SOUTHERN ECUADOR HUMMINGBIRD & TANAGER EXTRAVAGANZA
AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
Sword-billed Hummingbird ©Jon Dunn
LEADER : PAUL GREENFIELD LIST COMPILED BY : PAUL GREENFIELD
VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS , INC . 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE , SUITE 1003 AUSTIN , TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD .COM
SOUTHERN ECUADOR HUMMINGBIRD & TANAGER EXTRAVAGANZA August 26–September 6, 2018
By Paul J. Greenfield
Violet-tailed Sylph © Jon Dunn
It’s kind of strange, but often, as one of our Ecuador birding ‘adventures’ nears to an end, for some crazy reason, Albert Einstein often seems to come to mind. I guess it may have something to do with the feeling that I can sense that time does not pass at the same rate for everyone , or maybe that the passing of time, and all that fits within specific moments, can be drawn out and even almost ‘never-ending’ at one instance or ‘here and gone-in-a- flash’ in the next. How else can one explain that the first day of this year’s Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza tour felt like a weeklong epic journey that took us through coastal rice fields and marshland at about sea level in the early morning, humid tropical forest and edge at midmorning, montane cloudforest by noon, frigid tundra-like páramo grassland and shrubbery in the afternoon, to finally end up in stunted elfin woodland by the late afternoon…was that really just a few hours? Was it really possible to get our blood flowing after breakfast with Horned Screamers, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Wood Storks, Cocoi and Little Blue herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, White Ibises, Roseate Spoonbills, Savanna Hawks, Snail Kites, Black-
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018 necked Stilts, Wattled Jacanas, Wilson’s Phalaropes, Ringed Kingfisher, Crested Caracara, Pacific Parrotlet, Red-masked Parakeet, Pacific Hornero, Vermilion Flycatcher, Masked Water-Tyrant, Tropical Gnatcatchers, and Yellow-rumped Cacique; have the recently split Coopman’s Elaenia, Black-crowned Tityra, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Lemon-rumped, Blue-gray, Palm, Golden-naped, and Golden tanagers , Yellow-tufted Dacnis , and Yellow-tailed Oriole as just some of our midday entertainment as we began to climb the west slope of the Andes and reach a chilling 12,000 plus feet above sea level, in the thin air of the páramo zone at El Cajas National Park where Ecuadorian Hillstar, Blue-mantled Thornbill , the local range-restricted endemic Violet-throated Metaltail , Stout-billed and Chestnut-winged cinclodes, Turquoise Jay, the very
Violet-throated Metaltail ©Pam Higgenbotham localized Tit-like Dacnis , and Plumbeous Sierra-Finch closed out the day’s activities as we pulled into our beautiful Hostería Dos Chorreras? In Ecuador, that is a distinct possibility…and that was our first day.
The following morning, a few of us took advantage of a chilly early morning walk, where we finally came across a foraging Glowing Puffleg and a Rainbow Starfrontlet , pairs of Mouse-colored Thistletails, and Variable Hawks among other species. After breakfast and some Andean Teals and Andean Gulls, we departed downslope to Llaviucu Lake, part of El Caja National Park, spotting Purple-throated Sunangel and a pair of Azara’s Spinetails along the entrance road, and (for some) a Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan near the entrance gate. Hummingbirds and mixed flocks were few and far between that sunny morning, although we enjoyed great views of a wonderful foraging male Great Sapphirewing , and Eve located a Mountain Velvetbreast . Finally, a mixed foraging flock showed up along with 3 Masked Trogons, Pearled Treerunner, White-banded Tyrannulet,
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Turquoise Jays, Spectacled Whitestarts, Black and Masked flowerpiercers, and Plain-colored Seedeaters . Two unexpected White-cheeked Pintails, Yellow-billed Pintails, Andean (Ruddy) Ducks, and Slate-colored Coots adorned the still waters of Llaviucu. We took longer than expected to circle the lake, so our drive to Zamora turned out to be long and unfortunately rather uneventful.
The following morning brought an onslaught of activity—breakfast at Copalinga Lodge, complete with a live show! Green and Gray-chinned hermits, Sparkling Violetear, Violet- fronted Brilliant, showy Fork-tailed Woodnymphs, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Glittering-throated Emerald , and Golden-tailed Sapphire made repeated entrances at the nectar feeders while a White-tipped Sicklebill showed up at some Heliconia flowers! Plantain feeders were jumping too. Speckled Chachalacas; Sickle-winged Guans; Red- headed Barbets; White-lined, Silver-beaked, Golden-eared, Green-and-gold, and Golden tanagers; Green Honeycreeper; Bananaquit; Buff-throated Saltator; and Thick-billed and Orange-bellied euphonias were among the entertainers…and so were a really hungry South American Coati and a marauding troop of White-fronted Capuchin Monkeys!
Green-and-gold Tanager ©Paul J. Greenfield
We headed out along the entrance road to the Bombuscaro sector of Podocarpus National Park and walked a short stretch up its entrance trail; one of the first species we encountered was a fabulous male Andean Cock-of-the-rock! Along the park trail we called in a Coppery-chested Jacamar. Roadside birding also produced some goodies… including Ash-browed Spinetail; Inca Jays; Spotted, Blue-necked, Paradise, and Guira tanagers; Blue Dacnis; and Crested and Russet-backed oropendolas. Back at the lodge a flock of White-necked (breasted) Parakeets came in to perch briefly, and other species
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018 showed themselves: Olivaceous Woodcreeper and Black-billed and White-necked thrushes among them. In the afternoon, we headed on foot to an upper trail to see the scarce Gray Tinamou at a blind and corn feeder. Our second day in the Zamora area took us first—after breakfast and an obliging pair of Band-bellied Owls, plus a Buff-tailed Sicklebill at the Heliconia patch near the parking lot—along the narrow ‘Las Fragancias’ side road. A pair of Cliff Flycatchers greeted us at the bridge, and we continued a short way along the road, where we disembarked from our van and began a slow stroll downslope in search of mixed foraging flocks; activity was slow, I must admit, but we stuck to our guns (Juan eventually took a few of our group back to the lodge as the rest continued on our quest). Our hope was to locate a few more new tanager species, but aside from some pretty cool repeats (including Paradise, Golden-eared, and Spotted tanagers), we only ‘added’ a pair of Red-billed Parrots in flight, a male Lined Antshrike, Montane Foliage-gleaner, a Black-billed Treehunter, a cool pair of Lemon-browed Flycatchers, Masked Tityra, and Yellow-throated Chlorospingus. Back at the lodge, we spent midday relaxing and leisurely birding around the grounds: Eve, from her hammock, spotted a male Wire-crested Thorntail and Golden-headed Manakin! A ‘sweet’ Violet- headed Hummingbird hung out at flowering Verbena shrubs, and a pair of Common Tody-Flycatchers bounced around in the trees nearby. In the afternoon we returned to the Bombuscaro entrance road, spotting a statuesque Fasciated Tiger-Heron on a rocky stream, an Andean Solitaire, a lovely pair of Buff-rumped Warblers, one (very early arrival) Canada Warbler, Bay-headed Tanager , Black-faced Dacnis , Yellow-browed Sparrow, and Orange-billed Sparrow to add to our sightings.
