Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes - Field Guides · 2011. 7. 13. · disappeared up the hill on the east...

Field Guides Tour Report

Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes

Mar 20, 2011 to Apr 3, 2011Jay VanderGaast

Empress Brilliant was once a tough bird to find;now the challenge is to see the golden belly and the

lilac gorget spot! (Photo by guide JayVanderGaast)

It's really quite incredible to see how much a trip varies from one tour tothe next, and even more so when the tours are run back to back. I guess Ireally wasn't expecting there to be a huge difference seeing as we onlyvisited each site two weeks later than on the first tour, but I was surprised.The tours were so different from each other, they might have been run atcompletely different seasons! Some of that had to do with the weather, asthis tour was quite wet while the first one had been relatively dry, but italso had a lot to do with the birds. Many species that cooperated not at alltwo weeks earlier were singing and responsive this trip, and others we'dfound easily on tour 1 were nowhere to be found this time around.

Two groups that come to mind that were more cooperative this time werethe antpittas and the owls. We did very well with both these groups; wesaw 8 species of antpittas this trip, with 3 species performing beautifullyat Angel Paz's, highlighted by the elusive Moustached Antpitta feeding inthe open right below the trail! As for the owls, we saw 3 species by theend of the first day, starting with that wonderful Andean Pygmy-OwlRienk spotted at Yanacocha, and finishing with an aggressive ColombianScreech-Owl at Septimo. By tour's end, we'd seen another 5 species,including both Rufous-banded and the undescribed "San Isidro" Owl atSan Isidro. On the subject of nightbirds, that male Lyre-tailed Nightjarsailing overhead and the roadside Andean Potoo both deserve mention aswell.

Other wonderful surprises met us at every site visited. Our first day out atYanacocha gave us a stunning male Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, my bestviews ever of this bird! Elsewhere on the west slope we had a trio oftough-to-find Choco specialties: gorgeous Yellow-collaredChlorophonias at Septimo, brilliant Orange-breasted Fruiteaters at Angel Paz's and my second-ever Black-tipped Cotingas,both male and female, next to the tower at Silanche. All this in addition to such regularly seen Choco specialties as Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant, Toucan Barbet, and Slate-throated Gnatcatchers.

The east slope was kind to us to (with the exception of some terrible weather up at the pass), and particularly memorablewas the excellent flock activity there. Two flocks stand out in particular: one at Guango that lingered along the edge of aclearing, givign us brilliant looks at Black-capped Hemispingus, Pale-naped and Slaty brush-finches, and PearledTreerunner, among others; the other was along the roadside at San Isidro, and that one offered more hemispinguses, bothBlack-capped and Black-eared, Black-crested Warbler, and a stonking close Plushcap, one of my best views ever of thisspecies!

Closing things out at Sacha Lodge, I found it fun to see both late-lingering boreal migrants like Eastern Kingbird andScarlet Tanager, plus a few early arriving austral migrants, including Crowned Slaty-Flycatcher and a rare White-throatedKingbird. Among the many memorable birds here were a nice flock of Chestnut-fronted Macaws, a pair of close Chestnut-headed Crakes, startlingly colorful Paradise Tanagers, a delightful performance by a Musician Wren, beautiful looks (froma canoe, no less!) at a perched Ornate Hawk-Eagle, and that amazing Cream-colored Woodpecker, voted bird of the trip,hands down. Honorable mention has to go to the only lifer of the trip for me, my long-awaited Anaconda on April 1st.Thanks for running up to get me Joanne, even if I did think it was just an April Fool's joke! And thanks to all of you forhelping make this one heck of a fun trip to lead. I would love to see you all again on another tour some day. Where do you

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1

The Choco endemic Violet-tailed Sylph issurely one of the most beautiful of thehummingbirds. (Photo by guide Jay

VanderGaast)

want to go next?

--Jay

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes.

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced,E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSTinamidae (Tinamous)

(Tinamus major) – Sacha. [*] (Crypturellus cinereus) – Sacha. [*]

(Crypturellus soui) – Silanche and Sacha. [*] (Crypturellus undulatus) – Sacha. [*]

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) (Merganetta armata) – Excellent views along the river at

Guango, where we had a pair upstream of the bridge, and a lone maledownstream. We also saw a female along the Bermejo side road the nextday.

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) (Ortalis guttata) – Small numbers of these

noisy birds were seen along the Napo River. (Penelope montagnii) – Good views of one before is

disappeared up the hill on the east slope of the Huacamayos Ridge. (Penelope jacquacu) – Sacha. [*]

(Aburria aburri) – Septimo Paraiso. [*] (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Great looks at a trio

of birds at the plantain feeders at Angel Paz's place. Another bird put in anappearance along the roadside near San Isidro.

Odontophoridae (New World Quail) (Odontophorus gujanensis) – A roosting pair

just after dusk near the metal towers at Sacha were on the same perchwhere we'd found them two weeks earlier.

(Odontophorus erythrops) –Silanche. [*]

(Odontophorus speciosus) –Loreto Road. [*]

Anhingidae (Anhingas) (Anhinga anhinga) – Our lone sighting was of a female along the Napo on our return canoe ride to Coca.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Zebrilus undulatus) – Sacha. [*]

(Tigrisoma lineatum) – One gorgeous adult stood motionless in the swamp forest nearthe foot of the wooden tower at Sacha.

(Ardea cocoi) – Craig spotted one of these attractive herons during the boat ride from Coca to Sacha.Our only other sighting was on the way back to Coca; perhaps the same bird?

(Ardea alba) – Fair numbers along the Napo.

GREAT TINAMOUCINEREOUS TINAMOULITTLE TINAMOUUNDULATED TINAMOU

TORRENT DUCK

SPECKLED CHACHALACA

ANDEAN GUAN

SPIX'S GUANWATTLED GUANSICKLE-WINGED GUAN

MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL

RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL

RUFOUS-BREASTED WOOD-QUAIL

ANHINGA

ZIGZAG HERONRUFESCENT TIGER-HERON

COCOI HERON

GREAT EGRET


http://fieldguides.com/bird-tours/ecuador-rainforest-andes

Already one of the easiest of the antpittas to see, the TawnyAntpitta has gotten even easier with the recently initiated

feedings at Yanacocha. (Photo by guide JayVanderGaast)

(Egretta thula) – Also along the Napo, though less numerous than the Great Egret. (Bubulcus ibis ibis) – Seen only on the west slope this trip, around Mindo and Silanche.

(Butorides striata) – A few sightings from the eastern lowlands.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) – Not often seen at Sacha, so we were lucky to get a look at a pair (fairly

distant) perched in a lakeside Cecropia one afternoon.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Coragyps atratus) – Numerous on both slopes.

(Cathartes aura) – Mainly on the westslope, though there were a few seen in the eastern lowlands aswell.

(Cathartesmelambrotus) – Mostly replaces the TV in the easternlowlands and we saw good numbers around Sacha, includingsome good scope views of perched birds.

(Sarcoramphus papa) – A distant pair fromthe metal tower and another single over Orquidea as wereturned from the wooden tower.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Elanoides forficatus) – These

elegant raptors were seen daily in the lower parts of the westslope.

(Rostrhamus sociabilis) – A family group was adaily fixture around the cocha at Sacha.

(Helicolestes hamatus) – A fewsightings of this short-tailed kite at Sacha, where they areusually more common than the similar (and closely related)Snail Kite.

(Harpagus bidentatus) – As usual,we had good views of this small kite from the metal tower atSacha.

(Ictinia plumbea) – Daily in the easternlowlands, but our best sighting was at Silanche, where Joannefound a close bird hawking for insects along the roadside.

(Geranoaetusmelanoleucus) – Pretty good looks at one of these chunky,short-tailed raptors flying over a rocky ridge on the way up tothe Papallacta Pass.

(Accipiter striatus ventralis) – Poor views of one that perched brieflyalong the entrance road at Septimo Paraiso after it dashed in, scattering the understory flock we were watching, andputting an end to our attempt to see a Uniform Antshrike that was calling nearby.

(Leucopternis schistaceus) – Good scope views of a perched pair from Sacha's metal towers. (Leucopternis albicollis) – A very distant bird was seen soaring over the forest from the metal tower.

(Buteo magnirostris) – Common on both slopes, with our best views coming at Septimo Paraisowhere we had one perched right on the lodge's sign next to the road.

(Buteo leucorrhous) – A flyby bird at Guango eluded almost everyone, but those that wentfor the afternoon walk in the forest at San Isidro were rewarded with awesome views of one of these birds when it flewin and landed on an open perch not too high overhead.

(Buteo polyosoma) – With the crappy, foggy conditions we had up at Papallacta, raptors were almostimpossible to find, so I guess we were lucky to have even one of these. The one we did see was a juvenile perched on afencepost on the way up the pass.

(Spizaetus ornatus) – The first one from the metal tower was so far away that no one wanted

SNOWY EGRETCATTLE EGRET (IBIS)STRIATED HERON

GREEN IBIS

BLACK VULTURETURKEY VULTURE

GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE

KING VULTURE

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE

SNAIL KITE

SLENDER-BILLED KITE

DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE

PLUMBEOUS KITE

BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED)

SLATE-COLORED HAWKWHITE HAWKROADSIDE HAWK

WHITE-RUMPED HAWK

VARIABLE HAWK

ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE


Green with envy? A Crimson-rumped Toucanet impatientlywatches a horde of mountain-tanagers devouring bananas atAngel Paz's feeders. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast)

to count it despite the scope view! But we got lucky on our canoe ride along the Anaconda stream when we spotted aperched bird much closer, and we all got superb looks at that one. This was Gordon's choice as the bird of the trip.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Micrastur semitorquatus semitorquatus) – Paz de Las Aves and Sacha. [*]

(Daptrius ater) – Seen in small numbers along the Napo River. (Ibycter americanus) – A very

distant bird from the metal tower at Sacha. [*] (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)

– A few distant birds on our way up the Papallacta Pass. (Milvago chimachima) –

Quite common along the Napo. (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – Great

scope views of one of these striking large falcons while webirded the Napo river island.

(Falco sparverius) – A few along theNono-Mindo road our first day, and a couple in the Tumbacoregion of the central valley. The birds here belong to theresident race aequatorialis.

(Falco rufigularis) – A pair were seen from thewooden tower at Sacha.

(Falco peregrinus) – Our lone recordwas of one flying over the Napo River.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Laterallus melanophaius) – Sacha.

[*] (Laterallus

albigularis albigularis) – Despite some bad timing with passingcars and trucks, we managed to lure one of these birds acrossthe road a couple of times for some nice views near Silanche.

(Laterallus exilis) – Napo Riverisland.

(Aramides cajanea) – Rienk spotted a pair on an exposed bank along the Napo and wegot some super views of them as they walked along in the open. [*]

(Anurolimnas castaneiceps) – Fantastic response from a pair of these normally shy andelusive crakes on the south bank of the Napo.

(Anurolimnas fasciatus) – Sacha. [*]

Aramidae (Limpkin) (Aramus guarauna) – Seen a couple of times around the cocha at Sacha.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Vanellus cayanus) – We saw small numbers of this strikingly patterned bird along the Napo.

(Vanellus chilensis) – Our one sighting was a good one, as a lone bird flew right alongside theboat for a bit before veering off, on our way back upriver to Coca.

