Introduction:
I had visited Ecuador twice in the past and had become good friends with Juan Carlos Calvachi, a Quito based bird guide. I got together with Juan Carlos to put together an itinerary that would visit a good selection of East and West slope sites and give us the chance of seeing a Harpy Eagle as well as many other scarce and spectacular species. Juan Carlos made all the arrangements in Ecuador and provided his driver and minibus to transport us and in the end we came up with the following itinerary-
Itinerary:
7 April Flight from Heathrow to Quito via Madrid with Iberia. Overnight at Juan’s Lodge in Sangolqui
8 April Pifo, Papallacta Pass, I.M.A.A.P. road, Guango Lodge, Sendero Bermejo. Overnight San Isidro
9 April San Isidro Lodge and Guacamayos Ridge.Overnight San Isidro.
10 April Guacamayos Ridge and then drive to Gareno Lodge. Overnight Gareno Lodge.
11 April Gareno Lodge trails. Overnight Gareno Lodge.
12 April Morning around Gareno lodge then drive to Archidona. Overnight Orchid’s Paradise Lodge.
13 April Loreto Road, then drive to Sumaco Lodge. Overnight Sumaco Lodge.
14 April Early morning around Sumaco Lodge then drive to Coca to catch boat to Sacha Lodge.
Overnight at Sacha Lodge.
15 April Sacha Lodge
16 April Sacha Lodge
17 April Sacha Lodge.
18 April Early morning around Sacha then boat to Coca and flight to Quito. Calacali and then Septimo
Paraiso. Overnight Septimo Paraiso.
19 April Bellavista area. Overnight Septimo Paraiso.
20 April Mangaloma Reserve. Overnight Septimo Paraiso.
21 April Paz de Aves, Cueva de los Tayos, Calacali. Overnight Sangolqui.
22 April Antizana. Then drive to Quito for overnight flight home via Guayaquil and Madrid.
Daily account:
7 April
Everyone met at Heathrow at 4.30 a.m. ready for our 0620 flight to Madrid. We had plenty of time in Madrid for the changeover and eventually took-off about 30 minutes late. After a long and tedious flight broken only by Iberia’s marvellous in-flight entertainment and food (not really!!) we made a bumpy landing in Quito at 1700 local time. We soon met Juan Carlos and were driven to his guest house in Sangolqui where the electricity was off due to a storm. We settled in by candlelight and the power came on just as we were about to eat. After a great meal everyone retired to bed to be ready for the 5.00 a.m. breakfast the next day.
8 April
After an early breakfast we set off through the outskirts of Quito towards Papallacta. Our first stop was in Pifo where a photo stop for Cotopaxi volcano gave us Cinereous Conebill, Blue & Yellow Tanager, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Great Thrush, Golden-rumped Euphonia and our first Blue & White Swallows. We took the old road up to Papallacta Pass picking up Shining Sunbeam, Andean Gull, Tyrian Metaltail, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail and Brown-Backed Chat-Tyrant along here before climbing up to the radio antennae above the pass. Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Stout-Billed and Bar-Winged Cinclodes, Paramo Ground Tyrant, Carunculated Caracara and Variable Hawk were quickly found but Rufous-Bellied Seedsnipe was not in sight-only many of their droppings! We searched for a long time and were making our way back to the bus when Edgar, our driver, found two next to the track. Great views were had by one and all before we set off back to the main road. A brief stop gave great views of Tawny Antpitta for some. We made our way eastwards from the pass and stopped at a roadside polylepis patch where Black-Crested Warbler showed well before walking up Sendero Arriero in search of Giant Conebill and Black-Backed Bush Tanager neither of which co-operated. We did find a roosting Great Horned Owl though which gave superb views. Next it was on to Papallacta village and along the I.M.A.A.P. road. It was very quiet up here and the wardens told us that the mixed flock had gone down the valley an hour ago so we decided to cut our losses and press on. Back on the main road we pulled up at a boggy area and walked slowly through the vegetation and found two Noble Snipe. By now altitude sickness had overtaken Craig and Ian and they were not appreciating the scenery as much as the rest of us! Guango Lodge was our lunch stop where the hummingbird feeders were very busy. Three Grey-Breasted Mountain Toucans put on a show by the gate and a Mountain Avocetbill was the star of the feeders. Pressing on Eastwards we picked up two male Torrent Ducks with a roadside stop and then drove along Sendero Bermejo to see what we could find in the late afternoon. Andean Toucanet, Golden-Headed Quetzal, Sub-Tropical and Mountain Cacicques and Russet-backed Oropendolas were much in evidence. Our last stop of the day was the Guacamayos ridge at dusk.
Immediately on arriving we had great views of Swallow-Tailed Nightjar and Rufous-Bellied Nighthawk and further back along the road we had more Swallow-Tailed Nightjars and some had good views of a White-Throated Screech-Owl. We finally arrived at San Isidro Lodge after dark to be greeted by one of the mystery “San Isidro Owls” right next to the entrance track and to find that the electricity was off after a storm! The electricity supply was soon restored and everyone had a great meal before doing the bird log. Craig and Ian had now fully recovered from their altitude sickness.
9 April
Everyone was out at dawn birding the area surrounding the cabins. The star of the show was a Chestnut-Crowned Antpitta that wandered around giving good views to everyone as did Masked Trogon, Highland Motmot, Golden-Crowned Flycatcher, Black-Billed Peppershrike and Pale-Edged Flycatcher. One of the staff then tempted a White-Bellied Antpitta out of the undergrowth with an offering of earthworms. Our plans changed drastically after breakfast as Gordon had developed a swelling in his leg that suspiciously resembled DVT and it was decided to visit the hospital in Baeza to check this out. The rest of the group birded a side road outside Baeza picking up White-capped Parrot and a few other species. The news from the hospital was positive and everyone went into Baeza to view Olivaceous Siskin, Black-Billed Thrush and Southern Lapwing that had been found around the hospital. We now belatedly set off for the Guacamayos ridge where the trail was very quiet producing only Red-Billed Parrot, Grass-Green Tanager and Pearled Treerunner of note. A White-Tailed Hillstar was seen at the roadside and eventually we returned to San Isidro for lunch. The hummingbird feeders were very busy and we saw our only Bronzy Inca’s of the trip here. After lunch we walked along the main trail from the cabins and after a few unsuccessful attempts to tempt one of the singing Andean Solitaires in to the open we had superb views of a group of the fantastic White-Capped Tanager. Blackish Tapaculo, Crested and Golden-Headed Quetzal’s, Flame-faced Tanager and a pair of Crimson-Mantled Woodpeckers nest-building by the cabins were the highlights. Another visit to the Guacamayos Ridge in the evening produced great views of an adult and juvenile White-Throated Screech-Owl.
