Northwest Ecuador: In Search of Chocó Endemics November 8 - 20, 2008 Tour Leader: Scott Olmstead All photos were taken by the tour leader.  (And all except one were taken during this tour.)

Tour Summary:

November 9: It was a clear, cold morning as we arrived at the Yanacocha Reserve, situated high on the west flank of Volcán Pichincha. Walking the trails we found the temperate cloud forest to be a bit quiet, as often happens on sunny mornings, as if the avian inhabitants feel exposed without the usual shrouds of mist that envelop the forest. Still, the views across the surrounding valleys were spectacular and in a few mixed species flocks we found a great many of our target species, including Superciliaried Hemispingus, Blue-backed Conebill, and Scarlet-bellied and Black-chested Mountain-Tanagers. We found good hummingbird activity, with eight species visiting the feeders, among them gems like Sapphire-vented Puflfeg, Shining Sunbeam (photo below), Great Sapphirewing, and the incomparable Sword-billed Hummingbird. By afternoon we were heading down along the famous Nono-Mindo road toward Tandayapa. A well-placed stop yielded a pair of Blue-capped Tanagers, a lone Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and an inquisitive family of Plain-tailed Wrens. Continuing along, we found our first Turquoise Jays (photo below) and Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, and Marsha spotted a Glossy-black Thrush singing persistently from a treetop. A pair of endemic Beautiful Jays seen late in the afternoon capped off a fine first day and we arrived at Tandayapa Bird Lodge in time for dinner.

November 10: On our first day in the Tandayapa area we started by driving straight to the highest elevations to try for some of the hardest specialties. Before long we located a singing pair of Tanager Finches (photo below), which showed superbly, hopping right out into the open in rather uncharacteristic fashion. There is no question that on most days this rare, threatened Chocó endemic would be the top highlight, but less than a half-hour later we were blown away to find a spectacular Ocellated Tapaculo singing from an open perch in a stand of bamboo not far off the road. We feasted our eyes on this seldom-seen delight, hardly believing what we were seeing, as the bird sang unconcernedly. After this experience everything else was just icing on the cake. We enjoyed views of Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Pale-eyed Thrush, and a bundle of beautiful tanagers such as Golden, Black-capped, Metallic-green, and Golden-naped. Chris picked out a Sickle-winged Guan perched in a roadside tree; it’s always a surprise how inconspicuous this large clumsy birds can be at times. Back at the lodge we took in the hummingbird spectacle from the patio, watching 12 species buzzing around us, including Violet-tailed Sylph, Western Emerald, and Brown Inca. Overhead, a Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (photo below) was decimating a colony of Azteca ants living in a Cecropia tree. At dusk we went out for a short stroll on the trails and found a responsive Ochre-breasted Antpitta with just enough light to see in the forest interior.

November 11: We began a visit to the lodge hide, where we had an excellent close encounter with a pair of White-throated Quail-Doves and observed some courtship feeding between a pair of Immaculate Antbirds. Farther up the trails, after breakfast, we watched a Golden-winged Manakin displaying in the forest understory. Late in the morning we found a huge flock on the Tanager Trail, which included the scarce Rufous-winged Tyrannulet and a sharp-looking migrant Canada Warbler. A pair of elegant Long-tailed Antbirds showed nicely. In the afternoon we drove back toward Quito along the main highway, stopping in at a small orchid reserve for a look at the resident White-tailed Hillstar. Spot-fronted Swifts chattered overhead. Arriving at the high pass near Calacalí, we walked a trail through the scrubby rain shadow habitat and found some birds more typical of the semi-arid environment. The rare White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant was the top target and we got a good view of this bird both perched and in flight, flashing its meadowlark-like white tail. Another favorite was the incredibly long-tailed Black-tailed Trainbearer, but it was a pair of gorgeous Golden-rumped Euphonias that stole the show in the end, their bright turquoise hoods standing out against the misty background. Returning to the lodge, we stopped at a stake-out for Lyre-tailed Nightjar; this time of year the males are molting their outrageously long tail feathers and they look much like other nightjars in flight.

