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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

Birds observed in Ecuador, 31 August - 8 September 2000,

Author

Mark and Cindy Lockwood

31 August - 3 September with Tony Nunnery

4 - 8 September with Oscar Tapuy

Ecuador - The Andes and Sacha Lodge

The primary destination of this trip was Sacha Lodge on the Rio Napo, but I thought we could also visit some familiar areas during our stay.  Our last trip to Ecuador was to Bellavista Lodge in December 1998.  We had the great fortune of meeting Tony Nunnery and Barbara Bolz during our stay there.  Having struck up a friendship with Tony and Barbara, we were eager to visit them again.  I settled on revisiting the Tandayapa Valley, Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Yanacocha, and the Papallacta Pass area. 

Since our last visit, Tony and Barbara had completed their home and are working on another building for overnight guests.  Tony has been birding in the neotropics for about 10 years and has spent most of the last three years in the Tandayapa Valley.  He probably knows the birds of this extraordinary area better than anyone else.  The Nono-Mindo Road has a worldwide reputation as a birding location and the Tandayapa Valley is one of the primary areas to visit along this route.  Bellavista Lodge is located in this valley as is the new Tandayapa Bird Lodge.  If anyone is planning to visit either of these lodges and is interested in having a guide, I would highly recommend contacting Tony (pilgrim82@hotmail.com).  He also guides in other areas and can arrange side trips from the Tandayapa Valley.  He is only able to check his email about once every two weeks; so contacting him early is important to insure that he will be available.  We stayed at the Alston Inn in Quito, it is quite, clean, and reasonably priced ($20.00/night).  We stayed with Tony and Barbara during our time in the Andes.

31 August

We started our trip in the Tandayapa Valley at Tony and Barbara's home, known locally as Loma Linda.  They have about 20 hummingbird feeders in their back "yard".  This resulting spectacle almost defies description.  There were at least 70 hummingbirds of 18 species visiting the feeders.  The most common hummers were Green Violet-ear and Buff-tailed Coronet, although the Booted Racket-tails and Long-tailed Sylphs stole the show.  The Tandayapa Valley is still almost completely forested.  Fortunately, most of the landowners in the valley are interested in conservation and eco-tourism.  The bird list for the valley is approaching 300 species, including many Choco endemics.  We spent the day birding along the Nono-Mindo Road from above Bellavista Lodge down to near the town of Tandayapa, including the trails at Loma Linda.  Highlights included Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Beautiful Jay, and Tanager Finch.  The "lowlight" was having an Ocellated Tapaculo right in front of us and being unable to see it! 

1 September

We birded three locations on September 1st: an unpaved road just north of Los Bancos, forest and open habitats along an unpaved road at km 124 on main highway to Esmeraldas (approximately 10 km west of Pedro Vicente Maldonado) and the hummingbird feeders at Mindo Lindo, a private home a few kilometers west of Mindo.

The Los Bancos road passed through most heavily disturbed forest and pastures.  There is also a heavily eroded trail through fairly good forest off this road.  We encountered a couple of small feeding flocks along the three or four kilometer section of the road that we birded.  Highlights included Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Pacific (Buffy) Tuftedcheek, and Rufous-throated and Moss-backed tanagers.

The next stop was at Pedro Vicente Maldonado (PVM).  We had visited this area in December 1998, but the forest we had birded during that trip was gone.  The entire area had been deforested within the last two months.  Most of the trees were still lying on the ground waiting to be removed.  There is still a small fragment of forest along this road.  While birding here we met the owner of this remain patch.  He lamented the deforestation of the area and said he would not cut the trees on his property.  I hope he is successful in protecting his land.  This forest fragment was literally full of birds.  Highlights included Gray-backed Hawk, Dusky Pigeon, Ecuadorian Ground-Dove, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Snowy-throated Kingbird, Yellow-tufted (Black-faced) and Scarlet-thighed dacnises, and Gray-and-gold, Tawny-crested and Scarlet-and-white tanagers. 

By far the most important sighting of the entire trip was a Double-banded Graytail discovered in a foraging flock at PVM.  This furnarid is similar in size and shape to a parulid warbler.  Tony was unfamiliar with the species but suspected it was the Graytail.  After observing the bird for about five minutes we confirmed the identification after examining the "Birds of Colombia".  Unfortunately, we did not realize the rarity of the species in Ecuador.  As of the publication of "The Checklist of Birds from Mainland Ecuador" in 1998 this species had not been documented in Ecuador by a specimen or photograph.  I think I could have gotten a documentary photograph of the bird had I made an attempt to do so.  It was visible for at least 15 minutes.  Its foraging behavior of investigating dried leaves and other debris is reminiscent of a Worm-eating Warbler.

The Mindo Lindo hummingbird feeders attracted Andean Emerald, Brown Inca, and two Empress Brilliants.  We could hear Club-winged Manakins calling in the forest below the house.

2 September

Yanacocha was the destination of the day.  We enjoyed another day of good weather, including a nice view of the backside of the Vulcan Pichincha covered with ash.  Highlights included Great Sapphirewing, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Red-crested Cotinga, Rufous Wren, and Black-breasted Mountain-Tanager.  There were also large flocks of flowerpiercers in the area.  I estimated that we saw at least 50 Masked and 20 Glossy flowerpiercers.