10 April
Early morning around San Isidro gave more views of the Chestnut-Crowned Antpitta before we returned to the Guacamayos Ridge Trail. Blue-Winged and Hooded Mountain Tanagers were seen as well as Montane Woodcreeper and Wedge-Billed Woodcreeper and then we met another group coming back up the trail who informed us that the heavy rain of the previous night had caused a land slip and that the trail had been completely blocked ahead. It seems we were fated here with this trail so we turned around and decided to drive slowly down the road looking for feeding flocks. A number of small flocks were found and good views were had of numerous Tanager species together with Deep-Blue Flowerpiercer, Bluish Flowerpiercer, Rufous-Breasted Flycatcher, Rufous Wren, Sharpe’s Wren , Strong-Billed Woodcreeper , Rose-Breasted Grosbeak and a still unidentified raptor that no-one could put a name to. A detour a short way up the Loreto Road proved fortuitous as in one small area we had two Coppery-Chested Jacamar’s, Gilded Barbet and two roosting Blackish Nightjar’s plus a number of tanager species. We pressed on with the long drive to Gareno with a brief stop in Tena giving us Short-Tailed Swift, White-Banded Swallow and Glittering-Throated Emerald. Outside Tena we turned east towards Gareno and after a while noticed a noise coming from one of the rear wheels. Close inspection of one of the rear wheels revealed one sheared wheel bolt, one with its threads stripped and the other three loose! The wheel was removed and replaced with a bolt taken from another wheel so that we had four out of five bolts in each of the rear wheels and we set off again! We stopped to eat our packed lunch at a small café and were joined there by our guides from Gareno who explained that they had a number of stake-outs along the entrance road for us! We began to wonder what next when we came across a lorry and bus that had a had a mishap and had completely blocked the road. After a lot of hand waving and shouting, just as were about to get out and walk around the accident, everything miraculously sorted itself out and we were able to continue on our way. Our first stop was a mauritia palm grove where, after a bit of effort, everyone got good views of Point-Tailed Palmcreeper and Fork-Tailed Palm Swift. In quick succession we then stopped for Yellow-Billed Nunbird, Brown Jacamar, Yellow-Billed Jacamar, Yellow-Browed Antbird and finally the best of the lot-a singing male Fiery Topaz perched in a roadside tree. We arrived at the lodge parking area and negotiated the slippery path down to the lodge and quickly dumped our luggage before gathering to stake out a bush near the cabins whre a pair of Cream-Coloured Woodpeckers roost every evening. Our vigil was broken by one of our local guides who had found a roosting Rufous Potoo and we had to hurry to see this before it left its roost. A plank of wood was hurriedly thrown over the stream as a makeshift bridge but everyone still got wet and we made as quick a time as we could along the muddy, slippery, narrow trail until eventually, breathless and muddy, we were all watching a roosting Rufous Potoo at a few yards range. The bird afforded superb views and was one of the highlights of the trip. Having viewed the potoo it was then a case of dashing back to catch the woodpecker and we were happy to have great views of a female Cream-Coloured Woodpecker just next to our cabins. After this we returned to our cabins to sort things out for the morning in the last of the daylight as Gareno has no electricity and everything has to be done by candlelight after dark. We ate our evening meal to the calls of Rufous Potoo's and Spectacled Owls (we never did see these owls!).
11 April
Breakfast was taken at 4.00 a.m. and we left the lodge at 4.30 for the (alleged) 3 km. walk to the Harpy Eagle nest site. The walk took us until 6.15 and was at times difficult on the narrow , slippery, undulating trail in the dark. We marched past numerous calling birds including a very close, calling, Tawny-Bellied Screech Owl but were focused on being at the site as near to dawn as possible. On reaching the site we could see that the nest tree had fallen down in a recent rain storm and began scanning the tree tops around us for the bird. There was no sign, but our guides seemed confident that it would appear. We were briefly diverted by a calling Golden-Collared Toucanet and a White-Fronted Nunbird but after an hour and a half spirits were beginning to sag when suddenly Steve W. could be seen performing a strange pirouette whilst pointing upwards and uttering strangled cries of “it’s the eagle!” The juvenile (2 years old) Harpy Eagle had flown in above us and was in full view above our heads! We spent a marvellous 15 minutes or so watching the bird whilst it watched us! It then began calling loudly and moved from treetop to treetop until we finally lost it to view. Elated with this we moved on to more mundane species such as Screaming Piha, Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin, Little Woodpecker, Scale-Breasted Woodpecker, Buff-Throated Woodcreeper, Black-Faced Antbird, Fasciated, White-Shouldered, Plain-Winged and Dusky-Throated Antshrikes and finally a male Pavonine Quetzal before our lunch was brought to us by some of the lodge staff. We ate our lunch whilst watching an adult Ornate-Hawk Eagle perched next to its nest site with Purple-Throated Fruitcrows in the trees around us. After this we slowly made our way back to the lodge where we had some welcome drinks whilst watching Straight-Billed and Great-Billed Hermits on the feeders and Steve L. picked up three Red-Necked Woodpeckers in a dead tree above the lodge. We went back to the road above the lodge in the late afternoon where a Lined-Forest Falcon was calling but refusing to show itself. Before the rains came we managed to see Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Sooty Antbird , Green & Gold Tanager and , for some, Yellow-Bellied Tanager. A torrential rain storm then curtailed any further activity.
12 April
We had the luxury of a 5.00 a.m. breakfast this morning before going out on the trails above the lodge again. An adult and juvenile Spectacled Owl were calling close by but still refusing to reveal themselves.A warbling Antbird was singing just behind our cabins and gave excellent views. Steve L decided not to brave the slippery trails and to bird the entrance track on his own-not a bad decision in the end as the trails were pretty quiet. We started off with good views of Casqued and Green Oropendolas not too far into the forest but as we got further in things got quieter. Highlights were Chestnut Woodpecker, White-eyed Tody Tyrant, Short-Billed , Grey and Yellow-Breasted Antwrens. Late in the morning one of the local guides located us in the forest with the news that he had found an ant swarm with Hairy-Crested and White-Plumed Antbirds in attendance next to the main track. After a frantic dash back along the trails we arrived at the site too late as most of the activity seemed to have moved further back into the forest above the road.. Not to be beaten we followed our guide up a steep slope in to the undergrowth and fought our way to as near as we could to where we could here the calls of the antbirds. We spent an hour or so in this spot hearing , but not seeing, the birds. All that we saw were a few Sooty Antbirds. Eventually we gave up and headed to the lodge to pack and have lunch. We left straight after the lunch and headed back towards Archidona for our overnight stay. On the way back along the track from Gareno we found a tree with eight Yellow-Tufted Woodpeckers in it-quite a sight and Ian saw an Eastern Sirystes that no-one else got on to. Steve W had been having problems with his eyes so we made a detour in to the middle of Tena to get his eyes checked out and purchase some eye drops. We reached our hotel late in the afternoon where Craig soon made friends with one of the local monkeys!
13 April
After Craig had said his fond farewells to his monkey friend we headed for the western end of the Loreto Road where we were soon met by Jonas from Sumaco Lodge. Our first stop was very productive with Gilded Barbet, Channel-Billed Toucan, Ash-Browed Spinetail, Lined Antshrike, a pair of Fiery-Throated Fruiteaters, Thrush-Like Wren, Slate-Coloured Grosbeak and White-Winged, Silver-Beaked, Orange-Eared, Blue-Necked and Bay-Headed Tanagers being the pick of things. We then drove eastwards along the Loreto Road and as we reached the Rio Hollin bridge torrential rain started. The rain put an end to any thoughts of birding along the Loreto Road so we decided to carry on to Sumaco Lodge. Sumaco has set up some hummingbird feeders in the forest away from the main lodge and it was to here that we first went after first 'scoping a roosting Great Potoo and then watching a number of Wire-Crested Thorntails all feeding in one tree. The feeders were superb with Green Hermit, Napo Sabrewing, Violet-Headed Hummingbird, Fork-Tailed Woodnymph, Golden-Tailed sapphire, Many-Spotted Hummingbird and Black-Throated Brilliants in attendance before a single Gould’s Jewelfront stole the show. We then drove to the main lodge and settled in to our rooms at this superb new lodge. The facilities and food were superb and had this lodge been open when I originally planned the trip I would have stayed much longer-definitely a place to return to! Mid-afternoon we ventured out onto some of the nearby trails with Jonas seeing Maroon-Tailed Parakeet, Red-Billed Parrot, Blue-Browed tanager, Blackish Antbird, White-Backed Fire-Eye, Golden-Winged Tody Flycatcher, Black-Faced Dacnis and Spotted Tanager. Jonas got very excited when we spotted a northward-bound Swainson’s Hawk as it is a rare bird in Ecuador and a new bird for the Sumaco list. As dusk approached we headed back in to the forest via a small farm pond in an abortive attempt to see Blackish Rail and after a tense wait were rewarded with great views of a Band-Bellied Owl before trying , and failing, to see a Rufescent Screech-Owl. A Tropical Screech-Owl was heard calling nearby and we spent a long time time trying to see this bird that was calling from dense vegetation only a short distance from us. Juan Carlos eventually forced his way in to the vegetation and located the bird but as the rest of us followed the bird flew and we never did see it!
