SOUTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT 2024

12 - 30 January 2024

by Juan Carlos Calvachi

A different trip to Southern Ecuador this year, due to the unexpected circumstances but my country still offered another highly enjoyable, fruitful and amazing tour! 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 western slopes of Buenaventura reserve, the recently new famous Cerro de Arcos 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 Tapichalaca reserve. 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 extremely rare El Oro and White-breasted Parakeets. High-elevation specialities included the sought-after 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 Ruddy Ground-Doves, the rare Subtropical Pygmy-Owl (heard-only), the local Long-tailed Woodcreeper, Rufous-naped Greenlet, the uncommon Green Manakin and the extremely localized 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 Union Nacional 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 quite wet which helped in getting several new birds. We had to put some work in having good views of a male Jet Antbird followed by a Peruvian Pygmy Owl that attracted several mobbing birds like Orange-crowned and Thick-billed Euphonias, Buff-throated and Streaked Saltators. A walk along the mangrove boardwalk produced several, now called, White-browed Gnatcatchers and a couple of Mangrove Warblers. Other sightings included Streaked Flycatcher, Pacific Elaenia, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet and Grey-cheeked Parakeets, species restricted to this part of Ecuador of the Tumbesian habitat and ecosystem.

The next port of call was a remnant patch of secondary forest called Quizas Hoy. Here we had a single Pacific Royal Flycatcher that perched in the open several times. Certainly, a magical moment as we then found a roosting Spectacled Owl! It is always a treat to see an owl in daytime. Other wonderful birds included Baron’s Hermit, Blue black Grosbeak, White-bearded Manakin and Laughing Falcon. We then stopped for lunch en route. During lunch we found a pair of Masked Tityras and a Black-cheeked Woodpecker. The roads then became progressively steeper and windier as we headed over the Andean ridge, we headed east towards Cuenca, then passed over and admired the magnificent El Cajas National Park and made our way for an overnight stay at a distinctly more humid 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 as well as a Grey-browed Brush Finch which proceeded to feed. A skulky Slaty-back Nightingale Thrush remained inside the bushes allowing us quick views of it, but a Chestnut-crowned Antpitta remained hidden inside the brush, just calling.

A walk along the nearby trails produced a nice selection including a Golden Grosbeak, a curious Black-lored Yellowthroat, a pair of Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles and several noisy Azara´s and Line-cheeked Spinetails. Striped Cuckoo was only heard here. After we visited this unique site this morning, our final destination of the day was the Tapichalaca Biological Reserve of the Jocotoco Foundation, home of the Jocotoco Antpitta! Before dark we managed to see several Bearded Guans, Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Collared Incas, Amethyst-throated and Little Sunangels so we went for dinner and did the daily log, right after that, we went out to look for White-throated Screech Owl just outside the lodge from the main road which fortunately perched out in the open!

Heavy overnight rain continued into the daylight hours but this was our one shot at the mega Jocotoco Antpitta, 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 cloudforest in rather cloudy and wet conditions. It seemed a long wait and the feeding station was initially gate-crashed by a group of three Slate-coloured Antpittas. Other great encounters were amazing views of several Golden-plumed Parakeets, a pair of Barred Fruiteaters, very responsive Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrants, a group of Orange-banded Flycatchers showed very well and then you could feel the tension rising as we reached the feeding site. We arrived to the shelter where the park ranger had the magic worms in his hands so once he started to whistle for Panchito (the Jocotoco´s nickname) the fantastic Jocotoco Antpitta had already been waiting for us together with its mate so we could admire them for a long time. After a few minutes a pair of Chestnut-naped Antpittas joined the site as well! On the walk out, a couple of Equatorial Antpittas crossed the trail for our delectation which made for a total of four species of antpittas before mid-morning. An amazing morning followed by a Chusquea Tapaculo, a family of Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans, several noisy Mountain Caciques, a skulky Rufous Spinetail that showed very well and several other wonderful birds like Hooded and Lacrimose Mountain Tanagers. Other species we picked out included Pale-footed Swallows, Rufous Wrens and Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher.

After lunch we headed downhill to the outskirts of Valladolid where we explored a couple of remnant tracts of forest which proved most productive with Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers. Later on, in some scrubbed-up former pastures a host of new birds appeared. Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Maranon Thrush, a pair of Yellow-cheeked Becards, Silver-beaked Tanagers, Chestnut-bellied Seedeaters.

When a day kicks off with one of those special birds, you know life is good! Today, we were rewarded with excellent views of Neblina Metaltail, an uncommon species which can be seen at Cerro Toledo. So, there we were stood in exactly the right place on the edge of the treeline at an altitude of 3000 metres, at the edge of the paramo. We had already found a pair of Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Loja Tapaculo remained heard-only, then we obtained decent views of White-browed Spinetail, a flock containing Golden crowned Tanagers, Scarlet-bellied and Black-chested Mountain Tanagers, a group of very noisy Citrine Warblers and a Mouse-coloured Thistletail did show well.

The old roads are the best in Ecuador. They were the first to create a pathway through original forested habitats but 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 to have some memorable encounters. After our morning excursion we continued our journey towards El Empalme located near our final destination: the Jorupe reserve. Here we encountered some of the Tumbesian endemics like White-headed Brush-Finch, Tumbes Hummingbird, a pair of noisy Superciliated Wrens and a Baird´s Flycatcher. We arrived at our next accommodation in the late afternoon, 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 which we did manage to see as well.

Next morning, we were again out early and in the hour before dawn we heard not one but several West Peruvian Screech Owls. They remained very quiet but were very close! Sadly, not close enough and we had to walk away empty-handed as daylight broke over the forest. Back at the lodge the activity at the feeders picked up, post breakfast, as a gang of noisy Rufous-headed Chachalacas arrived and a small group of Blue- ground Doves gathered, few Ecuadorian and Plumbeous-back Thrushes were soon joined by impressive White-tailed Jays, noisy Yellow-tailed Orioles and a calling Slaty Becard. Several very active Ecuadorian Trogons were seen as well. The place was bouncing! Finally, two 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 White-tailed Jay trails. A bunch of Tumbesian specialists included Tumbes Pewee, a family group of Grey-breasted Flycatchers and Watkins’s Antpittas were calling all around us all over the place. Flocks of Grey-cheeked and Red-masked Parakeets whirled around our heads and a gorgeous King Vulture 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, the gorgeous Black-capped Sparrow and the skulky Henna-hooded Foliage-Gleaner showed well.