November 12: No visit to northwest Ecuador would be complete without a visit to the “antpitta farm”, the sensational Paz de las Aves refuge. We made a special early start (4:30am departure from the lodge!) in order to observe up close the curious display of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. From our position in a well-constructed blind we took in all the strange sights and sounds of approximately three males perched below the canopy of the lush cloud forest. When the show was over, we went after the antpittas, and our host Ángel was able to tempt both a hulking Giant Antpitta (nicknamed “María” - see photo above) and a smaller Yellow-breasted Antpitta (named “Willy” - see photo at top) into view with some juicy worms. Ángel also showed us the nesting Olivaceous Piha he had found, and we spotted a lethargic Scaled Fruiteater giving its hawk-like call from high above in the canopy. After being treated to a home-cooked breakfast of empanadas, bolones, and fruit salad, we walked up the ridge from the house to look for the local pair of Orange-breasted Fruiteaters. As we scanned a few fruiting trees the male suddenly blasted across the track in front of us and landed in a low shrub; we managed decent views before he scrambled out of sight. Turning our attention to the tree he had flown from, we found the female sitting inconspicuously on a mossy nest. Over the next hour we waited for the male to return to the nest, which he eventually did, and it was well worth the wait. As we watched the gaudy male Orange-breasted Fruiteater feeding the young nestling, the experience was made all the more enjoyable knowing that we were perhaps the first people to have the privilege of observing this poorly known species at its nest. Finally the female returned and settled once more onto the nest and we decided to tear ourselves away and go birding elsewhere. (Above, I've included a photo of the male a took in October; there is a photo of the female on the nest below.) Driving back to the lodge we found an obliging Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant and a Uniform Antshrike before the rain and fog settled in.

November 13: Today we drove down to the foothills to visit an easily accessible Oilbird colony. On the way we made a few birding stops, and were rewarded with some great birds like Scaled Antpitta, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Whiskered Wren, and the threatened Gray-breasted Flycatcher. We arrived at the Morales’ family ranch around midday and piled into a wagon pulled by a large farm tractor and set off across the property toward the trailhead. Before long we found ourselves at the bottom of a steep gorge looking up at dozens of Oilbirds passing the day perched on the rock walls (photo below). We spent a good while admiring these bizarre gregarious birds, the only nocturnal, frugivorous birds in the world, before beginning the climb back up. (Mick counted the steps along the trail and has informed me there are approximately 200!) Before departing the farm we found a pair of Orange-crowned Euphonias building a nest and a smart Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet showing off his vivid yellow crown feathers. Driving back to the lodge for our final night we stopped at an overlook and called in a cooperative Guayaquil Woodpecker. (See photo at top.) Back at the lodge we enjoyed last looks at the hummingbirds before heading out for a bit of owling before dusk. As we were about to throw in the towel, a Rufescent Screech-Owl began to call and soon we had this beautiful owl perched right in front of us in the spotlight.

November 14: Saying goodbye to Tandayapa Lodge we headed down to the foothills after breakfast for a day of birding in the Milpe area. Practically the first birds we found were a very active pair of Plumbeous Hawks, calling loudly and flying from perch to perch near the road. At the same spot we called in a responsive pair of Chocó Trogons (photo below) and a few moments later we got into a good mixed-species flock that included Western Woodhaunter and Ochre-breasted Tanager. A Rufous Motmot sat quietly nearby. In the Milpe Bird Sanctuary we found the Club-winged Manakins to be active and as we watched the birds displaying a huge flock moved through the lek, bringing with it Buff-fronted and Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaners, several Chocó Warblers, and a flashy Tawny-breasted Flycatcher. On a walk down to the river we found a very confiding Ornate Flycatcher (photo below) and a Barred Hawk soared overhead. After having lunch while watching the White-whiskered Hermits  and Green-crowned Woodnymphs (photo below) dancing around the hummer feeders we drove to the forest patches at the end of the road and were delighted to find an animated Tawny-faced Gnatwren and a feisty Tooth-billed Hummingbird defending a flowering plant. Pacific Antwren, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Maroon-tailed Parakeet and Snowy-throated Kingbird were among other new additions at the far end of the road. Satisfied with a very birdy day, we drove to our hotel in nearby San Miguel de los Bancos and checked in before dinner – this little hotel is quickly becoming famous as one of the best places to eat in the area! Afterward we headed out on a short nightbirding excursion and found Black-and-white Owl.

November 15: This morning we visited the Río Silanche area in the low foothills. At our first stop we found the normally timid Black-headed Antthrush to be quite confiding but got no response from the wary resident Brown Wood-Rail. It was obvious that someone had recently driven a bulldozer right through the rail’s territory and we hope the bird has not deserted! By the time we got to the reserve, bird activity was pumping and a large mixed flock was moving near the entrance gate with White-ringed Flycatcher and the rare Blue-whiskered Tanager. Near the tower we found a healthy antswarm being attended by Bicolored Antbirds, a noisy group of Dusky-faced Tanagers, and a pair of Northern Barred-Woodcreepers, one of six species of woodcreepers we saw well today. In another larger mixed flock on the back side of the loop trail we observed the scarce Gray-mantled Wren quarreling with Plain Xenops and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper in the canopy. A handsome Blue-crowned Manakin showed well in the understory. A little farther along Mick picked a sprightly Slate-throated Gnatcatcher out of another flock that also held a smart Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo. A little after noon the sun emerged from behind the clouds and began to heat things up; we too k our lucnhes up to the top of the canopy tower and were treated to a vocal Black Hawk-Eagle soaring lazily overhead. A few new birds appeared, like Gray Elaenia and Emerald  and Guira Tanagers. Finally, departing the reserve after a very successful day we bumped into a young Fasciated Tiger-Heron at the river. (See photo at bottom.)

