sky. Following dinner in town, we visited the campus of Loja University where we obtained “walk away” views of the resident Koepcke’s Screech-owl, until recently a species only known from neighbouring Peru.

The early morning crisp mountain air greeted us high above the Andean town of Saraguro at the Cerro Acacana reserve. We found ourselves amongst disturbed cloud forest which has been the target of a regeneration project. Nowadays over-grown meadows border low forest along the treeline. It has built a reputation as the place to see high altitude specialists such as the rare Chestnut-bellied Cotinga, the gorgeous Crescent faced Antpitta and at lower elevation the very localised Red-faced Parrot.
We started with the Antpitta and after three attempts everyone managed some amazing views. A short while later we were eyeball to eyeball with a fierce little Andean Pygmy Owl, a most wanted for some! At the summit we were greeted by hyper-active hummingbirds Tyrian Metaltails and the odd Rainbow-bearded Thornbill and although we scanned hard for the much sought-after cotinga we had to suffice with a couple of Red-crested Cotingas. As usual the noisy tanager flocks contained the delightful Golden-crowned Tanager as well as both Hooded and Scarlet bellied Mountain Tanagers.
Back downhill we crossed the Andean pastures to enter some pristine forest and soon we were watching a superb pair of Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans. Several noisy Northern Mountain Caciques fed nearby in a huge flowering tree. Then we heard them a small flock of Red- faced Parrots, eventually they came closer and we could hear them “chattering” close by but they remained out of view. We waited patiently but unfortunately when they flew the birds dropped and we only glimpsed them as they departed. The species is restricted to the Andes of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. As we departed Plain-tailed Wrens called from deep in the bamboo understorey. In the late afternoon we headed north towards Cuenca then passed over onto the western Andean slope for an overnight stay at a warmer and distinctly muggier La Union.

The Yunguilla or Pale-headed Brushfinch reserve is home to a species only rediscovered in late 1990s. The Brushfinches suffer from the attention of Shiny Cowbirds which are brood parasites. The Jocotoco Foundation project has helped to protect this small and highly vulnerable population and has been successful in increasing the numbers of pairs. At the entrance we are met by Angel the warden who led us to a feeding station situated a short walk lower down in the valley. At this point he quietly put out the bait, brown bread and oranges! Amazingly a Pale headed Brushfinch appeared immediately and proceeded to feed. But that was not the end of the show as next a Chestnut-crowned Antpitta hopped onto the table, and not a worm in sight. Angel’s piece de resistance is his mimicry of the elusive Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush and before too long this normally shy bird was also up there and feeding from the table.
A walk along the nearby trails produced a nice selection including a Striped Cuckoo which was enticed out into the open, Sooty-crowned Flycatcher, a male Golden-rumped Euphonia, a female Purple-collared Woodstar, more nice views of Golden Grosbeaks, a flock of Turquoise Jays, whilst Grey-browed Brushfinch was also added to the list. A surprise discovery appears in the form of a Euler’s Flycatcher, probably an austral migrant, unusual for western Ecuador.
After lunch we head back up to Cuenca and soon find ourselves at the highland resort of Dos Chorreros in the El Cajas National Park. A traditional and comfortable lodge complete with a wonderful chocolate café! We track down the local endemic Violet-throated Metaltail nearby amongst the healthy stands of old Polylepis woodland where this species is primarily found. Higher up the valley we came across another high-altitude hummer the Blue-mantled Thornbill. Things became more exhilarating as we pushed ourselves against the thinning air. The Tit-like Dacnis where vocal and apparently abundant in the woodland here. There were several Stout-billed Cinclodes and next came a pair of confiding pair of Giant Conebills. These fed close to the path and we were treated to simply enjoyable and prolonged views, The finale was provided by an inquisitive Tawny Antpitta bounding at us through the scrub.

The next morning, we were up at crazy o’clock and down to the lakeside under a clear starry sky with the Southern Cross visible high above the adjacent ridge. Our target? The impressive Rufous-banded Owl which we had heard previously at Tapichalaca. This time we found ourselves much closer to the birds and moments later there was our target in the torchlight perched high on a nearby treetop.
As the sunrose we switched our attention to the lake which held a variety of water birds all new for the checklist. Andean Coot, Andean Teal, Andean Ruddy Duck and Yellow-billed Pintails. Amongst the reedy edges several Ecuadorian Rails called of which we obtained some good scope views. Both Undulated and Equatorial Antpittas could be heard calling from the hillside forest. A few bird waves contained Cinereous Conebills, Superciliated Hemispingus, Spectacled Whitestarts and Tufted Tit Tyrants. Hummingbirds included Purple throated Sunangel, Mountain Velvetbreast, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail and the rather beautiful Sapphire-vented Puffleg,

We took our time over the splendid buffet breakfast back at the lodge before moving on. The journey went from 4000m to virtually sea level in a jaw dropping awe inspiring drive first over the Andean ridge and then down to the Pacific coast where we made a return visit to Quisas Hoy. Since our first visit it had rained and the atmosphere in this patch of secondary forest was distinctly muggier than during our first visit. Therefore, as a result, the birdlife had become more active.
A pair of Grey capped Cuckoos virtually presented themselves on the walk in which was a very promising start. That was one tough cuckoo and as we ventured deeper in the forest there, they were a pair of Pacific Royal Flycatchers! the male briefly raised his dramatic crest feathers in salute. A Common Black Hawk perched out in the open whilst a Gartered Trogon posed high overhead. Once again though we only heard the Slaty Becard so it was time for a late lunch, to cool down and make ready for a return visit to Guayaquil.
Departing from the capital early the next day we headed rapidly towards the westernmost point of Ecuador on the peninsular of Santa Elena. The day started in the barren landscape surrounding the village of Atalhualpa. Some areas held regenerating scrub forest and this is where we focused our early morning efforts. New birds appeared in virtually every bush as we walked brusquely along in the early morning sunshine. The small flocks of nomadic Sulphur-throated Finches were followed by Grey and White Tyrannulets, noisy Short tailed Field Tyrants, Superciliated Wrens, Snowy throated Kingbird, Necklaced Spinetail, Parrot billed Seed-Finches and eventually close up views of a nectar-feeding Small Woodstar. Three Comb Ducks flew across the rather barren landscape and a surprise adult male Merlin broke cover before perching out in the open atop a spiny bush. A final stop produced a rather furtive Peruvian Thick-knee as it wandered amongst the sparse scrub.
Heading up the coast via coastal city of Salinas we took in a visit to the western most tip of Ecuador at La Chocolatera. Blue-footed Boobies streamed past close inshore and at least one Wandering Tattler was located amongst the surf battered rocks. Shorebirds featured amongst the saltpans too but not in the high numbers witnessed on previous visits. All the same Hudsonian Whimbrel, Wilson’s Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs could all be found. There were large numbers of Chilean Flamingos present and good size flocks of Grey Headed Gulls and Laughing Gulls. Several adult Kelp Gulls were picked out as they scavenged alongside Black Vultures along the beaches as we drove past.
Late afternoon we had arrived at our final location at the mouth of the Rio Ayampe. A short while later we were watching a female Esmeraldas Woodstar on its tiny nest suspended on some dead vines hanging between the trees some 10m above the ground. Nearby we explored the gardens and allotments of a small coastal community. Here we added an all to brief female Saffron Siskin, a pair of Baird’s Flycatchers, Fasciated Wrens, Black-lored Yellowthroats and of course yet more Pacific Pygmy Owls,
Our day finished on the southern perimeter of the Machililla NP a block of deciduous forest which still holds significant populations of southwestern endemics and specialties such as the Anthony’s Nightjar which we observed as darkness fell. Thus, completing a long but varied and exhilarating day. As the valley resounded to the calls of the now familiar Pale- browed Tinamou, we also saw the strange Red-billed Scythebill, obtained yet more glimpses of the Elegant Crescentchest. A Plumbeous -backed Thrush appeared briefly whilst Rufous-necked Wood Rails could be heard “chipping” from the forest at dusk.