Our afternoon walk saw us at a slightly higher elevation so more new birds followed apace. A much-wanted Grey-headed Antbird finally gave itself up as did a Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner. A gorgeous female Chapman’s Antshrike entertained us whilst White-winged and Bay-crowned Brush Finches came out into the open. Many had their first views of the striking Black-cowled Saltator, whilst colourful Silver-backed Tanagers, noisy Loja Tyrannulet and Fasciated Wrens kept us entertained. We ended the day down in the valley in the quiet village of Sabiango to visit a colony of Chestnut-collared Swallows. Few nests were occupied and 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 Buenaventura Reserve. At first, we stopped at Utuana where visited the Hanne Forest Reserve which protects a remnant patch of moss forest. On arrival a Scaled Antpitta called close by but kept its distance and 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 which we saw very well at the first attempt then we retired to the high elevation hummingbird feeders. Some combative Rainbow Starfrontlets and the simply dazzling Purple-throated Sunangels whizzed to and fro between us and the feeders on the forest edge. Before we continued towards our next destination, we stopped briefly to try for the striking Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, certainly one of the jewels of the Tumbesian endemics. On the outskirts of Catamayo we dodged the warm showers to successfully locate the very localized Tumbes Sparrow and Drab Seedeater, the shy Andean Tinamou and fantastic views of the gorgeous and skulker Elegant Crescentchest. We quickly continued our onward journey as our ultimate destination was the Buenaventura Reserve near Pinas. We finally arrived at our lovely 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 the next morning. Soon we found ourselves back along the Umbrellabird Trail. What an aptly-named bird this is, is what we thought, as we watched a displaying male. In the half-light we could hear calling Chestnut-backed Antbirds, a Western Woodhaunter and a very vocal Northern Schiffornis as well as the skulking Esmeralda’s Antbird . 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. In the surrounding trees a pair of Plumbeous Kites also sat out in the open. Later on, we saw quick views of a White-tipped Sicklebill and a skulking White-throated Spadebill. A small lek of White-whiskered Hermits whizzed through the undergrowth whilst overhead both Choco and Yellow-throated Toucans were also seen in the same area. Meanwhile we attempted to obtain views of the delightful Club-winged Manakins displaying with their fantastic wing-motion and noise. Later at night, we managed to see a Black-and-white Owl moth hunting in the lodge lights.

The following day we were off, up to the higher reaches of the reserve, to an area which has made this place famous. We first concentrated in reaching one of the few territories of the very local El Oro Tapaculo. It took a few attempts to finally get great views of this difficult species, similarly at 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. After a long wait and on our second attempt a group of them returned home and provided brilliant views as they perched both near the box and in the surrounding trees before retiring to roost. While we waited, a noisy Ochraceous Attila foraged nearby whilst a mixed flock in the canopy contained Silver-throated, Golden, Blue-neck and Fawn-breasted Tanagers, Brown-capped Vireos, Olive-crowned Yellow-throats and delightful Line-cheeked Spinetails and Blackburnian Warblers. Later we visited the Moromoro area where we found the local White-vented Plumeleteer.

Today proved to be a very special day although at 4 am many felt less than convinced. A road was blocked 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 Community and Jocotoco 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 exactly a minute before suddenly, a splendid male Blue-throated Hillstar appeared, 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 a male Black tailed Trainbearer. On the walk down, a pair of Mountain Caracaras had drifted overhead and, on the return, we found Plain-coloured Seedeaters and a Grass Wren. It was time to continue our long journey towards Loja where we spent the night, so after dinner we drove to the site where a family of Koepcke’s Screech Owl are. They were very active so it took longer to get out of the vehicle than to find the owls!

The following morning, we were along such a birdy highway, namely the old Loja to Zamora Road where we saw a pair of White-capped Dippers bobbing 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 new species came our way in the form of Blackish Antbird, Red-headed Barbet, Orange-eared, Spotted and Golden-eared Tanager and a flurry of bush tanagers included Yellow whiskered, Yellow-throated and Ashy-throated in roadside flocks. Other birds along this old road included Coppery-chested Jacamar, Bronzy Inca, Red-billed Parrots, White eyed Parakeets, Montane Foliage-gleaner. Blackish Antbirds, Western Fire-eye and the very local and uncommon Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet. As we slowly passed over an old bridge we had a pair of Cliff Flycatchers. We continued towards Copalinga to spend the afternoon in the area where we were welcomed by several species of hummers like Golden-tailed Sapphire, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Green Hermit, Violet-fronted Brilliant and the striking Black-throated Brilliant among the other birds visiting the banana feeders like Speckled Chachalacas, Buff-throated Saltators and several Orange-bellied and Thick-billed Euphonias and after we checked into our rooms, we gathered by the parking lot where there was a guaba tree with fruits that attracted a group of the endemic White-breasted Parakeets which allowed for superb views. In the late afternoon we had excellent views of the Grey Tinamou coming to its usual feeding station as well as Grey-fronted Doves and Orange-billed Sparrows.

The following day we had an early start to drive towards El Zarza reserve. This early morning drive took us to this new location for the second time on the Birdquest itinerary, El Zarza, the valley of the “fireflies”. Within minutes of arriving, we heard the rare Subtropical Pygmy Owl calling but unfortunately it remained far away from us. We had a female Amethyst-throated Woodstar feeding on the side of the road, a pair of Bar-winged Wood Wrens showed well to the group and then a pair of Masked Trogons perched up out in the open. We also went to work to finally get decent views of the skulking Chestnut-crowned Gnateater. Several Lesser Violetears were seen and heard along the twelve-kilometre walk. A passing flock contained an Olive backed Woodcreeper, Lineated and Montane Foliage-gleaners and an uncommon pair of Equatorial Graytails. We had several flocks pass across the road and the action was quite good until we took our picnic lunchbreak. Amongst the flocks were Golden and Orange-eared and lots of Paradise Tanagers, Blue-winged Mountain Tanagers and several glorious Yellow-throated Tanagers and several Golden-eyed Flowerpiercers and a White-crowned Tapaculo for all to see. As we left the reserve, a pair of Cliff Flycatchers performed at the roadside. We continued our journey towards Yankuam and stopped enroute at the Coquette Heaven site where purple-flowered verbena bushes attracted a host of hummers. Star bird were few females and a male Spangled Coquettes which was present on arrival. Although we waited for the male to return, we were highly entertained by several Little Woodstars as well as a gorgeous Ecuadorian Piedtail alongside Blue-tailed Emerald, Fork-tailed Woodnymphs and Golden tailed Sapphires. A Laughing Falcon and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers came to the area as well. Yankuam 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 Nangaritza 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.

The next day was an amazing day because it was a very birdy journey. Starting with a pair of Lanceolated Monklets and with sightings including the elusive Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, a Duida Woodcreeper, both Gilded and Lemon-throated Barbets as well as our first Yellow-bellied, Turquoise, Green-and-gold, Fulvous-Shrike and Flame-crested Tanagers. Whilst overhead the distinctive call of an Orange-throated Tanager could be heard, it came into the open so we could enjoy prolonged views of this striking specialty. Other fantastic birds included the uncommon Speckled Spinetail, the very rare Long-tailed Woodcreeper, a pair of Purplish Jacamars, a secretive Green Manakin, White-browed Antbird, a pair of Golden-winged and Black-and-white Tody-Flycatchers. In the afternoon we moved to another area where we found the skulky Bamboo or Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, the tiny and local White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, a pair of noisy Pygmy Antwrens accompanied by a flock of Orange-throated Tanagers and a new species for that area was Rufous-naped Greenlet. At dusk we waited for the Band-bellied Owls to become active and we just saw quick flying views of two different birds. Later on, at the lodge, we saw a single bird right in the open!

