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	SOUTHERN ECUADOR Tumbesian Rarities and Highland Endemics 3 - 20 March 2006 Guides: Nick Athanas Josh Engel Sam Woods Participants: Rob Armstrong Louise McCollough Iain Outlaw Keir Randall David Siems Phyllis Willburn
Esmeraldas Woodstar (Nick Athanas)

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Every tour brings with it different challenges and experiences, and I am not talking only about the birds. This time it was vagaries of the climate and a trip to the emergency room. Despite these, or perhaps, because of them, this was certainly a trip I won't forget for a long time. Taking someone to the hospital in the middle of the night was something new for me, and something I hope to never have to do again. Fortunately it turned out to be a fairly minor infection and the client was able to rejoin the tour a few days later.

Early this year was the rainiest season that western Ecuador has experienced since I moved down here in 2000. The rains started a month early and were ferocious. The early rains hurt us in the normally dry southwest. Rather than birding the area in peak breeding season, we were a bit too late. Virtually everything had already bred and had become less vocal and much less responsive. Two breeding residents, Andean Slaty-Thrush and Black-and-white Tanager, normally quite vocal in March, were nowhere to be found. Perhaps they had finished breeding and had become silent and inconspicuous, or perhaps they had even already left their breeding grounds and were on there way back to eastern Peru and Bolivia where they apparently spend the rest of the year. Another drawback to the early rains was that areas that were normally dry, with few leaves on the trees, were incredibly lush and green with a very dense new understory. Skulking birds like Watkins's Antpitta, various foliage-gleaners, and Elegant Crescentchest were now able to hide from our searching eyes much more easily than normal.

On the other hand, despite the weather, we managed to do reasonably well. We lost hardly any birding time, with most rain falling during travel time or at night, and we had especially nice weather in Buenaventura. Landslides, which can seriously disrupt transport on a trip like this, only caused us one hassle, when a major one closed the road between Cuenca and Guayaquil. Even this cost us little as we managed to see nearly all the key species in Cajas despite having only a few hours to bird there before taking a long detour back to Guayaquil.

The east slope, unlike the west, had beautiful weather and better-than-average birding, more than making up for our difficulties in the west. Our two nights in Copalinga were my favorite of the trip, with without a doubt the nicest rooms, the best food and service, and the most pleasant climate of all the places we stayed. Our day of birding at Rio Bombuscaro was fantastic, with a whole slew of beautiful east slope and amazonian specialties seen well.

I can't help but close with a lament about antpittas. These shy and enigmatic denizens of the neotropics gave us almost nothing but frustration on the whole trip, which was especially painful for me after the amazing luck I had with them on my previous tour down here in 2005. So many times they would come in close only to remain hidden in an impenetrable mass of vegetation, singing their hearts out in a way that made us think they were laughing, safe from the more than a dozen desperate, searching eyes.

But that's the way of things. We can never see everything, though I always like to try, and in the end we saw as many birds as on my last trip, antpittas or not. We had a varied and interesting group of friendly birders, from a nuclear decomissioner to a TV show editor to the Aussie loaded with an endless supply of entertaining stories. A fun group can be as important as a big list, and I thank you all for making it a successful trip. Until next time...
-Nick Athanas, 26 March 2006

Map from my GPS (note that the coastline is not very accurate!)

Totals:
522 species seen.
48 additional species were heard but never seen.
H=Heard only.
Threat status: nt=near-threatened, VU=Vulnerable, EN=Endangered (from BirdLife International)

I wrote comments for regional endemics, local specialties, and other sightings of special interest.

TINAMOUS (Tinamidae)
Highland Tinamou (Nothocercus bonopartei) (H)
Tawny-breasted Tinamou (Nothocercus julius) (H)
Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui) (H)
Pale-browed Tinamou (nt) (Crypturellus transfasciatus) - One was seen on a trail at Jorupe, though heard in many other places.
TROPICBIRDS (Phaethontidae)
Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) - Small numbers at Isla de la Plata. We suspect they were nesting, but were unable to get close enough to confirm.
FRIGATEBIRDS (Fregatidae)
Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
BOOBIES AND GANNETS (Sulidae)
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii)
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) - Small numbers at Isla de la Plata.
Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) - A small nesting colony on Isla de la Plata. They were mostly brown morph birds, but one white morph was present as well.
CORMORANTS AND SHAGS (Phalacrocoracidae)
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
PELICANS (Pelecanidae)
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus)
SCREAMERS (Anhimidae)
Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) - Two seen in flight and one perched in a treetop along the side of the highway through Manglares-Churute.
DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS (Anatidae)
Andean (Speckled) Teal (Anas andium)
White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis)
Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)
Andean Ruddy-Duck (Andean Duck) (Oxyura ferruginea)
FLAMINGOS (Phoenicopteridae)
Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) - Several dozen still present at Ecuasal.
HERONS, BITTERNS, EGRETS (Ardeidae)
Fasciated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma fasciatum) - Seen by some from the bridge over the old Loja-Zamora road.
Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Striated Heron (Butorides striatus)
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
AMERICAN VULTURES (Cathartidae)
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) - A single distant bird soaring over the Rio Ayampe.