We departed from Copalinga Lodge after breakfast—but not after another brief sighting of the Band-bellied Owl (!) along with chachalacas, guans, tanagers, and the “regular gang of favorites” at the plantain feeders—and first did a little birding in the Zamora area in hopes of locating more tanagers. We stopped along a nearby river, alongside a Tilapia pond, where three Striated Herons, a pair of Southern Lapwings (in noisy flight), an Amazon Kingfisher, a Yellow-headed Caracara, Slaty-capped and Boat-billed flycatchers, White-banded Swallows, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Chestnut-bellied Seed- Finch, and a pair of Yellow-rumped Caciques (the eastern race) gave us a showing. We then continued up-slope towards the city of Loja, stopping on the way at an impressive waterfall, where two White-capped Dippers finally showed up—great! Just south of Loja we turned off to briefly explore the Cajanuma Entrance to the Podocarpus National Park, driving up to the headquarters to then bird a downslope trajectory on foot. Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail , Band-tailed Pigeons, Superciliaried Hemispingus Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, and Yellow-breasted Brushfinch were among the new species we encountered. We continued south and took a lunch break at a quiet park in Vilcabamba, a town that is renowned for its many centenarian residents, where we encountered about five Long-tailed Mockingbirds, Saffron Finches, and a few additional species. When we finally arrived at our destination, Casa Simpson, in the Tapichalaca Reserve, their nectar feeders were hyperactive, and as we waited for our luggage to be brought up to the lodge we enjoyed our first looks at Amethyst-throated Sunangels, a pair of Flame-throated Sunangels, Speckled Hummingbird, a male Long-tailed Sylph (what a tail!) , a sharply clad Collared Inca, and a hoard of Chestnut-breasted Coronets. Diego, the reserve’s local guide, drew our attention to a family of the rare and globally threatened Bearded Guan…a nice way to close out the day.
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Amethyst-throated Sunangel © John Sevenair
We headed out early the following morning; part of our group followed Diego, on an antpitta ‘safari,’ while the rest of us took another sector of the same trail—we would eventually meet up in the middle somewhere for a very special prize… the Jocotoco Antpitta. Diego’s team arrived, having seen Chestnut-naped, Undulated, and Slate- crowned antpittas, Barred Fruiteater, Black-capped Tyrannulet, and Plain-tailed Wren. We, on the other hand, came across a large, fast-moving mixed foraging flock and managed to see Rufous Wrens, Citrine Warbler, Russet-crowned Warbler, Superciliaried Hemispingus , three or so Hooded Mountain-Tanagers , stunning Golden-crowned Tanagers, Black-headed Hemispingus, and our first Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager. The Jocotoco Antpitta isn’t a tanager…and surely not a hummingbird, but WOW! Discovered only 20 years ago, this species caused quite a stir when its existence was officially announced in 1999. We had them at our feet, literally! On our return ‘trek,’ things really picked up (if that were even possible); a pair of White-throated Quail-Doves were active at the feeding station set up along the trail, and a few minutes later Rufous Spinetail was spotted foraging in tangled vegetation, but as we came across a section of seeding Chusquea bamboo, a pair of Páramo Seedeaters were spotted, and on a whim I played tape of the rather rare and nomadic Maroon-chested Ground-Dove (a species known for following the seeding of bamboo)…unbelievably, a response came sounding back at us! Then we glimpsed one as it flew out and over us…then one flew out and landed on an open branch for about 30 seconds or so—Pam was even able to get a photo; fantastic! Shortly after, a Slaty Finch was seen briefly in the same bamboo. A pair of Scaly-naped Amazons flew over as we descended the trail. ‘Back-at-the-ranch,’ as we walked up the driveway, a mixed foraging flock was passing through, with White-banded and White- tailed tyrannulets among several other familiar species. Around the lodge we spied an
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Hooded Mountain-Tanager ©Paul J. Greenfield
Maroon-chested Ground-Dove ©Pam Higgenbotham
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Undulated Antpitta, first hiding in edge vegetation along with a Chusquea Tapaculo and then feeding in plain view. We later enjoyed a mixed flock right off the lodge balcony with super close views of incredible Blue-and-black and Beryl-spangled tanagers, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, and Pale-naped and Yellow breasted brushfinches. We spent a somewhat sunny afternoon at lower elevations along the road to and a bit beyond the village of Valladolid, where Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, a female Lined Antshrike, Blue-necked Tanager, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Capped Conebill, and Yellow-bellied Seedeater were encountered.
The following day was mostly dedicated to travel, from the high Andean Tapichalaca Reserve northwestward to the Buenaventura Reserve located in Ecuador’s southwestern foothills. We made a stop in the Catamayo Valley, where a Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy- Owl and an Amazilia Hummingbird showed themselves. We continued along a rural road towards Porto Velo (an old gold-mining town) stopping along the river for lunch—a band of Neotropic Cormorants flew upstream, and we also located a Streak-headed Woodcreeper, a male One-colored Becard, and several Fasciated Wrens among other species. We arrived at the upper sector of the Buenaventura Reserve in the mid-afternoon where we spotted the bioregional endemic Gray-backed Hawk; Ruddy Pigeon; a pair of Golden-olive Woodpeckers; Bronze-winged Parrots; the rare, endangered, and endemic El Oro Parakeet; Red-masked Parakeets; our first Plumbeous-backed Thrush; a pair of Silver-backed Tanagers; a fleeting glance at a pair of Swallow Tanagers; Variable Seedeater; and a female Yellow-bellied Siskin (to the haunting tune of Mantled Howler Monkeys, serenading all the while) before visiting their upper ‘hummingbird garden.’ Wings were whirring there, with an impressive array of species to revel in—White- necked Jacobins, one Sparkling Violetear , a swarm of Green Thorntails, gorgeous Violet- tailed Sylphs, a Brown Inca, a breathtaking Velvet-purple Coronet, a female Purple- bibbed Whitetip, Fawn-breasted and Green-crowned brilliants, Andean Emeralds, and a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird buzzed in-and-out constantly. As the afternoon light began to dim, we headed to Umbrellabird Lodge to settle in and meet up for our checklist session and dinner…to our surprise, we were accompanied by a very communicative Black-banded Owl!