The following day some of us walked a trail inside secondary forest where we added a few special birds like Hairy-crested and Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbirds, a striking male Fiery-throated Fruiteater and the secretive Wing-barred Piprites. Once again, this fantastic Maycu reserve gave us a memorable and unforgettable time and it has always been my favourite site to bird in Ecuador with lots of special and colourful birds. On our journey back to Copalinga, located in verdant second growth forest adjacent to the Podocarpus National Park, we found the very local Black-billed Seed Finch as well as a group of noisy Black-capped Donacobius.

The next morning around the Copalinga grounds we added a few other species like a male Wire-crested Thorntail and a male Greenish Puffleg. In our post-breakfast walk we went to the park entrance by the fast-flowing Rio Bombuscaro where we did see a good selection of target birds including the localised Foothill Elaenia, a pair of Black-billed Treehunters and the uncommon Orange-crested Flycatcher. Back in the lodge for lunch we settled down to obtain good views of a selection of hummingbirds at the feeders including a diminutive Grey-chinned Hermit, Green Hermit, several Many-spotted Hummingbirds, a Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sparkling Violetear, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Violet-fronted Brilliants and several Violet-headed Hummingbirds. 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. We left Copalinga and went onwards to at Loja.

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 overgrown 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 localized Red-faced Parrot. We started with the antpitta and after two attempts everyone managed some amazing views. At the summit we were greeted by hyper-active hummingbirds such as Tyrian Metaltails and the odd Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. As usual the noisy tanager flocks contained the delightful Golden-crowned Tanager as well as a Scarlet bellied Mountain Tanagers. Back downhill we crossed the Andean pastures to enter some pristine forest and soon we were watching a superb fierce little Andean Pygmy Owl, a most wanted for some! Unfortunately, we had no views of the localized Red-faced Parrots. As we departed, Plain-tailed Wrens called from deep in the bamboo understorey. In the late afternoon after lunch, we headed back up to Cuenca and soon found ourselves at the highland resort of Dos Chorreras in the El Cajas National Park. A traditional and comfortable lodge complete with a wonderful chocolate café!

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. 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 sun rose we switched our attention to the lake which held a variety of waterbirds, all new for the tour, such as Andean Coot, Andean Teal, Andean Ruddy Duck and Yellow-billed Pintail. Amongst the reedy edges several Ecuadorian Rails called of which we obtained some good scope views. A few bird flocks here contained Superciliated Hemispingus, Spectacled Whitestarts , Mountain Velvetbreast, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail and the rather beautiful Sapphire-vented Puffleg. Back in the resort we tracked 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 endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar. Things became more exhilarating as we pushed ourselves against the thinning air. The Tit-like Dacnis were 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 enjoyable and prolonged views. The finale was provided by an inquisitive Tawny Antpitta bounding at us through the scrub. 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 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 Peninsula of Santa Elena. The day started in the barren landscape surrounding the village of Atalhualpa. Some areas here have 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 with Tumbesian endemics like Grey-and-white Tyrannulets, noisy Short-tailed Field Tyrants, Superciliated Wrens, Necklaced Spinetail, several colourful Crimson-breasted Finches, Parrot-billed Seedeaters and eventually close-up views of a nectar-feeding Short-tailed Woodstar. Shorebirds featured amongst the saltpans too but not in the high numbers witnessed on previous visits. Hudsonian Whimbrel and Lesser Yellowlegs could be found, we had small 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. At Azuluna lodge we were informed that in the neighbour’s garden there was a recent sighting of a gorgeous male Esmeralda’s Woodstar and we got to enjoy it as well, after waiting for several minutes, when it decided to give us an exceptional show. Near the town of Puerto Lopez, we went looking for one of our target birds which fortunately showed up with excellent views: a male Saffron Siskin. 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 and obtained yet more views of Plumbeous-backed Thrush.

A final morning’s birding at the entrance of the Agua Blanca community reserve where we managed to find a single Snowy-throated Kingbird and a gorgeous Scarlet-backed Woodpecker later on at the Rio Ayampe reserve. A Cocoi 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. Alongside the river we picked out Chestnut throated Seedeaters amongst the abundant Variable Seedeaters. Masked Water Tyrants fed on the rivers shingle banks whilst Speckle-breasted Wrens called everywhere. A pair of Tumbes Pewee had a nest in a tree fork right alongside the track. Two pairs of Slaty Antwrens foraged close together alongside several Plain Antvireos. This was the end of another marvellous trip in Southern Ecuador with lots of great memories.

 

 

 

BIRD OF THE TOUR

1st:  Esmeraldas Woodstar

2nd: Crescent-faced Antpitta

3rd:  Blue-throated Hillstar

4th: Long-wattled Umbrellabird

5th: Jocotoco Antpitta

 

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 (v14.1) (this was the current version when the checklist for the tour report was created).

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

 

BIRDS

Grey Tinamou ◊  Tinamus tao Two birds seen at Copalinga

Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui Heard-only at Maycu

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

Andean Tinamou Nothoprocta pentlandii One seen at Catamayo valley

Horned Screamer Anhima cornuta Three seen at Manglares Churute

Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis  Common in the western lowlands

White-cheeked Pintail (Bahama P) Anas bahamensis Several seen at Santa Elena Peninsula

Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Few seen at El Cajas

Andean Teal Anas andium Common at El Cajas N.P.

Andean Duck (A Ruddy Duck) Oxyura ferruginea

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

Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Common on the eastern foothills

Bearded Guan  ◊  Penelope barbata Several seen at Tapichalaca and Acacana reserve.

Crested Guan  Penelope purpurascens Several seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Rufous-fronted Wood Quail Odontophorus erythrops. One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Blackish Nightjar Nyctipolus nigrescens One individual seen at Copalinga.

Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Several seen at dusk at Buenaventura.

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

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Commonly seen in several habitats and sites.

Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Several seen at Maycu reserve.

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis Few seen at Buenaventura reserve.

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Common at Buenaventura reserve.

White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Stripe-thorated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Heard-only.

Grey-chinned Hermit  Phaethornis griseogularis One bird seen at Copalinga lodge.

White-whiskered Hermit ◊  Phaethornis yaruqui Seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Several seen at Copalinga lodge.

Long-billed Hermit ◊ (Baron’s H) Phaethornis [longirostris] baroni Two seen at Quizas Hoy.

Green-fronted Lancebill  Doryfera ludovicae Two birds seen along the Old Loja Zamora road.

Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Few seen at Buenavnetura reserve.

Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Few seen along the road at El Zarza reserve.

Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans One bird seen at Copalinga lodge.

Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Black-throated Mango  Anthracothorax nigricollis A male seen at Ayampe area.

Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis Few seen at Tapicahalaca reserve.

Flame-throated Sunangel ◊  Heliangelus micraster Few seen at Tapicahlaca reserve.

Purple-throated Sunangel ◊  Heliangelus viola Two birds seen at Utuana reserve

Green Thorntail Discosura conversii Commonly seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Spangled Coquette  ◊  Lophornis stictolophus Few seen at Coquette Heaven garden.

