Go to Northern Ecuador Birding Paradise | Neotropical bird tours | All our birding tours
05-22 NOVEMBER 2021
By Galo Real
Orange-breasted Fruiteater showed beautifully for us at Reserva Amagusa.
Overview
This 18-day northern Ecuador set departure tour began at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. From here we explored to the east, stopping at the Antisana Ecological Reserve for the iconic Andean Condor and many other highland specials. As we continued east up and over the Papallacta Pass, at 14,000 feet (4,200 meters), the scenery quickly changed from Inter-Andean valley grasslands to Polylepis Elfin forest and paramo. We then continued down the slope to the Guango River where we saw a variety of hummers including the ridiculous-looking Sword-billed Hummingbird and a multitude of mixed tanager flocks.
As we worked further east to the foothills of the Sumaco Volcano Biosphere Reserve, the habitat and climate changed suddenly to highland Amazon. At 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) we even saw Napo Saki monkeys and a Tayra, as well as various manakins, toucans, woodpeckers and hummingbirds. We then doubled back west to the cloud forests of San Isidro, a haven for birds. We were surprised one evening when we saw a Mountain Tapir, right next to the lodge. We then crossed through Quito and down the west slope to the area of Mindo, which was a treasure trove of new species. Eighteen days flew by and before we knew it, we were back in Quito heading to the airport for our flights home. Ecuador has around 18% of the world’s bird species and this northern itinerary, that includes both east and west slope and experiences several different ecosystems, always produces an impressive trip list which includes many Ecuadorian and neotropical specials.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 5th November 2021. Arrival in Quito
Today was an arrival day and as members of the group started to arrive, they were met at the airport and transferred to the hotel which was located only 15 minutes away.
Day 2, 6th November 2021. Buffer day in Quito
Today was a buffer day to allow the rest of the group to arrive in Quito. The morning was spent birding the hotel grounds before breakfast. The area surrounding the hotel consists of typical inter-Andean dry forests and is normally very birdy. Our first sightings included the likes of Great Thrush, Eared Dove, Sparkling Violetear, Saffron Finch, and Vermilion Flycatcher.
After breakfast while the others enjoyed the gardens and took time to rest, the remainder of the group was fetched from the airport. In the afternoon we got back together and went over the schedule for the trip before enjoying our dinner.
Day 3, 7th November 2021. Antisana National Park birding
After an early breakfast, we drove for one hour to Antisana National Park. This 120,000-hectare reserve conserves large tracts of paramo, wetlands and Andean forest and is always a great spot for birding and mammal-watching.
As soon as we arrived, we encountered Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, Great Thrush, and Sedge Wren, as well as a gorgeous female Ecuadorian Hillstar which was perched up on a chuquiragua flower. The weather was particularly kind to us which made the surrounding landscapes appear even more beautiful.
We continued to “Casa Vieja,” an abandoned home left over from when the land was owned privately. Here we saw another female Ecuadorian Hillstar and we were all able to get some nice shots and looks. Soon afterwards, we spotted a male Andean Condor and the whole group was dumbstruck as we watched him soar overhead. As the day progressed, we made our way to the pampas or wetland area. This is always a favorite place for Andean Ibis, Andean Gull, and Carunculated Caracara, which we saw well, along with a small group of White-tailed Deer. We even got a couple glimpses of the spectacular Antisana Volcano, before being quickly shrouded by the clouds again.
We saw a small group of White-tailed Deer in Antisana National Park.
When we arrived at the ranger station, one of the park rangers kindly informed us where the Tawny Antpitta was singing. We all got really nice looks at the antpitta as it belted out its song. We then continued up to Mica Lake, where we saw Andean Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, and Andean Duck, all out enjoying the lovely weather.
Around midday we made our way to Tambo-Condor Hotel for lunch. This is a nice spot with great food which is run by two condor monitors. As our food arrived, a Giant Hummingbird appeared at the feeders near the outdoor eating area, followed by Sparkling Violetear and Black-tailed Trainbearer, as well as a Black Flowerpiercer. What a great way to enjoy our lunch, especially after a wonderful morning’s birding.
After a nice warm meal, we slowly made our way back to the hotel to rest a bit and prepare for our next day’s adventure in the eastern Andes. Before dinner we all got together to go over the checklist from the day and discuss our schedule for the following morning.
Day 4, 8th November 2021. Papallacta Pass and transfer to Las Termas
After an early breakfast we checked out and headed directly up the Papallacta Pass which sits at an impressive 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level. From here we entered the Cayambe Coca Reserve and went as far as the antennas. Initially there was not much activity, with just a couple of Variable Hawks and Great Thrushes being seen. Then a mixed flock fed right in front of us and we got really great looks at Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, and Paramo Tapaculo. Unfortunately, the weather turned really nasty and we decided to head on to our lodge.
In the parking lot and entrance to Las Termas de Papallacta Resort we saw Black and Masked Flowerpiercers, as well as the beautiful Shining Sunbeam. Black-crested Warblers and Mountain Wrens were particularly common around the resort grounds. We wandered the trails in the afternoon which provided some good photographic opportunities before it was time for the evening checklist session and dinner.
The gorgeous Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager.