Morning at Buenaventura: we walked slowly along the main track (the entrance road); a Crested Guan sounded off and was seen at a distance; a juvenile Bicolored Hawk flew in and perched up-close (very cool!); a Stripe-throated Hermit buzzed us; and we saw an impressive Guayaquil Woodpecker, along with Black-crowned Antshrike, Slaty Antwren, Spotted Woodcreeper, Ornate Flycatcher, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, our first of many Ecuadorian Thrushes, and White-shouldered, Lemon- rumped, Fawn-breasted, and Silver-throated tanagers. Back at the lodge’s néctar feeders, Brown Violetear, the bioregional endemic Emerald-bellied Woodnymph, and Violet- bellied Hummingbird were added to the long list of hummers that swarmed the feeders; so did Bananaquits and spectacular Green Honeycreepers. A family of White-nosed Coatis (I did not see any white noses!) rummaged about the terrace and at our feet in hopes of snaring a plantain banana or two…or three. A Pale-mandibled Araçari came to the plantain feeders, too, while Yellow-throated (Chestnut-mandibled) Toucans hung out in nearby trees. Our afternoon outing connected us with a couple of mixed foraging flocks which included Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Streaked Xenops, Scaly-throated
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Foliage-gleaner, Tropical Parula, and Gray-and-gold Warbler. Most exciting was a female Long-wattled Umbrellabird that was spotted as it flew towards us and then dropped down to feed on some palm fruit. We later walked down to a narrow stream and located a calling male umbrellabird, which flushed off, then landed and displayed, dangling its bizarre long wattle! Our last full day at Buenaventura led us again along the entrance road, picking up two Broad-billed Motmots, another Guayaquil Woodpecker, Northern Barred-Woodcreeper, Greenish Elaenia, a female Yellow-tufted Dacnis, and we were thrilled to locate 4 Club-winged Manakins complete with being eye-witness to their incredible lek display! Back at the lodge, Eve made a real discovery! She saw and photographed what was finally identified as a Jet Antbird—a new record for the reserve!
Long-wattled Umbrellabird ©Pam Higgenbotham
We bid farewell to Buenaventura Reserve the next morning with a final drive along the enrance road and a brief return to the reserve’s upper hummingbird garden. On the road we came across a fast-moving mixed foraging flock which included among the many species seen, Russet Antshrike, nice looks at another Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, the Chocó bioregional endemic Rufous-throated Tanager , another glimpse at a male Swallow Tanager, Black-winged Saltator , and a male Yellow-bellied Siskin. The ‘garden’ produced superb and repeated (mind-blowing) looks, in super light, at all of our favorites from our initial visit (among them, Velvet-purple Coronet and Violet-tailed Sylphs blew us away!), with the addition of a sub-adult male (White-) Booted Racket-tail showing its big cotton-white ‘boots’ but lacking its ‘rackets,’ two female Little Woodstars foraging right in front of us on flowering Verbena shrubs , and a ‘sharply clad’ male Ecuadorian Plumeleteer. Eve photographed a Whooping Motmot that came to one of the plantain feeders, and Pam got a nice photo of an Ashy-throated Chlorospingus.We continued down towards the coast and took a detour to Puerto Jelí, where we made stops at some shrimp ponds and at an ephemeral lagoon that was chock-full of birds, and then on to a mangrove area—Fulvous Whistling-Ducks flew over; White-cheeked Pintails; a Tricolored Heron; both Black-crowned Night-Herons; many, many Wood Storks; a Pearl Kite perched on an electric cable munching away at what looked like a shorebird it had nabbed; many Common Gallinules; a close Green Kingfisher; and Baird’s Flycatcher. At the mangroves we located quite a few Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, and a Yellow
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
(Mangrove) Warbler called in from across a channel and landed right in front of us on a docked boat at the pier!
Later, farther north at our ‘makeshift’ lunch break near Naranjal, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, and a brief look at a Snowy-throated Kingbird were among the species that showed up. As we continued on towards Guayaquil we spotted five Glossy Ibises (considered a vagrant to Ecuador) along with Harris’s and Savanna hawks. By the time we arrived at Hotel Continental to settle in and then get together for our official final checklist session and farewell dinner, it seemed like the entire trip had flown by…was it already over? With all the great birds and the many challenges basically behind us now, there was the distinct sensation that a tremendous span of time had passed from our day one to now—but at the same time, it had all passed so rapidly. Not sure how to explain that. As all return flights were scheduled for the following night or after midnight, we offered an optional morning jaunt to nearby Cerro Blanco Reserve, not far from the city limits. There, a Crane Hawk responded to tape- playback of a Collared Forest-Falcon and perched in plain view; we spotted a foraging female Short-tailed Woodstar, had fleeting views of a pair of Gray-cheeked Parakeets in distant flight, a Sooty-crowned Flycatcher, a pair of Speckle-breasted Wrens, the ‘unstreaked’ form of Streaked Saltator , and Yellow-tailed Oriole were additions to our species list. All-in-all, we ended up ‘chalking-up’ 48 species of hummingbirds and 52 species of Thraupids, that is to say ‘tanagers,’ during this Southern Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, along with a whole lot of ‘other’ pretty cool specialties.