Ecuadorian Piedtail ◊  Phlogophilus hemileucurus One bird seen at Coquette heaven reserve and at Maycu reserve.

Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Few seen at Buenaventura and the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve and El Zarza.

Violet-tailed Sylph ◊  Aglaiocercus coelestis Several seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Ecuadorian Hillstar ◊ Oreotrochilus chimborazo Few females seen at El Cajas NP.

Blue-throated Hillstar ◊  Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus two males at Cerro de Arcos

Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae One male seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Rainbow-bearded Thornbill ◊  Chalcostigma herrani Three birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Several seen at El Cajas NP.

Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami One bird seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Violet-throated Metaltail ◊  Metallura baroni Endemic. Two birds seen well at El Cajas NP.

Neblina Metaltail ◊  Metallura odomae An individual seen at Cerro Toledo

Greenish Puffleg ◊  Haplophaedia aureliae One bird seen at Copalinga berbena flowers.

Glowing Puffleg ◊  Eriocnemis vestita Few birds seen at Acacana reserve.

Sapphire-vented Puffleg  Eriocnemis luciani Two birds seen at Llaviuco- El Cajas NP.

Shining Sunbeam  Aglaeactis cupripennis Few birds seen at Cerro Toledo and El Cajas NP.

Bronzy Inca  Coeligena coeligena One bird seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road

Brown Inca  ◊  Coeligena wilsoni Few seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Collared Inca Coeligena torquate Several seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Rainbow Starfrontlet ◊  Coeligena iris Few seen at Utuana Reserve and Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Mountain Velvetbreast  Lafresnaya lafresnayi Two birds seen at Llaviuco- El Cajas NP.

Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus Two birds seen at Llaviuco El Cajas N.P

Chestnut-breasted Coronet ◊  Boissonneaua matthewsii Commonly seen at Tapichalaca reserve

Velvet-purple Coronet ◊  Boissonneaua jardini Few seen at Buenaventura reserve.

White-booted Racket-tail ◊  Ocreatus underwoodii Few seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides Few seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Commonly seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Few seen at Copalinga feeders.

Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris Few seen at Yunguilla, Jorupe and Buenaventura reserves.

Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystine A female seen at El Zarza reserve.

Short-tailed Woodstar  ◊  Myrmia micrura Few individuals seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Little Woodstar ◊  Chaetocercus bombus Few birds seen at the Coquette Heaven garden and Ayampe area.

Esmeralda’s Woodstar ◊  Chaetocercus berlepschi Endemic. A male seen at Momo garden-Ayampe area.

Blue–tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus A male seen at Coquette Heaven garden.

Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Commomly seen at Copalinga and Coquette Heaven garden.

Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis  Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

White-vented Plumeleteer  ◊ (Ecuadorian P) Chalybura [buffonii] intermedia  One bird seen At Moromoro- Buenaventura reserve.

Crowned Woodnymph (Emerald-bellied W) Thalurania colombica Few seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcate Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.

Tumbes Hummingbird ◊  Thaumasius baeri Two birds een at El Empalme

Many-spotted Hummingbird ◊ Taphrospilus hypostictus Few seen at Copalinga lodge

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Few seen at Buenaventura reserve and Quizas Hoy

Amazilia Hummingbird (Loja H) Amazilis amazilia Commonly seen on the western foothills and lowlands.

Andean Emerald Uranomitra franciae Commonly seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.

Glittering-throated Emerald Chionomesa fimbriata One bird seen at Copalinga lodge.

Violet-bellied Hummingbird Chlorestes julie Few seen at Quizas Hoy, Buenaventura and Ayampe reserves.

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Commonly spreadout on the eastern and western lowlands.

Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Commonly seen on the western lowlands.

Striped Cuckoo (American S C) Tapera naevia  Heard-only.

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Few seen at Maycu and Bombuscaro-Podocarpus NP.

Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Commonly seen near towns.

Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Commonly seen in the highlands.

Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Three birds seen at Ayampe reserve.

Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Few birds seen on the eastern foothills.

Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Ecuadorian Ground Dove ◊  Columbina buckleyi Few seen at Manglares Churute area.

Croaking Ground Dove Columbina cruziana Common at Manglares Churute area and Catamayo.

Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti Several birds seen along the road to Yankuam.

Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Few birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Common at Jorupe and Tapichalaca area.

Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla  few birds seen at Copalinga feeders.

Pallid Dove  ◊  Leptotila pallida Two birds seen at Manglares Churute and Yunguilla reserves.

Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana  Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

White-throated Quail-Dove  Zentrygon frenata One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Common at Yunguilla valley and Ayampe area.

West Peruvian Dove Zenaida meloda Few seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Blackish Rail  Pardirallus nigricans Heard-only near Guayzimi.

Ecuadorian Rail ◊  Rallus aequatorialis Few seen well at Llaviuco- El Cajas N.P

Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca Several seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas N.P

White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis Heard-only at Buenaventura

Limpkin  Aramus guarauna Several seen near Guayaquil and Manglares Churute.

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Few birds seen at the Ecuasal lagoons Santa Elena area.

Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis Few birds seen at Punta Carnero area-Santa Elena.

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliates Several birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Commonly seen in all lowlands ponds.

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Several seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Semipalmated Plover  Charadrius semipalmatus Several seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Common in all lowland ponds.

Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius hudsonicus Several birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Several birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Sanderling Calidris alba Several birds seen at Santa Santa Elena peninsula.

Baird´s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Several birds at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Several birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Several birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Several birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Several seen at Manglares Churute area.

Lesser Yellowlegs  Tringa flavipes Few birds seen at Manglares Churute area and Santa Elena Peninsula.

Willet  (Western W) Tringa [semipalmata] inornate Two birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Many seen at El Cajas NP..

Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Common at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Kelp Gull  Larus dominicanus Few seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Several seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Many seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Common all close to the ocean area.

Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii Few seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Neotropic Cormorant Nannopterum brasilianum Common in different habitats.

American White Ibis Eudocimus albus Common in all pods on the western lowlands.

Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Common in all ponds in the western lowlands.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Two birds seen at LLaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea Few birds seen at Santa Elena Peninsula.

Striated Heron Butorides striata Common in ponds on the western lowlands.

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common in the lowlands.

Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Several seen at Manglares Churute area and Ayampe area.

Great Egret (American G E) Ardea [alba] egretta Coomom in all ponds on the western lowlands.

Tricolored Heron  Egretta tricolor Few seen at Santa Elena Peninsula area.

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Few seen at Santa Elena Peninsula area.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula Common in all ponds on the western lowlands.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Common near the ocean areas.

King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa One birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Black Vulture (American B V) Coragyps atratus Common in all habitats.

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common in the eastern and western foothills and lowlands.

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus Few seen at Maycu reserve.

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus Few birds seen at Manglares Churute area.

Hook-billed Kite  Chondrohierax uncinatus A male seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K) Elanoides forficatus Several birds seen at Buenaventura and Jorupe reserves.

Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Few birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Common in all ponds on the western lowlands.

