(Other group members Sue Pollard and Roger Hughes; Jo Thomas for part of the trip.)
This was a four-week, tailor-made trip for our group of six, arranged by Jo Thomas of Wild About Travel (Jo joined the group for two of the four weeks). Having previously travelled several times in India with this company we were confident this would be a well-organised tour and we were not disappointed. Our group totals for the trip were a staggering 691 bird species and 30 mammal species plus many reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants. The Diary section of this report gives the main daily highlights. The full list of birds is at the end of the report together with other species and the daily bird checklist can be found by following this link to the Wild About Travel website http://www.wildabouttravel.co.uk/trip-reports/Ecuador_bird_tour_checklist_8nov~6dec2014.pdf (or contact us at the above email address).
We visited the northwest and east slopes of the Andes and the Amazon. We flew KLM from Norwich to Amsterdam then direct to Ecuador, arriving in Quito early evening. We spent the following day in Quito in order to acclimatise to the altitude (c.2,800m/9,186ft), then nine days in the northwest followed by eight on the eastern slope before dropping down to the Amazon for eight days. In the Andes we travelled in very spacious, comfortable vehicles with ample room for bags, optics, wet-weather gear, etc. All journeys were short (most were under two hours) and there were many roadside birding stops. Walks were usually fairly short although some trails were longer, could be wet/muddy and sometimes steep but there was always the option of an alternative route or activity.
All guides were very good to excellent. In the northwest we were led by Andrea Molina who knows the area well, was organised, quick to get us onto birds and knew the calls. We appreciated the way she told us each evening exactly what we would do the next day, how long/far we’d walk and what we needed to take with us. Our driver here was Carlos; we enjoyed his company and found him to be very interested in the wildlife and constantly on the lookout for birds.
Jonas Nilsson guided us on the east slope. He is Swedish and has lived in Ecuador for many years; an excellent birder who obviously knows the birds and terrain very well. He, too, could quickly get everyone onto the birds. He has a great personality and good people-skills. Here our driver was Luis who seemed rather shy at first (just the language barrier, really) but we soon had him laughing and joking. He has a keen eye and often spotted birds for us way off in the distance without binoculars.
At Napo Wildlife Centre we had a bilingual guide (Edwin Perez) plus a sharp-eyed native guide (Favian) and another native guy (Dareo) who paddled at the back of the canoe and was also a good “spotter”. We were pleased to hear that Favian is taking English lessons from a volunteer teacher at Napo WLC; Favian has the potential to be a top guide.
Oscar Tapuy was our bilingual native guide at Sacha (he has been there since 1995) and another native guide, Pablo; they worked well together. Oscar oozes experience and has perfect English, excellent birding and all-round wildlife skills/knowledge and is very up-to-date with taxonomy changes for both birds and mammals. He will not give up until everyone is happy they have seen the bird properly. A little reserved at first, we had him laughing and joking by day two. Pablo paddled at the back of the canoe but found plenty of birds and mammals for us, quickly getting us onto skulking or distant birds.
The field guide we used was The Birds of Ecuador by Robert S Ridgely & Paul J Greenfield (recently re-published). The Jocotoco Fieldbook of the Birds of Ecuador by McMullan and Navarrete was less useful.
As we were spending most of our time in cloud- and rain-forest we knew we’d get wet but there was far less rain than expected and it didn’t often stop us from birding. We were lucky, too, in the higher areas of Antisana and Papallacta because it wasn’t windy; at well over 4,000m/13,000ft we needed a few layers but we’ve often felt much colder at home on the North Norfolk coast! Elsewhere in the Andes it was frequently cool and damp but often the sky cleared and it would become warm and humid. In the Amazon, of course, we were usually very hot!
Food was delicious everywhere, varied and plentiful with a wide range of options. For anyone interested, elsewhere in this report we’ve included some of the menus.
Contact: Wild About Travel www.wildabouttravel.co.uk Email: jo@wildabouttravel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1480 370593 Mobile: +44 (0)7817 574235
OUTLINE ITINERARY
8 Nov Arrived Quito, reaching Hotel Sebastian by 18.40 hrs. Light rain. 2 nights Quito. Hotel Sebastian
9 Nov Quito: much of day in small park opposite hotel, acclimatising to altitude. Sunny a.m., rain afternoon and night
10 Nov Quito to Alambi for hummingbird feeders and riverside walk and on to El Septimo Paraiso Lodge. After lunch, lodge grounds and covered boardwalk in rain. Drove to Mindo Valley - walk/drive/walk. Rain in Quito, clear west slope until 14.00h, then rain becoming heavy. 3 nights El Septimo Paraiso
11 Nov Day at Rio Silanche: tower watch, forest and riverside walks. Heavy overnight rain stopped mid-morning, then hot, damp and humid. Rain again 21.00h
12 Nov Rio Silanche tower watch, then on to Rancho Suamox. Lunch at San Miguel’s Restaurant in Los Bancos by Rio Blanco. Afternoon Milpe Gardens then El Septimo Paraiso grounds. Overnight rain eased by morning, remaining damp and foggy with occasional light showers or drizzle
13 Nov Walked Mashpi Road then snacks by hummingbird feeders on Mashpi Road. Lunch at La Cañita in Pacto town. On to Bellavista Lodge by 15.30h. Late evening watch for Olinguito. Some heavy mist but mostly dry and warm. 4 nights Bellavista Lodge
14 Nov Early morning to Paz de la Aves : Cock-of-the-rock / hummingbird feeders / riverside walk / Antpitta area. Late breakfast at local hostal. Oilbird cave near Chontal then roadside birding and new feeder station at “Quinto Luna” near Bellavista Lodge. No rain.
15 Nov Day along Bellavista trails and surrounding area. Damp and misty but little rain
16 Nov Bellavista and Milpe. Lunch at San Miguel’s Restaurant, Los Bancos. a.m. mist and light rain, p.m. bright
17 Nov Bellavista and Maquipicuna. Mid-morning to Alambi. To Quito after lunch. Clear morning, cloudy afternoon. 2 nights Quito, Hotel Sebastian
18 Nov Yanacocha. a.m. clear; heavy mist from midday
19 Nov Antisana then Guango Lodge and forest trail. a.m. sun/cloud, mist/rain from 15.30h. 2 nights Guango Lodge
20 Nov Morning Papallacta. Lunch at Guango Lodge. Afternoon Granja “Eco” Farm, Baeza then Guango Lodge. Dry
21 Nov Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve (Parcacocha area above Termas/Papallacta village). Late morning Guango Lodge woodland/river. On to San Isidro/roadside stops. Mostly dry, some light showers. 2 nights San Isidro Lodge
22 Nov San Isidro Lodge grounds and trail. On to Bermejo Road then return to San Isidro grounds. Dry most of day, little rain 16.00h becoming heavy
23 Nov Roadside stops on route to Wildsumaco including Archidona. Packed lunch at Orchid Restaurant. Loreto and Sumaco roads. Early heavy mist and rain, dry later. 4 nights Wildsumaco Lodge
24 Nov Wildsumaco roadside walks and trails. Heavy rain late a.m., dry and bright p.m. then heavy rain through night
25 Nov Wildsumaco Lodge and trails. Heavy rain continued until mid-morning; dry until 15.30h, then heavy rain again.
26 Nov Wildsumaco trails and Research base. Early rain easing then occasional showers
27 Nov Drove from Wildsumaco to Coca. Motor boat then canoe to Napo Wildlife Centre. No rain, hot and humid. 4 nights Napo Wildlife Centre
28 Nov Morning channels, forest walks and canopy tower watch. Afternoon around Lodge. Canoe trip 1600-1800 hrs Dry, distant storms evening
29 Nov Canoe along channels, Napo river parrot licks and Yasuni NP. Mostly dry, heavy rain midday and evening
30 Nov Canoe along channels, Napo river islands, metal tower watch and forest walks. Early “fog” then hot and humid. Little rain in evening
1 Dec Transfer from Napo WLC to Sacha. Canoe along channels, wooden tower watch. Heavy showers through morning, hot and humid p.m. 4 nights Sacha Lodge
2 Dec Canopy walkway. Canoe along channels. Hot and humid, no rain
3 Dec Napo river islands and Yasuni NP Providential Trail. Canoe along channels. Hot and humid, no rain
4 Dec Canoe along channels and wooden tower watch. Heavy rain 14.30 - 18.00 and again from 21.00h
5 Dec Transfer from Sacha Lodge to riverboat and on to Coca. Flight to Quito. 1 night at Casa Aliso, Quito
6 Dec Day in gardens at Casa Aliso, Quito. Evening flights to UK. Bright, some cloud
SITES
QUITO
HOTEL SEBASTIAN La Mariscal district of Quito. Comfortable rooms, reasonable menus and varied buffet-style breakfast, service can be a bit slow. No garden but a small park opposite has plenty of trees and flowers to attract birds and butterflies.
CASA ALISO A charming Spanish colonial-style hotel, formerly a private home. In "La Floresta" area north side of the city. Nice rooms, some very spacious. Good, basic breakfast (no restaurant but there are several nearby). Neat gardens. Very friendly, helpful staff.
NORTH WEST SLOPES
ALAMBI A little more than an hour out of Quito this small home-style guesthouse is set in 250ha of mostly primary cloud forest beside the Alambi river at the foot of Tandayapa Valley at 1,480m/4,855ft. For a small fee non-residents can watch from the veranda overlooking flower-rich gardens with many hummingbird feeders and banana stake-outs for Tanagers and other fruit-eaters and walk along the riverside trail.
BELLAVISTA LODGE, TRAILS & SURROUNDING AREAS The Lodge is 2200m/7200ft, at the top of Tandayapa valley, 18k south east of Mindo town (under 2hrs from Quito). Bellavista reserve is at the southern edge of the Choco-Andean region and covers 700ha of secondary and primary cloud forest (“subtropical pre-montane rainforest”) from 1550m/5000ft up to 2500m/nearly 8000ft.
MASHPI ROAD Roadside walking through wet, mossy lower montane forest where many Choco range-restricted species can be seen. A couple of hours from Quito.
MILPE GARDENS Off the main Calacalí-Los Bancos highway. Another Choco endemic area.
MINDO & TANDYAPA VALLEYS 84 km northwest of Quito, one of the best cloud forest birding area in South America.
PAZ DE LA AVES RESERVE 120ha (70ha are steep primary forest) private reserve close to Mindo. 1,400m/4,600ft. Famous for its Antpittas and Cock-of-the-rock leks.
RANCHO SUAMOX Although no longer offering accommodation, this 272ha private reserve is well worth a visit. The owner has developed a biodiverse Chocó-Andean corridor by reforesting with native species and creating 10 km of trails .