Our last day and for us it was a final morning’s birding at the Rio Ayampe reserve. A Great Blue Heron and several Common Gallinules were observed as we crossed over the bridge on the way. Once there we followed a jeep trail through second growth forest and amongst overgrown weedy fields. We started on the front foot as we found a flock of delightful Saffron Finches in the first field we checked. Three Guayaquil Woodpeckers flew past and later a pair of Red – rumped Woodpeckers showed well. Alongside the river below we picked out Chestnut throated Seedeaters amongst the abundant Variable Seedeaters. Some good looks finally at Ecuadorian Ground Doves was much appreciated. Masked Water Tyrants fed on the rivers shingle banks whilst Speckle-breasted Wrens called everywhere.
We came across no less than five Esmeraldas Woodstars, two immature males an adult male and a pair at the nest that we had visited the previous afternoon. Three Long-billed or Barons Hermits were a species that we had already encountered at Quisas Hoy. The Black-throated Mango however was new and a few of these large green hummers were observed feeding and jousting high up in the canopy.
We had repeat looks at the Grey breasted Flycatcher and a pair of Tumbes Pewee had a nest in a tree fork right alongside the track. Later we had good views of both an Ecuadorian Trogon and a male Gartered Trogon in the same tree. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaners where one of several new species for the trip that we came across on this final morning. Two pairs of Slaty Antwrens foraged close together alongside several Plain Antvireos. A pair of Trilling Gnatwrens called from high up in a dense vine tangle and a female Yellow-tufted Dacnis was only the second sighting of the tour. Crimson-breasted Finches were seemingly at every corner. A pair of Western Fire-eyes were enticed into view and both birds showed well. Then at the death finally our nemesis the Slaty Becard was called out, a female appeared in a trackside tree, seemingly out of nowhere!

BIRD OF THE TRIP

1st: Jocotoco Antpitta
2nd: Crescent-faced Antpitta
3rd: Masked Mountain Tanager
4th: Orange-throated Tanager
5th: Blue-throated Hillstar

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

BIRDS

Tinamou ◊  Tinamus tao Two birds seen at Copalinga

Great Tinamou     Tinamus major Heard only at Maycu

Little Tinamou    Crypturellus soui Heard only at Maycu

Pale-browed Tinamou ◊  Crypturellus transfasciatus Two seen at Urraca Lodge

Andean Tinamou  Nothoprocta pentlandii Heard only at Vilcabamba

Horned Screamer  Anhima cornuta Seen at Manglares Churute

Black-bellied Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna autumnalis

Torrent Duck  Merganetta armata

Comb Duck  Sarkidiornis sylvicola Seen at Atalhualpa

White-cheeked Pintail (Bahama P)  Anas bahamensis

Yellow-billed Pintail    Anas georgica

Andean Teal  Anas andium

Andean Duck (A Ruddy Duck)  Oxyura ferruginea

Rufous-headed Chachalaca ◊  Ortalis erythroptera Seen at Buenaventura and Jorupe

Speckled Chachalaca  Ortalis guttata

Bearded Guan  ◊  Penelope barbata Seen at Acacana

Andean Guan   Penelope montagnii

Crested Guan    Penelope purpurascens

Sickle-winged Guan   Chamaepetes goudotii

Blackish Nightjar  Nyctipolus nigrescens Seen at Copalinga

Pauraque  Nyctidromus albicollis

Anthony’s Nightjar ◊ (Scrub N)  Nyctidromus anthonyi Seen at Machilla NP

Band-winged Nightjar    Systellura longirostris

Oilbird    Steatornis caripensis

Common Potoo     Nyctibius griseus Heard only at Machilla NP

Chestnut-collared Swift  Streptoprocne rutila

White-collared Swift  Streptoprocne zonaris

Grey-rumped Swift  Chaetura cinereiventris

Short-tailed Swift  ◊ (Tumbes S)  Chaetura brachyura

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift     Panyptila cayennensis Seen at Saviango

White-necked Jacobin  Florisuga mellivora

White-tipped Sicklebill  Eutoxeres aquila

Band-tailed Barbthroat    Threnetes ruckeri

Grey-chinned Hermit   Phaethornis griseogularis

White-whiskered Hermit ◊  Phaethornis yaruqui Seen at Buenaventura

Green Hermit  Phaethornis guy

Tawny-bellied Hermit    Phaethornis syrmatophorus

Long-billed Hermit ◊ (Baron’s H)  Phaethornis [longirostris] baroni Seen at Quisa Hoy

Green-fronted Lancebill   Doryfera ludovicae

White-throated Daggerbill    ◊  Schistes albogularis Seen at Buenaventura

Geoffroy’s Daggerbill Schistes geoffoyi

Brown Violetear  Colibri delphinae

Lesser Violetear    Colibri cyanotus

Sparkling Violetear  Colibri coruscans

Purple-crowned Fairy  Heliothryx barroti

Black-eared Fairy  Heliothryx auritus

Black-throated Mango    Anthracothorax nigricollis

Amethyst-throated Sunangel  Heliangelus amethysticollis

Flame-throated Sunangel ◊  Heliangelus micraster

Purple-throated Sunangel ◊  Heliangelus viola

Green Thorntail  Discosura conversii

Wire-crested Thorntail   Discosura popelairii

Spangled Coquette  ◊  Lophornis stictolophus Seen at Mi Paraiso

Ecuadorian Piedtail ◊  Phlogophilus hemileucurus Seen at Bombuscaro

Speckled Hummingbird  Adelomyia melanogenys

Long-tailed Sylph  Aglaiocercus kingii

Violet-tailed Sylph ◊  Aglaiocercus coelestis Seen at Buenaventura

Blue-throated Hillstar ◊  Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus A male at Cerro de Arcos

