Rockjumper Birding Tours CC
Worldwide Birding Adventures
Registration number 2001/059480/23
PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa
Tel: +27 33 394 0225
Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225
Email: info@rockjumperbirding.com
Alternative Email: rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com
Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com
Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland
Some of our tour highlights included:
1. ZigZag Heron
2. Giant Antpitta
3. Dark-backed Wood Quail
4. Lunulated Antbird
5. Toucan Barbet
6. Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
7. Rusty-belted Tapaculo
8. Orange-breasted Fruiteater
9. Long-tailed Potoo
10. Collared Puffbird
Tour Introduction
Ecuador is quite simply incredible! In the past 15 years, this humble country has become the most traversed and well-known of all South American nations by birders, and for good reason. Despite being no larger in size than the state of Colorado (USA), and occupying less than one-quarter the size of the Republic of Colombia, Ecuador has 30% more bird species than the whole of North America and only 16% less than Colombia. This is no doubt due to the fact that Ecuador’s political boundaries include some of the highest peaks in the Andean chain, perpetually snow-bound, and, of course, the humid rainforests of the Amazon, while two distinct Andean chains result in a dry Inter-Andean Valley with separate rainshadows on the outer slopes, and every habitat that such a varied and rich equatorial topography could possible harbor. The goal of this tour was to provide an introduction to these incredible birding zones. In most countries, 14 days would fall far short in terms of adequately representing such diversity: distances would be too great, travel times prohibitive and, quite often, infrastructure in rural South America just doesn’t allow for any visitors. This is why Ecuador is such an amazing country to explore - it suffers none of these ails! The following is an account of our birding travels in this enchanting land whilst simultaneously enjoying its wondrous scenery, warm hospitality, and mind-boggling diversity.
This tour was unique in a great many ways. Due to various La Nina effects and generally late nesting times, we found ourselves among birds sitting on nests and feeding their young. This situation presented some obvious difficulties, as due to the same effects, we ended up wet on a few occasions, which in turn then presented other difficulties. These hindrances bear mentioning for a tour that met with success beyond expectation under such conditions, more so than a tour that merely meets expectation under perfect conditions. What’s more, we also noted many commonly-sought birds as nearly absent, while normally gregarious species were often solitary and elusive; behavior appropriate for a nesting parent. These instances were balanced by numerous close encounters with rare, skulking species coming nearer than I had personally ever experienced in 8 years of birding in Ecuador! In 14 days we logged 568 bird species, 12 species of mammals and 25 species of “herps”, despite being rained out for the equivalent of 2 days of birding!
Day of the Condor (Day 2)
As day one was primarily an arrival day, our experience really began on the famed Andean slopes above Mindo, in the endemic-rich Choco region on the flank of the very active Vulcan Pichincha. Setting out early from our hotel to avoid Quito traffic, we were well on our way to Yanacocha when our driver and I looked up at a large soaring bird. As it spiraled over the ridge in front of us, some 3 or 4 seconds lapsed before recognizing the emarginated look to the primaries, the deep, even, steady wings, and short tail. It took less time for everyone to pile out of the van than it did to ID it as an Andean Condor! We enjoyed fine views of this magnificent, iconic creature, Ecuador’s national bird, which was only slated for the final day of our tour at a site where it is more regularly seen. This patriotic adult served as a fine welcoming committee for us, and our 4th species of the Tour. What an auspicious start!
Yanacocha, managed by the Jocotoco Foundation, is the most easily accessed birding site from Quito. At a little over an hour away, it harbors some wonderful temperate forest species and some of the most breathtaking views on the continent. Here we encountered several special birds including White-capped Parrot, White-browed Spinetail, Crowned Chat-Tyrant and an exceedingly tame Tawny Antpitta. An excited pair of Bar-bellied Woodpeckers came within 4 or 5 meters for excellent viewing and provided one of the highlights for the morning. Though no Black-breasted Puffleg surfaced (unrecorded at this location for over 2 years now), the hummingbird show was spectacular, including glittering Shining Sunbeams, Great Sapphirewings, Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, and eye-level views of Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, a true temperate forest special.
After a fine picnic lunch we then proceeded down the slope towards our lodging at Bellavista. On the way we had flocks and flocks along the Nono-Mindo track, causing us to arrive later than we had originally planned. Keeping our birding to select sites and species, we collected some real gems including White-capped Dipper, a pair of smart Torrent Ducks and a Masked Trogon that perched cooperatively for photos. The height of our excitement, however, was when an Andean Guan ran right in front of the bus. It was so close we almost struck it! As we piled out of the vehicle, I searched the bamboo for this adult, but instead found two sneaking fledglings clambering along the poles. Fortunately for us, the adult resurfaced long enough to usher the youngsters into the denser brush and out of harm’s way, allowing us further views of this great species. Our eventual arrival at Bellavista was met with more hummingbirds, a fine meal and Ecuador’s delicious national drink – hot Canelazo!
Plate-billed Mountain Toucans (Day 3)
One can usually tell if it’s going to be a good day by the way it starts. For us, the day began with granola, fresh fruit, eggs to order, locally-grown coffee, and Strong-billed Woodcreepers. It was going to be a good day!
We began by birding the ridge along the Research Station Road after breakfast. As it was already bright and sunny, flock activity was restricted to the shadier edges. This part of the Tandayapa Valley is known as the place to see Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet and the elusive (mostly Colombian) Tanager Finch. Unfortunately we were unable to locate the latter during the course of the morning, but in less than 10 minutes we were viewing our first of twelve Plate-billed Mountain Toucans that day! In fact they were at nearly every stop, sometimes in groups of up to 5 individuals. We observed them flying, eating fruit, croaking, hanging upside down, and generally watched them from every conceivable angle.