(Charadrius collaris) – Steve and Cynthia found a pair on the river island we birded near Sacha.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Actitis macularius) – Just a handful along the Napo. [b]

(Tringa melanoleuca) – A couple of birds along the Napo. [b] (Calidris minutilla) – A small flock on the Napo river island. [b]

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Sternula superciliaris) – Just one of these small terns was seen along the Napo.

COLLARED FOREST-FALCONBLACK CARACARARED-THROATED CARACARA

CARUNCULATED CARACARA

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA

LAUGHING FALCON

AMERICAN KESTREL

BAT FALCON

PEREGRINE FALCON

RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE

WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (CARIBBEAN)

GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE

GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL

CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE

BLACK-BANDED CRAKE

LIMPKIN

PIED LAPWINGSOUTHERN LAPWING

COLLARED PLOVER

SPOTTED SANDPIPERGREATER YELLOWLEGSLEAST SANDPIPER

YELLOW-BILLED TERN


Anaconda! April Fool's or not? Turns out it was not anApril Fool's joke, but the real thing! (Photo by guide Jay

VanderGaast)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) – Mainly in Quito. [I]

(Patagioenas cayennensis) – Common along the shore of the cocha and along the Napo. (Patagioenas speciosa) – A single one of these lovely pigeons showed well along Loreto Road.

(Patagioenasfasciata albilinea) – Seen in good numbers almost daily on thewest slope.

(Patagioenas plumbea) – Heard on bothslopes, but we saw just one, from Sacha's wooden tower.

(Patagioenas subvinacea) – We saw bothEcuadorian subspecies of this bird: berlepschi on the westslope at Milpe and Silanche, and ogilviegranti on the east slopeat Bermejo and Sacha.

(Patagioenas goodsoni) – Silanche. [*] (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) – Common in

and around Quito. (Leptotila verreauxi

decolor) – Seen in ones or twos on each of our first three dayson the west slope.

(Leptotila rufaxilla) – Sacha. [*] (Geotrygon saphirina) – The rain

came, and the parakeets didn't at the interior clay lick. But itwasn't a total loss, as we did get some nice scope views (fromunder the shelter no less) of one of these lovely doves on anearby nest. [N]

(Geotrygon frenata bourcieri) – After flushing one from the Huacamayos Ridgetrail, we somehow managed to find it sitting on a low, partly hidden perch. It was a bit difficult to get the scope on it,but we all ended up with reasonable looks once we did.

(Geotrygon montana) – While waiting in the rain at the parakeet clay lick, a few folks got a briefglimpse of one walking across the opening in front of the shelter. Others of us saw only the heads of all the people fromother groups that jumped up in front of us.

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) – Three races occur in Ecuador; this form is confined to

the western lowlands and is the only one we saw this trip. We had a fast flying flock of 5 birds whiz through thecanopy a couple of times as we birded from the tower at Silanche.

(Aratinga leucophthalma) – Several sightings of large flocks in the eastern lowlands,though none of them were brilliant.

(Aratinga weddellii) – Seen on a couple of days in the eastern lowlands. Our best viewscame at the riverside clay lick, where a good number braved the crowds of larger parrots to get their share of toxin-neutralizing clay.

(Ara severus) – Excellent scope views of several members of a flock of 9 birds thatwere feeding in the tree tops across the stream from the Anangu visitor center.

(Ara ararauna) – A dozen birds seen in the distance from the metal tower. (Orthopsittaca manilata) – A group of half a dozen that flew by the wooden tower didn't give

us all that great of views. (Forpus modestus) – A perched pair of these rather scarce little parrots was a great find

from the metal tower at Sacha. Thanks are due to the guide who was on the other tower, as he found them and alertedus.

(Brotogeris cyanoptera) – Numerous in the eastern lowlands, though they sadly didn'tcome into the clay lick on our visit.

(Pionites melanocephalus) – A pair of these beautiful little parrots was well seen from themetal tower.

ROCK PIGEONPALE-VENTED PIGEONSCALED PIGEONBAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED)

PLUMBEOUS PIGEON

RUDDY PIGEON

DUSKY PIGEONEARED DOVE

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR)

GRAY-FRONTED DOVESAPPHIRE QUAIL-DOVE

WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE

RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE

MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET

WHITE-EYED PARAKEET

DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET

CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAWRED-BELLIED MACAW

DUSKY-BILLED PARROTLET

COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET

BLACK-HEADED PARROT


(Pionus menstruus) – Fair numbers among the more numerous Amazona parrots at theriverside clay lick.

(Pionus sordidus corallinus) – A few perched birds at Tony and Barbara's place near Tandayapagave good views. We also had some flybys at San Isidro.

(Pionus chalcopterus) – A few decent flyby looks at this species from the Silanche tower. (Amazona amazonica) – Pretty common and seen quite well in the eastern lowlands,

though these birds don't visit the clay licks like the other Amazona parrots of the region. (Amazona mercenaria) – This is the only Amazona parrot that occurs at higher elevations,

which is the only reason we could identify these high-flying birds along the Huacamayos Ridge. (Amazona farinosa) – The most numerous species at the riverside clay lick.

(Amazona ochrocephala) – Smaller and brighter green than the Mealy Parrot. Quitegood numbers were alongside that species at the clay lick.

Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin) (Opisthocomus hoazin) – One of the weirdos of the bird world. We saw these clumsy-looking birds daily at

Sacha.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Piaya cayana) – Seen in the lowlands of both slopes, with two different subspecies occurring.

The west slope form, nigricrissa, has yellow bare skin around the eye and quite a lot of black in the belly; the easternrace, mesura, has red orbital skin and reduced black below.

(Coccyzus erythropthalmus) – One of our last birds from the Silanche tower was thismigrant species; a real surprise to see, as it is quite rare in Ecuador, and was a South American tick for me! [b]

(Crotophaga major) – Pretty common around the cocha and along the Napo. (Crotophaga ani) – Numerous in the eastern lowlands, with a few seen in the west as well.

Strigidae (Owls) (Megascops choliba) – Sacha. [*]

(Megascops colombianus) – We nailed this one, (well, 3 of them actually) and I almostgot nailed by one, on our first evening at Septimo Paraiso.

(Megascops watsonii) – Nice views of a responsive bird in the evening along theboardwalk at Sacha.

(Lophostrix cristata) – None of the regular day roosts at Sacha were occupied during our stay, so wehad to get this owl the old-fashioned way, by calling one in at night. It worked well, too, as we had great response,followed by awesome views of one on a fairly low perch near the metal towers.

(Bubo virginianus) – As we drove out of Yanacocha on a dull gray afternoon, one of theselarge owls flushed up from near the road then perched on a fence beside the bus for some excellent studies. One of threeowl species seen on our first day!

(Glaucidium jardinii) – This was the first of the three owls on our first day, and one of our firstbirds of the trip. Rienk spotted this little guy sitting up on a dead snag near the beginning of the trail at Yanacocha, andwe enjoyed leisurely scope views of it, even getting super looks at the large eye spots on the back of its head!

(Glaucidium brasilianum) – A couple of responsive birds showed well along the mainboardwalk at Sacha.

(Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – Erik and I found one the first night at San Isidro, as we headedback to the cabin after taking pictures of the Rufous-banded Owl we'd found earlier. Not everyone saw it, but we didfind it again the next night for those that still wanted it. As yet, the identity of these owls is still unknown, and it may bean undescribed species. [*]

(Ciccaba albitarsis) – After dinner our first night at San Isidro, we heard a pair of these owlscalling from out along the driveway, and in no time we'd located one sitting motionless near one of the lights. Itremained in place for a long time too, long enough for Erik to go back and get his camera to take some pictures!

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Lurocalis semitorquatus nattereri) – A single bird flew over the

cocha early one morning as we canoed across. (Lurocalis rufiventris) – Rienk saw one at dusk one evening at San Isidro.

BLUE-HEADED PARROT

RED-BILLED PARROT

BRONZE-WINGED PARROTORANGE-WINGED PARROT

SCALY-NAPED PARROT

MEALY PARROTYELLOW-CROWNED PARROT

HOATZIN

SQUIRREL CUCKOO

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO

GREATER ANISMOOTH-BILLED ANI

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWLCOLOMBIAN SCREECH-OWL

TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL

CRESTED OWL

GREAT HORNED OWL

ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL

"BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE

RUFOUS-BANDED OWL

SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (NATTERERI)

RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK


(Nyctidromus albicollis) – Gord found this bird, a female, perched on the roof of the barbecueshelter at Sacha.

(Hydropsalis climacocerca) – Nice views of a male roosting on bamboo stalks justabove the water along the Napo River.

(Uropsalis lyra lyra) – After missing it on the west slope, as well as our stakeout spot nearSan Isidro, we decided to make one last try for this bird at a spot our driver suggested. A darned good suggestion, too,as we had good scope views of a perched male, and better looks as it flew over, long tail streaming behind! This wasErik's star bird of the trip.

Nyctibiidae (Potoos) (Nyctibius grandis) – Sacha. [*]

(Nyctibius griseus) – A bird on a nest right near the lodge at Septimo Paraiso, where it had also beentwo weeks earlier. We also saw one at Sacha. [N]

(Nyctibius maculosus) – A scarce bird that is usually hard to find, though you wouldn't know it fromour experience. We went out just after dark at San Isidro, and within a few minutes we were enjoying incredible looksat one along the roadside, only the second time I've seen this species!

Apodidae (Swifts) (Cypseloides cryptus) – Quite a few were flying over along the Loreto Road, but the looks

weren't great, and they were identified by voice rather than any visual characteristics. (Streptoprocne zonaris) – The common large swift, seen in big numbers at several sites.

(Chaetura brachyura) – A few were seen at Sacha; the only Chaetura swifts we saw this tour. (Tachornis squamata) – Numerous over the cocha at Sacha.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Florisuga mellivora) – Common at the feeders at Septimo Paraiso, with a few birds also

in the eastern lowlands around Sacha. (Glaucis hirsutus) – Pretty good views for some along the Orquidea Stream at Sacha. (Threnetes ruckeri) – Craig spotted a perched bird along the trail at Silanche, though it

didn't stick around long enough for me to get anyone else on it. (Phaethornis yaruqui) – One or two at the feeders at Septimo Paraiso.

(Phaethornis malaris) – We found only one on a regularly used lek along the Providenciatrail on the south bank of the Napo.

(Colibri delphinae) – Fair numbers of these aggressive hummers at the Septimo Paraiso feeders. (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus) – Just a couple of sightings at Tony and Barbara's

feeders in the Tandayapa valley. (Colibri coruscans coruscans) – Quite a few were seen in the central valley as we headed up

toward the Papallacta Pass. (Heliothryx barroti) – One put in a brief appearance in the canopy next to the Silanche

tower. (Heliangelus exortis) – The most numerous hummingbird at the feeders at Guango.

(Discosura langsdorffi) – A rare species in Ecuador, so the female we found perchedin the canopy above the visitor center at the start of the Anangu trail was a good find.

