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Male Long-tailed Sylph, San Isidro by Sam Woods

The NORTHERN ANDES, ECUADOR - a TROPICAL BIRDING custom tour

27th December 2005 - 7th January 2006

Leader: Sam Woods
Participants: Kate & Pete Alfrey.


Ecuador is famed for its 'megadiversity', having the highest density of bird species of any country in the World and one of the highest overall species lists (almost 1600 birds). Much of this diversity is centred in the Andes that run north-south, forming the spine of the country. Pete and Kate's aim was to get a flavor of the birds of this great Andean mountain chain, so by taking in sites on both the west and east slopes of the Andes in the north of Ecuador, all within easy reach of the capital city Quito, they were able to get more than a mere introduction to these birds, with over 420 species recorded on the tour, including 31 Chocó endemics in the northwest. They experienced many of the most important bird families of the region and saw some really special birds in the process, including 8 species of Antpitta (all seen well), Imperial Snipe, Toucan Barbets, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans and Tanager Finch all in the northwest, Military Macaws, the famed 'San Isidro mystery Owl' and Striolated Puffbird in the east; and Giant Conebills, Seedsnipes, Condors and Masked Mountain-Tanager in the highlands.

ITINERARY

27th December 2005 ARRIVAL. Night Quito.
28th December Yanacocha & the old Nono-Mindo road. Night Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
29th December Private farm near Mindo & the Upper Tandayapa Valley. Night Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
30th December Pedro Vicente Maldonado & Mindo Cloudforest Foundation's Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary. Night Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
31st December Mindo Cloudforest Foundation's Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Mirador Rio Blanco & the Upper Tandayapa Valley. Night Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
1st January 2006 Tandayapa Bird Lodge trails & travel back to Quito. Night Quito.
2nd January Papallacta Pass & Guango Lodge. Night Cabañas San Isidro.
3rd January Guacamayos Ridge & San Isidro. Night Cabañas San Isidro.
4th January Loreto road. Night Cabañas San Isidro.
5th January San Isidro & travel back to Quito. Night Quito.
6th January Antisana and Teleferico, Quito. Night Quito. END OF TOUR.
7th January 2006 DEPARTURE.

DAILY LOG

Andean Pygmy-Owl by Sam Woods28th December 2005
YANACOCHA: Temperate forest, 3500m. Fundacion Jocotoco reserve approx. 1 ¼ hours drive from Quito.
The tour started as many others do in the northwest, with a short drive from Ecuador's capital to the reserve of Yanacocha, although we quickly became aware that this was no ordinary tour when an Imperial Snipe was encountered feeding in the open at the side of the path there. This localised bird is very rarely seen, almost always encountered at dusk/dawn when seen in silhouette roding overhead in display, so we were truly blessed to be able to enjoy crippling views of this fantastic snipe (my only regret being that in our stunned reactions to the bird we forgot to get our cameras out until it was too late, and the bird had crept back into the forest undergrowth). Normal play was resumed a short while later when we started seeing some of the birds you would normally expect, with many colorful tanagers including Scarlet-bellied & Black-chested Mountain-Tanagers; and some of the stunning hummingbirds that make Yanacocha so appealing, such as Golden-breasted & Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill and the unforgettable Sword-billed Hummingbird. Other (no less interesting) species encountered there included good views of two separate Rufous Antpittas, several views of Stripe-headed Brush-finches, the only Andean Guans of the trip, a Barred Fruiteater sat in the open and an Andean Pygmy-Owl came into a recording of its song that was played to stir up a flock of passerines...
Giant Anpitta by Sam Woods

After a pre-prepared lunch (with much continuing talk of the snipe), we headed down the old Nono-Mindo road (a long-established birding area and part of the newly designated ecoroute in Ecuador), to our base for the next four nights-Tandayapa Bird Lodge. However before we could begin to realx we had some birding to do along the road, where Sickle-winged Guan perched up for us in the open as did a male Golden-headed Quetzal and a Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant although best of all was undoubtedly the displaying Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks seen at a known lek there (quite simply nothing can prepare you for the outrageous red of the males of these western race birds, that are far more gaudy than their east-slope versions).

29th December
MINDO AREA: Upper Subtropical forest, around 2000m. Private farm/trails approx. 45 minutes drive from Tandayapa (am only).
Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Mindo by Sam Woods)Although this had not been planned when we had arranged the tour for Pete and Kate, recent 'events' at this site made it a must for us, as a local farmer has been taming several antpittas and making them rediculously easy to see in the process. I had been there on a recent tour and seen 2 Giant Antpittas and a Yellow-breasted (with some effort required for the latter), and I was keen to see if things had changed there. Nothing prepared me for the 'show' that was put on that morning, where I experienced one of my best mornings birding ever. A short time after arriving (and having seen a male Crested Quetzal in the farm car park), we followed the owner-Angel-to an area where he regularly digs up worms and feeds them to the attending antpittas which he affectionately calls by different names! This was much as I had experienced on previous occasions where the site of these extremely rare birds feeding at extremely close range is still hard to comprehend, although this time another individual came in, so we saw upto 3 Giant Antpittas perched all together, closeby at certain times. The photo below should give you an indication of the unbelievable tameness of these birds...

This would have been enough for Pete and Kate who were unsurprisingly thrilled with the sight of these birds coming to Angel's freshly-dug worms, although there was still plenty to come. We then decided to search for another Chocó endemic (=confined to northwest Ecuador and southwest Colombia) antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, which rightly has a reputation for being elusive and extremely difficult to see, even when calling at close range. Once again the rulebook was thrown out the window as an individual which had proved a little more elusive the last time I had seen it, has been tamed to come into some of Angel's worms, allowing repeated views at such close range I had to abandon the attempt at digiscoping (=using the camera attached to a telescope), the bird and click away hand-held with my camera...

Moustached Antpitta by Sam WoodsAs I had spent a number of extremely frustrating occasions previously trying to see this scarce bird I could seriously appreciate how amazing a sight this was and my reaction soon portrayed that to Pete and Kate (who originally seemed sceptical that antpittas were normally hard after our easy run with them so far!) Once again I would have been happy with that morning usually although Angel was not finished just yet. After seeing some other good birds including Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers in a passing flock (another scarce Chocó species), and a Scaled Fruiteater in a fruiting tree nearby we settled in for our third antpitta of the morning, as Angel was claiming that he was also feeding a Moustached Antpitta on his trails. We only had to wait a few minutes at the spot when in it came feeding a metre or two away at most and things got really rediculous when our second Yellow-breasted Antpitta of the morning came in to chase away the moustached from the worms that it was also after!