Common Black Hawk  Buteogallus anthracinus One bird seen at Puerto Lopez area.

Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Few birds seen at the Manglares Churute area.

Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Ccommon on the eastern and the western lowlands.

Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Few birds seen at Manglares Churute area and Santa Elena.

Variable Hawk Geranoaaetus polyosoma One bird seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle  Geranoaetus melanoleucus Two birds seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Grey-backed Hawk ◊  Pseudastur occidentalis Two birds perched at Buenaventura reserve.

Grey-lined Hawk  Buteo nitidus One bird seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Broad-winged Hawk  Buteo platypterus One bird seen near Cerro de Arcos.

Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus One bird seen at Puerto Lopez area.

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Few birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Andean Pygmy Owl Glaucidium jardinii One bird seen at Acacana reserve.

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

Subtropical Pygmy Owl Glaucidium parkeri Heard-only at El Zarza reserve.

White-throated Screech Owl  Megascops albogularis One bird seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

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

West Peruvian Screech Owl ◊  Megascops roboratus Heard-only at Jorupe

Spectacled Owl  Pulsatrix perspicillata Two birds seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota One bird seen at Yankuam lodge.

Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata One bird seen at Buenaventura.

Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis One bird seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps One male seen near Cerro de Arcos.

Ecuadorian Trogon ◊  Trogon mesurus Several birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis Few birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Gartered Trogon  Trogon caligatus A male seen at Moromoro- Buenaventura area.

Masked Trogon  Trogon personatus Two birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Amazon Kingfisher  Chloroceryle amazona A male was seen along the Nangaritza river.

Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquate One bird was seen near Guayaquil.

Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens One bird was seen at Jorupe reserve.

Rufous Motmot  Baryphthengus martii Heard-only at Buenaventura reserve.

Coppery-chested Jacamar ◊  Galbula pastazae Few birds seen at El Zarza, Bombuscaro.

Purplish Jacamar ◊  Galbula chalcothorax Few sightings at Maycu resere.

Bluish-fronted Jacamar  Galbula cyanescens Heard-only near Paquisha.

Lanceolated Monklet Micromonacha lanceolata Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni Two birds at Maycu reserve.

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii A male seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Chestnut-tipped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus derbianus Heard-only along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Few birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Pale-mandibled Aracari ◊  Pteroglossus erythropygius One bird seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan Andigena hypoglauca Few birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Choco Toucan ◊  Ramphastos brevis Several seen and heard at Buenaventura reserve.

Yellow-throated Toucan Ramphastos ambiguous Few birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi Few birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Ecuadorian Piculet ◊  Picumnus sclateri One bird seen at Jorupe reserve.

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Three birds seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus A female seen at Maycu reserve.

Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus One bird seen at Ayampe reserve.

Smoky-brown Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus fumigatus A female seen at Sozoranga area.

Golden-olive Woodpecker  Colaptes rubiginosus Few birds ssen at Yunguilla and Jorupe reserves.

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii One bird seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus A male seen at Maycu reserve.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos A male seen at Bombuscaro.

Guayaquil Woodpecker  ◊  Campephilus gayaquilensis A male seen at Ayampe reserve.

Black Caracara Daptrius ater Two birds seen near Paquisha area.

Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus Three birds seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Crested Caracara (Northern C C) Caracara [plancus] cheriway One bird seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Laughing Falcon  Herpetotheres cachinnans Two birds seen at the Coquette Heaven garden.

American Kestrel Falco sparverius Several seen all through out the trip in several habitats.

Merlin Falco columbarius One bird seen near Puerto Lopez area.

Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Grey-cheeked Parakeet ◊  Brotogeris pyrrhoptera Few seen at Quizas Hoy and common at Jorupe reserve.

Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera Two birds seen perched at Maycu reserve.

Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus Three birds seen along the Old Loja Zamora road.

Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Bronze-winged Parrot ◊  Pionus chalcopterus Abundant at Buenaventura reserve.

Pacific Parrotlet ◊  Forpus coelestis Several sightings in different sites.

El Oro Parakeet ◊  Pyrrhura orcesi Endemic. A group of three individuals seen at Buenaventura.

White-breasted Parakeet ◊  Pyrrhura albipectus A large group seen feeding at Copalinga lodge guaba trees.

Golden-plumed Parakeet ◊  Leptosittaca branickii Several birds seen perched at Tapichalaca reserve.

Red-masked Parakeet ◊  Psittacara erythrogenys Several sightings in different habitats.

White-eyed Parakeet  Psittacara leucophthalmus Four birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus One bird seen at Buenaventura and few others at Maycu reserve.

Long-tailed Woodcreeper Deconychura longicauda One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Few birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Spotted Woodcreeper  ◊  Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Seen and heard at Buenaventura

Olive-backed Woodcreeper ◊  Xiphorhynchus triangularis Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris Two birds seen at Jorupe reserve and Puerto Lopez area.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Several birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Montane Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger One bird seen at Yunguilla valley.

Plain Xenops Xenops genibarbis One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Three birds seen at Buenaventura and Maycu reserves.

Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus Several sightings on the western lowlands.

Chestnut-winged Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes albidiventris Several birds at El Cajas NP.

Stout-billed Cinclodes ◊  Cinclodes excelsior Several birds at El Cajas NP.

Grey-throated Leaftosser  Sclerurus albigularis

Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Two birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road and Maycu reserve.

Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner  ◊ (Spectacled F-g) Anabacerthia variegaticeps one bird seen at  Buenaventura reserve.

Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia ruficaudata Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner ◊  Syndactyla ruficollis One bird seen at Sozoranga area.

Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner ◊  Clibanornis erythrocephalus Two birds seen at Joupe reserve.

Black-billed Treehunter ◊  Thripadectes melanorhynchus Two birds seen at Bombuscaro.

Eastern Woodhaunter  Automolus subulatus One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Western Woodhaunter  Automolus virgatus One bird seen at Buenaventura Reserve.

Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Three birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons Four birds seen at Valadolid area.

White-browed Spinetail  ◊  Hellmayrea gularis One bird seen at Cerro Toledo.

Many-striped Canastero ◊  Asthenes flammulata One bird seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Mouse-coloured Thistletail ◊  Asthenes griseomurina Two birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Equatorial Greytail ◊  Xenerpestes singularis Two birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata Two birds seen at El Zarza reserve

Line-cheeked Spinetail ◊  Cranioleuca antisiensis Three birds seen at Sozoranga and Buenaventura reserve.

Speckled Spinetail  Cranioleuca gutturata Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Necklaced Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis stictothorax Several birds at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Dark-breasted Spinetail  Synallaxis albigularis Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Two birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Blackish-headed Spinetail ◊  Synallaxis tithys One bird at Jorupe reserve.

Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa One bird seen at Cerro Toledo.

Checker-throated Stipplethroat  Epinecrophylla fulviventris A male seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Foothill Stipplethroat ◊ Epinecrophylla spodionota Two birds seen at Bombuscaro.

Pygmy Antwren  Myrmotherula brachyura Two birds seen at Maycu area.

Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Heard-only at Buenaventura reserve.