Black-tailed Trainbearer     Lesbia victoriae Seen at Cerro de Arcos

Green-tailed Trainbearer     Lesbia nuna Seen at Hanne Bank Forest Reserve

Rainbow-bearded Thornbill ◊  Chalcostigma herrani Seen at Cerro Toledo and Acacana

Blue-mantled Thornbill ◊  Chalcostigma stanleyi Seen at El Cajas

Tyrian Metaltail  Metallura tyrianthina

Violet-throated Metaltail ◊  Metallura baroni Endemic. Showed well at El Cajas

Neblina Metaltail ◊  Metallura odomae Seen at Cerro Toledo

Greenish Puffleg    ◊  Haplophaedia aureliae Seen at Zarza

Glowing Puffleg ◊  Eriocnemis vestita Seen at Cerro Toledo

Sapphire-vented Puffleg   Eriocnemis luciani

Shining Sunbeam   Aglaeactis cupripennis

Bronzy Inca   Coeligena coeligena

Brown Inca  ◊  Coeligena wilsoni Seen at Buenaventura

Collared Inca  Coeligena torquata

Rainbow Starfrontlet ◊  Coeligena iris Seen at Hanne Bank Forest Reserve

Buff-winged Starfrontlet   Coeligena lutetiae

Mountain Velvetbreast   Lafresnaya lafresnayi

Chestnut-breasted Coronet ◊  Boissonneaua matthewsii Seen at Tapichalaca

Velvet-purple Coronet ◊  Boissonneaua jardini Seen at Buenaventura

White-booted Racket-tail ◊  Ocreatus underwoodii Seen at Buenaventura

Peruvian Racket-tail    Ocreatus peruanus

Fawn-breasted Brilliant  Heliodoxa rubinoides

Green-crowned Brilliant  Heliodoxa jacula

Violet-fronted Brilliant  Heliodoxa leadbeateri

Long-billed Starthroat  Heliomaster longirostris

Amethyst Woodstar    Calliphlox amethystina

Purple-collared Woodstar   Myrtis fanny

Short-tailed Woodstar  ◊  Myrmia micrura Sen at Atahualpa

Little Woodstar ◊  Chaetocercus bombus Seen at Mi Paraiso

Esmeralda’s Woodstar ◊  Chaetocercus berlepschi Endemic. Seen at the nest at Ayampe

Violet-headed Hummingbird  Klais guimeti

White-vented Plumeleteer   ◊ (Ecuadorian P)  Chalybura [buffonii] intermedia At Buenaventura

Crowned Woodnymph (Emerald-bellied W)  Thalurania colombica

Fork-tailed Woodnymph  Thalurania furcata

Tumbes Hummingbird ◊  Thaumasius baeri Seen at El Empalme

Many-spotted Hummingbird ◊  Taphrospilus hypostictus Seen at Copalinga

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird  Amazilia tzacatl

Amazilia Hummingbird (Loja H)  Amazilis amazilia

Andean Emerald  Uranomitra franciae

Golden-tailed Sapphire  Chrysuronia oenone

Glittering-throated Emerald  Chionomesa fimbriata

Violet-bellied Hummingbird  Chlorestes julie

Smooth-billed Ani  Crotophaga ani

Groove-billed Ani  Crotophaga sulcirostris

Striped Cuckoo (American S C)  Tapera naevia

Little Cuckoo    Coccycua minuta

Squirrel Cuckoo  Piaya cayana

Grey-capped Cuckoo   ◊  Coccyzus lansbergi A pair at Quisas Hoy

Rock Dove (introduced)  Columba livia

Scaled Pigeon    Patagioenas speciosa

Band-tailed Pigeon  Patagioenas fasciata

Pale-vented Pigeon  Patagioenas cayennensis

Plumbeous Pigeon  Patagioenas plumbea

Ruddy Pigeon    Patagioenas subvinacea

Ecuadorian Ground Dove ◊  Columbina buckleyi Seen well at Ayampe

Croaking Ground Dove  Columbina cruziana

Blue Ground Dove  Claravis pretiosa

White-tipped Dove  Leptotila verreauxi

Grey-fronted Dove  Leptotila rufaxilla

Pallid Dove  ◊  Leptotila pallida Seen at Manglares Churute

Ochre-bellied Dove    ◊  Leptotila ochraceiventris one showed well at Jorupe

White-throated Quail-Dove   Zentrygon frenata

Eared Dove  Zenaida auriculata

West Peruvian Dove  Zenaida meloda

Blackish Rail   Pardirallus nigricans Heard only near Zamora

Plumbeous Rail    Pardirallus sanguinolentus

Rufous-necked Wood Rail   ◊  Aramides axillaris Heard only at Machilla NP

Ecuadorian Rail ◊  Rallus aequatorialis Seen well at El Cajas

Common Gallinule   Gallinula galeata

Andean Coot  Fulica ardesiaca

Chestnut-headed Crake     Rufirallus castaneiceps Heard only at Mayca

White-throated Crake    Laterallus albigularis Heard only at Beunaventura

Limpkin   Aramus guarauna

Pied-billed Grebe  Podilymbus podiceps

Chilean Flamingo  Phoenicopterus chilensis

Peruvian Thick-knee    Burhinus superciliaris One at Atalhalpca

American Oystercatcher  Haematopus palliatus

Black-necked Stilt  Himantopus mexicanus

Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis One seen on the journey to Zarza NP

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola

Semipalmated Plover   Charadrius semipalmatus

Wilson’s Plover     Charadrius wilsonia Several at Salinas

Wattled Jacana  Jacana jacana

Hudsonian Whimbrel  Numenius hudsonicus

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

Sanderling  Calidris alba

Least Sandpiper  Calidris minutilla

Short-billed Dowitcher   Limnodromus griseus

Spotted Sandpiper  Actitis macularius

Wandering Tattler    Tringa incana One at La Chocolatera

Lesser Yellowlegs   Tringa flavipes

Willet  (Western W)  Tringa [semipalmata] inornata

Greater Yellowlegs  Tringa melanoleuca

Andean Gull  Chroicocephalus serranus

Grey-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus

Laughing Gull  Leucophaeus atricilla

Kelp Gull   Larus dominicanus

Royal Tern  Thalasseus maximus

Cabot’s Tern   Thalasseus acuflavidus

Magnificent Frigatebird  Fregata magnificens

Blue-footed Booby  Sula nebouxii

Anhinga  Anhinga anhinga

Neotropic Cormorant  Nannopterum brasilianum

American White Ibis  Eudocimus albus

Roseate Spoonbill  Platalea ajaja

Fasciated Tiger Heron   Tigrisoma fasciatum

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Yellow-crowned Night Heron  Nyctanassa violacea