November 16: We spent today birding the remote Pacto-Pachijal road, hoping to find a few of the endemics we were still missing - it proved to be a tremendously productive day. We started off birding the patchy forest along the lower sections of the road; first a lethargic Barred Puffbird sat nicely and a little farther along we picked up Dusky Pigeon and Orange-fronted Barbet. A snow-white Black-tipped Cotinga floated past a little too quickly for good views. Climbing higher we managed good views of a furtive Esmeraldas Antbird and then bumped into a great flock with Black-browed Peppershrike and the superb Glistening-green Tanager. Brown Inca and Empress Brilliant were visiting flowers beside the road. Finally after quite a lot of walking all morning, around lunch time we picked a particularly lush patch of mossy cloud forest and decided to just hang around and see what birds would show up. Over the next hour-and-a-half we enjoyed a spectacular parade of scarce Chocó endemics, which included Uniform Treehunter, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, Pacific Tuftedcheek, Moss-backed Tanager, Toucan Barbet, and Orange-breasted Fruiteater. A pair of Rufous-rumped Antwrens accompanied the flock. It was quite an impressive haul of rare birds, especially considering we hardly moved 50 meters during the whole event!

November 17: For our cleanup day in the foothills we decided to return to the end of the Milpe road, where we had some great birds a few days before. Arriving early we found ourselves enveloped in a thick, low fog that made birding a bit challenging. A huge mixed flock wandered about and we were tantalized by the calls of Rufous Mourner, Russet Antshrike, and Brown-billed Scythebill while at first we couldn’t see these birds well at all through the mist! Eventually the fog lifted and we worked the flock until we were satisfied that we had seen just about everything in it, including our only Olive-striped Flycatcher of the tour. We enjoyed good views of pair of Black-throated Trogons and a songful Southern Nightingale-Wren showed well from his song perch in the understory. The Tooth-billed Hummingbird we had seen a few days earlier was also still present. Venturing down another trail into the forest we found a very responsive pair of Spot-crowned Antvireos and a tiny Empidonax-like Orange-crested Flycatcher. Over lunch we noticed a small group of Gray-and-gold Tanagers flying together between fruiting trees and continually returning to the same tree in a clearing. Further observation revealed a nest, with about four adults in attendance. This would seem to indicate a cooperative breeding strategy, a very interesting observation indeed. By early afternoon we left the Milpe area behind and headed for the city of Santo Domingo, where we would spend the next two nights. Arriving at the comfortable Hotel Zaracay before dusk gave us some time to bird the grounds, and we found a Saffron Finch skylarking and a Giant Cowbird coming to a huge communal roost with hundreds of Scrub Blackbirds and a few Ecuadorian Thrushes in a dense stand of bamboo. Just as dusk fell a Pacific Pygmy-Owl put in an appearance.

November 18: Today we spent a full day at the famous Río Palenque Science Station south of Santo Domingo, an important island of lowland rainforest surrounded by a sea of agricultural plantations. On our morning walk we added several new birds more typical of the lowlands, including Blue-black and Slate-colored Grosbeaks, Red-billed Scythebill, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Dusky Antbird, Long-billed Gnatwren, and Pied Puffbird. After lunch we headed down to the river for a bit well-deserved waterbirding to complement the more difficult forest birding that makes up most of this tour. The resident pair of Pied Lapwings provided a nice scope study and we also found a couple of Pied-billed Grebes and Purple Gallinules. We stopped on our way out to bird some scrubby patches and were rewarded with a great study of a singing Striped Cuckoo and scoped views of a perched Gray Hawk. A dapper Rufous-browed Peppershrike sang insistently from a patch of bamboo nearby while a Violet-bellied Hummingbird sat beside the road.

November 19: For the final day of the tour we drove back to Quito via the old Chiriboga road. This is always a favorite day as it is exciting to recap the last ten days of birding by driving from about 850m elevation in the low foothills all the way up to the temperate zone at over 3000m elevation before dropping down into the central valley where Quito is nestled. Our plan was to concentrate our birding on the excellent subtropical cloudforest near the midway point along the road but a strong midday sun certainly suppressed the flock activity in this area. We did manage to add Capped Conebill and got our first glimpse of Plushcap. Despite the sun and heat a Cloudforest Pygmy-Owl was inspired to call; this of course attracted our attention right away since there wasn’t much else going on at the time, and before long we were watching this tiny owl in the scope as he sang from a perch high in the canopy. Near the little town of Chiriboga we had our second encounter of the day with the unique Torrent Duck (photo below), which we had also seen in the whitewater of the Río Toachi at the bottom of the road. In the afternoon the clouds closed in and we found more action along the temperate sections of the road; a nice flock in the Chusquea  bamboo beside the road contained Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet, Grass-green Tanager, Plushcap, Plain-tailed Wren, and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager.  Finally, emerging into the more open páramo-like habitat near San Juan at the highest elevations of the road, we managed good views of Tawny Antpitta, our sixth species of antpitta seen on the tour, and one that had eluded us on our first day at Yanacocha. It was an excellent end to an exceptional tour. While this trip had been the first visit to Ecuador for all of the participants, I’m sure it will not be the last for any of them!