Yellow-breasted Antwren ◊ Herpsilochmus axillaris Two birds seen at Bombuscaro.

Rusty-winged Antwren  Herpsilochmus frater One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis A female seen at Ayampe reserve.

Collared Antshrike ◊  Thamnophilus bernardi A female seen at Jorupe few others at Atahualpa-Santa Elena peninsula.

Chapman’s Antshrike ◊  Thamnophilus zarumae A female seen at Sozoranga area.

Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus A male seen at Maycu reserve.

Uniform Antshrike  Thamnophilus unicolor Heard-only at Buenaventura reserve.

Mouse-coloured Antshrike Thamnophilus murinus A male seen at Maycu Reserve.

Black-crowned Antshrike (Western Slaty A) Thamnophilus atrinucha A male seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Fasciated Antshrike  Cymbilaimus lineatus Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Great Antshrike  Taraba major A male seen at Jorupe reserve.

Hairy-crested Antbird Rhegmatorhina melanosticta A pair seen at Maycu reserve.

Common Scale-backed Antbird Willisornis poecilinotus Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana A male seen at Maycu reserve.

Northern Chestnut-tailed Antbird  Sciaphylax castanea A pair seen at Maycu reserve.

Blackish Antbird Cercomacroides nigrescens Three birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Black Antbird Cercomacroides serva Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Jet Antbird  Cercomacra nigricans A male seen at Manglares Churute reserve.

Chestnut-backed Antbird  Poliocrania exsul A male seen at Beunaventura reserve.

Grey-headed Antbird ◊  Ampelornis griseiceps Three birds seen at Sozoranga area.

Esmeraldas Antbird ◊  Sipia nigricauda A male seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Black faced Antbird  Myrmoborus myotherinus Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

White-browed Antbird  Myrmoborus leucophrys A male seen at Maycu reserve.

Western Fire-eye ◊  Pyriglena maura A pair seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Black-headed Antthrush  ◊  Formicarius nigricapillus Heard-only at Ayampe reserve.

Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus  Heard-only at Buenaventura reserve.

Short-tailed Antthrush  Chamaeza campanisona  Heard-only at Bombuscaro

Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis Heard-only at Buenaventura and Bombuscaro.

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla Heard-only in several sites and habitats.

Watkins’s Antpitta ◊  Grallaria watkinsi Heard-only at Jorupe reserve.

Jocotoco Antpitta ◊  Grallaria ridgelyi A wonderful performance at Tapichalaca reserve!

Chestnut-naped Antpitta ◊  Grallaria nuchalis Two birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Equatorial Antpitta Grallaria saturate Two birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Tawny Antpitta ◊  Grallaria quitensis Two birds seen at El Cajas NP.

Crescent-faced Antpitta  ◊  Grallaricula lineifrons Excellent views at Acacana reserve.

Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps A male seen at El Zarza reserve.

Ocellated Tapaculo  ◊  Acropternis orthonyx Heard-only at Llaviuco- El Cajas NP.

Loja Tapaculo ◊ Scytalopus androstictus Heard-only at Cerro Toledo.

White-crowned Tapaculo  ◊  Scytalopus atratus One bird seen at El Zarza reserve.

Long-tailed Tapaculo ◊ (Equatorial Rufous-vented T) Scytalopus micropterus  Heard-only at Valladolid area.

Blackish Tapaculo  ◊  Scytalopus latrans Heard-only at Yunguilla and Utuana reserves.

El Oro Tapaculo ◊ (Ecuadorian T) Scytalopus robbinsi Endemic. One bird seen at Buenaventura

Chusquea Tapaculo ◊  Scytalopus parkeri Good views at Tapichalaca reserve.

Elegant Crescentchest ◊  Melanopareia elegans Two birds seen at Catamayo valley.

Wing-barred Piprites Piprites chloris One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Phyllomyias plumbeiceps Two birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road and at El Zarza reserve.

Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias uropygialis One bird seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Foothill Elaenia ◊  Myiopagis olallai Two birds seen and heard at Bombuscaro-Podocarpus NP.

Pacific Elaenia ◊  Myiopagis subplacens Few birds seen in different sites in the western lowlands.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster One bird seen near Quizas Hoy and Ayampe reserves.

White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps One bird seen at Utuana reserve.

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum Commonly found in different habitats.

White-throated Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus leucophrys Several birds seen at El Cajas NP.

White-banded Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus stictopterus Few birds seen al El Cajas NP.

Tumbesian Tyrannulet ◊  Phaeomyias tumbezana One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps One bird seen at Cerro Toledo.

Fulvous-faced Scrub Tyrant Euscarthmus fulviceps Few birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Grey-and-white Tyrannulet ◊  Pseudelaenia leucospodia Several birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops Two birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Loja Tyrannulet ◊  Zimmerius flavidifrons Two birds seen at Sozoranga area.

Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (E Bristle Tyrant) Phylloscartes gualaquizae Few birds seen at Maycu.

Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus Few birds seen at Buenaventura and Maycu.

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginous  Few birds seen at Quizas Hoy and Buenaventura reserves.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher  Leptopogon superciliaris Commomly seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Flavescent Flycatcher  Myiophobus flavicans  Heard-only at at El Zarza reserve.

Orange-crested Flycatcher  ◊  Myiophobus phoenicomitra One birds seen at Bombuscaro.

Olive-chested Flycatcher ◊  Myiophobus cryptoxanthus One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Orange-banded Flycatcher ◊  Nephelomyias lintoni Four birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus Several birds found at Maycu reserve.

White-bellied Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis albiventris One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Several birds on the eastern and western slopes.

Rufous-crowned Tody-Flyctacher  Poecilotriccus ruficeps One bird seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher ◊  Poecilotriccus capitalis A pair seen at Maycu reserve.

Yellow-browed Tody Flycatcher  Todirostrum chrysocrotaphun One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher ◊  Poecilotriccus calopterus Two birds seen at Maycu reserve

Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Two birds seen at Vallladolid and Jorupe reserve.

Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Olive-faced Flatbill  (O-f Flycatcher) Tolmomyias viridiceps Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Few birds seen near El Zarza reserve.

Grey-breasted Flycatcher  ◊  Lathrotriccus griseipectus Two birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Euler’s Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri One seen at El Zarza reserve.

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Few birds seen in several rivers and creeks.

Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus One bird seen at Sozoranga area.

Western Wood Pewee Contopus sordidulus Several birds seen at El Zarza and Maycu reserves.

Tumbes Pewee ◊  Contopus punensis Tow birds seen at Jorupe and Ayampe reserves.

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus obscurus One bird seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena-Peninsula.

Smoky Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes fumigatus Heard-only at Tapichalaca.

Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant  ◊ Agriornis montanus Two birds seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Masked Water Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta Two birds seen at Manglares-Churute.

Crowned Chat-Tyrant  ◊  Silvicultrix frontalis Heard-only at El Cajas NP.

Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant ◊  Silvicultrix jelskii One bird seen at Utuana Reserve.

Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Two birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor Four birds seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus One bird seen at Copalinga lodge area and Maycu reserve.