Day 5, 9th November 2021. Guango Lodge and Papallacta River birding
After some early morning birding and breakfast, we headed east down the mountain to Guango Lodge. Everyone was excited to arrive at this well-known spot for hummingbirds. With almost no effort required, we sat and watched Tourmaline Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Collared Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, White-bellied Woodstar, and even the magnificent Sword-billed Hummingbird as they visited the flowers and feeders right in front of us, while we were served a nice hot cup of tea or coffee.
We enjoyed the garden’s hummingbird feeders all morning before our lunch was served. After a wonderful hot meal, we walked down to the river. Along the trail a very active flock consisting of Pearled Treerunner, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Turquiose Jay, and Spectacled Whitestart was seen feeding in a tree right in front of us. We continued down to the Papallacta River where we saw a Torrent Tyrannulet and White capped Dipper.
After a wonderful day we returned back to Las Termas to get cleaned up before our checklist session and dinner.
The hummingbird feeders at Guango Lodge produced many beauties, such as this Collared Inca.
Day 6, 10th November 2021. Papallacta Pass, Cosanga and WildSumaco Lodge
After breakfast we headed southeast to the Loreto Road where the incredible WildSumaco Lodge is located. The trip takes four hours, but has some nice birding stops along the way. The first stop was in the town of Cosanga, where both male and female Torrent Ducks were enjoying the river while Southern Lapwing and Torrent Tyrannulet were searching for food along the riverbanks. After another two hours of driving, and a couple stops we reached the foothills of the eastern Andes and arrived at WildSumaco Lodge.
Fernanda, the lodge manager, welcomed us and checked us into our accommodation. Before lunch was served, we enjoyed waiting outside and taking pictures and watching new hummingbird species such as Brown Violetear, Wire-crested Thorntail, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Golden-tailed Sapphire, and Many-spotted Hummingbird.
In the afternoon, after we checked the feeders again, we decided to walk along the lodge entrance road and try for some toucans and woodpeckers. As soon as we started walking, we could hear a toucan calling, we immediately started searching and found a small flock consisting of Channel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Gilded Barbet, and Lineated Woodpecker. We could also hear Golden-collared Toucanet as it called in the distance. We birded a little longer until the group decided to head back to rest before dinner.
We had various toucan species at WildSumaco Lodge, such as this Golden-collared Toucanet.
Day 7, 11th November 2021. Full day birding at WildSumaco Lodge
After a hearty Amazonian-style breakfast, we headed to the trails to watch the antpitta feeding. First to come for the worms was a Plain-backed Antpitta, then Ochre-breasted Antpitta, and then a Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush appeared. After everyone was fed, we headed up the trail, on the way we heard a Blue-rumped Manakin and then a decent-sized flock appeared including Blue-crowned Trogon, Summer Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, and Orange-bellied Euphonia.
We decided to return to the hotel to check the hummingbird feeders before lunch. While watching the feeders, a Tayra appeared in the tree in front of the dining area. Tayra are members of the weasel family and the only species in the genus Eira.
In the afternoon we went birding near the small town of Sumaco, very close to the hotel. There was a nice mixed feeding flock which included the likes of Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Palm Tanager, Magpie Tanager, Blue-grey Saltator, Black-billed Thrush, and Olivaceous Greenlet.
Later in the afternoon we made our way back to the lodge to get cleaned up before checking our day’s list and enjoying dinner.
This Tayra was seen near the hummingbird feeders at WildSumaco Lodge.
Day 8, 12th November 2021. Full day birding at WildSumaco Lodge
This morning we awoke to a heavy downpour. When we thought the rain had lightened up, we visited the blind, but the rain soon started up again. We did however manage to see Western Fire-Eye, Black-faced Antpitta, and Swainson’s Thrush. The rest of the morning it rained very hard and so we stayed close to the main lodge. All of a sudden, the rain ceased and in the trees in front of us appeared a family of Napo Saki monkeys taking advantage of the good weather, at last.
After a nice lunch we decided to walk the trails around the lodge while we enjoyed the prolonged good weather. A feeding flock crossed our path which consisted of Magpie Tanager, Gilded Barbet, Green Jay, Golden-collared Toucanet, Lined Antshrike, and Yellow-throated Toucan. Other birds seen on the trail included Paradise Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Crested Oropendola, and a pair of Chestnut-fronted Macaws. Right before dinner we spotted a Wattled Guan in a nearby cecropia tree.
Day 9, 13th November 2021. WildSumaco Lodge to San Isidro
Today was our last day at WildSumaco and we thankfully awoke to good weather, so we decided to visit the blind one more time. That proved to be a good idea as we got nice looks at Red-headed Barbet, Western Fire-Eye, Black-faced Antbird, Swainson’s Thrush, and Canada Warbler. After breakfast, we packed up and left for Cabañas San Isidro. Since it was still early and the weather was nice, we decided to make a few stops before hitting the main road. We wanted to try one more time for Coppery-chested Jacamar, but this time at a different location. We had a response right off the bat, from very near to where we stood. Excitement grew and finally the Coppery-chested Jacamar appeared and perched on a branch right in front of us. A truly great way to start the day. Other good birds here included calling Little Tinamou and Plumbeous Pigeon.
Along the way we wanted to try one more time for Cliff Flycatcher on the Loreto Road. We arrived at the stakeout (which has proved reliable in the past), and almost immediately, there it was, perched on a nearby wire. We also saw Green-backed Hillstar, Palm Tanager, and Swallow-tailed Kite. We arrived at San Isidro right around lunchtime. After our delicious meal we planned to meet on the deck of the lodge after we had settled into our cabins.