3 September

This was my third visit to Papallacta Pass and vicinity.  The first two were memorable because of the truly horrible weather we encountered.  We were very lucky on this day to have good weather with partly sunny skies.  Highlights at the pass included Silvery Grebe, an adult Andean Condor, Andean Duck, at least 25 Carunculated Caracaras, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Paramo (Andean) Tapaculo, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Giant Conebill, and Black-backed Bush-Tanager.  There were Andean (Speckled) Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, and Andean Gulls at Papallacta Lake.  We also stopped at the new Guango Lodge below the town at Papallacta.  In the riparian woodland along the river we found an impressive foraging flock that included Long-tailed Sylph, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, and Slaty Brush-Finch.

4 September

Today we made the trip to Sacha Lodge.  Highlights of the trip down the Rio Napo included Cocoi Heron, Southern Lapwing, and Large-billed Tern.  Oscar Tapay was our guide a Sacha.  He is fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.  He knows the birds intimately and he is all business.  The afternoon birding included Blue-crowned Trogon, Great Jacamar, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Noble Antthrush, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Violaceous Jay, Yellow-bellied Dacnis and Masked Crimson Tanager.  After dark Oscar showed us six roosting Marbled Wood-Quail, a Long-billed Woodcreeper, and a Short-billed Leaftosser.

5 September

We spent most of the morning and part of the afternoon on the canopy tower.  Some of the more memorable birds seen from the tower were Yellow-billed Nunbird, Gilded (Black-spotted) Barbet, Golden-collared Toucanet, Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, White-browed Purpletuft, Spangled Cotinga, Amazonian Umbrellabird, and Short-billed Honeycreeper.  This was a fabulous experience and I wish we could have added another day a Sacha so we could visit the tower again.

Most of the other birding was along a canal through varzea forest.  Highlights included Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Sungrebe, Dot-backed Antbird, and Orange-crested Manakin.

6 September

We traveled across the Rio Napo to the Providencia Trail for the day.  This terra firma forest contains some birds that are not found in the forest around the lodge.  Highlights included Spix's Guan, Black-tailed Trogon, Yellow-billed Jacamar, Brown Nunlet, Chestnut-winged Hookbill, Olive-backed and Rufous-tailed foliage-gleaners, Plain-winged, Dusky-throated and Cinereous antshrikes, Rufous-tailed and Rio Suno antwrens, Black, Warbling, Sooty and Spot-backed antbirds and Coraya and Musician wrens.  On the ride back across the river we spotted four Capped Herons and Oscar took us by a nesting pair of Brown Jacamars.

Another trip down the canal at Sacha revealed Green-and-rufous and American Pygmy kingfishers (two of the five species we saw at Sacha and along the Rio Napo) and Cream-colored Woodpecker.  Along the trails we also enjoyed seeing a Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl and a Striped Owl on day roosts and a Gray-winged Trumpeter on a night roost.  Oscar had never seen the trumpeter on a night roost before.

7 September

Today we visited two river islands in the Rio Napo.  These islands contain early successional plant communities and a different avifauna that is found in the forest areas bordering the river.  Some of the river island specialist we observed were Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Olive-spotted Hummingbird, Lesser Hornero, Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, and Oriole Blackbird.

8 September

We had an early breakfast and started out trip back up the Napo and ultimately to Quito.  We spotted Cocoi Heron, Black Caracara, Greater Ani, and Oriole Blackbird among others on the trip back to Coca.

We observed a total of 415 species and heard about 33 others. 

Itinerary

31 August ‑ Traveled from Quito to Tony Nunnery and Barbara Bolz's home in the Tandayapa Valley.  Birded their property, known as Loma Linda, and other areas along the Nono-Mindo Road.

1 September ‑ Birded forest and open habitats along an unpaved road at km 124 on main highway to Esmeraldas (approximately 10 km west of Pedro Vicente Maldonado).  Also birded along an unpaved road just north of Los Bancos.  Watched the hummingbird feeders at Mindo Lindo, a private home a few kilometers west of Mindo.

2 September ‑ Birded Yanacocha most of the day and at Loma Linda in the late afternoon.

3 September ‑ Birded Papallacta Pass and vicinity, including the areas below the pass on both slopes, Papallacta Lake, and Guango Lodge (located below the town of Papallacta).

4 September - Flew from Quito to Coca and traveled down the Rio Napo to Sacha Lodge.  Birded the trails in terra firma forest around the lodge from 3:30 to 7:00 PM.

5 September - Entire morning on the canopy tower at Sacha Lodge.  Birded from canoe along the main canal between the canopy tower and the lodge for approx. one hour in early afternoon and returned to the canopy tower from 4:00 - 6:00 PM

6 September - Birded the boardwalk through varzea forest at Sacha Lodge in the early morning.  Birded the Providencia Trail (across Rio Napo from Sacha) from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Canoed main canal at Sacha Lodge in the late afternoon.

7 September - Birded river islands downstream from Sacha in the morning.  Birded trails surrounding the lodge in the afternoon.