After this extraordinary mornings birding we relaxed with some food and drinks at the farm, before heading back to Tandayapa where we picked up some other superb birds on the short journey back such as Toucan Barbet in a roadside flock, a stunning Beautiful Jay and a roosting male Swallow-tailed Nightjar...

Roosting male Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Tandayapa Valley by Sam WoodsUPPER TANDAYAPA VALLEY: Upper Subtropical forest, 2320m. Public road and some private trails, approx. 20 minutes drive from Tandayapa Lodge (pm only).
The afternoon after lunch at the lodge was spent birding the moss-laden forest in the Upper Tandayapa Valley. The birds were abundant up there on this day with many flocks encountered and we got several good views of our first Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans in some of these along with Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Barred Becards and many others. However the best bird of the afternoon was surely the highly desired Ocellated Tapaculo which was seen really well on a private trail, coming into the tape and perching up in full view for five whole minutes, before we left the bird in peace and headed back to Tandayapa Bird Lodge realing from a really awesome day in the field.

30th December
PEDRO VICENTE MALDONADO (& Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary): Lower foothill forest/lowland forest, elevation 500+m. Public road and private reserve trails and canopy tower, owned by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation approx. 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Tandayapa Lodge.
On this day we descended to the forest patches near the town of Pedro Vicente Maldonado, where birders have been coming for many years to search for the many lowland birds that occur there in a habitat that is now seriously threatened and has been greatly diminished in recent years. Thankfully the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation have purchased a good patch of this forest and recently set up some trails and a new canopy tower, that birders can access for a small fee ($5 per person) to observe some of the good birds there. The day was largely about canopy flocks that hold many of the areas special birds. Luckily for us we found a number of these flocks on the new reserve trails, and some of these were very obliging holding a pair of Scarlet-breasted Dacnises (a stunning and scarce Chocó specialty), a few Scarlet-browed Tanagers, Emerald Tanagers, Gray-and-Gold Tanagers and even the rare Blue-whiskered Tanager. Other species found outside these flocks were equally appealing including a female Stub-tailed Antbird, that came in extremely close, although a Uniform Crake was much more elusive-a really rare bird in Ecuador and the first record for the site; Barred Puffbird (a normally difficult bird that we have now seen for the fourth tour in a row).Barred Puffbird, Pedro Vicente Maldonado by Sam Woods)

Raptors were much in abundance on this day with Plumbeous & Gray-headed Kites and Swallow-Tailed Kites all recorded, as were woodpeckers with Scarlet-backed, Red-rumped, Black-cheeked Woodpeckers and Olivaceous Piculet all seen. Other interesting birds seen included Pale-mandibled Aracaris, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Checker-throated, White-flanked & Dot-winged Antwrens, Dusky Antbird, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and Red-billed Scythebill, and a pair of Rufous-bellied Nighthawks were seen en-route to the reserve as dawn approached.

31st December
MILPE BIRD SANCTUARY: Foothill forest, 1100+m. Public road & private reserve trails, owned by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation 45 minutes drive from Tandayapa.
This was the only part of the tour where rained encroached on the days birding, although thankfully it did not stop us, or the birds, from being active for the day. We still managed to get some good species such as Uniform Treehunter in the flocks around the reserve, along with Ochre-breasted & Rufous-throated Tanagers (all Chocó speciliaties), Rufous-rumped Antwrens, a pair of very obliging Toucan Barbets feeding on fruit as we entered the forest, repeated views of displaying Club-winged Manakins (with a few Golden-winged Manakins also noted nearby), and also good views of a pair of Esmeraldas Antbirds along the reserve trails that more than justified the moderate $5 entrance fee. A lunch break at an amazing nearby restaurant was much appreciated for the great food and the great fruit feeders there whcih attract a bewildering array of tanagers (we recorded 14 species in only an hour and a half spent there), including Blue-necked, Rufous-throated & Silver-throated Tanagers and Thick-billed Euphonias while we were there feasting on their fresh fruit juices and mango chicken. We then returned to Milpe for some more birds like Chocó Toucan and a Pale-vented Thrush, before heading steadily back towards Tanadayapa, although we ensured we had enough time to check an area for the rare Chocó endemic, Tanager Finch, which duly obliged by singing in the open for us all. We then returned to Tanadayapa Bird Lodge where we had a short time on the trails in the late afternoon, to pick up one of Tandayapa's key birds - the Rufous-breasted Antthrush which came into the compost by the hide (sometimes referred to as the Antpitta feeding station as Antpittas sometimes also come into there), afterwhich we retired to a full lodge for some drinks to greet the New Year in, although some people retired early claiming they had at least seen in the year in other parts of the World by their time of retirement!

1st January 2006
TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE: Subtropical forest ranging from 1750-1900m. Private trails, a short walk from the lodge rooms.
The New Year began slowly after the night's festivities, with a gentle walk along the lodge trails, although we still easily picked up new birds like the Wedge-billed Hummingbird at a lek along the Potoo Trail, a pair of stunning Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers from the lodge balcony, Streak-capped Treehunter, a pair of Immaculate Antbirds, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanagers and White-winged Brush-finch at the lodge fruit feeders, Spotted Barbtail, another view of a male Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and similarly further welcome views of both Scaled Fruiteater and Moustached Antpitta. We then enoyed a relaxed lunch at the lodge before returning to Quito for some requested afternoon souvenir shopping around an Indian market and resting up before the eastern leg of the tour.

2nd January
PAPALLACTA & GUANGO LODGE: Paramo grasslands, polylepis & elfin woodland, ranging between 3600-4200m. Public roads & trails, private feeders at Guango Lodge.
The day dawned bright and clear as we reached the pass at Papallacta that divides the western and eastern slopes of the Andes in northern Ecuador. The weather did us a real favor this day, allowing staggeringly beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes of Antisana (height = 5758m) and Cotopaxi (height = 5897m)...