In the afternoon, we birded around the lodge where we saw Tawny-bellied Hermit, Long-tailed Sylph, Collared Inca, Montane Woodcreeper, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Green Jay, and a nice surprise in the form of an Andean Solitaire. Before dinner we had a chance to freshen up and grab our headlamps, just in case. This proved to be a good idea because while we were eating our dinner a ‘San Isidro Owl’ (an unusual subspecies of Black-banded Owl) showed up and watched us for a while.
Pale-edged Flycatcher was seen in the WildSumaco Lodge grounds.
Day 10, 14th November 2021. Full day birding at San Isidro
Before breakfast we met up on the main balcony of the lodge where we saw Bronzy Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Masked Trogon, Azara’s Spinetail, Black-billed Peppershrike, and Common Bush Tanager. We birded a little longer before it was time for breakfast. After enjoying our breakfast, we birded the road that passes by the lodge and saw Golden-headed Quetzal, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Bluish Flowerpiercer, and Blue-winged Mountain Tanager.
In the afternoon we visited the Cosanga Valley and Sierra Azul area to see what we could find. There was not a lot of activity, but we did see a small flock which consisted of Black Phoebe, Green Jay, Golden-rumped Euphonia, and Blackburnian Warbler, while a Roadside Hawk was seen nearby.
We made our way back to the lodge around dinner time with ‘San Isidro Owl’ (Black-banded Owl) and Mountain Tapir showing for us! What an amazing way to end the day.
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager is always a delight to see.
Day 11, 15th November 2021. Full day birding at San Isidro
In the early morning before breakfast, we spotted Long- tailed Sylph, Tawny-bellied Antpitta, Collared Inca, Fawn-breasted Brillant, Masked Trogon, and Scarlet-rumped Cacique. At 7:30, we met our local guide to show us White-bellied Antpitta. After about 15 minutes of calling, we were almost about to give up when the antpitta showed and stuck around for quite a while, giving us prolonged views. After a delicious and nutritious breakfast, we decided to bird along the Bemejo Road. As we arrived, we immediately spotted Crested Quetzal, and then a couple of minutes later, we saw Emerald Toucanet, Plum-crowned Parrot, and Russet-crowned Warbler.
Around noon, we went back to the lodge for lunch. After our meal and a moment to regroup we met up to visit the Guacamayos Ridge. From the trailhead on the ridge we saw Turquoise Jay, Great Thrush, and Tropical Kingbird. Suddenly a thick fog formed and it was a unanimous decision to head back to the lodge and enjoy some birding in the lodge grounds until dinner.
Day 12, 16th November 2021. San Isidro, Santa Rosa Bird House, and Mindo
After an early breakfast we quickly checked the feeders, where we saw Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Green Jay, and Pale-edged Flycatcher. Once all our luggage was loaded, we headed west over the Andes for a five-hour trip to Mindo.
For lunch we stopped at Santa Rosa Bird House, where we saw Gorgeted Sunangel, Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brillant, and Dusky Bush Tanager. However, after around four hours of searching, we realized that this time the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, was not going to come out. After lunch we drove to Septimo Paraiso Lodge, which was our base for the next five nights.
After checking in, we visited the feeders and saw several new hummingbirds for our list, including White-necked Jacobin, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Inca, White-booted Racket-tail, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. After dinner we were all ready for a good night’s sleep, as we had a big day of birding ahead of us tomorrow.
We had great looks at a Masked Trogon at San Isidro.
Day 13, 17th November 2021. Refugio Paz de las Aves to Paraiso and Mindo
The day finally arrived to visit the famous antpitta reserve, Refugio Paz de las Aves. In the early morning we met Ángel Paz, in person. Angel took us to see a lek of Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks, and also showed us a group of roosting Rufous-bellied Nighthawks. Along the way we saw Golden-winged Manakin and Golden-crowned Flycatcher. On the way back we saw a bird of prey fly over us and thankfully it perched nearby. With the help of the telescope, we identified the bird as a Collared Forest Falcon.
Next, Angel stopped to feed the Yellow-breasted Antpitta which showed really well and we all were able to get nice shots of this pretty bird. Later, Ochre-breasted Antpitta and Moustached Antpitta were seen as well as a roosting Common Potoo. After a nice morning we drove back to the lodge for lunch. We checked the feeders before lunch and saw White-whiskered Hermit, Andean Emerald, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, and Brown Inca.
In the afternoon we decided to bird the surrounding areas around Mindo. First stop was the Rio Mindo, where we saw Choco Toucan, Bronze-winged Parrot, Swallow Tanager, and Rusty-margined Flycatcher. As the weather was really good, we continued along the road to Nambillo River, where we watched Spotted Sandpiper, Ringed Kingfisher, Masked Water Tyrant, and White-capped Dipper. The afternoon flew by and before we knew it, it was time to go back to the lodge to get ready for dinner and some well-deserved rest.
The cute and colorful Golden-naped Tanager.
Day 14, 18th November 2021. Milpe Reserve birding
This morning we had an early breakfast and left for Mindo Cloud Forest Foundation’s Milpe Reserve, which is located near the town of Los Bancos, about 45 minutes from our lodge. Here, we were able to spot Green Thorntail, Crowned Woodnymph, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird as soon as we walked into the reserve. At the tanager feeders there was not much activity but we did see Red-headed Barbet, Yellow-throated Toucan, Buff-fronted Foliage-Gleaner, Chivi Vireo, and the locally scarce Dusky-faced Tanager and Flame-rumped Tanager.