14 April
We had a long drive to Coca this morning but after an early breakfast we managed a few hours on the trails with Jonas before we had to leave. This short time was enough to appreciate how good this area is and made clear how much more there was to see in a longer stay. We started off at the small farm pond we had visited yesterday and this time were successful with great views of a Blackish Rail. Our short time on the trails produced Ochre-Breasted Antpitta, Chestnut-Crowned Gnateater, Blue-Rumped Manakin, Buff-Throated Woodcreeper and Amazonian White-Tailed Trogon. All too soon it was time to head for Coca and as we had little time we only stopped once when we picked saw two Pearl Kites and a few Swallow-Tailed Kites. Our first task on reaching Coca was to find a pharmacy to purchase Ciprofloxacin for Craig who was suffering the same bug that Gordon had before him. Medication duly purchased we met our guide for Sacha Lodge, Oscar T. in Coca and had a quick walk along the riverside where we saw White-Banded and White-Winged Swallows, Brown-Chested and Grey-Breasted Martins, Mouse-Coloured Tyrannulets, Yellow-Rumped Cacique and White-Eared Jacamar. We were soon kitted out in our life-jackets and boarded our motorised canoe for the trip down stream to Sacha. As birders, we were put in the luggage boat away from the other tourists so that if anything was seen we could stop the boat to watch it. The river was running very quickly after the heavy rains and we made good time down the river seeing Pied Plover, Swallowing, Bat Falcon and Limpkin amongst the commoner herons on our journey. We arrived at Sacha after just over an hour and half on the boat and then waited for the “tourists” to make their way along the boardwalk in front of us before birding our way to the lake in front of the lodge. Not surprisingly, after 25 people had tramped along the boardwalk in front of things were a little quiet with only Black-Fronted Nunbird being of note. We were paddled across to the lodge by Oscar and his local helper Raul before enduring the Sacha welcome meeting! You could see everyone thinking “this is a waste of birding time” but we had to grin and bear it! We quickly settled in to our rooms and after a panic over Ian’s missing bag was resolved we met up with Oscar and Raul to be paddled back across the lake and in to a side creek in varzea forest. The lake margins had Donacobius, Striated Heron and a perched Slender-Billed Kite and the creek produced Chestnut and Cream-Coloured Woodpeckers, Silvered and Dot-Backed Antbirds , Orange-Crested Manakin and a flyover group of Masked-Crimson Tanagers before the rain storm that had been threatening for a while hit us. Oscar decided it was too dark to see anything in the forest so we paddled our way back to the lodge, getting good views of roosting Hoatzin’s as we pulled in to the dock, and dried out before a few cocktails and a good meal
15 April
This morning we set off in the dark to reach the canopy walkway by dawn. The canopy towers are 120 ft. high and are connected by walkways slung from metal cables-the walkways did not seem to be as stable as claimed but the towers were great! As a “dedicated birding group” we were allocated the middle tower to ourselves and we were installed here slightly after dawn after negotiating the “wibbly-wobbly way” from the first tower. We spent a superb morning here seeing King Vulture, White Hawk, Slate-Coloured Hawk, Black-Headed Parrot, White-Necked Puffbird, Ivory Billed and Many-Banded Aracaris, Cuvier’s Toucan and Spangled and Purple-Throated Cotingas. Perhaps the highlight was when a mixed feeding flock hung around in the canopy beneath us giving superb views of many tanagers including Opal-Rumped and Opal-Crowned. At one stage a Purplish Jacamar perched for long periods on one of the cables holding our tower up. To get down we had to walk to third tower along what seemed an even more wobbly walkway-I hung on to the ropes so hard my hands were bleeding by the time I got to the far end! Back on firm ground we made our way slowly back to the lodge seeing Short-Billed and Black-Tailed Leaftossers and Wire-tailed Manakin on the way. After lunch Donacobius were again seen by the lake together with Red-Capped Cardinal and Lesser Kiskadee before the heavens opened yet again before we could get out on to the trails. After the storm abated five of us went out on the trails with Oscar and Raul and after a quiet start we saw Musician Wren, Chestnut-belted Gnateater, Plumbeous Antbird, Cinnamon-Throated Woodcreeper and at dusk, Black-Banded and Crested Owls. Crested Owl is something I have missed in a few places and it didn’t disappoint when I finally saw one!! After a few celebratory cocktails we retired to bed with torrential rain as the backdrop.
16 April
We were scheduled to visit the parrot clay-licks today but the rain had continued all night and seemed even heavier now so we had to think again! As we paddled across the lake and walked down the boardwalk the rain got even heavier and it was difficult to decide what to do. In the end we got into our canoe, which at least gave us cover from the rain and set off down the river on a “Napo pelagic” with the hope of picking up what we could from the shelter of the boat. Oscar’s knowledge of where to look for birds paid off as we picked up no less than 24 Pied Plovers, Yellow-Billed Tern, 6 Collared Plovers, Roseate Spoonbill, Green, Amazon and Ringed Kingfishers, Mottle-Backed Elaenia, Oriole Blackbird, hundreds of Eastern Kingbirds and Sand Martins and two, very close, roosting Ladder-Tailed Nightjars in this way. Eventually the rain stopped and we made landfall on one of the large islands in the river where we managed to see Olive-Spotted Hummingbird, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, Black & White Antbird., Parker’s Spinetail, White-Bellied Spinetail, Orange-Headed Tanager, Lesser Wagtail Tyrant, and Grey-Breasted Crake. A visit to a second island gave Little Woodpecker, the eastern race of White-Winged Becard, Lesser Hornero and fleeting glimpses of Castelnau’s Antshrike. As we made our way back up river the weather gradually improved and we stopped at another island to eat lunch before negotiating some shallow water and sandbars to beach ourselves against another island nearer the lodge. John and Oscar saw an Undulated Tinamou as it burst out of the undergrowth in front of them but everyone else had more luck with a Castelnau’s Antshrike that gave better views than the previous one. Another stop finally gave everyone good views of a Black-Banded Crake after much peering into the undergrowth. It was now mid-afternoon so we returned to Sacha and slowly made our way along the boardwalk to the canoe dock before paddling in to the varzea forest that we had visited on the first day. The boardwalk gave us Scarlet-Crowned Barbet and Hauxwell’s Thrush and the area around the dock Little Cuckoo, Masked-Crimson Tanager and a superb Long-Billed Woodcreeper and our journey in to the varzea forest produced Boat-Billed Heron, White-Chinned Jacamar, Orange-Crested Manakin and Green & Rufous Kingfisher before darkness overtook us.