Bird List

A total of 413 species were seen be at least one member of the group. An additional 36 species were heard but not seen, and these are marked with an “H”. 3 birds were seen only by the tour leader and are marked "L".

Chocó endemics and near-endemics are listed in bold red.

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.

Alternative taxonomy and nomenclature, as employed by the AOU’s South America Classification Committee, are given in parentheses.

Tinamous
Tawny-breasted Tinamou  Nothocercus julius H
Little Tinamou  Crypturellus soui  H
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe  Podilymbus podiceps
Cormorants
Neotropic Cormorant  Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Ducks & Geese
Torrent Duck  Merganetta armata
Herons & Egrets
Fasciated Tiger-Heron  Tigrisoma fasiatum
Great Egret  Egretta alba
Snowy Egret  Egretta thula
Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron  Butorides striatus
New World Vultures
Black Vulture  Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura
Hawks, Kites, & Eagles
Swallow-tailed Kite  Elanoides forficatus
Double-toothed Kite  Harpagus bidentatus
Plumbeous Kite  Ictinia plumbea
Plumbeous Hawk (NT) Leocopternis plumbea
Barred Hawk  Leucopternis princeps
Gray Hawk  Buteo nitidus
Roadside Hawk  Buteo magnirostris
White-rumped Hawk  Buteo leucorrhous
Broad-winged Hawk  Buteo platypterus
Black Hawk-Eagle  Spizaetus tyrannus
Falcons & Caracaras
Barred Forest-Falcon  Mycrastus ruficolis 
Laughing Falcon  Herpetotheres  H
American Kestrel  Falco sparverius
Guans, Curassows, etc.
Andean Guan  Penelope montagnii
Wattled Guan  Aburria aburri  H
Sickle-winged Guan  Chamaepetes goudotii
New World Quail
Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail  Odontophorus erythrops  H
Dark-backed Wood-Quail (VU) Odontophorus melanonotus
Rails, Gallinules, etc.
White-throated Crake  Laterallus albigularis  H
Purple Gallinule  Porphyrio martinica
Sandpipers
Spotted Sandpiper  Actitis macularia
Plovers & Lapwings
Pied Plover (Lapwing)  Hoploxypterus cayanus.
Pigeons & Doves
Rock Pigeon  Columba livia (introduced)
Band-tailed Pigeon  Columba (Patagioenas) fasciata
Pale-vented Pigeon  Columba (Patagioenas) cayennensis
Ruddy Pigeon  Columba (Patagioenas) subvinacea
Plumbeous Pigeon  Columba (Patagioenas) plumbea
Dusky Pigeon  Columba (Patagioenas) goodsoni 
Eared Dove  Zenaida auriculata
Ecuadorian Ground-Dove  Columbina buckleyi
Blue Ground-Dove  Claravis pretiosa H
White-tipped Dove  Leptotila verreauxi
Pallid Dove  Leptotila pallida  H
White-throated Quail-Dove  Geotrygon frenata 
Ruddy Quail-Dove  Geotrygon montana  L
Parrots & Macaws
Maroon-tailed Parakeet  Pyrrhura melanura
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis
Blue-fronted Parrotlet  Touit dilectissima  H
Rose-faced Parrot  Pionopsitta pulchra
Red-billed Parrot  Pionus sordidus
White-capped (Speckle-faced) Parrot  Pionus (tumultuosus) seniloides
Bronze-winged Parrot  Pionus chalcopterus
Cuckoos & Anis
Squirrel Cuckoo  Piaya cayana
Little Cuckoo  Piaya minuta
Smooth-billed Ani  Crotophaga ani
Striped Cuckoo  Tapera naevia
Typical Owls
Rufescent (Colombian) Screech-Owl  Otus (Megascops) ingens colombianus 
Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl (NT) Glaucidium nubicola 
Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy-Owl  Glaucidium nubicola
Crested Owl  Lophostrix cristata  H
Black-and-white Owl  Strix (Ciccaba) nigrolineata
Oilbird
Oilbird  Steatornis caripensis
Nightjars & Nighthawks
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk  Lurocalis rufiventris
Pauraque  Nyctidromus albicollis
Band-winged Nightjar  Caprimulgus longirostris
Lyre-tailed Nightjar  Uropsalis lyra
Swifts
White-collared Swift  Streptoprocne zonaris
Chestnut-collared Swift  Streptoprocne rutilus
Spot-fronted Swift  Cypseloides cherriei
Band-rumped Swift  Chaetura spinicauda
Gray-rumped Swift  Chaetura cinereiventris
White-tipped Swift  Aeronautes montivagus
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift  Panyptila cayennensis
Hummingbirds
Band-tailed Barbthroat  Threnetes ruckeri
White-whiskered Hermit  Phaethornis yaruqui
Tawny-bellied Hermit  Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Baron's (Long-billed) Hermit  Phaethornis (longirostris)