Dusky-faced Tanager was an unusual find at Milpe Reserve.
The weather was very pleasant so we walked around the reserve and saw a variety of birds, including the likes of Broad-billed Motmot, One-colored Becard, Ecuadorian Thrush, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Crested Guan, and Masked Water Tyrant. We had a nice lunch at the reserve while we watched Red-faced Spinetail, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, and Guira Tanager. After a good day’s birding we returned to our lodge to get ready for dinner.
Day 15, 19th November 2021. Full day at Silanche Reserve
We left early this morning for Silanche Reserve, located two hours away. This 400-hectare Choco forest reserve is surrounded by farmland and as such it has become an oasis for many Choco Specials. As soon as we arrived at the observation tower, a small mixed flock greeted us with Ruddy Pigeon, Orange-fronted Barbet, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Linetaed Woodpecker, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Choco Tyrannulet, Golden-headed Tanager, Purple Honeycreeper all being new species for us. We decided to walk the main trail and right at the trailhead we saw Purple-chested Hummingbird, Dot-winged Antbird, White-necked Manakin, and Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant.
The activity slowed down around noon when the sun was high overhead, which was right when lunch was being served. In the afternoon things started to cool off and we spotted a mixed flock which included Collared Aracari, Choco Toucan, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, White-browed Gnatcacher, and we also heard a Black-headed Antthrush, We arrived back at Septimo Paraiso Lodge tired and ready to get cleaned up for a nice dinner.
Collared Aracari showed incredibly well for us.
Day 16, 20th November 2021. Reserva Amagusa birding
We were nearing the end of our tour and today we planned to visit a site that is a very important destination in this part of the Andean Choco. This particular reserve was Reserva Amagusa. Sergio, the owner, was waiting for us on our arrival and this was to be our base for the morning as we spent our time enjoying the many tanager species coming to the feeders. As soon as we arrived, we found our first targets, those being Moss-backed Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Golden Tanager, and Indigo Flowerpiercer.
At the hummingbird feeders we found Green Thorntail, Empress Brillant, Green-crowned Brillant, and White-necked Jacobin. After lunch we returned to the hotel to take a break and pack our bags for the return to Quito.
Rufous-throated Tanager – one of the many tanager species seen on this trip.
Day 17, 21st November 2021. Birding Zuroloma and Yanacocha Reserves and transfer to Quito
We checked out early this morning because we wanted to get to Zuroloma Reserve early to watch the antpittas being fed. As soon as we arrived at Zuroloma, Dario was waiting for us and we headed to the hummingbird and antpitta feeders where we saw Chestnut-naped Antpitta. This particular bird was very friendly and let us get several nice pictures. At that same moment an Andean Guan visited and at the hummingbird feeders nearby we saw Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and Sapphire-vented Puffleg.
After enjoying the feeders, Dario took us back to the dining area for a delicious homemade breakfast. After our meal we were all fueled up to head back out and search for the recently split Equatorial Antpitta. We walked for 30 minutes and waited around for another 15 minutes, and it was well worth the wait, as we all got great looks and shots of this plump, short-tailed and long-legged creature. A very beautiful bird indeed!
We thanked Dario for the morning and then took a short drive to the Yanacocha Reserve managed by the Jocotoco Foundation. Upon arrival, we saw a flock consisting of Masked Flowerpiercer, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, and Black-chested Mountain Tanager. We then birded around the reserve for the remainder of the morning.
After a nice lunch we returned to Quito Airport for our Covid tests and then settled back in at our hotel. After getting checked in we went over our checklists and flight schedules for the evening and next morning. We all agreed that the trip had been a great success and that we should get together and bird southern Ecuador in the near future.
We saw Chestnut-naped Antpitta at the antpitta feeders at Zuroloma Reserve.
Day 18, 22nd November 2021. Departure from Quito
After a fantastic 18 days of birding in northern Ecuador we all departed Quito for home without any complications.
Bird List – Following IOC (12.1)
Birds ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, all other species were seen.