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
KITES, EAGLES, HAWKS (Accipitridae)
Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens)
Gray-backed Hawk (EN) (Leucopternis occidentalis) - Close views of a soaring bird at Buenaventura.
Barred Hawk (Leucopternis princeps)
Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)
Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
Gray Hawk (Buteo nitida)
Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris)
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)
Variable (Puna) Hawk (Buteo polyosoma poecilochrous)
FALCONS AND CARACARAS (Falconidae)
Northern Crested-Caracara (Caracara cheriway)
Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
CURASSOWS, GUANS, ETC. (Cracidae)
Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata)
Rufous-headed Chachalaca (VU) (Ortalis erythroptera) - Seen several times at Buenaventura, which turned out to be very fortunate as my stakeout at Sozoranga was inaccessable due to a landslide. Also seen well in the hills south of Ayampe.
Bearded Guan (VU) (Penelope barbata) - The first bird we saw as we drove into Cajanuma. Nice views of two from the bus.
Sickle-winged Guan (Chamaepetes goudotii)
NEW WORLD QUAILS (Odontophoridae)
Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus erythrops) (H)
Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus speciosus) (H)
RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS (Rallidae)
Gray-breasted Crake (Laterallus exilis) (H)
Chestnut-headed Crake (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) (H)
Sora (Porzana carolina) - One bird bathing in the river was a big surprise at the Rio Ayampe bridge. This is a rare migrant and northern winter resident, and new for my Ecuador list.
Blackish Rail (Pardirallus nigricans) (H)
LIMPKIN (Aramidae)
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) - Some of the party saw one from the bus on the drive back to Guayaquil.
JAÇANAS (Jacanidae)
Wattled Jaçana (Jacana jacana)
SANDPIPERS AND ALLIES (Scolopacidae)
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
Whimbrel (Numeneus phaeopus)
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)
Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
Stilt Sandpiper (Micropalama himantopus) - Two seen at Ecuasal, the only reliable spot for them in Ecuador. One of Dave's top birds as it was one of the few waders he hadn't seen.
Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)
OYSTERCATCHERS (Haematopodidae)
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
STILTS AND AVOCETS (Recurvirostridae)
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS (Charadriidae)
Gray (Black-bellied) Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica)
Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Wilson's Plover (Charadrius wilsonia)
Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris)
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
GULLS AND TERNS (Laridae)
Gray Gull (Larus modestus) - Only one individual found on the beach opposite Ecuasal. They seem to have become scarce in recent years.
Gray-hooded (Gray-headed) Gull (Larus cirrocephalus)
Andean Gull (Larus serranus)
Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)
Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan)
Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica)
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)
Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)
PIGEONS AND DOVES (Columbidae)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Band-tailed Pigeon (Columba fasciata)
Pale-vented Pigeon (Columba cayennensis)
Ruddy Pigeon (Columba subvinacea)
Plumbeous Pigeon (Columba plumbea)
Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)
West Peruvian Dove (Pacific Dove) (Zenaida meloda)
Ecuadorian Ground-Dove (Columbina buckleyi) - Seen best at Cerro Blanco, one of the first birds of the trip.
Croaking Ground-Dove (Columbina cruziana)
Blue Ground-Dove (Claravis pretiosa) (H)
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
Pallid Dove (Leptotila pallida) - We flushed one up off a trail at Buenaventura, and it perched on a low branch for a few seconds.
Gray-fronted Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla)
Ochre-bellied Dove (VU) (Leptotila ochraceiventris) (H) - One was calling close in an impenetrable thicket in Agua Blanca, but refused to come out. This is always one of the most difficult of the Tumbesian endemics.
White-throated Quail-Dove (Geotrygon frenata) - One seen by Dave & Louise while the rest of us were up the trail looking for Gray-headed Antbird.
PARROTS AND MACAWS (Psittacidae)
Red-masked Parakeet (nt) (Aratinga erythrogenys) - Numerous sightings, mostly in flight, but at Buenaventura we had good views in the scope of two perched birds.
White-eyed Parakeet (Aratinga leucophthalmus)
Golden-plumed Parakeet (VU) (Leptosittaca branickii) (H)
El Oro Parakeet (EN) (Pyrrhura orcesi) - Patience paid off as three birds flew in and perched while we were having lunch along the upper road at Buenaventura. Great scope views!
White-breasted (-necked) Parakeet (VU) (Pyrrhura albipectus) - Again, patience was the key as a flock of about a dozen birds landed near the clay lick at Rio Bombuscaro, allowing nice views for a few minutes before screeching off again.
Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis) - Seen virtually everywhere west of the continental divide.
Gray-cheeked Parakeet (EN) (Brotogeris pyrrhopterus) - We finally saw them perched near the "bridge to nowhere" east of Macará.
Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus)
White-capped (Speckle-faced) Parrot (Pionus seniloides)
Bronze-winged Parrot (Pionus chalcopterus)
Red-lored Amazon (Parrot) (Amazona autumnalis)
Scaly-naped Amazon (Parrot) (Amazona mercenaria)
CUCKOOS AND ANIS (Cuculidae)
Gray-capped Cuckoo (Coccyzus lansbergi) - Sam found the first one at Agua Blanca, and we saw another two the next day on Isla de la Plata. These latter birds were singing, implying they were also breeding, though Ridgely & Greenfield do not mention them as occurring on Isla de la Plata.
