Northwest Ecuador: In Search of Chocó Endemics July 9 - 21, 2007 Tour Leader: Scott Olmstead All photos were taken by the tour leader during the trip.

Overview:

This was my first long Northwest Ecuador trip in July and overall I have to say it was a great success. As this is the true dry season, running a tour at this time of year was a bit different than during other seasons. The weather was good the whole time and during our 11 days of birding we lost almost no field time to rain. The group was also very keen, so this meant we were able to put in some long days, and it definitely helped us see more birds. However, there wasn’t a terrific amount of birdsong, and as a result some species were more difficult to find than at other times of year. Despite this minor difficulty, we did find many excellent flocks (some of the best ones were in the afternoons), and there were a few mind-boggling rarities, like Black Solitaire on the trails at Tandayapa. In the end we saw a whopping 32 Chocó endemics, including nearly all the subtropical specialties, and heard another four. Over 50 species from the tanager family and an amazing 44 hummingbirds helped push our trip list to 413 species, accomplished without the benefit of boreal migrants and with only a handful of waterbirds. We worked hard to see the birds, but if you don’t like getting wet this is definitely a good time of year to bird Northwest Ecuador.

Tour Summary:

July 10  It was clear and cold as we drove up to Yanacocha from Quito. Stopping along the entrance road we picked up Black-tailed Trainbearer, Tawny Antpitta, and the uncommon Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet. At the reserve, the views of the surrounding forested slopes and the towering Volcán Guagua Pichincha were spectacular as we walked along the track. The hummer diversity was very good, with 10 species seen, including Shining Sunbeam, Mountain Velvetbreast, and the highlight Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. Rufous-breasted and Brown-backed Chat-Tyrants, White-banded Tyrannulet, and Smoky Bush-Tyrant were among the Tyrannids we encountered. Some Andean Guans gave us a nice scope view. In mixed flocks we found Scarlet-breasted Mountain-Tanager (abundant), Superciliaried Hemispingus, Blue-backed Conebill, and Rufous Wren. About mid-morning, a Rufous Antpitta began singing very close to the trail and as we struggled to locate the bird, another one began singing even closer on the other side of the track. We turned our attention to the second bird and soon Frank exclaimed “I see it!” The bird was perched less than ten feet back, singing motionlessly. A nice find!  By mid-afternoon we started the drive to Tandayapa. A beautiful Southern Yellow (Golden-bellied) Grosbeak was seen in the highlands above Nono, and a couple of stops along the old Nono-Mindo road in the upper Alambi Valley were also productive, yielding Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker. Further down the valley, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek was active, providing an exciting end to our first day. With just enough light for a taste (tease?) of the hummingbird feeders, we checked into Tandayapa Bird Lodge for a five-night stay.

July 11  We started this morning before dawn and drove up to Tandayapa Pass. Things got off to a big start when we got out of the van at our first stop and we could plainly hear a Tanager Finch singing nearby. The bird proved quite cooperative and we all had spectacular looks at this rare endemic. Further on we stopped near the quarry where we had our first Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans (the cover bird for the field guide) and a fine look at Collared Inca. We managed to find a few mixed flocks, producing Grass-green and Beryl-spangled Tanagers, Streaked Tuftedcheek, and Black-capped Tyrannulet. A Powerful Woodpecker was to be the first of many on the trip. Driving back down the Tandayapa Valley toward the lodge we picked up Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher and Green-and-black Fruiteater,  and had nice looks at Blue-capped Tanager, Flavescent Flycatcher, and Long-tailed Antbird. At dusk we drove down the valley to try for Lyre-tailed Nightjar, with an incredible result. Arriving at the spot a bit early, we found the bird singing well before dusk. With a very minimal amount of playback, the bird flew right in to perch on a branch right by the road, just over our heads! We didn’t even need the spotlight to study this magnificent bird, his long flowing tail feathers hanging below his perch.