Striated Heron  Butorides striata

Western Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis

Great Blue Heron     Ardea Herodias One on the Rio Ayampe

Cocoi Heron  Ardea cocoi

Great Egret (American G E)  Ardea [alba] egretta

Tricolored Heron   Egretta tricolor

Little Blue Heron  Egretta caerulea

Snowy Egret  Egretta thula

Brown Pelican  Pelecanus occidentalis

Peruvian Pelican   Pelecanus thagus

Black Vulture (American B V)  Coragyps atratus

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture  Cathartes melambrotus

Osprey   Pandion haliaetus

White-tailed Kite  Elanus leucurus

Pearl Kite   Gampsonyx swainsonii

Hook-billed Kite   Chondrohierax uncinatus

Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K)  Elanoides forficatus

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle     Spizaetus melanoleucus An immature near Zamora

Plumbeous Kite  Ictinia plumbea

Snail Kite  Rostrhamus sociabilis

Common Black Hawk     Buteogallus anthracinus

Savanna Hawk  Buteogallus meridionalis

Barred Hawk    Morphnarchus princeps

Roadside Hawk  Rupornis magnirostris

Harris’s Hawk  Parabuteo unicinctus

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle   Geranoaetus melanoleucus

White Hawk     Pseudastur albicollis One at Maycu

Grey-backed Hawk ◊  Pseudastur occidentalis Showed well at Quisas Hoy

Grey-lined Hawk   Buteo nitidus

Broad-winged Hawk   Buteo platypterus

Short-tailed Hawk    Buteo brachyurus

Burrowing Owl  Athene cunicularia

Andean Pygmy Owl  Glaucidium jardinii

Pacific Pygmy Owl ◊ (Peruvian P O)  Glaucidium peruanum At several sites

Buff-fronted Owl Aegolius harrisii Heard only at Jorupe

White-throated Screech Owl   Megascops albogularis

Koepcke’s Screech Owl  ◊  Megascops koepckeae One seen in Loja

West Peruvian Screech Owl ◊  Megascops roboratus Heard only at Jorupe

Spectacled Owl   Pulsatrix perspicillata

Band-bellied Owl  Pulsatrix melanota

Black-and-white Owl  Strix nigrolineata Heard only at Buenaventura

Rufous-banded Owl  Strix albitarsis

Golden-headed Quetzal    Pharomachrus auriceps

Ecuadorian Trogon ◊  Trogon mesurus Seen at Quisas Hoy and Ayampe

Green-backed Trogon  Trogon viridis

Gartered Trogon   Trogon caligatus

Collared Trogon   Trogon collaris

Masked Trogon   Trogon personatus

Amazon Kingfisher   Chloroceryle amazona

Green Kingfisher   Chloroceryle americana

Ringed Kingfisher  Megaceryle torquata

Whooping Motmot  Momotus subrufescens

Rufous Motmot     Baryphthengus martii Heard only at Beunaventura

Broad-billed Motmot    Electron platyrhynchum

Coppery-chested Jacamar ◊  Galbula pastazae Showed at Bombuscaro

Purplish Jacamar ◊  Galbula chalcothorax Several sightings at Maycu

Western Striolated- Puffbird Nystalus obamai  A pair at Zarza NP

Black-streaked Puffbird ◊  Malacoptila fulvogularis Seen at Bombuscaro

Lanceolated Monklet    Micromonacha lanceolata One at Maycu

Gilded Barbet  Capito auratus

Lemon-throated Barbet  Eubucco richardsoni

Red-headed Barbet  Eubucco bourcierii

Black-throated Toucanet  ◊  Aulacorhynchus atrogularis Heard only at Vallodolid

Chestnut-tipped Toucanet  Aulacorhynchus derbianus

Crimson-rumped Toucanet    ◊  Aulacorhynchus haematopygus Seen at Beunaventura

Ivory-billed Aracari    Pteroglossus azara  A single at Maycu

Pale-mandibled Aracari ◊  Pteroglossus erythropygius Common at Beunaventura

Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan  Andigena hypoglauca

Channel-billed Toucan    Ramphastos vitellinus

Choco Toucan ◊  Ramphastos brevis Seen and heard at Buenaventura

Yellow-throated Toucan  Ramphastos ambiguus

Lafresnaye’s Piculet  Picumnus lafresnayi

Ecuadorian Piculet ◊  Picumnus sclateri Showed well at Jorupe

Olivaceous Piculet    Picumnus olivaceus seen at Ayampe

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker  Melanerpes cruentatus

Black-cheeked Woodpecker  Melanerpes pucherani

Little Woodpecker    Veniliornis passerinus

Scarlet-backed Woodpecker  Veniliornis callonotus

Yellow-vented Woodpecker     Veniliornis dignus One at Zarza NP

Red-rumped Woodpecker    Veniliornis kirkii

Smoky-brown Woodpecker   Leuconotopicus fumigatus Heard only at Beunaventura

Golden-olive Woodpecker   Colaptes rubiginosus

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker  Colaptes rivolii

Crimson-crested Woodpecker    Campephilus melanoleucos

Guayaquil Woodpecker  ◊  Campephilus gayaquilensis Seen well at a few sites

Mountain Caracara    Phalcoboenus megalopterus

Crested Caracara (Northern C C)  Caracara [plancus] cheriway

Laughing Falcon   Herpetotheres cachinnans

Collared Forest Falcon     Micrastur semitorquatus Heard only at Buenaventura

American Kestrel  Falco sparverius

Aplomado Falcon     Falco femoralis A pair at Cerro de Arco

Merlin     Falco columbarius A male at Atahualpa

Bat Falcon  Falco rufigularis

Peregrine Falcon    Falco peregrinus

Grey-cheeked Parakeet ◊  Brotogeris pyrrhoptera Common at Jorupe

Cobalt-winged Parakeet    Brotogeris cyanoptera

Red-faced Parrot ◊  Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops Tricky to see at Acacana

Red-billed Parrot  Pionus sordidus

Blue-headed Parrot  Pionus menstruus

Bronze-winged Parrot ◊  Pionus chalcopterus Abundant at Buenaventura

Scaly-naped Amazon  Amazona mercenarius

Pacific Parrotlet ◊  Forpus coelestis Good sightings at Jorupe

El Oro Parakeet ◊  Pyrrhura orcesi Endemic. Watched at the nestbox above Buenaventura

White-breasted Parakeet ◊  Pyrrhura albipectus At the clay lick at Bombuscaro

Golden-plumed Parakeet ◊  Leptosittaca branickii Briefly in the mist at Tapichalaca