8 September - Traveled from Sacha Lodge back to Coca via the Rio Napo and returned to Quito.

Species Lists

LL = Loma Linda and vicinity (Tony and Barbara's place)
LB = fragmented forest along a road 2 kilometers north of Los Bancos
PVM = forest near Pedro Vicente Maldonado, the area we visited in 1998 had been deforested
YA = Yanacocha
PP = Papallacta Pass and vicinity
GL = Guango Lodge (on the east slope below the town of Papallacta)
SL = Sacha Lodge
RN = seen along the Rio Napo
PT = Providencia Trail (across the Rio Napo from SL, including forest along channel to reach the trailhead)
RI = river islands downstream from SL

Great Tinamou - Frequently heard at SL. One observed crossing a trail on the morning of the 7th and another seen on a night roost later that evening.
Silvery Grebe - one observed at a great distance on a lake just below PP on the 3rd
Pied-billed Grebe - one on Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Cocoi Heron - one along the RN in route to SL on the 4th and two present on the return trip to Coca on the 8th
Great Egret - seen on sandbars along the RN on the 4th, 7th and 8th
Striated Heron - singles along the RN on the 6th and at SL on the 8th
Capped Heron - four along the RN on the 6th and one near the river islands on the 7th
Rufescent Tiger-Heron - one adult seen from the canoe at SL on the 5th
Andean Condor - an adult seen soaring over PP on the 3rd
King Vulture - singles at PT and SL on the 6th
Black Vulture - common in Amazonia
Turkey Vulture - fairly common in the Choco lowlands and uncommon in the Tandayapa Valley
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture - common around SL
Andean Teal - two observed at a great distance on a lake just below PP and about a dozen more at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Yellow-billed Pintail - approx. 10 at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Andean Duck - six (four males) observed at a great distance on a lake just below PP on the 3rd
Osprey - two along the RN on the 8th
Slender-billed Kite - one at SL on the 4th and two seen from the canopy tower on the 5th
Double-toothed Kite - two adults and a fledgling were seen at the canopy tower on the 5th
Plumbeous Kite - two seen from the canopy tower on the 5th
Slate-colored Hawk - one seen perched from the canopy tower on the 5th
White Hawk - one seen perched from the canopy tower on the 5th
Gray-backed Hawk - one observed at close range at PVM on the 1st
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle - singles at YA on the 2nd and PP on the 3rd
Roadside Hawk - two along LB and another at PVM on the 1st, two along the RN on the 6th and another on the 8th
Variable (Puna) Hawk - three in the vicinity of PP on the 3rd
Black Hawk-Eagle - one seen briefly near the PT trailhead on the 6th
Black Caracara - five from the canopy tower on the 5th and at least 25 along the RN in route to Coca on the 8th
Carunculated Caracara - at least 25 were observed in the vicinity of PP on the 3rd
Yellow-headed Caracara - two seen along the RN on the 4th, one was seen from the RI on the 6th and two others were seen along the RN on the 8th
Laughing Falcon - one at PVM on the 1st
American Kestrel - one near YA on the 2nd
Bat Falcon - one seen in the same tree along the RN on the 4th and 8th
Speckled Chachalaca - heard daily at SL; one seen on the 4th and two on the 7th
Spix's Guan - one at the PT trailhead on the 6th and another along the boardwalk at SL on the 7th
Sickle-winged Guan - singles observed at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Marbled Wood-Quail - six observed on a night roost at SL on the 4th
Sungrebe - one along the canal at SL on the 5th and along the channel to reach PT on the 6th
Gray-winged Trumpeter - one found on a night roost at SL on the 6th
Southern Lapwing - two along the RN on the 4th, singles at SL and along the RN on the 8th
Collared Plover - two near the RI on the 7th
Greater Yellowlegs - one at the RI on the 7th
Spotted Sandpiper - one at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd and one or two along the RN on the 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th
Short-billed Dowitcher - two along the RN on the 4th
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe - four in the vicinity of the towers at PP on the 3rd
Andean Gull - two at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Yellow-billed Tern - five along the RN in route to SL on the 4th, two near the RI on the 7th and five more along the RN in the 8th
Large-billed Tern - one along the RN in route to SL on the 4th
Band-tailed Pigeon - two near Bellavista Lodge along the old Nono-Mindo Road on the 31st
Pale-vented Pigeon - two to three daily around the lake at SL
Ruddy Pigeon - one seen and others heard at PVM on the 1st and two seen from the canopy tower on the 5th
Plumbeous Pigeon - singles at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Dusky Pigeon - three at PVM on the 1st
Eared Dove - four in Quito on the 31st and one seen there on the 3rd
Ruddy Ground-Dove - one on the RI on the 7th
Ecuadorian Ground-Dove - one at PVM on the 1st
White-tipped Dove - two at LL on the 2nd and another there on the 3rd
Chestnut-fronted Macaw - two flew over near the river at SL on the 6th
Red-bellied Macaw - five seen from the canopy tower on the 5th, three seen flying on the 6th and five seen very well feeding on palm fruit from the boardwalk on the 7th
White-eyed Parakeet - six flew past the canopy tower on the afternoon of the 5th
Dusky-headed Parakeet - at least 30 flew past the canopy tower on the 5th and two were seen well perched along the channel to PT
Maroon-tailed Parakeet - about 30 were seen at PVM, including a group of seven perched
Cobalt-winged Parakeet - common at SL, 10 to 30 seen daily
Blue-headed Parrot - three were seen from the canopy tower on the 5th and one seen perch from the boardwalk on the 7th
Red-billed Parrot - three small flocks (2 to 5 birds) flew past LL on the 31st
Bronze-winged Parrot - approx. 10 were found at PVM on the 1st
Yellow-crowned Parrot - two were seen very well perched along the boardwalk at SL on the 6th
Orange-winged Parrot - three flew past the canopy tower on the 5th
Squirrel Cuckoo - two were at PVM on the 1st and one was seen along the channel to PT on the 6th