July 12  This morning we birded the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge, and we started at dawn in the forest blind, where we were treated to great looks at Immaculate Antbird, Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch, and Spotted Barbtail. On the way back to the lodge for breakfast we also turned up a Uniform Antshrike. White-winged Bruch-Finch was at the fruit feeders during breakfast and then afterward we went for a hike on the lodge trails. It didn’t take long to find what for me was the bird of the trip, an absolutely unexpected Black Solitaire at the junction of the Potoo and Antpitta Trails. Crested Quetzal was calling nearby but we were unable to locate the bird. The resident Golden-winged Manakins showed well, and another highlight of the morning was an Olivaceous Piha in a mixed flock. We spent a bit of time watching the hummer feeders at the lodge, admiring specialties like Booted Racket-tail, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, and Brown Inca. After lunch at the lodge we drove up to the upper valley (we found Golden-crowned Flycatcher and White-winged Becard at the car park first) for another try at nightbirding. Our luck with nightjars did not carry over from the night before, but before dark we did get excellent looks at Sickle-winged Guan and Rufous Spinetail.

July 13  Our morning destination was the famous Paz de las Aves Refuge, and the group decided to go nice and early to see the Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek. We arrived just before dawn and hiked down to the forest blind to watch the birds displaying at close range. For the first half hour the action was a bit slow but then around 6:40 a female flew in and perched very near the blind. What ensued was an exceptionally intense cock-of-the-rock display, as the males worked themselves into a real frenzy, screeching, squealing, and fluttering around in reckless abandon. After 10 minutes or so, the female flew off and the three closest males went with her, thus abruptly ending the morning display. There were Crimson-rumped Toucanets and Toucan Barbets on the fruit feeders behind the blind and, off to a good start, we went for a walk through the forest. Things just kept getting better as we found a stunning male Orange-breasted Fruiteater feeding in a fruiting tree. Then it was time for the antpittas, and though the star of the show María the Giant Anpitta didn’t show up, we did see Yellow-breasted Antpitta very well at close range. Dark-backed Wood-Quail was another good find. At the hummingbird feeders we easily saw the target endemics: Empress Brilliant and the awesome Velvet-purple Coronet, surely one of the most spectacular species in what is generally a very attractive family! After a much-needed snack of café con bolones, we birded the open orchards up the hill and managed to locate a group of Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers moving quickly along the hillside, and a couple of Flame-faced Tanagers feeding at a fruiting Cecropia tree. After the success of the morning (10 endemics seen!), we drove back to Tandayapa along the old Nono-Mindo road looking for mixed flocks. Black-and-white Becard, Western Hemispingus, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Mountain Wren, and Blue-and-black Tanager were all found in flocks and we all saw a handsome Golden-headed Quetzal that seemed to be moving with a couple Crimson-rumped Toucanets.

July 14  Our top target this morning was the elusive Beautiful Jay and our strategy was to locate the bird by sound, as they are most vocal around dawn. We drove slowly up the Alambi Valley, listening carefully but by 7:00 we hadn’t heard the bird yet so we decided to get out and walk near a spot where they are regularly seen. Sure enough, before long we heard the bird’s shrill call, and pair of Beautiful Jays with a fledgling in tow crossed the road close in front of us, allowing fantastic views of this rarity. With our target out of the way the group deemed it best to proceed to Calacalí while the morning was still young, and search for the rare and localized White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant. Our success continued and we managed to find the shrike-tyrant right away, as Frank and Eileen saw it flash its meadowlark-like white tail as it flew across the path. The bird perched nearby for great scope views. In this high-elevation arid scrub habitat the birding was difficult (as it always is), but we managed to see a few good birds very well. Giant Hummingbird was feeding on flowering Agave plants as well as sharing some small red tubular flowers with Purple-collared Woodstar. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Variable (Puna) Hawk were soaring overhead and we observed a rare Peregrine Falcon playfully chasing an American Kestrel and an Eared Dove. We finished the morning with a pair of gorgeous Golden-rumped Euphonias. On the drive back to Tandayapa we stopped in at a local orchid reserve for a look at White-tailed Hillstar. Back at the lodge a few of us went up onto the trails while some others stayed at the patio to enjoy the hummers. The highlight of our afternoon walk on the trails was a very difficult-to-see Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant. At dusk we called in a Strong-billed Woodcreeper near the blind. At first we spotted the bird on the far side of a steep ravine but then watched in quiet amazement as it launched itself from its perch in an open Cecropia tree and glided smoothly across the ravine toward us, closer and closer, finally swooping in and landing on a trunk just a few feet in front of us and showing off its monstrous bill. This was the view we had hoped for!