| Common Names | Scientific Name |
| Tinamidae – Tinamous | |
| Little Tinamou (H) | Crypturellus soui harterti |
| Anatidae – Ducks, Geese, and Swans | |
| Muscovy Duck | Cairina moschata |
| Torrent Duck | Merganetta armata |
| Andean Teal | Anas andium |
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Anas georgica spinicauda |
| Andean Duck | Oxyura ferruginea |
| Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns, and Egrets | |
| Fasciated Tiger Heron | Tigrisoma fasciatum salmoni |
| Great Blue Heron | Ardea herodias |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba |
| Western Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis |
| Threskiornithidae – Ibises and Spoonbills | |
| Andean Ibis | Theristicus melanopis branickii |
| Cathartidae – American Vultures | |
| Andean Condor | Vultur gryphus |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus foetens |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura |
| Accipitridae – Kites, Eagles, and Hawks | |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus yetapa |
| Grey-headed Kite | Leptodon cayanensis |
| Crane Hawk | Geranospiza caerulescens |
| Roadside Hawk | Buteo magnirostris magnirostris |
| Variable Hawk | Geranoaetus polyosoma |
| Falconidae – Falcons and Caracaras | |
| Carunculated Caracara | Phalcoboenus carunculatus |
| Collared Forest Falcon | Micrastur semitorquatus naso |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius aequatorialis |
| Aplomado Falcon | Falco femoralis |
| Cracidae – Curassows, Guans, and Chachalacas | |
| Speckled Chachalaca | Ortalis guttata guttata |
| Andean Guan | Penelope montagnii brooki |
| Crested Guan | Penelope purpurascens aequatorialis |
| Wattled Guan | Aburria aburri |
| Rallidae – Rails, Gallinules, and Coots | |
| Grey-breasted Crake (H) | Laterallus exilis |
| White-throated Crake (H) | Laterallus albigularis albigularis |
| Blackish Rail | Pardirallus nigricans nigricans |
| Andean Coot | Fulica ardesiaca |
| Scolopacidae – Sandpipers, Snipes, and Phalaropes | |
| Spotted Sandpiper | Actitis macularia |
| Charadriidae – Plovers and Lapwings | |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis cayennensis |
| Andean Lapwing | Vanellus resplendens |
| Laridae – Gulls and Terns | |
| Andean Gull | Larus serranus |
| Columbidae – Pigeons and Doves | |
| Rock Dove | Columba livia |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Columba fasciata albilinea |
| Scaled Pigeon | Patagioenas speciosa |
| Ruddy Pigeon | Patagioenas subvinacea |
| Dusky Pigeon | Patagioenas goodsoni |
| Plumbeous Pigeon (H) | Patagioenas plumbea |
| Eared Dove | Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca |
| White-tipped Dove | Leptotila verreauxi decipiens |
| Pallid Dove | Leptotila pallida |
| Grey-fronted Dove (H) | Leptotila rufaxilla |
| White-throated Quail-Dove (H) | Geotrygon frenata |
| Psittacidae – Parrots and Macaws | |
| Military Macaw (H) | Ara militaris militaris |
| Chestnut-fronted Macaw | Ara severua |
| Maroon-tailed Parakeet | Pyrrhura melanura melanura |
| Blue-headed Parrot | Pionus menstruus |
| Plum-crowned Parrot | Pionus tumultuosus |
| Bronze-winged Parrot | Pionus chalcopterus |
| Southern Mealy Amazon | Amazona farinosa farinosa |
| Cuculidae – Cuckoos and Anis | |
| Squirrel Cuckoo | Piaya cayana minuta |
| Little Cuckoo | Piaya minuta mesura |
| Smooth-billed Ani | Crotophaga ani |
| Strigidae – Typical Owls | |
| Band-bellied Owl (H) | Pulsatrix melanota melanota |
| Black-banded Owl | Strix huhula |
| Mottled Owl (H) | Strix virgata |
| Nyctibiidae – Potoos | |
| Common Potoo | Nyctibius griseus |
| Caprimulgidae – Nightjars and Nighthawks | |
| Rufous-bellied Nighthawk | Lurocalis rufiventris |
| Apodidae – Swifts | |
| White-collared Swift | Streptoprocne zonaris altissima |
| Chestnut-collared Swift | Streptoprocne rutilus |
| Trochilidae – Hummingbirds | |
| White-whiskered Hermit | Phaethornis yaruqui |
| Green Hermit | Phaethornis guy apicalis |
| Tawny-bellied Hermit | Phaethornis syrmatophorus |
| White-necked Jacobin | Florisuga mellivora |
| Brown Violetear | Colibri delphinae |
| Sparkling Violetear | Colibri coruscans coruscans |
| Black-throated Mango | Anthracothorax nigricollis |
| Violet-headed Hummingbird | Klais guimeti guimeti |
| Wire-crested Thorntail | Discosura popelairii |
| Green Thorntail | Discosura conversii |
| Blue-tailed Emerald | Chlorostilbon mellisugus phoeopygus |
| Fork-tailed Woodnymph | Thalurania furcata viridipectus |
| Crowned Woodnymph | Thalurania colombica verticeps |
| Golden-tailed Sapphire | Chrysuronia oenone oenone |
| Many-spotted Hummingbird | Taphrospilus hypostictus |
| Rufous-tailed Hummingbird | Amazilia tzacatl jucunda |
| Andean Emerald | Amazilia franciae |
| Glittering-throated Emerald | Amazilia fimbriata fluviatilis |
| Speckled Hummingbird | Adelomyia melanogenys maculata |
| Purple-bibbed Whitetip | Urosticte benjamini |
| Rufous-vented Whitetip | Urosticte ruficrissa |
| Empress Brilliant | Heliodoxa imperatrix |