Volcan Cotopaxi (5897m) viewed from Papallacta by Sam Woods

Up until now the tour had focused on the forested western slopes of the Andes, although on this day of the trip the focus was the high Andean grasslands and woodlands above the treeline of the eastern Andes. Soon after arriving at the pass we headed higher still to the highest point of the tour (4200m), where we searched for and found a pair of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes feeding in amongst the cushion moss, and a short time later Ecuador's national bird, the Andean Condor put in an appearance when an immature flew over. Before we reached the area for the seedsnipes we made time to stop for our 6th and easiest Antpitta of the trip-Tawny Antpitta (with four different birds seen throughout the morning). We also picked up some of the furnariids or ovenbirds that seem to abound at these high altitudes, such as Bar-winged & Stout-billed Cinclodes, Many-striped Cinclodes and White-chinned Thistletail. We then went to an area of Polylepis woodland near the pass, where the Giant Conebill can sometimes be found. Luckily for us on this day we were greeted by a flock with at least four conebills in it, (and also lucked-in on a Paramo Tapaculo unusually feeding in the open), that then obliged us by feeding on the distinctive flaky red bark of the polylepis trees on the edge of the forest in the morning sun, so we could enjoy repeated views of these superb birds. With two of the main target birds for the day safely under the belt the only thing left to do was to head for another one - the scarce Masked Mountain-Tanager that can occasionally be found in the elfin forest near the village of Papallacta. After a very welcome lunch at the Termas de Papallacta, we headed off to the elfin woodland nearby. As soon as we got out of the car we encountered the hoped-for flock and seconds later located a Masked Mountain-Tanager (seen for the third consecutive tour in this area) and a Golden-crowned Tanager within the group of many Black-backed Bush-Tanagers there. Viridian Metaltail and Shining Sunbeams were also added to the growing hummingbird list for the trip, and we then headed further eastwards towards our base for the next three nights- San Isidro Lodge-stopping en-route at their sister lodge, Guango. Here again hummingbirds were the focus and we quickly totalled up an amazing 14 species including some new ones like Gorgeted Woodstar, Glowing Puffleg, Chestnut-breasted Coronet and Tourmaline Sunangel. On our late arrival at San Isidro we checked in and headed for dinner at the restaurant, keeping a flashlight handy for the return journey to our cabins when we came across their most famous resident - the so called 'San Isidro Mystery Owl'. A pair of these cracking looking ciccaba or strix owls (depending on taxonomy adopted) have been coming to feed almost nightly around the cabins for nearly 6 years now, although as yet no-one has been able to determine the species. The high-altitude rules out the similar looking Black-banded Owl Strix huhula that occurs at lower elevations on the east slope and the location and altitude of these birds appears to disclude the only other likely species, Black-and-White Owl Strix nigrolineata that only occurs in lowlands on the western slope of the Andes.

Volcan Sumaco (3732m) viewed en-route to the Loreto Road by Sam Woods3rd January
GUACAMAYOS RIDGE & SAN ISIDRO: Subtropical forest, ranging from 2000-2200m. Public roads & trails, within 20 minutes drive of the lodge.
 A short drive from the lodge took us to the Guacamayos Ridge on the fringes of the mighty Antisana Reserve, where access can be gained by purchasing $5 tickets at San Isidro. The trail passes through breathtaking subtropical forest, complete with many large trees laden with many bromeliads and seemingly dripping with moss. The walk there was full of birds, as we encountered many flocks along there containing many Green-and-Black Fruiteaters, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Bluish Flowepiercers, Dusky & Olivaceous Pihas (both scarce cotingas), Rufous-breasted & Handsome Flycatchers, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulets, in addition to a pair of Emerald (or Andean) Toucanets, Scaly-naped Amazons, White-throated Quail-Dove, Long-tailed Antbird and Powerful Woodpecker. We also had memorable views of yet another antpitta (our seventh seen on the tour), Slate-crowned Antpitta. In the afternoon we birded a road near the lodge for another special target bird that eventually gave in and showed well for us-our second mountain-toucan of the trip (a purely Andean group of toucans), Black-billed Mountain-Toucan. We then returned to the lodge where once again the famous San Isidro Owl showed well again after the bird log and dinner.

Striolated Puffbird, Loreto Road by Sam Woods4th January
LORETO ROAD: Foothill forest, 1100+m elevation. Public road and trails, an hour and 30 minutes drive from San Isidro.
On this day of the tour we drove 80 minutes eastwards from San Isidro in the direction of the Amazon itself (which could be seen stretching away into the distance from the road en-route). As we headed there we were graced with superb views of the distinctive Sumaco volcano to the east, looming above the surrounding lowlands.

The forest along this main route to the Amazon, near the town of Loreto, has been much-birded over the years and comprises of a heavily depeleted habitat, east slope foothill forest, that holds many special birds that are geographically isolated from similar habitat in the west and as such held many new birds for us on the tour. Some of the first of these were a group of four Cliff Flycatchers perched conveniantly by the car, before we took off on foot and birded along the roadside, although a close calling Plain-backed Antpitta had us rushing into the forest where we had great views of it (our 8th and final antpitta species of the trip-fittingly one of the more difficult ones-stated in the field guide as the 'hardest to actually see'). On the opposite side of the road another close calling bird also took us off the road and onto a small trail where we eventually had superb views of a Wing-banded Wren after an intially nervous wait. Also along there were several Paradise Tanagers, Ecuadorian Tyrannulets (a restricted range species found only on the east slope of the Andes in Ecuador and northern Peru) and Olivaceous Greenlets. Happy with having seen some really special birds there we decided to walk along a seldom walked trail in search of a scarce puffbird and other species that otherwise can be difficult from the road itself. The beginning of the trail allows some great panoramic views of the surrounding hills and also sadly illustrates some of the deforestation that has occurred recently in the area, and it is hoped rumours that a conservation organisation are looking to purchase land in this area come to fruition. Not long after entering the forest we heard the eery, mournful call of the Striolated Puffbird and after a little patience and intense effort good views were had of a pair of these scarce birds...

The scenic Rio Hollin, Loreto Road-a nice spot for Torrent Ducks and Dippersm by Sam WoodsFurther up the trail other good birds were seen such as Ash-browed Spinetail, a pair of showy White-backed Fire-eyes, an equally obliging pair of Foothill Antwrens, Fulvous Shrike-Tanagers, a Many-spotted Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Grey-chinned Hermit and an Orange-eared Tanager. A scenic fast-flowing river was a must for photos while the female Torrent Duck and a pair of displaying White-capped Dippers were a welcome added bonus.

We then headed back towards San Isidro although a flock along the road had us screaming to a halt (which held some migrants from the US such as Caerulean & Canada Warblers, in addition to a Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer) and proved worthwhile as a pair of (the now very rare) Military Macaws flew overhead as we were sifting through the flock and were a nice parting gift from the Loreto road. Another bonus for the day was seeing our only primates of the trip (not easy in the Andes), when a small troop of Black-mantled Tamarins Saguinus nigricollis passed by close to the road.

5th January
SAN ISIDRO: Subtropical forest, 2000m. Private trails and a public road, a short walk from the cabins of the lodge.
This day was a fairly laid back day spent realxing around the lodge before the journey back to Quito, although some birds of note were still seen, including a pair of White-rumped Hawks perched on an open snag by the road that were a good sight, as they are far more often seen flying high overhead. Other birds seen included Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, and Pale-edged Flycatcher, Subtropical Caciques, Russet-backed Oropendolas and Inca Jays were all seen around the lodge cabins. We then trook a slow drive back to Quito stopping for more stunning mountain photos around the Papallacta Pass before descending back towards Ecuador's capital (elevation = 2800m).