Our second target followed shortly thereafter. While filling our eyes with Green-and-Black Fruiteaters, Gorgeted Sunangels, Rufous Spinetails and some other goodies, someone asked, “So what’s this bird sitting in the back?” It was a stunning adult Toucan Barbet sitting quietly on a mossy branch some 20 meters away! After we all had great looks in the scope, I played a few seconds of audio and the bird flew in, calling, right over our heads. I then tried to indicate a few other species moving about in the understory nearby, and while they were briefly noted, everyone was instead totally absorbed with this beautiful barbet. Those other less-worthy individuals in the brush included Dusky Bush Tanager and Flavescent and Streak-necked Flycatchers.
Before leaving the ridge, with the sun now high in the sky, we scanned the rising flocks of swifts and were rewarded with Spot-fronted Swifts mixed in with the White-collareds! Several flocks of parrots came by as well, allowing looks at both Scaly-naped and Red-billed Parrots. Nearing our moment of departure, a small raptor then came into view, banked, and showed the distinctive field marks of the seldom seen White-rumped Hawk!
Heading downhill to La Casa Nunnery, we managed great views of a pair of Powerful Woodpeckers on the way. A visit to Tony and Barbara Nunnery’s property is always an eye-opener: living as minimalists, they have built their beautiful home with their own hands, cleared the scrub and replanted the forests, restored former cow pasture to viable habitat, and have some 30 hummingbird feeders strategically placed near their home amongst numerous flowering plants. We observed a fantastic 16 species of hummers on this property, highlights being the tiny, glowing Western Emerald and two Wedge-billed Hummingbirds.
After lunch and a bit of downtime, we set out along the San Tadeo Road to search for flocks. Unfortunately, however, the bright sun and warmth brought about the expected alternate conditions in the afternoon, with the result that we were rained out save for one flock that included some great birds such as Rusty-winged Barbtail, Streaked Tuftedcheek and a Sickle-winged Guan.
Feeder Madness (Day 4)
Nothing in Ecuador is very far, and today we were looking at a mere 3 hours worth of transfer time. We therefore birded the trails near Bellavista Lodge before breakfast and packing. In little over an hour we saw Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo, Golden-headed Quetzal, more Masked Trogons, one White-throated Quail-Dove that literally followed us around, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Long-tailed Antbird, Grass-green Tanager, Black-and-White Becard and Striped Treehunter, to name only the rarer species! The birds were also buzzing at the feeders, though it was the gorgeous Violet-tailed Sylph that stole the show.
Rather than stopping at the Nunnery’s again, we instead visited Alambi. This relatively new and little-known property is owned and operated by an enthusiastic birder. Not only did Alambi have the most spectacular diversity of hummingbirds at their feeders, but they also had a great variety of passerines coming to their fruit feeders – we had 22 species before we left!
Arriving at Sachatamia, we were greeted by a new host of hummingbirds. Violet-tailed Sylphs, Purple-bibbed Whitetips, Brown Incas, Empress Brilliants and richly colored Velvet-purple Coronets covered the feeders. Our final species of the day was perhaps the most exciting. While we were seated, eating dinner, two guests at Sachatamia alerted us to the presence of owls feeding near the lamplight of the parking lot. Hearing the birds before we even left the porch, it turned out to be two young Black-and-White Owls that were responsible for the caucophony of screeches, howls and hoots. We ended up having good looks at these gorgeous owls, courtesy of Roberto Urduena who had his scope set up. Apparently, after a four-year absence, the resident pair of these owls had finally returned, bred, and been a daily occurrence ever since. Fantastic!
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Maria (Day 5)
For anyone who has ever attempted to view an antpitta in the bush, there is no preparation for the sights that await at the Paz de las Aves Nature Preserve. From its humble beginnings as a Tree Tomato farm/Cock-of-the-Rock lek, through its transformation into the world-renowned spectacle that we were privileged to witness, Angel Paz has maintained that his property belongs equally to its wildlife. His benevolent attitude towards nature is both obvious and endearing. The rules and respect shown to the birds, which seem more like friends to Angel and his brother, add to the charm of Paz de las Aves.
Arriving early we headed directly to the Cock-of-the-Rock lek. We weren’t disappointed, with 6 males displaying in front of us. I put the scope on a few individuals, allowing all of us to observe the colored iris and deep shine of this gorgeous species. After some time, Angel motioned us to start moving towards the main antpitta feeding area where we were going to see the most-viewed individual antpitta in the world – Maria! However, before we arrived and got settled in, two Rufous-breasted Antthrushes came out into the trail and allowed relaxed views. Just then, Angel’s brother came up the path by the feeding area with a Giant Antpitta following him! We then watched two Giant Antpittas being hand-fed for the next 15 minutes. What an incredible spectacle! Angel and Rodrigo had called them in by name! First the Giant Antpittas, then we went to an upper trail and fed “Shakira”, the gyrating Ochre-breasted Antpitta. We also set the scope on a Common Potoo while waiting for an Olivaceous Piha to return to its nest. We didn’t have to wait long, and soon had great looks at this elusive species. Thereafter we headed back near the edge of the forest to feed the Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-capped Brush Finches, and a covey of 8 Dark-backed Wood Quails!!! This was then followed by some delicious Bolones de Verde and Empanadas de Queso for breakfast, after which we drove to a newly acquired property. Before long, we were watching Orange-breasted Fruiteaters while Angel summoned his final subject for the morning – the wary Yellow-breasted Antpitta. A visit to Angel Paz’s Tree Tomato (now Blackberry) and Bird Farm is something no birder should miss!