| Green-crowned Brilliant | Heliodoxa jacula jamesoni |
| Fawn-breasted Brilliant | Heliodoxa rubinoides |
| Ecuadorian Hillstar | Oreotrochilus chimborazo jamesoni |
| Giant Hummingbird | Patagona gigas peruviana |
| Shining Sunbeam | Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis |
| Great Sapphirewing | Pterophanes cyanopterus peruvianus |
| Bronzy Inca | Coeligena coeligena obscura |
| Brown Inca | Coeligena wilsoni |
| Collared Inca | Coeligena torquata |
| Buff-winged Starfrontlet | Coeligena lutetiae |
| Sword-billed Hummingbird | Ensifera ensifera |
| Buff-tailed Coronet | Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora |
| Chestnut-breasted Coronet | Boissonneaua matthewsii |
| Velvet-purple Coronet | Boissonneaua jardini |
| Gorgeted Sunangel | Heliangelus strophianus |
| Tourmaline Sunangel | Heliangelus exortis |
| Sapphire-vented Puffleg | Eriocnemis luciani luciani |
| Golden-breasted Puffleg | Eriocnemis mosquera |
| Peruvian Racket-tail | Ocreatus peruanus |
| White-booted Racket-tail | Ocreatus underwoodii |
| Black-tailed Trainbearer | Lesbia victoriae victoriae |
| Viridian Metaltail | Metallura williami primolina |
| Tyrian Metaltail | Metallura tyrianthina |
| Long-tailed Sylph | Aglaiocercus kingii macoa |
| Violet-tailed Sylph | Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis |
| Purple-throated Woodstar | Calliphlox mitchellii |
| White-bellied Woodstar | Chaetocercus mulsanti |
| Gorgeted Woodstar | Chaetocercus heliodor |
| Trogonidae – Trogons and Quetzals | |
| Crested Quetzal | Pharomachrus antisianus |
| Golden-headed Quetzal | Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps |
| Choco Trogon | Trogon comptus |
| Green-backed Trogon | Trogon viridis |
| White-tailed Trogon | Trogon chionurus |
| Masked Trogon | Trogon personatus |
| Blue-crowned Trogon | Trogon curucui peruvianus |
| Alcedinidae – Kingfishers | |
| Ringed Kingfisher | Megaceryle torquata |
| Green Kingfisher | Chloroceryle americana |
| Momotidae – Motmots | |
| Broad-billed Motmot | Electron platyrhynchum |
| Rufous Motmot | Baryphthengus martii |
| Galbulidae – Jacamars | |
| Coppery-chested Jacamar | Galbula pastazae |
| Capitonidae – New World Barbets | |
| Orange-fronted Barbet | Capito squamatus |
| Gilded Barbet | Capito auratus punctatus |
| Red-headed Barbet | Eubucco bourcierii orientalis |
| Ramphastidae – Toucans | |
| Emerald Toucanet | Aulacorhynchus prasinus |
| Crimson-rumped Toucanet | Aulacorhynchus haematopygus |
| Golden-collared Toucanet | Selenidera reinwardtii reinwardtii |
| Collared Aracari | Pteroglossus torquatus |
| Chestnut-eared Aracari | Pteroglossus castanotis castanotis |
| Channel-billed Toucan | Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus |
| Choco Toucan | Ramphastos brevis |
| Yellow-throated Toucan | Ramphastos ambiguus |
| Picidae – Woodpeckers and Piculets | |
| Golden-olive Woodpecker | Colaptes rubiginosus |
| Lineated Woodpecker | Dryocopus lineatus |
| Yellow-tufted Woodpecker | Melanerpes cruentatus |
| Black-cheeked Woodpecker | Melanerpes pucherani |
| Guayaquil Woodpecker | Campephilus gayaquilensis |
| Furnariidae – Ovenbirds | |
| Chestnut-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes albidiventris |
| Stout-billed Cinclodes | Cinclodes excelsior excelsior |
| Pale-legged Hornero | Furnarius leucopus |
| Andean Tit-Spinetail | Leptasthenura andicola andicola |
| Azara’s Spinetail | Synallaxis azarae media |
| Slaty Spinetail | Synallaxis brachyura chapmani |
| Dark-breasted Spinetail | Synallaxis albigularis albigularis |
| Red-faced Spinetail | Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops |
| Many-striped Canastero | Asthenes flammulata flammulata |
| Streaked Tuftedcheek | Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii |
| Pearled Treerunner | Margarornis squamiger perlatusr |
| Montane Foliage-gleaner | Anabacerthia striaticollis montana |
| Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner | Philydor rufum |
| Dendrocolaptidae – Woodcreepers | |
| Tyrannine Woodcreeper (H) | Dendrocincla tyrannina |
| Wedge-billed Woodcreeper | Glyphorynchus spirurus |
| Olivaceous Woodcreeper | Sittasomus griseicapillus.a |
| Strong-billed Woodcreeper | Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus |
| Olive-backed Woodcreeper | Xiphorhynchus triangularis |
| Streak-headed Woodcreeper | Lepidocolaptes souleyetii |
| Montane Woodcreeper | Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger |
| Thamnophilidae – Typical Antbirds | |
| Lined Antshrike | Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus |
| Dot-winged Antwren | Microrhopias quixensis |
| Streak-headed Antbird | Drymophila striaticeps |
| Blackish Antbird | Cercomacra nigrescens aequatorialis |
| Black-faced Antbird | Myrmoborus myotherinus elegans |
| Western Fire-eye | Pyriglena maura |
| Formicariidae – Antthrushes | |
| Black-headed Antthrush (H) | Formicarius nigricapillus destructus |
| Grallariidae – Antpittas | |
| Moustached Antpitta | Grallaria alleni andaquiensis |