Male Ecuadorian Hillstar, Antisana by Sam Woods6th January
ANTISANA: Dry, arid paramo grasslands, 3850m+. Approx. 1¼ hours drive from Quito, private reserve where permits must be arranged before to enter.
The final day of the tour was to be spent in the shadow of Volcan Antisana at the scenic private reserve there. Although we had visited similar altitudes before at Papallacta, the habitat at Antisana is very different, and this much drier, flatter paramo attracts a number of species that are absent or much more difficult there. Not least the Andean Condor which although we had been fortunate to see at Papallacta, more views were welcome-this time of an adult bird with the much bolder, distinctive wing pattern that makes these huge raptors so instantly recognisable. Other birds that we were encountering for the first time included Giant Hummingbird, Streak-backed Canastero, Black-winged Ground-Doves, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrants and the exquisite Ecuadorian Hillstar that routinely came into the feeders there and gave superb views in the process...

Aplomado Falcon, Antisana byº Sam WoodsHowever one of the undoubted attractions of Antisana are the small population of Black-faced Ibis on the reserve and we saw at least 15 of these great birds around there, with the much-talked about highlight of the day being having seen flocks of these large birds flying around against the mountains giving their distinctive, evocative croaking calls. No less appreciated were the dozens of Carunculated Caracaras walking around hunting prey on the ground beside the car. Although widespread throughout much of the lowlands in South America, the Aplomado Falcon is a localised scarce bird of the highlands in Ecuador so we were happy to see one perched on a mound close by the road...

One of Antisanas other attractions is the scenic laguna where hundreds of waterbirds congregate, many of them specialties to the high Andes. Many of these were seen, including 22 Andean Ruddy Ducks, 43 Silvery Grebes, Andean (Slate-colored) Coots, Andean Teals and Yellow-billed Pintails, although the White-cheeked Pintail there was well away form its usual lowland haunts in the west of Ecuador and was a rare sighting. While wintering boreal migrants were represented by small flocks of Baird's Sandpipers, one of which also held a Least Sandpiper, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper and 3 Blue-winged Teals. The area beside the lake held some scarcely seen birds with a female Cinereous Harrier and a Short-eared Owl both seen quartering the reeds there. We then departed for Quito where at Kate's request we decided to spend our final afternoon on the top of Volcan Pichincha overlooking Ecuador's capital by way of a new cable car (or teleferico), that has only recently opened. So the day closed with breathtaking aerial views of Quito from the paramo grasslands above it, a mere 20 minute journey from the centre of the city. It was a fitting end to a great trip and we even managed to see some paramo species (including Paramo Pipit and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant), right there within sight of Ecuador's capital. With such an interesting set of birds seen it seemed unsurprising that there was talk of Pete and Kate returning to Ecuador some day, and I for one sincerely hope this comes true.

Aerial views of Quito from Pichincha, at the top of the teleferico by Sam Woods

BIRD LIST

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

All species listed below were seen by at least one person in the group. Birds marked with an H were only heard. Birds in RED are Chocó endemics as listed by Ridgely & Greenfield in the field guide.

I have given details of sightings of selected species (restricted range species/endemics, highly-desired species), that may be of particular interest to visiting birders.

TINAMOUS Tinamidae
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui H

GREBES Podicipedidae
Silvery Grebe Podiceps occipitalis: Recorded at both Antisana and Papallacta with much better views and greater numbers of the birds at the former.

CORMORANTS AND SHAGS Phalacrocoracidae
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus

DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS Anatidae
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata: One female was seen alongside the Loreto road.
Andean (Speckled) Teal Anas andium
White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis: An off course bird seen at Antisana, as this bird is more normally found much further west in Ecuador, and also in lowland areas. NB. An individual was seen in the same area last year and therefore probably represents a returning bird?
Yellow-billed Pintail Anas spinicauda
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors: 3 were seen on the main lake at Antisana.
Andean Ruddy-Duck (Andean Duck) Oxyura ferruginea: Recorded at both Papallacta and Antisana with much better views of them at the latter.

HERONS, BITTERNS, AND EGRETS Ardeidae
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

IBISES AND SPOONBILLS Thresliornithidae
Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis: 15 birds seen at Antisana,definately one of the highlights of our day up there for Pete and Kate.

AMERICAN VULTURES Cathartidae
Andean Condor Vultur gryphus: 2 sightings - an immature flew over the antennas at Papallacta and another was seen at Antisana.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

KITES, EAGLES, HAWKS, AND OSPREY Accipitridae
Gray-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis: 1 was seen perched at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus: 1 was seen perched in the Upper Tandayapa Valley.
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea
Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris
White-rumped Hawk Buteo leucorrhous: 2 calling birds (presuamble a pair) were seen along the road near to San Isidro.
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus: Several sightings in the east and another in the west. NB. This is a boreal migrant that is only present in Ecuador during the northern winter.
Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma

FALCONS AND CARACARAS Falconidae
Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus: Very common at Antisana where dozens were seen feeding on the ground close to the car.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis: 1 seen on several occasions at Antisana, both in flight and also perched on a low mound beside the road.

CURASSOWS, GUANS, CHACHALACAS Cracidae
Andean Guan Penelope guttata: A pair were seen at Yanacocha.
Wattled Guan Aburria aburri H
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii: 1 was seen on the old Nono-Mindo road, en-route to Tandayapa Bird Lodge from Yanacocha.

NEW WORLD QUAILS Odontophoridae
Dark-backed Wood-Quail Odontophorus melanonotus H

RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS Rallidae
Uniform Crake Amaurolimnas concolor: An amazing surprise sighting (that may well represent the first record for Pichincha province?), of a calling bird at Pedro Vicente Maldonado. Thanks to the birders we fortuitously met there for passing on the news of this bird to us.
Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca: Many recorded on high altitude lakes at both Papallacta and Antisana.

SANDPIPERS, SNIPES, AND PHALAROPES Scolopacidae
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca: Both Greater and Lesser were seen together at the main laguna at Antisana. NB. Both species are boreal migrants, only present during the northern winter.
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii: A flock of 22 birds was seen at Antisana. A boreal migrant from the north.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla: 1 seen in a flock of 22 Baird's Sandpipers C. Bairdii.
Imperial Snipe Gallinago imperialis: An incredibly lucky sighting of a close bird feeding beside the trail at Yanacocha on the first day of the tour (this bird is rarely seen except in silouhette in flight, when displaying at dawn or dusk ).