(Discosura conversii) – Numerous at the Milpe feeders, with a male at Silanche as well. (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Seen on both slopes but most numerous at the feeders at San

Isidro. (Aglaiocercus kingi) – This stunner was a fairly common visitor to the feeders at both Guango

and San Isidro. Craig picked this hummer as his top bird for the trip. (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) – One of a handful of hummingbirds endemic to the Choco

region of NW Ecuador and SW Colombia. We saw these beauties regularly at feeders on the west slope. (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – The nest at the Papallacta Pass ranger station had been

vacated, but we stopped at a large patch of the orange Chuquiragua insignis flowers that are these hummers primaryfood source, and we soon had up to 4 males chasing each other across the hillside.

(Lesbia victoriae victoriae) – Wonderful views of this spectacular hummer during a

COMMON PAURAQUE

LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR

LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR

GREAT POTOOCOMMON POTOO

ANDEAN POTOO

WHITE-CHINNED SWIFT

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFTSHORT-TAILED SWIFTFORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN

RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMITBAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT

WHITE-WHISKERED HERMITGREAT-BILLED HERMIT

BROWN VIOLETEARGREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN)

SPARKLING VIOLETEAR

PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY

TOURMALINE SUNANGELBLACK-BELLIED THORNTAIL

GREEN THORNTAILSPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD

LONG-TAILED SYLPH

VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH

ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR

BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER


stop on the way up to the Papallacta Pass. Unidentified trainbearers along the road to Yanacocha might have beenGreen-tailed, but we never had good enough views.

(Chalcostigma herrani) – A fantastic find at Yanacocha! The male we hadperched next to the trail, showing off his rainbow beard to full effect for long minutes was super, and it was easily thebest look I've ever had at this scarce species.

(Metallura tyrianthina) – Vary common at the feeders at Yanacocha, with a few also at Guango. (Eriocnemis luciani luciani) – Fairly common at the

Yanacocha feeders. (Eriocnemis mosquera) – Nice looks at a couple at the Yanacocha feeders, though

they were quite flighty and a little tricky to get on at first. Not to mention they were outnumbered by the similarSapphire-vented Pufflegs.

(Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis) – An unsatisfying glimpse at Yanacocha was improved uponwhen we found at least three birds in a shrubby ravine on our way up the Papallacta Pass.

(Coeligena coeligena obscura) – A rather dull large hummer that we saw only at the San Isidro feeders. (Coeligena wilsoni) – Another Choco specialty, this bird was an uncommon visitor to feeders at several

sites on the west slope. (Coeligena torquata) – We saw both of the Ecuadorian subspecies of this classy bird. At Tony and

Barbara's feeders we had the race fulgidigula, while at Guango and San Isidro the nominate race was a regular visitor. (Coeligena lutetiae) – The most numerous and aggressive large hummer at the

Yanacocha feeders. (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) – A single bird put in a couple of appearances at the

Yanacocha feeders, and a couple were seen at the feeders at Guango. (Ensifera ensifera) – This is one incredible bird; the long beak is specially adapted

to feed on the trumpet flowers that grow in the high Andes. This makes them a little awkward at the feeders, but as wesaw at Yanacocha, they do manage!

(Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus) – At least one male and two females of this second-largest hummer were seen at Yanacocha's feeders.

(Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) – This east-slope subspecies seems less common thanthe western one, and we saw only a couple at Guango.

(Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) – One was at the feeders at Sacha Tamia, with plentymore at both Angel Paz's and Tony and Barbara's house.

(Boissonneaua matthewsii) – Common on the east slope, with lots at the Guangoand San Isidro feeders.

(Boissonneaua jardini) – This stunning Choco specialty is one of my favoritehummingbirds, and they used to be so tough to find that they became even more special in my mind. Now they're quiteeasy to see at several feeder sites on the west slope, but they are still spectacular!

(Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus) – This white-booted west-slope form was numerousat feeders on the west slope.

(Urochroa bougueri leucura) – Pretty good looks at a couple of birds at flowering trees atthe Cocodrillos Ranger Station, then another two the following day along Loreto Road.

(Urosticte benjamini) – This elegant little hummer was quite numerous at several feedersites, particularly right on the grounds of our lodge- Septimo Paraiso.

(Heliodoxa rubinoides) – A regular visitor to the feeders in the subtropical zones onboth slopes.

(Heliodoxa jacula) – A few birds at the feeders at Septimo Paraiso. (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – Like the Velvet-purple Coronet, this great hummer is also a Choco

endemic, and it also used to be pretty tough to find. Now it can be seen at several feeders sites; we saw it best at AngelPaz's, where several were present, but also had single males at Septimo and Sacha Tamia.

(Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – Normally a species of lower elevations, a female of thisspecies was a great find at the feeders at San Isidro, where it is a pretty rare visitor.

(Patagona gigas peruviana) – What this one lacks in color, it sure makes up in size; it is oneimpressive hummingbird! Our lone sighting was at the feeder in the back yard of Mitch and Carmen's place inTumbaco.

RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL

TYRIAN METALTAILSAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED)

GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG

SHINING SUNBEAM

BRONZY INCABROWN INCA

COLLARED INCA

BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET

MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST

SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD

GREAT SAPPHIREWING

BUFF-TAILED CORONET

BUFF-TAILED CORONET

CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET

VELVET-PURPLE CORONET

BOOTED RACKET-TAIL

WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR

PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP

FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT

GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANTEMPRESS BRILLIANT

VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT

GIANT HUMMINGBIRD


(Chaetocercus mulsant) – Surprisingly none on the west slope (must be the time ofyear), and our only ones were a male and two females at the Guango feeders. A distant male woodstar at Mitch andCarmen's was probably this species as well.

(Chaetocercus heliodor) – I think only Rienk saw a male of this scarce hummer at San Isidrofeeders one afternoon.

(Calliphlox mitchellii) – Quite common at the feeders on the west slope, wherethey are usually outnumbered by White-bellied Woodstars.

(Thalurania fannyi verticeps) – Seen at a few west slopefeeder sites, but most common at the Milpe Reserve.

(Amazilia franciae viridiceps) – Quite numerous at several of the west slope feeder sites. (Amazilia amabilis) – Several of these drab hummers were at the flowers along the

driveway into the Silanche Reserve. (Amazilia rosenbergi) – Beautiful looks at a brilliant male of this Choco

specialty below the tower at Silanche. (Amazilia tzacatl) – Common at flowers and feeders on the west slope. (Damophila julie) – Rienk found our only one, a gorgeous little male, along the

Silanche road, when we stopped to try to find a jacamar that had flown across in front of the bus.

Trogonidae (Trogons) (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) – Our driver, Jaime, spotted our first one, a very

cooperative male perched along the driveway at Septimo. A couple of days later, those of us that walked to the Yellow-breasted Antpitta site saw another three males calling and chasing each other around. This was Joanne's pick as bird ofthe trip.

(Pharomachrus antisianus) – A male was calling above the road on the east slope of theHuacamayos, and after a little playback, it blasted in and perched below the road, where we had super views of itbefore it headed back up.

(Trogon comptus) – Silanche. [*] (Trogon melanurus) – We had good views of our only one, a male from the metal tower at

Sacha. (Trogon chionurus) – Nice views of a pair from the tower at Silanche. (Trogon viridis) – Formerly lumped with White-tailed Trogon. We saw a male from the

metal tower at Sacha, then a female the next day on the Anangu trail. (Trogon ramonianus) – Formerly treated as conspecific with Violaceous Trogon, but now split

as a good species. Our lone sighting was of a female at Sacha. (Trogon collaris virginalis) – A male at Silanche was only seen by a few.

(Trogon personatus) – In the subtropics on both slopes, though best seen at San Isidro where a tamepair hangs out near the lights most days.

Momotidae (Motmots) (Momotus momota) – Sacha. [*]

(Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) – This species has had a checkered taxonomic history,alternately treated as a subspecies of Blue-crowned Motmot or as a good species, Highland Motmot. Blue-crowned hasnow been split into 5 species (including the Amazonian Motmot above) and this is the montane one here. We found anesting pair along the roadside near San Isidro. [N]

(Baryphthengus martii) – Nice views of our only one at Silanche. (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) – Erik did a nice job of

spotting this bird along the driveway at Septimo Paraiso.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Megaceryle torquata) – Our first was quite high along the Bermejo side road near San Isidro.

Later we saw them several times around the cocha at Sacha. (Chloroceryle inda) – A couple of sightings of this kingfisher, which likes quiet

backwater areas. We saw it best along the Orquidea stream. (Chloroceryle aenea) – Super views of a male perched low over the water along

WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR

GORGETED WOODSTAR

PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR

GREEN-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (GREEN-CROWNED)

ANDEAN EMERALDBLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD

PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDVIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD

GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL

CRESTED QUETZAL

BLUE-TAILED TROGONBLACK-TAILED TROGON

WHITE-TAILED TROGONGREEN-BACKED TROGON

AMAZONIAN TROGON

COLLARED TROGON (COLLARED)MASKED TROGON

AMAZONIAN MOTMOTANDEAN MOTMOT

RUFOUS MOTMOTBROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED)

RINGED KINGFISHER

GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER


Orquidea.

Bucconidae (Puffbirds) (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – One on each side of the Andes both from towers

(Silanche and Sacha), and good views of both. (Notharchus tectus) – Nice scope views of one from Sacha's wooden tower.

(Bucco capensis) – Often heard, but tough to find. As we looked for Wire-tailed Manakins at alek near Sacha Lodge, Oscar spotted one of these perched low to the ground. A few folks got on it, but it then flew off along distance giving us no chance to follow it, and find it again.

(Malacoptila panamensis) – Good views of a female in the canopy at Silanche. (Nonnula brunnea) – Super views of one for the guys that did the long walk on the Providencia trail.

(Monasa nigrifrons) – Fairly common in riparian forest along the Napo. (Monasa morphoeus) – Replaces the Black-fronted Nunbird in terra firme forest. We

saw a couple of birds along the Providencia trail. (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) – Cynthia found us our first good one, from the wooden

tower at Sacha. We saw a few more along the Napo on the way back to Coca the next day.

Galbulidae (Jacamars) (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) – A trio of these fancy jacamars welcomed us to the eastern

lowlands; we found them along the Napo, shortly after we arrived at the Sacha dock for the first time. (Galbula ruficauda) – Silanche. [*] (Galbula tombacea) – Several good sightings in varzea forest at Sacha. Even so, that

white chin is pretty hard to see! (Galbula pastazae) – Excellent looks at a pair of these local, foothill jacamars along

the Loreto Road. (Galbula chalcothorax) – It was tough to spot up in the canopy, but at least Erik and I had an

excellent scope view of one along the Providencia trail.

Capitonidae (New World Barbets) (Capito aurovirens) – Our only one was a female at the finca, shortly after we got off

the Napo at Sacha for the first time. (Capito squamatus) – Wonderful views of at least 4 of these good-looking Choco

specialties at Silanche. (Capito auratus) – Quite common and easily seen from the towers at Sacha.

(Eubucco bourcierii) – Super close views at Silanche, where we found a nest hole right by theparking area, and watched a male poke his head out as we stood not far away. [N]

Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets) (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) – This is one gaudy bird, and another Choco specialty! We

had fabulous views of a pair at the banana feeders at Angel Paz's place.

Ramphastidae (Toucans) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – Some nice views of this small toucan on the

east slope around San Isidro. This form was once treated as a separate species, along with 5 other forms of EmeraldToucanet, though they've all been lumped together again recently.

(Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus) – The west slope equivalent of theEmerald Toucanet. We had several in the Tandayapa region, where we saw them best at Angel Paz's feeders.

(Andigena laminirostris) – Wonderful looks at a trio of these gorgeousmontane toucans along the old Nono-Mindo road as we headed down from Yanacocha.

(Andigena nigrirostris spilorhynchus) – Huacamayos. [*] (Pteroglossus inscriptus) – A couple of birds at the Napo end of the Anden boardwalk on our

first afternoon at Sacha. Also seen on the day we went across to Providencia. (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius) – Formerly treated as a full species

endemic to the Choco region, this aracari is now lumped with the Collared Aracari, which ranges up in to CentralAmerica. Quite common at Silanche, where we saw them well.

WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD

PIED PUFFBIRDCOLLARED PUFFBIRD

WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRDBROWN NUNLETBLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRDWHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD

SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD

WHITE-EARED JACAMAR

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMARWHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR

COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR

PURPLISH JACAMAR

SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET

ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET

GILDED BARBETRED-HEADED BARBET

TOUCAN BARBET

EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN)

CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET

PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN

BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCANLETTERED ARACARI

COLLARED ARACARI (STRIPE-BILLED)


(Pteroglossus castanotis) – Seen a couple of times on the south bank of the Rio Napo. (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) – Generally the most numerous aracari around the Sacha area,

and we had them on a couple of days there. (Pteroglossus azara) – The friendly resident group of these birds showed very well at the

metal tower at Sacha. (Selenidera reinwardtii) – That view of the displaying male along the Loreto Road

was memorable; he looked like a wind-up toy, a he jerkily moved his head up and town in time with his calls. (Ramphastos swainsonii) – Good looks at a pair in a dead tree late in the

afternoon at Milpe. (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) – The common large toucan at Sacha, where we saw and

heard them daily. (Ramphastos brevis) – A quartet of these smallish toucans, which are otherwise virtually identical to

the larger Chestnut-mandibled Toucans with which they are sympatric, showed nicely at Silanche. (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) – Smaller and less common at Sacha then the very

similar White-throated Toucan. Our only sighting was of a single bird from the metal tower.

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Melanerpes cruentatus) – Few this trip, though we had nice views of 5 birds

along the Napo on the day we went to the parrot licks. (Melanerpes pucherani) – A couple of these attractive woodpeckers showed

nicely at Silanche. (Picoides fumigatus) – A couple of these small woodpeckers were seen on each

slope; at Septimo on the west slope and along the Loreto Road in the east. (Veniliornis dignus) – Three of these woodpeckers gave us excellent views as

they interacted in some tall trees along the road, on our way back from the Yellow-breasted Antpitta site at AngelPaz's.

(Veniliornis nigriceps) – A female with a mixed flock at Guango was a good find. (Colaptes rubiginosus) – Driver Jaime spotted our only one, a lovely male, from the

tower at Silanche. (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris) – Simply a stunning bird. We had them on

several days in a row, first in the Tandayapa valley, then again a couple of times at San Isidro. In the same genus as ourflickers, which are pretty handsome woodpeckers too.

(Colaptes punctigula) – Another flicker, this species is a riparian forest specialist,and we saw our only one in this type of forest along the Napo River.

(Celeus loricatus) – A gorgeous female showed off nicely at the Silanche tower. (Celeus grammicus) – One bird along the Providencia Trail gave us pretty good

views. (Celeus elegans) – Awesome close looks of one of these large woodpeckers during the

canoe trip along Anaconda. (Celeus flavus) – One of those incredible birds that everyone always wants to

see, and we were fortunate this trip, as we had a wonderful encounter with a male at the start of the Anangu trail. Easilythe bird of the trip, with Cynthia, Donna, and Steve all choosing it as their favorite overall.

(Dryocopus lineatus lineatus) – Good views of a male in the eastern lowlands. The tworaces of this species here occur on different sides of the Andes.

(Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) – Silanche. [*] (Campephilus melanoleucos) – Almost daily sightings in the eastern lowlands.

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) (Sclerurus mexicanus) – Super scope views of one of these terrestrial birds along

the Liana Chica trail at Sacha, and another a few days later on the same trail. (Sclerurus rufigularis) – Very similar to the preceding species, but with a noticeably

shorter bill and a very different song. We had great looks at this one, at about the same time and place as our secondTawny-throated Leaftosser, along Liana Chica.

CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARIMANY-BANDED ARACARI

IVORY-BILLED ARACARI

GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET

CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED TOUCAN

WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN

CHOCO TOUCAN

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN

YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER

BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER

SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER

YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER

BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKERGOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER

CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER

SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER

CINNAMON WOODPECKERSCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER

CHESTNUT WOODPECKER

CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER

LINEATED WOODPECKER

LINEATED WOODPECKERCRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER

TAWNY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER

SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER


(Cinclodes excelsior excelsior) – Tough to find in the poor weather at the PapallactaPass, though we did see one around the antennas.

(Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) – Formerly Bar-winged Cinclodes, whichhas now been split into several species. We had a few on our way up to the Papallacta Pass.

(Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – Nice looks at one unusually perchedatop a tall tree (normally on the ground) at Sacha Tamia.

(Synallaxis azarae media) – Heard often on both slopes, and we got some great looks at a couplearound the lights at San Isidro.

(Synallaxis albigularis rodolphei) – Napo River island. [*] (Synallaxis rutilans) – A real surprise was finding this scarce and shy species along the trail to the

interior clay lick; even more surprising was that we all got to see it, and it even perched on the railing along the trail atone point! Only the second time I've seen this species.

(Synallaxis unirufa) – Huacamayos. [*] (Synallaxis brachyura nigrofumosa) – A single bird was tough to see at Septimo, though I think we

all managed some kind of view in the end. (Synallaxis propinqua) – Napo River island. [*]

(Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops) – A nesting pair near the parking area at Septimo gave usnumerous good views as they foraged around the clearing. [N]

(Asthenes fuliginosa) – One sneaky and not overly interested bird was seen brieflyby some on our way up the Papallacta Pass.

(Margarornis squamiger perlatus) – Easily one of the most attractive of the Furnariids, thesebeautifully marked birds were regular members of mixed flocks in the San Isidro area, and were also seen up atYanacocha.

(Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Not super cooperative, but we did get a couple ofviews of birds with mixed flocks along the Huacamayos Ridge trail.

(Berlepschia rikeri) – Sacha. [*] (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) – These

birds were seen in a couple of mixed flocks at Septimo and Milpe. I prefer the old name- Spectacled Foliage-gleaner,the spectacles being a more prominent feature than the scaly throat.

(Syndactyla subalaris) – A single bird at Milpe was our only sighting. (Philydor rufum) – Relatively colorful and easy to see for a foliage-gleaner;

we had some nice views at Septimo and Milpe. (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – A pair along Loreto Road stayed well inside the

vegetation, but a few folks got good views when they briefly hopped into a little opening. (Thripadectes virgaticeps) – A single bird around the lights at Septimo.

(Xenops minutus) – A lone bird at Milpe. (Dendrocincla tyrannina) – Excellent scope views of this rather retiring woodcreeper

along the road near San Isidro. (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Common and widespread. We saw these small

woodcreepers on both slopes, including a super close bird along Loreto Road. (Nasica longirostris) – One of the most striking of the woodcreepers thanks to that

incredible lone bill. We had great looks as we canoed down Orquidea. (Dendrexetastes rufigula) – Sacha. [*]

(Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchuspromeropirhynchus) – Excellent looks at a pair of these behemoths near the hummingbird feeders at Sacha Tamia.

(Dendrocolaptes certhia) – Sacha. [*] (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) – Sacha. [*]

(Xiphorhynchus spixii) – Heard regularly at Sacha, and we finally caught up with one on ourlast full day there, though there's little memorable about this species.

(Xiphorhynchus guttatus) – A few sightings of this generic woodcreeper atSacha.

(Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – Nothing generic about this woodcreeper; it is a

STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES

CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES

PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC)

AZARA'S SPINETAIL

DARK-BREASTED SPINETAILRUDDY SPINETAIL

RUFOUS SPINETAILSLATY SPINETAIL

WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAILRED-FACED SPINETAIL

WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL

PEARLED TREERUNNER

STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK

POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPERSCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED)

LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANERBUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER

BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER

STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTERPLAIN XENOPSTYRANNINE WOODCREEPER

WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER

LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER

CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPERSTRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN)

AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPERSTRIPED WOODCREEPERSPIX'S WOODCREEPER

BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER

BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER


well-marked and beautiful species. We had great looks at a couple at Silanche. (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis) – Quite common in mixed

flocks around Septimo and Milpe. (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis) – The east-slope equivalent of the

Spotted Woodcreeper; we saw a single one around the lights at San Isidro. (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii esmeraldae) – A lone bird was seen at Silanche.

(Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) – Common in the subtropics on both slopes,especially so at San Isidro where we saw them daily.

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) (Cymbilaimus lineatus) – Pretty decent views of a male high overhead along the Providencia

trail. (Frederickena unduligera) – Sacha. [*]

(Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus tenuifasciatus) – Good views of a stripey male along Loreto Road. (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – Silanche. [*]

(Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) – Found only in dense second-growth on river islands. Wehad a hard time with this one, though most folks wound up with some kind of view of a male.

(Thamnophilus unicolor) – Septimo. If it wasn't for the Sharp-shinned Hawk, I think we wouldhave seen this one! [*]

(Thamnomanes ardesiacus) – A lone male with an understory flock along theProvidencia trail.

(Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – Good views of a pair below the tower atSilanche.

(Epinecrophylla ornata) – A lovely little male was a bit tough to see along the Liana Chica trail atSacha.

(Myrmotherula brachyura) – Sacha. [*] (Myrmotherula hauxwelli) – Sacha. [*]

(Myrmotherula axillaris) – Sacha and Silanche. (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor) – Septimo [*]

(Microrhopias quixensis) – Good close views of these endearing little birds from the towerat Silanche.

(Drymophila caudata caudata) – We only saw one of these beauties, a male, at San Isidro,but we did have a nice look at it.

(Terenura callinota) – The rufous rump can be a bit tough to discern, but we had niceviews of a pair of these warbler-like antwrens in a mixed canopy flock at Milpe.

(Cercomacra cinerascens) – Sacha. [*] (Cercomacra tyrannina) – Poor views of a pair along the road at Silanche. (Cercomacra serva) – Loreto Road. [*]

(Myrmoborus myotherinus) – Fine views of a male near the start of the Providencia trail. (Hypocnemis peruviana) – A pair of these attractive antbirds showed quite nicely

along the Liana Chica trail. (Myrmeciza exsul maculifer) – Silanche. [*]

(Myrmeciza melanoceps) – Overall antbirds were tough at Sacha this trip, and eventhis usually common species was quiet. I think only Joanne and Cynthia got on our only one, a male, along theOrquidea stream.

(Myrmeciza hyperythra) – We also had our only one of these, also a male, along Orquidea, thedifference being that I believe everyone saw this one.

(Myrmeciza immaculata macrorhyncha) – Good looks at a tail-pumping male by the parkinglot at Septimo Paraiso.