| Plain-backed Antpitta | Grallaria haplonota parambae |
| Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (H) | Grallaria ruficapilla |
| Chestnut-naped Antpitta | Grallaria nuchalis |
| White-bellied Antpitta | Grallaria hypoleuca castanea |
| Yellow-breasted Antpitta | Grallaria flavotincta |
| Equatorial Antpitta (H) | Grallaria saturata |
| Tawny Antpitta | Grallaria quitensis quitensis |
| Ochre-breasted Antpitta | Grallaricula flavirostris |
| Rhinocryptidae – Tapaculos | |
| Blackish Tapaculo (H) | Scytalopus unicolor latrans |
| Narino Tapaculo (H) | Scytalopus vicinior |
| Paramo Tapaculo (H) | Scytalopus canus opacus |
| Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers | |
| Sooty-headed Tyrannulet | Phyllomyias griseiceps |
| Golden-faced Tyrannulet | Zimmerius chrysops chrysops |
| Choco Tyrannulet | Zimmerius albigularis |
| Southern Beardless Tyrannulet | Camptostoma obsoletum |
| White-throated Tyrannulet | Mecocerculus leucophrys |
| White-banded Tyrannulet | Mecocerculus stictopterus |
| Torrent Tyrannulet | Serpophaga cinerea cinerea |
| Ochre-bellied Flycatcher | Mionectes oleagineus pacificus |
| Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant | Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus |
| Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant | Lophotriccus pileatus |
| Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher | Poecilotriccus ruficeps |
| Common Tody-Flycatcher | Todirostrum cinereum sclateri |
| Ornate Flycatcher | Myiotriccus ornatus |
| Cinnamon Flycatcher | Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea |
| Eastern Wood Pewee | Contopus virens |
| Smoke-colored Pewee | Contopus fumigatus |
| Vermilion Flycatcher | Pyrocephalus obscurus |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher | Contopus cooperi |
| Black Phoebe | Sayornis nigricans angustirostris |
| Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant | Ochthoeca fumicolor |
| Cliff Flycatcher | Hirundinea ferruginea sclateri |
| Paramo Ground Tyrant | Muscisaxicola alpina |
| Masked Water Tyrant | Fluvicola nengeta atripennis |
| Dusky-capped Flycatcher | Myiarchus tuberculifer |
| Pale-edged Flycatcher | Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes |
| Lesser Kiskadee | Pitangus lictor lictor |
| Boat-billed Flycatcher | Megarynchus pitangua |
| Social Flycatcher | Myiozetetes similis |
| Rusty-margined Flycatcher | Myiozetetes cayanensis |
| Lemon-browed Flycatcher | Conopias cinchoneti cinchoneti |
| Tropical Kingbird | Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus |
| Cotingidae – Cotingas | |
| Red-crested Cotinga | Ampelion rubrocristatus |
| Orange-breasted Fruiteater | Pipreola jucunda |
| Purple-throated Fruitcrow | Querula purpurata |
| Andean Cock-of-the-Rock | Rupicola peruviana |
| Pipridae – Manakins | |
| Blue-rumped Manakin | Lepidothrix isidorei isidorei |
| Golden-winged Manakin | Masius chrysopterus |
| White-bearded Manakin (H) | Manacus manacus |
| Tityridae – Tityras, Becards, Schiffornis, Purpletuft, Mouners | |
| Masked Tityra | Tityra semifasciata |
| Barred Becard | Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor |
| Cinnamon Becard | Pachyramphus cinnamomeus |
| One-colored Becard | Pachyramphus homochrous |
| Corvidae – Jays | |
| Turquoise Jay | Cyanolyca turcosa |
| Green Jay | Cyanocorax yncas yncas |
| Vireonidae – Vireos, Peppershrikes, and Shrikes | |
| Black-billed Peppershrike | Cyclarhis nigrirostris |
| Chivi Vireo | Vireo olivaceous griseobarbatus |
| Brown-capped Vireo | Vireo leucophrys leucophrys |
| Olivaceous Greenlet | Hylophilus olivaceus |
| Turdidae – Thrushes | |
| Andean Solitaire | Myadestes ralloides |
| Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush | Catharus fuscater fuscater |
| Speckled Nightingale-Thrush | Catharus maculatus |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Catharus ustulatus |
| Pale-eyed Thrush | Platycichla leucops |
| Great Thrush | Turdus fuscater quindio |
| Glossy-black Thrush | Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus |
| Ecuadorian Thrush | Turdus maculirostris |
| Black-billed Thrush | Turdus ignobilis |
| Cinclidae – Dipper | |
| White-capped Dipper | Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus |
| Hirundinidae – Swallows and Martins | |
| Brown-bellied Swallow | Notiochelidon murina murina |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca |
| White-thighed Swallow | Neochelidon tibialis minima |
| Southern Rough-winged Swallow | Stelgidopteryx ruficollis |
| Troglodytidae – Wrens | |
| Thrush-like Wren (H) | Campylorhynchus turdinus hypostictus |
| Sedge Wren | Cistothorus platensis |
| Bay Wren | Thryothorus nigricapillus nigricapillus |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon |
| Mountain Wren | Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis |
| Grey-breasted Wood Wren (H) | Henicorhina leucophry |
| Polioptilidae – Gnatcatchers and Gnatwrens | |
| Tropical Gnatcatcher | Polioptila plumbea bilineata |
| Parulidae – New World Warblers | |