RIO SILANCHE BIRD SANCTUARY 80 ha of hilly Chocó lowland forest around 300m/984ft. Forest trails and 15m/50ft canopy observation tower. Three hour drive from Quito
SEPTIMO PARAISO CLOUD FOREST RESERVE and EL SEPTIMO PARAISO LODGE The reserve covers 420ha of pre-montane and montane cloud forest privately protected and managed by the Green Mindo Foundation. Altitude ranges from 950m/3116ft to 1,650m/5413ft. The lodge is very comfortable, providing excellent food and service, with very helpful and friendly staff.
YANACOCHA To the north west of Quito, this area of high altitude Polylepis cloud-forest on Pichincha volcano is species-rich and home to almost the entire known world population of the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg.
EAST SLOPE
ANTISANA High altitude dry páramo and lakes below the snow covered Antisana volcano, just 1½ hours drive from Quito. The protected area ranges from 1400m/4,593ft to 5700m/18,700ft. The higher páramo that we visited and Mica lake are around 4,000m/13,123ft.
PAPALLACTA / PARCACOCHA (CAYAMBE-COCA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE) Varied high altitude habitats including wet, boggy páramo and dense shrubby vegetation at 3500m/11482ft to >4000m/13,123ft.
GUANGO LODGE / TRAILS Just 1 hour’s drive from Quito, this is a charming, very cosy small lodge at 2,700m/8858ft in temperate, humid, forest. Friendly, helpful staff, good food, big log fires and hot water bottles! Hummingbird feeders all around the entrance plus a network of trails through woodland, riverside and open areas with superb views.
SAN ISIDRO LODGE / GROUNDS / TRAILS Another hour or so from Guango, San Isidro Lodge is set at c.2,050m/6,800ft in lush cloud forest in the Cosanga valley between Antisana and Sumaco reserves. Well-marked and maintained forest trails lead through a variety of habitat zones, including well-preserved montane humid forest. The enigmatic “San Isidro Owl” has still not been specifically identified. Good food and hospitality. Well-spaced, basic yet comfortable cabins, some with their own hummingbird feeders.
WILDSUMACO LODGE / GROUNDS / TRAILS. In the transitional zone between sub-tropical and lowland forest, this is a fabulous place. Well-run with miles of trails to explore in both old-secondary and primary forest. Good food, neat and spacious cabins set in attractive flower-rich gardens. Lower down the eastern slope, at about 1150m/3772ft, it is noticeably warmer.
AMAZON
COCA “PORT” The town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana sits on the confluence of the Coca and Napo rivers and is commonly known as “Coca”. It’s the starting point for the high speed river boat journey into the Amazon. Bars and eating places nearby, although we were provided with a packed lunch from Wildsumaco as well as a snack from Napo Wildlife Centre on board the boat.
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTRE ( Napo WLC ) Just over 2-hours (80k/50m) by motorized boat downstream from Coca on the south side of the Napo river, set in a large private reserve within Yasuni National Park. Owned and managed by the Kichwa Añangu community. Benefits local people and preserves diverse flora and fauna of this west Amazonian area. ‘Terra firme’ rainforest, black-water creeks, ‘varzea’ (flooded) forest, rivers and lakes and two canopy towers. Some bird and mammal species occurring here in the rich tropical forest are not seen on the north bank of the river at Sacha. Well organised, attractive and comfortable lodge beside Añangu lake (or Añangucocha, “cocha” = lake). Good food and friendly staff.
YASUNI NATIONAL PARK UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Largest, most bio-diverse and best-conserved tract of Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Napo Wildlife Centre is within the park. Entrance fee required for parrot-lick (usually included in Napo WLC package).
YAKU KAWSAY INTERPETATION CENTRE, YASUNI NP Several traditional-style huts, interpretation of underwater fauna, etc. Trails through good primary forest.
SACHA LODGE 2-hours (80k/50m) by motorized boat downstream from Coca on the north side of river; some bird and mammal species found here do not occur on the south side. 5,000 acre/2,000ha private reserve with similar habitats to Napo WLC. A 41m/135ft canopy tower plus a 30m/94ft high canopy walkway with a span of 275m/900ft. Well-organised, comfortable lodge beside Pilchicocha lake. Good food.
DIARY
8 November
We landed at Quito’s fairly new airport at about 16.00h and were quickly through passport control and customs. All the officers were very cheerful and welcoming and we collected our bags without delay. Our driver was there to meet us and we soon reached the car park where a Rufous-collared Sparrow was foraging beside our spacious vehicle. It was raining lightly but it wasn’t cold. We were aware of the altitude already (2,800m/9,186ft). The airport is 18kms east of the city and with “rush hour” traffic it took about 1½ hrs to reach our hotel. The rain stopped and we saw lots of Eared Doves and Great Thrushes (they really are big), more Rufous-collared Sparrows and brief views of Common Ground Dove. Hotel Sebastian is a fairly typical city hotel with comfortable, spacious rooms and a restaurant with a varied menu. It had been a very long day and we retired soon after dinner.
9 November
A leisurely day in Quito adjusting to altitude; we lingered over breakfast (buffet-style, cereals, breads, cheeses, fruits, juices, tea and coffee, with eggs cooked to order) and our first hummingbird appeared in a tree by the window - Sparkling Violetear! We spent the morning in a small park opposite the hotel, finding some good birds and butterflies in the warm sunshine. Highlights were Blackburnian Warbler, American Redstart and Cinereous Conebill. After lunch at the hotel we walked the tree-lined streets, picking up more birds (Black-tailed Trainbearer) until late afternoon when the cloud thickened, thunder rumbled and it started to rain.
10 November
Andrea Molina, our guide for the next nine days, met us in the lobby at 07.15h and our driver, Carlos, quickly loaded the bags and we were away by 07.25h. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city, we climbed up through a green, forested landscape with superb views of Pichincha volcano. First stop was Alambi, just an hour from the city; a fabulous site with 10 species of hummingbird whizzing around nectar-feeders just a few metres from us and several confusing tanagers (well, confusing for those who’d never been to South or even Central America before) feasting on bananas. Notable highlights were Western Emerald, Red-headed Barbet, Ecuadorian Thrush, Choco Brush Finch, Yellow-tufted Dacnis. In warm sunshine we walked down to the river, hoping for White-capped Dipper, but no luck. Consolation came, though, with a pair of Golden-headed Quetzals and Pacific Hornero and many other birds, frogs, butterflies and flowers. We had another half hour with the hummingbirds before continuing our journey along Tandyapa Valley to El Septimo Paraiso Lodge. The sun was still shining as we arrived and we sat in the lush garden surrounded by birds and butterflies until lunch was ready. It started to rain but birds were still active, White-whiskered Hermit, Violet-tailed Sylph, Ornate Flycatcher and Beryl-spangled Tanager being the most notable. We then drove just a few minutes along the road in this spectacular Mindo area, seeing Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Rufous Motmot, Torrent Tyrannulet, Masked Water Tyrant and Yellow-bellied Seedeater. We were looking forward to our 3-night stay here even though there was heavy rain overnight.
11 November
Breakfast at 05.15h (still raining) and away by 06.00h heading for Silanche Conservation Area. Rain stopped by 08.00h, becoming hot, damp and humid. Before reaching Silanche we stopped a few times and walked for a while by secondary forest and open areas for some good birding, including excellent views of a Laughing Falcon with a very long snake. Other highlights on route were Barred Puffbird, Black-mandibled Toucan, Red-rumped Woodpecker, Pacific Parrotlet, White-thighed Swallow and Bay Wren. At Silanche we first climbed the 15m/50ft observation platform for views over the forest before walking a trail in hope of White-bearded Manakin - success! As well as plenty more birds and insects, the climbers, bromeliads and orchids were impressive. We tried the tower again and were rewarded with six superb Swallow-tailed Kites. Other highlights at Silanche were Doubled-toothed Kite, Bicolored Hawk, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Blue-chested and Purple-chested Hummingbirds, Checker-throated Antwren, Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Black-and-white Becard. After all this we were feeling hungry and enjoyed a packed lunch (tasty rice with vegetables, plantain crisps, home-made cake, an orange and soft drinks) before walking along the road to the Rio Silanche bridge. A huge “Morpho” butterfly danced around us and we found Rufous Motmot and Buff-rumped Warbler. A group of children were fascinated by Andrea’s telescope. It was very hot and humid and by 16.00h we were ready to head back to the lodge. It took only an hour so there was plenty of time before dinner to shower, relax and do the check list. Rain again by 21.00h but the frogs and moths around the cabins were great.
12 November
Today’s itinerary included Rancho Suamox and Milpe Gardens, but first we enjoyed another session at Silanche tower - much more productive than yesterday, including two Guayaquil Woodpeckers and another Swallow-tailed Kite, then took a short walk along the forest trail. Highlights of the morning were Pale-mandibled Aracari, Purple-chested Hummingbird, White-tailed Trogon, Broad-billed Motmot, Choco Toucan, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Masked Tityra, Tawny-crested and Rufous-winged Tanagers, Tufted Dacnis. At nearby Rancho Suamox we watched at the feeding station and walked the woodland and gardens - Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Orange-billed Sparrow, Dusky-faced Tanager, Pallid Dove and Great Antshrike as well as a large, round “oven” nest of Pacific Hornero. Lunch today was at a very nice restaurant, San Miguel’s in Los Bancos, complete with a bird feeding station by the window (Bananaquit and six species of hummingbird) and a veranda high above the Rio Blanco. Heavy mist had descended but by the time we reached Milpe Gardens visibility improved and we saw a good range of species - Collared Trogon, Cinnamon and One-colored Becards, Choco and Three-striped Warblers, Swallow Tanager. Back at El Septimo Paraiso Lodge we had ½ hour in the grounds watching Booted Racket-tail and Violet-tailed Sylph. A Black Agouti trotted across a path as it was getting dark and an Equatorial Anole Lizard was chasing moths in the lounge.
13 November
We left at 05.30h for Mashpi Road, passing the archaeological/cultural site of Tulipe on the equator. First target for the day was Club-winged Manakin and we were lucky, with two males displaying! The species kept coming: a female Lyre-tailed Nightjar, three Rose-faced Parrots, Band-tailed Pigeon, Empress Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Andean Solitaire, Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager and Indigo Flowerpiercer. It had been an excellent morning and by 11.00h we were ready for some refreshment - just off the road was a couple of benches and a table under a canopy where an enterprising young couple have set up a bird feeding station and offer coffee, tea and biscuits. We spent a very pleasant hour there watching such delights as Velvet-purple Coronet and Crowned Woodnymph. Lunch was in the town of Pacto; the coffee-stall couple joined us and we learnt that they had provided the (organic) chicken and fruit for our meal.