SEEDSNIPES Thinocoridae
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi: A pair were seen at Papallacta.

PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS Charadriidae
Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens: Many were seen around the main laguna at Antisana.

GULLS AND TERNS Laridae
Andean Gull Larus serranus: Recorded at both Antisana and Papallacta.

PIGEONS AND DOVES Columbidae
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata
Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea
Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea
Dusky Pigeon Columba goodsoni H
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi
Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida H
White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata: 1 seen on the Guacamayhos Ridge in the east and another seen on the Tandayapa Bird Lodge trails.

PARROTS AND MACAWS Psittacidae
Military Macaw Ara militaris: A pair flew low overhead on the Loreto road while we had stopped to view a roadside flock.
Maroon-tailed Parakeet Pyrrhura melanura
Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis: Several seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Blue-fronted Parrotlet Touit dilectissima: 2 seen flying over and then perched from the new canopy tower at Mindo Cloudforest Foundation's Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary. A lucky sighting of a scarce species and even more fortunate to have seen them perched as they are more normally seen flying distantly overhead.
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus
White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides
Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus
Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaria: A pair flew over the Guacamayos Ridge.
Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa: Several seen perched at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

CUCKOOS AND ANIS Cuculidae
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia H

TYPICAL OWLS Strigidae
Andean Pygly-Owl Glaucidium jardinii: One was seen really well and photographed at Yanacocha.
San Isidro "Mystery" Owl Strix sp.: Seen really well on two of three nights at San Isidro between the dining room and the cabins as we returned after dinner. This bird, one of a pair that has been coming to the cabins for 6 years, is of undetermined species as the location and elevation do not fit the only known similar species in Ecuador and therefore this may yet prove to be a completely new species altogether.
Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis H
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus: 1 seen at Yanacocha on the first day of the tour and another recorded at Antisana on the last day of the tour.

NIGHTJARS AND NIGHTHAWKS Caprimulgidae
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris: A pair were seen flying around the main highway en-route to Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata: A roosting male was seen extremely well and photographed during the day in the Tandayapa Valley.

SWIFTS Apodidae
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis: 1 seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado was the only sighting.

HUMMINGBIRDS Trochilidae
White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui: Several sightings of this Chocó endemic at Mindo Cloudforest Foudation's Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy: 1 seen along the Loreto road.
Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Gray-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis: 1 seen on the trail off the Loreto road.
Wedge-billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi: 1 male seen at a regular lek along the Tandayapa Bird Lodge trails.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini: Regularly recorded at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders.
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys
Wire-crested Thorntail Popelairia popelairia: One female seen along the Loreto road.
Green Thorntail Popelairia conversii
Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii: Dozens at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders.
Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii
White-bellied Woodstar Acestrura mulsant: Surprisingly only recorded at the Guango Lodge feeders (normally also seen at Tandayapa) where they were fairly common.
Gorgeted Woodstar Acestrura heliodor: One female at the Guango Lodge feeders.
Brown Violet-ear Colibri delphinae
Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus
Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides
Violet-fronted Brilliant Helidoxa leadbeateri: A female was seen really well along the trail off the Loreto road.
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix: Several sightings (of both a male and female) at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders, and a male also seen at the Giant Antpitta site near Mindo. One of the most distinctive and striking of all the Chocó endemic hummers.
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris: One along the Loreto road.
Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus: One seen perched by the trail off the Loreto road.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae
Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata
Western (Blue-tailed) Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus: A common fixture at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders. NB. This 'species' is a split from Blue-tailed Emerald C. mellisugus and as such becomes a Chocó endemic.
Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo: As ever Antisana proved a great place for this near-endemic, with at least three birds (including an incredible male) at the feeders there and another two females seen elsewhere.
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas: 1 seen perched at Antisana.
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera: Many seen at the feeders at both Yanacocha and Guango Lodge.
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena: Seen in the forest and at the feeders at San Isidro. Restricted to the east slope of the Andes in Ecuador.
Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni: 1 or 2 birds regularly seen at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders, and another seen at the Giant Antpitta site near Mindo.A Chocó retricted range species.
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi
Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis: Regular at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge feeders.
Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini: 5 birds were seen in a single tree together on the old Nono-Mindo road along the Tandayapa Valley. Frequently considered by visitors as one of the best looking Ecuadorian hummers, for good reason.
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Glowing Puffleg Eriocnemis vestidus: One seen coming to the Guango Lodge feeders on several occasions.
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani: Seen regularly at Yanacocha where it is the commonest puffleg.
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera: A few seen coming to the hummingbird feeders at Yanacocha.
Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami: Two singles seen around Papallacta.
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina
Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani: One male was seen at the Yanacocha feeders, where it is often recorded.
Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus: This Chocó endemic was seen a number of times in the Upper Tandayapa Valley.
Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis: One of the commonest and most visible hummers at the Guango feeders.

TROGONS AND QUETZALS Trogonidae
Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus: A male was seen in the car park as we arrived at the Giant Antpitta site near Mindo.
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps
Western White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus: 1 seen on the new Mindo Cloudforest Foundation reserve at Pedro Vicente Maldonado (the Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary). NB. Some authors consider Western and Amazonian White-tailed Trogon T. viridis conspecific under the name White-tailed Trogon.
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris: 1 male seen in the Milpe Bird Sanctuary.
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus

JACAMARS Galbulidae
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda: One was seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

PUFFBIRDS Bucconidae
Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiatus: For my fourth tour in a row a pair of puffbirds were found in the same area at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Striolated Puffbird Nystalus striolatus: A pair came in to tape (eventually), in a known area for them along the trail off the Loreto road.