| Tropical Parula | Parula pitiayumi pacifica |
| Blackburnian Warbler | Dendroica fusca |
| Canada Warbler | Wilsonia canadensis |
| Slate-throated Whitestart | Myioborus miniatus |
| Spectacled Whitestart | Basileuterus nigrocristatus |
| Black-crested Warbler | Myithlpis nigrocristata |
| Russet-crowned Warbler (H) | Basileuterus coronatus |
| Thraupidae – Tanagers, Honeycreepers and Allies | |
| Purple Honeycreeper | Cyanerpes caeruleus |
| Green Honeycreeper | Chlorophanes spiza |
| Golden-collared Honeycreeper | Iridophanes pulcherrima |
| Blue Dacnis | Dacnis cayana |
| Black-faced Dacnis | Dacnis lineata lineata |
| Cinereous Conebill | Conirostrum cinereum fraseri |
| Capped Conebill | Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum |
| Bluish Flowerpiercer | Diglossa caerulescens media |
| Masked Flowerpiercer | Diglossa cyanea |
| Indigo Flowerpiercer | Diglossa indigotica |
| Glossy Flowerpiercer | Diglossa lafresnayii |
| Black Flowerpiercer | Diglossa humeralis aterrima |
| Guira Tanager | Hemithraupis guira |
| Rufous-chested Tanager | Thlypopsis ornata ornata |
| Fawn-breasted Tanager | Pipraeidea melanonota |
| Golden Tanager | Tangara arthus |
| Silver-throated Tanager | Tangara icterocephala |
| Saffron-crowned Tanager | Tangara xanthocephala venusta |
| Golden-naped Tanager | Tangara ruficervix |
| Beryl-spangled Tanager | Tangara nigroviridis |
| Blue-and-black Tanager | Tangara vassorii vassorii |
| Blue-necked Tanager | Tangara cyanicollis cyanopygia |
| Golden-hooded Tanager | Tangara larvata fanny |
| Paradise Tanager | Tangara chilensis chilensis |
| Spotted Tanager | Tangara punctata zamorae |
| Yellow-bellied Tanager | Tangara xanthogastra xanthogastra |
| Bay-headed Tanager | Tangara gyrola nupera |
| Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager | Anisognathus igniventris |
| Blue-winged Mountain Tanager | Anisognathus somptuosus |
| Black-chinned Mountain Tanager | Anisognathus notabilis |
| Hooded Mountain Tanager | Buthraupis montana cucullata |
| Black-chested Mountain Tanager | Buthraupis eximia |
| Moss-backed Tanager | Bangsia edwardsi |
| Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager | Dubusia taeniata taeniata |
| Swallow Tanager | Tersina viridis |
| Blue-grey Tanager | Thraupis episcopus |
| Palm Tanager | Thraupis palmarum |
| Blue-capped Tanager | Thraupis cyanocephala |
| Silver-beaked Tanager | Ramphocelus carbo carbo |
| Flame-rumped Tanager | Ramphocelus icteronotus |
| White-lined Tanager | Tachyphonus rufus |
| White-shouldered Tanager | Tachyphonus luctuosus |
| Grey-hooded Bush Tanager | Cnemoscopus rubrirostris |
| Magpie Tanager | Cissopis leveriana leverianus |
| Dusky-faced Tanager | Mitrospingus cassinii |
| Bananaquit | Coereba flaveola |
| Buff-throated Saltator | Saltator maximus maximus |
| Black-winged Saltator | Saltator atripennis caniceps |
| Blue-Grey Saltator | Saltator coerulescens azarae |
| Saffron Finch | Sicalis flaveola |
| Emberizidae – Sparrows, Seedeaters, Finches | |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis |
| Yellow-browed Sparrow | Myospiza aurifrons aurifrons |
| Plumbeous Sierra Finch | Phrygilus unicolor |
| Black-and-white Seedeater | Sporophila luctuosa |
| Yellow-bellied Seedeater | Sporophila nigricollis vivida |
| Chestnut-bellied Seedeater | Sporophila castaneiventris |
| Thick-billed Seed Finch | Oryzoborus angolensis torridus |
| Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch | Oryzoborus angolensis |
| Orange-billed Sparrow | Arremon aurantiirostris |
| Chestnut-capped Brushfinch | Arremon brunneinucha |
| Pale-naped Brushfinch | Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae |
| Yellow-breasted Brushfinch | Atlapetes latinuchus |
| Tricolored Brushfinch | Atlapetes tricolor crassus |
| Common Bush Tanager | Chlorospingus flavopectus |
| Dusky Bush Tanager | Chlorospingus semifuscus |
| Yellow-throated Bush Tanager | Chlorospingus flavigularis |
| Cardinalidae – Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Seedeaters, Dickcissel | |
| Summer Tanager | Piranga rubra rubra |
| Scarlet Tanager | Piranga olivacea |
| Golden Grosbeak | Pheucticus chrysogaster |
| Icteridae – American Orioles and Blackbirds | |
| Yellow-rumped Cacique | Cacicus cela cela |
| Northern Mountain Cacique | Cacicus chrysonotus |
| Scarlet-rumped Cacique | Cacicus uropygialis |
| Crested Oropendola | Psarocolius decumanus decumanus |
| Russet-backed Oropendola | Psarocolius angustifrons angustifrons |
| Fringillidae – Siskins, Euphonias, and Clorophonias | |
| Hooded Siskin | Carduelis magellanica capitalis |
| Olivaceous Siskin | Carduelis olivacea |
| Thick-billed Euphonia | Euphonia laniirostris |
| Golden-rumped Euphonia | Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni |
| Orange-bellied Euphonia | Euphonia xanthogaster |
| Total seen | 315 |
| Total heard only | 20 |
| Total recorded | 335 |
This is a sample trip report. Please email us ([email protected]) for more trip reports from this destination.