17 April
Luckily it wasn’t raining this morning so we decided to visit the clay-licks as it was our last chance to do this. Firstly we visited Saladero de Loros where there were good numbers of White-Eyed and Dusky-Headed Parakeets, Cobalt-winged Parakeets, Mealy and Blue-Headed Parrots. From here we headed across river to the Saladero de Pericos and began to bird the trail to the clay lick, the trail had a number of birds and we spent time seeing Double-Banded Pygmy Tyrant, a perched Slate-Coloured Hawk, Long-winged Antwren and others. Raul had gone ahead to see if there was anything at the clay-lick and came back with positive news so we quickened our pace until when we were nearly there we heard the unmistakeable sound of many parrots taking off! When we got to the clay-lick all that remained were a group of Scarlet-Shouldered Parakeets-everything else had left for some unknown reason! We awaited for a while with no success and then set off back down the trails. Oscar heard a Sapphire Quail-Dove call and within a minute or so he and Raul had located a bird sat on a nest that gave superb ‘scope views. Deviating from the main trail we came across a Green & Rufous Kingfisher perched in the middle of the forest and then a group of furnarids containing Chestnut-Winged Hookbill, Rufous-Rumped Foliage-Gleaner and Olive-Backed Foliage-Gleaner. Returning to the main trail we located two roosting Crested Owls and another guide informed us of a nesting “antbird” a little way back on the trail. We located the nest and Nigel decided to stay and photograph it whilst the rest of us carried on back-when he showed us his photos later we could clearly see an adult Green Manakin feeding the young “antbird”!! Back nearer the river we heard a Spix’s Woodcreeper which no-one could get on to but we did manage to see a Red-Billed Scythebill. We returned to the Sacha dock to eat lunch and then set off across the river to Shipati Creek and the Providencia Trail. A stunning Orange-Backed Troupial lit up the gloom of Shipati Creek before we found our way blocked by a fallen tree. Raul got out his machete and within five minutes the tree had been decimated. Just as he finished clearing the tree two small, dark herons burst out of the undergrowth next to us and flew a short way into the forest. Much debate ensued as to their identity but in the end no-one could be sure (but I am still sure they were not Striated Heron’s!).The trail was hard work-we were led a merry dance by two, very close, calling, Chestnut-Headed Crakes but the refused to come out where we could see them but three Brown Nunlet’s were good recompense. A Rusty-Belted Tapaculo played hide and seek with us before finally hopping right across the trail in front of us. We returned to Sacha encountering a group of Speckled Chachalacas on the way and paddled back across the lake in the gathering darkness.
18 April
It was Ian’s turn to need the Ciprofloxacin this morning! We set off in the dark across the lake in the hope of seeing something on the boardwalk before we had to get in to our boats for the journey to Coca but our only success was a White-Shouldered Antbird seen by some. The boat journey was much longer going back against the flow of the river and the channel seemed much shallower now as the river level had dropped substantially. Coca airport provided entertainment in the shape of an Ecuadorian soap opera on a TV in the departure lounge and a Red-Breasted Blackbird on the far side of the runway. It was raining heavily again and our flight was slightly delayed. The flight was only 35 minutes but featured the most bored-looking air hostess you will ever meet and she only seemed marginally more awake when hanging on in severe turbulence before collapsing onto John’s lap-at least it brought a smile to his face if not hers! We soon landed in Quito and met up with Juan and Edgar before setting off towards Mindo. Passing the equator monument at Mital del Mundo we stopped at Calacali in search of the mythical White-Tailed Shrike-Tyrant. Needless to say we didn’t find it but did see Black-Tailed Trainbearer, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Band-Tailed and Ash-Breasted Sierra Finches, Band-Tailed Seedeater and Grassland Yellow Finch (and John saw lots of Eared Doves with a Shrike-Tyrant like appearance!!). We pressed on towards Mindo through heavy rain and arrived at Septimo Paraiso with about an hour of daylight left. We spent this last hour watching the hummingbird feeders and saw a total of 16 species of hummingbirds in this time the highlights being Booted Racket-Tail, Violet-Tailed Sylph and Empress Brilliant.
19 April
We started the day at dawn at the street light where the Mindo turn-off meets the Quito road as many birds come to feast on the insects attracted to the light. The number of diners seemed small this morning-probably due to the incessant overnight rain but Montane Woodcreeper, Ornate Flycatcher, Three-Striped warbler, Dusky Bush-Tanager and Chestnut-Capped Brushfinch put in an appearance. Next we drove around the corner to Sachatamia Restaurant where the feeders and gardens had Flame-Faced, Golden and Beryl-Spangled Tanagers, Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker and two Toucan Barbets. We drove slowly up to the area above Bellavista Lodge stopping for Scrub Blackbird and Powerful Woodpecker on the way. Our first scheduled stop gave us Flavescent Flycatcher and White-Sided Flowerpiercer but not the hoped for Tanager Finch. We birded the trails in this area picking up Toucan Barbet, Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan, Western Hemispingus, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Strong-Billed Woodcreeper and numerous tanagers before heading for the lodge for a cup of coffee and to look at the hummingbird feeders. We saw up no new hummingbird species but were treated to great views of two White-Winged Brushfinches and two Spillman’s Tapaculo’s.A mystery raptor that we saw a few times along one of the trails has not yet been identified but we hope to be able to do this soon as Nigel has some good photos of the bird. We ate our lunch next to the track on the way down where we saw Green & Black Fruiteater and the western race of White-Winged Becard. The plan now was to bird some of the old Nono-Mindo road but heavy rained intervened again and Juan had the inspired idea of heading for Pachijal. It was still raining when we arrived but we soon found a flock that kept us busy for a while-it contained Pacific Tuftedcheek, Scaly-Throated and Buff-Fronted Foliage Gleaners, Uniform Treehunter, Streak-Capped Treehunter, Uniform Antshrike, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Golden Tanager and one Metallic-Green Tanager. We also found Masked Trogon, Golden-Headed Quetzal and two more Toucan Barbets. With the rain not stopping we headed for MindoLoma where at least we could be under cover and get a cup of coffee. Black-Chinned Mountain-Tanager is the speciality of this place and two of these stunning birds obliged straight away with two Blue-Winged Mountain-Tanagers for comparison. Purple-Throated Woodstars buzzed around the feeders with some of the more common hummers of the area. Final target of the day was to be Lyre-Tailed Nightjar across the Mindo River but as we drove the road in torrential rain it was obvious that we had no chance, so reluctantly we gave up for the day and headed back to Septimo Paraiso.
