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Eastern Ecuador:

High Andes to Vast Amazon

February 10 - February 24, 2008

Tour Leader: Scott Olmstead

All photos, video clips, and sound recordings were
 taken by the tour leader during the trip.

 

Collared Puffbird  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

Itinerary
Feb. 10: Arrival, Night in Quito.
Feb. 11: Papallacta area, Night Guango Lodge.
Feb. 12: Guango-Baeza vicinity, Night Cabañas San Isidro.
Feb. 13: San Isidro, Night Cabañas San Isidro.
Feb. 14: Day trip to San Rafael Falls, Night Cabañas San Isidro.
Feb. 15: Guacamayos, & travel to lowlands, Night Gareno Lodge. 
Feb. 16: The search for Harpy Eagle, Night Gareno Lodge.
Feb. 17: Gareno & travel to Río Napo, Night Casa del Suizo.
Feb. 18: River travel to Sacha Lodge, Night Sacha Lodge.
Feb. 19-21: River travel to Sacha Lodge, Night Sacha Lodge.
Feb. 22: Air travel to Quito, Night Quito.
Feb. 23: Antisana, Night Quito.
Feb. 24: Departure.

Harpy Eagle at Gareno Lodge, Feb. 16  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

Introduction

The theme of our February tour of Eastern Ecuador was rain – fitting for one of the wettest regions on earth.  The weather certainly provided some frustrating moments and indeed there were times when it seemed like every time we encountered a good mixed flock the skies would open up. But everyone kept in high spirits throughout and in between the showers we managed some unbeatable feats such as good looks at all three quetzal species and a mind-boggling five species of potoos. Not to mention the Harpy Eagle! (pictured at left) In the end everyone was happy with the results and by the time of our farewell dinner we had seen too many spectacular highlight birds to be able to decide on the best birds of the trip.


Tour Summary

February 11:  The tour started as we headed up to the high Andes around Papallacta, east of Quito. Arriving at the pass, we could see that the highest elevations were still shrouded in thick clouds, so we decided to bide our time by birding for an hour or two on the old highway. This proved a good decision, and we got stellar looks at treeline specialties like Blue-mantled Thornbill and White-chinned Thistletail as we watched the weather. Eventually, as the conditions didn’t seem to be getting any worse, we decided to just give it a go, and drove up the narrow, winding road to the radio masts, above 4200m. Páramo Ground-Tyrants were seen along the way, and once at the top it didn’t take us long to locate our top (and only) target: Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. One bird was seen very well at close range through the shifting clouds as it ambled along the ground, walking over the lush, cushion-like páramo vegetation. Next up was a stop at the roadside Polylepis patch on the way down toward Papallacta village. Here we didn’t find much activity but managed to see the local Giant Conebills and a roosting Great Horned Owl. By midday we had arrived at the Papallacta Hot Springs area, our birding site for the afternoon. Highlights here included more treeline denizens like Viridian Metaltail, Red-crested Cotinga, and a single Masked Mountain-Tanager that sat up in full view for a few glorious moments. On the lower sections of the road we saw Agile Tit-Tyrant, White-capped Dipper, Pale-naped and Stripe-headed Brush-Finches, and a very excitable White-browed Spinetail (recording: XC 18052) that never really sat still. We arrived at cozy Guango Lodge with just enough time to get a taste of the hummingbirds, and a gorgeous male Glowing Puffleg provided an appropriate end to a great day of birding.

Viridian Metaltail at Papallacta, Feb. 11  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Great Horned Owl at Papallacta, Feb. 11  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

February 12:  We spent most of the morning birding the trails through the cloud forest around Guango. It drizzled on and off the whole time, but the mixed flocks were good to us, and we scored Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Black-capped Hemispingus, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Slaty Brush-Finch, Turquoise Jay, and Northern Mountain-Cacique. Perhaps the best bird of the morning was a Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan that sat for scope views in a fruiting tree. A pair of Torrent Tyrannulets entertained us on the river below the lodge before we spent some time drying off and taking in the hummingbird show on the patio. Guango is a truly great place to watch hummingbirds, and we enjoyed the antics of dozens of individuals of perhaps ten different species, including Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Long-tailed Sylph, Tourmaline Sunangel, and the magnificent Sword-billed Hummingbird. (Watch the video here. The bills of these birds are too long to be useful for preening and they must keep their feathers in good condition using their feet!) After a satisfying lunch it was time to say goodbye to Guango and head for lower elevations. A stop beside the rushing Río Quijos broke up the journey and provided an awesome study of a pair of Torrent Ducks on a rock, the male posturing and displaying as another lone male lurked nearby. The end of the afternoon was a nice eye-level tanager flock that included Flame-faced, Saffron-crowned, Golden-eared, and Black-capped Tangers. We arrived at our base for the next three nights, Cabañas San Isidro, just in time for dinner.

Sword-billed Hummingbird at Guango Lodge, Feb. 12  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Long-tailed Sylph at Guango Lodge, Feb. 12  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Torrent Ducks on the Rio Quijos, Feb. 12  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

February 13:  It was another soggy morning as we birded the trails around San Isidro, though we managed a few excellent birds, perhaps the best being Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals. We got great looks at Black-billed Peppershrike and Olive-backed Woodcreeper right around the lodge. Good activity at the hummingbird feeders included numerous Bronzy Incas. In the afternoon we birded along the road to Yanayacu Biological Station and beyond, where we picked up some cooperative Emerald Toucanets and found Rufous-breasted Flycatcher and Lineated Foliage-gleaner in mixed flocks. A vivacious Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher showed well for a moment as it flitted around in the bamboo. At dusk by the lodge we watched a Chestnut-crowned Antpitta climbing up to his roost high above the ground in a tree; this terrestrial bird caught in the spotlight running along a branch made quite a sight. A pair of Rufous-bellied Nighthawks flying overhead put on a good show too. After dinner we went out and spotlighting around the cabins, hoping to find the resident “mystery owl”, whose taxonomy is still unknown. The star didn’t put in an appearance but we were rewarded with nice views of a Rufous-banded Owl.

Golden-headed Quetzal at San Isidro, Feb. 13  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding San Rafael Falls, Feb. 14  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

February 14: Today we got a very early start and made the two-hour drive down to the foothill forest around San Rafael Falls, the largest waterfall in Ecuador. We broke up the trip by making a pre-dawn stop for Lyre-tailed Nighjar on the way. Our morning at San Rafael was a bit rainy (at this point we were not surprised) but of course we were undeterred! The first birds of the morning were an industrious Lafresnaye’s Piculet (video here) and a very responsive Black-billed Treehunter, followed in quick succession by Olive-chested Flycatcher, another foothill specialty. A male Pale-eyed Thrush singing from an exposed song perch made for a great scope study of this scarce species and Karen picked out a handsome Red-billed Parrot sitting in a treetop nearby. Walking down the trail to the falls, we found a few good flocks, the biggest of which held Gray-mantled Wren and Russet Antshrike. A Fulvous-breasted Flatbill popped into view for a moment but not long enough for everyone to see. One of the real highlights of the morning was watching a couple of Blue-browed Tanagers foraging right in front of us at eye level. This attractive tanager is found from Colombia to Bolivia along the eastern base of the Andes but is found only in a very narrow altitudinal band and seems to be quite scarce, at least in Ecuador. We picked up some new hummingbirds here as well, including White-tailed Hillstar and the superb Wire-crested Thorntail, feeding in the treetops. We drove back up toward San Isidro after our pack lunch, a gorgeous Orange-eared Tanager bidding us farewell as we departed. On the way back we birded the valley surrounding the Río Quijos, and managed good looks at Lemon-browed Flycatcher, Olivaceous Siskin, and Golden-naped Tanager, and Streaked Xenops. Probably the most unexpected bird of the day was an immature Striated Heron, seen well above its normal range at a rather astounding elevation of 1700 meters! Arriving back at the lodge just before dusk, we were greeted by a striking Highland Motmot waiting for us by the car park. But the day wasn’t over yet; after dinner we went out for a very successful nightbirding excursion. As if a rare Andean Potoo seen at point-blank range at eye level on an exposed hunting perch wasn’t enough, a pair of responsive White-throated Screech-Owls were also quite obliging.