ITINERARY:
August 26: Arrival in Guayaquil August 27: Early departure from Guayaquil to El Cajas National Park area (sea level to 3,800 m.); stops along the highway at open marshland and at Manglares-Churute to Naranjal and then to the Andean highlands in high temperate-zone woodland and páramo at El Cajas National Park (overnight at Dos Chorreras) August 28: Early morning at Dos Chorreras; then to Llaviucu Lake; mid-morning departure, vía the city of Loja, to the pleasant town of Zamora, in the Amazonian foothills (900 m.) (overnight at Copalinga Lodge) August 29: All day at and around Copalinga Lodge; road to Bombuscaro entrance and trail of the Podocarpus National Park). Afternoon at Copalinga—Gray Tinamou. (overnight at Copalinga Lodge) August 30: Morning to Las Fragancias Road; afternoon at Copalinga and along Bombuscaro entrance road. (overnight at Copalinga Lodge) August 31: Early morning at Copalinga and in the Zamora area; then drive to Loja, with brief birding stop along the Cajanuma entrance road to Podocarpus National Park; continuing on through Vilcabamba (lunch stop) to Casa Simpson, Tapichalaca Reserve (2,700 m.). (overnight at Casa Simpson, Tapichalaca Reserve) September 1: Morning at Tapichalaca (trails, roadside & lodge); afternoon drive to the Valladolid area (1,700 m.) (overnight at Casa Simpson, Tapichalaca Reserve) September 2: Drive from Tapichalaca along the Porto Velo Road, to Buenaventura Reserve; brief birding at the upper Buenaventura reserve area (1000 m.), then to Umbrellabird Lodge (900 m.) (overnight at Umbrellabird Lodge, Buenaventura Reserve)
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
September 3: All day at Buenaventura Reserve–feeders, roadside, and Umbrellabird Trail. (overnight at Umbrellabird Lodge, Buenaventura Reserve) September 4: All day, again, at Buenaventura Reserve–feeders, roadside, and Umbrellabird Trail. (overnight at Umbrellabird Lodge, Buenaventura Reserve) September 5: Morning birding the Buenaventura entrance road and the upper Buenaventura Reserve hummingbird garden; drive—with stops at Puerto Jeli and (for lunch) just south of Naranjal—to Guayaquil. (overnight at Hotel Continental, Guayaquil) September 6: Optional morning visit to Cerro Blanco Reserve September 7: Departure: International flights home
BIRDS: Trip highlights, favorites and rarities are in bold ; H = heard only
TINAMOUS: TINAMIDAE Gray Tinamou (Tinamus tao) —1 male seen at feeding bind (after a patient wait) at Copalinga
SCREAMERS: ANHIMIDAE Horner Screamer (Anhima cornuta)—3 were scoped distantly at Manglares-Churute
DUCKS, GEESE & WATERFOWL: ANATIDAE Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)—One fairly large flock flew over us at our first marshland stop outside Guayaquil Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) —About a dozen were seen in flight, distantly along Puerto Jelí entrance road White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) —2 were found at Llaviucu Lake (high in the Andes!); another 1 was seen at an ephemeral lagoon, and 4 more were seen in a salt-pond, at Puerto Jelí Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica) —A pair was seen at Llaviucu Lake Andean Teal (Anas andinum)—2 were seen at Illincocha, El Cajas National Park; another 8 or so were seen at Dos Chorreras; 3 more were found at Llaviucu Lake Andean Duck (Oxyurus ferruginea)—Some authors lump this with Ruddy Duck (O. jamaicensis) . Aka Andean Ruddy-Duck. 3 males were seen at Llaviucu Lake
GUANS, CHACHALACAS & CURASSOWS: CRACIDAE Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata)—3 came in to plantain feeders (on two days) at Copalinga; also another 1 was seen outside of Zamora on the 31 st Bearded Guan (Penelope barbata)—A family group (with two young) hung around Casa Simpson daily; another pair was seen along the highway on Sept. 2 Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) —first H, then 1 was seen in flight; Buenaventura Reserve Sickle-winged Guan (Chamaepetes goudotii) —A band of up to 8 came in to and around the plantain feeders at Copalinga; also seen in the field outside of Zamora
NEW WORLD QUAIL: ODONTOPHORIDAE Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus erythrops) —H briefly at Buenaventura Reserve
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GREBES: PODICEPIDAE Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) —1 or so seen distantly in marshland east of Guayaquil; another 1 was seen well in ephemeral lagoon at Puerto Jelí
FRIGATEBIRDS: FREGATIDAE Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)—Common in the coastal lowlands (even away from water) on Aug. 27 and Sept. 5-6
CORMORANTS & SHAGS: PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasiliensis) —8 were seen near along a river near Porto Velo; 25 or so were seen around Puerto Jelí, etc. on our return to Guayaquil from Buenaventura
HERONS & BITTERNS: ARDEIDAE Fasciated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma fasciatum) —1 sub-adult was seen (and photographed) well along the Bombuscaro entrance road near Copalinga Lodge Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi)— 1 seen during our first stop just east of Guayaquil; at least 3 more were seen around Puerto Jelí Great Egret (Ardea alba)—Abundant in coastal wetlands Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)—Very common in coastal wetlands; also 1 was seen in a Tilapia pond in Zamora Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) —1 adult was seen at our first stop east of Guayaquil; an immature bird was seen cose-by at Puerto Jelí Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) —1 was seen at a shrimp pond at Puerto Jelí Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) —Common, especially near cattle, in coastal lowlands Striated Heron (Butorides striata)—1 was seen at our first stop east of Guayaqui; 3 were seen at a Tilapia pond at Zamora; then 8 were seen well at Puerto Jelí Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) —2 seen at our first stop east of Guayaquil; at least 5 were seen at Puerto Jelí Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctannasa violacea)—5 were seen in mangroves at Puerto Jelí
IBISES & SPOONBILLS: THRESKIORNITHIDAE White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)—75 or so were seen on our first morning east of Guayaquil and at least 12 were encountered at Puerto Jelí Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) —5 of this ‘unpredictable’ boreal migrant were seen in marshland east of Guayaquil on Sept. 5 th Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)—70 or so were seen at our first stop, in marshland east of Guayaquil
STORKS: CICONIDAE Wood Stork (Mycteria Americana) —Very common this trip in wetlands visited, east of Guayaquil and at Puerto Jelí
AMERICAN VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)—Generally very common; seen on all but two days Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) —Generally common; seen on all but two days
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KITES, EAGLES & HAWKS: ACCIPITRIDAE Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) —1 beauty was encountered feeding on what looked like a shorebird,along the entrance road to Puerto Jelí Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)—Quite common along the highway in wetlands east and south of Guayaquil Bicolored Hawk (Accipiter bicolor) —An impressive juvenile bird flew in and perched above us (great looks!) at Buenaventura Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens) —Nice looks at 1 the first flew past us and then came into tape playback of a Collared Forest-Falcon call; at Cerro Blanco Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)—3 were seen at Manglares-Churute (foraging on the ground); another two were seen in flight, east of Guayaquil on Sept. 5th Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) —Generally, a relatively common species; several were seen (1-2) on five days; at Copalinga and Zamora, and Buenaventura Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) —3 (at least) were seen in coastal lowlands on Sept. 5 th Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma)—Formally split into two species—Puna Hawk and Red-backed Hawk, but now generally lumped as Variable Hawk. A pair was seen at Dos Chorreras (Puna type) and another (Red-backed type) was seen west of Buenaventura Gray-backed Hawk (Pseudastur occidentalis)—Several of this Endangered and Tumbesian bioregional endemic species were seen (on three days) at Buenaventura
RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS: RALLIDAE Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) —Very common in the Puerto Jelí area Slate-colored Coot (Fulica ardesiaca)—5 were seen at Llaviucu Lake
LIMPKIN: ARAMIDAE Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)—5 were seen in wetlands east of Guayaquil and at Manglares-Churute Reserve
STILTS & AVOCETS: RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) —Abundant, especially at Manglares- Churute
PLOVERS & LAPWINGS: CHARADRIIDAE Andean Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens) —A noisy pair flew over us at a Telapia pond at Zamora Killdeer (Charadrius vociferans) —H at Manglares-Churute