Stripe-throated Hermit  Phaethornis striigularis
Tooth-billed Hummingbird  Androdon aequatorialis
Brown Violet-ear  Colibri delphinae
Green Violet-ear  Colibri thalassinus
Sparkling Violet-ear  Colibri coruscans
Black-throated Mango  Anthrococorax nigricollis
Green Thorntail  Popelairia (Discosura) 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
Empress Brilliant  Heliodoxa imperatrix
Green-crowned Brilliant  Heliodoxa jacula
Fawn-breasted Brilliant  Heliodoxa rubinoides
Shining Sunbeam  Aglaeactis cupripennis
Mountain Velvetbreast  Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Great Sapphirewing  Pterophanes cyanopterus
Brown Inca  Coeligena wilsoni
Collared Inca  Coeligena torquata
Buff-winged Starfrontlet  Coeligena lutetiae
Sword-billed Hummingbird  Ensifera ensifera
Buff-tailed Coronet  Boissonneaua flavescens
Velvet-purple Coronet  Boissonneaua jardini
Gorgeted Sunangel  Heliangelus strophianus
Sapphire-vented Puffleg  Eriocnemis luciani
Golden-breasted Puffleg  Eriocnemis mosquera
Booted Racket-tail  Ocreatus underwoodii
White-tailed Hillstar  Urochroa bougueri. 
Black-tailed Trainbearer  Lesbia victoriae
Tyrian Metaltail  Metallura tyrianthina
Violet-tailed Sylph  Aglaiocercus coelestis
Wedge-billed Hummingbird  Schistes geoffroyi
Purple-crowned Fairy  Heliothryx barroti 
Purple-throated Woodstar  Calliphlox mitchellii
Trogons & Quetzals
Crested Quetzal  Pharomachrus antisianus H
Golden-headed Quetzal  Pharomachrus auriceps
Ecuadorian (Black-tailed) Trogon  Trogon (melanurus) mesurus H
Chocó (Blue-tailed) Trogon  Trogon comptus
Western White-tailed Trogon  Trogon (viridis) chionurus  H
Collared Trogon  Trogon collaris
Masked Trogon  Trogon personatus
Black-throated Trogon  Trogon rufus
Northern Violaceous Trogon  Trogon (violaceus) caligatus
Kingfishers
Ringed Kingfisher  Megaceryle torquata
Motmots
Rufous Motmot  Baryphthengus martii
Jacamars
Rufous-tailed Jacamar  Galbula ruficauda
Puffbirds
Pied Puffbird  Notharchus tectus
Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiatus
White-whiskered Puffbird  Melacoptila panamensis
New World Barbets
Orange-fronted Barbet (NT) Capito squamatus
Red-headed Barbet  Eubucco bourcierii
Toucan Barbet (NT) Semnornis ramphastinus
Toucans
Crimson-rumped Toucanet  Aulacorhynchus haematopygus
Pale-mandibled (Collared) Araçari  Pteroglossus (torquatus) erythropygius
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (NT) Andigena laminirostris
Chocó Toucan  Ramphastos brevis
Chestnut-mandibled (Black-mandibled) Toucan  Ramphastos (ambiguus) swainsonii H
Woodpeckers
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
Guayaquil Woodpecker  Campephilus gayaquilensis
Ovenbirds
Pacific (Pale-legged) Hornero  Furnarius (leocopus) 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
Pacific (Buffy) Tuftedcheek  Pseudocolaptes (lawrenceii) johnsoni
Pearled Treerunner  Margarornis squamiger
Spotted Barbtail  Premnoplex brunnescens 
Rusty-winged Barbtail  Premnornis guttuligera H
Lineated Foliage-gleaner  Syndactyla subalaris
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner  Anabacerthia variegaticeps
Western (Striped) Woodhaunter  Hyloctistes (subulatus) virgatus
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner  Philydor rufus
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner  Automolus ochrolaemus 
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner  Automolus rubiginosus H
Striped Treehunter  Thripadectes holostictus H
Streak-capped Treehunter  Thripadectes virgaticeps
Uniform Treehunter  Thripadectes ignobilis
Streaked Xenops  Xenops rutilans
Plain Xenops  Xenops minutus
Tawny-breasted Leaftosser  Sclerurus guatemalensis
Woodcreepers
Plain-brown Woodcreeper  Dendrocincla fulinosa
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper  Glyphorynchus spirurus
Strong-billed Woodcreeper  Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus H
Black-striped Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus
Spotted Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
Streak-headed Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Montane Woodcreeper  Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger
Red-billed Scythebill  Campylorhamphus trochilirostris
Brown-billed Scythebill  Campylorhamphus pusillus
Typical Antbirds
Fasciated Antshrike  Cymbilaimus lineatus  H