20 April
After an early start we headed west to the private reserve of Mangaloma where we hoped to pick up some of the lowland birds associated with the Choco region. A friendly farmer allowed us to park next to his house when we could drive no further and we set off on foot down the muddy track towards the reserve. A Pacific Antwren was singing next to our parking place and Bronze-winged Parrots flew around. Next came two Scarlet-Backed Woodpeckers, Choco Toucan, Yellow Tyrannulet and then a Barred Puffbird gave great views. A group of Maroon-Tailed Parakeets caused interest as this form may be split soon as “Choco Parakeet”. The owners of the reserve met us on the track and asked us not to use playback in the reserve so we knew we would have to try harder today! In the reserve itself it again seemed quiet and we had to work hard for our birds. First was a difficult to see Guayaquil Woodpecker and then some elusive Chestnut-Backed Antbirds. A Thrushlike Schiffornis at the side of the track was much easier to see and then a Pallid Dove was picked out high in the canopy. Choco Trogon, Broad-Billed Motmot, Choco Warbler and Black-Winged Saltator all made the list before Juan and Edgar somehow spotted a well hidden Long-Wattled Umbrellabird. The first bird that we saw was an immature male that not everyone got on to but then everyone got to see a female as she moved from tree to tree. It was very hot now and activity was low so we made our way back to the bus picking up Pacific Parrotlet and Purple-Crowned Fairy on the way. The owners of the farm where we had parked sold us some soft drinks to soothe our parched throats. We planned to visit Milpe next but yet again the heavy rains came and our only alternative was to head for San Miguel de los Bancos and the Mirador Rio Blanco where we could shelter and watch the feeders. We arrived in a huge thunder storm and dashed inside whilst Edgar took the bus down the street to get a puncture fixed. We ate our ice-creams and drank our coffee whilst watching Crimson-Rumped Toucanet, Pale-Mandibled Aracari, Black-Cheeked Woodpecker, Ecuadorian Thrush, Guira, White-Lined, Golden, Silver-Throated, Flame-Faced, Rufous-Throated and Blue-Necked Tanagers at point-blank range and an Orange-Billed Sparrow walked around under the feeders. The rain had abated now and as we waited for our puncture to be fixed we had one last sighting of the day-a House Sparrow!
21 April
Breakfast was at 4.00 a.m. this morning so that we could get to Refugio Paz de Aves by dawn so we packed up quickly and left straight after eating. We had a stake-out for Rufescent Screech-Owl on the way but when we arrived at the spot it was shrouded in thick mist so it was quickly abandoned. We arrived at Paz de Aves to find that with our group there were 18 people in all so we made the decision to get down the trail ASAP. We were soon stopped when we heard a Barred Forest-falcon calling above our heads but couldn’t pin it down . Most people carried on to the hide to view the Cock of the Rock lek but three of us stayed and eventually had good views of this elusive bird before going on to the lek. The hide was now full so it was easier to watch from outside and this proved fortuitous as the Forest-Falcon was found again close to the hide. Next to the hide was a feeding area and this attracted a another wanted bird-Olivaceous Piha which gave great views. Angel arrived and took everyone to an area where he enticed two Dark-Backed Wood-quail to come out and eat worms on the path. As the group was so large Juan suggested that I go off and look for Orange-Breasted Fruiteater as I had seen the Antpittas before as this would cut the group size down a little. Whilst Angel took the main group off to look for Antpittas I wandered back up the main trail searching for Orange-Breasted Fruiteater , I reached the top of the trail and found a calling female Powerful Woodpecker and set off down again finding Scaled Fruiteater on the way. I stopped in my tracks when a Giant Antpitta bounded down the trail in front of me and a second one sat in a tree staring at me! Not knowing where everyone else was, or whether they had seen the bird, I searched for them and came across Angle’s brother and told him what I had seen. It turned our that the group had seen Yellow-Breasted Antpitta, Scaled Fruiteater and Wedge-Billed Hummingbird but not the Giant Antpitta so Angel brought the group to where I had seen the bird but, unfortunately, they had disappeared. Everyone walked back to the farm for a late breakfast and we set off for our next stake-out-an Oilbird cave. Cueva de los Tayos is near Chontal which was only recently discovered by a local farmer. It was quite a long drive from Paz de Aves and when we arrived the arrangement was that we would be taken by tractor along the rough track to the cave. Unfortunately, the tractor was “under repair” so the choice was either a long walk or try and get the bus as far as possible along the rough track-we opted for the second option! Edgar took the bus as far as possible and when we left him he was trying without success to back it out so we hoped we didn’t have to push when we returned. We walked the rest of the way to the cave and from high above could see a number of Oilbirds perched in the cave. The farmer had recently made a path around the back of the cave and we followed this for a long way until we had good views into the cave without disturbing the birds. There were over 20 birds in the cave. The only way to see the birds in the past was down three steep bamboo ladders attached to the sides of the gorge and some people decided to try this on the way back for even better views-this approach does seem to disturb the birds and is probably best abandoned in the future.It was late in the afternoon now so we headed back to Quito, abandoning our scheduled stop at Calacali as it was shrouded in mist, arriving at Juan’s place in Sangolqui just before dark.
22/23 April
A late start by our standards with breakfast at 6.00, we had a look at the birds in Juan’s garden before loading the bus for the last time and heading for Antizana Reserve. We saw very little until we had negotiated the two security points at Antizana and then we made our first stop and found two Giant Hummingbirds on the hillside next to us, we walked through a field seeing White-Crested Elaenia on the way before viewing a lake beneath us with Andean Teal and Yellow-Billed Pintail on it. A few Carunculated Caracara’s and Variable Hawks flew around and then we picked up an Andean Condor over the hillside on the other side of the valley and to our amazement it was eventually joined by another 11 birds. The birds eventually drifted off and we carried on up the track seeing Black-Billed Shrike Tyrant and Black-Winged Ground Dove before a Streak-Backed Canastero played hard to get before giving decent views. A small abandoned building held a roosting Barn Owl which only Juan saw as the only way for everyone to see it would have meant flushing the bird from its roost and we were not prepared to do this. The flat open ground behind the building had a Paramo Pipit, Bar-Winged and Stout-Billed Cinclodes. We drove onwards to the hacienda seeing Andean Gull and Andean Lapwing on the way, male and female Ecuadorian Hillstars fed on the feeders at the house and Craig had a welcome opportunity to find a toilet as it was his and John’s turn to be ill now! Driving back towards the main track we saw a distant group of Andean Ibis so we walked across as near to them as we could and had good views of 12 of the birds. At the lake shore we found a few pairs of nesting Silvery Grebes, good numbers of Andean Coot, Grass Wren, a single Lesser Yellowlegs and two Cinereous Harriers. It was now time to head for the airport with just one new species added to the list on the way back- an Aplomado Falcon that flew across in front of our bus.
We reached Quito airport in plenty of time to get seats with legroom on the plane and our flight to Madrid via Guayaquil went well until Ian fell foul of security in Madrid who insisted on confiscating his tripod as they would not allow it as hand luggage on the flight to London, no-one on the flight out objected, no-one in Quito or Guayaquil, just this one “jobsworth” in Madrid! After some heated discussions the tripod was retrieved and was taken out of the transit area to be checked in as hold luggage. We arrived in Heathrow on time and after a bit of searching found the tripod in “oversize luggage” , found our waiting minibus, and headed home.
Thanks to everyone who came on the trip for making it so enjoyable, to Juan Carlos for his organisation , guiding, and care of the sick, to Edgar for his driving and finally to all the local guides and lodge staff who helped make this a memeorable holiday.
604 species seen and 41 heard only (H).