Chestnut-bellied Thrush, Feb. 15  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical BirdingFebruary 15:  The scheduled plan for the morning had been to bird the Guacamayos Ridge trail. However, in light of the recent weather, and the notorious unpredictability of conditions at Guacamayos, we decided to bird around the San Isidro area in an effort to pick up some species we had missed earlier. Roadside birding was productive, and we soon found a pair of Golden-collared Honeycreepers in a fruiting Cecropia. A Long-tailed Antbird and a pair of Ash-colored Tapaculos were cooperative, showing well in bamboo stands, while the singing Slate-crowned Antpitta did not come close enough to see. A mixed flock produced a pair of Oleaginous Heminspinguses and a couple of Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulets. We did make a short late morning stop at Guacamayos, where we got good looks at Grass-green Tanager, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Green-and-black Fruiteater, and Andean Guan. Then we set off down the eastern slope, driving all the way down from the chilly cloud forests of Guacamayos to the steamy Amazonian lowlands. With a few well-placed stops along the way we picked up some new montane species like White-tipped Swift, Handsome Flycatcher, Andean Solitaire, and the scarce and elusive Chestnut-bellied Thrush. Then, rolling through the lowlands late in the afternoon we started to get our first taste of Amazonian birding, encountering the likes of White-eared Jacamar, Swallow-winged Puffbird, and Black Caracara. We arrived at the Spartan comforts of Gareno Lodge just before dusk and were greeted by a pair of Crested Owls on a day roost.

February 16:  Gareno has become most famous during the last few years as a reliable place to see Harpy Eagle at a nest stake-out. Remarkably, despite the nest tree having fallen over in a recent windstorm and the young bird being now over a year-and-half old, we learned that there was still an excellent chance to see this king of the jungle. The young bird, apparently still roosting near the nest site and begging for food from the parents every day, had been seen regularly in the weeks leading up to our visit. Naturally, we decided to give it a go and we set out before dawn to begin the long hike out to the nest area, hoping to catch the young bird before it moved off during the day. When we arrived at the site with our native guide Pedro, we were disappointed to find that the bird was not at its expected roost. However, after another hour of searching, Pedro had located the bird by its shrill begging cries and soon we were having great scope looks at the biggest and most fierce bird of prey in the Western Hemisphere as it wailed like a baby from a treetop! A great start to our morning, especially considering that we never expected this bird to still be present in the first place. Before much longer it will likely disperse and begin to look for a territory of its own, leaving its parents to start the nesting cycle over again. Slowly we birded the trail back to the lodge and encountered several nice mixed flocks with goodies like Red-billed Scythebill, Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner, White-throated and Scaly-breasted Woodpeckers, and Yellow-bellied Tanager. A skulking Rufous-capped Antthrush sang from a fallen log just long enough for a scope view, but Rufous Potoo at Gareno, Feb. 16  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birdingthe nearby Ochre-striped Antpitta frustrated our best attempts to see it. Other highlights were Yellow-browed Antbird, Brown Nunlet, and a striking Golden-headed Manakin that put on a show during our pack lunch on the trail. By mid-afternoon it had started to rain so we headed back to the lodge for a rest. Much to our surprise, a pair of rare Buff-tailed Sicklebills was visiting the flowering Heliconias between the cabins – what a bonus! Late in the afternoon we went out for a short walk to look for another of Gareno’s most famous avian residents: Rufous Potoo. Before too long, Pedro had located a potoo resting on an unusually exposed perch, and we had fantastic views of this Amazonian rarity. A beautiful Yellow-billed Jacamar and a White Hawk nearby ended a long day of great birds.

February 17:  We had planned to start off with a bit more birding in the forest today, but we didn’t get far. After a stop at a Great-billed Hermit lek, we spent some time watching a pair of Broad-billed Motmots and then the skies opened up. Rather than heading back to the lodge we decided to make for a canopy overlook a half-hour’s walk from the lodge and wait out the downpour under the roof of a little house. This turned out to be a great decision because when the rain let up later in the morning the birding was very good. Looking out over the canopy from on top of a hill we had good looks at Spangled Cotinga, Black-headed Parrot, Ivory-billed Aracari, and Moriche Oriole. The most exciting moment of the morning was surely when a Pavonine Quetzal began unexpectedly calling from nearby. After a short chase, we got a scope-full of this prized quetzal, complete with his gaudy coral-red bill. Casqued Oropendolas were common in the area, and a Black-throated Brilliant obliged us by spending a moment sitting in the open at the forest edge. Walking back to the lodge for lunch we bumped into a group of Brown Jacamars and a tanager flock with Fulvous-crested and Paradise Tanagers. In the afternoon we drove from Gareno to the banks of the Río Napo, picking up a few new birds like Capped Heron, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and Golden-tailed Sapphire. Late in the afternoon we boarded a canoe and motored about 10 minutes downstream to the Casa del Suizo, our accommodation for the night located in the village of Ahuano.

February 18:  Today was mostly a travel day as we motored over 100 miles down the mighty Napo from Ahuano to Sacha Lodge. It rained during the first part of the trip, not leaving us much birding, though we did pick up Little Blue Heron and certainly enjoyed the elegant White-banded Swallows cruising beside the boat during the drier moments. We broke up the journey with a stop at the busy port city of Coca to join other Sacha guests and change to a bigger, faster canoe. By mid-afternoon we were birding the Sacha landing and boardwalk that leads to the lodge. A handsome White-necked Jacobin was seen nectaring on Heliconias at the landing and a Spot-winged Antbird foraging in the várzea undergrowth was a nice find. Christine spotted a Gray-necked Wood-Rail at the river’s edge and we had the privilege of watching this normally timid forest bird having a glorious bath! (Watch the video here.) Crossing Lake Pilchicocha in a dugout canoe, we had our first of many sightings of the prehistoric Hoatzins that live around the lodge, munching on the leaves of the huge Aroids that thrive in this blackwater swamp. Arriving at the deck we picked up Straight-billed Woodcreeper and then settled into our cabins to get ready for dinner and prepare for an intensive three-day session of Amazonian birding! Our local native guide Pancho told us that many of the trees surrounding the wooden canopy tower were in fruit, and in light of this little tidbit of information we decided that the tower should be our first birding site the following day.