Great Antshrike  Taraba major
Uniform Antshrike  Thamnophilus unicolor
Western Slaty-Antshrike  Thamnophilus atrinucha
Russet Antshrike  Thamnistes anabatinus.
Plain Antvireo  Dysithamnus mentalis
Spot-crowned Antvireo  Dysithamnus puncticeps
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
Rufous-rumped Antwren  Terenura callinota
Dusky Antbird  Cercomacra tyrannina
White-backed Fire-eye  Pyriglena leuconota  H
Immaculate Antbird  Myrmeciza immaculate
Chestnut-backed Antbird  Myrmeciza exsul
Esmeraldas Antbird  Myrmeciza nigricauda
Bicolored Antbird  Gymnopithys leucaspis
Antthrushes & Antpittas
Black-headed Antthrush  Formicarius nigricapillus
Rufous-breasted Anttrush  Formicarius rufipectus
Giant Antpitta (VU) Grallaria gigantea
Undulated Antpitta  Grallaria squamigera  H
Scaled Antpitta  Grallaria guatimalensis
Moustached Antpitta (VU) Grallaria alleni  H
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta  Grallaria ruficapilla
Chestnut-naped Antpitta  Grallaria nuchalis  H
Yellow-breasted Antpitta  Grallaria flavotincta  H
Rufous Antpitta  Grallaria rufula  H
Tawny Antpitta  Grallaria quitensis
Ochre-breasted Antpitta  Grallaricula flavirostris   
Tapaculos
Ash-colored Tapaculo  Myornis senilis  H
Blackish (Unicolored) Tapaculo  Scytalopus (unicolor) latrans
Nariño Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior
Spillman's Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx
Tyrant Flycatchers
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias griseiceps
Black-capped Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias nigrocapillus  H
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet  Phyllomyias cinereiceps 
Golden-faced (Chocó) Tyrannulet  Zimmerius chrysops albigularis
Brown-capped Tyrannulet  Ornithion brunneicapillum
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet  Camptostoma obsoletum
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet  Tyrannulus elatus 
Gray Elaenia  Myiopagis caniceps
Greenish Elaenia  Myiopagis viridicata
Yellow-bellied Elaenia  Elaenia flavogaster
White-crested Elaenia  Elaenia albiceps
White-throated Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus leucophrys
White-banded Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus stictopterus
White-tailed Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus poecilocercus
Rufous-winged Tyrannulet  Mecocerculus calopterus
Torrent Tyrannulet  Serpophaga cinerea
Tufted Tit-tyrant  Anairetes parulus
Olive-striped Flycatcher  Mionectes olivaceus
Streak-necked Flycatcher  Mionectes striaticollis
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher  Mionectes oleaginous
Slaty-capped Flycatcher  Leptopogon superciliaris
Yellow Tyrannulet  Capsiempsis flaveola
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant  Pseudotriccus pelzelni 
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant  Pseudotriccus rufceps
Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant  Myiornis atricapillus
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant  Lophotriccus pileatus
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum nigriceps
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher  Poecilotriccus ruficeps
Common Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum cinereum
Yellow-margined Flatbill (Flycatcher)  Tolmomyias flavotectus
Ornate Flycatcher  Nyiotriccus ornatus
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher  Terenotriccus erythrurus
Sulphur-rumped Tyrannulet  Myiobius sulphureipygius
Tawny-breasted Flycatcher  Myiobius villosus
Flavescent Flycatcher  Myiophobus flavicans 
Orange-crested Flycatcher  Myiophobus phoenicomitra
Bran-colored Flycatcher  Myiophobus fasciatus  H
Cinnamon Flycatcher  Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
Western Wood-Pewee  Contopus sordidulus
Smoke-colored Pewee  Contopus fumigatus
Acadian Flycatcher  Empidonax virescens
Gray-breasted Flycatcher (VU) Lathotriccus griseipectus
Black Phoebe  Sayornis nigricans
Vermilion Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus rubinus
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca fumicolor
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant  Ochtoeca rufipectoralis
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris  H