Great Tinamou (Tinamus major)
Cinereous Tinamou (Crypturellus cinereus) H
Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui) H
Undulated Tinamou (Crypturellus unulatus)
Silvery Grebe (Podiceps occipitalis)
Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Striated Heron (Butorides striata)
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Andean Ibis (Theristicus melanopis branickii)
Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata)
Andean Teal (Anas flavirostris andium)
Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica)
Andean Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes melambrotus)
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii)
Slender-billed Kite (Helicolestes hamatus)
Double-toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus)
Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus)
Slate-coloured Hawk (Leucopternis schistaceus)
Barred Hawk (Leucopternis princeps) H
White Hawk (Leucopternis albicollis)
Black-chested Buzzard Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris)
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Red-backed Hawk (Buteo polyosoma)
Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
Ornate Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
Black Caracara (Daptrius ater)
Carunculated Caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus)
Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)
Barred Forest Falcon (Micrastur ruficollis)
Lined Forest Falcon (Micrastur gilvicollis) H
Collared Forest Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus) H
Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) H
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis)
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata)
Sickle-winged Guan (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Dark-backed Wood-quail (Odontophorus melanonotus)
Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
Chestnut-headed Crake (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) H
Black-banded Crake (Anurolimnas fasciatus)
Rufous-Sided Crake (Laterallus melanophaious) H
Grey-breasted Crake (Laterallus exilis)
Grey-necked Wood-rail (Aramides cajanea)
Blackish Rail (Pardirallus nigricans)
Slate-coloured Coot (Fulica ardesiaca)
Pied Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus)
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens)
Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris)
Noble Snipe (Gallinago nobilis)
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis gayi)
Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus)
Yellow-billed Tern (Sternula superciliaris)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia ''feral'')
Band-tailed (White-naped) Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis)
Plumbeous Pigeon (Patagioenas plumbea)
Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea)
Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)
Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina)
Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti)
Black-winged Ground Dove (Metriopelia melanoptera)
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
Grey-fronted Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Pallid Dove (Leptotila pallida)
Sapphire Quail-Dove (Geotrygon saphirina saphirina)
Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilata)
Red-masked Parakeet (Aratinga erythrogenys)
White-eyed Parakeet (Aratinga leucophthalmus)
Dusky-headed Parakeet (Aratinga weddellii)
Maroon-tailed Parakeet (Pyrrhura melanura)
Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis)
Cobalt-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris cyanoptera)
Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet (Touit huetii)
Black-headed Parrot (Pionites melanocephalus)
Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus)
Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus)
White-capped Parrot (Pionus seniloides)
Bronze-winged Parrot (Pionus chalcopterus)
Yellow-crowned Parrot (Amazona ochrocephala)
Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica)
Scaly-naped Amazon (Amazona mercenaria)
Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa)
Little Cuckoo (Coccycua minuta)
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
Black-bellied Cuckoo (Piaya melanogaster)
Greater Ani (Crotophaga major)
Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)
Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia) H
Tropical Screech Owl (Otus choliba) H
Tawny-bellied Screech Owl (Otus watsonii) H
White-throated Screech Owl (Megascops albogularis)
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Black-banded Owl (Ciccaba huhula)
‘San Isidro Owl’ (Ciccaba sp.)
Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata)
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata) H
Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota)
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus)
Rufous Potoo (Nyctibius bracteatus)
Short-tailed Nighthawk (Lurocalis semitorquatus)
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk (Lurocalis rufiventris)
Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) H
Blackish Nightjar (Caprimulgus nigrescens)
Ladder-tailed Nightjar (Hydropsalis climacocerca)
Swallow-tailed Nightjar (Uropsalis segmentata)
Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutila)
White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Grey-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Short-tailed Swift (Chaetura brachyura)
Fork-tailed Palm-swift (Tachornis squamata)
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis)
White-whiskered Hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui)
Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy)
Great-billed Hermit (Phaethornis malaris)
White-bearded Hermit (Phaethornis hispidus)
Tawny-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
Straight-billed Hermit (Phaethornis bourcieri)
Reddish Hermit (Phaethornis ruber)
Grey-breasted Sabrewing (Campylopterus largipennis)
Napo Sabrewing (Campylopterus villaviscensio)
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
Brown Violet-ear (Colibri delphinae)
Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus)
Sparkling Violet-ear (Colibri coruscans)
Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra)
Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti)
Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii)
Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii)
Green-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania fannyi)
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata)
Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone)
Olive-spotted Hummingbird (Leucippus chlorocercus)
Many-spotted Hummingbird (Leucippus hypostictus)
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae)
Glittering-throated Emerald (Amazilia fimbriata)
Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer (Chalybura urochrysia)
Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys)
Gould's Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens)
Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
Black-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa schreibersii)
Empress Brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)
White-tailed Hillstar (Urochroa bougueri)
Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens)
Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini)
Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
Chimborazo Hillstar (Oreotrochilus chimborazo)
Bronzy Inca (Coeligena coeligena)
Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni)
Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata)
Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)
Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus)
Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis)
Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini)
Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii)
Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae)
Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina)
Viridian Metaltail (Metallura williami)
Mountain Avocetbill (Opisthoprora euryptera)
Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi)
Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
Wedge-Billed Hummingbird (Schistes geoffroyi)
Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti)
Purple-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox mitchellii)
White-bellied Woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant)
White-tailed Trogon (Trogon viridis)
Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris)
Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)
Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus)
White-eyed Trogon (Trogon comptus)
Pavonine Quetzal (Pharomachrus pavoninus)
Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps)
Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus)
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)
Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum)
Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii) H
Highland Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis)
White-eared Jacamar (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
Brown Jacamar (Brachygalba lugubris)
Yellow-billed Jacamar (Galbula albirostris)
Coppery-chested Jacamar (Galbula pastazae)
White-chinned Jacamar (Galbula tombacea)
Purplish Jacamar (Galbula chalcothorax)
Great Jacamar (Jacamerops aureus) H
White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus hyperrhynchus)
Barred Puffbird (Nystalus radiatus)
Brown Nunlet (Nonnula brunnea)
Black-fronted Nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons)
White-fronted Nunbird (Monasa morphoeus)
Yellow-billed Nunbird (Monasa flavirostris)
Swallow-winged Puffbird (Chelidoptera tenebrosa)
Scarlet-crowned Barbet (Capito aurovirens)
Gilded Barbet (Capito auratus)
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus)
Andean Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus albivitta)
Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulacorynchus haematopygus)
Golden-collared Toucanet (Selenidera reinwardtii) H
Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca)
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena laminirostris)
Ivory-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus azara)