JACANAS: JACANIDAE Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)—20 seen in wetlands east of Guayaquil; common in the Puerto Jelí area
SANDPIPERS & ALLIES: SCOLOPACIDAE Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) —4-5 were seen mostly at Manglare-Churute; 1 more was seen briefly at Puerto Jelí Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) —Up to 9 were seen in rice ponds at Manglares-
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Churute Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) —Sort of unexpectedly 10 were encountered in rice ponds at Manglares-Churute
GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS: LARIDAE Andean Gull (Chriococephalus serranus)—10-12 or so were seen on two days at Dos Chorreras and Llaviucu Lake
PIGEONS & DOVES: COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) —Rather common to very common around towns and cities throughout Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis)—5 were seen along in the coastal lowlands on Aug. 27 th Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)—2 seen at Cajanuma; 40 or so near Tapichalaca Plumbeous Pigeon (Patagioenas plumbea) —H, then 1 seen along the Buenaventura entrance/exit road as we departed Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea) —3 seen in flight, then calling, at Buenaventura upper area Ecuadorian Ground-Dove (Columbina buckleyi)—Common, between 8-10 were seen in and near Guayaquil, and in the coastal lowlands (Puerto Jelí included); this species was encountered on three days Maroon-chested Ground-Dove (Clavaris mondetoura)—Wow! This rare and nomadic species was H in seed ing bamboo at Tapichalaca; eventually1 or two responded to tape playback and flew about; finally one flew down and perched briefly. Pam was able to get two decent photos! Pallid Dove (Leptotila pallida) —H repeatedly at Buenaventura Reserve White-throated Quail-Dove (Zentrygon frenata)—A pair was studied well at Tapichalaca Reserve’s corn feeder station Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata) —Several seen on three days, mainly in more arid and agricultural areas, north of Cuenca, valladolid, and around Guayaquil
CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) —Several seen on six days, in open, shrubby and agricultural areas throughout, both east and west of the Andes Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)—Small numbers encountered east and south of Guayaquil, and arid areas north of Loja Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) —Pairs were encountered near Naranjal on Aug. 27 th and at Cerro Blanco; 1 also at Valladolid
OWLS: STRIGIDAE Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota)—A cool pair were seen well and on two occasions at Copalinga (also H our first night there) Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium peruanum)—1 called in at Catamayo; also H briefly at Cerro Blanco Black-and-white Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata)—1 ‘meowing’ bird was seen at Buenaventura Lodge (it serenaded us constantly on three nights!)
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NIGHTJARS & ALLIES: CAPRIMULGIDAE Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) —H at Copalinga
SWIFTS: APODIDAE White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) —America’s largest swift; seen on four days; flocks of up to 50, especially at Buenaventura
HUMMINGBIRDS: TROCHILIDAE White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) —Numerous (seen on four days) at Buenaventura Reserve; wonderful at feeders! White-tipped Sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila) —1 was observed briefly at Heliconia flowers at Copalinga Lodge Buff-tailed Sicklebill (Eutoxeres condamini) —1 also seen a few times at the same Heliconias , at Copalinga Lodge Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy) —3 or so were seen repeatedly at Copalinga Lodge feeders on three days Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis striigularis)—2 ‘attacked us’ briefly at Buenaventura Reserve Gray-chinned Hermit (Phaethornis griseogularis)—At least 1 was seen twice at Copalinga Lodge feeders and flowers Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) —1-2 were seen at both upper and lodge feeders at Buenaventura Reserve Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans) —6 or so were seen daily at Copalinga Lodge feeders; at least 1 was seen a few times at Tapichalaca (Casa Simpson) feeders Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis)—6-8 males were seen repeatedly at Tapichalaca Reserve feeders Flame-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus micrastur)—Aka Little Sunangel by some authors (boring name!). Only 1-2 were seen on three days at Tapichalaca Reserve feeders; Quite a stunning throat when seen in good light! Purple-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus viola)—At least 1 was seen along the entrance road to Llaviucu Lake Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) —1 male was seen by Eve at Copalinga Lodge; otherwise sadly absent Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) —Very common to abundant on four days at Buenaventura Reserve Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys) —Singles only were seen repeatedly at Tapichalaca Reserve feeders Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi) —Single males of this stunning species were seen at Tapichalaca Reserve Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) —OMG!! From 3-11 or so (mostly males) of this spectacular Chocó bioregional endemic were seen at the upper feeders at Buenaventura Reserve (the females are pretty cool too!) Ecuadorian Hillstar (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) —Aka Chimborazo Hillstar by some authors. Finally, a beautiful male was seen somewhat briefly, foraging at a flowering Chuquiragua shrub at Illincocha, in El Cajas National Park Blue-mantled Thornbill (Chalcostigma stanleyi) —1 was seen in paramo at Illincocha, in El Cajas National Park Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina) —1 male was seen only briefly at Cajanuma
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Violet-throated Metaltail (Metallura baroni)—This very local, endemic hummer was probably the first hummingbird we saw on this trip, as we were nearing El Cajas National Park; very close ‘studies’! Glowing Puffleg (Eriocnemis vestita)—1 male was seen in shrubbery at Dos Chorreras by John, Pam and PJG Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni) —1 or so was seen well and repeatedly at the upper Buenaventura Reserve feeders on two visits Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata) —2-3 of this truly dapper species were seen at Tapichalca reserve, both feeders and ‘in the wild’ Rainbow Starfrontlet (Coeligena iris)—1 or so was seen at Dos Chorreras Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae) —1 was seen close-by but briefly at Cajanuma Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafesnayi) —1 was seen well by Eve at Llaviucu Lake Great Sapphirewing (Pterophanes cyanopterus) —Super looks at a foraging male on a lowering shrub at Llaviucu Lake Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii) —Common at Tapichalaca feeders; definitely the dominant species there Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini) —A true stunner! 1 was seen at the upper feeders at Buenaventura on two visits White-Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) —Lumped often with the eastern buff-booted, Peruvian Racket-tail, and then called, Booted Racket-tail (O. underwoodii) . Only 1 subadult bird (with big white boots but no racket-tail) was seen at the upper Buenaventura Reserve area Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini) —1 female was seen at the upper Buenaventura Reserve feeders; this Chocó bioregional endemic is considered to be pretty rare this far south Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides) —Apparently only a few were seen repeatedly at upper Buenaventura Reserve feeders Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) —Very common at Buenaventura Reserve feeders; seen on four days there Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) —4 or so were seen repeatedly, and daily, at Copalinga Lodge feeders Little Woodstar (Chaetocercus bombus) —2 female plumaged birds were seen a very close range, feeding on Verbena flowers at the upper hummingbird garden at Buenaventura Reserve Short-tailed Woodstar (Myrmia micrura) —1 female was seen at Cerro Blanco Reserve Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti) —1-2 or so were seen foraging at flowering Verbena shrubs at Copalinga Lodge on three days White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffoni) —Now also considered a separate endemic species, Ecuadorian Plumeleteer (Ch. intermedia) . A female was seen a couple of times at Umbrellabird Lodge feeders; then a male was encountered at the upper hummingbird garden feeders at Buenaventura Reserve Emerald-bellied Woodnymph (Thalurania hypochlora)—Lumped by some with Crowned Woodnymph (T. colombica) although both male and female plumages of these two ‘species’ are notably different. 1-2 females were seen at Umbrellabird Lodge feeders, while males (1-2) mainly visited flowering shrubs and trees there.