Short-tailed Field Tyrant Muscigralla brevicauda  Two birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Two birds seen at Valladolid area.

Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Two birds seen at Quizas Hoy.

Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis One bird seen at Quizas Hoy.

Grey-capped Flycatcher  Myiozetetes granadensis Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Lemon-browed Flycatcher Conopias cinchoneti Two birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Golden-crowned Flycatcher  Myiodynastes chrysocephalus Two birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Baird’s Flycatcher ◊  Myiodynastes bairdii Few birds seen at El Empalme and Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Few birds seen at Quizas Hoy and Jorupe reserve.

Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua One bird seen at Ayampe reserve.

Snowy-throated Kingbird ◊  Tyrannus niveigularis One bird seen near Puerto Lopez area.

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Commonly seen almost everywhere.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer One bird seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Seen at Zarza NP

Sooty-crowned Flycatcher  ◊  Myiarchus phaeocephalus Two bird seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Ochraceous Attila ◊  Attila torridus One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Fiery-throated Fruiteater  ◊  Pipreola chlorolepidota A male seen at Maycu reserve.

Barred Fruiteater  Pipreola arcuate A pair seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Green-and-black Fruiteater  Pipreola riefferii A male seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Grey-tailed Piha ◊  Snowornis subalaris Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Long-wattled Umbrellabird ◊  Cephalopterus penduliger A male seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus Two males at Bombuscaro

Blue-rumped Manakin  ◊  Lepidothrix isidorei A female at Bombuscaro

White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus A female seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Club-winged Manakin ◊  Machaeropterus deliciosus Great views at Buenaventura reserve.

Striolated Manakin  Machaeropterus striolatus Heard-only at Bombuscaro.

Green Manakin  Cryptopipo holochlora One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Pacific Royal Flycatcher ◊  Onychorhynchus occidentalis One bird seen at Quizas Hoy reserve.

Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Few birds seen at Quizas Hoy and Maycu reserve

Northern Schiffornis (Brown S) Schiffornis veraepacis One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys A pair seen at Valadolid area.

Slaty Becard ◊  Pachyramphus spodiurus A male seen at Jorupe reserve.

Chestnut-crowned Becard Pachyramphus castaneus A female seen at Maycu reserve.

Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus A female seen at Maycu reserve.

One-coloured Becard  Pachyramphus homochrous A female seen at Jorupe reserve.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Few birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Olivaceous Greenlet  ◊  Hylophilus olivaceus One bird seen at Maycu reserve.

Lesser Greenlet  Pachysylvia decurtate Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Rufous-naped Greenlet  Hylophilus semibrunneus One bird seen near Maycu reserve.

Chivi Vireo Vireo chivi Several seen on the western lowlands.

Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys One bird seen at El Zarza reserve.

Turquoise Jay ◊  Cyanolyca turcosa Seen at Maycu One bird seen at El Zarza reserve.

Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus Commonly seen on the Maycu reserve.

White-tailed Jay ◊  Cyanocorax mystacalis Many birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas Several birds seen on the Eastern foothills.

White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Several birds seen along the Nangaritza river.

Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Commonly seen in several elevations and habitats.

Pale-footed Swallow ◊ Orochelidon flavipes Several birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina Several birds seen at Cerro de Arcos.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Commonly seen on the eastern foothills and western lowlands.

Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Commonly seen on the western lowlands.

Chestnut-collared Swallow  ◊  Petrochelidon rufocollaris Several birds seen at Sabiango village.

Fasciated Wren ◊  Campylorhynchus fasciatus Several birds seen at Jorupe lodge.

Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa Few birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve and Cerro Toledo.

Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis Few birds seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Plain-tailed Wren ◊  Pheugopedius euophrys Few birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Whiskered Wren  Pheugopedius mystacalis Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Speckle-breasted Wren ◊  Pheugopedius sclateri Two birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

Superciliated Wren ◊  Cantorchilus superciliaris Few birds seen at Jorupe reserve and Atahualpa

Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

House Wren (Southern H W) Troglodytes [aedon] musculus Several birds in different sites.

Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Two birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticte One bird seen at Bombuscaro.

Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Bar-winged Wood Wren Henicorhina leucoptera Two birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Southern Nightingale-Wren (Scaly-breasted W) Microcerculus marginatus Heard-only, at Maycu reserve.

Musician Wren  Cyphorhinus arada  Heard-only at Maycu reserve.

Song Wren  Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

White-browed Gnatcatcher Polioptila bilineata Commonly seen on the western lowlands.

Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus Commonly seen on the western foothills and lowlands.

Andean Solitaire  Myadestes ralloides Two birds seen at Buenaventura and El Zarza reserves.

Speckled Nightingale-Thrush  Catharus maculatus One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush  Catharus fuscater One bird seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Several birds on the eastern and western foothills.

Plumbeous-backed Thrush ◊  Turdus reevei Several birds seen at Jorupe and Puerto Lopez area.

Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Three birds seen at Utuana area.

Glossy-black Thrush  Turdus serranus A male seen at Cerro Toledo.

Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Commonly seen in the highlands.

Maranon Thrush ◊  Turdus maranonicus Two birds seen at Vallodolid area.

Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.

White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis One bird seen at Bombuscaro.

Ecuadorian Thrush ◊  Turdus maculirostris Many birds seen on the Western lowlands.

White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus Three birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Chestnut Munia (introduced) Lonchura atricapilla Small flock at Manglares Churute.

Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus A small flock at Yunguilla reserve.

Saffron Siskin ◊  Spinus siemiradzkii A small flock on the final day at Puerto Lopez area.

Orange-crowned Euphonia  ◊  Euphonia saturate Four birds seen at Manglares Churute reserve

Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Several birds seen on the eastern and western lowlands.

Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills

Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa A male seen along the Old Loja-Zamoara road.

Golden-bellied Euphonia  Euphonia chrysopasta New bird for this trip at Maycu reserve.

Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Yellow-whiskered Bush Tanager (Short-billed B T) Chlorospingus parvirostris Several birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Ashy-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis The two subspecies seen at Buenaventura reserve and along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus Few birds seen at Tapichalaca and Buenaventura reserves.

Tumbes Sparrow ◊  Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Three birds seen at Catamayo valley.

Black-striped Sparrow  Arremonops conirostris One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Grey-browed Brushfinch Arremon assimilis Two birds seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Few birds seen at Quizas Hoy and Copalinga reserves.

Black-capped Sparrow ◊  Arremon abeillei Four birds seen at Jorupe and Ayampe reserves.

Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Commonly seen in the highlands.

White-headed Brushfinch  ◊  Atlapetes albiceps Two birds seen at El Empalme.

Yellow-breasted Brushfinch Atlapetes latinuchus Several birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

White-winged Brushfinch  ◊  Atlapetes leucopterus Four birds seen at Sozoranga area.

Pale-headed Brushfinch ◊  Atlapetes pallidiceps Endemic. Three birds seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Bay-crowned Brushfinch  Atlapetes seebohmi Two birds seen at  Sozoranga area.

Peruvian Meadowlark Leistes bellicosus Commonly seen on the western dry lowlands.