After such an overwhelming and fantastic morning, Milpe then provided us with some fine afternoon birding. Some of the wonderful species we found amongst the mixed flocks included Scaly-throated and Slaty-winged Foliage-gleaners, Striped Woodhaunter, Russet Antshrike, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia and Yellow-green Bush Tanager.
The Big Day (Day 6)
Every birding tour has a “Big Day”. This is usually the day in which you see the most species, or else stay out (birding your head off!) until stimuli overload. This was our Big Day in both respects; we literally had to drive away from the birds. It was phenomenal!
Rio Silanche is part of the same preserve system that owns and manages Milpe and Milpe Gardens. This entity, the Mindo Cloud Forest Foundation, chose properties based on the health of the forest and its relative accessibility. Rio Silanche is a fine patch of preserved Choco Foothill forest situated at about 2100 feet (650m) elevation, and is home to species known only from pacific lowland habitats and Choco Foothills. No more than 90 minutes drive from Sachatamia, Rio Silanche was our only exposure to this low-elevation habitat and our one chance for many fine species. Aside from the special nature of the habitat and birds, being set in a lowland forest also allows for heightened diversity, with the Rio Silanche bird list boasting over 300 species. In our 9 hours there, we tallied 114 species on the Preserve and the access road leading in. It was truly a remarkable day, with flock after flock coming by! The only downside was that the canopy tower was not very productive, as none of the nearby trees were fruiting. Nonetheless, we still gawked at two of the best birds of the trip from atop the 80 feet (25m) tower; namely, the impressive Guayaquil Woodpecker and the extremely rare and beautiful Rose-faced Parrot. Given that most of the species we saw were from the ground, the day was thick with antwrens, flycatchers, flatbills, woodcreepers, antbirds, and other great skulkers. Some of the better finds on the trails and road included Pallid Dove, Rose-faced Parrot, Pacific Parrotlet, Striped Cuckoo, Blue-chested and Purple-chested Hummingbirds, Purple-crowned Fairy, Snowy-tailed Trogon, Rufous Motmot, Orange-fronted Barbet, Scarlet-backed, Crimson-bellied and Choco Woodpeckers, Black-striped Woodcreeper, Checker-throated, White-flanked and Dot-winged Antwrens, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Choco Tyrannulet, Black-headed Antthrush, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Sulphur-rumped Myiobus, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, Scarlet-browed Tanager and Fulvous-vented Euphonia, to name just some!
Relaxation Day (Day 7)
After a fun, exhausting day at Rio Silanche, I figured that a few hours of R&R, after a return visit to Milpe and Milpe Gardens, would be the best plan for everyone’s health and happiness. It was a good call; we ended up getting more birds than expected, yet again, and returned to Sachatamia happy and ready for a siesta!
Milpe Gardens was the star site of the morning, though Snowy-throated Kingbird at the Milpe Preserve parking area might have been the surprise bird of the day. I had never birded Milpe Gardens trails, nor was I familiar with the terrain; nonetheless, things worked out well as we didn’t have to travel far to hit two mega-flocks. With the birds maintaining low- to mid- height in the forest, we had incredible looks at nearly all the species that we encountered. What started off as a toucan search along the road ended up being a much more exciting and successful walk in the woods!
The toucan search was successful, though, and we managed to view several Choco Toucans at a distance, singing and cavorting through the scope. A defensive pair of Plumbeous Hawks also made themselves evident along the road near Milpe Gardens, and was one of the most exciting finds of the day. Before entering the Milpe Gardens property, we came across our first massive flock of the day, including a suspect furnariid in the middle canopy that was possibly a Pacific Tuftedcheek. We quickly identified a group of Choco Warblers, two Tawny-breasted Myiobus, Purple Honeycreeper, Guira Tanager and Yellow-tufted Dacnis, amongst others.
Our second flock experience, after we had wandered a few hundred meters into the forest, was another memorable one. From woodcreepers to foliage-gleaners, tanagers to tyrannulets, antshrikes to an uncommonly cooperative Scaled Fruiteater and even a Broad-billed Motmot, this flock had everything – and with everything being close! And then, just when we thought it was all over, out popped an Immaculate Antbird in the underbrush, with a Smoky-brown Woodpecker hammering overhead. 30 minutes of mayhem!
Thereafter we retired to Sachatamia for a sit-down lunch and some well-deserved rest. Our plan was to finish the day at an old quarry near Mindo, with the hopes of seeing our first nighthawk or nightjar. We arrived a bit early at the site and, just as the sunlight was fading, found a Crested Guan! We managed great looks at this reclusive tree-dweller as it foraged in nearby trees and called to other individuals higher up the slopes. Shortly thereafter we had our first flyby: Lyre-tailed Nightjar!!! Having been playing the tape on and off for the past 20 minutes, and with hope rapidly fading, the first of two individuals came sailing off the quarry wall towards us – another great end to a very fine day!
Inti-Nan and the Middle of the World (Day 8)
We had crossed the equator 8 times during the course of our travels thus far, but we had yet to address it! After birding around the eco-hamlet of Mindo in the morning, picking up several new species and fine second looks at others, we made our way to El Mitad del Mundo. The most common method of visitation to this tourist area is to visit a large pyramid, the planetarium, and perhaps get on a small roller coaster constructed in reverence of this spiritual ground – and for only slightly-inflated prices. The drawback is: none of these fine features actually lie ON the equator! So it was that we opted for Inti-Nan, the true equatorial museum that (as the tour guide proves repeatedly) does, in fact, lie on the equator.