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Rob got excellent photos of both! A bioregional endemic species. Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata) —Common at Copalinga Lodge feeders and nearby forest Many-spotted Hummingbird (Taphrospilus hypostictus) —1-2 were seen daily at Copalinga Lodge feeders Amazilia Hummingbird (Amazilia amazilia)—A Tumbesian bioregional endemic; 1 was seen only briefly at our lunch break near Porto Velo; then, 4 or so were seen at Cerro Blanco Reserve, best at nectar feeders at the station Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae) —At least 4-6 or so were seen at the upper Buenaventura Reserve garden feeders on two visits, and at the lodge feeders Glittering –throated Emerald (Amazilia fimbriata)—1-2 were seen repeatedly on three days at Copalinga Lodge feeders and flowering Verbena shrubs Rufous-tailed Humminbird (Amazilia tzacatl) —1-3 were seen daily at Buenaventura Reserve feeders Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone) —1-5 were seen repeatedly at Copalinga Lodge feeders and flowering Verbena shrubs Violet-bellied Hummingbird (Damophila julie)—Up to 10 were seen repeatedly at Buenaventura Reserve feeders
QUETZALS & TROGONS: TROGONIDAE Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)—3 were seen in canopy at Llaviucu Lake
MOTMOTS: MOMOTIDAE Whooping Motmot (Momotus subrufescens)—Eve saw and photographed 1 at Buenaventura Lodge’s upper garden Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum) —Finally, 2 were seen at Buenaventura Reserve
KINGFISHERS: ALCEDINIDAE Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)—3 were seen in marshland along the highway east of Guayaquil; 2 more were spotted by Susan and Laura along the Río Bombuscaro in Zamora; and another was seen at Puerto Jelí Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazon) —1 was seen well at a Tilapia pond in Zamora Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle Americana) —1 male was seen well at an ephemeral pond along the entrance road to Puerto Jelí
JACAMARS: GALBULIDAE Coppery-chested Jacamar (Galbula pastazae) —1 female was seen well along the Bombuscaro entrance trail to Podocarpus National Park
NEW WORLD BARBETS: CAPITONIDAE Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii) —Pairs were seen on three days at Copalinga Lodge feeders; the east-slope race in Ecuador is notably different than that in the west both in voice and male’s plumage; these may represent separate species
TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca) —H, and 1 seen by part of
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our group at Llaviucu Lake Pale-mandibled Araçari (Pteroglossus erythropygius) —Aka Collared Aracari (P. torquatus) when lumped by some authors. 2 or so of this bioregional endemic were seen at Buenaventura Reserve Chestnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii) —Often lumped with Black- mandibled Toucan (R. ambiiguus) by some authors, then called Yellow-throated Toucan. At least a pair or so were seen well (and H) on two days at Buenaventura Reserve
WOODPECKERS: PICIDAE Yellow-tufted Woodpecker (Melanerpes cruentatus) —3 were seen near Valladolid Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani)—1 or so was seen at our lunch break near Naranjal on Sept. 5 th Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Veniliornis callonotus)—A pair of this ‘pint-sized’ Tumbesian Bioregional endemic were seen at Manglares-Churute Golden-olive Woodpecker (Piculus rubiginosus) —2 were seen en route to Buenaventura Reserve on Sept. 2 nd Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus ) —H a few times at Buenaventura Reserve; unresponsive to tape playback this trip Guayaquil Woodpecker (Campephilus gayaquilensis) —2 individuals were seen at Buenaventura Reserve (also H)
FALCONS & CARACARAS: FALCONIDAE Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) —1 was seen well in flight over a Tilapia pond at zamora Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway)—Singles were seen in flight, east of Guayaquil and and at Puerto Jelí
PARROTS: PSITTACIDAE Gray-cheeked Parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera)—A pair of this Tumbesian bioregional endemic was seen in flight (others H) at Cerro Blanco Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus) —A pair was seen in flight along Las Fragancias Road Bronze-winged Parrot (Pionus chalcopterus)—Common at Buenaventura Reserve Scaly-naped Amazon (Amazona mercenaries)—The genus Amazona is still often referred to as ‘parrot’ by many authors. 1 was seen in flight at Tapichalaca Reserve Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis)—Common in the southwestern coastal lowlands and around Guayaquil; seen mostly east and south of Guayaquil, at Puerto Jelí and at Cerro Blanco El Oro Parakeet (Pyrhurra orcesi) —13 of this Endangered and endemic species were seen, finally, at the upper Buenaventura Reserve on Sept. 2 nd White-necked Parakeet (Pyrhurra albipectus) —A band of 8 flew in and perched briefly (well seen) at Copalinga Lodge; quite beautiful! Another bioregional endemic. Red-masked Parakeet (Aratinga erythrogenys)—1 was seen in Guayaquil, from the hotel parking lot! Rather common now (once was abundant) in the southwest; seen and H regularly at Buenaventura; also at Cerro Blanco Reserve
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TYPICAL ANTBIRDS: THAMNOPHILIDAE Lined Antshrike (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) —Singles (1male, 1 female) were seen along Las Fragancias Road and near Valladolid Collared Antshrike (Thamnophilus bernardi) —4 seen at Jorupe Reserve; also H at Cerro Blanco Reserve Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha) —Formally known as Western Slaty-Antshrike. 1-3 were seen well on two days at Buenaventura Reserve Russet Antshrike (Thamnistes anabatinus)—1 was seen in subcanopy with a mixed species foraging flock along the entrance/exit at Buenaventura Reserve Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor)—both males and females were seen with mixed species foraging flocks on two days at Buenaventura Reserve White-browed Antbird (Myrmoborus leucophrys) —H along the Las Fragancias Road Chestnut-backed Antbird (Poliocrania exuls) —H on two days at Buenaventura Reserve Dusky Antbird (Cercomacroides tyrannina) —1 was seen and photographed by Eve at Buenaventura Reserve
ANTPITTAS: GRALLARIIDAE Undulated Antpitta (Grallaria squamigera) — Great looks at 2 at Tapichalca Reserve; 1 came out to egde, and another to feed in the open… cool!! Scaled Antpitta (Grallaria guatimalensis)— H along Las Fragancias Road Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi)— A trip highlight for sure! Well, Okay… not a ‘hummingbird or tanager’, but…; 2 came in to feed at Tapichalaca Reserve—thanks Diego!! Chestnut-naped Antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis)—3 were enjoyed at close quarters by part of our group as they came in for worms… at Tapichalaca Reserve Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula) — H a couple of times at Cajanuma and Tapichalaca Reserve Tawny Antpitta (Grallaria quitensis) —H in the El Cajas area Slate-crowned Antpitta (Grallaricula nana) —1 was seen by part of our group (at least another H) at Tapichalaca Reserve
TAPACULOS: RHINOCRYPTIDAE Chusquea Tapaculo (Scytalopus parkeri)— 1 seen well but briefly at Tapichalaca Reserve, when it came out (surprise!) to edge along the driveway