Crowned Chat-Tyrant  Ochthoeca frontalis
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant  Silvicultrix diadema
Smoky Bush-Tyrant  Myiotheretes fumigatus
White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant (VU) Agriornis andicola
Masked Water-Tyrant  Fluvicola nengeta
Rufous Mourner  Rhytipterna holerythra
Dusky-capped Flycatcher  Myiarchus tuberculifer
Boat-billed Flycatcher  Megarynchus pitangua  H
Social Flycatcher  Myiozetes similes  H
Rusty-margined Flycatcher  Myiozetetes cayanensis 
Gray-capped Flycatcher  Myiozetetes granadensis
White-ringed Flycatcher  Conopias albovittata
Streaked Flycatcher  Myiodynastes maculatus
Golden-crowned Flycatcher  Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Piratic Flycatcher  Legatus leucophaius
Tropical Kingbird  Tyrannus melancholicus
Snowy-throated Kingbird  Tyrannus niveigularis
Barred Becard  Pachyramphus versicolor
Cinnamon Becard  Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
White-winged Becard  Pachyramphus polychopterus  H
Black-and-white Becard  Pachyramphus albogriseus
One-colored Becard  Pachyramphus homochrouous
Masked Tityra  Tityra semifasciata
Black-crowned Tityra  Tiryra inquisitor
Cotingas
Barred Fruiteater  Pipreola arcuata  H
Green-and-Black Fruiteater  Pipreola riefferii
Orange-breasted Fruiteater  Pipreola jucunda
Scaled Fruiteater  Ampelioides tschudii
Olivaceous Piha  Lathria (Snowornis) cryptolophus
Black-tipped Cotinga  Carpodectes hopkei
Purple-throated Fruitcrow  Querula purpurata
Andean Cock-of-the-rock  Rupicola peruviana
Manakins
Blue-crowned Manakin  Lepidothrix coronata
Golden-winged Manakin  Masius chrysopterus
White-bearded Manakin  Manacus manacus
Club-winged Manakin  Machaeropterus deliciosus
Thrush-like Schiffornis  Schiffornis turdinus  H
Crows, Jays, etc.
Turquoise Jay  Cyanolyca turcosa
Beautiful Jay (NT) Cyanolyca pulchra
Vireos & Allies
Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis
Black-billed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis nigrirostris
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo  Vireolanius leucotis
Red-eyed Vireo  Vireo olivaceus
Brown-capped Vireo  Vireo leucophrys
Lesser Greenlet  Hylophilus decurtatus
Thrushes
Andean Solitaire  Myadestes ralloides
Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush  Catharus fuscater  H
Spotted Nightingale-Thrush  Catharus dryas
Swainson's Thrush  Catharus ustulatus
Pale-eyed Thrush  Platycichla (Turdus) leucops
Great Thrush  Turdus fuscater
Glossy-black Thrush  Turdus serranus
Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus
Ecuadorian (Bare-eyed) Thrush  Turdus (nudigensis) maculirostris
Dagua (White-throated) Thrush  Turdus (assimilis) daguae
Dippers
White-capped Dipper  Cinclus leucocephalus
Swallows & Martins
Gray-breasted Martin  Progne chalybea
Brown-bellied Swallow  Notiochelidon murina
Blue-and-white Swallow  Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
White-thighed Swallow  Neochelidon tibialis
Southern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica
Wrens
Band-backed Wren  Campylorhynchus zonatus
Gray-mantled Wren  Odontorchilus branickii
Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa
Sepia-brown (Sharpe’s) Wren  Cinnycerthia olivascens
Grass (Sedge) Wren  Cistothorus platensis
Bay Wren  Thryothorus nigricapillus
Plain-tailed Wren Thyrothorus euophrys
Whiskered Wren  Thyrothorus mystacalis
House Wren  Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren  Troglodytes solstitialis
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren  Henicorhina leucophrys
Southern Nightingale- (Scaly-breasted) Wren  Microcerculus marginatus
Gnatcatches & gnatwrens
Tawny-faced Gnatwren  Microbates cinereiventris
Long-billed Gnatwren  Ramphocaenus melanurus
Tropical Gnatcatcher  Polioptila plumbea
Slate-throated Gnatcatcher  Polioptila schistaceigula
New World Warblers
Tropical Parula  Parula pitiayumi
Blackburnian Warbler  Dendroica fusca
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat  Geothlypis semiflava
Canada Warbler  Wilsonia canadensis
Slate-throated Whitetstart (Redstart)  Myioborus miniatus
Spectacled Whitestart (Redstart)  Myioborus melanocephalus
Black-crested Warbler  Basileuterus nigrocristatus
Chocó (Golden-bellied) Warbler  Basileuterus chlorophrys
Three-striped Warbler  Basileuterus tristriatus