During our time here we saw shrunken heads, Anaconda skins and traditional Huaorani spears. We witnessed eggs being balanced on the head of a nail, watched silently as leaves spiraled clockwise down a watery drain whilst standing south of the line, but spiraled counter-clockwise standing north of it. To our incredulity, we witnessed a grown man rendered utterly incapable of providing the resistance necessary to withstand the physical force of our tiny cultural guide. All this due to the mysterious and inexplicable effects of standing directly on the Equator. What an amazing and informative time!
Waiting and a Heron (Day 9)
Plans go smoothly most of the time, but not all of the time. We arrived at the Quito airport with more than sufficient time for our flight to Coca. Everyone was excited as we were on our way to Sacha Lodge! Unfortunately, TAME (TransAereo Militar Ecuador), had different plans, alternate plans, or perhaps no plans at all, and we spent the next 5 hours in the Quito airport before eventually leaving the ground for the mighty Amazon. Everyone kept in high spirits, however, staying entertained with books, Kindles, iPads and music, and when we finally landed we were ready to bird.
Among guides and ornithologists that have worked in the Amazon, there are a few species that really stand out as being of particular allure. Some are notorious because of their colors or their scarcity; others become myth due to their peculiar habits and enigmatic nature. One of the most infamously difficult species to find is the Zigzag Heron. Not everyone knows about the Zigzag Heron and its nocturnal, enigmatic ways. Seemingly present in appropriate (limited) habitat, the Zigzag is never numerous, consistent, or even detectable at the same season from year-to-year. Perhaps water levels affect its activity? Or maybe it has to do with rainfall amounts or larval hatches? Who knows? The fact is that this bird is always in the back of our minds with a fleeting glimmer of hope for an encounter. So it was that as we walked through pristine Varzea forest towards sunset light at the end of the swampy canopy, I was shocked when we heard a clear, near response to our tape.
What ensued was vague, but I remember a lot of shuffling between spaces and standing areas on the skinny boardwalk as I went back and forth between various calls and responses I had on audio. Somehow I ended up laid out, whispering as loud as I could without speaking, as a male Zigzag Heron climbed up a vine and into full view a mere 7 meters from us! As it was almost dark, our local guide got out a small, brilliant flashlight, and brought the beam onto the bird. There it lingered for all of us to see: a fine male, and an incredible view!!!
While eventually getting back to my feet, I wondered why no one else was as ecstatic as I was. I then remembered what I’d forgotten to do: I hadn’t explained what I was playing for, and how special a bird it was. Instead, whilst exclaiming that everyone needed to get behind me, get set up, be quiet and focus, all anyone heard was “heron”. Why all this trouble for a heron?!?!? Later we had a wonderful laugh about it; and upon learning how green the other birders at our lodge became at our success, we laughed doubly. The bird of the day, perhaps the bird of the entire trip, was without a doubt this outstanding Zigzag Heron!
“Antbird in the Scope” (Day 10)
We set out, pre-dawn, for an early start. The trip up Shipati Creek is always a highlight of the tour. Being in the canoe motoring up the small waterway, seeing the forest from the river, always provides an important, new perspective. And the birds are outstanding!
The family Thamnophilidae is usually what comes to mind when birders think of rainforest. Antbirds! These difficult, interesting birds spend most of their time submerged in thick undergrowth, surfacing only to sing, feed or defend their territory. Yasuni National Park, to which Providencia belongs, is the best place for antbirds in the Sacha Lodge repertoire. We had a wonderful morning, walking the trails through prime terra firma forest, upland swamp edge, and racking up an impressive list of difficult and exciting birds.
On the walk from the lodge to the Napo River, we picked up great views of White-shouldered, Spot-backed (Varzea) and Peruvian Warbling Antbird, among others, while some of the highlights of our boat ride up the Shipati included Common Piping Guans, Troupials, Cinnamon Attila and Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner.
We arrived at Providencia with an impressive assortment of species – and the birds kept coming. Antbirds were cooperative, and we hit two nice mixed-species flocks. Scope views were had of Black-tailed Trogon, Red-throated Caracara, singing Black-faced Antbird, Plain-throated Antwren, Dusky-throated Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, and many other greats. Both Coraya and the amazing Musician Wren were completely cooperative. The most spectacular bird of the morning, however, was a female Lunulated Antbird that circled us numerous times, coming within 5 meters of our group! One upper canopy flock rounded out our morning diversity with views of Pygmy and Dugand’s Antwrens, Dusky-capped Greenlet and several species of tanagers.
What with all the fantastic birding, we didn’t arrive back at Sacha Lodge until after 3pm. A break was in order. The group scattered to enjoy siestas, swimming with the piranhas and caiman in Pilchicocha lagoon, and some downtime to digest the morning’s sights. After reconvening at 5pm, we then walked to the metal towers, looking for undergrowth species and roosting birds. Scale-backed Antbird, Great Tinamou, Marbled Wood Quail and Short-billed Leaftosser added further quality to our exceptional day. The best bird of the day was also one of the last: we had leisurely views of a Long-tailed Potoo on its roost. Unbeatable!
Islands in the Rain (Day 11)
As anyone who has ever spent time in this region well knows, rain in the Amazon can vary greatly. Sometimes it comes down in short spurts of heavy rain; often it will sprinkle lightly for hours. Today, on the 15th of September, the skies let out a deluge of Biblical proportion! It was impressive, to put it mildly. It would have been even more impressive had we not planned to visit the parrot licks!