Yellow-billed Cacique  Amblycercus holosericeus Heard-only at Buenaventura reserve.

Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Several birds seen on the eastern foothills.

Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Many birds seen on the eastern foothills.

Yellow-rumped Cacique ◊  Cacicus cela Many Birds seen on the eastern foothills and western lowlnds.

Subtropical Cacique  Cacicus uropygialis Many birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Northern Mountain Cacique  Cacicus leucoramphus Two birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Several birds seen at Jorupe reserve.

White-edged Oriole ◊  Icterus graceannae Several birds seen at Jorupe reserve and Atahualpa-Santa Elena Penisula.

Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Six birds seen at Valladolid area.

Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Several birds seen at Quizas Hoy and Yunguilla valley.

Scrub Blackbird Dives warczewiczi Commonly seen on the western lowlands and foothills.

Great-tailed Grackle  Quiscalus mexicanus Several birds seen in the Santa Elena Peninsula.

Black-lored Yellowthroat Geothlypis auricularis Two males seen near Quizas Hoy and Yunfuilla reserves.

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat  Geothlypis semiflava Two males seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Commonly seen on the eastern and western lowlands and foothills.

Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Several birds seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Mangrove Warbler  Setophaga petechia Two birds seen In the mangroves at Manglares Churute.

Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata Several birds seen at Cerro Toledo and Sozoranga area.

Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Several birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

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

Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronate Heard-only in different locations.

Three-banded Warbler ◊  Basileuterus trifasciatus Seen at Buenaventura Two birds seen at Sozoranda area.

Three-striped Warbler  Basileuterus tristriatus Two birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis Several birds seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Commonly seen in different locations.

Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus Several birds seen in the highlands.

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra A female seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Two males seen at Maycu reserve.

White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera Two birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Golden Grosbeak (Golden-bellied G) Pheucticus chrysogaster Several birds seen in different locations.

Blue-black Grosbeak  Cyanoloxia cyanoides Two males seen at Quizas Hoy and Buenaventura reserves.

Band-tailed Sierra Finch  Porphyrospiza alaudina Three birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena peninsula.

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis Four birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira Four birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis A pair seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.

Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata Two males seen at Maycu reserve.

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

Bluish-grey Saltator  Saltator coerulescens One bird seen near Copalinga reserve.

Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Several birds seen on the eastern foothills and Puerto Lopez area.

Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis One bird seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Black-cowled Saltator  ◊  Saltator nigriceps Two birds seen near Sozoranga area.

Slate-coloured Grosbeak  Saltator grossus Several birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road and Maycu reserve.

Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Commonly seen on the eastern foothills and western lowlands.

Dull-colored Grassquit Asemospiza obscura Several birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina  Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Flame-crested Tanager Loriotus cristatus Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

White-shouldered Tanager Loriotus luctuosus Several birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus Several birds seen at Copalinga lodge.

White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.

Crimson-breasted Finch ◊ (Crimson F) Rhodospingus cruentus  Several birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Fulvous Shrike-Tanager  ◊  Lanio fulvus Several birds een on both days at Maycu reserve.

Lemon-rumped Tanager ◊  Ramphocelus icteronotus Abundant at Buenaventura reserve.

Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Abundant on the eastern foothills.

Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Abundant on the western lowlands and foothills.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis Abundant on the western lowlands.

Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch  Sporophila angolensis Two males seen along the road to Yankuam lodge.

Large-billed Seed Finch ◊  Sporophila crassirostris A male seen near Quisas Hoy reserve.

Black-billed Seed Finch ◊  Sporophila atrirostris A male seen along the road to Yankuam lodge.

Parrot-billed Seedeater ◊  Sporophila peruviana Several flocks at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Many birds seen near Manglares-Churute reserve.

Drab Seedeater ◊ Sporophila simplex Several birds seen at the Catamayo valley.

Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Several birds seen along the road to Yankuam lodge.

Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris Two birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Black-headed Hemispingus  ◊  Pseudospingus verticalis One bird seen at Acacana reserve.

Collared Warbling Finch ◊ Poospiza hispaniolensis  Several birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Superciliaried Hemispingus  Thlypopsis superciliaris Four birds seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Giant Conebill  ◊  Conirostrum binghami Wonderful views of three birds at El Cajas.

Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor Two birds seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Sulphur-throated Finch  ◊  Sicalis taczanowskii Five birds seen at Atahualpa-Santa Elena Peninsula.

Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Commonly seen on the western foothills and lowlands.

Plumbeous Sierra Finch  Geospizopsis unicolor Several birds seen at Cerro de Arcos and El Cajas NP.

Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornate Several birds seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

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

Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Several birds seen in the highlands.

Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii Several birds seen at Cerro Toledo and Acacana reserves.

Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis Two birds seen at Llaviuco-El Cajas NP.

Yellow-throated Tanager  Iridosornis analis Several birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex Several birds seen at Cerro Toledo

Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota One bird seen at Yunguilla reserve.

Hooded Mountain Tanager  Buthraupis montana Several birds seen at Tapicahalaca reserve.

Blue-capped Tanager Sporathraupis cyanocephala  One bird seen near Valladolid.

Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Two birds seen at Tapichalaca reserve.

Black-chested Mountain Tanager  Cnemathraupis eximia Four birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Three birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager  Anisognathus igniventris Few birds seen at Acacana reserve and Llaviuco El Cajas NP.

Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Several birds seen at Cerro Toledo.

Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea Several birds seen at El Zarza reserve.

Orange-throated Tanager ◊  Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron Few small flocks at Maycu reserve

Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Spotted Tanager Ixothraupis punctata Several birds seen along the Old Loja-Zamora road.

Yellow-bellied Tanager Ixothraupis xanthogastra Two birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills and lowalnds.

Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills and lowlands.

Silver-backed Tanager ◊ (Silvery T) Stilpnia viridicollis Several birds seen at Sozoranga area and  Utuana reserve.

Blue-necked Tanager Stilpnia cyanicollis Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills.

Masked Tanager Stilpnia nigrocincta Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills and lowlands.

Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis One bird seen at Valladolid area.

Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Several birds seen at Maycu and Copalinga reserves.

Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Commonly seen on the eastern and western foothills and lowlands.

Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Several birds seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Turquoise Tanager  Tangara mexicana Several birds seen at Maycu reserve.

Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Commonly seen on the eastern foothills.

 

MAMMALS

White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Several individuals seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Ecuadorian White-fronted Capuchin Cebus aequatorialis Commonly seen at Copalinga lodge.

Mantled Howler  (M Howler) Alouatta palliata Several individuals seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Andean Tapeti Sylvilagus andinus Two individuals seen at El Cajas NP.

Black Agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa Few individuals seen at Copalinga and Maycu reserves.

Central American Agouti  Dasyprocta punctata Few individuals seen at Buenaventura reserve.

Amazon Dwarf Squirrel  Microsciurus flaviventer An individual seen at El Zarza reserve.

Guayaquil Squirrel Sciurus stramineus Several individuals seen at Jorupe reserve.

---