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
Little Cuckoo (Piaya minuta)
Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)
Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia) (H)
TYPICAL OWLS (Strigidae)
White-throated Screech-Owl (Otus albogularis) - Nico, our bus driver, found a pair roosting in a tree along the side of the road at Tapichalaca.
Andean Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium jardinii) (H)
Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium peruanum)
Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia)
Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota) (H)
NIGHTJARS & NIGHTHAWKS (Caprimulgidae)
Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Anthony's (Scrub) Nightjar (Caprimulgus anthonyi) - We called in one for a brief view at Mantaraya.
Swallow-tailed Nightjar (Uropsalis segmentata)
SWIFTS (Apodidae)
White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutilus)
Tumbes Swift (Chaetura ocypetes) - Seen by some of the party in Guayaquil on the arrival day. Strangely enough, we did not find them again.
Gray-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis)
HUMMINGBIRDS (Trochilidae)
White-whiskered Hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui)
Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy) (H)
Baron's (Western Long-tailed) Hermit (Phaethornis baroni) - Several were coming to the feeders at Buenaventura; we also saw them at Ayampe.
Gray-chinned Hermit (Phaethornis griseogularis porcullae) - Singles seen at Jorupe and Sozoranga. This race is endemic to the Tumbesian region and could be a future split.
Green-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera ludovicae)
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
Brown Violet-ear (Colibri delphinae)
Sparkling Violet-ear (Colibri coruscans)
Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti)
Wire-crested Thorntail (Popelairia popelairii) - Mostly females seen at Copalinga, but Iain and Rob also saw a male.
Green Thorntail (Popelairia conversii)
Blue-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata)
Green-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania fannyi)
Emerald-bellied (Green-crowned) Woodnymph (Thalurania hypochlora) - Split from Green-crowned Woodnymph by Ridgely & Greenfield. They are common at the Buenaventura feeders.
Violet-bellied Hummingbird (Damophila julie)
Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone)
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia dumerilii)
Amazilia (Loja) Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia alticola) - Some world lists (e.g. Clements) treat this race, which is nearly endemic to the highlands of southwestern Ecuador, as a full species.
Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae)
Glittering-throated Emerald (Amazilia fimbriata)
Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys)
Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini) - A single male was coming to the original feeders a Buenaventura.
Ecuadorian Piedtail (nt) (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) - An amazing response to playback from a bird at Bombuscaro as it alternately perched and hovered overhead for a couple of minutes.
Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)
Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)
Black-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa schreibersii) - One male was regular at the Copalinga feeders.
Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
Ecuadorian (Chimborazo) Hillstar (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) - A stunningly beautiful bird that we saw well high up in Cajas.
Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata)
Rainbow Starfrontlet (Coeligena iris) - Many seen at Utuana; the ones at the feeders were really showing off their colors.
Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii)
Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini) - One individual occasionally visited the feeders at Buenaventura.
Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis) - Common at the Tapichalaca feeders.
Flame-throated (Little) Sunangel (Heliangelus micrastur)- Common at the Tapichalaca feeders.
Purple-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus viola) - Only seen at Utuana, with the best views coming at the feeders.
Glowing Puffleg (Eriocnemis vestitus) - We saw a few of them well at Cajanuma.
Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) (H)
Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna)
Violet-throated Metaltail (EN) (Metallura baroni) - It took us a while to find them this time in Cajas, but eventually we found several, including three chasing each other around at top speed. Endemic to southern Ecuador.
Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina)
Rufous-capped Thornbill (Chalcostigma ruficeps) - At least one male was visiting the feeders at Tapichalaca.
Blue-mantled Thornbill (Chalcostigma stanleyi)
Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi)
Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) - Common at Buenaventura, both at the feeders and along the trails.
Wedge-billed Hummingbird (Schistes geoffroyi)
Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti)
Long-billed Starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris)
Short-tailed Woodstar (Myrmia micrura) - Several seen on the Santa Elena peninsula, but they were especially common on Isla de la Plata.
White-bellied Woodstar (Acestrura mulsant)
Little Woodstar (VU) (Chaetocercus bombus) - A few brief views of females at Ayampe and nearby, though unfortunately not everyone got it.
Esmeraldas Woodstar (EN) (Chaetocercus berlepschi) - At least two males seen on the same dead sapling at Ayampe where I first saw them over two years prior. Endemic to Ecuador.
TROGONS AND QUETZALS (Trogonidae)
Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps) (H)
Ecuadorian (Black-tailed) Trogon (Trogon mesurus) - A contentious split of Black-tailed Trogon, a Tumbesian endemic.
Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris)
Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)
Northern Violaceous Trogon (Trogon caligatus) (H)
KINGFISHERS (Alcedinidae)
Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
MOTMOTS (Momotidae)
Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii)
Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)
Highland Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis)
JACAMARS (Galbulidae)
Coppery-chested Jacamar (VU) (Galbula pastazae) - We found two pairs of this handsome jacamar in Bombuscaro.
PUFFBIRDS (Bucconidae)
Black-streaked Puffbird (Malacoptila fulvogularis) - Nice views of a pair in Bombuscaro.