NEW WORLD BARBETS Capitonidae
Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii
Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus: A single bird was found in a mixed feeding flock in the Upper Tandayapa Valley and a pair were seen very well along the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation's trails at the Milpe Bird Sanctuary. A stunning Chocó restricted range species.
 Gilded Barbet Capito auratus H

TOUCANS Ramphastidae
Emerald (Andean) Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus: A pair were seen in a fruiting cecropia along the Guacamayos Ridge. Some authors have split this species into 6 or more species, when this one then becomes Andean Toucanet.
Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus
Pale-mandibled (Collared) Araçari Pteroglossus erythropygius
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena laminirostris: Several sightings in the Upper Tandayapa of this superb Chocó restricted range species.
Black-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena nigrirostris: 1 bird was seen near to San Isidro.
Chocó Toucan Ramphastos brevis: A pair were seen near Mindo Cloudforest Foundation's Milpe Bird Sanctuary reserve.
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus H

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii H

WOODPECKERS & PICULETS Picidae
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii
Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus: 1 seen along the Loreto road.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus
Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii
Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps H
Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus
Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens

OVENBIRDS Furnariidae
Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus: Recorded at both Papallacta and Antisana, and also at the top of the Pichincha teleferico (cable car) in Quito.
Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior: Recorded at both Papallacta and Antisana.
Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus: NB. This is a split from Pale-legged Hornero F. leucopus, that not all authors follow. Pacific Hornero is only found in western Ecuador and Northwest Peru.
Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola
Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae
Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura H
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa
White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis: One seen well at Yanacocha.
Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata: Two different birds seen in flocks around the Loreto road.
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops
White-chinned Thistletail Schizoeaca fuliginosa: One was seen near the Papallacta Pass.
Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti: 1 was seen at Antisana.
Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger
Pacific Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes johnsoni H
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens
Rusty-winged Barbtail Premnornis guttuligera
Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis H
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus
Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus H
Flammulated Treehunter Thripadectes flammulatus: 1 was seen very well along the Guacamayos Ridge.
Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps: 1 was seen around the lodge itself at Tandayapa and also along the lodge trails there.
Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis: We were lucky to have good views of this indistinct Chocó restricted range species, in a mixed flock at Milpe.
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans

WOODCREEPERS Dendrocolaptidae
Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina: Seen several times in the Tandayapa Valley and also near Mindo.
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa: 1 seen at the Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary.
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus
Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus H: Frustratingly only heard from the canopy tower on the new Mindo Cloudforest Foundation reserve at Pedro Vicente Maldonado (the Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary).
Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger
Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris: We were lucky to get good views of a bird at Pedro Vicente Maldonado where it is a rare bird.

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS Thamnophilidae
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor: 1 male seen near Mindo (the Giant Antpitta site), and another male along the Tandayapa Bird Lodge trails.
Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha: 1 male seen at Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary.
Russet Antshrike Thamnophilus anabatinus
Pacific Antwren Myrmotherula pacifica: Recorded at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris: 1 seen on the trails of Mindo Cloudforest Foundation's Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary.
Foothill Antwren Myrmotherula spodionota: One pair seen by the trail off the Loreto road.
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris
Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis
Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata: Recorded in the Tandayapa Valley and on the Guacamayos Ridge.
Rufous-rumped Antwren Terenura calinota: Seen several times in a mixed flock near the Milpe reserve, and also recorded on the trail near the Loreto road in the east.
Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina: 3 birds seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota: A pair came in really close along the Loreto road trail. NB. The female of the eastern race castanoptera, is markedly different from the western race birds (pacifica), with some authors proposing splittting off the western birds as Pacific Fire-eye P. pacifica.
Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza immaculata: One pair seen along the Tandayapa Bird Lodge trails.
Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul H
Esmeraldas Antbird Myrmeciza nigricauda: Great views of a pair of this normally secretive bird were had on the Mindo Cloudforest reserve at Milpe.
Stub-tailed Antbird Phaenostictus mcleannani: A male was glimpsed, and a female showed really well on the new Rio Silanche reserve, Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

ANTTHRUSHES & ANTPITTAS Formicariidae
Black-headed Antthrush Formicarius nigricapillus H
Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus: The trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge are one of the most reliable places in the World for this stunning bird, and once again they did not fail us, as we had good views of a bird coming into the compost by the hide there.
Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea: Pete said the highlight of the tour was seeing this species, and with the unbelievable sight of three different birds in view at one time, (at extremely close range, within a few feet of us), it is not hard to understand why. The comical sight of the farmer, Angel, feeding these birds worms from his hand will definately live long in the memory, and it would seem this may be the best chance anyone has ever had of catching up with this normally very difficult species.
Undulated Antpitta Grallaria squamigera H
Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis H: Unfortunately we just could not find the close calling bird by the Tandayapa Bird Lodge hide, which sometimes comes in and feeds right in front of it. At least 2 others were also heard in this area.
Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni: Two sightings, firstly of a 'tamed' bird that comes into worms at the same incredible site where both Giant & Yellow-breasted Antpittas are also coming into worms, near Mindo. Also another bird was seen on the Tandayapa Bird Lodge trails.
Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonata: Ridgely states this 'is the hardest antpitta to actually see', and therefore we consider ourselves lucky that we saw one with relative ease, along the Loreto road in the east.
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla H
White-bellied Antpitta Grallaria hypoleuca H
Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta: One of the highlights of the tour for me personally was getting really good views of 2 separate individuals at Angel's farm, near Mindo, even seeing one of these birds in the same view as a Moustached Antpitta G. alleni when it chased it away from the worms it was also after. Getting photos of this species had always seemed impossible to me as they are ordinarily so elusive, so getting a record shot of this bird was also a personal highlight from this tour.
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula: Two separate birds were both seen well at Yanacocha, one along the entrance track and another in the reserve itself.
Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis: Always the easiest antpitta to see, and this proved the case again with 4 different individuals seen at Papallacta.
Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana: One gave superb views on the Guacamayos Ridge.
 Peruvian Antpitta Grallaricula peruviana H: Frustratingly only heard (on two separate occasions) at San Isidro-very frustrating for guide and clients alike!

TAPACULOS Rhinocryptidae
Ash-colored Tapaculo Myornis senilis H
Unicolored (Blackish) Tapaculo Scytalopus unicolor (latrans)
Equatorial Rufous-vented Tapaculo Scytalopus micropterus: 1 was seen on the trails at San Isidro.
Nariño Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior H
Spillmann's Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni H
Páramo Tapaculo Scytalopus canus: We were fortunate to find a bird feeding in the open in an area of sparse polylepis woodland near Papallacta Pass.
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx: Always an easy bird to hear as their loud calls carry a long way although they can be a difficult bird to actually see, however on this tour we managed to get really good prolonged views of a bird on a private trail where they can often be found. A great-looking, unique Tapaculo that stands out from an otherwise fairly non-descript family.