Many-banded Aracari from the Sacha Lodge canopy tower, Feb. 19  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Brown Jacamar at Gareno, Feb. 17  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

February 19:  We began our first full morning at Sacha by canoeing across the lake and down Orchid Creek en route to the wooden canopy tower. Of course we were sidetracked when a Collared Puffbird began calling not far from the channel, and after an effort of perhaps 15 minutes we managed to see it reasonably well as at sat in the subcanopy. Little did we know how well we would see this gem in just two days’ time! The tower itself did not disappoint and we were flooded with birds all morning. The tower is built around a huge Ceiba (kapok) tree, meaning that it is very sturdy and gives the feeling that you are literally in the tree. This was enhanced by a large climbing fig vine in the canopy being in full fruit and continually drawing birds to within an arm’s reach. A few of the fruit-eating birds that joined us in the big Ceiba were Gilded Barbet, Many-banded Araçari, Masked Tanager, Spangled Cotinga, and four species of euphonia. Other birds seen well though not quite close enough to touch included Dugand’s Antwren, Plum-throated Cotinga, Cinnamon Attila, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Cinnamon-throated and Lafresnaye’s Woodcreepers, Purple-throated Fruitcrow (video here), and a fabulous Golden-collared Toucanet. A Black Hawk-Eagle perched in a treetop a couple hundred meters away, allowing decent views of its impressive crest. The trip back to the lodge up the creek gave us our hoped-for Orange-crested Manakin. After lunch and a short rest we went out for some more birding by dugout canoe in the afternoon. This time we hit Anaconda Creek, another blackwater channel that branches off of the main lake. White-chinned Jacamars seemed to be everywhere and we found three separate territories. Silvered Antbird and Gray-headed Tanager were other good sightings from the canoe. Late in the afternoon we disembarked to walk to the boardwalk and try for some owls, on the way we picking up Dwarf-Tyrant Manakin, White-necked Thrush, Blue-crowned Motmot, and Elegant Woodcreeper. Not bad for afternoon birding! The owls were good to us too and within a span of ten minutes at dusk we had great views of first Tropical (video here) and then Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. A roosting Great Tinamou, which Pancho had staked out, capped off a very successful day.

Tropical Screech-Owl at Sacha Lodge  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl at Sacha Lodge  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Great Tinamou at Sacha Lodge  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

February 20:  We hiked out from the lodge to the Napo along the boardwalk in twilight, pausing for another look at the still sleepy Great Tinamou. But right around dawn the skies opened up and we were caught in a full-on Amazonian storm, complete with heavy winds and a truly torrential downpour. Arriving soaked at the Napo landing, we hunkered down at the Sacha river house to dry out and wait out the rain. Over the course of the next few hours we managed a few good birds from under the roof, including a showy group of Magpie Tanagers, an uncommon Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, some migrating Eastern Kingbirds, and a Pale-tailed Barbthroat that came in to the Heliconias at the edge of the clearing where we had seen White-necked Jacobin two days before. By mid-morning the rain had let up and we got in the river canoe to head downstream for some birding in the unique successional habitat found on the larger river islands. We saw many new birds for the trip, including some species that are endemic to the river islands like Black-and-white Antbird, Castelnau’s Antshrike, and Olive-spotted Hummingbird. These birds spend their entire lives on the river islands and are almost never seen on the river’s banks! Also among the highlights were Oriole Blackbird, Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Pied Plover, and a noisy party of Blue-and-yellow Macaws that flew majestically overhead. Returning to the lodge we managed good views of a pair of Warbling Antbirds after some effort and bumped into a group of brilliant Masked Crimson Tanagers.

Cinnamon Attila from the Sacha Lodge canopy tower, Feb. 19  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper from the Sacha Lodge canopy tower, Feb. 19  -  Scott Olsmtead/Tropical Birding

February 21:  Today was one of those epic days when the birding is so good that it turns into a Big Day before you even realize it – I’m sure we’ll all remember this one for a long time. Having already lost significant birding time to rain at Gareno and Sacha, and recognizing that there were still hordes of Amazonian birds to be seen, we went into today hoping to clean up as much as possible, and for once the weather cooperated. We began before dawn once again, and while walking out to the Napo we stopped for a few minutes on the boardwalk to try to call in a vocalizing Zigzag Heron. Unfortunately the bird wasn’t too interested and never moved from its perch back in the swamp. A roosting Common Potoo was our consolation, making a good first bird of the day. It was still pretty early when we hit the river and headed downstream for the famous parrot clay licks on the river’s south bank. There was excellent activity at the licks, perhaps because the birds weren’t able to visit the previous day in the rain. Without any trouble we saw Blue-headed and Orange-cheeked Parrots, Yellow-crowned and Mealy Amazons, Dusky-headed and Cobalt-winged Parakeets, and the rare Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet.  While watching the parrots, Pancho and I learned from another local guide that a Long-tailed Potoo had been seen on a day roost near Sacha the day before and I hoped we would have time to look for it later. There seemed to be continuous flock activity in the terra firme forest around the interior forest lick, and here we picked up some new antbirds like Dusky-headed and Cinereous Antshrikes and Rufous-tailed Antwren. A pair of Pink-throated Becards was building a nest in a clearing nearby. A responsive Black-faced Antbird gave good looks by the trail.

Striped Manakin, Feb. 21  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Mealy & Yellow-crowned Amazons with Blue-headed Parrots at the clay lick, Feb. 21  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

Later in the morning we decided to hike up the ridge trail behind the lick and were treated to not just one but perhaps three trip highlight moments in short succession. First, a large completely unexpected troop of Common Wooly Monkeys passed through the canopy right over our heads. These monkeys, related to Spider Monkeys, are not often seen in Ecuador and these particular individuals were obviously not accustomed to interaction with humans. Though we stayed still and watched them undetected at first, in the end they spotted us and a chorus of alarm calls went up. They became agitated and one mother with an infant clinging to her chest even stopped to scold us from overhead. As she stared down at us and shook branches in disdain she managed to snap off a rather large piece of a dead vine and send it hurtling down to the forest floor where it crashed just a few feet from where were standing. We decided to move on before the monkeys became more violent and/or vulgar. Further up the ridge we arrived at the site for Striped Manakin, our target bird. One bird was calling rather close by, but as anyone who has ever tried to see a Striped Manakin knows, the sound can be extremely hard to pinpoint. At first the bird was moving far too much to be able to find but finally after a solid fifteen minutes we were finally able to locate the source of the tiny hiccup noise and were rewarded with prolonged scope views of this beauty. Walking back down the ridge, we were surprised to flush a pair of Collared Puffbirds that had been excavating a cavity in a rotting stump. The birds perched intimately close and we enjoyed a frame-filling study of this difficult-to-see puffbird as it puffed up its feathers over and over. (Watch the video here.)

Long-tailed Potoo, Feb. 21  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical BirdingBy early afternoon we were headed back up the Napo toward Sacha and we had decided to make a try for the Long-tailed Potoo seen the day before. At the Sacha river landing we traded for a smaller more maneuverable craft and set out across the river. Motoring up a narrow creek on the south bank we quickly found the spot, disembarked and began scanning the trees for the cryptic shape of a potoo. We searched in vain for a full half-hour before giving up; we were back in the canoe and turning it around to head back to the lodge when Pancho miraculously picked out the bird roosting high in a treetop. Again we scrambled ashore and worked to find an adequate window from which to scope the bird. This proved tricky, but eventually we found a good hole and were able to watch the potoo preening, its fluffy, ruffled feathers and tremendous mouth giving it a distinctly muppet-like appearance. (Watch the video here.) By now it was mid-afternoon and so we raced back across the river to Sacha in order to have time to bird the forest behind the lodge. A few notable additions included Plain-throated Antwren, Black-tailed Leaftosser, and the magnificent Wire-tailed Manakin. We spent the last hour of the afternoon birding from the canopy walkway; activity was not great, but we picked up Spix’s Guan. As dusk fell, we spotlighted a young Black-banded Owl, the last bird of an amazing day.