White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis)
Lanceolated Monklet (Micromonacha lanceolata) (H) - One of the most frustrating moments of the trip. We could hear it singing in the distance near the HQ at Bombuscaro, but it never came in close enough.
NEW WORLD BARBETS (Capitonidae)
Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
TOUCANS (Ramphastidae)
Emerald (Andean) Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)
Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
Pale-mandibled (Collared) Araçari (Pteroglossus erythropygius) - Small flocks at Buenaventura and in the hills north of Ayampe.
Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan (nt) (Andigena hypoglauca) - Josh and some of the party saw one fly across the trail at Tapichalaca on the morning that I had to be away from the group.
Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis) - A few seen at Buenaventura and Ayampe.
Chestnut- (Black-) mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii)
WOODPECKERS & PICULETS (Picidae)
Lafresnaye's Piculet (Picumnus lafresnayi)
Olivaceous Piculet (Picumnus olivaceus)
Ecuadorian Piculet (Picumnus sclateri) - We saw this cute Tumbesian endemic at several sites in the west 
Spot-breasted Woodpecker (Chrysoptilus punctigula)
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (Piculus rivolii)
Golden-olive Woodpecker (Piculus rubiginosus)
Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus)
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cruentatus)
Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani)
Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Veniliornis fumigatus)
Little Woodpecker (Veniliornis passerinus)
Bar-bellied Woodpecker (Veniliornis nigriceps)
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Veniliornis callonotus) - This beauty was seen well by all at El Empalme and Jorupe.
Guayaquil Woodpecker (nt) (Campephilus gayaquilensis) - Especially numerous at Buenaventura on this trip with probably three pairs seen.
OVENBIRDS (Furnariidae)
Bar-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes fuscus)
Stout-billed Cinclodes (Cinclodes excelsior) - Not as numerous as the previous sp. in Cajas but still seen well, including one bathing in a puddle.
Pacific (Pale-legged) Hornero (Furnarius cinnamomeus)
Andean Tit-Spinetail (Leptasthenura andicola) - Leader-only.
Azara's Spinetail (Synallaxis azarae)
Slaty Spinetail (Synallaxis brachyura)
Dark-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis albigularis)
Blackish-headed (Black-faced) Spinetail (EN) (Synallaxis tithys) - We saw one really well at Jorupe and heard numerous others. It is easier to see here than anywhere else I know.
Rufous Spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa)
Necklaced Spinetail (Synallaxis stictothorax) - Only seen on the extension, where it was common in dense scrub.
White-browed Spinetail (Hellmayrea gularis) (H)
Ash-browed Spinetail (Cranioleuca curtata)
Line-cheeked Spinetail (Cranioleuca antisiensis) - We saw it first at Buenaventura, then later on at Utuana.
Mouse-colored Thistletail (Schizoeaca griseomurina) - Keir spotted it sneaking in silently to playback, and we all got a view of it. Truly an "11th hour" sighting as we were minutes away from having to leave for the extra-long drive back to Guayaquil.
Many-striped Canastero (Asthenes flammulata)
Equatorial Graytail (nt) (Xenerpestes singularis) - We found a single in a nice mixed flock near the HQ at Bombscaro. An unusual and very scarce bird that is not often seen in Ecuador away from this area.
Streaked Tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
Pacific Tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes johnsoni) - Great prolonged views of a pair in a mixed flock at Buenaventura.
Pearled Treerunner (Margarornis squamiger)
Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner (VU) (Syndactyla ruficollis) - This one was frustrating. We tracked one up a gully at Jorupe and could see pieces of it behind a chaotic tangle of branches and vines. Some were lucky enough to have a good angle and managed to see it well.
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia variegaticeps)
Montane Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
Western (Striped) Woodhaunter (Hyloctistes virgatus)
Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner (VU) (Hylocryptus erythrocephalus) - Another frustrating foliage-gleaner that would not respond well to tape. Again, some were lucky enough to have the right angle to see it well. Once it flew across the road so close to us that it was not a bad flight view at all.
Streaked Xenops (Xenops rutilans)
Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus)
Tawny-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus mexicanus) (H)
WOODCREEPERS (Dendrocolaptidae)
Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
Spotted Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
Streak-headed Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
Montane Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) (H)
Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) - One of Louise's favorite birds. We had a great view of one at Jorupe.
TYPICAL ANTBIRDS (Thamnophilidae)
Great Antshrike (Taraba major)
Collared Antshrike (Sakesphorus bernardi) - Surprisingly, only one mediocre view of a male on the main tour, but we had a much better sighting on the extension.
Lined Antshrike (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) - First seen near the hummer feeders at Copalinga during a siesta, but we found another pair the next morning along the old highway.
Chapman's Antshrike (Thamnophilus zarumae) - A neat antshrike with a catchy song; we saw it twice in the highlands between Sozoranga and Utuana.
Uniform Antshrike (Thamnophilus unicolor) - Good views of a male at Buenaventura.
Western Slaty-Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
Russet Antshrike (Thamnistes anabatinus)
Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis)
Foothill Antwren (Myrmotherula spodionota) - A rather distant pair at Bombuscaro that not everyone saw.
Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor) (H)
Yellow-breasted Antwren (Herpsilochmus axillaris) (H)
Long-tailed Antbird (Drymophila caudata) (H)
White-browed Antbird (Myrmoborus leucophrys)
Scale-backed Antbird (Hylophylax poecilinota)
White-backed Fire-eye (Pyriglena leuconota) - Finally seen on the last day when a pair responded in a roadside thicket in the hills south of Ayampe.
Gray-headed Antbird (VU) (Myrmeciza griseiceps) - One of the rarest and most endangered of the Tumbesian endemics. We found an active pair in a big bamboo patch below Utuana, and a recently cut trail allowed us to get up to them and see them well.
Immaculate Antbird (Myrmeciza immaculata)
Chestnut-backed Antbird (Myrmeciza exsul)
ANTTHRUSHES & ANTPITTAS (Formicariidae)
Barred Antthrush (Chamaeza mollissima) - Partial redemption for our antpitta woes - this beauty came in so close that we could just about reach out and touch it. Later it crossed the trail and Rob snapped a couple of photos. Great views for all!
Undulated Antpitta (Grallaria squamigera) (H)
Scaled Antpitta (Grallaria guatimalensis) (H)
Plain-backed Antpitta (Grallaria haplonota) (H)
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla) - One scurried across the trail at Utuana, though only a few saw it.
Watkins's Antpitta (Grallaria watkinsi) (H) - The incredibly lush vegetation from the recent intense rains made this one far harder than usual. At one point it was singing from near the top of a tree, but thanks to all the leaves, none of us saw it! My other reliable spot for it at Sozoranga was inaccessible due to a landslide.
Jocotoco Antpitta (EN) (Grallaria ridgelyi) (H) - And this was the #1 frustrating bird of the trip, especially since it was more vocal and responsive than during any of my previous visits. We heard at least three of them. They responded several times, but would not come in close enough to see. Josh had slightly better luck the morning I was away, finding one singing spontaneously right next to the trail, but only he got a quick glimpse of it before it hopped away and vanished.
Chestnut-naped Antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis) (H)
White-bellied Antpitta (Grallaria hypoleuca) (H)
Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula) - One briefly came into the feeder near Tapichalaca Lodge, though only a few people saw it.
Tawny Antpitta (Grallaria quitensis) - Good old Tawny Antpitta! At least he doesn't mind sitting in the open. We saw two in Cajas, including one perched on a post.
Slate-crowned Antpitta (Grallaricula nana) (H)
GNATEATERS (Conopophagidae)
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater (Conopophaga castaneiceps) - My top bird of the trip by far! Thanks to accurate directions from Sam, I was able to relocate a territory at Bombuscaro and call this beauty in for great views. Not only was it my only lifer of the trip, it was also the only member of the family that I had never seen.
TAPACULOS (Rhinocryptidae)
Elegant Crescentchest (Melanopareia elegans) - We lucked into one along the side of the road below Sozoranga. Very fortunate as it turned out to be the only one. My usually-reliable place for them at Agua Blanca turned out to be impossible due to the dense greenery that has sprung up with the recent rains.
Ash-colored Tapaculo (Myornis senilis) (H)
Unicolored (Blackish) Tapaculo (Scytalopus unicolor (latrans))
Equatorial Rufous-vented (Long-tailed) Tapaculo (Scytalopus micropterus) (H)
Chusquea Tapaculo (Scytalopus parkeri) - An amazing sighting of a juvenile hopping around in the open in the lawn in front of Tapichalaca Lodge. Maybe it hadn't realized it was a tapaculo yet?
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannidae)
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias uropygialis) (H)
Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops)
Loja (Golden-faced) Tyrannulet (Zimmerius flavidifrons) - We saw them above Sozoranga. Ridgely & Greenfield split this one based mainly on vocal differences;  however, the other populations in Ecuador and Northern Peru show significant variations in voice as well, and the whole flavidifrons group certainly merits further study.
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum)
Tumbesian (Mouse-colored) Tyrannulet (Phaeomyias tumbezana) - Another contentious split. We saw a couple of them in desert scrub on the Santa Elena peninsula.
Gray-and-white Tyrannulet (Pseudelaenia leucospodia) - We saw several on Isla de la Plata and the Santa Elena peninsula.
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus)
Foothill Elaenia (nt) (Myiopagis olallai) - Good views of this recently described species near the HQ at Bombuscaro.
Pacific Elaenia (Myiopagis subplacens) - Seen best at Jorupe.
Greenish Elaenia (Myiopagis viridicata)
Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster)
Mottle-backed Elaenia (Elaenia gigas) - Including one found by Josh near Valladolid at the exceptionally high elevation of 1600m.
White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps)
White-throated Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
White-banded Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
White-tailed Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
Torrent Tyrannulet (Serpophaga cinerea)
Tufted Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes parulus)
Black-crested Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes nigrocristatus) - Another perennial favorite, seen along the trail that bears his name at Utuana.
Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant (Euscarthmus meloryphus)
Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus)
Slaty-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon superciliaris)
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) - Unusually difficult this year, but we did eventually find one along the old Zamora highway.
Spectacled Bristle-Tyrant (Pogonotriccus orbitalis) - One in a mixed flock at Bombuscaro, identified mainly by voice.