Many-banded Aracari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
Pale-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius)
Choco Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)
Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Red-billed Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri)
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) H
Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani)
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cruentatus)
Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Picoides fumigatus)
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Veniliornis callonotus)
Little Woodpecker (Veniliornis passerinus)
Red-stained Woodpecker (Veniliornis affinis)
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (Colaptes rivolii)
Golden-olive Woodpecker (Piculus rubiginosus)
Spot-breasted Woodpecker (Colaptes punctigula)
White-throated Woodpecker (Piculus leucolaemus) H
Cinnamon Woodpecker (Celeus loricatus)
Scaly-breasted Woodpecker (Celeus grammicus)
Chestnut Woodpecker (Celeus elegans)
Cream-coloured Woodpecker (Celeus flavus)
Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus)
Powerful Woodpecker (Campephilus pollens)
Red-necked Woodpecker (Campephilus rubricollis)
Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucus)
Guayaquil Woodpecker (Campephilus gayaquilensis)
Stout-billed Cinclodes (Cinclodes excelsior)
Bar-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes fuscus)
Pale-legged Hornero (Furnarius leucopus)
Lesser Hornero (Furnarius minor)
Andean Tit-spinetail (Leptasthenura andicola)
White-chinned Thistletail (Schizoeaca fuliginosa)
Azara's Spinetail (Synallaxis azarae)
Dark-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis albigularis)
Slaty Spinetail (Synallaxis brachyura)
White-bellied Spinetail (Synallaxis propinqua)
Rufous Spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa)
Parker's Spinetail (Cranioleuca vulpecula)
Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops)
Ash-browed Spinetail (Cranioleuca curtata)
Streak-backed Canastero (Asthenes wyatti)
Many-striped Canastero (Asthenes flammulata)
Orange-fronted Plushcrown (Metopothrix aurantiaca)
Rusty-winged Barbtail (Premnornis guttuligera)
Spotted Barbtail (Premnoplex brunnescens)
Pearled Treerunner (Margarornis squamiger)
Pacific Tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes lawrencii johnsoni)
Streaked Tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
Point-tailed Palmcreeper (Berlepschia rikeri)
Scaly-throated Foliage Gleaner (Anabacerthia variegaticeps)
Montane Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
Lineated Foliage-Gleaner (Syndactyla subalaris)
Chestnut-winged Hookbill (Ancistrops strigilatus)
Striped (Western) Woodhaunter (Hyloctistes virgatus)
Eastern Woodhaunter (Hyloctistes subulatus) H
Rufous-rumped Foliage Gleaner (Philydor erythrocercum)
Chestnut-winged Foliage Gleaner (Philydor erythropterum)
Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-Gleaner (Philydor pyrrhodes) H
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner (Philydor rufum)
Uniform Treehunter (Thripadectes ignobilis)
Black-billed Treehunter (Thripadectes melanorhyncus) H
Streak-capped Treehunter (Thripadectes virgaticeps)
Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner (Automolus infuscatus)
Short-billed Leaftosser (Sclerurus rufigularis)
Black-tailed Leaftosser (Sclerurus caudacutus)
Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus)
Tyrannine Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla tyrannina)
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
Long-billed Woodcreeper (Nasica longirostris)
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper (Dendrexetastes rufigula)
Strong-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
Buff-throated Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus guttatus)
Olive-backed Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
Northern Barred Woodcreeper( Dendrocolaptes sanctitthomae)
Straight-billed Woodcreeper (Dendroplex picus)
Spix’s Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus spixii) H
Montane Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
Streak-headed Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
Fasciated Antshrike (Cymbilaimus lineatus)
Lined Antshrike (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)
Castelnau's Antshrike (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus)
White-shouldered Antshrike (Thamnophilus aethiops)
Uniform Antshrike (Thamnophilus unicolor)
Plain-winged Antshrike (Thamnophilus schistaceus)
Dusky-throated Antshrike (Thamnomanes ardesiacus)
Cinereous Antshrike (Thamnomanes caesius)
Rufous-tailed Antwren (Epinecrophylla erythrura)
Pygmy Antwren (Myrmotherula brachyura)
Short-billed Antwren (Myrmotherula ignota obscura)
Pacific Antwren (Myrmotherula pacifica)
Plain-throated Antwren (Myrmotherula hauxwelli)
Checker-throated Antwren (Myrmotherula fulviventris) H
White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris)
Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
Long-winged Antwren (Myrmotherula longipennis)
Grey Antwren (Myrmotherula menetriesii)
Dugand’s Antwren (Herpsilochromus dugandi) H
Yellow-breasted Antwren (Herpsilochmus axillaris)
Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis)
Long-tailed Antbird (Drymophila caudata)
Blackish Antbird (Cercomacra nigrescens)
Grey Antbird (Cercomacra cinerascens)
White-backed Fire-eye (Pyriglena leuconota)
Black-faced Antbird (Myrmoborus myotherinus)
Warbling Antbird (Hypocnemis cantator)
Yellow-browed Antbird (Hypocnemis hypoxantha)
Silvered Antbird (Sclateria naevia)
Plumbeous Antbird (Myrmeciza hyperythra)
White-shouldered Antbird (Myrmeciza melanoceps)
Sooty Antbird (Myrmeciza fortis)
Chestnut-backed Antbird (Myrmeciza exsul)
Spot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax naevius)
Dot-backed Antbird (Hylophylax punctulatus)
Black-and-white Antbird (Myrmochanes hemileaucus)
White-plumed Antbird (Pithys albifrons) H
Hairy-Crested Antbird (Rhegmatorhina melanosticta) H
Rufous-capped Antthrush (Formicarius colma)
Black-faced Antthrush (Formicarius analis) H
Rufous-breasted Antthrush (Formicarius rufipectus) H
Striated Antthrush (Chamaeza nobilis) H
Short-tailed Antthrush (Chamaeza campanisona) H
Giant Antpitta (Grallaria gigantea)
Plain-backed Antpitta (Grallaria haplonota) H
Tawny Antpitta (Grallaria quitensis)
Thrush-like Antpitta (Myrmothera campanisona) H
White-bellied Antpitta (Grallaria hypoleuca)
Yellow-breasted Antpitta (Grallaria flavotincta)
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla)
Slate-crowned Antpitta (Grallaricula nana) H
Ochre-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula flavirostris)
Chestnut-belted Gnateater (Conopophaga aurita)
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater (Conopophaga castaneiceps)
Rusty-belted Tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus)
Narino Tapaculo (Sctalopus vicinior) H
Ash-coloured Tapaculo (Myornis senilis)
Spillman's Tapaculo (Scytalopus spillmani)
Blackish Tapaculo (Scytalopus latrans)
Red-crested Cotinga (Ampelion rubrocristata)
Green-and-black Fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii)
Fiery-throated Fruiteater (Pipreola chlorolepidota)
Scaled Fruiteater (Ampelioides tschudii)
Olivaceous Piha (Lipaugus cryptolophus)
Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans)
Purple-throated Cotinga (Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema)
Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana)
Bare-necked Fruitcrow (Gymnoderus foetidus)
Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata)
Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger)
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
Wire-tailed Manakin (Pipra filicauda)
Golden-headed Manakin (Pipra erythrocephala)
Blue-crowned Manakin (Lepidothrix coronata)
Blue-rumped Manakin (Lepidothrix isidorei)
Blue-backed Manakin (Chiroxiphia pareola)
White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus)
White-crowned Manakin (Dixiphia pipra)
Green Manakin (Chloropipo holochlora)
Orange-crested Manakin (Heterocercus aurantiivertex)
Dwarf Tyrant-manakin (Tyranneutes stolzmanni)
Black-crowned Tityra (Tityra inquisitor)
Black-tailed Tityra (Tityra cayana)
Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata)
Thrush-like Schiffornis (Schiffornis turdina)
White-browed Purpletuft (Iodopleura isabellae)
Cinnamon Becard (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Black-capped Becard (Pachyramphus marginatus)
Black-and-white Becard (Pachyramphus albogriseus)
Pink-throated Becard (Pachyramphus minor)
White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps)
Yellow-bellied elaenia (Elaenia flvogaster)
Mottle-backed Elaenia (Elaenia gigas)
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet (Phyllomias griseiceps)
White-lored Tyrannulet (Ornithion inerme)
White-tailed Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
White-banded Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
White-throated Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus minor)
Tufted Tit-tyrant (Anairetes parulus)
Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea)
Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet (Phaeomyias murina)
Yellow Tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola)
Lesser Wagtail-tyrant (Stigmatura napensis)
Slender-footed Tyrannulet (Zimmerius gracilipes)
Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops)
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant (Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus)
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher (Leptopogon rufipectus)
Ecaudorian Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes gualaquizae)
Streak-necked Flycatcher (Mionectes striaticollis)
Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus)
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus)
Slaty-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon superciliaris)
Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus)
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus)
Double-banded Pygmy-tyrant (Lophotriccus vitiosus)
White-eyed Tody-tyrant (Hemitriccus zosterops)
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