February 22:  Today was a rather uneventful travel day back to Quito, which is not to say it was totally without birds. A few noteworthy sightings were Scarlet-crowned Barbet at the river landing, Yellow-headed Caracara from the boat, and Red-breasted Blackbird at the Coca airport. After a short flight up to Quito we checked into the hotel for the night.

February 23:  For our final day of birding we returned to the high Andes, this time visiting the private Hacienda Antisana near the snow-capped volcano that bears the same name. To our delight, we enjoyed very pleasant weather. The fierce wind, thick fog, and frequent showers that are so often a part of a visit to Antisana were nowhere to be found on this day. The birding was good and by late morning we had good scope views of a soaring pair of Andean Condors, much to everyone’s relief. The rare and endangered Black-faced Ibis, a specialty of this area, made things difficult and proved difficult to find. In the end we only found one individual but it was a very nice study. On Lake Micacocha we found Silvery Grebe, Andean Teal, and Yellow-billed Pintail, along with a small group of migrant Blue-winged Teal. As usual, Andean Gulls and Carunculated Caracaras were all over the place, but a Cinereous Harrier was a more uncommon sighting. A territorial Streak-backed Canastero (recording: XC 18054) was particularly cooperative and a Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle showed very well both in flight and perched. Given the unusually calm weather, we were also able to appreciate exceptional views of the volcano; it was an excellent end to a very successful trip.

Yellow-billed Pintail at Antisana, Feb. 23  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding Antisana Volcano, Feb. 23  -  Scott Olmstead/Tropical Birding

Bird List

A total of 547 species were recorded on the tour.
Those that were heard but not seen are marked with an “H”. 
The taxonomy and nomenclature of this list follow: 
Ridgely, Robert and Paul Greenfield. The Birds of Ecuador: Field Guide. 2001. Ithica, NY: Comstock Publishing.  

Alternative names and classifications are listed in parentheses, and a few notes on taxonomy are included where appropriate.

TINAMOUS   Tinamidae
Great Tinamou   Tinamus major
White-throated Tinamou   Tinamus guttatus H
Cinereous Tinamou   Crypturellus cinereus H
Little Tinamou   Crypturellus soui H
Undulated Tinamou   Crypturellus undulates H
Variegated Tinamou   Crypturellus variegatus H

GREBES   Podicipedidae
Silvery Grebe   Podiceps occipitalis

DUCKS, GEESE, & SWANS   Anatidae
Torrent Duck   Merganetta armata
Andean (Speckled) Teal   Anas (flavirostris) andium
- The race andium of the Colombian and Ecuadorian Andes is often merged with the more widespread Speckled Teal Anas flavirostris.
Yellow-billed Pintail   Anas spinicauda
Blue-winged Teal   Anas discors
Andean Ruddy-Duck (Andean Duck)   Oxyura ferruginea

HERONS, BITTERNS, EGRETS   Ardeidae
Zigzag Heron   Zebrilus undulates H
Rufescent Tiger-Heron   Tigrisoma lineatum H
Cocoi Heron   Ardea cocoi
Great Egret   Ardea alba
Snowy Egret   Egretta thula
Little Blue Heron   Egretta caerulea
Cattle Egret   Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron   Butorides striatus
Capped Heron   Pilherodius pileatus

IBISES & SPOONBILLS   Threskiornithidae
Black-faced (Andean) Ibis   Theristicus melanopis
Green Ibis   Mesembrinibis cayennensis H

AMERICAN VULTURES   Cathartidae
Andean Condor   Vultur gryphus
Black Vulture   Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture   Cathartes aura
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture   Cathartes melambrotus

HAWKS, KITES, EAGLES, ETC.   Accipitridae
Osprey   Pandion haliaetus
Swallow-tailed Kite   Elanoides forficatus
Slender-billed Kite   Rostrhamus hamatus H
Double-toothed Kite   Harpagus bidentatus
Plumbeous Kite   Ictinia plumbea
Cinerous Harrier   Circus cinerus
White Hawk   Leucopternis albicollis
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle   Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Roadside Hawk   Buteo magnirostris
Broad-winged Hawk   Buteo platypterus
Variable Hawk   Buteo polyosoma
- Variable Hawk was formerly considered to represent two species: Red-backed Hawk Buteo polyosoma and Puna Hawk Buteo poecilochrous, the latter being supposedly larger, darker and found at higher elevations. We saw both light and dark morph individuals at Antisana on 23 February. The most recent data suggest that these birds are really all one species, Variable Hawk.
Harpy Eagle   Harpia harpyja
Black Hawk-Eagle   Spizaetusr tyrannus
Ornate Hawk-Eagle   Spizaetus ornatus H

FALCONS & CARACARAS   Falconidae
Black Caracara   Daptrius ater
Red-throated Caracara   Ibycter americanus H
Carunculated Caracara   Phalcoboenus carunculatus
Yellow-headed Caracara   Milvago chimachima
Lined Forest-Falcon   Micrastur gilvicollis H
American Kestrel   Falco sparverius
Aplomado Falcon   Falco femoralis
Peregrine Falcon   Falco peregrinus

CURASSOWS, GUANS, ETC.   Cracidae
Speckled Chachalaca   Ortalis guttata
Andean Guan   Penelope montagnii
Spix's Guan   Penelope jacquacu

NEW WORLD QUAILS   Odontophoridae
Marbled Wood-Quail   Odontophorus gujanensis H

RAILS, GALLINULES,  & COOTS   Rallidae
Gray-breasted Crake   Laterallus exilis
Rufous-sided Crake   Laterallus melanophaius H
Chestnut-headed Crake   Anurolimnas castaneiceps H
Gray-necked Wood-Rail   Aramides cajanea
Andean (Slate-colored) Coot   Fulica ardesiaca

LIMPKIN   Aramidae
Limpkin   Aramus guarauna H

SANDPIPERS, SNIPES, ETC.   Scolopacidae
Greater Yellowlegs   Tringa melanoleuca
Spotted Sandpiper   Actitis macularia

SEEDSNIPES   Thinocoridae
Rufous-bellied   Seedsnipe Attagis gayi

PLOVERS & LAPWINGS   Charadriidae
Southern Lapwing   Vanellus chilensis
Andean Lapwing   Vanellus resplendens
Pied Plover (Lapwing)   Hoploxypterus cayanus
Collared Plover   Charadrius collaris

GULLS AND TERNS   Laridae
Andean Gull   Larus serranus
Yellow-billed Tern   Sterna superciliaris