These licks along the Napo River provide acid- and toxin-neutralizing minerals for up to 10 species of Psittacids that flock by the hundreds to these landslides and groundwater upwellings. The parrots come early in the morning from all directions, sometimes travelling over 50 miles (80 km) to attend this gathering that seems to provide as much digestive nutrition as it does a venue for these intelligent, gregarious creatures to convene. Unfortunately, the one condition under which they will not attend is heavy rain. Nonetheless, we drove up the river in the downpour, hoping it would clear, passing the time sighting roosting Ladder-tailed Nightjars, foraging Drab River Tyrants and perched kingfishers along the way. After an hour or two of this, we decided to wait out the rains in the shelter of the nearby Selva Lodge’s boathouse. Finally, at almost 11am, the rains stopped, and a beautiful day began. By this time, however, the parrots were lost, and we stopped instead at the nearest river island. Our hope was to salvage the morning by searching out difficult river island species that might be more active than usual after a heavy rain. This was a great call, netting us Orange-headed Tanager, Black-and-White Antbird, Parker’s, White-bellied and Dark-breasted Spinetails, Fuscous Flycatcher, Olive-spotted Hummingbird, as well as a few species of North American migrant shorebirds.
Next it was off to the Anangu property, site of the inner-forest parrot lick. By now the sun was getting a bit lower in the mid-afternoon sky. We risked the time and effort of hiking up Hill Trail, adjacent to the inactive lick. It turned out to be the pivotal decision of the day. Collared Puffbird, Brown Nunlet, Grey Antbird, 2 species of manakin and amazing looks at the flashy Yellow-browed Antbird were the fruits of our effort. And then, on our return walk to the boat, we found two Rusty-belted Tapaculos foraging leisurely in full view! Employing the green laser to get people on to the birds, one individual actually commenced chasing the laser point…it was incredible!!! Though nothing could top this fantastic sighting, a pair of Spot-backed (Terra Firma) Antbirds and a Black-spotted Bare-eye tried. We concluded our day’s birding activity with Hoatzins, Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher, and one Common Potoo perched with a nestling at its feet.
The Two Towers (Day 12)
Sacha Lodge has garnered attention from travelers for two main reasons – amazing accommodation (including food), and the Canopy Towers. I call these the “Two Towers”, but in fact 2 structures contain 4 towers. One “tower”, the Torre de Madera (Tower of Wood in Spanish) is a spiraling staircase built around a Kepok tree towering above the surrounding forest. The viewing platform built near the crown of this magnificent tree stands 150 feet (46 m) above the forest floor! The second structure is the Canopy Walkway. Three towers, connected by suspended gangplank walkways 138 feet (42m) above the ground, dominate the skyline and can be seen from the Napo River several kilometers away. This free-standing structure was built amongst numerous fruiting trees and along a slight rise, providing views over 2 Igapo Swamps and the Terra Firma forest below.
Today was spent entirely on the Sacha Lodge property with a focus on the “Two Towers” and canopy species. It was a hot day, with some high cloud cover but relatively little flock activity. Nonetheless, we pulled out several amazing species that included Ivory-billed and Many-banded Aracaris, Common Piping Guan (right beneath us!), Black-capped Becard, Zimmer’s Flatbill, Opal-rumped, Opal-crowned, Paradise, Green-and-Gold, Yellow-bellied, Masked and Turquoise Tanagers, Sulphury, Dusky-chested, Piratic and Crowned Slaty Flycatchers, White-necked Puffbird and more. The most spectacular species to be sought out in the canopy, however, are the cotingas, and we were fortunate to have several looks at gorgeous male Plum-throated Cotingas, one Spangled Cotinga and a few massive Bare-necked Fruitcrows.
We then birded our way back to the lodge for lunch and some piranha fishing in the lake. The best find on the way back was a pair of Crested Owls on a roost near the Metal Towers. What a gorgeous bird! One mixed flock provided Pink-throated Becard and Purplish Jacamar, while a silent male Wire-tailed Manakin allowed amazing looks through the scope. We went to lunch well satisfied, but also hungry in a different way!
We spent the afternoon wet. Before an impressive thunderstorm caught us atop the Torre de Madera, we paddled up the serene Orchid Creek, where crippling views of the endemic Orange-crested Manakin were a highlight. This boat ride, if only to view the amazing false mangrove trees and multitude of blooming orchids, is well worth it. Other new species added this afternoon included wonderful views of a responsive Rufous-tailed Flatbill. After dinner, a few of us then ventured forth into the night in search of…well, whatever we come across. The rain broke, and frogs were out in force. 16 of the 20 frog species we saw on this tour were seen in just 40 minutes during this walk!
The Joys of Flying (Day 13)
In order to catch the TAME flight out of Coca, guests must depart Sacha Lodge fairly early in the morning. Departing earlier than required to make a last attempt to bird along the boardwalk, with little effort we had great views of Silvered Antbirds, a male Plumbeous Antbird, and a huge surprise – Citron-bellied Attila! This rare species of flycatcher is seldom recorded north of the Rio Napo, and even less frequently recorded away from competitive (slim-trunk) Terra Firma or Sandy Soil Forests. Yet here we had it respond right off the boardwalk, where it even stayed long enough for other departing birding groups to enjoy.