Back in our vehicle and heading towards Bellavista, we turned off the tarmac onto a dirt road and almost immediately a Sickle-winged Guan flew in front of us. We arrived at Bellavista Lodge by 15.30h and settled in for a four-night stay. The first bird we saw was Strong-billed Woodcreeper, soon followed by Masked Trogon, Golden-crowned Flycatcher Green-and-black Fruiteater, Grass-green Tanager, White-sided Flowerpiercer and a whole range of hummingbirds. At dusk moths descended on every wall, a huge variety of weird and wonderful shapes, sizes and colours, accompanied by cicadas, leafhoppers, stick insects - all sitting quietly, dazzled by the lights. There will be a lot of food in the morning for the birds. After dinner two of us sat on the top veranda watching the trees where staff had hauled up bunches of bananas; the night sounds were fantastic. After some time we had splendid views of an Olinguito, a mammal not recognised as a species until 2013 and so far found only in high elevation cloud forests of Ecuador and Colombia. It’s a nocturnal, arboreal fruit-eater and at Bellavista bananas are provided each evening to entice it into view.
14 November
We left at 05.00h to reach Angel Paz’s Cock-of-the-rock area. As we walked along the narrow trail towards a viewing shelter the air was filled with the strange rasping calls of lekking males. As they dashed past gaps in the trees we caught flashes of incredibly-bright red, black and grey. The atmosphere was amazing. It took a while, but eventually we had good views of perched and displaying males - stunning. Then Andrea called us urgently - a roosting Rufous-bellied Nighthawk. What a fantastic morning! We moved on and walked for a while by a river and, after a little coaxing with titbits from Angel, a Yellow-breasted Antpitta appeared, giving excellent views. At some nearby hummingbird feeders we were lucky to see Wedge-billed Hummingbird, a good bird to see. Then it was time for more antpittas; a steep climb up a hillside and similar coaxing enticed the Giant Antpitta onto the path in front of us - fabulous views! A little further on an Ochre-breasted Antpitta was also lured out to perch on branches in front of us and this little beauty had the most curious swaying motion. A short drive from the river took us to another site where two Chestnut-crowned Antpittas were encouraged into the open. Other highlights this morning were Golden-headed Quetzel, Golden-winged Manakin and Sepia-brown Wren. All this before a proper breakfast!
We took a break at a nearby rural hostal which served a light, traditional breakfast whilst we watched a Broad-winged Hawk above a wooded hillside.
This afternoon’s target was Oilbirds and we had a couple of hours’ drive to reach the site a few miles from the village of Chontal. It was a short walk to a narrow gorge, then a scramble up and over a wet, rocky stream and there they were! At least 16 of them, sleepily peering down at us from ledges and crevices in the rock face. We stayed for ages as it was hard to drag ourselves away from these beguiling birds. Almost reeling from such an amazing day, we headed back to Bellavista, stopping for half an hour to check out a new feeder site (Quinta Luna) not far from the Lodge - and saw yet more hummingbird species: Tawny-bellied Hermit, Fawn-breasted Brilliant and Brown Inca, then at Bellavista we added Azara’s Spinetail to our fast-growing list. The Olinguito was very obliging tonight, putting on a good show for those who had missed it yesterday.
15 November
Early morning was spent around Bellavista Lodge and after breakfast we walked a steep trail through cool, thick cloud forest and up to a gravel track for some forest edge birding. Along the track the sun was really warm; butterflies were in abundance around the many flowers and dragonflies were all around us. At the end of the track a welcome sight was Carlos sitting in our bus ready to return us to the lodge. After lunch some of the group birded the roadsides not far from the lodge, others stayed around the lodge’s short trails.
Highlights around Bellavista included Toucan Barbet, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Yellow-bellied Chat Tyrant, Flavescent Flycatcher, White-winged Brush Finch, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Golden Grosbeak and away from the lodge Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and Tanager Finch were good finds.
16 November
Four of us spent the day birding Milpe where the morning’s highlights were Choco Trogon and Snowy-throated Kingbird. After a stop for lunch at San Miguel’s in Los Bancos town again, they slowly birded their way back to the Lodge. Others walked Bellavista’s very productive trails; some of the highlights were White-throated Ground Dove, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Empress Brilliant, Masked Trogon, Toucan-Barbet, White-faced Nunbird, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Grey-breasted Wood Wren, Beryl-spangled and Flame-faced Tanagers, Chestnut-capped Brush Finch. In the evening moths were out in force and we took a ridiculous number of photographs - it will be a challenge to get them identified!
17 November
We had a final early morning walk along the “Compost Trail” at Bellavista where Powerful Woodpecker, Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush and Rufous-chested Tanager were amongst the highlights. After breakfast we set off for another visit to Alambi’s amazing feeding station. On route our driver pointed out a Cock-of-the-rock’s nest below an overhang on the roadside. Alambi didn’t disappoint - Summer and Silver-throated Tanagers, Western Emerald, Choco Brush Finch and a fantastic performance by the hummingbirds including Purple-bibbed Whitetip and White-whiskered Hermit. A Barred Hawk flew over. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Alambi then drove to Hotel Sebastian in Quito. Jo Thomas had flown in today and she joined us around 18.00h.
18 November
Breakfast at 06.00h and away by 06.45h for the 1½hr drive to Yanacocha. City traffic was quite heavy but soon we were in open country, still on the western slope of the Andes. This is cattle-grazing country so most of the forest has gone. Climbing higher to steep, forested slopes under a clear blue sky the views were stunning once more. We reached the Jocotoco Foundation’s Yanacocha Reserve, an area of high elevation cloud-forest which holds almost the entire known world population of the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg. Sightings have been few and far-between in recent times and we were not lucky. At this altitude (3,400m/11,150ft) we walked quite slowly but it was fairly level ground with just a few gentle inclines. There were so many birds to see: Andean Guan within minutes of leaving the vehicle, then Barred-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous Antpitta, Supercilliaried Hemispingus and Black-chested Mountain Tanager. Plants were impressive, too, with several species of orchid. Even up here we found hummingbird feeders with Great Sapphirewing, Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs. High in the tree above us was an unbelievable Sword-billed Hummingbird; our only disappointment was that we didn’t see it feed.
Steadily the cloud built up and it began to rain, although not heavily, so we sat under the shelter by the hummingbirds with our packed lunch. We went down nearer the start of the trail but were soon thwarted as cloud descended and visibility was very poor. Having seen so many good things we decided to call it a day and return to Quito where we said goodbye to Carlos (we’ll miss his cheery personality). Andrea did her final checklist with us before she, too, left us as we’d completed our tour of the northwest slopes of the Andes. Tomorrow will bring new adventures!
19 November
Our new guide Jonas Nilssen and driver Luis joined us for breakfast at Hotel Sebastian. Luis was driving a vehicle bigger and even more comfortable than our previous one. Again, it took some time to get through Quito’s traffic into the green grazing lands and (sadly) some conifer plantations on the eastern slope. Higher up, on our way to Antisana, we passed a very old lava flow (some quarrying going on). Higher still and we stopped by a bridge to walk beside a stream and soon saw a female Ecuadorian Hillstar and both Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes. The plants here were very different. The road climbed even higher and we reached dry grass páramo; as the cloud broke we could see snow-capped Cotapaxi volcano in the distant and then stunning views of Antisana’s ice fields and “ice rock faces”. At this high elevation we had expected to be cold but we were lucky as there was virtually no wind or rain, just cloud, so we were quite comfortable, nothing like the chill of home on the north Norfolk coast! On the wide open páramo we had two very close Andean Ibis, a flock of Andean Gulls and dozens of Carunculated Caracaras. Jonas found a distant, perched Aplomado Falcon and we managed to get decent ‘scope views. Suddenly, above a ridge, soared an Andean Condor! Then another. Two truly huge birds. One was a young bird. They were in view on and off for about 10 minutes. What wonderful luck. We moved on, passing some distant grazing llamas and seeing more high altitude birds and two White-tailed Deer resting in the open beside the road. We passed a small lake before reaching the very large La Mica lake (which provides much of Quito’s water) with Silvery Grebe, Andean Teal and much more. Other highlights were Variable Hawk, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Coot, Andean Lapwing, Black-chested Buzzard-eagle, Black-winged Ground Dove, Paramo Pipit and Black-billed Shrike-tyrant. We were now well over 4,000m/c.13,200ft and one of our party was suffering so we quickly went down to lower ground. It had been a spectacular morning.
Lunch was at a small restaurant overlooking a steep, rugged cliff face where a pair of Andean Condors nested. We enjoyed prolonged views of both adults coming and going and what seemed to be two recently-fledged juveniles, one of which was tagged. These two seemed to have a different plumage from the young bird seen earlier so we may have seen five birds in total - but perhaps not, so we’ll say four! From the other window we could see a Giant Hummingbird, so it was very hard to concentrate on the delicious traditional lunch being served to us. As we returned to our vehicle a Hooded Siskin was singing from a tree top.
The cloud thickened as we dropped lower and we were in heavy mist then rain by the time we reached Guango Lodge at 16.30h. Never mind, plenty of hummingbirds as we walked along the path to Reception, including Tourmaline Sunangel. Someone had seen fresh Mountain Tapir tracks on the trail opposite the Lodge this afternoon so we quickly set off along a steep, muddy trail in the hope of finding at least some tracks if not the beast itself. Not much luck, just one rather obscure footprint, but at least we knew the animal was around. It was almost dark as we returned to the Lodge but we’d had good views of White-capped Dipper under the road bridge.
Back at Guango Lodge we did the checklist by a fire in the cosy upstairs lounge. After dinner staff brought us hot water bottles; with portable heaters already in the room, we were more than cosy!
20 November
Breakfast at 05.30h then off to the amazing landscape of Papallacta. Masses of flowering plants and shrubs fascinated us as we made our way up from wet páramo to the high, rocky habitat with an array of “cushion plants” at the radio station on a high ridge with stunning views of Andean peaks stretching far into the distance. We reached about 4,200m/13,800ft and Jonas continually reminded us to take it slowly. He went ahead as we watched Plumbeous Sierra-finches and photographed some impressive plants. Jonas called us. “DON’T RUN; take your time, they won’t fly away!!” They didn’t. He’d found a couple of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and their camouflage in this habitat was perfect, so hard to see until they moved. We had very close views as they foraged just below the track. Over the next couple of hours we slowly wandered downhill, birding and botanising all the way; some of us found it difficult to drag ourselves away from the many varied and fascinating plants, while the true birders amongst us were drawn from one specialty to another: Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Tit-spinetail, Blue-mantled Thornbill, White-chinned Thistletail, Many-striped Canastero and Brown-backed Chat-tyrant.