PIGEONS & DOVES   Columbidae
Rock Pigeon   Columba livia
Band-tailed Pigeon   Columba (Patagioenas) fasciata
Pale-vented Pigeon   Columba (Patagioenas) cayennensis
Plumbeous Pigeon   Columba (Patagioenas) plumbea
Eared Dove   Zenaida auriculata
Ruddy Ground-Dove   Columbina talpacoti
Black-winged Ground-Dove   Metriopelia melanoptera
Gray-fronted Dove   Leptotila rufaxilla H
Sapphire Quail-Dove   Geotrygon saphirina H
White-throated Quail-Dove   Geotrygon frenata H
Ruddy Quail-Dove   Geotrygon Montana H


PARROTS & MACAWS   Psittacidae
Blue-and-yellow Macaw   Ara ararauna
Scarlet Macaw   Ara macao
Chestnut-fronted Macaw   Ara severa H
Red-bellied Macaw   Orthopsittaca manilata
White-eyed Parakeet   Aratinga leucophthalmus
Dusky-headed Parakeet   Aratinga weddellii
Maroon-tailed Parakeet   Pyrrhura melanura
Cobalt-winged Parakeet   Brotogeris cyanoptera
Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet   Touit huetii
Black-headed Parrot   Pionites melanocephala
Orange-cheeked Parrot   Pionopsitta barrabandi
Blue-headed Parrot   Pionus menstruus
Red-billed Parrot   Pionus sordidus
White-capped (Speckle-faced) Parrot   Pionus (tumultuosus) seniloides
- The form seniloides is sometimes considered part of the more widespread species Speckle-faced Parrot Pionus tumultuosus.

Yellow-crowned Amazon (Parrot)   Amazona ochrocephala
Orange-winged Amazon (Parrot)   Amazona amazonica
Mealy Amazon (Parrot)   Amazona farinosa

CUCKOOS & ANIS   Cuculidae
Squirrel Cuckoo   Piaya cayana
Little Cuckoo   Piaya minuta H
Greater Ani   Crotophaga major
Smooth-billed Ani   Crotophaga ani

HOATZIN   Opisthocomidae
Hoatzin   Opisthocomus hoazin

TYPICAL OWLS   Strigidae
Tropical Screech-Owl   Otus choliba
Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl   Otus watsonii watsonii
White-throated Screech-Owl   Otus albogularis
Great Horned Owl   Bubo virginianus
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl   Glaucidium brasilianum
Crested Owl   Lophostrix cristata
Spectacled Owl   Pulsatrix prespicillata H
San Isidro "Mystery" Owl   Strix (Ciccaba) sp. H
Black-banded Owl   Strix (Ciccaba) huhula
Rufous-banded Owl Strix   (Ciccaba) albitarsis

POTOOS   Nyctibiidae
Great Potoo   Nyctibius grandis
Long-tailed Potoo   Nyctibius aethereus
Common Potoo   Nyctibius griseus
Andean Potoo   Nyctibius maculosus
Rufous Potoo   Nyctibius bracteatus

NIGHTJARS & NIGHTHAWKS   Caprimulgidae
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris
Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis H
Ladder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacocerca
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra

SWIFTS   Apodidae
White-collared Swift   Streptoprocne zonaris
Chestnut-collared Swift   Streptoprocne rutilus
Short-tailed Swift   Chaetura brachyura
Gray-rumped Swift   Chaetura cinereiventris
White-tipped Swift   Aeronautes montivagus
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift   Panyptila cayennensis
Neotropical Palm-Swift   Tachornis squamata

HUMMINGBIRDS   Trochilidae
Rufous-breasted Hermit   Glaucis hirsute H
Pale-tailed Barbtthroat   Threnetes lecurus
Green Hermit   Phaethronis guy
Tawny-bellied Hermit   Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Great-billed Hermit   Phaethornis malaris
White-bearded Hermit   Phaethornis hispidus
Straight-billed Hermit   Phaethornis bourcieri H
Buff-tailed Sicklebill   Eutoxeres condamini
Gray-breasted Sabrewing   Campylopterus largipennis
White-necked Jacobin   Florisuga mellivora
Green Violet-ear   Colibri thalassinus
Sparkling Violet-ear   Colibri coruscans
Wire-crested Thorntail   Popelairia (Discosura) popelairii
Fork-tailed Woodnymph   Thalurania furcata
Golden-tailed Sapphire   Chrysuronia oenone
Olive-spotted Hummingbird   Leucippus chlorocercus
Speckled Hummingbird   Adelomyia melanogenys
Ecuadorian Piedtail   Phlogophilus hemileucurus H
Black-breasted Brilliant   Heliodoxa schreibersii
Fawn-breasted Brilliant   Heliodoxa rubinoides
Gould's Jewelfront   Heliodoxa aurescens
Ecuadorian (Chimborazo) Hillstar   Oreotrochilus chimborazo
White-tailed Hillstar   Urochroa bougueri leucura
- It has been suggested that the race leucura, found on the eastern slope of the Andes, may be a separate species.
Giant Hummingbird   Patagona gigas
Shining Sunbeam   Aglaeactis cupripennis
Mountain Velvetbreast   Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Great Sapphirewing   Pterophanes cyanopterus
Bronzy Inca   Coeligena coeligena
Collared Inca   Coeligena torquata
Buff-winged Starfrontlet   Coeligena lutetiae
Sword-billed Hummingbird   Ensifera ensifera
Buff-tailed Coronet   Boissonneaua flavescens
Chestnut-breasted Coronet     Boissonneaua matthewsii
Tourmaline Sunangel   Heliangelus exortis
Glowing Puffleg   Eriocnemis vestitus
Booted Racket-tail   Ocreatus underwoodii
Black-tailed Trainbearer   Lesbia victoriae
Viridian Metaltail   Metallura wiliami
Tyrian Metaltail   Metallura tyrianthina
Blue-mantled Thornbill   Chalcostigma stanleyi
Long-tailed Sylph   Aglaiocercus kingi
Wedge-billed Hummingbird   Schistes geoffroyi
Black-eared Fairy   Heliothryx aurita
White-bellied Woodstar Acestrura mulsant

TROGONS & QUETZALS   Trogonidae
Crested Quetzal   Pharomachrus antisianus
Golden-headed Quetzal   Pharomachrus auriceps
Pavonine Quetzal   Pharomacrus pavoninus
Black-tailed Trogon   Trogon melanurus H
Amazonian White-tailed Trogon   Trogon viridis
Collared Trogon   Trogon collaris
Masked Trogon   Trogon personatus
Black-throated Trogon   Trogon rufus
Blue-crowned Trogon   Trogon curucui H

KINGFISHERS   Alcedinidae
Ringed Kingfisher   Megaceryle torquata
Green Kingfisher   Chloroceryle americana
Green-and-rufous Kingfisher   Chloroceryle inda

MOTMOTS   Momotidae
Broad-billed Motmot   Electron platyrhynchum
Rufous Motmot   Baryphthengus martii
Blue-crowned Motmot   Momotus momota
Highland Motmot   Momotus aequatorialis
- The form aequatorialis is often considered a subspecies of Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota. Further study is needed in order to fully sort out the taxonomy of the Momotus momota group and its many forms.