July 15  After packing our bags and saying goodbye to friendly Tandayapa, we drove down to the foothills, where we spent the morning at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, owned and operated by Mindo Cloudforest Foundation. Early highlights were Ochre-breasted Tanager, Bronze-winged Parrot, and the impressive Guayaquil Woodpecker. In the reserve we managed decent looks at Esmeraldas Antbird and witnessed an odd dispute between two Immaculate Antbirds. As they quarreled and chased each other they made a variety of strange gurgling and chattering noises and angrily flashed their white “aggression patches” on the sides of their chests. Our biggest mixed flock of the morning held Glistening-green, White-winged, and Rufous-throated Tanagers, Slate-colored Grosbeak, Smoky-brown Woodepecker, Chocó Warbler, and Scaly-throated and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaners, among others. As we watched another flock near the visitor center, with Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager and Tricolored Brush-Finch, we spotted a rather distant Moss-backed Tanager through a hole in the canopy. Unfortunately not everyone was able to see the bird before it moved and so we spent the next half hour or so attempting to relocate the bird, with no success. A group of at least eight Swallow-tailed Kites soared overhead as we scanned the canopy. For the afternoon we decided to drive to the end of the Milpe road and look for the rare Yellow-green Bush-Tanager. Along the road we spotted no less than four Laughing Falcons, a Gray Hawk, and a few migrant Snowy-throated Kingbirds. Arriving at the secondary woodland at the end of the road we quickly picked up a huge middle-level flock that was moving past at breakneck speed. There was one bird that looked pretty good for the bush-tanager but we weren’t able to see it well enough before it ducked out of sight and we were left wondering if that was the one. Further down the road Andy spotted a Chocó Trogon and we found a Pacific Flatbill moving with another mixed flock. Just before dusk we checked into our hotel in San Miguel de los Bancos for three nights.

July 16  This morning we left early for Rio Silanche. Just after dawn we made a stop to try for Brown Wood-Rail. We found an extremely vocal individual but it remained inside dense streamside vegetation and we were never able to get a look. At one point the bird was singing its cacophonous, guttural song from so close that we could hear its throat moving but we still couldn’t see it! After our attempt at the wood-rail we proceeded to the Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary, also owned and operated by MCF. Birding the woodland along the river itself, we picked up the extraordinary Black-striped Woodcreeper, and the elusive Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo. Inside the more mature forest uphill, Patrick and Andy simultaneously spotted two White-whiskered Puffbirds, and we flushed a Ruddy Foliage-gleaner out of its burrow. We also found a healthy swarm of Eciton ants being attended by many birds, including Bicolored Antbird and Northern Barred-Woodcreeper. Paul picked up a White-throated Spadebill nearby, while Purple-chested Hummingbird and Streaked Xenops foraged over our heads. From the canopy tower we saw three Scarlet-thighed Dacnises and the endemic Dusky Pigeon. In the afternoon we picked up some good birds along the road, including our target Griscom’s Antwren, the tiny Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant, and the cute Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, seen well through the scope. Making a final loop through the forest we found a beautiful Collared Trogon and stumbled onto a family group of amazing Crimson-bellied Woodpeckers. After an excellent dinner at the hotel we went out for a little night birding and found a very handsome Black-and-white Owl foraging in the light of a street lamp.