The rest of the day was spent attempting to arrive in Quito. Due to bad weather, we had a 3 hour delay in Coca. Our first attempt to land in Quito was thwarted by a recurrence of severe weather after we were in the air. We therefore diverted to Manta, on the Pacific Coast, which explains why 15 Magnificent Frigatebirds magically appear in the species list below. As it turned out, this was a lifer for most participants! After a short time on the ground we took off once again for Quito, where we eventually landed successfully at about 5pm. It was quite a day…
Papallacta Pass and the Sword-billed Hummingbird (Day 14)
High Andean birding is always fascinating. Depending almost entirely on the weather, it can be gorgeous and sunny one minute, or blowing freezing rain at 44 miles (70kph) the next! Luckily for us, we enjoyed a mostly sunny morning above 2500 feet (4000m) elevation.
Birds were responsive and cooperative at Papallacta. We spent nearly the entire morning watching Red-rumped Bush Tyrants, Ecuadorian Hillstars, Blue-mantled Thornbills, and a host of incredibly confiding (bordering ridiculous) furnariids that included White-chinned Thistletail, Many-striped Canastero, Stout-billed Cinclodes and Andean Tit-Spinetail. We finished up by dropping down to Guango Lodge, in the upper temperate forests of the east Andean slope, where we contented ourselves by warming up to coffee and tea while watching the hummingbird show. Sylphs, coronets and the rare Mountain Avocetbill were all entertaining, but it was the incomparable Sword-billed Hummingbird that will stand out most in our minds.
Though wishing to spend some time birding the grounds at Guango and above the Termas de Papallacta, rain unfortunately kept us indoors. We therefore headed back to Quito to pack, thus ending the birding portion of our tour. Our final meal in Quito was complete with wine, good conversation and expressions of mutual happiness. So it was that our tour of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon, came to an end, and we bid one another a fond adieu. Some folks had flights the following morning, others a day excursion to Antisana. I heard murmurs of shopping in Otavalo, visiting the Guayasamin museums, and so on. As is often the case, we were reluctant to leave Ecuador and all the fascination it holds.
My personal thanks to the participants, who were all fun, resilient, wonderful people! While the birds certainly bring us together, it is people who make such tours fun and exciting. It was my pleasure to meet you all. Rather than goodbye: until next time….
Total species recorded (including heard): 568
Nomenclature and taxonomy follows the IOC List of Gill, F. and M. Wright, 2006. Birds of the World: Recommended English Names. Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press.
TINAMOUS Tinamidae
Great Tinamou Tinamus major
Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui
Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus
CURASSOWS, GUANS & CHACHALACAS Cracidae
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii
Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens
Common Piping Guan Pipile pipile
Wattled Guan Aburria aburri
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii
NEW WORLD QUAILS Odontophoridae
Marbled Wood Quail Odontophorus gujanensis
Dark-backed Wood Quail Odontophorus melanonotus Near-Endemic
FRIGATEBIRDS Fregatidae
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens
DUCKS, GEESE & SWANS Pelecanidae
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Andean Teal Anas andium
HERONS, BITTERNS & EGRETS Ardeidae
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Western Great Egret Ardea alba
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
CORMORANTS Phalacrocoracidae
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
NEW WORLD VULTURES Cathartidae
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus
OSPREYS Pandionidae
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
KITES, EAGLES, HAWKS Accipitridae
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis
Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea
Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens
Slate-colored Hawk Leucopternis schistacea
Plumbeous Hawk Leucopternis plumbea
White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis
Barred Hawk Leucopternis princeps
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
White-rumped Hawk Buteo leucorrhous
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma
Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle Spizastur melanoleucus
Black-and-chestnut Eagle Oroaetus isidori
FALCONS & CARACARAS Falconidae
Black Caracara Daptrius ater
Red-throated Caracara Ibycter americanus
Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis
Collared Forest Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus
Merlin Falco columbarius
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS Rallidae
Grey-breasted Crake Laterallus exilis
Rufous-sided Crake Laterallus melanophaius
Black-banded Crake Anurolimnas fasciatus
Chestnut-headed Crake Anurolimnas castaneiceps
LIMPKIN Aramidae
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
PLOVERS & LAPWINGS Charadriidae
Pied Lapwing Vanellus cayanus
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris
SANDPIPERS, SNIPES & PHALAROPES Scolopacidae
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
Least Sandpiper Calidris minuta
Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS Laridae
Yellow-billed Tern Sterna superciliaris
PIGEONS & DOVES Columbidae
Rock Dove Columba livia
Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata
Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis
Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea
Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina
Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida Near-Endemic
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla
Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana
White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata
PARROTS Psittacidae
Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severa
Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilata
White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus
Dusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii
Maroon-tailed Parakeet Pyrrhura melanura
Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis Near-Endemic
Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera
Rose-faced Parrot Pionopsitta pulchra Near-Endemic
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus
Speckle-faced (White-capped) Parrot Pionus seniloides
Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus
Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica
Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaria
CUCKOOS & ANIS Cuculidae
Squirrel Cuckoo Coccyzus lansbergi
Little Cuckoo Piaya minuta
Greater Ani Crotophaga major
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia
HOATZIN Opisthocomidae
Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin
OWLS Strigidae
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba
Tawny-bellied Screech Owl Megascops watsonii
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl Glaucidium nubicola Near-Endemic
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata
Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata
POTOOS Nyctibiidae
Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis
Long-tailed Potoo Nyctibius aethereus
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus
NIGHTJARS Caprimulgidae
Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus
Ladder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacocerca
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra
SWIFTS Apodidae
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Chestnut-collared Swift Cypseloides rutila
Spot-fronted Swift Cypseloides cherrei
Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicaudus
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis
Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata
HUMMINGBIRDS Trochilidae
White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui
Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris
White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus
Straight-billed Hermit Phaethornis bourcieri
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Brown Violet-ear Colibri delphinae
Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans
Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata
Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone
Olive-spotted Hummingbird Leucippus chlorocercus
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Andean Emerald Agyrtria franciae