Before lunch at Guango Lodge we walked the riverside trail finding first a male, then a female Torrent Duck as well as the only Slaty-backed Chat-tyrant of the trip. It was raining after lunch so we drove down lower to Baeza (about 1½ hrs) and went to Granja “Eco” Farm. Scenically it’s a beautiful place, full of birds, but it’s a strange set-up; a few vegetables here and there, lots of flowering trees and shrubs, several large wire pens with captive animals - an Amazonian Tapir (why not the local native Mountain Tapir?), an African Ostrich, and a native Red Brocket Deer. We followed a marked trail across open fields (llamas and cows) and through some interesting natural woodland where we had good views of Ash-browed Spinetail, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Inca Jay and Golden-collared Honeycreeper. It wasn’t raining but the clouds were threatening and thunder rumbled all around us. As we left the “farm” a couple of small birds were chasing across a field - Vermilion Flycatchers! - then we saw a pair of Southern Lapwings.
It rained again this evening but it didn’t bother us as we sat by the fire doing the checklist! After yet another tasty evening meal we retired at 21.00h to our very warm beds.
21 November
Another high-altitude morning. We were in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, near Laguna Parcacocha, having driven through the village of Papallacta. We continuously scanned the dense, shrubby and steep habitat on the way up, hoping in vain for a glimpse of Spectacled Bear, Mountain Tapir or Andean Fox. We walked the road for a couple of hours through fascinating páramo habitat (yet more different plant species) and wonderful scenery. Birds, too, were fascinating - Shining Sunbeam, Viridian Metaltail, Black-backed Bush Tanager, Black-chested and Masked Mountain Tanagers. Although we were near 4,000m/13,000ft again there was hardly any wind and only high cloud, no rain.
Having succeeded in seeing many of the special birds at this altitude, we returned to Guango Lodge and walked the trails where we were lucky to see a flock of Red-hooded Tanagers. Other highlights were Northern Mountain Cacique, Russet-crowned Warbler, Grey-headed Bush Tanager and Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager. Our luck continued because the rain held off until the end of our walk.
After lunch we departed for San Isidro, making several roadside stops along the way, encountering Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Saffron-crowned Tanager and Torrent Duck. There was no time to settle into our rooms at Cabañas San Isidro because our cabins had their own hummingbird feeders; Bronzy Inca and Long-tailed Sylph are impossible to ignore and some of us were late for the check list call. There was a little rain but it didn’t stop us finding a Pale-edged Flycatcher along the wooded pathway. It was much warmer here and immediately after dinner we went in search of the “San Isidro Owl” which took only a matter of minutes; a very obliging bird. We watched from the restaurant veranda as Tapirs often come to the salt lick here but probably much later when there are fewer people about and we were just too tired to stay longer.
22 November
We spent early morning around San Isidro lodge and the roadside - Handsome Flycatcher, White-throated Toucanet, Streak-headed Antbird. Staff had scattered corn near the cabins which enticed a Black Agouti. We visited one of the trails where a White-bellied Antpitta is fed every morning; we were not disappointed and enjoyed wonderful views.
After lunch we drove to Bermejo Road with lots of roadside stops; two new species were Lemon-browed Flycatcher and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker. Other species included Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager and Capped Conebill. Although it was overcast and quite dull, there was no rain.
This evening at San Isidro we stood on a rooftop watchpoint hoping for Kinkajou or Night Monkey - no luck, but the night sounds were good with three or four Wattled Guans and a Rufous-banded Owl calling. We abandoned the watch when light drizzle turned to rain.
23 November
Overnight rain had eased by dawn and after breakfast we birded around the grounds for an hour or so, finding Rufous-Crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Glossy-black Thrush, Black-eared Hemispingus and Saffron-crowned Tanager then a mixed feeding flock came along and Spotted Barbtail, Pearled Treerunner, Montane Woodcreeper, Smoke-colored Pewee, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Black-and-white Warbler, Spectacled Whitestart, Common Bush Tanager, Blue-grey, Beryl-spangled and Summer Tanagers kept us busy for quite a while. As we were moving on to Wildsumaco today we loaded our bags onto the vehicle by about 07.00h. However, the mist thickened and visibility was very poor so there was no point sticking to our original plan of walking the nearby Guacamayos Ridge Trail even though this meant missing the chance of goodies such as Greater Scythebill, Masked Saltator and Bicolored Antvireo. We drove lower where it was a little better but at the first stop we could only hear birds, not seeing anything at all. Continuing down the road, signs announced that we were leaving Antisana Natural Reserve and entering Sumaco National Park - all wonderful, protected forest, just a pity we couldn’t see it through the mist! But whilst crossing a couple of rivers we saw a Torrent Duck and a Fasciated Tiger Heron. A big surprise was a Merlin perched in a small tree - Jonas informed us it was the first record for this area, so he was very keen to get a photograph.
Eventually the sky cleared and at the next stop, by a cafe overlooking a wide area of scrub, cultivations and a wet marsh we saw a nice range of species, including Blackish Rail, Glittering-throated Emerald, Violaceous Jay, Black-capped Donacobius, Thrush-like Wren, Crested Oropendola, Magpie Tanager, Yellow-browed Sparrow and Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch. Dropping still lower, we had a productive hour at the roadside, picking up Short-tailed Hawk, Short-tailed Swift, Yellow-tufted and Little Woodpeckers, Boat-billed Flycatcher, White-banded Swallow and Giant Cowbird amongst many others. We then went to lunch at El Paraiso de las Orquideas (“The Orchid Paradise”) where, instead of ordering a meal, Jonas said we should eat our own packed lunches! To ease our conscience a little we said yes to the offer of freshly-made crème brûlée as well as tea and coffee! The staff seemed quite relaxed about this arrangement, it probably happens regularly. The place is also a rescue centre for “wild animals” and a semi-tame Woolly Monkey was a bit of a nuisance.
We then made our way along the Loreto Road stopping four times for short walks. At the first stop we had really close views of a roosting Blackish Nightjar and we could hear Andean Cock-of-the-rocks lekking but unfortunately couldn’t actually see them. The second stop by steep cliffs produced at least three Cliff Flycatchers. Another stop was by a bridge adorned with huge Nephila spiders but our attention was soon drawn away from them by a Green-fronted Lancebill down by the river. Another stop, another cafe, this time with an array of gorgeous butterflies swarming over the wet ground. We walked down to a photogenic waterfall and some hummingbird feeders and had our first encounter with Many-spotted Hummingbird. Other species were Southern Lapwing, Blue-headed Parrot, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, White-winged Swallow, White-lored Euphonia, Turquoise Tanager and Greyish Saltator.
Eventually we turned onto the long, very rough track leading to Wildumaco Lodge, seeing Scaled Pigeon and two calling Black-mandibled Toucans along the way. It was late afternoon by the time we reached the lodge and we made the most of remaining daylight sitting on the veranda watching Gould’s Jewelfront, Napo Sabrewing and Rufous-vented Whitetip. As darkness fell, three Band-bellied Owls were calling close to the veranda and moths of all shapes and sizes were everywhere, together with some really weird-looking crickets. There will be another bird-feast in the morning!
24 November
Luis, our driver, left us after breakfast as there was no need for a big vehicle here; most of the time we will be walking the trails and the Lodge has its own vehicle if needed. Our first walk was out from the lodge and along the road. Some of the species seen in the mixed woodland and scrub were White-backed Fire-eye, Bronze-green Euphonia, Yellow-throated Bush Tanager and Spotted Tanager. The walk was cut short as it started to rain, then it poured down and we hurried back to the lodge. Jonas lit a huge fire in the lounge to dry our coats and rucksacks and we then moved out to the covered veranda where many birds were in view - Squirrel Cuckoo, Napo Sabrewing, Black-throated Brilliant, Hair-crested Thorntail and Guilded Barbet. The grounds around the lodge were great, with Violet-headed Hummingbird, Gorgeted Woodstar, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Olivaceous Greenlet, Golden-collared Toucanet and Cerulean Warbler, so we didn’t need to go far when it stopped raining.
The afternoon walk along Coopman Trail was brilliant with many more birds being added to our list as we moved from open areas through species-rich old secondary forest and into dense primary forest. Here we saw Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Golden-winged and Blue-rumped Manakins. A lodge guide (called “Campion”) feeds a Plain-backed Antpitta here; we had amazingly-close views! To end the day we walked along the road, making a detour to yet more hummingbird feeders. Coppery-chested Jacamar, Ecuadorian Piedtail and a fly-over Military Macaw were the star birds.
25 November
Still raining but this didn’t stop the hummingbirds from feeding and we enjoyed watching Black-throated Brilliant and Gould’s Jewelfront from the veranda. As the rain eased off Napo Tamarins scampered up the trees to reach bananas put out for them. We set off at 09.30h to walk one of the trails, first through old secondary forest then into fabulous primary forest, full of insects, fungi and, of course, birds - Olive-chested Flycatcher, White-necked Thrush, White-breasted Woodwren, Plain Antvireo and Collared Trogon. Unfortunately we failed to find the Band-bellied Owl seen by others yesterday; maybe the very heavy, prolonged rain had forced it to find a better roost.
After a few hours mist thickened then turned to light rain so we resorted to driving along the approach road, walking whenever the mist lifted for a while. It certainly wasn’t a wasted afternoon: Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, White-thighed Swallow, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Blue-rumped and White-crowned Manakins, Tawny-breasted Myiobius, American Redstart, Magpie Tanager and Paradise Tanager. We arrived back at the lodge just before dusk when the sky cleared, giving wonderful views of Antisana volcano. Lots of insects around and intense night sounds.
26 November
We took a gentle stroll in the lodge grounds and Lodge Loop before tackling a longer trail through open areas, secondary forest, then back into primary forest. In this rich, dense habitat some birds were reasonably easy to see but many could only be heard or barely glimpsed. We reached the Biological Research base built by the owners of Wildsumaco Lodge and part-funded by two Ecuadorian universities; there were some good birds here, including Channel-billed Toucan, Little Woodpecker, Olive-chested Flycatcher, White-winged Becard and Striated Puffbird. Following some steep trails we found Ecuadorian Piedtail, Grey-tailed Piha, Wing-banded Wren and a brief view of an Andean Cock-of-the-rock.
We perfected the technique of birding with an umbrella as we walked along the approach road and up to some more hummingbird feeders. Highlights included Grey-breasted Sabrewing, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Red-billed Tyrannulet, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Other species included Squirrel Cuckoo, Violet-headed hummingbird, Gorgeted Woodstar, Military Macaw, Dusky Spinetail, Lined Antshrike, Blackish Antbird, White-crowned Manakin and Thrush-like Wren. Then to round off the day nicely we saw two Sickle-winged Guans outside the dining room!
27 November
Up at 04.30h to pack as we move on to Amazonia today! As the sun rose, we watched the snow-covered peaks of Antisana turning a delicate shade of pink. Our departure was delayed a little because as Jo opened the dining room door a hummingbird flew in! This has happened before – Jonas and team swung into action, grabbing a large “butterfly” net and attempting to catch it but luckily it found its own way out after a while. The delay gave the rest of us a few extra minutes birding - the best sighting being more Sickle-winged Guans.