Greater Ani - three were seen along the RN on the 8th
Smooth-billed Ani - several were at PVM on the first; 15 to 20 individuals frequented the open areas around the lodge at SL throughout our stay
Hoatzin - two were near the dinning hall at SL on the 6th and 8th
Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl - one seen after dark on the 5th and another seen at a day roost on the 6th and 7th at SL
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl - one seen on the same perch at SL on the 6th and 7th
Striped Owl - one at a day roost at SL on the 6th and 7th
Ladder-tailed Nightjar - two or three on the RI on the 7th
Lyre-tailed Nightjar - a female on the nest near Tandayapa on the 31st and 1st
White-collared Swift - four at LL on the 31st, 30+ along LB and 20+ at PVM on the 1st
Chestnut-collared Swift - approx. 10 at LB on the 1st
Gray-rumped Swift - approx. 10 at LB on the 1st and 25+ from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift - at least 10 from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Neotropical (Fork-tailed) Palm Swift - five from the canopy tower on the 5th and five others near the lodge on the 6th
White-whiskered Hermit - one at PVM on the 1st
Tawny-bellied Hermit - two at LL on the 31st
Straight-billed Hermit - one along PT on the 6th and another heard along the boardwalk at SL on the 7th
Black-throated (Little) Hermit - one at SL on the 7th
Green Violet-ear - up to 35 at LL between the 31st and 3rd and three at Mindo Lindo on the 1st
Sparkling Violet-ear - up to five at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Black-throated Mango - one female at LB on the 1st
Western (Blue-tailed) Emerald - up to six at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Fork-tailed Woodnymph - a female at the canopy tower on the 5th and a male near our cabin at SL on the 6th and 7th
Green-crowned Woodnymph - one immature male at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Violet-bellied Hummingbird - an adult male at LB on the 1st
Olive-spotted Hummingbird - six on the RI on the 7th
Glittering-throated Emerald - one along the channel to the PT on the 6th
Andean Emerald - up to six at LL between the 31st and 3rd and one at Mindo Lindo on the 1st
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird - one in Tandayapa on the 31st, 2 at PVM on the 1st and one at LL on the 2nd
Speckled Hummingbird - up to five at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Purple-bibbed Whitetip - an adult female at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Empress Brilliant - an adult female and immature male at Mindo Lindo on the 1st
Fawn-breasted Brilliant - up to five at LL between the 31st and 3rd and two at Mindo Lindo on the 1st
Green-crowned Brilliant - an adult female at LL on the 3rd
Shining Sunbeam - one at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Great Sapphirewing - three at YA on the 2nd and another at PP on the 3rd
Brown Inca - up to five at LL between the 31st and 3rd and two at Mindo Lindo on the 1st
Collared Inca - up to 10 at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Buff-winged Starfrontlet - five at YA on the 2nd and one at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Buff-tailed Coronet - up to 30 at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Gorgeted Sunangel - up to four at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Sapphire-vented Puffleg - five at YA on the 2nd
Golden-breasted Puffleg - one observed at length at YA on the 2nd
Booted Racket-tail - up to 10 at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Tyrian Metaltail - up to 10 at YA on the 2nd and three others at PP on the 3rd
Blue-mantled Thornbill - two females at PP on the 3rd
Long-tailed Sylph - one male and one female at GL on the 3rd
Violet-tailed Sylph - up to six at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Purple-crowned Fairly - one female at PVM on the 1st
Purple-throated Woodstar - up to 15 at LL between the 31st and 3rd
White-bellied Woodstar - up to three at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Black-tailed Trogon - one female along PT on the 6th
White-tailed Trogon - one male along the boardwalk at SL on the 6th
Masked Trogon - two at LL on the 31st and one at GL on the 3rd
Black-throated Trogon - one male at SL on the 7th
Blue-crowned Trogon - one male at SL on the 4th
Ringed Kingfisher - singles along the RN on the 4th and 7th and two on the 8th
Amazon Kingfisher - one along the RN on the 4th, two on the 6th and 7th, and three on the 8th
Green Kingfisher - two at SL on the 6th and singles on the 7th and 8th
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher - two were along the canal at SL on the 5th and 6th
American Pygmy Kingfisher - singles were observed at two locations at SL on the 6th
Rufous Motmot - one seen very briefly at LB on the 1st
Blue-crowned Motmot - one at SL on the 7th, frequently heard at SL
White-eared Jacamar - one along the channel leading to PT on the 6th
Brown Jacamar - one along the bank of the RN at SL on the 6th
Yellow-billed Jacamar - one along the PT on the 6th
Great Jacamar - two at SL on the 4th and one heard at the same location on the 7th
Brown Nunlet - two along the PT on the 6th
Black-fronted Nunbird - one near the dock at SL on the 6th
White-fronted Nunbird - six along the PT on the 6th and three along the trails at SL on the 7th
Yellow-billed Nunbird - one from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th and another along the trails on the 7th
Swallow-wing - up to 20 in the vicinity of the dock at SL and along the RN on the 4th, five+ in the same area on the 6th, 7th and 8th
Scarlet-crowned Barbet - two at SL and five along the channel leading to PT on the 6th and two at the same location at SL on the 7th
Gilded (Black-spotted) Barbet - four from the canopy tower on the 5th and one along the channel to PT on the 6th, frequently heard along the trails at SL
Lemon-throated Barbet - one from the tower at SL on the 5th and another along the channel to PT on the 6th
Red-headed Barbet - at female at PVM on the 1st, frequently heard at PVM, LB and LL
Pale-mandibled Aracari - one at LB and approx. 15 at PVM on the 1st
Chestnut-eared Aracari - three along the channel leading to PT on the 6th