JACAMARS   Galbulidae
White-eared Jacamar   Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis
Brown Jacamar   Brachygalba lugubris caquetae
Yellow-billed Jacamar   Galbula albirostris
White-chinned Jacamar   Galbula tombacea

PUFFBIRDS   Bucconidae
Collared Puffbird   Bucco capensis
Brown Nunlet   Nonnula brunnea
Black-fronted Nunbird   Monasa nigrifrons
White-fronted Nunbird   Monasa morphoeus
Swallow-winged Puffbird   Chelidoptera tenebrosa

NEW WORLD BARBETS   Capitonidae
Scarlet-crowned Barbet   Capito aurovirens
Gilded Barbet   Capito auratus
Lemon-throated Barbet   Eubucco richardsoni
Red-headed Barbet   Eubucco bourcierii

TOUCANS   Ramphastidae
Emerald (Andean) Toucanet   Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta
- The race albivitta has sometimes been considered a distinct species, Andean Toucanet. Taxonomy in Aulacorhynchus is still quite unsettled and further study is probably needed.
Golden-collared Toucanet   Selenidera reinwardtii
Chestnut-eared Araçari   Pteroglossus castanotis
Many-banded Araçari   Pteroglossus pluricinctus
Ivory-billed Araçari   Pteroglossus azara
Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan   Andigena hypoglauca
Channel-billed Toucan   Ramphastos vitellinus H
White-throated Toucan   Ramphastos tucanus H

WOODPECKERS & PICULETS   Picidae
Lafresnaye's Piculet   Picumnus lafresnayi
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker   Piculus rivolii
White-throated Woodpecker   Piculus leucolaemus
Chestnut Woodpecker   Celeus elegans
Scale-breasted Woodpecker   Celeus grammicus
Ringed Woodpecker   Celeus torquatus H
Lineated Woodpecker   Dryocopus lineatus
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker   Melanerpes cruentatus
Smoky-brown Woodpecker   Veniliornis fumigatus
Little Woodpecker   Veniliornis passerinus
Red-stained Woodpecker   Veniliornis affinis
Crimson-crested Woodpecker   Campephilus melanoleucos

OVENBIRDS   Furnariidae
Bar-winged Cinclodes   Cinclodes fuscus
Stout-billed Cinclodes   Cinclodes excelsior
Lesser Hornero   Furnarius minor H
Andean Tit-Spinetail   Leptasthenura andicola
Azara's Spinetail   Synallaxis azarae
Dark-breasted Spinetail   Synallaxis albigulari H
White-bellied Spinetail   Synallaxis propinqua H
Rufous Spinetail   Synallaxis unirufa
White-browed Spinetail   Hellmayrea gularis
Parker’s (White-breasted) Spinetail   Cranioleuca vulpecula H
White-chinned Thistletail   Schizoeaca fuliginosa
Streak-backed Canastero   Asthenes wyatti
Many-striped Canastero   Asthenes flammulata
Streaked Tuftedcheek   Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Point-tailed Palmcreeper   Berlepschia rikeri H
Pearled Treerunner   Margarornis squamiger
Spotted Barbtail   Premnoplex brunnescens
Lineated Foliage-gleaner   Syndactyla sualaris
Eastern (Striped) Woodhaunter   Hyloctistes subulatus H
- If Amazonian and Trans-Andean forms of Striped Woodhaunter are split, the Amazonian birds are called Eastern Woodhaunter. This split has not yet been totally accepted.
Chestnut-winged Hookbill   Ancistrops strigilatus H
Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner   Phylidor erythropterus
Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner   Philydor pyrrhodes H
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner   Automolus ochrolaemus H
Black-billed Treehunter   Thripadectes melanorhynchus
Streaked Xenops   Xenops rutilans
Black-tailed Leaftosser Sclerurus caudacutus

WOODCREEPERS   Dendrocolaptidae
Tyrannine Woodcreeper   Dendrocincla tyrannina
Plain-brown Woodcreeper   Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper   Glyphorynchus spirurus
Olivaceous Woodcreeper   Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus
Long-billed Woodcreeper   Nasica longirostris H
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper   Dendrexetastes rufigula
Strong-billed Woodcreeper   Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
Amazonian Barred-Woodcreeper   Dendrocolaptes certhia H
Black-banded Woodcreeper   Dendrocolaptes piumnus H
Straight-billed Woodcreeper   Xiphorhynchus picus
Striped Woodcreeper   Xiphorhynchus obsoletus H
Spix's (Elegant) Woodcreeper   Xiphorhynchus spixii ornatus
- Taxonomy in Xiphorhynchus has long been contentious, especially the limits between Spix’s Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus spixii and Elegant Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus elegans. Birds in Ecuador (race ornatus) are now considered to belong to Elegant Woodcreeper while the true Spix’s Woodcreeper is now considered a monotypic species found in a small area of Brazil.
Buff-throated (Lafresnaye’s) Woodcreeper   Xiphorhynchus guttatus guttatoides
- Southern and western Amazonian populations of Buff-throated Woodcreeper (including Ecuadorian birds) are often split as a separate species, Lafresnaye’s Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatoides.
Olive-backed Woodcreeper   Xiphorhynchus triangularis
Montane Woodcreeper   Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger
Red-billed Scythebill   Campylorhamphus trochilirostris

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS   Thamnophilidae
Fasciated Antshrike   Cymbilaimus lineatus H
Great Antshrike   Taraba major H
Barred Antshrike   Thamnophilus doliatusi H
Castelnau’s Antshrike   Thamnophilus cryptoleucus
Plain-winged Antshrike   Thamnophilus schistaceus
Mouse-colored Antshrike   Thamnophilus murinus H
Spot-winged Antshrike   Pygiptila stellaris
Russet Antshrike   Thamnistes anabatinus
Dusky-throated Antshrike   Thamnomanes ardesiacus
Cinereous Antshrike   Thamnomanes caesius
Pygmy Antwren   Myrmotherula brachyura
Short-billed (Moustached) Antwren   Myrmotherula (ignota) obscura
- The Amazonian race obscura (Short-billed Antwren) and the Trans-Andean race ignota  (Griscom’s Antwren) are often considered conspecific; the resulting species is then called Moustached Antwren Myrmotherula ignota.
Plain-throated Antwren   Myrmotherula hauxwelli
Rufous-tailed Antwren   Myrmotherula erythrura
White-flanked Antwren   Myrmotherula axillaris
Long-winged Antwren   Myrmotherula longipennis H
Gray Antwren   Myrmotherula menetriesii H
Dugand's Antwren   Herpsilochmus dugandi
Long-tailed Antbird   Drymophila caudate
Chestnut-shouldered Antwren   Terenura humeralis H
Gray Antbird   Cercomacra cinerascens H
Black-faced Antbird   Myrmoborus myotherinus
Warbling Antbird   Hypocnemis cantator
Yellow-browed Antbird   Hypocnemis hypoxantha
Spot-backed Antbird   Hylophylax naevia H
Black-and-white Antbird   Myrmochanes hemileucus
Spot-winged Antbird   Schistocichla leucostigma
Silvered Antbird   Sclateria naevia
White-backed Fire-eye   Pyriglena leuconota H
Plumbeous Antbird   Myrmeciza hyperythra H
White-shouldered Antbird   Myrmeciza melanoceps H
Black-spotted Bare-eye   Phlegopsis nigromaculata
Reddish-winged Bare-eye   Phlegopsis erythroptera