Our early departure was necessary due to resurfacing work along the approach road. Jonas had been advised to reach the main road before 08.00h but we found work had already begun by 07.45 and we feared we’d get stuck in the mud. Wildsumaco had anticipated this; a second truck followed us and was ready to haul us out if necessary – but we were OK.
As we dropped lower it became more “tropical”, hot and humid. We saw our first Great Yellow-headed Vulture and a Plumbeous Kite. There was a couple of hours wait beside the river at Coca (where the Napo and Coca rivers meet) before the boat arrived for our journey along the Napo. Only 11.30h and we were already eating our boxed lunch when a hummingbird whizzed by – Black-throated Mango, the only sighting in the whole trip. Our new guide, Edwin Perez arrived and we said a fond farewell to Jonas who by now was wilting in the heat and humidity and more than ready to head for home in the heights of Quito. Edwin briefed us on what to expect for the rest of the day: a 2½hr fast boat along the Rio Napo to the “Welcome” area of Napo Wildlife Centre; followed by 1½hrs on a paddle-canoe to reach the lodge. We boarded the motor boat along with other groups staying at a different lodge (it is basically a river bus service) and donned life jackets – Edwin assured us they weren’t necessary but safety regulations stipulate they must be worn. Next we were handed lunch bags (yes, more food) and those of us with dietary preferences received individually-named bags! Soon we were speeding down the wide Napo river. At first there were many clearings and buildings; Edwin explained about the oil exploration here and the waste gas being continuously burnt off, day and night, as the “most economical” way of dealing with it - cheaper than getting the gas to needy local communities. There’s no concern for the thousands of moths and other insects that are attracted and die in the flames each night. The river widened and the forest on each side became much more dense; large islands appeared in the river, some densely vegetated, some pure sand and at last it felt we were really in the Amazon. We were travelling too fast for birdwatching but we did see Osprey and Large-billed Tern. Time passed quickly, the boat slowed and we turned into a narrow black-water channel and arrived at Napo Wildlife Centre’s Welcome Point (or “warehouse” as it is usually called), a collection of neat rustic buildings including a restaurant, covered seating area and toilet block. In a 10-minute stop here we watched nesting Yellow-rumped Caciques, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and two Tropical Screech Owls. What a great start! Then we were all on the canoe with our three guides paddling hard and fast; we wanted to take it slowly but Edwin explained why this wasn’t possible at the moment; not enough rain had fallen. Water levels were still low and flowing very fast in a narrow channel; when levels are higher water spreads widely, flooding the forest, and slowing the current. Edwin assured us it would be much better as we got nearer to the lodge. Suddenly the canoe “stopped” – all three paddlers fighting to hold it still against the current. Favian (our local naturalist guide) had spotted a Two-toed Sloth hanging in a tall tree! The canoe stopped or slowed many more times for us to view Amazonian Streaked Antwren, Orange-crested Manakin, Grey-headed and Masked Crimson Tanagers, White-chinned Jacamar and Limpkin, a troop of Squirrel Monkeys and a small pale yellow frog with a big black spot on its head. Gradually the channel widened and we could now really appreciate the trees, bamboo and climbers. We heard a strange, hoarse “huffing and puffing” and realised we’d found our first Hoatzins. They really are weird. It was almost two hours before the tall observation tower of Napo WLC appeared above the tree line and we emerged onto a large, scenic lake. Instead of heading directly towards the lodge, we veered towards the centre of the Añangu lake to see a huge Black Caiman floating at the surface. So, how come they say you can swim in the lake provided you are out of the water before dusk?
After settling into our rather luxurious cabins we strolled over to the dining area, delayed somewhat by a Smooth-billed Ani and a family group of Great Kiskadees. Dinner was buffet-style by the lake; it was very warm and humid with a background chorus of frogs and insects. A Pauraque flew up from the path as we walked back to our cabin. We were glad of nets around our bed tonight, not for mosquitoes (there were none) but to keep the moths off of us as we slept.
28 November
The first sound we heard on waking was a Pauraque then, as dawn broke, we could hear what at first sounded like a distant gale, but there wasn’t a breath of wind. It was Howler Monkeys! This was to become a familiar sound morning and evening, and sometimes even in the middle of the day. As we had breakfast dozens of Long-nosed Bats were skimming across the lake; an unusual species as they roost in the open on low branches overhanging the water’s edge.
By 06.00h we were out on the canoe moving slowly along narrow channels in the forest. Hoatzin’s must be late risers as they seemed barely awake as we drifted past. Black-capped Donacobius were much more alert! We had a nice view of Capped Heron before leaving the canoe to walk the Napo Trail and reached the 39m/130ft Canopy Tower built onto a massive Kapok tree. It was a steep climb and quite hard work in such high humidity, but well worth the effort; what a magnificent view! It’s stunning to be above the canopy, being able to properly see some the species that live up here - Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Plum-throated and Spangled Cotingas, Green and Olive Oropendolas. Way off in the distance we could just make out Sacha Lodge’s canopy walkway above the forest - scary! We were up there for 2½ hours and would happily have stayed much longer. Very reluctantly we headed back to the canoe, seeing a marvellous Wire-tailed Manakin on the way, then a Sungrebe from the canoe. As we reached Añangu Lake the guides suddenly started paddling furiously, heading for the opposite side of the lake - they’d spotted a massive Anaconda on the bank. It was about 5.5m/18ft long but Edwin said it was still a youngster and had a lot more growing to do!
Through the heat of the day we lazed in hammocks on our verandas, watching Black Agoutis and many butterflies then strolled around the lodge grounds (a King Vulture overhead was spectacular) and by the lake (Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtles). At 16.00h we were back on the canoe and drifting slowly along another narrow channel; numerous holes and “slides” down to the water were the home of a Giant Otter family but disappointingly they had recently moved on. Never mind, plenty more to see; highlights were Silvered and Plumbeous Antbirds, Dusky-throated Antshrike, Slender-billed Kite, White-throated Toucan, Black-headed Parrot, Rufous-bellied Euphonia, Black-faced and Blue Dacnis. Light was fading fast when some of us saw Night Monkeys and then we all heard a peculiar, hollow “whoop” call. The guides got very excited and worked hard to get us in close, using torches to show us a Zigzag Heron, then another which seemed to be a juvenile. Elated by this experience, we were then treated to a wonderful display of fireflies along the water’s edge as we headed back to the lodge. A great end to yet another memorable day.
29 November
Today’s plan was to visit islands in the Napo river then on to Yasuni National Park’s parrot lick. First, though, we had a very productive time going slowly along the main channel in the canoe (Equatorial Saki Monkey, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Ringed Kingfisher, White-chinned Jacamar, Lettered Aracari, Slate-colored Hawk and Greater Potoo). At the “Warehouse” we had a ten minute wait before boarding the river boat; there were many butterflies around and, best of all, a Red Titi monkey resting in a tree.
All the guides keep in touch by radio so we were able to reach an exposed patch of steep river bank on the main Napo river at just the right time - dozens of Blue-headed Parrots and Dusky-headed Parakeets were gathering at the salt-rich soil, a lovely sight.
We moved on to the islands in the main Napo river, seeing Cocoi Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Pied Plover, Oriole Blackbird and an Osprey which almost sank after catching a very large fish. Then we headed back to Yasuni National Park. Apparently, now was the exact time for us to approach another parrot-lick. It started to rain heavily as we walked the short trail through dense forest. Dareo pointed out a spectacularly-patterned Guichenot's Dwarf Iguana (more commonly known as “Forest Dragon”) and some huge Owl Butterflies along the way. It was pouring down and we were relieved to reach a covered watchpoint at the lick site. We were looking out on a muddy pool in front of a small cave with overhanging trees and vegetation. Another group of people was already in the shelter but we had plenty of room to sit comfortably and wait. We had been warned that parrots may not come down in really heavy rain but we needn’t have worried; a few Cobalt-winged Parakeets and Orange-cheeked Parrots began perching above the cave, then larger groups descended and eventually hundreds were gathering with a deafening crescendo of screeching calls. There were many nervous, aborted attempts to land in the muddy pool but finally they plucked up the courage. It was a marvellous, colourful and very noisy spectacle. High above them a group of Red Howler monkeys, looking very forlorn in the heavy rain, occasionally peered down, apparently watching the parrots. As the last few parrots left, a young male Howler descended very cautiously but lost its nerve and hurried back up the tree. Slowly others came down and warily approached the cave, took a few sips of water then entered the cave - we could see them drinking and licking the cave walls! It seemed that these four male monkeys were reassured by the parrots’ behaviour that no predators were lurking in the cave.
Instead of returning by river boat we walked through the forest back to the “Warehouse” for lunch - all cooked by Napo Wildlife Centre staff, so the same excellent standard. Outside the dining hut we photographed dozens of gorgeous, very large day-flying moths (Green-banded Urania) that were fluttering butterfly-like over bare earth, sipping the salts. We made our way very slowly back to the lodge by canoe - slowly because we lingered to watch Black-tailed and Green-backed Trogons, Cinnamon Attila and Black-tailed Tityra.
Other highlights of the day were Spix’s Guan, Blue-throated Piping-Guan, Slender-billed Kite, Amazon Kingfisher, Yellow-headed and Black Caracaras, Scarlet Macaw, Dot-backed Antbird and Bare-necked Fruitcrow.
30 November
A very misty morning, foggy in fact and slow to clear, but we stuck with our plan and went to the main Napo river to walk on some of the islands. As we approached a big expanse of sand at the edge of tall forest we were pleased to see Collared Plover and Greater Yellowlegs.
Moving on to another, more vegetated island we found Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Short-crested Flycatcher, Caqueta and Lesson’s Seedeaters. Depressingly, we found dozens of plundered river turtle nests, such easy targets as their footprints show exactly where the nest is. Our spirits were lifted as a Yellow-headed Caracara flew over, being chased by two Great Kiskadees! From the boat, after leaving the islands, we managed to see a Great Potoo and a White-necked Puffbird. Mist and cloud continued to swirl over the forest but it was hot and humid all day.
Next on our itinerary was a visit to the Metal Tower but we didn’t get that far as we were waylaid by rather a lot of “skulkers” en route: Mouse-coloured Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Black-faced Antbird, Peruvian Warbling Antbird and Sooty Antbird. We managed to reach the tower in the afternoon via a very wet and slippery forest trail. Although there was a chance of Golden Tamarin here, we were out of luck but views over the rainforest and Napo river were fabulous. Back on the canoe it began to rain and we gratefully donned the ponchos provided by the lodge but it was only a short shower.