(Gymnopithys leucaspis) – A small army ant swarm at Silanche didn't yield much bird-wise,though we did get get looks at one of these thanks to Steve's sharp eyes.

(Hylophylax punctulatus) – Sacha. [*]

SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S)

OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER

STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPERMONTANE WOODCREEPER

FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE

UNDULATED ANTSHRIKELINED ANTSHRIKEWESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKECASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE

UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE

DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE

CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN

ORNATE ANTWREN

PYGMY ANTWRENPLAIN-THROATED ANTWRENWHITE-FLANKED ANTWRENSLATY ANTWRENDOT-WINGED ANTWREN

LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD

RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN

GRAY ANTBIRDDUSKY ANTBIRDBLACK ANTBIRDBLACK-FACED ANTBIRDPERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD

CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRDWHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD

PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD

IMMACULATE ANTBIRD

BICOLORED ANTBIRD

DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD


(Willisornis poecilinotus) – Excellent looks at a male along the Providencia trail. (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) – Sacha. [*]

Formicariidae (Antthrushes) (Formicarius colma) – One of the best birds along Providencia was this gorgeous

antthrush which offered up beautiful views as it sang nearby. (Formicarius analis) – Sacha. [*]

(Formicarius nigricapillus) – Silanche. [*] (Formicarius rufipectus carrikeri) – Septimo Paraiso. [*]

(Chamaeza nobilis) – Can be a tough bird to see, but we persisted and wound up with superbviews of a couple as they walked across the trail ahead of us, below the wooden tower at Sacha.

(Chamaeza mollissima) – Huacamayos. [*]

Grallariidae (Antpittas) (Grallaria alleni) – It's a bit of a bizarre experience walking through beautiful subtropical

rainforest while grown men call out "Susanita, venga!" in falsetto voices while throwing clumps of dirt into theunderbrush. Bizarre, but effective. Prior to Angel Paz, even hours of playback wouldn't have netted us the amazingviews we had of this retiring antpitta!

(Grallaria haplonota) – Loreto Road. [*] (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla) – We lured one in close at Tony and Barbara's

place, but it was fast and sneaky, and not everyone got a good look. (Grallaria flavotincta) – As with the Moustached Antpitta, this species was poorly

known and exceptionally difficult to see before Angel Paz habituated them. There was a bit of a hike involved to get tothese birds, but well worth it as again we had superb views of one.

(Grallaria hypoleuca) – Another species we used to struggle to see well, but it's a breezenow at San Isidro, where a bird showed up like clockwork for the daily 7:30 AM feeding. It even posed on a picturesquelog long enough for Erik to get some great pics!

(Grallaria rufula rufula) – The first of an incredible 8 species of antpittas seen on this tour. We hadreally nice looks at a couple of these near the hummingbird feeders at Yanacocha.

(Grallaria quitensis quitensis) – I had only just heard that the rangers had begun feeding these birdsbehind the station at Yanacocha, so when I asked if they could do it for us, I was pleased that they agreed. The rangertook us up to the cleared viewing area, and in no time at all we had a pair feasting on worms at point blank range. Thiswas always one of the easiest of antpittas to see, but it's now even easier!

(Myrmothera campanisona) – This has long been a nemesis of mine; I've heard it a lot, andeven glimpsed it a few times, but I'd never had what I'd call a countable view. So when one started calling near thepicnic shelter along the Providencia trail, I eased into the brush to see if I could track it down. Surprisingly, I found iteasily, and hurriedly got Erik into position to see it too. Rienk, who was ill and had fallen into a deep sleep on thebench, awoke just a little too late.

(Grallaricula flavirostris) – Little "Shakira" quivered into view on a narrow trail atAngel Paz's and gave a fine performance for all.

(Grallaricula nana nana) – Huacamayos Ridge. [*]

Conopophagidae (Gnateaters) (Conopophaga peruviana) – Good looks at a male along Providencia, though it led us

on a bit of a chase first.

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos) (Liosceles thoracicus) – Another Providencia trail species; we had pretty decent looks at

this one under a large tree fall. (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus) – One of these skulkers began calling nearby along the

Huacamayos Ridge trail, so we knew we were in with a chance. We first saw it in a very difficult spot- above us insome thick vegetation, but after a while, it moved into a tree fall clearing. There it gave us great looks when it poppedout on top of a mat of fallen branches and walked across, just a couple of yards away! Always a spectacular bird to see!

(Scytalopus latrans latrans) – Yanacocha and San Isidro. [*] (Scytalopus micropterus) – Quick looks at one at San Isidro, though it was identified more

SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRDBLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE

RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSHBLACK-HEADED ANTTHRUSHRUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSHSTRIATED ANTTHRUSH

BARRED ANTTHRUSH

MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA

PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTACHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA

YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA

WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA

RUFOUS ANTPITTA

TAWNY ANTPITTA

THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA

OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA

SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED)

ASH-THROATED GNATEATER

RUSTY-BELTED TAPACULO

OCELLATED TAPACULO

BLACKISH TAPACULOLONG-TAILED TAPACULO


by voice than appearance. (Scytalopus vicinior) – Septimo Paraiso. [*]

(Scytalopus spillmanni) – A very cooperative and responsive bird showed well for thisusually tough species along the trail at Tony and Barbara's.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – Nice looks at a close one in the canopy right next to

the tower at Silanche. (Ornithion inerme) – Like the other Ornithion above, we also had nice looks at this

one next to a tower, though this one was next to Sacha's metal tower. (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – Small numbers were seen in the subtropics on both

slopes, pretty much always with mixed flocks. (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus) – This tyrannulet always seems to have

very crisp looking plumage. We saw a single bird up at Yanacocha, then a small group with a mixed flock at Guango. (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatis) – Usually quite common in high

elevation forest, though we saw only one this trip, at Yanacocha. (Anairetes parulus aequatorialis) – A pair of these cute, perky flycatchers, gave us a hard time

on the way up to the Papallacta Pass, but I think we all had good views in the end. (Capsiempis flaveola) – A single bird beside the parking lot at Septimo Paraiso was a bit of a

surprise there. (Tyrannulus elatus) – We saw one on each side of the Andes: one at Silanche,

and one at Sacha, though we heard them regularly at the latter site. (Elaenia albiceps) – A single bird was seen in scrub on the way up to Papallacta Pass,

another in the San Isidro are the next day. (Elaenia pallatangae) – One of these very yellow elaenias was at Septimo Paraiso.

(Mionectes olivaceus) – Our lone sighting was of a single bird at Silanche. (Leptopogon superciliaris) – Single birds were seen both at Silanche and along

Loreto Road. (Leptopogon rufipectus) – Those that opted for an afternoon walk on the trails

at San Isidro got great eye level views of a cooperative bird on the fringes of a feeding flock. (Phyllomyias griseiceps) – A pair of these guys were around the parking area at

Silanche. (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – San Isidro. [*]

(Phyllomyias uropygialis) – Quick looks for some of one with a mixed flock atYanacocha.

(Zimmerius albigularis) – Until recently treated as a race of Golden-faced Tyrannulet, but nowtreated as a full species restricted to the west slope. We saw a couple at Silanche.

(Zimmerius gracilipes) – One was seen from Sacha's wooden tower. (Zimmerius chrysops) – Loreto Road. [*]

(Myiotriccus ornatus) – A couple of these lovely little birds were seen nicely along theentrance road at Septimo.

(Pseudotriccus pelzelni) – We heard several along the trails at San Isidro, but theywere pretty elusive, and only Craig got a decent view of one.

(Stigmatura napensis) – The river island specialties were pretty tricky this trip, but wedid manage to get looks at one of these pretty and active little flycatchers.

(Myiornis atricapillus) – Poor views of one of these tiny things at Silanche. (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Pretty common on the west slope, and we saw several

around Septimo and Silanche. (Lophotriccus vitiosus) – Sacha. [*]

(Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – Even folks that aren't turned on byflycatchers have to admit these are charming and attractive birds. We had great looks at a pair at San Isidro.

(Todirostrum cinereum sclateri) – A single bird at Silanche.

NARINO TAPACULOSPILLMANN'S TAPACULO

BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET

WHITE-LORED TYRANNULET

WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET

WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET

WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET

TUFTED TIT-TYRANT

YELLOW TYRANNULET

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET

WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA

SIERRAN ELAENIAOLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHERSLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER

RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER

SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET

ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULETTAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET

CHOCO TYRANNULET

SLENDER-FOOTED TYRANNULETGOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULETORNATE FLYCATCHER

BRONZE-OLIVE PYGMY-TYRANT

LESSER WAGTAIL-TYRANT

BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANTSCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT

DOUBLE-BANDED PYGMY-TYRANTRUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER


(Todirostrum nigriceps) – Good views of one in the canopy at Silanche. (Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum) – Sacha's wooden tower remains one of

the most reliable places to get good views of these little charmers. Thank goodness for canopy towers! (Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus) – Joanne saw

one of these (the rest of us heard them) at Silanche. (Tolmomyias assimilis obscuriceps) – One was seen from the

metal tower at Sacha. Based on the very different vocalizations as well as plumage differences, this and the above birdare not the same species. Watch for some splits in the future.

(Tolmomyias flaviventris viridiceps) – Pretty drab andboring to look at, and you'd be forgiven for forgetting that you saw this species at the visitor center at the start of theAnangu trail, especially considering we saw birds like Cream-colored Woodpecker, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, andThrushlike Wren at the same place. Is it coming back to you now?

(Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus) – Daily views of these handsome birds in thesubtropics on the east slope.

(Hirundinea ferruginea) – A couple of birds in the fog at their usual spot along Loreto Road. (Nephelomyias pulcher) – One bird with a mixed flock at San Isidro.

(Myiobius villosus) – An uncommon species that was a bit of a surprise atMilpe, where we had nice looks at one with a mixed flock.

(Myiophobus flavicans flavicans) – Nice looks at a pair along the roadside on our firstmorning at San Isidro.

(Lathrotriccus euleri) – Another real looker... not! This Empid-like flycatcher was seen brieflyduring the canoe ride along Orquidea.

(Contopus cooperi) – This boreal breeder flys all the way down to Ecuador to catchtropical insects through the winter. Smart bird! We saw 3 different individuals on the east slope, including one on theexact same perch where we'd found it 2 weeks earlier. [b]

(Contopus fumigatus) – Generally common in the subtropics on both slopes. (Contopus sordidulus) – Loreto Road. [b*]

(Contopus virens) – Tends to winter at lower elevations than the Western. We saw thesebirds at Silanche and Sacha. [b]

(Empidonax virescens) – A single bird at Septimo Paraiso was almost certainly the same onewe'd found on the first trip. [b]

(Empidonax traillii) – One on a winter territory on the Napo River island we visited. Wefound this bird here back in January, when it was singing; otherwise it'd be tough to rule out the almost identical AlderFly. [b]

(Sayornis nigricans angustirostris) – Seen regularly on both slopes, beginningwith a pair tending a nest with young along the old Nono-Mindo road on the first day. [N]

(Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) – Seen a couple of times in the drycentral valley around Quito. More surprisingly, we saw a male at the airport in Coca, where they are pretty rarelyrecorded. Presumably this was an austral migrant of the nominate race rather than the resident piurae, though the fewprevious records in eastern Ecuador all appear to have been in July-August. Hmmmm.