ANTTHRUSHES & ANTPITTAS   Formicariidae
Rufous-capped Antthrush   Formicarius colma
Black-faced Antthrush   Formicarius analis H
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta   Grallaria ruficapilla
White-bellied Antpitta   Grallaria hypoleuca H
Rufous Antpitta   Grallaria rufula rufula H
Tawny Antpitta   Grallaria quitensis
Ochre-striped Antpitta   Grallaria dignissima H
Thrush-like Antpitta   Mymothera campanisona H
Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana H

TAPACULOS   Rhinocryptidae
Rusty-belted Tapaculo   Liosceles thoracicus H
Ash-colored Tapaculo   Myornis senilis
Unicolored (Blackish) Tapaculo   Scytalopus unicolor latrans
- The Ecuadorian race latrans and other northern populations are now split and called Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans, a separate species from the true Unicolored Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans, which is a localized, poorly known Peruvian endemic.
Equatorial Rufous-vented (Long-tailed) Tapaculo   Scytalopus micropterus H
Northern White-crowned Tapaculo   Scytalopus atratus H
Spillman’s Tapaculo   Scytalopus spillmani H
Páramo Tapaculo   Scytalopus canus H
Ocellated Tapaculo   Acropternis orthonyx H

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS   Tyrannidae
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet   Phyllomyias cinereiceps
Golden-faced Tyrannulet   Zimmerius chrysops
Slender-footed Tyrannulet   Zimmerius gracilipes
White-lored Tyrannulet   Ornithion inerme H
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet   Tyrannulus elatus H
Mottle-backed Elaenia   Elaenia gigas
White-crested Elaenia   Elaenia albiceps
White-throated Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus leucophrys
White-banded Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus stictopterus
White-tailed Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus poecilocercus
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet   Mecocerculus minor
River Tyrannulet   Serpophaga cinerea
Torrent Tyrannulet   Serpophaga cinerea
Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant   Stigmatura napensis H
Tufted Tit-Tyrant   Anairetes parulus
Agile Tit-Tyrant   Uromyias agilis
Streak-necked Flycatcher   Mionectes striaticollis
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher   Mionectes oleagineus
Slaty-capped Flycatcher   Leptopogon superciliaris
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher   Leptopogon rufipectus
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant   Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus H
Variegated Bristle-Tyrant   Pogonotriccus poecilotis H
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant   Pseudotriccus ruficeps
Ringed Antpipit   Corythopis torquata
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant   Lophotriccus pileatus H
Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant   Lophotriccus vitiosus H
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher   Poecilotriccus ruficeps
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher   Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum
Spotted Tody-Flycatcher   Todirostrum maulatum H
Fulvous-breated Flatbill   Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus
Zimmer’s Flatbill (Yellow-margined Flycatcher)   Tolmomyias assimilis obscuriceps
- The taxonomy of the Tolmomyias assimilis group is still largely unsettled. Amazonian forms of T. assimilis (including obscuriceps of Ecuador) are still often considered conspecific with the race flavotectus found west of the Andes, and then all together referred to as Yellow-margined Flycatcher. Further rearrangement is certain in the coming years.
Gray-crowned Flatbill (Flycatcher)   Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Olive-faced Flatbill (Yellow-breasted Flycatcher)   Tolmomyias (flaviventris) viridiceps
- As with the Tolmomyias assimilis group
, there is still no firm consensus on the taxonomy of the Tolmomyias flaviventris group. The west Amazonian viridiceps form, found in Ecuador, is vocally and morphologically distinct and may represent a different species, Olive-faced Flatbill (or Flycatcher).
Flavescent Flycatcher   Myiophobus flavicans H
Olive-chested Flycatcher   Myiophobus cryptoxanthus
Handsome Flycatcher   Myiophobus pulcher
Cinnamon Flycatcher   Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
Eastern Wood-Pewee   Contopus virens
Smoke-colored Pewee   Contopus fumigatus
Willow/Alder Flycatcher   Empidonax sp.
Black Phoebe   Sayornis nigricans
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant   Ochthoeca fumicolor
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant   Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant   Silvicultrix diadema H
Drab Water-Tyrant   Ochthornis littoralis
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant   Agriornis montana
Páramo (Plain-capped) Ground-Tyrant   Muscisaxicola alpina
Bright-rumped Attila   Attila spadiceus H
Cinnamon Attila   Attila cinnamomeus
Grayish Mourner   Phytipterna simiplex
Short-crested Flycatcher   Myiarchus ferox
Pale-edged Flycatcher   Myiarchus cephalotes
Great Kiskadee   Pitangus sulphuratus
Lesser Kiskadee   Philohydor lictor  H
Boat-billed Flycatcher   Megarynchus pitangua
Social Flycatcher   Myiozetetes similis
Gray-capped Flycatcher   Myiozetetes granadensis
Dusky-chested Flycatcher   Myiozetetes luteiventris H
Lemon-browed Flycatcher   Conopias cinchoneti
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher   Myiodynastes luteiventris
Golden-crowned Flycatcher   Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Piratic Flycatcher   Legatus leucophaius
Tropical Kingbird   Tyrannus melancholicus
Eastern Kingbird   Tyrannus tyrannus
Barred Becard   Pachyramphus versicolor
White-winged Becard   Pachyramphus polychopterus H
Pink-throated Becard   Pachyramphus minor
Black-tailed Tityra   Tityra cayana
Masked Tityra   Tityra semifasciata

COTINGAS   Cotingidae
Red-crested Cotinga   Ampelion rubrocristata
Green-and-black Fruiteater   Pipreola riefferii
Olivaceous Piha   Lathria (Lipaugus) cryptolophus
- This species was formerly placed in the genus Lipaugus along with the other pihas, but more recently has been placed in the genus Snowornis.
Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans H
Plum-throated Cotinga Cotinga maynana
Spangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana
Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata
Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana

MANAKINS   Pipridae
Golden-headed Manakin   Pipra erythrocephala
Wire-tailed Manakin   Pipra filicauda
Blue-crowned Manakin   Lepidothrix coronata
Blue-backed Manakin   Chiroxiphia pareola H
Golden-winged Manakin   Masius chysopterus
White-bearded Manakin   Manacus manacus
Striped Manakin   Machaeropterus regulus striolatus
Green Manakin   Chloropipo holochlora
Orange-crested Manakin   Heterocercus aurantiivertex
Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin   Tyranneutes stolzmanni

CROWS, JAYS, & MAGPIES   Corvidae
Turquoise Jay   Cyanolyca turcosa
Violaceous Jay   Cyanocorax violaceus
Inca (Green) Jay   Cyanocorax yncas
- South American birds in the yncas group are sometimes considered conspecific with the Middle American Green Jays of the luxuosus group.