Many-banded Aracari - eight along the trails at SL on the 4th and up to 15 from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Golden-collared Toucanet - one male from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan - one above Bellavista Lodge along the Nanegalito Road on the 31st
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan - two at PVM on the 1st
White-throated Toucan - five from the canopy tower on the 5th and one along the trails at SL on the 7th
Olivaceous Piculet - four at PVM on the 1st
Spot-breasted Woodpecker - two at SL on the 6th
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker - two at LL on the 31st
Golden-olive Woodpecker - two at PVM on the 1st
Scale-breasted Woodpecker - one seen briefly along the boardwalk at SL on the 7th
Cream-colored Woodpecker - a female observed at length along the canal at SL on the 6th
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker - one at SL on the 7th and another along the RN on the 8th
Black-cheeked Woodpecker - two at PVM on the 1st
Lineated Woodpecker - three at PVM on the 1st
Crimson-crested Woodpecker - three from the canopy tower and two others along the canal at SL on the 5th and another along the trails on the 6th
Guayaquil Woodpecker - one male at PVM on the 1st
Stout-billed Cinclodes - three at PP on the 3rd
Bar-winged Cinclodes - up to 10 at PP on the 3rd
Pacific (Pale-legged) Hornero - four at PVM on the 1st
Lesser Hornero - one on the RI on the 7th
Andean Tit-Spinetail - four at PP on the 1st
Azara's Spinetail - two seen and many others heard at LL between the 31st and 3rd
Slaty Spinetail - several heard and two seen at LD and PVM on the 1st
Dark-breasted Spinetail - two on the RI on the 7th
White-bellied Spinetail - at least four on the RI on the 7th
Rufous Spinetail - one at LL on the 31st, two at YA on the 2nd, and another at GL on the 3rd
Red-faced Spinetail - two at LB on the 1st
Rusty-backed Spinetail - one seen well, at least two others present, at RI on the 7th
Double-banded Graytail - two observed at length at PVM on the 1st
Pearled Treerunner - approx. 10 in Polylepis woodland at PP on the 3rd
Spotted Barbtail - one at LL on the 31st
Pacific (Buffy) Tuftedcheek - one seen and a second individual heard at LB on the 1st
Streaked Tuftedcheek - two at LL on the 31st
Chestnut-winged Hookbill - one along PT on the 6th and another along the trails at SL on the 7th
Eastern (Striped) Woodhaunter - one heard well and seen briefly along the PT on the 6th
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner - three at LB and two at PVM on the 1st
Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner - two along PT on the 6th
Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner - one along PT on the 6th
Striped Treehunter - three at LL on the 31st
Streaked Xenops - one at PVM on the 1st
Short-tailed Leaftosser - one observed on a night roost at SL on the 4th
Black-tailed Leaftosser - one observed foraging at SL on the 7th
Plain-brown Woodcreeper - one at PVM on the 1st and two along the canal at SL on the 5th
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper - three at LB on the 1st and one along the PT on the 6th
Long-billed Woodcreeper - one on a night roost on the 4th and two along the canal at SL on the 5th
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper - one along the trails at SL on the 4th
Strong-billed Woodcreeper - two at LL on the 31st
Amazonian Barred-Woodcreeper - one along the canal at SL on the 5th and another along the trails on the 7th
Black-banded Woodcreeper - two along the boardwalk on the 6th and two others in riparian woodland along the RN at SL on the 7th 
Straight-billed Woodcreeper - one in marshy habitat at SL on the 4th
Buff-throated Woodcreeper - one on the 5th at the lodge, three along the PT on the 6th and two others along the trails at SL on the 7th; frequently heard in terra firma forest
Spotted Woodcreeper - one at PVM on the 1st
Streak-headed Woodcreeper - one at LB on the 1st
Montane (Spot-crowned) Woodcreeper - three at LL on the 31st and one at GL on the 3rd
Fasciated Antshrike - a pair, although only the female was seen well, along the trails at SL on the 4th
Great Antshrike - a male at PVM on the 1st
Plain-winged Antshrike - one male along the PT on the 6th
Dusky-throated Antshrike - one male along the PT on the 6th
Cinereous Antshrike - a pair along the PT on the 6th
Pacific Streaked-Antwren - a female at PVM on the 1st
Rufous-tailed Antwren - two with the Cinereous Antshrikes on PT of the 6th
White-flanked Antwren - a pair at PVM on the 1st and another pair along PT on the 6th
Rio Suno Antwren - a pair along the PT on the 6th
Dot-winged Antwren - four at PVM on the 1st
Long-tailed Antbird - one at LL on the 31st
Black Antbird - a female on PT on the 6th
Warbling Antbird - one along the PT on the 6th
Black-and-white Antbird - two on the RI on the 7th
Silvered Antbird - a male along the boardwalk at SL on the 4th and 7th and a female along the canal on the 6th
White-shouldered Antbird - a male along the boardwalk at SL on the 6th
Sooty Antbird - a male at PT on the 6th
Immaculate Antbird - a pair between LL and Tandayapa on the 31st
Spot-backed Antbird - a male observed very briefly, but heard well, at PT on the 6th
Dot-backed Antbird - a male along the canal at SL on the 5th
Noble Antthrush - one along the trails near the lodge at SL on 4th
Black-faced Antthrush - one seen on the 4th and others heard along the trails at SL
Tawny Antpitta - three seen and others heard at PP on the 3rd
Rusty-belted Tapaculo - one seen, on the 4th, and others heard along the trails at SL
Unicolored Tapaculo - one seen and others heard at YA on the 2nd
Paramo (Andean) Tapaculo - one seen and others heard at PP on the 3rd
Slender-footed Tyrannulet - three seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Golden-faced Tyrannulet - two at LB and four at PVM on the 1st
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet - one at PVM on the 1st
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet - one in an open pasture at SL on the 4th
Forest Elaenia - one at PT on the 6th and another on the trails at SL on the 7th
Lesser Elaenia - one at LB on the 1st
Mottle-backed Elaenia - one in an open pasture at SL on the 4th
White-crested Elaenia - one at PP on the 3rd