Yellow Tyrannulet (Capsiempis flaveola)
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant (Pseudotriccus pelzelni) (H)
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus)
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus granadensis) - We saw one well with a mixed flock at Tapichalaca.
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum)
Yellow-olive Flatbill (Flycatcher) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
White-throated Spadebill (Platyrinchus mystaceus) (H)
Pacific Royal-Flycatcher (VU) (Onychorhynchus occidentalis) (H) - This was #2 frustrating bird of the trip. We heard one calling at Cerro Blanco on the first day, got quite close to it, but he somehow managed to get away without even a trace of a branch moving. We spent a long time waiting for it to come back, but it never did.
Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus)
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus)
Tawny-breasted Flycatcher (Myiobius villosus) - Josh found one for us at Buenaventura; seen well by all.
Orange-crested Flycatcher (Myiophobus phoenicomitra) (H)
Bran-colored Flycatcher (Myiophobus fasciatus)
Olive-chested Flycatcher (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) - A rather drab bird but a regional specialty. We finally saw it well along the airstrip north of Zamora.
Orange-banded Flycatcher (nt) (Myiophobus lintoni) - Amazing numbers of them seen this year along the trails at Tapichalaca. They must have just finished breeding. A bird with a very restricted range in southern Ecuador and northern Peru.
Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea)
Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)
Tumbes (Tropical) Pewee (Contopus punensis) - Split by Ridgely & Greenfield due to vocal differences and geographical isolation, but not generally accepted due to lack of published data.
Smoke-colored Pewee (Contopus fumigatus)
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) - leader-only
Gray-breasted Flycatcher (VU) (Lathrotriccus griseipectus) - One seen well at Jorupe, possibly a juvenile as it was rather pale below.
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
Crowned Chat-Tyrant (Silvicultrix frontalis)
Jelski's Chat-Tyrant (Silvicultrix jelskii) - Great views of one at Utuana.
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant (Silvicultrix diadema)
Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant (Cnemarchus erythropygius) - Several seen this year at Cajas, including one doing display flights high over a distant mountainside.
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
Smoky Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea)
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant (Agriornis montana)
Short-tailed Field-Tyrant (Muscigralla brevicauda) - A bunch of them seen during our morning on the Santa Elena peninsula.
Rufous-tailed Tyrant (Knipolegus poecilurus) - At least two along the road above Valladolid.
Long-tailed Tyrant (Colonia colonus)
Masked Water-Tyrant (Fluvicola nengeta)
Ochraceous Attila (VU) (Attila torridus) (H) - Surprisingly un-vocal and unresponsive.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
Short-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus ferox) (H)
Pale-edged Flycatcher (Myiarchus cephalotes) (H)
Sooty-crowned Flycatcher (Myiarchus phaeocephalus) - A few seen at Cerro Blanco, Jorupe, and Ayampe.
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua)
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)
Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus)
Baird's Flycatcher (Myiodynastes bairdii) - A big, handsome tyrant endemic to the Tumbesian. On the main tour seen only at El Empalme. We also saw a few on the extension in and around Machalilla NP.
Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius)
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Snowy-throated Kingbird (Tyrannus niveigularis) - Amazingly, the only place we saw it was on Isla de la Plata, were it was fairly common.
Yellow-cheeked Becard (Pachyramphus xanthogenys) - This one gets the "Most Responsive Bird of the Trip" award for staying around for ages after calling it in at Copalinga.
Barred Becard (Pachyramphus versicolor)
Slaty Becard (EN) (Pachyramphus spodiurus) - Good views of a male and a female at Jorupe.
White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Black-and-white Becard (Pachyramphus albogriseus)
One-colored Becard (Pachyramphus homochrous)
Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata)
COTINGAS (Cotingidae)
Red-crested Cotinga (Ampelion rubrocristata)
Green-and-black Fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii) (H)
Barred Fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata) - Always nice to see this fat, beautiful cotinga. We had close views at Tapichalaca.
Scaled Fruiteater (Ampelioides tschudii) - Dave put a bogey to rest with this one. Terrific close-up views at Buenaventura.
Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus) - The first time I've actually seen an umbrellabird near the umbrellabird sign at Bombuscaro. A female showed pretty well.
Long-wattled Umbrellabird (VU) (Cephalopterus penduliger) - The unanimous choice for bird of the trip
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana) - A female flew across the road along the old Zamora highway.
MANAKINS (Pipridae)
Blue-rumped Manakin (Lepidothrix isidorei) - Brief sightings of an immature male and a female at Bombuscaro.
White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus)
(Western) Striped Manakin (Machaeropterus regulus) - Nice views of a male that seemed to be following a mixed flock.
Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus) - Another crowd-pleaser as we watched males displaying at a lek in Buenaventura.
CROWS, JAYS, AND MAGPIES (Corvidae)
Turquoise Jay (Cyanolyca turcosa) - Seen nicely at Tapichalaca. A lovely jay which occurs mainly in Ecuador.
White-tailed Jay (Cyanocorax mystacalis)
Inca (Green) Jay (Cyanocorax yncas)
VIREOS AND ALLIES (Vireonidae)
Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
Brown-capped Vireo (Vireo leucophrys) (H)
Lesser Greenlet (Hylophilus decurtatus)
Olivaceous Greenlet (Hylophilus olivaceus) - An annoyingly difficult bird to track down. In the end it was Josh who finally spotted the singing bird and got us all on it.