Blue-chested Hummingbird Polyerata amabilis
Purple-chested Hummingbird Polyerata rosenbergi Near-Endemic
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides
Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera
Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini Near-Endemic
Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus Near-Endemic
Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera
Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae
Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani
Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi
Mountain Avocetbill Opisthoprora euryptera
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi
Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis
Wedge-billed Hummingbird Augastes geoffroyi
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris
Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii Near-Endemic
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant
Gorgeted Woodstar Chaetocercus heliodor
TROGONS & QUETZALS Trogonidae
Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps
Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus
Collared Trogon Trogon colaris
Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis
Snowy-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus
KINGFISHERS Alcedinidae
Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda
American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea
MOTMOTS Momotidae
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii
Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota
JACAMARS Galbulidae
White-chinned Jacamar Galbula tombacea
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
Purplish Jacamar Galbula chalcothorax
PUFFBIRDS Bucconidae
White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchos
Collared Puffbird Bucco capensis
Brown Nunlet Nonnula brunnea
Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons
White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus
Swallow-wing Puffbird Chelidoptera tenebrosa
NEW WORLD BARBETS Capitonidae
Scarlet-crowned Barbet Capito aurovirens
Orange-fronted Barbet Capito squamatus
Gilded Barbet Capito auratus
Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii
ATYPICAL BARBETS Semnornithidae
Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus Near-Endemic
TOUCANS Ramphastidae
Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus
Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii
Pale-mandibled Aracari Pteroglossus erythropygius
Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus
Ivory-billed Aracari Pteroglossus azara
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan Andigena laminirostris Near-Endemic
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus
Choco Toucan Ramphastos brevis Near-Endemic
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii
White-throated Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus
WOODPECKERS & PICULETS Picidae
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii
Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans
Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus
Cream-colored Woodpecker Celeus flavus
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus
Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus
Choco Woodpecker Veniliornis chocoensis Near-Endemic
Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus
Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos
Guayaquil Woodpecker Campephilus gayaquilensis Near-Endemic
Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens
Crimson-bellied Woodpecker Campephilus haematogaster
OVENBIRDS Furnariidae
Chestnut-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus
Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior
Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus
Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae
Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura
Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis
White-bellied Spinetail Synallaxis propinqua
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa
White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops
Parker's Spinetail Cranioleuca vulpecula
White-chinned Thistletail Schizoeaca fuliginosa
Many-striped Canastero Schizoeaca fuliginosa
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens
Rusty-winged Barbtail Premnornis guttuligera
Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris
Striped Woodhaunter Hyloctistes virgatus
Slaty-winged Foliage-gleaner Philydor fuscipenne
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus
Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipileatus
Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
Short-billed Leaftosser Sclerurus rufigularis
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
Long-billed Woodcreeper Nasica longirostris
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Dendrexetastes rufigula
Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes certhia
Black-banded Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes picumnus
Straight-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus picus
Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus
Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus
Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger
ANTBIRDS Thamnophilidae
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor
Plain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus
Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha
Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus
Dusky-throated Antshrike Thamnomanes ardesiacus
Cinereous Antshrike Thamnomanes caesius
Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura
Plain-throated Antwren Myrmotherula hauxwelli
Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor
Grey Antwren Myrmotherula menetriesii
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
Dugand’s Antwren Herpsilochmus dugandi
Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata
Rufous-rumped Antwren Terenura callinota
Grey Antbird Cercomacra cinerascens
Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus
Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis cantator
Yellow-browed Antbird Hypocnemis hypoxantha
Spot-backed (Varzea) Antbird Hylophylax naevia
Spot-backed (Terra Firme) Antbird Hylophylax theresea
Scale-backed Antbird Hylophylax poecilinota
Black-and-White Antbird Myrmochanes hemileucus
Silvered Antbird Sclateria naevia
Plumbeous Antbird Myrmeciza hyperythra
White-shouldered Antbird Myrmeciza melanoceps
Sooty Antbird Myrmeciza fortis
Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza immaculata
Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul
Esmeraldas Antbird Myrmeciza nigricauda Near-Endemic
Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis
Lunulated Antbird Gymnopithys lunulata
Black-spotted Bare-eye Phlegopsis nigromaculata
ANTTRUSHES Formicariidae
Black-headed Antthrush Formicarius nigricapillus
Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus
ANTPITTAS Grallariidae
Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea Near-Endemic
Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni Near-Endemic
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla
Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta Near-Endemic
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula
Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis
Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris
TAPACULOS Rhinocryptidae
Rusty-belted Tapaculo Liosceles thoracicus
Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans
Spillman’s Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Tyrannidae
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps
Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps
Choco Tyrannulet Zimmerius albigularis Near-Endemic
Slender-footed Tyrannulet Zimmerius gracilipes
Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
Mottle-backed Elaenia Elaenia gigas
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps
Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus
White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus
Rufous-winged Tyrannulet Mecocerculus calopterus
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Pogonotriccus opthalmicus
Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis ecaudatus
Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
Rufous-tailed Flatbill Ramphotrigon ruficauda
Yellow-olive Flatbill Tolmomyias sulphurescens
Zimmer’s Flatbill Tolmomyias assimilis
Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus
Grey-crowned Flatbill Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Olive-faced Flatbill Tolmomyias viridiceps
Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor
Crowned Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca frontalis
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Silvicultrix diadema
Drab Water Tyrant Ochthornis littoralis
Red-rumped Bush Tyrant Ochthornis littoralis
Streak-throated Bush Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis
Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis
Dusky-chested Flycatcher Myiozetetes luteiventris
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
Variegated Flycatcher Empidonomus varius
Crowned Slaty Flycatcher Griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus
Sulphury Flycatcher Tyrannopsis sulphurea
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis
Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus
Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Masked Water Tyrant Fluvicola nangeta
Citron-bellied Attila Attila citriniventris
Cinnamon Attila Attila cinnamomeus
Greyish Mourner Rhytipterna simplex
TITYRAS, BECARDS Tityridae
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
Sulphur-rumped Myiobus Myiobius sulphureipygius
Tawny-breasted Myiobus Myiobius villosus
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
Black-capped Becard Pachyramphus marginatus
Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus marginatus
One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous
Pink-throated Becard Pachyramphus minor
Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
Thrush-like Schiffornis Schiffornis turdinus
COTINGAS Cotingidae
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristata
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii
Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda Near-Endemic
Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii
Cinereous Mourner Laniocera hypopyrra
Olivaceous Piha Snowornis cryptolophus
Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans
Plum-throated Cotinga Cotinga maynana
Spangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana
Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana
MANAKINS Pipridae
Club-winged Manakin Machraopterus deliciosus Near-Endemic
Golden-headed Manakin Pipra erythrocephala
Wire-tailed Manakin Pipra filicauda
Blue-crowned Manakin Pipra coronata
Blue-backed Manakin Chiroxiphia pareola
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus
Orange-crested Manakin Heterocercus aurantiivertix Endemic
VIREOS & GREENLETS Vireonidae
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys
Dusky-capped Greenlet Hylophilus hypoxanthus
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
CROWS, JAYS & MAGPIES Corvidae
Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa
Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus
SWALLOWS & MARTINS Hirundinidae
Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata
White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS Donacobiidae
Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla
WRENS Troglodytidae
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus
Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis
Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus
Plain-tailed Wren Thryothorus euophrys
Whiskered Wren Thryothorus mystacalis
Coraya Wren Thryothorus coraya
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
Musician Wren Cyphorhinus aradus
Southern Nightingale-Wren Microcerculus marginatus
GNATCATCHERS Polioptilidae
Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus
THRUSHES Turdidae
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis
Lawrence’s Thrush Turdus lawrencii
Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus
Hauxwell’s Thrush Turdus hauxwelli
Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris
DIPPERS Cinclidae
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus
FINCHES Fringillidae
Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra
NEW WORLD WARBLERS Parulidae
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus
Black-crested Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus
Choco Warbler Basileuterus chlorophrys Near-Endemic
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus
Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda
ORPENDOLAS, ORIOLES & BLACKBIRDS Icteridae
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus
Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus
Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi
Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus
BANANAQUIT Coerebidae
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
TANAGERS & ALLIES Thraupidae
Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata
Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia
Yellow-bellied Dacnis Dacnis flaviventer
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossopis caerulescens
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossopis cyanea
Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sordida
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia Chlorophonia flavirostris Near-Endemic
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster
Orange-crowned Euphonia Euphonia saturata
Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa
Rufous-bellied Euphonia Euphonia rufiventris
Golden-bellied Euphonia Euphonia chrysopasta
Glistening-green Tanager Chlorochrysa phoenicotis Near-Endemic
Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula
Gray-and-gold Tanager Tangara palmeri
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii
Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis
Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis
Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta
Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana
Opal-rumped Tanager Tangara velia
Opal-crowned Tanager Tangara callophrys
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis
Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii
Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara xanthogastra
Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus
Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii
Swallow Tanager Creurgops verticalis
Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo
Masked Crimson Tanager Ramphocelus nigrogularis
Lemon-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus icteronotus
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni
Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
Flame-crested Tanager Tachyphonus cristatus
White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius
Dusky Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus semifuscus
Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis
Yellow-green Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavovirens
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris
Western Hemispingus Hemispingus ochraceus
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea
Dull-colored Grassquit Tiaris obscura
Lesser Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis
Variable Seedeater Sporophila murallae
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata
BUNTINGS, NEW WORLD SPARROWS & ALLIES Emberizidae
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor
Rufous-naped Brush Finch Atlapetes rufinucha
White-winged Brush Finch Atlapetes leucopterus
Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Buarremon brunneinucha
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
SALTATORS, GROSBEAKS & ALLIES Cardinalidae
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis
Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis
Southern-Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster
Mammals
New World Monkeys Cebidae
Red Howler Monkey Alouatta bebezul
White-fronted Capuchin Cebus albifrons
Squirrel Monkey Aotus vociferans
Spix’s Night Monkey Aotus vociferans
Pygmy Marmoset Cebuella pygmaea
Black-mantled Tamarin Saguinus nigricollis
Bats Chiroptera
Fishing Bat Noctilio leporinus
Squirrels Sciuridae
Western Red Squirrel Sciurus igriventis
Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus sanfordii
Rabbits Leporidae
Brazilian Rabbit Sylvilagus brasiliensis
Ungulates Cervidae
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Sloths Bradypodidae
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth Bradypus variegatus
Rockjumper Birding Tours CC
Worldwide Birding Adventures
Registration number 2001/059480/23
PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa
Tel: +27 33 394 0225
Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225
Email: info@rockjumperbirding.com
Alternative Email: rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com
Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com