White-throated Tyrannulet - one at YA on the 2nd and two at PP on the 3rd
White-tailed Tyrannulet - one at LL on the 31st
White-banded Tyrannulet - two at YA on the 2nd and two at Papallacta Lake and two at GL on the 3rd
River Tyrannulet - two at RI on the 7th
Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant - one seen and others heard on the RI on the 7th
Tufted Tit-Tyrant - two at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Streak-necked Flycatcher - two at LL on the 31st
Olive-striped Flycatcher - one at LB and another at PVM on the 1st
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant - two at PVM on the 1st
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant - one seen at LB and others heard there and at PVM on the 1st
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Common Tody-Flycatcher - two at PVM on the 1st
Spotted Tody-Flycatcher - two on the RI on the 7th
Brownish Flycatcher - one along PT on the 6th
Yellow-margined Flycatcher - two seen from the canopy tower on the 5th
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher - one seen along the PT on the 6th
Cinnamon Flycatcher - one at GL on the 3rd
Ornate Flycatcher - two at LB on the 1st
Smoke-colored Pewee - one at LL on the 31st and another on the Nono-Mindo road below Nono on the 2nd
Fuscous Flycatcher - one on the RI on the 7th
Black Phoebe - one at Tandayapa on the 31st
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant - two at YA on the 2nd and two others at PP on the 3rd
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant - one at YA on the 2nd and two others at PP on the 3rd
Drab Water-Tyrant - four along the RN on the 7th and two others on the 8th
Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant - one at PP on the 3rd
Streak-necked Bush-Tyrant - two at YA on the 2nd and another near PP on the 3rd
Smoky Bush-Tyrant - up to five at YA on the 2nd
Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant - two near the towers at PP on the 3rd
Dusky-capped Flycatcher - one seen and heard along the trails at SL on the 7th
Short-crested Flycatcher - one seen well along the lakeshore at SL on the 6th
Great Kiskadee - two near the lodge at SL on the 4th through the 7th
Lesser Kiskadee - two along the lake shore at SL on the 6th and another along the RN on the 7th
Rusty-margined Flycatcher - four at PVM on the 1st
Social Flycatcher - two in an open pasture at SL on the 4th, 6th, and 7th
Gray-capped Flycatcher - three along the channel to PT on the 6th
Dusky-chested Flycatcher - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Golden-crowned Flycatcher - one at LL on the 31st
Piratic Flycatcher - two in an open pasture at SL on the 4th, 6th, and 7th
Crowned Slaty Flycatcher - one or two seen form the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Sulphury Flycatcher - two along PT on the 6th
Tropical Kingbird - common in disturbed habitats at LL, LB, PVM and SL
Snowy-throated Kingbird - one at PVM on the 1st
Cinnamon Becard - two at PVM on the 1st
Black-capped Becard - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Black-and-white Becard - a female seen briefly at LL on the 31st
Black-tailed Tityra - two in an open pasture at SL on the 4th, 6th, and 7th
Red-crested Cotinga - three at YA on the 2nd
Green-and-black Fruiteater - one seen briefly at LL on the 31st
White-browed Purpletuft - two were seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Screaming Piha - one seen on the 6th and others heard along PT on the 6th and others heard along trails at SL on the 7th
Spangled Cotinga - a male was observed at length from the canopy tower during the afternoon of the 5th
Bare-necked Fruitcrow - one flew past the canopy tower on the 5th
Amazonian Umbrellabird - a male was observed from the canopy tower during the morning of the 5th
Golden-headed Manakin - a female was discovered along the trails at SL on the 7th
Blue-crowned Manakin - a female was observed feeding on berries along the trails at SL on the 7th
White-bearded Manakin - up to 10 were seen and heard at PVM on the 1st and a male was seen along PT on the 6th
Orange-crested Manakin - a female was seen along the canal at SL on the 5th
Turquoise Jay - two were seen along the Nono-Mindo Road near Tandayapa on the 2nd
Beautiful Jay - two were seen and two other heard at LL on the 31st
Violaceous Jay - common at SL with 10 - 15 individuals seen daily
Red-eyed Vireo - two at LB and four at PVM on the 1st
Brown-capped Vireo - two at LL on the 31st
Lesser Greenlet - one at PVM on the 1st
Great Thrush - common around Quito, YA, and PP
Glossy-black Thrush - one seen briefly at LL on the 31st
Pale-vented Thrush - one at LB on the 1st
Hauxwell's (Cocoa) Thrush - two seen along the canal at SL on the 5th
Brown-chested Martin - common along the RN on the 4th through the 8th
Gray-breasted Martin - one a Coca on the 4th and 8th
White-winged Swallow - common along the RN on the 4th through the 8th
Brown-bellied Swallow - 10 - 15 at YA on the 2nd and PP on the 3rd
Blue-and-white Swallow - 20+ at LL on the 31st and 15+ along the RN on the 7th
White-banded Swallow - common along the RN on the 4th through the 8th
White-thighed Swallow - approx. 10 at PVM on the 1st
Southern Rough-winged Swallow - 20+ at LB on the 1st and one along the RN at SL on the 7th
Black-capped Donacobius - one near the lodge at SL on the 4th
Thrush-like Wren - two at the lodge at SL on the 4th
Rufous Wren - four at YA on the 2nd
Plain-tailed Wren - one seen and others heard at LL on the 31st
Coraya Wren - two along PT on the 6th
House Wren - two at PVM on the 1st and another at SL on the 7th
Mountain Wren - one at GL on the 3rd
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren - one seen at LL and another near Bellavista Lodge on the 31st
Musician Wren - two on the PT on the 6th
Tropical Gnatcatcher - one from the canopy tower on the 5th
Tropical Parula - two at PVM on the 1st
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat - two at PVM on the 1st and two at LL on the 2nd
Slate-throated Redstart - four at LL on the 31st and two at PVM on the 1st
Spectacled Redstart - four at YA on the 2nd, five at GL and two at Papallacta Lake on the 3rd
Black-crested Warbler - two near Bellavista Lodge on the 31st