VIREOS & ALLIES   Vireonidae
Black-billed Peppershrike   Cyclarhis nigrirostris
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo   Vireolanius leucotis H
Red-eyed Vireo   Vireo olivaceus
Brown-capped Vireo   Vireo leucophrys
Dusky-capped Greenlet   Hylophilus hypoxanthus

THRUSHES   Turdidae
Andean Solitaire   Myadestes ralloides
Swainson's Thrush   Catharus ustulatus
Pale-eyed Thrush   Platycichla (Turdus) leucops
Great Thrush   Turdus fuscater
Glossy-black Thrush   Turdus serranus H
Chestnut-bellied Thrush  Turdus fulviventris
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis
Lawrence's Thrush Turdus lawrencii H
Hauxwell's Thrush Turdus hauxwelli H
White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis

DIPPERS   Cinclidae
White-capped Dipper   Cinclus leucocephalus

SWALLOWS & MARTINS   Hirundinidae
Gray-breasted Martin   Progne chalybea
White-winged Swallow   Tachycineta albiventer
Brown-bellied Swallow   Notiochelidon murina
Blue-and-white Swallow   Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
White-banded Swallow   Atticora fasciata
White-thighed Swallow   Neochelidon tibialis griseiventris
Southern Rough-winged Swallow   Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Sand Martin (Bank Swallow)   Riparia riparia
Barn Swallow   Hirundo rustica

WRENS   Troglodytidae
Black-capped Donacobius   Donacobius atricapillus
Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus
Gray-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii
Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa
Sepia-brown (Sharpe’s) Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens
Grass (Sedge) Wren Cistothorus platensis
Plain-tailed Wren Thryothorus euophrys H
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta H
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys H
Southern Nightingale- (Scaly-breasted) Wren Microcerculus marginatus

PIPITS & WAGTAILS   Motacillidae
Páramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis

NEW WORLD WARBLERS   Parulidae
Tropical Parula   Parula pitiayumi
Blackpoll Warbler   Dendroica striata
Blackburnian Warbler   Dendroica fusca
Black-and-white Warbler   Mniotilta varia
Canada Warbler   Wilsonia canadensis
Slate-throated Whitestart (Redstart)   Myioborus miniatus
Spectacled Whitestart (Redstart)   Myioborus melanocephalus
Black-crested Warbler   Basileuterus nigrocristatus
Three-striped Warbler   Basileuterus tristriatus
Russet-crowned Warbler   Basileuterus coronatus
Buff-rumped Warbler   Basileuterus (Phaeothlypis) fulvicauda H

TANAGERS & ALLIES   Thraupidae
Purple Honeycreeper   Cyanerpes caeruleus
Green Honeycreeper   Chlorophanes spiza
Golden-collared Honeycreeper   Iridophanes pulcherrima
Blue Dacnis   Dacnis cayana
Yellow-bellied Dacnis   Dacnis flaviventer
Cinereous Conebill   Conirostrum cinereum
Blue-backed Conebill   Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped Conebill   Conirostrum albifrons
Giant Conebill   Oreomanes fraseri
Bluish Flowerpiercer   Diglossopis caerulescens
Masked Flowerpiercer   Diglossopis cyanea
Glossy Flowerpiercer   Diglossa albilatera
Black Flowerpiercer   Diglossa humeralis
Orange-headed Tanager   Thlypopsis sordida
Thick-billed Euphonia   Euphonia laniirostris
Golden-rumped Euphonia   Euphonia cyanocephala H
Orange-bellied Euphonia   Euphonia xanthogaster
White-vented Euphonia   Euphonia minuta H
Rufous-bellied Euphonia   Euphonia rufiventris
Bronze-green Euphonia   Euphonia mesochrysa
White-lored (Golden-bellied) Euphonia   Euphonia chrysopasta
Orange-eared Tanager   Chlorochrysa calliparaea
Golden Tanager   Tangara arthus
Saffron-crowned Tanager   Tangara xanthocephala
Golden-eared Tanager   Tangara chrysotis
Flame-faced Tanager   Tangara parzudakii
Golden-naped Tanager   Tangara ruficervix
Blue-browed Tanager   Tangara cyanotis
Beryl-spangled Tanager   Tangara nigroviridis
Blue-and-black Tanager   Tangara vassorii
Black-capped Tanager   Tangara heinei
Blue-necked Tanager   Tangara cyanicollis
Masked Tanager   Tangara nigrocincta
Turquoise Tanager   Tangara mexicana
Opal-rumped Tanager   Tangara velia
Opal-crowned Tanager   Tangara callophrys
Paradise Tanager   Tangara chilensis
Green-and-gold Tanager   Tangara schrankii
Spotted Tanager   Tangara punctata
Yellow-bellied Tanager   Tangara xanthogastra
Bay-headed Tanager   Tangara gyrola
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager   Anisognathus igniventris
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager   Anisognathus lacrymosus
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager   Anisognathus somptuosus
Hooded Mountain-Tanager   Buthraupis montana
Masked Mountain-Tanager   Buthraupis wetmorei
Grass-green Tanager   Chlorornis riefferii
Swallow Tanager   Tersina viridis
Blue-gray Tanager   Thraupis episcopus
Palm Tanager   Thraupis palmarum
Silver-beaked Tanager   Ramphocelus carbo
Masked Crimson Tanager   Ramphocelus nigrogularis
Summer Tanager   Piranga rubra
Scarlet Tanager   Piranga olivacea
Gray-headed Tanager   Eucometis penicillata H
Fulvous-crested Tanager   Tachyphonus surinamus
Common Bush-Tanager   Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager   Chlorospingus flavigularis
Yellow-whiskered (Short-billed) Bush-Tanager   Chlorospingus parvirostris
Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager   Cnemoscopus rubrirostris
Black-capped Hemispingus Hemispingus atropileus
Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis
Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis melanotis
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana
Plushcap (Plush-capped Finch) Catamblyrhynchus diadema

SALTATORS, GROSBEAKS, ETC.   Cardinalidae
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens
Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis

EMBERIZINE FINCHES   Emberizidae
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Lesser (Chestnut-bellied) Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis torridus
- The Lesser Seed-Finch is usually split, with birds found east of the Andes (and including those we saw on this trip) being called Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis.
Caquetá Seedeater Sporophila murallae
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor
Pale-naped Brush-Finch Atlapetes pallidinucha
Slaty Brush-Finch Atlapetes schistaceus
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch   Buarreomon brunneinuchus frontalis H
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch Buarremon torquatus
Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis

ORIOLES & BLACKBIRDS   Icteridae
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela
Northern Mountain-Cacique Cacicus (chrysonotus) leucoramphus
- Sometimes northern and southern populations are considered to represent the same species, the larger species then simply being called Mountain Cacique Cacicus chrysonotus.

Subtropical (Scarlet-rumped) Cacique Cacicus uropygialis
- The race uropygialis is sometimes considered conspecific with Trans-Andean races of Scarlet-rumped Cacique.
Casqued Oropendola Clypicterus oseryi
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons
Olive (Amazonian) Oropendola   Psarocolius bifasciatus
Giant Cowbird Scaphidura oryzivora
Moriche Oriole   Icterus chrysocephalus
Orange-backed Troupial   Icterus croconotus
Oriole Blackbird   Gymnomystax mexicanus
Red-breasted Blackbird   Sturnella militaris

CARDUELINE FINCHES   Fringillidae
Hooded Siskin   Carduelis magellanica
Olivaceous Siskin   Carduelis olivacea

Mammals

Bulldog (Fishing) Bat   Noctilio sp.
Black-mantle Tamarin  Saguinus nigricollis
Spix’s Night Monkey   Aeotus vociferans
Common Squirrel Monkey   Saimiri sciureus
Red Howler Monkey   Alouatta seniculus
Common Wooly Monkey   Lagothrix lagothricha
Tayra   Eira barbara
Black Agouti   Dasyprocta fuliginosa
Amazon Bamboo Rat   Dactylomys dactylinus
Brazilian Rabbit   Sylvilagus brasiliensis

 

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