THRUSHES, SOLITAIRES (Turdidae)
Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides) (H)
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus fuscater) (H)
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
Chiguanco Thrush (Turdus chiguanco)
Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater)
Glossy-black Thrush (Turdus serranus)
Plumbeous-backed Thrush (Turdus reevei) - A very "well-dressed" thrush, endemic to the Tumbesian. Seem best at El Empalme and Jorupe.
Marañón Thrush (Turdus maranonicus) - At least two seen in the town of Valladolid, at the northern limit of its range.
Black-billed Thrush (Turdus ignobilis)
Ecuadorian Thrush (Turdus maculirostris) - Another thrush that is mainly Tumbesian in distribution, though it tends to occur in more humid areas than Plumbeous-backed. We saw it best a Cerro Blanco and Ayampe.
White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis)
MOCKINGBIRDS (Mimidae)
Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus)
DIPPERS (Cinclidae)
White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus) - Kind of like big, fat Torrent Tyrannulets...
SWALLOWS AND MARTINS (Hirundinidae)
Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)
Brown-bellied Swallow (Notiochelidon murina)
Blue-and-white Swallow (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca)
Pale-footed Swallow (Notiochelidon flavipes) - One flew by us in Cajanuma, identified only by voice.
White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata)
Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Chestnut-collared Swallow (Petrochelidon rufocollaris) - The nesting colony opposite our hotel in Macará gave us great opportunities to study this fancy swallow. 
WRENS (Troglodytidae)
Black-capped Donacobius (Donacobius atricapillus)
Fasciated Wren (Campylorhynchus fasciatus)
Rufous Wren (Cinnycerthia unirufa)
Sepia-brown (Sharpe's) Wren (Cinnycerthia olivascens)
Grass (Sedge) Wren (Cistothorus platensis)
Bay Wren (Thryothorus nigricapillus)
Plain-tailed Wren (Thryothorus euophrys)
Whiskered Wren (Thryothorus mystacalis)
Superciliated Wren (Thryothorus superciliaris) - We missed it on the main tour, finally seeing a pair well at Ayampe on the extension.
Speckle-breasted Wren (Thryothorus sclateri) - A real beauty, we saw it well at Cerro Blanco, Jorupe, and Ayampe.
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
Mountain Wren (Troglodytes solstitialis)
White-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticta) (H)
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys)
Song Wren (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) - After struggling on the first day, we found an amazingly easy family party on our second morning at Buenaventura, totally unconcerned about all of us watching them only three meters away.
GNATCATCHERS & GNATWRENS (Polioptilidae)
Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea)
NEW WORLD WARBLERS (Parulidae)
Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi)
Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata)
Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca)
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis semiflava)
Black-lored (Masked) Yellowthroat (Geothlypis auricularis)
Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis)
Slate-throated Whitestart (Redstart) (Myioborus miniatus)
Spectacled Whitestart (Redstart) (Myioborus melanocephalus)
Black-crested Warbler (Basileuterus nigrocristatus)
Citrine Warbler (Basileuterus luteoviridis)
Three-striped Warbler (Basileuterus tristriatus) (H)
Three-banded Warbler (Basileuterus trifasciatus) - A Tumbesian highland endemic. Seen well between Sozoranga and Utuana.
Russet-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus coronatus)
Gray-and-gold Warbler (Basileuterus fraseri) - A Tumbesian lowland endemic. Several sightings, the best being a bird bathing in a puddle at Ayampe.
TANAGERS AND ALLIES (Thraupidae)
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)
Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana)
Black-faced Dacnis (Dacnis lineata)
Yellow-tufted (Black-faced) Dacnis (Dacnis egregia)
Yellow-bellied Dacnis (Dacnis flaviventer)
Chestnut-vented Conebill (Conirostrum speciosum)
Cinereous Conebill (Conirostrum cinereum)
Blue-backed Conebill (Conirostrum sitticolor)
Tit-like Dacnis (Xenodacnis parina) - One of the nicest shades of blue you'll find on any bird. Hoardes of them around the administration building at Cajas.
Bluish Flowerpiercer (Diglossopis caerulescens)
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)
Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster)
Orange-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia saturata) - Nearly endemic to Ecuador. We saw small flocks at Buenaventura and below Sozoranga.
Orange-eared Tanager (Chlorochrysa calliparaea)
Rufous-throated Tanager (Tangara rufigula) - A pair seen at Buenaventura at the southern limit of its range.
Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus)
Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala)
Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala)
Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis)
Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii)
Golden-naped Tanager (Tangara ruficervix)
Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis)
Blue-and-black Tanager (Tangara vassorii)
Silver-backed Tanager (Tangara viridicollis)
Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis)
Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis)
Green-and-gold Tanager (Tangara schrankii)
Spotted Tanager (Tangara punctata)
Yellow-bellied Tanager (Tangara xanthogastra)
Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola)
Yellow-throated Tanager (Iridosornis analis)
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris)
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus)
Hooded Mountain-Tanager (Buthraupis montana)
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)
Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo)
Lemon-rumped (Flame-rumped) Tanager (Ramphocelus icteronotus)
Highland Hepatic-Tanager (Piranga flava)
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)
White-winged Tanager (Piranga leucoptera)
Red-hooded Tanager (Piranga rubriceps) - Thanks to their bright colors and habits of perching on the treetops, they can be seen from tremendous distances. We saw three at Cajanuma, where the open views of the canopy give an unbeatable opportunity to locate them.