Golden-winged Tody-flycatcher (Poecilotriccus calopterus)
Spotted Tody-flycatcher (Todirostrum maculatum)
Common Tody-flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum)
Yellow-margined Flycatcher (Tolmomyias assimilis)
Grey-crowned Flycatcher (Tolmomyias poliocephalus)
Flavescent Flycatcher (Myiophobus flavicans)
Handsome Flycatcher (Myiophobus pulcher)
Bran-coloured Flycatcher (Myiophobus fasciatus)
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)
Smoke-coloured Pewee (Contopus fumigatus)
Western Wood-pewee (Contopus sordidulus)
Eastern Wood-pewee (Contopus virens)
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca diadema) H
Brown-backed Chat-tyrant (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea)
Drab Water-tyrant (Ochthornis littoralis)
Masked Water-tyrant (Fluvicola nengeta)
Black-billed Shrike-tyrant (Agriornis montanus)
Plain-capped Ground-tyrant (Muscisaxicola alpinus)
Long-tailed Tyrant (Colonia colonus)
Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius)
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)
Grey-capped Flycatcher (Myiozetetes granadensis)
Dusky-chested Flycatcher (Myiozetetes luteiventris)
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Lesser Kiskadee (Philohydor lictor)
Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus)
Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua)
Crowned Slaty Flycatcher (Griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus)
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
Short-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus ferox)
Pale-edged Flycatcher (Myiarchus cephalotes)
Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia)
White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer)
Grey-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)
Brown-chested Martin (Progne tapera)
Brown-bellied Swallow (Notiochelidon murina)
Blue-and-white Swallow (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca)
White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata)
White-thighed Swallow (Neochelidon tibialis)
Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster)
Paramo Pipit (Anthus bogotensis)
White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Thrush-like Wren (Campylorhynchus turdinus)
Band-backed Wren (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
Rufous Wren (Cinnycerthia unirufa)
Sharpe's Wren (Cinnycerthia olivascens)
Grass Wren (Cistothorus platensis platensis)
Plain-tailed Wren (Thryothorus euophrys) H
Bay Wren (Thyothorus nigricapillus) H
House Wren (Troglodytes musculus)
Mountain Wren (Troglodytes solstitialis)
Grey-breasted Wood-wren (Henicorhina leucophrys)
White-breasted Wood-wren (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Wing-banded Wren (Microcerculus bambla) H
Musician Wren (Cyphorhinus arada)
Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
Black-capped Donacobius (Donacobius atricapilla)
Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides) H
White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis)
Black-billed Thrush (Turdus ignobilis)
Hauxwell's Thrush (Turdus hauxwelli)
Ecuadorian Thrush (Turdus maculirostris)
Pale-eyed Thrush (Turdus leucops)
Glossy-black Thrush (Turdus serranus)
Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater)
Spotted Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus dryas) H
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea)
Inca Jay (Cyanocorax yncas yncas)
Violaceous Jay (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Turquoise Jay (Cyanolyca turcosa)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Brown-capped Vireo (Vireo leucophrys)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
Black-billed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo (Vireolanius leucotis)
Tawny-crowned Greenlet (Hylophilus ochraceiceps)
Orange-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia saturata)
Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris)
Golden-rumped Euphonia (Euphonia cyanocephala)
Bronze-green Euphonia (Euphonia mesochrysa) H
White-lored Euphonia (Euphonia chrysopasta)
Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)
White-vented Euphonia (Euphonia minuta)
Rufous-bellied euphonia (Euphonia rufiventris)
Hooded Siskin (Carduelis magellanica)
Olivaceous Siskin (Carduelis olivacea)
Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi)
Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca)
Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata)
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis semiflava)
Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis)
Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus)
Spectacled Redstart (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Black-crested warbler (Basileuterus nigrocristatus)
Choco Warbler (Basileuterus chrysogaster chlorophrys)
Russet-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus coronatus)
Three-striped Warbler (Basileuterus tristriatus)
Buff-rumped Warbler (Basileuterus fulvicauda)
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)
Cinereous Conebill (Conirostrum cinereum)
Capped Conebill (Conirostrum albifrons)
Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leverianus)
Grass-green Tanager (Chlorornis riefferii)
White-capped Tanager (Sericossypha albocristata)
Common Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus)
Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Dusky Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus semifuscus)
Yellow-throated Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
Black-capped Hemispingus (Hemispingus atropileus)
Western Hemispingus (Hemispingus (ochraceus) melanotis)
Orange-headed Tanager (Thlypopsis sordida)
Guira Tanager (Hemithraupis guira)
Flame-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus cristatus)
Fulvous-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus surinamus)
Tawny-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus delatrii)
Dusky-faced tanager (Mitrospingus cassinii)
White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)
White-winged Tanager (Piranga leucoptera)
Masked Crimson Tanager (Ramphocelus nigrogularis)
Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo)
Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus)
Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)
Blue-capped tanager (Thraupis cyanocephala)
Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Thraupis bonariensis)
Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)
Hooded Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana)
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus)
Black-chinned Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus notabilis)
Orange-eared Tanager (Chlorochrysa calliparaea)
Turquoise Tanager (Tangara mexicana)
Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis)
Green-and-gold Tanager (Tangara schrankii)
Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus)
Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala)
Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala)
Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis)
Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii)
Spotted Tanager (Tangara punctata)
Rufous-throated Tanager (Tangara rufigula)
Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola)
Golden-naped Tanager (Tangara ruficervix)
Blue-Browed tanager (Tangara cyanotis)
Metallic-green Tanager (Tangara labradorides)
Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis)
Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis)
Black-capped Tanager (Tangara heinei)
Opal-rumped Tanager (Tangara velia)
Opal-crowned Tanager (Tangara callophrys)
Black-faced Dacnis (Dacnis lineata)
Yellow-bellied Dacnis (Dacnis flaviventer)
Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana)
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
Golden-collared Honeycreeper (Iridophanes pulcherrima)
Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis)
Plumbeous Sierra-finch (Phrygilus unicolor)
Band-tailed Sierra-finch (Phrygilus alaudinus)
Ash-breasted Sierra-finch (Phrygilus plebejus)
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina)
Variable Seedeater (Sporophila corvina)
Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis)
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila castaneiventris)
Chestnut-bellied Seed-finch (Oryzoborus angolensis)
Thick-billed Seed-finch (Oryzoborus funereus)
Band-tailed Seedeater (Catamenia analis)
Plain-coloured Seedeater (Catamenia inornata)
White-sided Flowerpiercer (Diglossa albilatera)
Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis)
Deep-blue Flowerpiercer (Diglossopis glauca)
Bluish Flowerpiercer (Diglossopis caerulescens)
Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossopis cyanea)
Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)
Grassland Yellow-finch (Sicalis luteola)
Red-capped Cardinal (Paroaria gularis)
Pale-naped Brush Finch (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Yellow-breasted Brush Finch (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus)
Tricoloured Brush Finch (Atlapetes tricolor)
White-winged Brush Finch (Atlapetes leucopterus)
Chestnut-capped Brush Finch (Buarremon brunneinucha)
Orange-billed Sparrow (Arremon aurantiirostris)
Black-striped Sparrow (Arremonops conirostris)
Yellow-browed Sparrow (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
Greyish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens)
Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus)
Slate-coloured Grosbeak (Saltator grossus)
Black-winged Saltator (Saltator atripennis)
Golden-bellied Grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Red-breasted Blackbird (Sturnella militaris)
Scrub Blackbird (Dives warszewiczi)
Moriche Oriole (Icterus chrysocephalus)
Orange-backed Troupial (Icterus croconotus)
Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela)
Subtropical Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
Northern Mountain-Cacique (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
Casqued Oropendola (Psarocolius oseryi)
Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus)
Green Oropendola (Psarocolius viridis)
Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons angustifrons)
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
Oriole Blackbird (Gymnomystax mexicanus)