Russet-crowned Warbler - two near Bellavista Lodge and two at LL on the 31st
Bananaquit - two at PVM on the 1st
Orange-bellied Euphonia - three at LL on the 31st and two thee on the 2nd and three at LB and five at PVM on the 1st
White-vented Euphonia - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Rufous-bellied Euphonia - a male seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
White-lored Euphonia - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Cinereous Conebill - two at YA on the 2nd
Blue-backed Conebill - four at YA on the 2nd and another at GL on the 3rd
Capped Conebill - four at LL on the 31st and one at GL on the 3rd
Giant Conebill - two seen very well in Polylepis woodland at PP on the 3rd
Masked Flowerpiercer - one at LL on the 31st and at least 50 at YA on the 2nd
Glossy Flowerpiercer - approx. 20 at YA on the 2nd
Black Flowerpiercer - five to ten at YA on the 2nd
White-sided Flowerpiercer - one male at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Short-billed Honeycreeper - a female seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Purple Honeycreeper - ten at LB on the 1st , two from the canopy tower on the 5th, and two near the boat dock at SL on the 7th and 8th
Green Honeycreeper - four at PVM on the 1st and two from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Blue Dacnis - three at PVM on the 1st and one from the canopy tower on the 5th
Black-faced Dacnis - a pair at the canopy tower on the 5th
Yellow-tufted (Black-faced) Dacnis - two at LB and up to 20 at PVM on the 1st
Yellow-bellied Dacnis - a pair seen from the boardwalk at SL on the 4th
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis - four at PVM on the 1st
Fawn-breasted Tanager - two at GL on the 3rd
Green-and-gold Tanager - one from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Rufous-throated Tanager - four at LB on the 1st
Golden Tanager - two at LL on the 31st and four at LB on the 1st
Saffron-crowned Tanager - ten at GL on the 3rd
Flame-faced Tanager - four at LL on the 31st
Metallic-green Tanager - two at LL on the 31st
Blue-necked Tanager - four at LB and 10+ at PVM on the 1st
Masked Tanager - two seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Golden-masked Tanager - two at PVM on the 1st
Turquoise Tanager - three seen from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Gray-and-gold Tanager - six at PVM on the 1st
Bay-headed Tanager - three at PVM on the 1st
Beryl-spangled Tanager - four at LL on the 31st
Blue-and-black Tanager - up to 15 at YA on the 2nd
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager - up to 30 at YA and vicinity on the 2nd
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager - ten+ at LL on the 31st
Hooded Mountain-Tanager - two at YA on the 2nd
Black-chested Mountain-Tanager - five at YA on the 2nd
Moss-backed Tanager - one at LB feeding on Cecropia fruit on the 1st
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager - four at GL on the 3rd
Swallow Tanager - one male at LB on the 1st
Blue-gray Tanager - three at LB and 10+ at PVM on the 1st and up to five in an open pasture at SL on the 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th
Palm Tanager - ten at LB and 25+ at PVM on the 1st, five from the canopy tower of the 5th and three near the PT trailhead on the 6th
Silver-beaked Tanager - four in an open pasture at SL on the 6th, 7th, and 8th
Masked Crimson Tanager - up to ten along the boardwalk at SL on the 4th, four from the canopy tower on the 5th and one from the boardwalk on the 6th
Flame-rumped Tanager - ten at LB and 30+ at PVM on the 1st
White-shouldered Tanager - three at PVM on the 1st
Tawny-crested Tanager - one male at PVM on the 1st
Gray-headed Tanager - two along the canal at SL on the 6th
Dusky-faced Tanager - one seen and many others heard at PVM on the 1st
Scarlet-and-white Tanager - one male at PVM on the 1st
Orange-headed Tanager - two on the RI on the 7th
Rufous-chested Tanager - one at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Dusky Bush-Tanager - five near Bellavista Lodge on the 31st
Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager - five at GL on the 3rd
Black-backed Bush-Tanager - approx. 10 in Polylepis woodland at PP on the 3rd
Superciliaried Hemispingus - one at YA on the 2nd and another at GL on the 3rd
Western (Black-eared) Hemispingus - three at LL on the 31st
Magpie Tanager - one along the channel leading to PT on the 6th
Buff-throated Saltator - four at PVM on the 1st and four from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Grayish Saltator - two near the boat dock at SL on the 6th
Red-capped Cardinal - two in an open pasture at SL on the 4th, 6th, and 7th
Blue-backed Grassquit - three at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Dull-colored Grassquit - two at PVM on the 1st
Variable Seedeater - up to 30 at PVM on the 1st
Wing-barred Seedeater - two on the RI on the 7th
Black-and-white Seedeater - one immature male at LL on the 2nd and up to 40 on the RI on the 7th
Yellow-bellied Seedeater - 10+ at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater - one in an open pasture at SL on the 4th, 6th, and 7th, and five on the RI on the 7th
Lesser Seed-Finch - two females at PVM on the 1st
Band-tailed Seedeater - one male near Quito in the 31st
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch - 10+ at PP on the 3rd
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch - a pair near Quito on the 31st
Slaty Brush-Finch - one at GL on the 3rd
Tanager Finch - One near Bellavista Lodge on the 31st
Orange-billed Sparrow - one at PVM on the 1st
Yellow-browed Sparrow - six on the RI and another at the boat dock fro SL on the 7th
Rufous-collared Sparrow - four at LL on the 31st and 2nd, several in open areas near YA on the 2nd
Shiny Cowbird - two in an open pasture at SL on the 4th
Giant Cowbird - 10+ from the canopy tower at SL on the 4th and two along the RN on the 8th
Crested Oropendola - common at SL
Russet-backed Oropendola - abundant at SL
Yellow-rumped Cacique - abundant at SL
Scrub Blackbird - four at PVM on the 1st
Oriole Blackbird - five on the RI on the 7th and one along the RN on the 8th
Red-breasted Blackbird - one in an open pasture at SL on the 4th and 6th
Yellow-bellied Siskin - four at PVM on the 1st
House Sparrow - two in Quito on the 3rd