White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)
Flame-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus cristatus)
White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
Common Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus)
Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus flavigularis)
Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
Black-capped Hemispingus (Hemispingus atropileus)
Piura Hemispingus (Hemispingus piurae) - We had a surprisingly easy time with them this trip, locating them easily in the bamboo below Utuana. Another rare and brilliant bird that was one of the overall favorites of the trip.
Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leveriana)
Black-faced Tanager (Schistochlamys melanopis)
Plushcap (Catamblyrhynchus diadema)
SALTATORS & GROSBEAKS (Cardinalidae)
Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus)
Black-winged Saltator (Saltator atripennis) (H)
Grayish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens)
Black-cowled Saltator (Saltator nigriceps) - We sweated them a little bit, but in the end saw them well repeatedly. Another striking Tumbesian endemic.
Streaked Saltator (Saltator striatipectus)
Southern Yellow- (Golden-bellied) Grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
EMBERIZINE FINCHES (Emberizidae)
Crimson-breasted Finch (Rhodospingus cruentus) - Seen only on the extension, where we saw the flashy males in several places.
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina)
Lesser (Thick-billed) Seed-Finch (Oryzoborus angolensis funereus)
Lesser (Chestnut-bellied) Seed-Finch (Oryzoborus angolensis torridus)
Variable Seedeater (Sporophila corvina)
Black-and-white Seedeater (Sporophila luctuosa)
Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis)
Parrot-billed Seedeater (Sporophila peruviana) - First at Catamayo, where they were uncharacteristically singing from hidden perches in the dense grass. On the Santa Elena peninsula, males were singing like crazy everywhere from exposed perches.
Drab Seedeater (Sporophila simplex) - A single female in Catamayo.
Chestnut-throated Seedeater (Sporophila telasco) - Abundant in the western lowlands. Also seen in Catamayo.
Chestnut-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila castaneiventris)
Plain-colored Seedeater (Catamenia inornata)
Band-tailed Seedeater (Catamenia analis)
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus unicolor)
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus plebejus)
Band-tailed Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus alaudinus) - A nice, contrasty male was singing from the top of a bush near Ecuasal.
Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)
Pale-naped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Rufous-naped Brush-Finch (Atlapetes latinuchus)
Tricolored Brush-Finch (Atlapetes tricolor)
White-winged Brush-Finch (Atlapetes leucopterus dresseri) - We saw the race endemic to the Tumbesian region, which has more white on the face. A possible future split.
Bay-crowned Brush-Finch (Atlapetes seebohmi) - A handful seen at various scrubby sites between Sozoranga and Utuana. A Tumbesian highland endemic.
White-headed Brush-Finch (Atlapetes albiceps) - One finally came up in response to pishing at El Empalme. Difficult this year due to the unusually lush vegetation.
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch (Buarremon brunneinuchus)
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch (Buarremon torquatus)
Orange-billed Sparrow (Arremon aurantiirostris)
Black-capped Sparrow (Arremon abeillei) - The best was the one Josh found at Cerro Blanco sitting completely in the open by the edge of the forest. Yet another beautiful Tumbesian endemic.
Black-striped Sparrow (Arremonops conirostris)
Yellow-browed Sparrow (Ammodramus aurifrons)
Tumbes Sparrow (Aimophila stolzmanni) - Easily seen with a little pishing at El Empalme and Catamayo.
Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)
Collared Warbling-Finch (Poospiza hispaniolensis) - Unbelievable numbers of them on the Santa Elena peninsula and on Isla de la Plata. They must love all that rain as they seemed to be in a breeding frenzy.
ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS (Icteridae)
Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela)
Northern Mountain-Cacique (Cacicus leucoramphus)
Subtropical (Scarlet-rumped) Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis) - Ridgely & Greenfield split the east slope race based on differences in voice, habitat, and range. Again, this is not widely accepted due to lack of published information.
Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus microrhynchus)
Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus)
Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus)
Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons)
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
Giant Cowbird (Scaphidura oryzivora)
Scrub Blackbird (Dives warszewiczi)
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
White-edged Oriole (Icterus graceannae) - A Tumbesian endemic found only in very dry areas. We saw them at El Empalme and Jorupe.
Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas)
Peruvian Meadowlark (Sturnella bellicosa) - Another species that is taking advantage of all the recent rains - we saw huge numbers of them, far more than in past tours.
CARDUELINE FINCHES (Fringillidae)
Hooded Siskin (Carduelis magellanica)
Saffron Siskin (VU) (Carduelis siemiradzkii) - Sam and I found a pair one morning north of Ayampe, but they vanished before anyone else saw them. We went back the next morning and found an immature male in the same place which stayed around long enough for everyone to see in the scope.
Olivaceous Siskin (Carduelis olivacea)
Yellow-bellied Siskin (Carduelis xanthogastra)
OLD WORLD SPARROWS (Passeridae)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)