Red-masked Parakeet ◊  Psittacara erythrogenys Common at Jorupe

White-eyed Parakeet   Psittacara leucophthalmus

Olivaceous Woodcreeper  Sittasomus griseicapillus

Long-tailed Woodcreeper    Deconychura longicauda

Plain-brown Woodcreeper  Dendrocincla fuliginosa

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper  Glyphorynchus spirurus

Spotted Woodcreeper  ◊  Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Seen and heard at Buenaventura

Olive-backed Woodcreeper   ◊  Xiphorhynchus triangularis Seen at Zarza NP

Red-billed Scythebill  Campylorhamphus trochilirostris

Streak-headed Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes souleyetii

Montane Woodcreeper   Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger

Duida Woodcreeper   ◊  Lepidocolaptes duidae Seen at Maycu

Slender-billed Xenops     Xenops tenuirostris Showed well at Maycu

Streaked Xenops  Xenops rutilans

Pacific Hornero  Furnarius cinnamomeus

Chestnut-winged Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes albidiventris In the paramo at Cerro de Arco

Stout-billed Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes excelsior Showed well at El Cajas

Montane Foliage-gleaner  Anabacerthia striaticollis

Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner  ◊ (Spectacled F-g)  Anabacerthia variegaticeps At Buenaventura

Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner  Anabacerthia ruficaudata

Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner ◊  Syndactyla ruficollis On the trails at Jorupe

Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner    Dendroma rufa Seen at Zarza NP

Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner ◊  Clibanornis erythrocephalus Eventually showed at Joupe

Black-billed Treehunter   ◊  Thripadectes melanorhynchus One at Bombuscaro

Streak-capped Treehunter     Thripadectes virgaticeps Heard only at Buenaventura

Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner    Automolus ochrolaemus

Western Woodhaunter     Automolus virgatus Heard only at Beunaventura

Pearled Treerunner  Margarornis squamiger

Rufous-fronted Thornbird  Phacellodomus rufifrons

Spectacled Prickletail Siptornis striaticollis A couple of sightings at Zarza NP

White-browed Spinetail  ◊  Hellmayrea gularis Heard only at Tapichalaca

Many-striped Canastero ◊  Asthenes flammulata Seen well at Cerro de Arcos

Mouse-colored Thistletail ◊  Asthenes griseomurina Showed well at Cerro Toledo

Equatorial Greytail   ◊  Xenerpestes singularis Two birds at Zarza NP

Line-cheeked Spinetail ◊  Cranioleuca antisiensis Nice views at Yunguilla

Speckled Spinetail   Cranioleuca gutturata

Necklaced Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis stictothorax In the desert at Atahualpa

Dark-breasted Spinetail   Synallaxis albigularis Two at Maycu

Azara’s Spinetail  Synallaxis azarae

Blackish-headed Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis tithys Tricky bird at Jorupe

Rufous-rumped Antwren     Euchrepomis callinota  Seen by the leader at Podocarpus NP

Dot-winged Antwren     Microrhopias quixensis Seen at Ayampe

Foothill Stipplethroat   ◊  Epinecrophylla spodionota Heard only at Bombuscaro

Slaty Antwren    Myrmotherula schisticolor Two pairs watched at Ayampe

Rusty-winged Antwren   Herpsilochmus frater

Plain Antvireo  Dysithamnus mentalis

Collared Antshrike ◊  Thamnophilus bernardi Seen at several sites

Chapman’s Antshrike ◊  Thamnophilus zarumae A pair at Jorupe

Lined Antshrike  Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus

Uniform Antshrike   Thamnophilus unicolor

Plain-winged Antshrike    Thamnophilus schistaceus A male at Maycu

Mouse-colored Antshrike    Thamnophilus murinus Heard only at Mayu

Black-crowned Antshrike (Western Slaty A)  Thamnophilus atrinucha

Fasciated Antshrike   Cymbilaimus lineatus Heard only at Maycu

Great Antshrike     Taraba major Nice views at Beunaventura

Hairy-crested Antbird    Rhegmatorhina melanosticta Heard only at Maycu

Common Scale-backed Antbird    Willisornis poecilinotus Heard only at Maycu

Peruvian Warbling Antbird  Hypocnemis peruviana

Blackish Antbird  Cercomacroides nigrescens

Jet Antbird   Cercomacra nigricans

Chestnut-backed Antbird     Poliocrania exsul Abundant at Beunaventura

Grey-headed Antbird   ◊  Ampelornis griseiceps Brief views only at Sozoranga

Esmeraldas Antbird ◊  Sipia nigricauda Showed well at Buenaventura

White-browed Antbird   Myrmoborus leucophrys

Western Fire-eye ◊  Pyriglena maura A pair at Ayampe on the final morning

Zeledon’s Antbird    ◊  Hafferia zeledoni Good looks at Buenaventura

Black-faced Antthrush     Formicarius analis A shy bird at Maycu

Black-headed Antthrush    ◊  Formicarius nigricapillus Heard only at Buenaventura

Short-tailed Antthrush     Chamaeza campanisona Showed well, for some, at Bombuscaro

Undulated Antpitta     Grallaria squamigera Heard only at a couple of locations

Scaled Antpitta  Grallaria guatimalensis Showed well at Buenaventura

Plain-backed Antpitta   ◊  Grallaria haplonota Heard only at Bombuscaro

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta  Grallaria ruficapilla Nice looks at Junguilla

Watkins’s Antpitta ◊  Grallaria watkinsi Eventually showed at Jorupe

Jocotoco Antpitta ◊  Grallaria ridgelyi A wonderful performance at Tapichalaca!

Chestnut-naped Antpitta ◊  Grallaria nuchalis Almost the showstopper at Tapichalaca

White-bellied Antpitta    ◊  Grallaria hypoleuca Heard only at Zarza NP

Equatorial Antpitta  Grallaria saturate Good views with patience

Tawny Antpitta ◊  Grallaria quitensis A show off at El Cajas!

Rufous-breasted Antpitta    ◊ (Leymebamba A)  Grallaricula leymebambae Heard only at Utuana

Crescent-faced Antpitta  ◊  Grallaricula lineifrons Repeat views at Acacana!

Ocellated Tapaculo  ◊  Acropternis orthonyx Walk away views at Cerro Toledo

Ash-colored Tapaculo ◊  Myornis senilis Heard only at Cerro Toledo

Loja Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus androstictus Heard only at Cerro Toledo. Recently split.