OVENBIRDS & WOODCREEPERS: FURNARIIDAE Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus)—1 calling bird was seen at Copalinga Lodge Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Glyphorhynchus spirurus)—Singles were seen on two days at Buenaventura Reserve Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) —1 was seen at Buenaventura Reserve Spotted Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) —At least 4 or so were seen over three days at Buenaventura Reserve Streak-headed Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) —Singles were seen at Buenaventura Reserve and Cerro Blanco Montane Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) —2 were seen at Tapichalaca Reserve
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Streaked Xenops (Xenops rutilans)—1 was seen with a mixed species foraging flock at Buenaventura Reserve Pacific Hornero (Furnarius cinnamomeus) —Some authors lump this species with Pale-legged Hornero (F. leucopus) of the Amazon Basin. Several of this noisy species were seen and H on five days; mostly in the pacific lowlands (even around Guayaquil); a Tumbesian bioregional endemic Chestnut-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes albidiventris) —2 were encountered in the páramo zone at El Cajas National Park (Illincocha) Stout-billed Cinclodes (Cinclodes albiventris) —1 was seen at ‘point blank’ in the páramo zone at El Cajas National Park (Illincocha) Montane Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia striaticollis) —1 was seen briefly along the Las Fragancias Road Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia variegaticeps) —Singles were seen (the second was the best!) at Buenaventura Reserve Black-billed Treehunter (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) —H, then 1 was seen briefly as it reacted ‘strongly’ to tape playback, along the Las Fragancias Road Pearled Treerunner (Margarornis squamiger)—8 were seen with a mixed species foraging flock at Llaviucu Lake; another 1 or so was seen at Tapichalaca Reserve Mouse-colored Thistletail (Asthenes griseomurina)—A pair was seen well by John, Pam and PJG at Dos Correras Ash-browed Spinetail (Cranioleuca curtata) —1 was seen foraging along the Bombuscaro Trail Azara’s Spinetail (Synallaxis azarae)—2 were seen along the entrance road to Llaviucu Lake Rufous Spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa)—1 was encountered foraging in Chusquea bamboo at Tapichalaca Reserve
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE Southern-beardless Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum)—1 was seen at the ephemeral lagoon along the entrance road to Puerto Jelí; 4 more were encountered at Cerro Blanco White-tailed Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)—1 was seen at Tapichalaca Reserve, with a mixed foraging flock (including White-banded Tyrannulets) White-banded Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus stictopterus) —Several seen on three days; 1 at Llaviucu Lake, and 2 and 5 on two days at Tapichalaca Reserve White-throated Tyrannulet (Mecocerculus leucophrys)—2 were seen at Dos Chorreras Greenish Elaenia (Myiopagis viridicata)—1 was seen at Buenaventura Lodge Coopman’s Elaenia (Elaenia brachyptera)—Now split from lesser Elaenia (E. chiriquesnsis) . A pair was seen quite well east of Naranjal, along the lower Molleturo Road! This is most probably a new and the most southern record for this newly erected species! Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus) —Singles were seen on three days at Copalinga Lodge area on three days Slaty-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon superciliaris)—Singles were at in Zamora, and on two days at Buenaventura Reserve Black-capped Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)—1 was seen with a mixed species foraging flock bt pert of our group at Tapichalaca Reserve Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus) —4 or so of this, voted ‘one of the cutist’,
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was seen at Buenaventura Reserve on three days Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus)—1 was seen (unprovoked!) at Buenaventura Reserve (others H there as well) Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum)—A pair was seen at Copalinga Lodge Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)—1 was seen along the Bombuscaro trail Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) —Singles of this charming species were seen on two days, at Cajanuma and Tapichalaca Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea) —A pair was seen well at the bridge along the Las Fragancias Road Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher (Myiobius sulphureipygius) —1 was seen in understory with a mixed foraging flock at Buenaventura Reserve Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) —1-2 were seen on four days, always near rushing water, near Copalinga Lodge and Tapichalaca Reserve Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) —3 (2 males and a female) were encountered in the coastal lowlands east of Guayaquil and at Manglares-Churute Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) —2 seen at Llaviucu Lake; another seen by Eve at Cajanuma Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca fumicolor) —1 or so was seen at Dos Chorreras by John, Pam and PJG Masked Water-Tyrant (Fluvicola nengeta) —4 were seen in marshland east of Guayaquil; another 1 at Puerto Jelí Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) —2 seen around Copalinga Lodge; Sooty-crowned Flycatcher (Myiarchus phaeocephalus)—1 was seen, responded to pygmy-owl imitation, at Cerro Blanco Boat-billed Fycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) —A pair was seen in the Zamora area; 1 in the upper Buenaventura Reserve area; then, surprisingly, at least 8 were encountered feeding on fruit in the same tree along the Buenaventura Reserve road Social Flycatcher (Myioztetes similis)—Between 1-4 were seen near Manglares- Churute, at Copalinga /Bombuscaro area on two days, and near Naranjal Lemon-browed Flycatcher (Conopias cinchoneti)—1 responsive pair was seen well along the Las Fragancias Road Baird’s Flycatcher (Myiodynastes bairdii)—1 was seen along the entrance road to Puerto Jelí Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) —A widespread neotropical species; small numbers (though at times common) were seen on all but two days Snowy-throated Kingbird (Tyrannus niveigularis) —1 was seen briefly at our lunch- stop south of Naranjal on Sept. 5 th
COTINGAS: COTINGIDAE Green-and-black Fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii) —H at Tapichalaca Reserve Barred Fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata)—1 was seen in forest canopy at Tapichalaca Reserve by part of our group Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)—1 spectacular shocking orange male was seen on our first morning along the Bombuscaro entrance road Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger)—A trip highlight for sure! 1 female was seen as it flew in to eventually feed on some palm fruit along the
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Buenaventura road; then 1 male was seen displaying at its Lek area at Buenaventura Reserve
MANAKINS: PIPRIDAE White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus)—Lek activity was H, then 1 female (or was it an immature male!) was seen at another Lek area at Buenaventura Reserve Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus)—4 males (also displaying!!) were seen ( also others H) at Buenaventura Reserve Golden-headed Manakin (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) —1 male was seen by Eve at Copalinga Lodge (from her hammock!!)