(Ochthornis littoralis) – Drab is such an unfair name, and there are certainly species moredeserving of it (I'm talking to you Euler's Flycatcher!) than this cute little bird. We saw several along the Napo.

(Myiotheretes fumigatus) – Our first day sighting along the trail at Yanacocha proved to beour only one too, though this species does occur ob both slopes.

(Fluvicola nengeta) – It can be tough to find even one of these attractive birds on the daytrip to Silanche, this trip we counted no fewer than eight! Maybe it was all that rain in the afternoon that brought themout.

(Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis) – Cynthia was looking for a little privacy atYanacocha, and found our only one of these birds in the process. Nice going, Cynthia, and thanks for putting yourneeds on hold long enough for the rest of us to get a look at the bird!

(Ochthoeca diadema gratiosa) – Huacamayos. [*] (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) – It's

amazing what a couple of well-placed white spots and a bit of maroon on the belly do for the appearance of a

BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHERYELLOW-BROWED TODY-FLYCATCHER

YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-MARGINED)

YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (ZIMMER'S)

YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (OLIVE-FACED)

CINNAMON FLYCATCHER

CLIFF FLYCATCHERHANDSOME FLYCATCHERTAWNY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER

FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER

EULER'S FLYCATCHER

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER

SMOKE-COLORED PEWEEWESTERN WOOD-PEWEEEASTERN WOOD-PEWEE

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER

WILLOW FLYCATCHER

BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED)

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (VERMILION)

DRAB WATER TYRANT

SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT

MASKED WATER-TYRANT

CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED)

YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANTSLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (SLATY-BACKED)


predominately dark gray bird. We had a gorgeous pair of these birds near the waterfall on the east slope of theHuacamayos Ridge.

(Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata) – Great looks at a pair with a small mixedflock at Guango.

(Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons) – A couple of birds up near tree line in thePapallacta Pass.

(Ramphotrigon ruficauda) – This varzea forest specialist gave us some good viewsduring the canoe ride along Orquidea.

(Attila cinnamomeus) – Sacha. [*] (Attila citriniventris) – Sacha. [*] (Attila spadiceus) – Sacha. [*]

(Myiarchus tuberculifer) – We saw two of the three races that occur in the country: apair of western race nigriceps at Silanche, and a lone nominate race bird at Sacha.

(Myiarchus ferox) – A couple of birds around the cocha at Sacha. (Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes) – Pretty easy to see at San Isidro, where a couple of

birds regularly hang out at the lights. [N] (Pitangus sulphuratus) – Pretty common in the eastern lowlands.

(Megarynchus pitangua) – Nominate pitangua was fairly common in the easternlowlands, and we saw the nearly endemic race chrysogaster in the west at Silanche.

(Myiozetetes cayanensis hellmayri) – A few birds at Silanche. (Myiozetetes similis) – Small numbers in the eastern lowlands (nominate form) and at

Silanche (race grandis). (Myiozetetes granadensis) – Just a couple in the lowlands on each side of the Andes,

and again there were two races involved: occidentalis in the west, and obscurior in the east. (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor) – Though they superficially like

kiskadees, these birds are a lot more closely related to Sulphur-bellied and Streaked Flycatchers. We saw a few aroundSeptimo and in the Tandayapa valley.

(Myiodynastes luteiventris) – Singles on two days at Sacha. [b] (Legatus leucophaius) – One at Silanche, and small numbers at Sacha.

(Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus) – I was surprised to see these australmigrants back at Sacha already, especially since there were still quite a few boreal migrants around as well. [a]

(Tyrannopsis sulphurea) – One was seen briefly from the metal tower at Sacha. (Tyrannus albogularis) – A rare austral visitor, this species was a nice surprise on the

Napo River island and was only the second I've ever seen. Despite being quite similar to the abundant TropicalKingbird, this bird really stood out and was quite easy to pick out from the TKs. [a]

(Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus) – Abundant pretty much everywhere. (Tyrannus tyrannus) – Lots in the eastern lowlands, where they were evidently gathering for the

return to the north. [b] (Tyrannus savana) – Quite a few in the eastern lowlands, where they were generally

hanging our with Eastern Kingbirds. [a]

Cotingidae (Cotingas) (Pipreola riefferii) – The Huacamayos Ridge trail is a reliable site for these birds,

and we found a couple there. Even got pretty decent views despite the rather horrible light conditions there. (Pipreola arcuata arcuata) – Yanacocha. [*]

(Pipreola jucunda) – This birds looks pretty enough in the book, but in real life,it's a stunner! We had super looks at a couple of males during the walk back from the Yellow-breasted Antpitta site atAngel Paz's.

(Ampelioides tschudii) – A pair of these elusive fruiteaters were seen perched high in thecanopy in the early morning at Angel Paz's. Thankfully someone managed to get a scope on them on that crowded,narrow trail.

(Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Craig spotted the first of three of these high-elevation cotingason our way up to the Papallacta Pass.

RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT

BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT

RUFOUS-TAILED FLATBILL

CINNAMON ATTILACITRON-BELLIED ATTILABRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILADUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER

SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERPALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER

GREAT KISKADEEBOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHERSOCIAL FLYCATCHER

GRAY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER

GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER

SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERPIRATIC FLYCATCHERCROWNED SLATY FLYCATCHER

SULPHURY FLYCATCHERWHITE-THROATED KINGBIRD

TROPICAL KINGBIRDEASTERN KINGBIRD

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER

GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER

BARRED FRUITEATERORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER

SCALED FRUITEATER

RED-CRESTED COTINGA


(Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – The birds at the lek on Angel Paz's propertyput on a stellar performance, displaying and squealing in full sight of the bird blind. A great way to start off a day'sbirding, don't you think?

(Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – The eastern race, heard at the Cocodrillosranger station [*]

(Snowornis cryptolophus) – A trio of these scarce birds gave us a nice show on the trails at AngelPaz's. These birds belong to the western race mindoensis, named for the nearby town of Mindo.

(Querula purpurata) – The usual quartet of fruitcrows were fixtures aroundSacha's wooden tower. Also heard in the east at Silanche.

(Cephalopterus ornatus) – Our first was a distant male along the Napo that wasn't allthat satisfying. But the next morning, Craig spotted a close male perched low along the Shipati stream. Though it didn'tstick around too long, we got some nice views of it before it left.

(Cotinga maynana) – Our native guide, Willmer, found us our only one of these, abrilliant male from the wooden tower.

(Cotinga cayana) – Less numerous than it often is at Sacha, but still we saw two from the metaltower and a lone male from the wooden one.

(Lipaugus vociferans) – It may be lacking in the looks department, but that song is incredible, and itis always fun to watch the effort these birds put into their calls. Top marks for enthusiasm!

(Carpodectes hopkei) – Shortly after we arrived at the Silanche tower, a large, whitish birdflew in and landed in an almost obscured tree. We managed to find one little window through which we could see it,and were blown away to see it was a female of this rare species! Even better, a few minutes later, an ethereal malepopped in right next to the tower for some awesome views! Only the second time I've ever seen this species!

(Gymnoderus foetidus) – A few, mostly distant birds from the towers at Sacha.

Pipridae (Manakins) (Masius chrysopterus) – We had some fine views of at least 5 different birds, including

a couple of handsome males, along the Septimo entrance road and at Milpe. (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – One of the star birds at Milpe; we had great studies of a

cooperative male showing off at his display perch. (Manacus manacus) – We heard lots of snapping while up in the Silanche tower, and

then tracked down one of the culprits below the tower around lunch time. (Heterocercus aurantiivertex) – Along the Orquidea stream at Sacha is still the only

place I've ever seen this species. We had two showing well there this trip. (Pipra pipra) – A female along the Providencia trail was the only record.

(Piprites chloris) – Played a bit hard to get, but I think we all eventually saw this little guyfrom Sacha's metal tower.

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) (Tityra cayana) – Quite common in the eastern lowlands, where we saw them almost daily.

(Tityra semifasciata) – All our sightings were on the west slope, at Silanche, though this species alsooccurs in the eastern foothills.

(Pachyramphus viridis) – Loreto Road. [*] (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor) – A couple of sightings at San Isidro, where a pair is often

around the lights. (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus) – Fairly common around Septimo and Silanche.

(Pachyramphus polychopterus) – Two races, with very different male plumages, occur inEcuador, and we saw one male of each. At Septimo we saw the grayer dorsalis race, while at Sacha, we saw a veryblack male of the tenebrosus race.

(Pachyramphus marginatus) – Good looks at a male of this canopy dweller from the metaltower at Sacha.

Vireonidae (Vireos) (Vireo leucophrys) – Small numbers in the subtropics on both slopes.

(Vireo olivaceus) – A few sightings in the eastern lowlands.

ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK

ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK

OLIVACEOUS PIHA

PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW

AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD

PLUM-THROATED COTINGA

SPANGLED COTINGA

SCREAMING PIHA

BLACK-TIPPED COTINGA

BARE-NECKED FRUITCROW

GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN

CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN

WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN

ORANGE-CROWNED MANAKIN

WHITE-CROWNED MANAKINWING-BARRED PIPRITES

BLACK-TAILED TITYRAMASKED TITYRA

GREEN-BACKED BECARDBARRED BECARD

CINNAMON BECARDWHITE-WINGED BECARD

BLACK-CAPPED BECARD

BROWN-CAPPED VIREORED-EYED VIREO


(Vireo flavoviridis) – Several birds from Sacha's wooden tower. (Hylophilus decurtatus minor) – Fairly common at Silanche and Milpe.

(Vireolanius leucotis) – Silanche. [*] (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – Seen well a couple of times around San Isidro.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Cyanolyca turcosa) – We got Joanne's main target bird out of the way early when we found a

cooperative quartet on the first morning at Yanacocha. We saw more of them in the Tandayapa valley and at Guango afew days later.

(Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – These birds are quite different from the ones that occur from Texassouth through Mexico and northern Central America, not to mention there's a huge gap between the northern birds andthese Andean birds. Chances are they're not the same species at all. The ones at San Isidro are bold and easy to see,hanging around the lights for most of the day.

(Cyanocorax violaceus) – The only jay in the eastern lowlands, and they're numerous there. We sawthem every day at Sacha.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – Pretty common in the mountains, except at the highest

elevations where they're replaced by the next species. (Orochelidon murina murina) – Small numbers high in the mountains at Yanacocha

and Papallacta. (Atticora tibialis minima) – Our only ones were a pair that Joanne found along the

road to Silanche. (Atticora fasciata) – Hordes of these sleek beauties were a common sight in the eastern

lowlands. (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A few birds on the west slope, seen

especially well at Angel Paz's, and a single one seen in the east. (Progne chalybea) – Usually common in the eastern lowlands, but the only ones we saw

were the regular pair that hangs out at the metal tower. (Progne tapera) – At least three birds were seen along the Napo on our final day as we

headed back towards Coca. (Tachycineta albiventer) – Along with White-banded, the most numerous swallow in

Amazonia. (Hirundo rustica) – Fair numbers were seen feeding above the river island in the Napo. Numbers had

grown from a couple weeks earlier, as the birds were gathering to start the migration back to the north. Interestingly,Bank Swallows, which were quite numerous on the earlier trip, seemed to have all cleared out already. [b]

Troglodytidae (Wrens) (Campylorhynchus turdinus) – A pair of these large wrens were at the Anangu visitor center,

where they were best seen as they worked over a large cluster of palm fruits, often disappearing inside the cluster for awhile before emerging from another part of the cluster.