Other highlights were Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Black-fronted Nunbird, Blue-and-yellow Macaw and Fuscous Flycatcher (the only one of the trip), then just before reaching Añangu lake we saw a Solitary Cacique (yes, it was alone).
1 December
This morning we are moving to Sacha Lodge on the other side of the Napo river. Two other groups were also checking out but by 05.45 we were all on canoes and feeling sad to leave such a wonderful place.....but, hey, we have four more nights in the Amazon whereas everyone else is going back to Quito! We moved quickly across Añangu Lake and along the channel but still had some great sightings (Capped Heron, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Spot-winged Antbird and more of the unbelievably prehistoric-looking Hoatzins). After a final 10 minute stop at the Warehouse we said our goodbyes to the Napo guides and boarded the motorised boat for the 20 minute transfer along the Napo river to reach Sacha Lodge’s “Welcome Point” on the northern bank. Our new guide, Oscar Tapuy, was there to greet us. We had to say goodbye to Jo here as she was returning to the UK. There was a 40-minute walk along the edge of the forest with several birding stops along the way (Black-fronted Nunbird, White-chinned Jacamar, Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant, Coraya Wren and Black-mantled Tamarin monkeys) before reaching a canoe which took us along a narrow channel and across Pilchicocha lake (smaller than Añangucocha lake at Napo and perhaps a little more picturesque) to Sacha Lodge. As we had light refreshments in the outdoor (covered) dining area it started to teem down, completely obliterating the lake from view! Needless to say, we stayed under cover until it stopped mid-afternoon (most of the walkways are covered). We spent a while lazing on the cabin verandas watching Swallow-winged Puffbirds and a Black Agouti as well as many butterflies that seemed oblivious of the rain. At 15.30h we set off in a canoe across the lake and along the Orquidea (Orchid) black-water channel, gliding almost silently through prime flooded forest (“varzea”). After about 20 minutes we got out for a short walk through forest to reach the 41m/135ft Wooden Tower built around a massive kapok tree. The huge boughs of the kapok were covered in bromeliads, ferns and orchids. Views over the canopy were stunning and birding was excellent; a few highlights were Slender-billed Kite, Black Caracara, Zimmer’s Flatbill, Spangled Cotinga, Black-capped Becard and White-lored Euphonia. It was, of course, less hot and humid up on the tower, with the hint of a breeze. As usual, we found it difficult to tear ourselves away from this spectacle but compensation came soon after we reached terra firma - close views of a roosting Tawny-bellied Screech Owl and a Lucifer or Yellow-handed Titi monkey. When we returned to the lodge Long-nosed Bats were whizzing around low over the water (here their day-time roost is in full view on exposed posts around the jetty). We did the checklist in the bar above the main restaurant, having first visited the fairly well-stocked shop. Laundry handed in at lunchtime today was returned to us this evening.
2 December
We headed for the Canopy Walkway this morning; some (most?) of us were a little apprehensive as we set off along the path leading away from the cabins, getting fantastic views of three sleepy Spix’s Night Monkeys in their roosting hole, a big tarantula spider and a Blue-crowned Manakin. At the last minute one of our group opted out of the walkway experience and explored the forest below with Pablo. Ascending the first of the three towers was fine, at 30m/94ft it was lower than others we had climbed, but at the top there was the walkway, swaying gently and leading off into the distance high above the trees - the span is 275m/900ft, supported by three metal towers. After watching Spix’s Guan, Black-and-white Hawk Eagle, Double-toothed Kite, Crane Hawk, White Hawk, Pied Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Black-banded Woodcreeper, Zimmer’s and Grey-crowned Flatbills, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and Green-and-gold Tanager from the platform it was time to brave the walkway. It was an exhilarating experience; thinking about it had been much worse than doing it!
Returning to the ground we took a different route back to the lodge, much of it along a less-walked trail where Pablo needed to chop through climbers and small trees to open up a path. We saw a great deal including a pair of roosting Crested Owls, a group of 12 baby Tarantula spiders, Plain-winged and Dusky-throated Antshrikes, Wire-tailed and White-bearded Manakin.
It was very hot and sticky today so after some light refreshment at the lodge (in a gentle breeze beside the lake) we lazed on our verandas watching the Swallow-winged Puffbirds and butterflies until meeting at 15.45hr by the canoes. We followed the Anaconda channel and were rewarded with Zigzag Heron, Sungrebe, Green-backed Trogon and Dot-backed Antbird.
It didn’t rain at all today.
3 December
Breakfast was a little earlier this morning as we were heading for some islands in the Napo River. First we had the short canoe ride (close views of Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher, Social Flycatcher and Great Kiskadee) followed by a 40 minute walk to reach the motorised canoe by the main river. There were many birds around the boardwalk but as the forest is quite dense we heard rather more species that we actually saw. Highlights were Russet-backed Oropendola, Hauxwell’s Thrush, Plumbeous Antbird, Spot-backed Antbird, Purplish Jacamar, Spix’s Guan, Black-fronted Nunbird, Grey Antwren, Masked Crimson Tanager(H), Coraya Wren(H), Peruvian Warbling Antwren(H), White-flanked Antwren(H), Citron-bellied Attila(H), Speckled Chachalaca(H).
As we reached a big sandy island a Peregrine flew over, a couple of Pied Plovers were running along the sand and a Cocoi Heron was standing motionless. On fringing bushes we could see Oriole Blackbird and Pale-vented Pigeon. Moving on to a densely-vegetated island for some river-island specialists, we found birding wasn’t easy, with much-reduced visibility so we were lucky to see Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Castelnau’s Antshrike, Black-and-White Antbird, Lesser Hornero and White-bellied Spinetail.
Back on the motor canoe, with White-winged Swallows all around us, a flock of Blue-headed Parrots flew by. The boat slowed as we turned into a wide channel and immediately we could hear a Coraya Wren calling loudly, a Ringed Kingfisher was perched on an overhang and a Greater Ani flew past. Some of us missed the Drab Water Tyrant but we had good views of four Chestnut-eared Aracaris. The boat was moored by the Yaku Kawsay Interpretation Centre and we spent the rest of the morning walking in superb pristine forest, often on little-used, barely-visible trails. It was an amazing morning with a very long list of birds seen. One of the most memorable experiences was first hearing the almost-deafening calls of at least three Screaming Pihas, and then watching them making this incredible sound.
More of this morning’s highlights were Plum-throated Cotinga, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Dusky-capped Flycatcher(H), Ochre-striped Antpitta(H), Plain Brown Woodcreeper, Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin, Chestnut-winged Hookbill, Paradise Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Purple Honeycreeper, Palm Tanager, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, White-lored Euphonia, White-vented Euphonia, Opal-rumped Tanager, White-bearded Manakin, Piratic Flycatcher(H), Casqued Oropendola, Spot-winged Antshrike, Black-headed Parrot(H), Straight-billed Hermit, Purplish Jacamar, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Magpie Tanager and to cap it all, Pablo found us a Southern Tamadua (anteater), a real bonus for some of us!
We ate a packed lunch (more like a feast) in one of the traditional long huts at the Interpretation Centre then wandered around the museum and buildings before returning to the river. It was very hot and humid (we got through several bottles of water each) so it was good to reach the Napo river to cool down. A Scarlet-crowned Barbet and a huge Caiman-Lizard were seen on the way back to the lodge. There was just enough time to shower and write up a few notes before an evening canoe ride along the Orchid channel. It was a very pleasant, slow-paced ride giving us time to see birds really well; of note were Black-crowned Night Heron, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Great and Lesser Kiskadees.
It’s Wednesday, which means BBQ night! Lovely food (even some English mustard for the sausages) served in the open breakfast area instead of the restaurant. All the staff come along for the BBQ (other nights only the bilingual guides stay to eat with their group). It was a beautiful red sunset, lighting up the lake and a Tawny-bellied Screech Owl was calling nearby.
Another day with no rain.
4 December
It was still quite dark as we entered the Orchid creek this morning, very calm and peaceful until the Hoatzins started to wake up, huffing, puffing and wheezing as they peered at us from the overhanging branches. We were heading for the wooden tower where we would spend most of the morning. As we approached the small jetty at the end of the channel what at first looked like a small brown log was in fact a Rufescent Tiger Heron peering intently into the dark coffee-coloured water.
It was a fabulous morning with mist rising from the forest as we looked down from above the canopy. A big troop of Squirrel Monkeys made their way noisily through the trees and four big male Red Howlers were feeding on bunches of yellow flowers in a huge tree opposite the tower. There were so many good sightings it’s hard to pick out highlights - perhaps the most memorable were Black-bellied Cuckoo, Ivory-billed Aracari, Scaly-breasted Woodpecker, Dugand’s Antwren, Slender-footed Tyrannulet, Purple-throated Cotinga, White-browed Purpletuft, Epaulet Oriole and a perched King Vulture.
As we left the tower and walked through the forest we chanced upon a Black-spotted Bare-eye and enjoyed another view of the Tawny-bellied Screech Owl. We returned to the lodge for a late morning snack (did we really need more food?) and then birded around the cabins until lunch. It started to rain about 14.30h, then it became torrential with lots of thunder and there was no chance of going anywhere during the afternoon. Not that it mattered, there was so much to reflect on and write up in our notebooks; we also had to start packing for tomorrow’s journey.
5 December
The rain seemed to continue all night and it was teeming down when we got up just before 04.00. Thankfully it eased a bit so we didn’t get too wet on the way to breakfast. A few other groups are also leaving today and it was quite a performance getting everyone organised and onto the canoes - luckily the rain stopped as we headed off across the lake. When we reached the trail that goes to the main river, with so many people walking along, carrying their rucksacks, we looked like a line of leaf-cutter ants! All too soon we were whizzing along the Napo, passing the horrible oil drilling settlements and reaching Coca once more. Oscar, our guide, was still with us, and one of the lodge managers, too. Everything was well-organised. They took us to a waiting area where tea, coffee, biscuits and bananas were laid on. Then we all piled into a coach to be taken to the airport just a few minutes away. Oscar handed us our flight tickets, made sure we got into the correct queue and that our bags were checked in properly. We were sad to say goodbye to him as he left for the 25-minute walk to his home for a few days rest (he needs it having looked after the six of us for five days!)
It was just a half-hour flight to Quito and we only had brief views of the Amazon before it disappeared behind cloud. We glimpsed some of the Andean peaks before the cloud thickened too much and then we were dropping down to Quito. There was much less traffic this morning and it was only an hour’s drive to Casa Aliso hotel. We were back at about 2,800m/9,186ft and decided we wouldn’t rush around finding birds in the city; instead we had a superb lunch in a very smart Italian restaurant one block away from the hotel, then relaxed at the hotel, remembering all the fabulous things we had seen over the past 4 weeks.