July 17  Today we drove out to a remnant forest patch northwest of Pedro Vicente Maldonado, beyond the village of La Celica. Even before arriving at the big forest patch we had picked up a few good birds. First, our driver Nico brought the van to an abrupt halt and pointed out a Cinnamon Woodpecker perched on top of a palm tree, and just afterward a Tiny Hawk flew overhead being mobbed by a hummingbird.. Unfortunately the hawk passed over too quickly for most to see it well. As we searched in vain for the hawk, hoping it had perched, Patrick spotted a beautiful Yellow-tailed Oriole. A little further along we stopped to scope a pair of Pale-vented Pigeons, and Paul picked up a distant perched Scaled Pigeon. Even better, Eileen got us all onto a distant Black-tipped Cotinga and we were able to see the bird both in flight and perched. Highlights were many at the main forest patch. One of the best sightings was a pair of Rose-faced Parrots that everyone saw through the scope. We had an amazing six species of parrots on this morning, including Pacific Parrotlet, Blue-headed Parrot, Mealy Amazon, and Red-masked Parakeet. We also had almost constant flock action until past noon, and some of the best birds were Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Scarlet-browed and Gray-and-gold Tanagers, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Fulvous-vented Euphonia, and Pacific Flatbill. Andy picked up a Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Miriam got us onto Western White-tailed Trogon. We had a nice look at a Barred Puffbird, our only one of the tour. It was great birding but a little bittersweet since we could hear the distant whine of chainsaw in the background during most of the morning. Sadly, this forest does not seem to be protected no one knows how long it will last. It was a long hot drive back to Los Bancos but a well-timed ice cream stop kept everyone going. We had a bit of downtime in the afternoon and after an earlier dinner we went nightbirding again, this time driving down the Milpe road. We had a Pauraque settle on the road in front of the van for a great study and near the end of the road a Mottled Owl surprised all of us by flushing beside the van and flying to perch on a low branch right over the road! Not at all concerned with our presence, the bird intently watched the insects flying in our headlights as we spent about ten minutes observing it.

July 18  Today was our wildcard/cleanup day, and we decided to revisit Milpe and Rio Silanche. Our main goal at Milpe was to relocate Moss-backed Tanager for a better view, but that species proved elusive. We found a good mixed flock along the road that was full of singing Chocó Warblers and Tawny-breasted Flycatcher, new for the trip. Swallow Tanagers were common, and we had a great look at Short-tailed Hawk, soaring overhead. Making a stop at the hotel in Los Bancos we loaded the van and watched the fruit feeders. Impressive close-ups of Pale-mandibled Araçari, Silver-throated, Flame-faced, and Blue-necked Tanagers, among others, left everyone happy. Around midday we arrived at Rio Silanche. This reserve rarely disappoints and it always rewards multiple visits – the first flock we got on had Gray-mantled Wren in it! Finding a fruiting tree later in the afternoon we were able to pick up Orange-fronted Barbet, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Purple Honeycreeper and Blue-crowned Manakin. Then it was time to drive to the lowland city of Santo Domingo, where we were greeted at our hotel by a group of Saffron Finches and an Ecuadorian Ground-Dove.

July 19  This morning we drove south from Santo Domingo to Rio Palenque Science Station, a fragment of excellent lowland tropical rainforest now isolated in a sea of agriculture. There are still many good birds here and we picked up quite a few new species. Early on we found Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Baron’s Hermit, Black-tailed Flycatcher, and a singing Blue-black Grosbeak (LINK). With perseverance we all got great views of the striking Tumbesian endemic Gray-and-gold Warbler. We found a small group of Rufous-headed Chachalaca being unusually inconspicuous, and they got away before we were able to get a good look. Near the end of the morning we finally caught up with Red-billed Scythebill and the bird of the day for me, Black-headed Antthrush, caught us all off guard when it came out on to the trail and seemed to dance a little jig! Emerging from the forest before lunch, a pair of Black Hawk-Eagles soared overhead. In the afternoon we drove down to the river where we quickly located the target Pied Plover, which was bossing around an unexpected Collared Plover. Nearby a Gray-capped Flycatcher plunge-diving into the river like a kingfisher, and a Cocoi Heron was perched in the riverside vegetation. We finished the afternoon with Stiped Cuckoo and the target Ochraceous Attila before returning to Santo Domingo.