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Tyrannidae
Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps H
Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster
White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps
 Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus
White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus
Rufous-winged Tyrannulet Mecocerculus calopterus
Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor: Seen a few times in flocks on the Guacamayos Ridge.
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea
Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus: Recorded on several occasions along the Guacamayos Rodge when birds were seen accompanying mixed feeding flocks.
Ecuadorian Tyrannulet Phylloscartes gualaquizae: Recorded a few times along the Loreto road (a good site for this restricted range bird that is only found on the east slope of the Andes in Ecuador and northern Peru).
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus: One was seen right beside the lodge at Tandayapa, and another was seen along the Loreto road.
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus ruficeps: Seen at both San Isidro and on the Guacamayos Ridge.
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps: Two different birds were seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum
Pacific Flatbill Rhynchocyclus pacificus H
Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus: One was seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myiobius sulphureipygius: One was recorded at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Tawny-breasted Flycatcher Myiobius villosus: Several sightings at Milpe.
Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans
Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus: One seen at the Milpe reserve.
Handsome Flycatcher Myiophobus pulcher: A few were seen along the Guacamayos Ridge.
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea
Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopusvirens H
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus
Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens: A boreal migrant from the north only present during the boreal winter.
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris: One bird seen along the old Nono-Mindo road.
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Silvicultrix diadema
Smoky Bush-Tyrant Myiothertes fumigatus: 1 was seen along the Guacamayos ridge.
Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea: 5 birds seen along the Loreto road, one of the few places in Ecuador where they are relatively easy.
Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montana: Seen a few times at Antisana where they are frequently recorded, and another was seen from the cable car (teleferico) up Pichincha in Quito.
Paramo (Plain-capped) Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris: One was seen near Papallacta Pass with quite a few others seen at Antisana.
Masked Water-Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus H
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes: One was seen around the cabins at San Isidro.
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus
Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor: Recorded in subtropical forest, both in the Upper Tandayapa Valley and on the Guacamayos Ridge.
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus
One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata
Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana

COTINGAS Cotingidae
Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristata
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata: Good views of a male of this temperate forest fruiteater on the main trail at Yanacocha.
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii: Recorded in the east (on the Guacamayos ridge) and in the west in the Tandayapa Valley.
Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii: Two sightings of this distinctive cotinga-1 on the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge and a female on the Angel's private trails near Mindo.
Olivaceous Piha Lipaugus cryptolophus: 1 seen in an area of fruiting trees (along with Dusky Piha L. fuscocinereus & Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana), along the Guacamayos Ridge.
Dusky Piha Lipaugus fuscocinereus: 2 sightings along the Guacamayos Ridge, including one in a fruiting area with an Olivaceous Piha Lipaugus cryptolophus and a male Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana.
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata: 1 very vocal female seen at the Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary, Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana: Both the eastern aequatorialis and western Sanguinolenta race birds seen, with western race males being a much more vivid stronger scarlet red compared to the much paler orange males in the east. In the west at least 2 males seen at a lek along the Nono-Mindo road and in the east a male was seen in a fruiting tree on the Guacamayos Ridge (with two species of piha in the same area).

MANAKINS Pipridae
Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus: 3 birds (2 males) seen in the same area as the Club-winged Manakins Machaeropterus deliciosus at Milpe.
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus
Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus: At least four males seen displaying on the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation reserve at Milpe, when there distinctive mechanical 'song' was frequently heard.

CROWS, JAYS, AND MAGPIES Corvidae
Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa
Beautiful Jay Cyanolyca pulchra: Stunning views of a single bird in the Tandayapa Valley (a bird that deserves its given name).
Inca (Green) Jay Cyanocorax yncas: Commonly seen and heard around the cabins at San Isidro.

VIREOS, PEPPERSHRKES, SHRIKE-VIREOS Vireonidae
Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris H: Only heard distantly at San Isidro.
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus
Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus: A few seen along the Loreto Road.

THRUSHES Turdidae
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus: A boreal migrant, only present during the northern winter.
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater
Glossy-Black Thrush Turdus serranus
Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus: A singing bird seen near Milpe reserve.
Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris: 1 seen at the Giant Antpitta site near Mindo. NB. Ridgely & Greenfield list this as a Tumbesian lowland endemic, being restricted only to western Ecuador and NW Peru.

DIPPERS Cinclidae
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus: 3 seen on a rivr by the Loreto road, including 2 birds which were observed aggressively displaying towards each other.

SWALLOWS AND MARTINS Hirundinidae
Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea: 1 seen in a flock of Blue-and-White Swallows Notiochelidon cyanoleuca along the Loreto road.
Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina
Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: 1 seen over the main lake at Antisana. NB. This is a sesonal visitor to Ecuador, only present during the boreal winter.

WRENS Troglodytidae
Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufra: A small flock was seen at Yanacocha, in a mixed feeding flock.
Sepia-Brown (Sharpe's) Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa: 1 Seen in the Upper Tandayapa Valley and a party of 4 birds were seen along the Guacamayos ridge.
Grass (Sedge) Wren Cistothorus platensis: Recorded at Antisana, Papallacta and from the top of the Pichincha cable car above Quito.
Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus: 2 were seen (a pair) at Pedoro Vicente Maldonado.
Plain-tailed Wren Thryothorus euophrys: 1 seen on the Guacamayos ridge.
Stripe-throated Wren Thryothorus leucopogon H: Unfortunately only heard distantly at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys
White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta: A pair were seen by the Loreto road.
Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus thoracicus H: Heard calling distantly from the Guacamayos ridge.
 Musician Wren Cyphorhinus arada H: 1 heard along the Loreto road.
Southern Nightingale (Scaly-breasted) Wren Microcerculus marginatus H
Wing-banded Wren Microcerculus bambla: 1 bird was seen very well alongside the Loreto road, and at least one other was heard along there.

GNATCATCHERS AND GNATWRENS Polioptilidae
Slate-throated Gnatcatcher Polioptila schistaceigula: 1 was seen in a feeding flock on the Rio Silanche trail (Pedro Vicente Maldonado), in a flock with Scarlet-browed Heterospingus xanthopygius, Blue-whiskered T. johannae & Emerald Tanagers T. Florida.