White-crowned Tapaculo    ◊  Scytalopus atratus Nice looks at Zarza NP

Long-tailed Tapaculo   ◊ (Equatorial Rufous-vented T)  Scytalopus micropterus Showed well at Valladolid

Blackish Tapaculo  ◊  Scytalopus latrans Heard only at Yunguilla

El Oro Tapaculo    ◊ (Ecuadorian T)  Scytalopus robbinsi Endemic. A showstopper above Buenaventura

Chusquea Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus parkeri Good views at Tapichalaca

Elegant Crescentchest ◊  Melanopareia elegans Repeat views at several sites

Wing-barred Piprites  Piprites chloris

Sooty-headed Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias griseiceps Sightings at Quisas Hoy

Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet    Phyllomyias plumbeiceps Only seen at Zarza NP

Black-capped Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias nigrocapillus

Foothill Elaenia ◊  Myiopagis olallai  Seen and heard at Bombuscaro

Pacific Elaenia ◊  Myiopagis subplacens Seen well at Quisas Hoy

Yellow-bellied Elaenia  Elaenia flavogaster

White-crested Elaenia  Elaenia albiceps

Highland Elaenia    Elaenia obscura One at Tapichalaca

Sierran Elaenia   Elaenia pallatangae  Heard only at Cerro Toledo

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet  Camptostoma obsoletum

White-throated Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus leucophrys

White-tailed Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus poecilocercus

Rufous-winged Tyrannulet  ◊  Mecocerculus calopterus Seen at Beunaventura and Yunguilla

Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet    ◊  Mecocerculus minor Heard only at Zarza NP

White-banded Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus stictopterus

Tufted Tit-Tyrant     Anairetes parulus Nice views at El Cajas

Tumbesian Tyrannulet ◊  Phaeomyias tumbezana On the first day at Manglares Churute

Fulvous-faced Scrub Tyrant  Euscarthmus fulviceps

Grey-and-white Tyrannulet ◊  Pseudelaenia leucospodia Nice looks at Atahualpa

Golden-faced Tyrannulet  Zimmerius chrysops

Loja Tyrannulet ◊  Zimmerius flavidifrons Seen at Jorupe

Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (E Bristle Tyrant)  Phylloscartes gualaquizae

Olive-striped Flycatcher  Mionectes olivaceus

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher  Mionectes oleagineus

Slaty-capped Flycatcher   Leptopogon superciliaris

Flavescent Flycatcher     Myiophobus flavicans Nice views at Zarza NP

Orange-crested Flycatcher  ◊  Myiophobus phoenicomitra Showed well at Bombuscaro

Olive-chested Flycatcher ◊  Myiophobus cryptoxanthus In scrub at Vallodolid

Bran-colored Flycatcher  Myiophobus fasciatus

Orange-banded Flycatcher ◊  Nephelomyias lintoni A noisy party at Cerro Toledo

Ornate Flycatcher  Myiotriccus ornatus

Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant  Lophotriccus pileatus

Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher ◊  Poecilotriccus capitalis Seen both days at Maycu

Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher ◊  Poecilotriccus calopterus Seen on the second day at Maycu

Common Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum cinereum

Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher)  Tolmomyias sulphurescens

White-throated Spadebill    Platyrinchus mystaceus Nice looks at Beunaventura

Cinnamon Flycatcher   Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus

Cliff Flycatcher  Hirundinea ferruginea

Grey-breasted Flycatcher  ◊  Lathrotriccus griseipectus A family group at Jorupe

Euler’s Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri One seen at the Yunguilla reserve

Black Phoebe  Sayornis nigricans

Olive-sided Flycatcher  Contopus cooperi

Smoke-colored Pewee  Contopus fumigatus

Western Wood Pewee  Contopus sordidulus

Tumbes Pewee ◊  Contopus punensis  On the nest at Ayampe!

Vermilion Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus obscurus

Smoky Bush Tyrant    Myiotheretes fumigatus

White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant  ◊  Agriornis albicauda Seen at Cerro de Arcos

Masked Water Tyrant  Fluvicola nengeta

Crowned Chat-Tyrant  ◊  Silvicultrix frontalis Seen at Cerro Toledo

Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant ◊  Silvicultrix jelskii Seen only at Utuana (Hanne Bank Reserve)

Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca rufipectoralis

Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca fumicolor

Long-tailed Tyrant  Colonia colonus

Short-tailed Field Tyrant  Muscigralla brevicauda

Piratic Flycatcher  Legatus leucophaius

Rusty-margined Flycatcher    Myiozetetes cayanensis

Social Flycatcher  Myiozetetes similis

Grey-capped Flycatcher   Myiozetetes granadensis

Lemon-browed Flycatcher  Conopias cinchoneti

Golden-crowned Flycatcher   Myiodynastes chrysocephalus

Baird’s Flycatcher ◊  Myiodynastes bairdii  A pair at Ayampe

Streaked Flycatcher  Myiodynastes maculatus

Boat-billed Flycatcher  Megarynchus pitangua

Snowy-throated Kingbird ◊  Tyrannus niveigularis seen at Atahualpa

Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus

Greyish Mourner     Rhytipterna simplex Seen on the second day at Maycu

Dusky-capped Flycatcher  Myiarchus tuberculifer

Pale-edged Flycatcher    Myiarchus cephalotes Seen at Zarza NP

Sooty-crowned Flycatcher  ◊  Myiarchus phaeocephalus Seen at Yunguilla

Ochraceous Attila ◊  Attila torridus Eventually picked up at Buenaventura

Fiery-throated Fruiteater  ◊  Pipreola chlorolepidota  A leader-only sighting at Maycu

Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola frontalis One at Zarza NP, a “write in”!

Green-and-black Fruiteater   Pipreola riefferii Heard only at Tapichalaca

Grey-tailed Piha   ◊  Snowornis subalaris Heard only at Maycu

Andean Cock-of-the-rock  Rupicola peruvianus

Red-crested Cotinga  Ampelion rubrocristatus

Long-wattled Umbrellabird ◊  Cephalopterus penduliger Displaying male at Beunaventura

Amazonian Umbrellabird    Cephalopterus ornatus Two males at Bombuscaro

Blue-rumped Manakin  ◊  Lepidothrix isidorei A female at Bombuscaro

White-bearded Manakin  Manacus manacus

Club-winged Manakin ◊  Machaeropterus deliciosus Great views at Beunaventura

Striolated Manakin    Machaeropterus striolatus Heard only at Bombuscaro

Golden-headed Manakin   Ceratopipra erythrocephala

Pacific Royal Flycatcher ◊  Onychorhynchus occidentalis A pair at Quisas Hoy

Sulphur-rumped Myiobius   (S-r Flycatcher)  Myiobius sulphureipygius

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher    Terenotriccus erythrurus

Black-crowned Tityra    Tityra inquisitor

Masked Tityra    Tityra semifasciata

Northern Schiffornis    (Brown S)  Schiffornis veraepacis Good views at Buenaventura