July 20  For our final day we drove the Chiriboga road back to Quito, ascending more than 2500 m from the foothills to the temperate zone. Our first stop was at the bridge over the Río Toachi, where we found a pair of Torrent Ducks on the rocks below. Red-rumped Woodpecker and Fawn-breasted Tanager were spotted nearby. Further up we stopped at another patch of foothill forest where we found a mixed flock with Russet Antshrike and the localized Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager. Plain Antvireo showed well and in the understory we had crippling looks at Esmeraldas Antbird. Continuing up the hill with found another good flock, this one with Plushcap, Western Hemispingus, and Streaked Tuftedcheek, among others. We made a thorough search around lunchtime for the rare Hoary Puffleg, and though we did not find the bird, Miriam did spot a Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan downslope. In a fine-looking patch of subtropical forest further up we found a pair of Powerful Woodpeckers, and passing through the town of Chiriboga we had a group of three White-capped Dippers. It rained a bit in the afternoon, though we did have a few more good flocks. Arriving at the top of the road we found the sky clear and we had awesome views of the snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi. Even the Pichinchas had a little snow on them. A Variable (Red-backed) Hawk soaring playfully on the wind was a majestic sight. We arrived back at the hotel in Quito just in time for a nice dinner and then and went through the checklist for a final time. In the “Top Birds of the Trip” contest, Booted Racket-tail and Black-headed Antthrush took top honors.

Bird List: 

A total of 382 species were seen be at least one member of the group. An additional 29 species were heard but not seen, and these are marked with an “H”. 2 birds were seen only by the tour leader and are marked "L".

Chocó endemics are listed in bold red. Tumbesian endemics are listed in bold black. Inter-Andean Slopes and Valleys endemics are listed in bold blue.
Additional designations: (NT) near threatened, (VU) vulnerable, (EN) endangered.

The taxonomy and nomenclature of this list follow: 
Ridgely, Robert and Paul Greenfield. The Birds of Ecuador: Field Guide. 2001. Ithica, NY: Comstock Publishing.

Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui H
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata - Seen in the Alambi Valley and on the Chiriboga Road.
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi

Great Egret Egretta alba

Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striatus

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Hook-billed Kite Chondrohieraz uncinatus

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Plain-breasted Hawk Accipiter ventralis
Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus

Barred Hawk Leucopternis princes

Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaitus melanoleucus

Gray Hawk Buteo nitidus

Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus

Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma – Both Red-backed and Puna forms seen, including both soaring overhead at the same time at Calacalí.
Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus

Barred Forest-Falcon Mycrastus ruficolis H
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans - At least 4 individuals seen along the Milpe Road.

American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus – A rare resident of the highlands seen at Calacalí.

Rufous-headed Chachalaca (VU) Ortalis erythroptera

Andean Guan Penelope montagnii

Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii

Wattled Guan H

Rufous-fronted Wood-quail Odontophorus erythrops H

Dark-backed Wood-Quail (VU) Odontophorus melanonotus
White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis 
Brown Wood-Rail (VU) Aramides wolfi H

Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus - Rio Palenque is one of few sites west of the Andes where this stunning species can be found regularly.
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris

Rock Pigeon Columba livia

Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata

Scaled Pigeon Columba speciosa

Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis
Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea
Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea H

Dusky Pigeon Columba goodsoni – Seen from the canopy tower at Rio Silanche.

Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata

Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina
Plain-breasted Ground-Dove Columbina minuta - This open-country species seems to be a recent colonizer of Northwest Ecuador.

Ecuadorian Ground-Dove Columbina buckleyi

Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida H
White-throated Quail-dove Geotrygon frenata 
Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon Montana L

Red-masked Parakeet (VU) Aratinga erythrogenys

Maroon-tailed Parakeet Pyrrhura melanura
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis
Rose-faced Parrot Pionopsitta pulchra – A pair seen at the forest patch past La Celica.

Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus
Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus
Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaria
Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Little Cuckoo Piaya minuta H
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia
Pacific Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium nubicola H

Mottled Owl Strix virgata – Incredible look at a foraging bird near the end of the Milpe Road.

Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata – Often placed in the genus Ciccaba.

Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis

Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra – Incredible looks at a male in the Tandayapa Valley.
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutilus
Spot-fronted Swift Cypseloides cherriei – A foraging flock very high overhead in the upper Tandayapa Valley; the clouds closed in before everyone could see them.

Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris

White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis

Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri
White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui
Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Baron's Hermit Phaethornis baroni – Seen at Rio Palenque; other sources include the form baroni in either P. longirostris or P. superciliosus.

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Brown Violet-ear Colibri delphinae
Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans
Green Thorntail Popelairia conversii
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi
Violet-bellied Hummingbird Damophila julie

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae
Purple-chested Hummingbird Amazilia rosenbergi

Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Adelomyia melanogenys – A common and easy-to-see Chocó endemic found at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas – A foraging bird seen very well at Calacalí.

Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni – Regular at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera - Visiting the feeders at Yanacocha.
White-tailed Hillstar Urochroa bougueri - Picked this one up at El Pahuma Orchid Reserve. 
Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens
Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini - Seen well at the feeders at Paz de las Aves.
Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus – A specialty of the upper Tandayapa Valley.
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera - This restricted range species was seen at the Yanacocha feeders.

Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii

Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae

Purple-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron microrhynchum – Seen briefly by only a couple people at Yanacocha.

Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani

Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis - One of many spectacular hummers at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders.
Wedge-billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi

Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris

Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant

Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny

Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus H

Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps
Chocó Trogon Trogon comptus - Also called White-eyed or Blue-tailed Trogon.

Western White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii H
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda
Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiatus -

White-whiskered Puffbird Melacoptila panamensis – Seen at Rio Silanche.
Orange-fronted Barbet (NT) Capito squamatus – Seen at Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque.
Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii
Toucan Barbet (NT) Semnornis ramphastinus

Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus
Pale-mandibled Araçari (NT) Pteroglossus erythropygius - Sometimes considered a race of P. torquatus.
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena laminirostris

Chocó Toucan Ramphastos brevis
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii
Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus

Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus
Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus L
Guayaquil Woodpecker Campephilus gayaquilensis - Seen well at Milpe.
Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens – Seen an amazing four times during the tour!

Crimson-bellied Woodpecker Campephilus haematogaster – A family group seen at Rio Silanche.

Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus
Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae
Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa

White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis

Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens

Rusty-winged Barbtail Premnornis guttuligera – Spotted by Andy in a flock on the old Nono-Mindo road.

Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps
Western Woodhaunter Hyloctistes virgatus
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Automolus rubiginosus – Seen flying out of a burrow at Rio Silanche.

Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus

Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps H

Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis H

Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans

Plain Xenops Xenops minutus

Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fulinosa
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus

Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dencrocolaptes sanctithomae – Attending an antswarm at Rio Silanche.

Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus – An exceptionally beautiful woodcreeper and one of the favorite birds of the trip.

Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger

Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris - A specialty of Rio Palenque.

Great Antshrike Taraba major
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor

Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha

Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus.
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis – Seen on the Chiriboga Road.

Griscom’s Antwren Myrmotherula ignota – A specialty of Rio Silanche, the form ignota is sometimes combined with the trans-Andean form obscura; the two forms are together called Moustached Antwren.

Pacific Antwren Myrmotherula pacifica
Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris

White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudate

Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina
Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza immaculate
Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul H

Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis - Attending an antswarm at Rio Silanche.
Black-headed Antthrush Formicarius nigricapillus
Rufous-breasted Anttrush Formicarius rufipectus H
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla
Chestnut-naped Antpitta Grallaria nuchalis H

Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula
Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis 
Blackish (Unicolored) Tapaculo Scytalopus (unicolor) latrans - The form latrans has been split and is now called Blackish Tapaculo.
Nariño Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior H
Spillman's Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx H

Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps
Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus

Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps

Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops
Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillum

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus H
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus
White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus
Rufous-winged Tyrannulet Mececerculus calopterus

Tufted Tit-tyrant Anairetes parulus
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginous

Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni – Found on the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.

Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus

Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus ruficeps – A localized resident of the upper Tandayapa Valley.

Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
Pacific Flatbill Rhynchocyclus pacificus

Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus

White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus

Ornate Flycatcher Nyiotriccus ornatus
Black-tailed Flycatcher Myiobius atricaudus – Seen well at Rio Palenque.
Sulphur-rumped Tyrannulet Myiobius sulphureipygius

Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Myiobius villosus – Seen along the Milpe Road.

Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans
Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus

Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor

Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis

Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris

Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Silvicultrix diadema H

Smoky Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes fumigatus – An scarce resident at Yanacocha.

White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant (VU) Agriornis andicola – Found in dry scrub near Calacali.

Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris

Masked Water-Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta

Ochraceous Attila (VU) Attila torridus – A specialty of Rio Palenque.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua
Social Flycatcher Myiozetes similis

Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis

Gray-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis – An austral migrant to Northwest Ecuador.
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus

Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus

One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrouous

Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata – Heard many times at Yanacocha but seen only briefly in flight.

Green-and-Black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii

Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda - Seen in a fruiting tree at Paz de las Aves.

Olivaceous Piha Lathria cryptolophus – Seen in a mixed flock at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.

Black-tipped Cotinga Carpodectes hopkei – An excellent find to the northwest of Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana
Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis H

Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronota – A female seen in a fruiting tree at Rio Silanche.

Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus
Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa
Beautiful Jay (NT) Cyanolyca pulchra

Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis

Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides H

Black Solitaire Entomodestes coracinus – A fantastic and completely unexpected find on the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush Catharus fuscater H
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater

Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus

Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus
Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalyber

Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus
Gray-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii – A true rarity found on our second visit to Rio Silanche.

Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa
Sepia-brown Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens H - Also sometimes called Sharpe’s Wren.
Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis H

Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus
Plain-tailed Wren Thyrothorus euophrys H

Whiskered Wren Thyrothorus mystacalis

House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis

Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
Southern Nightingale-wren Microcerculus marginatus H
Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris
Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus H

Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea

Slate-throated Gnatcatcher Polioptila schistaceigula – Seen in a big mixed flock in the forest patch near La Celica.

Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava
Canada Warbler Wilsonia Canadensis

Slate-throated Whitetstart Myioborus miniatus
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus

Black-crested Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus
Chocó Warbler Basileuterus chlorophrys
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus
Gray-and-gold Warbler Basileuterus fraseri
Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola

Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana

Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta – Seen from the canopy tower at Rio Silanche.

Scarlet-breasted Dacnis (VU) Dacnis berlepschi – Found in a mixed flock in the forest patch near La Celica.

Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossopis cyanea
Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata

Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota

Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala – We saw this gem well at Calacalí.

Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster

Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa – A good find in the forest patch near La Celica.
Glistening-green Tanager Chlorochrysa phoenicotis – Seen in a mixed flock at Milpe.

Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula

Gray-and-gold Tanager Tangara palmeri

Golden Tanager Tangara arthus

Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii
Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides L

Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii
Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis
Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola

Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus

Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus notabilis – A small group seen at Paz de las Aves Refuge.
Hooded Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis montana

Moss-backed Tanager Bangsia edwardsi – This endemic was seen all-too-briefly at Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis – Common at Milpe.
Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala

Lemon-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus icteronotus
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus

White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii

Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius
Ashy-throated Bush-tanager Chlorospingus canigularis – Seen on the lower section of the Chiriboga Road, near the northern range limit of the western race paulus.

Dusky Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus semifuscus
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris
Western Hemispingus Hemispingus ochraceus

Plushcap Catamblyrhunchs diadema

Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis
Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus
Southern Yellow-Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster – Also commonly called Golden-bellied Grosbeak.
Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides

Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea

Dull-colored Grassquit Tiaris obscura
Lesser Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis – The western race is usually split and known as Thick-billed Seed-Finch, O. funereus.
Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata

Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus

Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola

Rufous-naped Brush-Finch Atlapetes latinuchus – After southern populations in Peru and Bolivia were split off, latinuchus is now called Yellow-breasted Brush-Finch.
Tricolored Brush-Finch Atlapetes tricolor
White-winged Brush-Finch Atlapetes leucopterus
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon brunneinucha

Stripe-headed Brush-Finch Buarremon torquatus H
Tanager Finch (VU) Oreothraupis arremonops - A rare Chocó endemic seen well by all near Tandayapa Pass.

Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris
Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi
Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas
Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris L

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

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