(Cinnycerthia unirufa unirufa) – Sociable and confiding at Yanacocha, where we saw up to 10 birdsfeeding alongside the trail at close quarters. Also seen along the Huacamayos Ridge trail.

(Pheugopedius euophrys) – Tandayapa valley and San Isidro. [*] (Pheugopedius coraya) – A real skulker, though we managed quick views of a pair along the Anaconda

Stream. (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus) – Milpe and Septimo. [*]

(Troglodytes aedon albicans) – Several birds around Septimo. (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis) – A small and active wren, that, while not really a skulker, can

be hard to see well. But we did see them well a couple of times at Guango and San Isidro. (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) – Papallacta Pass. [*]

(Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys) – Both slopes in the subtropics. [*] (Microcerculus marginatus) – Silanche. [*]

(Cyphorhinus arada) – Truly a musician, and fortunately not one with stage fright! We had a

YELLOW-GREEN VIREOLESSER GREENLET (GRAY-HEADED)SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREOBLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE

TURQUOISE JAY

GREEN JAY (INCA)

VIOLACEOUS JAY

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW

BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW

WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW

WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN

BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN

WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW

BARN SWALLOW

THRUSH-LIKE WREN

RUFOUS WREN

PLAIN-TAILED WRENCORAYA WREN

BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN)HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN)MOUNTAIN WREN

SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP)GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WRENSCALY-BREASTED WRENMUSICIAN WREN


wonderful performance, both vocally and visually, from a bird along Sacha's Liana Chica trail.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) (Microbates cinereiventris) – These little guys never stay still for long, making them

extremely difficult to see well; still I think everyone managed to get their bins on them at least once; along the trails atSilanche.

(Ramphocaenus melanurus) – One in a vine tangle overhead along the Liana Chica trail. (Polioptila schistaceigula) – A lovely little gnatcatcher, and a Choco specialty.

We had some great views of 4 or more from the Silanche tower.

Cinclidae (Dippers) (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – Great spotting by Gord as he picked out this one from

the bus as we rode alongside a river on the old Nono-Mindo road. Good thing he found this one, as it was our onlydipper for the tour!

Donacobiidae (Donacobius) (Donacobius atricapilla) – These great birds have recently been moved into their own

monotypic family, a good move, as they're pretty unique. We saw the resident birds around the cocha at Sacha a coupleof times.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Myadestes ralloides) – We saw one on each slope, which means we saw one of each of the two

subspecies that occur here: plumbeiceps on the west slope. venezuelensis on the east. They don't really look anydifferent, but the songs of the two forms are radically different.

(Catharus ustulatus) – Single birds were seen on three different days, at Milpe, San Isidro, andthe Loreto Road. [b]

(Turdus leucops) – When these birds aren't singing, they are tough to find. Luckily they were upand singing around San Isidro, and we saw a few of them there.

(Turdus hauxwelli) – Always tough to see well, and we had rather fleeting views of a coupleat Sacha.

(Turdus obsoletus) – A single bird at Milpe was only seen by a few of us. (Turdus maculirostris) – Our lone one of these drab thrushes was at Septimo Paraiso. (Turdus lawrencii) – Sacha. [*]

(Turdus ignobilis) – Oddly missed at Sacha this trip, and the only ones we saw were upbetween Baeza and Cosanga, at a higher elevation than I've ever seen them before.

(Turdus fulviventris) – An attractive, very robin-like thrush; we saw a single birdnear the Cocodrillos ranger station.

(Turdus fuscater quindio) – Common in the highlands, including in Quito. (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus) – Fair numbers at San Isidro, where they were pretty

vocal as well. (Turdus albicollis) – Sacha. [*]

Parulidae (New World Warblers) (Parula pitiayumi) – Fairly common on both slopes, though we heard them more often than we saw

them. (Dendroica fusca) – The most numerous boreal migrant warbler we saw; especially

common at San Isidro, where there were plenty around the lights. [b] (Dendroica striata) – A male in breeding plumage from the metal tower at Sacha. [b]

(Mniotilta varia) – San Isidro. [*] (Parkesia noveboracensis) – Brief views of one on the river island in the Napo.

Generally a rare species in Ecuador. [b] (Wilsonia canadensis) – Small numbers were around the lights at San Isidro. [b]

(Myioborus miniatus) – Common and seen regularly on both slopes. (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus) – Mostly occurs above the preceding species.

We saw these lovely birds several times in the high Andes, beginning at Yanacocha.

TAWNY-FACED GNATWREN

LONG-BILLED GNATWRENSLATE-THROATED GNATCATCHER

WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER

BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS

ANDEAN SOLITAIRE

SWAINSON'S THRUSH

PALE-EYED THRUSH

HAUXWELL'S THRUSH

PALE-VENTED THRUSHECUADORIAN THRUSHLAWRENCE'S THRUSHBLACK-BILLED THRUSH

CHESTNUT-BELLIED THRUSH

GREAT THRUSHGLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH

WHITE-NECKED THRUSH

TROPICAL PARULA

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER

BLACKPOLL WARBLERBLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERNORTHERN WATERTHRUSH

CANADA WARBLERSLATE-THROATED REDSTARTSPECTACLED REDSTART


(Basileuterus chrysogaster chlorophrys) – Nice views of several of theseChoco endemics with mixed understory flocks at Milpe.

(Basileuterus nigrocristatus) – A couple of sightings at San Isidro, including nice viewsof a pair in a big mixed flock along the roadside (the Plushcap flock).

(Basileuterus coronatus) – Another San Isidro warbler; we had several niceencounters with these pretty birds there.

(Basileuterus tristriatus) – We saw the west slope race daedalus at Septimo, and themuch yellower east slope race Baezae at San Isidro.

Coerebidae (Bananaquit) (Coereba flaveola) – Seen on both slopes, at Silanche and Milpe in the west, along Loreto Road in the

east.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Cissopis leverianus) – These aptly named tanagers were seen regularly in riparian areas in the

eastern lowlands. (Creurgops verticalis) – Pretty good views, despite being a bit distant, at the

Cocodrillos ranger station. (Hemispingus atropileus) – Excellent views of a trio with a good mixed flock at

Guango. (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons) – Seen briefly at

Yanacocha. (Hemispingus melanotis melanotis) – Seen regularly with mixed

flocks at San Isidro. (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri) – A couple of these were found in roadside scrub en route to

the Papallacta Pass. (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor) – This very attractive little conebill was seen quite

nicely at Yanacocha. (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum) – We first saw a pair of these tail-wagging birds with a

mixed flock at Guango, then saw lone males each of the next two days at San Isidro. (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – A unique bird, and one that's easy to miss in its preferred habitat of dense

bamboo stands. We had outstanding close views of one with a marge mixed flock along the road near San Isidro; one ofmy best views ever! This was Rienk's favorite bird of the trip.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus phaeocephalus) – Numerous and

noisy, especially late in the day, around San Isidro. (Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus) – Just a few of these nondescript birds were seen on

the west slope. (Chlorospingus flavigularis) – A couple of small groups were at Septimo

Paraiso.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Hemithraupis guira) – The male is a sharp-looking little tanager. We saw him a couple of times, at

Milpe and Silanche. (Mitrospingus cassinii) – These gave us a hard time, and we had to settle for so-so views

along the road into Silanche. (Eucometis penicillata) – Singles in varzea forest on two days at Sacha.

(Tachyphonus cristatus) – A lone bird in the canopy next to the metal tower showedpretty well.

(Tachyphonus luctuosus) – A lone male at Milpe, then a bunch of them aroundthe tower at Silanche.

(Tachyphonus rufus) – A couple of these open-country tanagers were seen in the Mindoregion, and then again along the Loreto Road.

(Ramphocelus nigrogularis) – Native guide Wilmer spotted this beauty for us from

GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO)

BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER

RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER

THREE-STRIPED WARBLER

BANANAQUIT

MAGPIE TANAGER

RUFOUS-CRESTED TANAGER

BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS

SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED)

BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED)

CINEREOUS CONEBILL

BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL

CAPPED CONEBILL

PLUSHCAP

COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (NORTHERN ANDES)

DUSKY BUSH-TANAGER

YELLOW-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER

GUIRA TANAGER

DUSKY-FACED TANAGER

GRAY-HEADED TANAGERFLAME-CRESTED TANAGER

WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER

WHITE-LINED TANAGER

MASKED CRIMSON TANAGER


the wooden tower at Sacha. (Ramphocelus carbo) – Small numbers in the eastern lowlands.

(Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – Numerous in openareas at lower elevations on the west slope.

(Thraupis episcopus quaesita) – This form was common on the west slope. (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – And this form, with the distinctive white shoulders, was very

common at lower elevations in the east. (Thraupis palmarum) – Numerous in the lowlands and foothills on both slopes.

(Thraupis cyanocephala) – A couple of birds were with a small mixed flock at Angel Paz's,though most of us saw only one.

(Thraupis bonariensis darwinii) – A lone bird at Tumbaco, during our stop for GiantHummingbird.

(Buthraupis montana cucullata) – At least half a dozen of these chunky beauties atYanacocha, then a couple more along the Huacamayos ridge trail.

(Buthraupis eximia) – A trio of these rare birds were seen ratherfleetingly at Yanacocha.

(Anisognathus lacrymosus palpebrosus) – Not very satisfying views of acouple with a mixed flock on the Huacamayos ridge trail.

(Anisognathus igniventris erythronotus) – Loads of these gorgeousbirds at Yanacocha, where they seem to be part of every flock encountered.

(Anisognathus somptuosus) – Very common in the subtropics on bothslopes.

(Anisognathus notabilis) – Another rather scarce mountain-tanager. Thisone was seen wonderfully close at Angel Paz's feeders, where they gave us a good comparison with the similar Blue-winged MTs.

(Chlorornis riefferii riefferii) – Distinctive both in plumage and call, this chunky tanagerwas seen well along the old Nono-Mindo road, then again on the Huacamayos ridge trail.

(Iridosornis rufivertex) – All too brief views of this striking tanager our firstmorning at Yanacocha.

(Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis) – Small numbers around San Isidro. (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – Only Craig and Rienk picked up this east slope specialty at

the Cocodrillos ranger station. (Tangara palmeri) – Three of these dapper birds were seen a few times from the tower

at Silanche. (Tangara mexicana) – They're not turquoise, and they're not from Mexico, but they are

beautiful. We saw them from the wooden tower at Sacha. (Tangara chilensis) – Always wonderful to see, and we had some great views from the towers at

Sacha. (Tangara schrankii) – Also seen from Sacha's towers, though just a single bird from

each one. (Tangara arthus) – One of the most numerous tanagers in the cloud forests of the west slope. One

bird had a nest containing a lone egg at the entrance to Milpe. [N] (Tangara icterocephala) – A few birds on the west slope.

(Tangara xanthocephala venusta) – Fairly common on the east slope at San Isidro. (Tangara parzudakii) – These stunning birds were seen well on both slopes; race lunigera

on the west slope and the nominate form in the east. (Tangara punctata) – A few of these were seen along Loreto Road.