Foothill Schiffornis     Schiffornis aenea Heard only at Bombuscaro, in the rain

Slaty Becard ◊  Pachyramphus spodiurus Final day views at Ayampe

Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Two sightings near the lodge at Buenaventura

Black-and-white Becard  Pachyramphus albogriseus

One-colored Becard   Pachyramphus homochrous

Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis

Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo  Vireolanius leucotis

Olivaceous Greenlet  ◊  Hylophilus olivaceus Seen at Maycu

Lesser Greenlet   Pachysylvia decurtata

Red-eyed Vireo  Vireo olivaceus

Brown-capped Vireo  Vireo leucophrys

Turquoise Jay ◊  Cyanolyca turcosa  Seen at Maycu

Violaceous Jay  Cyanocorax violaceus

White-tailed Jay ◊  Cyanocorax mystacalis The star bird at Urraca Lodge

Inca Jay  Cyanocorax yncas

Blue-and-white Swallow  Pygochelidon cyanoleuca

Brown-bellied Swallow  Orochelidon murina

Southern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

Grey-breasted Martin  Progne chalybea

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

Chestnut-collared Swallow  ◊  Petrochelidon rufocollaris Seen only at Saviango

Fasciated Wren ◊  Campylorhynchus fasciatus Seen well at several locations

Grey-mantled Wren   Odontorchilus branickii

Rufous Wren  Cinnycerthia unirufa

Sepia-brown Wren    Cinnycerthia olivascens

Grass Wren  Cistothorus platensis

Plain-tailed Wren ◊  Pheugopedius euophrys  Heard only at Acacana

Speckle-breasted Wren ◊  Pheugopedius sclateri Showed at several sites

Superciliated Wren ◊  Cantorchilus superciliaris Quite showy at Atahualpa

Bay Wren  Cantorchilus nigricapillus

House Wren (Southern H W)  Troglodytes [aedon] musculus

Mountain Wren  Troglodytes solstitialis

White-breasted Wood Wren    Henicorhina leucosticta

Grey-breasted Wood Wren  Henicorhina leucophrys

Bar-winged Wood Wren Henicorhina leucoptera Another “write in” from Zarza NP

Southern Nightingale-Wren    (Sclay-breasted W)  Microcerculus marginatus Heard at Maycu

Musician Wren     Cyphorhinus arada Heard only at Maycu

Song Wren   Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus Seen at Buenaventura

Trilling Gnatwren     Ramphocaenus melanurus A vocal pair at Aymape

Tropical Gnatcatcher  Polioptila plumbea

Long-tailed Mockingbird  Mimus longicaudatus

Andean Solitaire   Myadestes ralloides

Speckled Nightingale-Thrush     Catharus maculatus Brief views at Buenaventura

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush   Catharus fuscater Wonderful views at Junguilla

Swainson’s Thrush  Catharus ustulatus

Pale-eyed Thrush  ◊  Turdus leucops Seen only at Zarza NP

Chestnut-bellied Thrush     Turdus fulviventris A roadside bird at Zarza NP

Plumbeous-backed Thrush ◊  Turdus reevei Seen at Jorupe and Ayampe

Chiguanco Thrush  Turdus chiguanco

Glossy-black Thrush   Turdus serranus

Great Thrush  Turdus fuscater

Maranon Thrush ◊  Turdus maranonicus  Seen at Vallodolid

Black-billed Thrush  Turdus ignobilis

White-necked Thrush  Turdus albicollis Heard only at Bombuscaro and Copalinga

Ecuadorian Thrush ◊  Turdus maculirostris Many seen in the West

White-capped Dipper  Cinclus leucocephalus

House Sparrow (introduced)  Passer domesticus

Chestnut Munia    (introduced)  Lonchura atricapilla Small flocks at Manglares Churute

Hooded Siskin  Spinus magellanicus

Saffron Siskin ◊  Spinus siemiradzkii A small flock on the final day at Ayampe

Golden-rumped Euphonia   ◊  Chlorophonia cyanocephala A male at Yunguilla

Blue-naped Chlorophonia    Chlorophonia cyanea

Orange-crowned Euphonia  ◊  Euphonia saturate Seen at Buenaventura

Thick-billed Euphonia  Euphonia laniirostris

Orange-bellied Euphonia  Euphonia xanthogaster

Bronze-green Euphonia  Euphonia mesochrysa

Yellow-throated Bush Tanager  Chlorospingus flavigularis

Yellow-whiskered Bush Tanager (Short-billed B T)  Chlorospingus parvirostris

Ashy-throated Bush Tanager  Chlorospingus canigularis

Common Bush Tanager  Chlorospingus flavopectus

Tumbes Sparrow ◊  Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Seen at Catamayo only

Black-striped Sparrow   Arremonops conirostris

Grey-browed Brushfinch  Arremon assimilis

Orange-billed Sparrow  Arremon aurantiirostris

Black-capped Sparrow ◊  Arremon abeillei Around the lodge grounds at Jorupe

Olive Finch  ◊  Arremon castaneiceps A singing bird seen well at Bombuscaro

Rufous-collared Sparrow  Zonotrichia capensis

White-headed Brushfinch  ◊  Atlapetes albiceps Seen at El Empalme

Pale-naped Brushfinch   Atlapetes pallidinucha Seen at Cerro Toledo

Yellow-breasted Brushfinch  Atlapetes latinuchus

White-winged Brushfinch  ◊  Atlapetes leucopterus Seen at Utuana and Vallodolid (paynteri)

Pale-headed Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes pallidiceps Endemic. Showed well at Yunguilla

Bay-crowned Brushfinch   Atlapetes seebohmi One near to Sozoranga

Peruvian Meadowlark  Leistes bellicosus

Chestnut-headed Oropendola     Psarocolius wagleri Seen at Buenaventura

Russet-backed Oropendola  Psarocolius angustifrons

Crested Oropendola  Psarocolius decumanus

Yellow-rumped Cacique ◊  Cacicus cela Many seen

Subtropical Cacique   Cacicus uropygialis

Northern Mountain Cacique   Cacicus leucoramphus

Yellow-tailed Oriole  Icterus mesomelas

White-edged Oriole ◊  Icterus graceannae In the grounds at Jorupe

Shiny Cowbird  Molothrus bonariensis

Scrub Blackbird  Dives warczewiczi

Great-tailed Grackle   Quiscalus mexicanus

Black-lored Yellowthroat  Geothlypis auricularis

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat   Geothlypis semiflava

Tropical Parula  Setophaga pitiayumi

Blackburnian Warbler  Setophaga fusca

Mangrove Warbler    Setophaga petechia In the mangroves at Manglares Churute

Black-crested Warbler  Myiothlypis nigrocristata

Buff-rumped Warbler  Myiothlypis fulvicauda

Grey-and-gold Warbler ◊  Myiothlypis fraseri Common at Jorupe and Ayampe

Russet-crowned Warbler  Myiothlypis coronata

Three-banded Warbler ◊  Basileuterus trifasciatus Seen at Buenaventura

Three-striped Warbler   Basileuterus tristriatus

Canada Warbler  Cardellina canadensis

Slate-throated Whitestart  Myioborus miniatus

Spectacled Whitestart  Myioborus melanocephalus

Summer Tanager  Piranga rubra

Golden Grosbeak (Golden-bellied G)  Pheucticus chrysogaster

Blue-black Grosbeak   Cyanoloxia cyanoides

Amazonian Grosbeak    (Rothschild’s G)  Cyanoloxia rothschildii Heard only at Bombuscaro

Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak  Parkerthraustes humeralis

White-capped Tanager   ◊  Sericossypha albocristata A great encounter along the old Loja to Zamora road

Band-tailed Sierra Finch   Porphyrospiza alaudina

Green Honeycreeper  Chlorophanes spiza

Yellow-backed Tanager  Hemithraupis flavicollis

Guira Tanager  Hemithraupis guira

Swallow Tanager  Tersina viridis

Purple Honeycreeper  Cyanerpes caeruleus

Black-faced Dacnis  Dacnis lineata

Yellow-tufted Dacnis   ◊  Dacnis egregia A male at Quisas Hoy and a female at Ayampe

Blue-grey Saltator   Saltator coerulescens A heard only at Valladolid

Streaked Saltator  Saltator striatipectus

Buff-throated Saltator  Saltator maximus

Black-winged Saltator    Saltator atripennis

Black-cowled Saltator  ◊  Saltator nigriceps Seen only at Utuana

Slate-colored Grosbeak   Saltator grossus

Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola

Dull-colored Grassquit  Asemospiza obscura

Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina

Rufous-crested Tanager    ◊  Creurgops verticalis Seen only at Zarza NP

Flame-crested Tanager  Loriotus cristatus

White-shouldered Tanager  Loriotus luctuosus

Red Pileated Finch  Coryphospingus cucullatus

White-lined Tanager  Tachyphonus rufus

Crimson-breasted Finch ◊ (Crimson F)  Rhodospingus cruentus In good numbers at Ayampe

Fulvous Shrike-Tanager  ◊  Lanio fulvus Seen on both days at Maycu

Lemon-rumped Tanager ◊  Ramphocelus icteronotus Abundant at Buenaventura

Masked Crimson Tanager  ◊  Ramphocelus nigrogularis Seen only at Maycu

Silver-beaked Tanager  Ramphocelus carbo

Variable Seedeater  Sporophila corvina

Yellow-bellied Seedeater  Sporophila nigricollis

Thick-billed Seed Finch   Sporophila funerea

Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch   Sporophila angolensis

Large-billed Seed Finch ◊  Sporophila crassirostris Seen on the first day near Quisas Hoy

Black-billed Seed Finch ◊  Sporophila atrirostris Seen at a marsh near Zamora

Parrot-billed Seedeater ◊  Sporophila peruviana A small flock at Atahualpa

Chestnut-throated Seedeater  Sporophila telasco

Chestnut-bellied Seedeater  Sporophila castaneiventris

Black-headed Hemispingus  ◊  Pseudospingus verticalis Nice views at Cerro Toledo

Superciliaried Hemispingus   Thlypopsis superciliaris

Rufous-chested Tanager  Thlypopsis ornata

Giant Conebill  ◊  Conirostrum binghami Wonderful views at El Cajas

Blue-backed Conebill  Conirostrum sitticolor

eCinereous Conebill   Conirostrum cinereum

Sulphur-throated Finch  ◊  Sicalis taczanowskii A couple of flocks at Atahualpa

Saffron Finch  Sicalis flaveola

Grassland Yellow Finch     Sicalis luteola A single at El Empalme

Ash-breasted Sierra Finch  Geospizopsis plebejus

Plumbeous Sierra Finch   Geospizopsis unicolor

Tit-like Dacnis ◊  Xenodacnis parina A few birds at El Cajas

Plain-colored Seedeater  Catamenia inornata

Paramo Seedeater     Catamenia homochroa Seen at Cerro de Arcos

Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer    (Deep-blue F)  Diglossa glauca Several sightings at Zarza NP

Bluish Flowerpiercer    Diglossa caerulescens

Masked Flowerpiercer  Diglossa cyanea

Glossy Flowerpiercer  Diglossa lafresnayii

White-sided Flowerpiercer   Diglossa albilatera

Black Flowerpiercer    Diglossa humeralis

Yellow-throated Tanager     Iridosornis analis Showed well at Zarza NP

Golden-crowned Tanager  Iridosornis rufivertex

Fawn-breasted Tanager  Pipraeidea melanonota

Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager    Dubusia taeniata

Hooded Mountain Tanager   Buthraupis montana

Masked Mountain Tanager    ◊  Tephrophilus wetmorei One performed at Cerro Toledo

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager    Anisognathus somptuosus

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager   Anisognathus igniventris

Lacrimose Mountain Tanager  Anisognathus lacrymosus

Orange-eared Tanager  Chlorochrysa calliparaea

Orange-throated Tanager ◊  Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron A small flock at Maycu

Magpie Tanager  Cissopis leverianus

Spotted Tanager  Ixothraupis punctata

Yellow-bellied Tanager  Ixothraupis xanthogastra

Blue-grey Tanager  Thraupis episcopus

Palm Tanager  Thraupis palmarum

Silver-backed Tanager ◊ (Silvery T)  Stilpnia viridicollis A pair at Utuana

Blue-necked Tanager  Stilpnia cyanicollis

Masked Tanager  Stilpnia nigrocincta

Blue-and-black Tanager  Tangara vassorii

Blue-browed Tanager    ◊  Tangara cyanotis A pair showed well near Vallodolid

Bay-headed Tanager  Tangara gyrola

Golden-eared Tanager  Tangara chrysotis

Saffron-crowned Tanager  Tangara xanthocephala

Flame-faced Tanager  Tangara parzudakii

Green-and-gold Tanager  Tangara schrankii

Golden Tanager  Tangara arthus

Silver-throated Tanager  Tangara icterocephala

Turquoise Tanager   Tangara mexicana

Paradise Tanager  Tangara chilensis

Opal-rumped Tanager   Tangara velia

MAMMALS

White-nosed Coati  Nasua narica

Mantled Howler Monkey (M Howler)  Alouatta palliata heard-only.

Andean Rabbit  Sylvilagus andinus

Black Agouti  Dasyprocta fuliginosa

Central American Agouti  Dasyprocta punctata

Amazon Dwarf Squirrel  Microsciurus flaviventer

Guayaquil Squirrel  Sciurus stramineus