Russet-crowned Warbler  Basileuterus coronatus
Gray-and-gold Warbler  Basileuterus fraseri  H
Buff-rumped Warbler  Basileuterus (Phaeothlypis) fulvicauda
Tanagers & Allies
Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola
Purple Honeycreeper  Cyanerpes caeruleus
Green Honeycreeper  Chlorophanes spiza
Yellow-tufted (Black-faced) Dacnis  Dacnis (lineata) egregia
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis  Dacnis venusta
Scarlet-breasted Dacnis (VU) Dacnis berlepschi  L
Cinereous Conebill  Conirostrum cinereum
Blue-backed Conebill  Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped Conebill  Conirostrum albifrons
Masked Flowerpiercer  Diglossopis cyanea
Glossy Flowerpiercer  Diglossa lafresnayii
Black Flowerpiercer  Diglossa humeralis  L
White-sided Flowerpiercer  Diglossa albilatera
Guira Tanager  Hemithraupis guira
Fawn-breasted Tanager  Pipraeidea melanonota
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia  Chlorophonia flavirostris
Thick-billed Euphonia  Euphonia laniirostris
Golden-rumped Euphonia  Euphonia cyanocephala 
Orange-bellied Euphonia  Euphonia xanthogaster
Orange-crowned Euphonia  Euphonia saturata
Rufous-throated Tanager  Tangara rufigula
Gray-and-gold Tanager  Tangara palmeri
Golden Tanager  Tangara arthus
Emerald Tanager  Tangara florida
Silver-throated Tanager  Tangara icterocephala
Flame-faced Tanager  Tangara parzudakii
Golden-naped Tanager  Tangara ruficervix
Metallic-green Tanager  Tangara labradorides
Beryl-spangled Tanager  Tangara nigroviridis
Blue-and-black Tanager  Tangara vassorii
Black-capped Tanager  Tangara heinei
Blue-necked Tanager  Tangara cyanicollis
Golden-hooded Tanager  Tangara larvata
Blue-whiskered Tanager (NT) Tangara johannae
Bay-headed Tanager  Tangara gyrola
Rufous-winged Tanager  Tangara lavinia
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager  Anisognathus igniventris
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager  Anisognathus somptuosus
Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager  Anisognathus notabilis
Hooded Mountain-Tanager  Buthraupis montana
Black-chested Mountain-Tanager  Buthraupis eximia
Moss-backed Tanager  Bangsia edwardsi
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager  Dubusia taeniata
Grass-green Tanager  Chlorornis riefferii
Swallow Tanager  Tersina viridis
Blue-gray Tanager  Thraupis episcopus
Palm Tanager  Thraupis palmarum
Blue-capped Tanager  Thraupis cyanocephala
Lemon-rumped (Flame-rumped) Tanager  Ramphocelus (flammigerus) icteronotus
Summer Tanager  Piranga rubra
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
Dusky Bush-Tanager  Chlorospingus semifuscus
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager  Chlorospingus flavigularis
Superciliaried Hemispingus  Hemispingus superciliaris
Plushcap  Catamblyrhynchus diadema
Grosbeaks, Saltators, etc.
Buff-throated Saltator  Saltator maximus
Black-winged Saltator  Saltator atripennis
Slate-colored Grosbeak  Saltator grossus
Southern Yellow- (Golden-bellied) Grosbeak  Pheucticus chrysogaster
Blue-black Grosbeak  Cyanocompsa cyanoides
Emberezine Finches
Blue-black Grassquit  Volatinia jacarina
Yellow-faced Grassquit  Tiaris olivacea  H
Lesser (Thick-billed) Seed-Finch  Oryzoborus angolensis funereus
Variable Seedeater  Sporophila corvina
Black-and-white Seedeater  Sporophila luctuosa
Yellow-bellied Seedeater  Sporophila nigricollis
Band-tailed Seedeater  Catamenia analis
Plain-colored Seedeater  Catamenia inornata
Saffron Finch  Sicalis flaveola
Rufous-naped (Yellow-breasted) Brush-Finch  Atlapetes latinuchus
Tricolored Brush-Finch  Atlapetes tricolor
White-winged Brush-Finch  Atlapetes leucopterus
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch  Buarremon (Arremon) brunneinucha
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch  Buarremon (Arremon) torquatus
Tanager Finch (VU) Oreothraupis arremonops
Orange-billed Sparrow  Arremon aurantiirostris
Black-striped Sparrow  Arremonops conirostris
Rufous-collared Sparrow  Zonotrichia capensis
Orioles, Blackbirds, etc.
Scarlet-rumped Cacique  Cacicus microrhynchus
Shiny Cowbird  Molothrus bonariensis
Giant Cowbird  Molothrus oryzivorus
Scrub Blackbird  Dives warszewiczi
Yellow-tailed Oriole  Icterus mesomelas

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