6 December
After a leisurely breakfast, two of the group went to a local craft and cultural museum, whilst the rest sat in the hotel’s flowery garden watching Black Flowerpiercer, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Eared Dove, Great Thrush, Cinereous Conebill and a last-minute new bird Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet. A few Black Vultures gathered overhead and several different butterflies and a dragonfly kept us occupied until it was time to jump into the taxi for the one-hour drive to the airport. The end of a really superb, well-organised holiday.
Menus
All lodges changed their menu daily during the course of our stay; some examples of the type of meals provided are shown below. Given advance notice they all catered very well for special diets.
Guango Lodge
Breakfasts Cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or ham topped with eggs on toast, toast.
Lunches Soup (tomato, lentil, vegetable). Meat or fish, pasta or rice, Vegetables (potato cake, lentils, beans) plantain.
Dinners Various meats or fish. Vegetables with rice or potatoes (sauté, mashed, boiled)
Desserts Good variety of hot and cold desserts daily.
San Isidro
Breakfast Cereals, fresh fruit, eggs, corncake with eggs, toast.
Lunches Soup (vegetable, spinach, tomato, chicken). Mince “rissole”, fish or chicken. Vegetables, lentils/beans, potatoes or pasta.
Dinners Soup. Beef stir fry, chicken in a sauce. Vegetables, rice, potatoes.
Desserts Good variety of desserts - fresh fruit, cakes, corn pastries in a sweet sauce.
Wildsumaco
Breakfasts Cereals, fruit, yoghurt, eggs, pancakes maple syrup, plantain with eggs and cheese, toast.
Lunches Soup. Lasagne, chicken, pork with cauliflower and potatoes, spaghetti bolognese, beefsteak with potatoes. Vegetables/salads.
Dinners Soup. Chicken, grilled fish, pork chop, broccoli, french beans, coleslaw, rice and potatoes.
Desserts Mousse, cake with cream, ice-cream, fresh fruit.
Napo Lodge
Breakfasts Cereal, fruit, scrambled eggs, sausages, toast.
Lunches Soup. Quiche, chicken, beef stew. Vegetables/salads, rice, potatoes.
Dinners Soup (shrimp soup was particularly delicious). Beefburgers, grilled chicken, stuffed chicken, lamb casserole. Vegetables/salads, potatoes rice
Desserts A variety of cakes and fresh fruit.
Sacha Lodge
Breakfast Cereal, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, ham, eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, toast, bread.
Lunches Soup (an unusual variety, all delicious: garlic consommé, oat, spinach, asparagus, sardine). Chicken, shrimps, beef bolognese, pizza, quiche, lamb cutlets, fish, pork, beef escalope. Vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, lentils. Salads. Potatoes (plain or sautéd with vegetables and onion, croquettes). Rice.
Dinners Soup. Beef, chicken, meatballs, pork, turkey, beef stroganoff, pork. Vegetables as above.
Desserts Kiwi tart, lemon and papaya mousse, chocolate pudding, carrot cake, bread pudding, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, fruit torte, pear or walnut pie, apple strudel, chocolate ring doughnuts, strawberry sponge, fresh fruit.
Packed meals from the lodges were very good, e.g. variety of wraps, rice dishes, quiche, eggs, fresh fruit, cakes, etc.
BIRDS For a full list of the 691 species recorded see below. Please follow this link to the Wild About Travel website where you’ll find the daily checklist:
http://www.wildabouttravel.co.uk/trip-reports/Ecuador_bird_tour_checklist_8nov~6dec2014.pdf
MAMMALS 30 spp. (26 sp. seen, 4 sp. tracks/signs only)
Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla Amazon-Napo
2-Toed Sloth (probably Linné’s) Choloepus ?. didactylus Amazon-Napo
Tapeti (Forest Rabbit) Sylvilagus brasiliensis Eastern Slopes
Western Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis Alambi, Silanche, Mashpi
Amazon Red Squirrel sp. Sciurus spadiceus igniventris San Isidro area
Western Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus mimulus Mashpi, Angel Paz
Amazon Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus flaviventer Wildsumaco
Black Agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa Paraiso, Isidro, Sacha
Olinguito Bassaricyon neblina Bella Vista Lodge
Kinkajou Potos flavus Amazon-Sacha
Greater Fishing (Bulldog) Bat Noctilio ?leporinus. Amazon-Napo & Sacha
Proboscis (Long-nosed) Bat Rhynchonycteris naso Amazon-Sacha
White-lined Sac-winged Bat Saccopteryx ?bilineata Amazon-Sacha
Napo Tamarin Saguinus graellsi Wildsumaco
Black-mantled Tamarin Saguinus nigricollis Amazon-Sacha
Pygmy Marmoset Cebuella pygmaea Amazon-Sacha
Common Squirrel Monkey Saimiri sciureus Amazon
White-fronted Capuchin Cebus albifrons Amazon
Spix’s Night Monkey Aotus vociferans Amazon-Sacha
?Lucifer/Yellow-handed Titi Monkey Callicebus ? lucifer Amazon-Sacha
(Red) Titi Monkey Callicebus discolor Amazon-Napo
(Equatorial) Saki Monkey Pithecia ? aequatorialis Amazon-Napo
Poeppig’s Woolly Monkey Lagothrix poeppigii Eastern : Semi-tame
Colombian Red Howler Alouatta seniculus Amazon
Red Brocket Deer Mazama americana Amazon-Sacha
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Antisana, Papallacta
MAMMAL TRACKS / SIGNS
Armadillo sp. Amazon-Napo
Peccary sp. Tayassu sp. Amazon-Yasuni NP
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque Footprints - Guango
Brazilian Tapir Tapirus terrestris Footprints - Sacha
REPTILES
Equatorial Anole Lizard Anolis aequatorialis El Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Amazon Wood lizard (Guichenot's
Dwarf Iguana) Enyalioides laticeps Amazon
Caiman Lizard Dracaena guianensis Amazon-Sacha
Spectacled (White) Caiman Caiman crocodilus Amazon-Sacha
Black Caiman Melanosuchus niger Amazon-Sacha
Green Anaconda Eunectes murinus Amazon-Sacha
Copper Parrot Snake Leptophis cupreus Amazon:Sacha
Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle Podocnemis unifilis Amazon
Plus many unidentified small and medium-sized lizards and geckos, particularly in the Amazon.
AMPHIBIANS
Convict Treefrog Hypsiboas calcaratus
Olive Snouted-Treefrog Scinax elaeochrous Rancho Suamox
Cane/Giant/Marine Toad Enyaliodes (Bufo) marinus Amazon-Napo
Plus many unidentified frogs and treefrogs, mostly in the Amazon.
FISH
Paiche Fish Arapaima gigas in Pilchicocha lake at Sacha.
INVERTEBRATES
At several of the lodges, particularly Bellavista and Wildsumaco, huge numbers of spectacular moths, cicadas, crickets, beetles and other insects could be seen around the lights, on windows and walls.
Butterflies were abundant, particularly in the Amazon, including Morphos and Owl Butterflies Caligo sp.
Glow worms/Fireflies were frequent in the Amazon
Tarantulas - in the Amazon, only 1 adult was seen, plus about a dozen “babies” (2cm) on a forest trail.
Tarantulas - in the Amazon, only 1 adult was seen, plus about a dozen “babies” (2cm) on a forest trail.
BIRDS - SEEN 618 spp
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata
Blue-Winged Teal Anas discors
Andean Teal Anas andium
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea
Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii
Spix’s Guan Penelope jacquacu
Blue-throated Piping Guan Pipile cumanensis
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis
Andean Ibis Theristicus branickii
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja
Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Egret Ardea alba
Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Neotropical Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Catharses melambrotus
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Black Hawk-eagle Spizaetus tyrannus
Black-and-white Hawk-eagle Spizaetus melanoleucus
Black-and-chestnut Eagle Spizaetus isidori
Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
Semicollared Hawk Accipiter collaris
Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea
Slender-billed Kite Helicolestes hamatus
Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens
Slate-coloured Hawk Buteogallus schistaceus
Barred Hawk Morphnarchus princeps
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris
Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polysoma
Black-chested Buzzard-eagle G.melanoleucus
White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus
Sungrebe Heliornis fulica
Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris
Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus
Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla
Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex
Rock Dove Columba livia
Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata
Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea
Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea
Dusky Pigeon Patagioenas goodsoni
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
Common Ground Dove Columbina passerine
Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti
Black-winged Ground Dove Metriopelia melanoptera
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida
White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon leucometopia
Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoatzin
Greater Ani Crotophaga major
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Black-bellied Cuckoo Piaya melanogaster
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba
Tawny-bellied Screech Owl Megascops watsonii
‘San Isidro Owl’ Strix sp.
Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum
Oilbird Steatornis caripensis
Great Potoo Nyctibius grands
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris
Blackish Nightjar Nyctipolus nigrescens
Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra
Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicaudus
Grey-Rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris
Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura
Neotropical Palm Swift Tachornis squamata
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis
Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus
Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus
White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy
White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus
Tawny-bellied Hermit P. syrmatophorus
Straight-billed Hermit Phaethornis bourcieri
Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae
Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis
Napo Sabrewing C. villaviscensio
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae
Green Violetear Colibri talassinus
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti
Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii
Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisurgus
Western Emerald C. melanorhynchus
Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone
Olive-spotted Hummingbird Leucippus chlorocercus
Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae
Glittering-throated Emerald Amazilia fimbriata
Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis
Purple-chested Hummingbird Amazilia rosenbergi
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys
Ecuadorian Piedtail Phlogophilus hemileucurus
Black-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa schreibersii
Gould’s Jewelfront Heliodoxa aurescens
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri
Buff-tailed Coronet Biossonneaua flavescens
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Biossonneaua matthewsii
Velvet-purple Coronet Biossonneaua jardini
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis
Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena
Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus
Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini
Rufous-vented Whitetip Urosticte ruficrissa
Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae
Purple-backed Thornbill R. microrhynchum
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina
Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami
Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii
Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis
Wedge-billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi
Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant
Gorgeted Woodstar Chaetocercus heliodor
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps
Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus
Choco Trogon Trogon comptus
Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus
White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus
Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona
Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata
Andean Motmot Momotus aequatorialis
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum
Coppery-chested Jacamar Galbula pastazae
White-chinned Jacamar Galbula tombacea
Purplish Jacamar Galbula chalcothorax
White-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperryhnchus
Pied Puffbird Notharchus tectus
Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiatus
Striolated Puffbird Nystalus striolatus
White-faced Nunbird Hapaloptila castanea
Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons
White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus
Swallow-winged Puffbird Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Scarlet-crowned Barbet Capito aurovirens
Gilded Barbet Capito auratus
Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii
Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus
White-throated Toucanet Aulacorhynchus ablative
Crimson-rumped Toucanet A. haematopygus
Lettered Aracari Pteroglossus inscriptus
Ivory-billed Aracari Pteroglossus azara
Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis
Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus
Pale-mandibled Aracari P. erythropygius
Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan Andigena laminirostris
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus
Choco Toucan Ramphastos brevis
White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus
Black-Mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus
Lafresnaye’s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus
Yellow-vented Woodpecker Veniliornis dignus
Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps
Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus
Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes ribiginosus
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii
Scaly-breasted Woodpecker Celeus grammicus
Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens
Crimson-crested Woodpecker C.melanoleucos
Guayaquil Woodpecker C.gayaquilensis
Black Caracara Daptrius ater
Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis
Merlin Falco columbarius
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna
Military Macaw Ara militaris
Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus
Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilatus
Dusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii
White-eyed Parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus
Maroon-tailed Parakeet Pyrrhura melanura
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis
Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera
Black-headed Parrot Pionites melanocephalus
Rose-faced Parrot Pyrilia pulchra
Orange-cheeked Parrot Pyrilia barrabandi
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus
White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides
Bronxe-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus
Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala
Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica
Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa
Chestnut-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes albidventris
Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior
Lesser Hornero Furnarius minor
Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus
Andean Tit-spinetail Leptasthenura andicola
White-chinned Thistletail Asthenes fuliginosa
Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata
Azara’a Spinetail Synallaxis azarae
White-Bellied Spinetail Synallaxis propinqua
Dusky Spinetail Synallaxis moesta
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops
Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger
Streaked Tuftedcheek P. boissonneautii
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis
Chestnut-winged Hookbill Ancistrops strigilatus
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufum
Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus
Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Automolus rubiginosus
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
Strong-billed Woodcreeper X. promeropirhychus
Black-banded Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes picumnus
Striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus obsoletus
Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatus
Spotted Woodcreeper X. erythropygius
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger
Great Antshrike Taraba major
Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus
Castelnau’s Antshrike Thamnophilus cryptoleucus
Plain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus
Mouse-colored Antshrike Thamnophilus murinus
Plain Antvireo Dystithamnus mentalis
Dusky-throated Antshrike Thamnomanes ardesiacus
Spot-winged Antshrike Pygiptlia stellaris
Checker-throated Antwren Epinecrophylla fulviventris
Plain-throated Antwren Isleria hauxwelli
Amazonian Streaked Antwren Myrmotherula multostriata
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula maxillaries
Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor
Plain-winged Antwren Myrmotherula behni
Grey Antwren Myrmotherula menetriesii
Dugand’s Antwren Herpsilochmus dugandi
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
Streak-headed Antbird Drymophila striaticeps
Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens
White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota
Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus
Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana
Silvered Antbird Sclateria naevia
Spot-winged Antbird Schistocichla leucostigma
White-shouldered Antbird Myrmeciza melanoceps
Plumbeous Antbird Myrmeciza hyperythra
Sooty Antbird Myrmeciza fortis
Dot-backed Antbird Hylophylax punctulatus
Black-spotted Bare-eye Phlegopsis nigromaculata
Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea
Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonota
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla
Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta
White-bellied Antpitta Grallaria hypoleuca
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula
Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis
Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys
White-tailed Tyrannulet M. poecilocercus
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea
Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps
Red-billed Tyrannulet Zimmerius cinereicapilla
Slender-footed Tyrannulet Zimmerius gracilipes
Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant P. ophthalmicus
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet Phylloscartes gualaquizae
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus
Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans
Olive-chested Flycatcher M. cryptoxanthus
Handsome Flycatcher Nephelomyias pulcher
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus
Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus
Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant Myiornis ecuadatus
Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus ruficeps
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher T. chrysocrotaphum
Zimmer’s Flatbill Tolmomyias assimilis
Grey-crowned Flatbill T. poliocephalus
White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea
Euler’s Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri
Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
Smoke-Colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus
Western Wood Pewee Contopus sordidulus
Eastern Wood Pewee Contopus virens
Vermillion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Drab Water Tyrant Ochthornis littoralis
Paramo Ground Tyrant Muscisaxicola alpinus
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montanus
Masked Water Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Silvicultrix diadema
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant O. cinnamomeiventris
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor
Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus
Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor
Lemon-browed Flycatcher Canopias cinchoneti
Golden-crowned Flycatcher M. chrysocephalus
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes
Cinnamon Attila Attila cinnamomeus
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii
Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda
Fiery-throated Fruiteater Pipreola chlorolepidota
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus
Plum-throated Cotinga Cotinga maynana
Spangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana
Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans
Grey-tailed Piha Snowornis subalaris
Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata
Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin Tyrannuetes stolzmanni
Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus
Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus
Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata
Blue-Rumped Manakin Leoidothrix isidorei
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus
Orange-crested Manakin Heterocercus aurantiivertex
Wire-tailed Manakin Pipra filicauda
White-crowned Manakin Dixiphia pipra
Golden-headed Manakin Dixiphia erythrocephala
Tawny-breasted Myiobius Myiobius villosus
Black-tailed Myiobius Myiobius atricaudus
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus
Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cabana
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
White-browed Purpletuft Iodopleura isabellae
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
Black-capped Becard Pachyramphus marginatus
Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus
One-Colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous
Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophyrs
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis
Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa
Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus
Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea
Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata
White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus
Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa
Sepia-brown Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
Coroya Wren Pheugopedius coroya
Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
White-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucosticta
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
Wing-banded Wren Microcerculus bambla
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater
Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus
Pale-eyed Thrush Turdus leucops
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus sourness
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis
Hauxwell’s Thrush Turdus hauxwelli
Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris
White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus
Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis
Olivaceous Siskin Spinus olivavea
Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanica
Orange-crowned Euphonia Euphonia saturata
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala
White-lored Euphonia Euphonia chrysopasta
Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa
White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster
Rufous-bellied Euphonia Euphonia rufiventris
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia Chlorophonia flavorists
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulea
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi
Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca
Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata
Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata
Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda
Choco Warbler Myiothlypis chlorophyrs
Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronata
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
Spectacled Whitestart M. melanocephalus
Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus
Green Oropendola Psarocolius viridis
Olive Oropendola Psarocolius bifas
Solitary Cacique Cacicus solitarius
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus
Northern Mountain Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus
Casqued Oropendola Cacicus oseryi
Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus graceannae
Epaulet Oriole Icterus cayanensis
Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Scrub Blackbird Dives warczewiczi
Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus auriferous
Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris
Chestnut-capped Brush Finch Arremon brunneinucha
Choco Brush Finch Altlapetes crassus
Yellow-breasted Brush Finch Altlapetes latinuchus
Slaty Brush Finch Altlapetes schistaceus
White-winged Brush Finch Altlapetes leucopterus
Common Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavopectus
Dusky Bush Tanager Chlorospingus semifuscus
Yellow-whiskered Bush Tanager Chlorospingus parvirostris
Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis
Ashy-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis
Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii
Supercilliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris
Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis
Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris
Rufous-chested Tanager Thylpopsis ornata
Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata
White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
Masked Crimson Tanager Ramphocelus nigrogularis
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo
Lemon-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus icteronotus
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala
Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis
Moss-backed Tanager Bangsia edwardsi
Hooded Mountain Tanager Buthraupis montana
Black-chested Mountain Tanager Buthraupis eximia
Masked Mountain Tanager Buthraupis wetmorei
Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus
Scarlet-bellied Mountain TanagerAnisognathus igniventris
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus
Black-chinned Mountain TanagerAnisognathus notables
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii
Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager Dubusia taeniata
Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex
Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota
Grey-and-gold Tanager Tangara palmeri
Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis
Blue-whiskered Tanager Tangara johannae
Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara shrank
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii
Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra
Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
Rufous-winged Tanager Tangara lavinia
Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis
Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata
Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara versos
Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei
Opal-rumped Tanager Tangara velia
Opal-crowned Tanager Tangara callophrys
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis
Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata
Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia
Yellow-bellied Dacnis Dacnis flaviventer
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana
Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
Golden-collared Honeycreeper Iridophanes pulcherrimus
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons
Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humourless
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera
Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossa indigotica
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea
Blue-backed Bush Tanager Urothraupis stolzmanni
Tanager Finch Oreothraupis arremonops
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Phrygilus unicolor
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina
Caqueta Seedeater Sporophila murallae
Lesson’s Seedeater Sporophila bourvronides
Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris
Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch Oryzoborus angolensis
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
Red-hooded Tanager Piranga rubriceps
Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni
Golden Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis
Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
BIRDS – HEARD ONLY 73 spp.
Great Tinamou Tinamus major
Tawny-breasted Tinamou Nothocercus julius
Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cibereus
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui
Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulatus
Wattled Guan Aburria aburri
Grey-breasted Crake Laterallus exilis
Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla
Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis
Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota
Andean Pygmy Owl Glaucidium jardinii
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus
Blue-fronted Lancebill Doryfera johannae
Amazonian Trogon Trogon ramonianus
Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus
Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota
Cream-Colored Woodpecker Celeus flavus
Barred Forest Falcon Micrastur ruficollis
Lined Forest Falcon Micrastur gilvcollis
Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti
Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis
Ruddy Spinetail Synallaxis rutilans
Plain-crowned Spinetail Synallaxis gujanensis
White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis
Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris
Black-billed Treehunter T. melanorhynchus
Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper Lochmias nematura
Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina
Long-billed Woodcreeper Nasica longirostris
Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus
Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus
Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura
Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris
Grey Antbird Cercomacra cinerascens
Black-and-white Antbird Myrmochanes hemileuces
Lunulated Antbird Gymnopithys lunulatus
Spot-backed Antbird Hylophylax naevius
Common Scale-backed Antbird Willisornis poecilinotus
Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus
Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona
Striated Antthrush Chamaeza nobilis
Undulated Antpitta Grallaria squamigera
Ochre-striped Antpitta Grallaria dignissima
Slaty-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx
Northern White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus stratus
Long-tailed Tapaculo Scytalopus micropterus
Narino Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior
Spillman’s Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni
Paramo Tapaculo Scytalopus opacus
Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans
Foothill Elaenia Myiopagis olallai
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus
Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus rufigularis
Olive-faced Flatbill Tolmomyias viridiceps
Large-headed Flatbill R. megacephalum
Rufous-tailed Flatbill Ramphotrigon ruficauda
Citron-bellied Attila Attila citriniventris
Bright-Rumped Attila Attila spadiceus
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata
Western Striped Manakin Machaeropterus striolatus
Slaty-capped Shrike Vireo Vireolanius leucotis
Rufous-naped Greenlet Hylophilus semibrunneus
Grey-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii
Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys
Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis
Lawrence’s Thrush Turdus lawrencii
Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus
Grey-browed Brush Finch Arremon assemblies
Pale-naped Brush Finch Atlapetes pallidinucha
White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer Diglossa glauca