416 species

The following species were heard only.  Tony Nunnery identified most of those reported from the Andes.  Oscar Tapuy initially identified virtually all of those from Amazonia.

Cinereous Tinamou - singles in varzea forest at SL on the 4th and 5th
Undulated Tinamou -
one in varzea forest at SL on the 6th
Little Tinamou -
two at PVM on the 1st
Andean Guan -
two near Quito on the 31st
Wattled Guan -
one at LL on the 2nd
White-throated Crake -
one at LB on the 1st
Gray-necked Wood-Rail
- at two locations at SL on the 6th
Sapphire Quail-Dove - one along the PT on the 6th and one heard and seen flying through the forest at SL on the 7th
White-throated Quail-Dove - one at LL on the 31st
Golden-headed Quetzal - one at LL on the 31st
Toucan Barbet - frequently heard at LL on the 31st and afternoon of the 2nd
Choco Toucan - one at PVM on the 1st
Castelnau's Antshrike - one heard and seen very poorly on the RI on the 7th
Western Slaty-Antshrike - several at PVM on the 1st
Pygmy Antwren - one heard and seen very poorly in the canopy at SL on the 5th
Dugard's Antwren - one heard repeatedly from the canopy tower on the 5th
Plumbeous Antbird - one along the canal at SL on the 5th
Lunulated Antbird - heard and seen very poorly at PT on the 6th
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta - frequently heard in the early morning and late evening at LL on the 31st, 1st, and 2nd
Rufous Antpitta - three at YA on the 2nd
Spillmann's Tapaculo - frequently heard at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Ocellated Tapaculo - one heard and seen very poorly near Bellavista Lodge on the 31st
Cinnamon Attila - one from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Grayish Mourner - one from the canopy tower at SL on the 5th
Scaled Fruiteater - one at LB on the 1st
Purple-throated Fruitcrow - two at LB on the 1st
Blue-backed Manakin - one along the trails at SL on the 7th
Club-winged Manakin - one or two males heard down slope from Mindo Lindo on the 1st
Andean Solitaire - frequently heard at LL on the 31st and 2nd
Lawrence's Thrush - frequently heard at SL from the 4th through the 7th
Bay Wren - several at PVM on the 1st
Southern Nightingale-Wren - one at PVM and LB on the 1st and one at SL on the 5th and PT on the 6th
Orange-backed Troupial - one at PT on the 6th

33 species heard only

Taxonomy generally follows Ridgely, Greenfield, and Guerrero (1998).
Mark Lockwood
6710 Lancret Hill Drive
Austin, Texas 78745
(512)326-4381
mwlockwood@juno.com

 

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