(Tangara rufigula) – A lovely Choco endemic, which we saw quite well at Milpe. (Tangara gyrola) – A few were seen from the tower at Silanche.

(Tangara lavinia) – Excellent looks at a couple of these uncommon tanagers atSilanche.

(Tangara ruficervix) – Small numbers on both slopes.

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGERFLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED)

BLUE-GRAY TANAGERBLUE-GRAY TANAGER

PALM TANAGERBLUE-CAPPED TANAGER

BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER

HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER

BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER

LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER

SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER

BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER

BLACK-CHINNED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER

GRASS-GREEN TANAGER

GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER

FAWN-BREASTED TANAGERORANGE-EARED TANAGER

GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER

TURQUOISE TANAGER

PARADISE TANAGER

GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER

GOLDEN TANAGER

SILVER-THROATED TANAGERSAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGERFLAME-FACED TANAGER

SPOTTED TANAGERRUFOUS-THROATED TANAGERBAY-HEADED TANAGERRUFOUS-WINGED TANAGER

GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER


(Tangara cyanicollis) – Beautiful, and quite common on both slopes. (Tangara nigrocincta) – Nice views of a bunch from the towers at Sacha.

(Tangara nigroviridis) – Another gorgeous tanager that we saw commonly on bothslopes.

(Tangara vassorii vassorii) – This species occurs at higher elevations than any otherTangara. We saw them first at Yanacocha, then at Guango and along the Huacamayos ridge trail.

(Tangara heinei) – Though it occurs on both slopes like several other species of Tangara,this tanager never seems as numerous as many of the others. Still, we had some excellent looks at them on both slopes.

(Tangara velia) – Much less numerous than the similar Opal-crowned Tanager, but we didsee a small number, usually with that species, from the towers at Sacha.

(Tangara callophrys) – One of the more numerous tanagers in the canopy of the easternlowland forests.

(Dacnis lineata) – A few from the Sacha towers. (Dacnis flaviventer) – Small numbers from each of the towers at Sacha.

(Dacnis cayana) – A couple at Silanche, where the darker blue form baudoana is found, and several in theeastern lowlands, where the birds belong to the race glaucogularis.

(Chlorophanes spiza) – As with the Blue Dacnis, we saw saw these brilliant birds both atSilanche and Sacha.

(Cyanerpes caeruleus) – A pair at Milpe were seen only briefly, but no worries, as Cynthiafound us another pair from the metal tower at Sacha.

(Cyanerpes cyaneus) – A male from the metal tower at Sacha was a bit of asurprise, as this is a rare species in the eastern lowlands.

(Tersina viridis) – One pair of these very unique tanagers were seen near Milpe. (Saltator coerulescens) – Heard along Loreto Road, then seen well on the Napo river island.

(Saltator maximus) – Seen regularly at Mindo and Silanche. (Saltator atripennis) – Several of these beautiful saltators were well seen around

Septimo. (Saltator grossus) – Silanche. [*]

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Phrygilus unicolor) – A few birds were seen in flight in the Papallacta Pass.

(Volatinia jacarina) – A lone male along the road to Silanche. (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica) – Small numbers in the lower parts of the west slope.

(Sporophila nigricollis) – A lone male near Silanche, then several below the snackhut at Angel Paz's.

(Sporophila castaneiventris) – Quite common along Loreto Road and on the riverisland in the Napo.

(Oryzoborus funereus) – A lone singing male along the road into Silanche. (Catamenia inornata minor) – Small numbers on the road into Yanacocha, and a

single bird on the way up to the Papallacta Pass. (Tiaris olivaceus) – A few birds in the grassy area below the snack hut at Angel Paz's.

(Diglossa lafresnayii) – Numerous at Yanacocha, with good numbers visiting thehummingbird feeders there.

(Diglossa humeralis aterrima) – Prefers drier habitats than the similar Glossy. We saw thisone on the dry slopes of the central valley, en route to the Papallacta Pass.

(Diglossa albilatera albilatera) – Small numbers at several sites on both slopes. (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina) – I prefer the old name, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer.

We had a pair on the east slope of the Huacamayos ridge. (Diglossa caerulescens media) – Just a couple around San Isidro.

(Diglossa cyanea) – The most numerous flowerpiercer on both slopes. (Paroaria gularis) – Regular visitors to the area near the barbecue shelter at Sacha.

(Arremon brunneinucha frontalis) – Several folks

BLUE-NECKED TANAGERMASKED TANAGERBERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER

BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER

BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER

OPAL-RUMPED TANAGER

OPAL-CROWNED TANAGER

BLACK-FACED DACNISYELLOW-BELLIED DACNISBLUE DACNIS

GREEN HONEYCREEPER

PURPLE HONEYCREEPER

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER

SWALLOW TANAGERGRAYISH SALTATORBUFF-THROATED SALTATORBLACK-WINGED SALTATOR

SLATE-COLORED GROSBEAK

PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCHBLUE-BLACK GRASSQUITVARIABLE SEEDEATERYELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER

CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER

THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCHPLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER

YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUITGLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER

BLACK FLOWERPIERCER

WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCERDEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER

BLUISH FLOWERPIERCERMASKED FLOWERPIERCERRED-CAPPED CARDINALCHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED)


saw one pop into view just before the Moustached Antpitta put in her appearance at Angel Paz's. (Arremon torquatus) – Quick, but decent looks for several right on the grounds

around Guango Lodge. (Arremonops conirostris) – A pair along the roadside on our way out from Silanche. (Atlapetes pallidinucha) – A wonderful mixed flock at Guango gave us superb looks at a

bunch of good birds, including a lone one of these. (Atlapetes tricolor crassus) – Several of these were seen well on the grounds of

Septimo Paraiso. (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – This is the current name of what has also

been known as Rufous-naped/Cloud-forest Brush-finch. We had super views of several at Yanacocha. (Atlapetes schistaceus) – A pair of these were in the same mixed flock as the Pale-naped Brush-

finch at Guango. (Ammodramus aurifrons) – Common on the Napo river island we birded.

(Zonotrichia capensis) – Numerous throughout the highlands.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) (Piranga rubra) – A couple of birds at Milpe, and another along the side road to Bermejo. [b] (Piranga olivacea) – A lone male in the rain along Loreto Road, and a female from the wooden

tower at Sacha. [b] (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – Not so great views of a single of this dull tanager at

Milpe. (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster) – One of the first birds of the trip; we had

nice views of at least 4 birds on our way up to Yanacocha. (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – A female plumaged bird along the road to Bermejo was a

nice find, and a South American tick for me! [b]

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (Sturnella militaris) – A lone male along the runway at Coca was, as usual, one of the

final new birds of the trip. (Dives warszewiczi warszewiczi) – A couple of these noisy blackbirds were on the grounds of the

Sacha Tamia hotel, others along the road to Silanche. (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – A strikingly beautiful large blackbird; we saw a bunch on the

island in the Rio Napo. (Icterus mesomelas) – Great views of one at our final stop on the way out from Silanche.

(Icterus cayanensis chrysocephalus) – A couple of birds from the metal tower atSacha.

(Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus) – A handful on the eastslope of the Huacamayos ridge.

(Cacicus uropygialis) – This east-slope form was long treated as a separate species,Subtropical Cacique. They were quite common around San Isidro.

(Cacicus uropygialis microrhynchus) – Just a pair of thesefrom the tower at Silanche.

(Cacicus cela) – Quite numerous in the eastern lowlands. (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Abundant in the eastern lowlands, and also quite

common as high as San Isidro, where there was an active nest colony above the parking lot. [N] (Psarocolius decumanus) – The second most common oropendola in the eastern lowlands.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Euphonia laniirostris) – A few birds in the lowlands on both sides of the Andes.

(Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni) – A lone male at Mitch and Carmen's was the onlyone we saw this trip.

(Euphonia chrysopasta) – I think this is a poor name, as it could describe any numberof euphonias, and I prefer the more descriptive name, White-lored. We saw this species in the canopy at Sacha.

STRIPE-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH

BLACK-STRIPED SPARROWPALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH

TRICOLORED BRUSH-FINCH

YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH

SLATY BRUSH-FINCH

YELLOW-BROWED SPARROWRUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW

SUMMER TANAGERSCARLET TANAGER

OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER

GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD

SCRUB BLACKBIRD

ORIOLE BLACKBIRD

YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLEEPAULET ORIOLE (MORICHE)

MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED)

SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE

SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SCARLET-RUMPED)

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUERUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA

CRESTED OROPENDOLA

THICK-BILLED EUPHONIAGOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA

GOLDEN-BELLIED EUPHONIA


(Euphonia xanthogaster) – Quite common on the west slope, with a couple ofsightings at Sacha as well.

(Euphonia rufiventris) – We saw two males of this lovely bird at Sacha, one fromeach tower.

(Chlorophonia flavirostris) – Pretty good views of this gorgeous Chocospecialty along the entrance road at Septimo.

(Spinus olivaceus) – A few birds along the Bermejo side road, and a few more on the LoretoRoad.

MAMMALS (Cebuella pygmaea) – We didn't have to go far for these little cuties; a couple of them were

feeding low on a tree trunk right outside the dining room at Sacha! (Saguinus nigricollis) – A troop of these cat-like monkeys were regular visitors to the

area around the cabins at Sacha. (Saguinus tripartitus) – A pair of these gorgeous animals were well seen at

Providencia. (Saimiri sciureus) – The most numerous monkey at Sacha, and we saw them in large

numbers most days. (Aotus trivirgatus) – A single, sleepy-looking monkey peered out of a regularly

used roosting hollow along the boardwalk. (Callicebus moloch) – Couldn't lure them in this time. [*]

(Alouatta seniculus) – Heard and seen daily, including some nice looks at mothers withyoung along the boardwalk.

(Cebus albifrons) – One or two with some Squirrel Monkeys along Anaconda. (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – At least 4 in the highlands at Yanacocha.

(Sciurus granatensis) – A few in the subtropics on both slopes. (Sciurus spadiceus) – The gorgeous, richly-colored squirrel seen at the start

of the Anangu trail. (Microsciurus flaviventer) – The tiny squirrel we saw at San Isidro.

(Dasyprocta fuliginosa) – A couple of these overgrown guinea pigs were seen regularly around thecabins at Sacha.

(Odocoileus virginianus) – A couple in the páramo in the Papallacta Pass.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 594 bird taxa and 14 mammal taxa

ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA

RUFOUS-BELLIED EUPHONIA

YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA

OLIVACEOUS SISKIN

PYGMY MARMOSET

BLACK-MANTLE TAMARIN

GOLDEN-MANTLE TAMARIN

COMMON SQUIRREL MONKEY

THREE-STRIPED NIGHT MONKEY

DUSKY TITI MONKEYRED HOWLER MONKEY

WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHINBRAZILIAN RABBITRED-TAILED SQUIRRELSOUTHERN AMAZON RED SQUIRREL

NEOTROPICAL DWARF SQUIRREL SP.BLACK AGOUTI

WHITE-TAILED DEER


Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes - Field Guides · 2011. 7. 13. · disappeared up the hill on the east...

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