NEW WORLD WARBLERS Parulidae
Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi
Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea: A few were seen in a flock along the Loreto road (a boreal migrant, only present during the northern winter).
Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca: Commonly encountered in mixed flocks on the west slope, where it is a migrant during the boreal winter.
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava
Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis: 3 seen in a mixed feeding flock off the Loreto road. NB. Only a boreal migrant to Ecuador.
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus
Spectacled Whitestart Myioborus melanocephalus
Black-crested Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus
Chocó Warbler Basileuterus chlorophrys: Quite common and frequently seen in mixed feeding flocks on the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation Milpe reserve.
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus
Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus
Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda: A bird strongly associated with rivers & streams, we saw one hopping along the rocks in the Rio Silanche, Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

TANAGERS AND ALLIES Thraupidae
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza
 Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia: Several sightings at Pedro Vicente Maldonado. NB. This is a split from Black-faced Dacnis D. lineata, that not all authors adopt. When considered separate species they are distributed on different slopes with Yellow-tufted in the west and Black-faced in the east.
Scarlet-breasted Dacnis Dacnis berlepschi: One of the most stunning looking Choco endemics, and we were really pleased to get good views of a pair of these stunning tanagers in a mixed feeding flock with Emerald T. florida & Blue-whiskered Tanagers T johannae at the new Mindo Cloudforest Foundation Rio Silanche reserve.
Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum
Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons
Giant Conebill Oreomanes fraseri: A group of 4 were seen in a patch of polylepis woodland near Papallacta Pass. These superb birds are polylepis specialists, rarely being found away from that habitat.
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossopis caerulescens: A couple of sightings along the Guacamayos ridge.
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossopis cyanea
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer Diglossopis glauca: 2 sightings along the Loreto road. NB. This species is often listed as Deep-blue Flowerpiercer on many World lists.
Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira
Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata: 3 seen in the Upper Tandayapa Valley. NB. This tanager is erratic in appearances in the Tandayapa Valley (sometimes missing for months on end).
Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorohonia cyanea: 1 seen near the Loreto road.
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster
Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea: 1 seen on the Loreto road.
Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula: Recorded at both the Milpe reserve and also at the nearby fruit feeders at the restaurant in Los Bancos.
Gray-and-gold Tanager Tangara palmeri: 2 seen in a feeding flock in the Rio Silanche reserve.
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus
Emerald Tanager Tangara florida: A pair were seen in a mixed feeding flock in the Rio Silanche reserve.
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala: Regular at the feeders of the Los Bancos restaurant near Milpe.
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala: Quite a few sightings in mixed flocks around San Isidro in the east.
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii: Both eastern and western race birds seen (they are markedly different in plumage), at San Isidro and in the Tandayapa Valley and the Los Bancos restaurant respectively (where unrivalled views can be had of these superb tanagers).
Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides: Only one sighting, in the Upper Tandayapa Valley.
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis: Fairly common in the Upper Tandayapa Valley.
Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis
Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata: One sighting around Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis: Several sightings of this gorgeous tanager along the Loreto road.
Blue-whiskered Tanager Tangara johannae: A very scarce Chocó speciality, so we were lucky to get some good prolonged views of a low bird in a feeding flock on the Rio Silanche reserve, Pedro Vicente Maldonado. (The bird was in a mixed flock with Emerald Tanagers T. florida and Scarlet-breasted Dacnises Dacnis berlepschi).
Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata: Several sightings along the Loreto road.
Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra: 1 seen on the Loreto road.
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola
Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex: Some good views were had on the first day of the tour at Yanacocha on the west slope, and another was seen in a mixed flock in an area of elfin woodland on the east slope (with the rare Masked Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis wetmorei and around 15 Black-backed Bush-Tanagers Urothraupis stolzmanni).
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus: 1 bird was seen on the Guacamayos ridge.
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus: Many were seen in the Tandayapa Valley, including at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge fruit feeders.
Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus notabilis: At least three birds were seen in a mixed feeding flock at the Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea site near Mindo.
Hooded Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis montana: Seen on the Guacamayos ridge and also in the Tandayapa Valley.
Masked Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis wetmorei: For the third straight tour, this scarce tanager was seen in a mixed flock in an elfin woodland patch near Papallacta. On this occasion the bird was with around 15 Black-backed Bush-Tanagers Urothraupis stolzmanni and a Golden-Crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex.
Black-chested Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis eximia: Several were seen in tanager flocks along the trail at Yanacocha.
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii: This attractive tanager was seen a number of times on the tour, inclusing in the Tandayapa Valley, at Yanacocha and on the Guacamayos ridge.
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis
Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum
Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo: Recorded a few times along the Loreto road.
Lemon-rumped (Flame-rumped) Tanager Ramphocelus icteronotus
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra: A boreal migrant to Ecuador. A male was seen Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera
Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni: Fairly common in mixed flocks in the Milpe reserve.
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii: Seen a few times at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus
White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus
Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii: 3+ seen in a one-species flock at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Fulvous Shrike-Tanager Lanio fulvus: A calling pair were seen in a mixed flock on the trail off the Loreto road.
Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius: 3+ seen in mixed feeding flocks on the Rio Silanche reserve, Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus
Dusky Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus semifuscus: Fairly common in the Upper Tandayapa Valley.
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis
Yellow-whiskered Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus parvirostris: Seen a number of times on the Guacamayos ridge.
Black-backed Bush-Tanager Urothraupis stolzmanni: A flock of 15 birds was seen in a patch of elfin woodland near Papallacta. The birds were in a very low mixed feeding flock with at least one Masked Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis wetmorei and a Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex.
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris
Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis: 1 was seen well in a feeding flock along the Guacamayos ridge.
Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis: A vocal pair were seen by the cabins at san Isidro.
Western Hemispingus Hemispingus ochraceus: A pair were seen in a feeding flock in the Upper Tandayapa Valley. This Chocó speciality is sometimes considered conspecific with Black-eared Hemispingus H. melanotis.
Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana: A small group were seen by the roadside en-route to the Loreto road.

SALTATORS,GROSBEAKS, CARDINALS Cardinalidae
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis
Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens: One seen near the Loreto road.
Southern Yellow (Golden-bellied) Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster

EMBERIZINE FINCHES Emberizidae
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea
Lesser Seed-finch Oryzoborus angolensis funerius
Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricol
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor
Rufous-naped Brush-Finch Atlapetes latinuchus: Seen at Yanacocha (where fairly common), from the teleferico up Pichincha in Quito and also at Antisana.
Tricolored Brush-Finch Atlapetes tricolor: Seen in the Tandayapa Valley.
White-winged Brush-Finch Atlapetes leucopterus: One came to the fruit feeders at Tandayapa Bird Lodge on several occasions.
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon brunneinuchus: 1 seen on the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch Buarremon torquatus: Two sightings at Yanacocha-1 on the trail and another along the entrance track.
Tanager Finch Oreothraupis arremonops: Checking out a known territory proved very worthwhile as we saw a bird singing (unusually) in the open there.
Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris: 2 seen at Pedro Vicente Maldonado.
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis

AMERICAN ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS Icteridae
Northern Mountain-Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus: Encountered a number of times along the Guacamyos ridge.
Subtropical (Scarlet-rumped) Cacique Cacicus uropygialis: Quite common around San Isidro where they were seen around the cabins and also along the Guacamayos ridge trail.
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons: Seen a number of times around the cabins at San Isidro and also on the Loreto road.
Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi

CARDUELINE FINCHES Fringillidae
Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria: 1 male seen right beside Tandayapa Bird Lodge on New Years Day.