TITYRAS & ALLIES: TITYRIDAE Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata) —A pair was encountered along the Las Fragancias Road Black-crowned Tityra (Tityra inquisitor) —A pair was spotted east of Naranjal on Aug. 27 th One-colored Becard (Pachyramphus homochrous)—1-3 (both males and females) were seen on 3 days at Buenaventura Reserve
VIREOS & ALLIES: VIREONIDAE Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis) —2 were seen at Manglares- Churute; H at Cerro Blanco Olivaceous Greenlet (Hylophilus olivaceus) —H on two days at Copalinga Lodge
CROWS, JAYS & MAGPIES: CORVIDAE Turquoise Jay (Cyanolyca turcosa) —1-2 were seen at Dos Chorreras; 3-6 at Llaviucu Lake; 1-2 at Tapichalaca Reserve Inca Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) —Lumped by some authors with Green Jay of North and Central America. 6-8 or so were seen around Copalinga Lodge; 3 seen in the Valladolid area
SWALLOWS & MARTINS: HIRONDINIDAE Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) —Fairly common to common on most days (all but two) at most sites Brown-bellied Swallow (Orochelidon murina) —The high elevation swallow; seen in high-temperate and páramo zones (El Cajas National Park, Dos Chorreras, Llaviucu Lake, and Cajanuma) White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata) —2 were seen repeatedly around Tilapia pond at Zamora Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) —Only a few were seen in the Zamora area Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) —Common around towns, southeast of Guayaquil on our first and in the Puerto Jelí area Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) —5 or so (mostly immature birds) were seen in open rice pond area at Manglares-Churute on Aug. 27 th
WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) —probably to be split again as Southern House-Wren
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(T. musculus) . H in several areas in both east and west slopes; and least 1 was seen at Copalinga Sedge (Grass) Wren (Cistothorus platensis) —H in tall grass at Llaviucu Lake Fasciated Wren (Campylorhynchus fasciatus)—Rather common en route to Buenaventura Reserve, in the Porto Velo area; also in the coastal lowlands, Puerto Jelí and at Cerro Blanco Plain-tailed Wren (Pheugopedius euophrys)—H, and 1 seen by part of our group, always in Chusquea bamboo, at Tapichalaca Reserve Coraya Wren (Pheugopedius coraya) —H along the Bombuscaro entrance road Speckle-breasted Wren (Pheugopedius sclateri) —2 were seen well at Cerro Blanco Bay Wren (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) —Mostly H, but a pair was actually seen, though briefly, at Buenaventura Reserve Superciliated Wren (Cantorchilus superciliaris)—H at Cerro Blanco Rufous Wren (Cinnycerthia unirufa) —Nice looks at about 12 (two groups) at Tapichalaca Reserve Gray-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys) —H on four days at Buenaventura Reserve
DIPPERS: CINCLIDAE White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus) —A pair was seen at the waterfall along the Loja-Zamora Highway, after waiting a bit
GNATCATCHERS & GNATWRENS: POLIOPTILIDAE Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea) —Quite common in the coastal lowlands; 4 seen at Manglares-Churute; 5 in the Porto Velo area (our lunch stop), and 10 at Cerro Blanco; cute and very reactive to pygmy-owl calls
THRUSHES & ALLIES: TURDIDAE Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides) —1 was seen briefly in canopy along the Las Fragancias Road Plumbeous-backed Thrush (Turdus reevei)—2 were seen near Porto Velo and 4 at Buenaventura Reserve; another was encountered near Naranjal. A Tumbesian bioregional endemic Ecuadorian Thrush (Turdus maculirostris) —Common, 12 or seen at Buenaventura on two days, 5 or so seen at Puerto Jelí and south of Naranjal, and 6 more were seen at Cerro Blanco Black-billed Thrush (Turdus ignobilis)—Fairly common in second-growth and more open areas; seen on three days in the Copalinga/Zamora area Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater) —Common highland species; seen on five days White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis)—1-2 were seen well on two days around Copalinga Lodge
MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS: MIMIDAE Long-tailed Mockingbird (Mimus longicaudatus)—5 were seen at Vilcabamba; 5 were seen in the Porto Velo area (lunch stop)ñ another 5 were seen at Cerro Blanco
NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE Olive-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis semiflava) —H at Buenaventura Reserve
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 23 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Tropical Parula (Setophaga pitiayumi) —1-2 were seen on three days at Buenaventura Mangrove Warbler (Setophaga petechial) —Some authors lump this with the boreal migrant American Yellow-Warbler (S. aestiva) calling the species Yellow Warbler (S. petechia) . 1 individual called in from mangroves, flew across a channel to perch on the rim of a boat right in front of us! Citrine Warbler (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) —Singkes were seen on two days at Tapichalaca Reserve Black-crested Warbler (Myiothlypis nigrocristata) —H at Tapichalaca Reserve Buff-rumped Warbler (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)—1-2 seen (and H) along Las Fragancias Road; H in the outskirts of Zamora; H, and then 2 or so were seen at Buenaventura Reserve Gray-and-gold Warbler (Myiothlypis fraseri)—Pairs of this Tumbesian bioregional endemic were seen on two dyas at Buenaventura Reserve Russet-crowned Warbler (Myiothlypis coronatus)—1 was seen at Tapichalaca Reserve Slate-throated Whitestart (Myioborus miniatus) — Aka ‘Redstart’ though shows no red, and outer tail feathers are white! Sirprisingly, only H at Copalinga Lodge—never s seen! Spectacled Whitestart (Myioborus melanocephalus) — Aka ‘Redstart’ though shows no red, and outer tail feathers are white! 2 were seen at Dos Chorreras; 3 or so at Cajanuma; 4-6 seen on two days at Tapichalca Reserve
TANAGERS & ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE Superciaried Hemispingus (Hemispingus superciliaris)—Singles were seen at Cajanuma, Tapichalaca and Llaviucu Lake White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus) —3 males and 1 female were seen on two days at Buenaventura Reserve White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)—A pair was seen onb two days at Copalinga Lodge Lemon-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus icteronotos) —Lumped with Flame-rumped Tanager (R. flammigerus) by some authors. 1 was seen east of Naranjal along the lower Molleturo Road. Quite common at Buenaventura Reserve (seen on two days)
Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo) —Fairly common around Copalinga Lodge and around Zamora Hooded Mountain-Tanager (Buthraupis Montana) —3 or so were seen in forest at Tapichalaca Reserve Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus lacrymosus)—rather common (bands of 4 -6 or so were seen on three days) at Tapichalaca Reserve (also right at the lodge!) Golden-crowned Tanager (Iridosornis rufivertex) —4 in all were seen at Tapichalaca on Sept. 1 st ; stunning indeed! Fawn-breasted Tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota) —At least 1 was seen at Buenaventura Lodge Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) —Common lowland species on both sides of the Andes: the eastern race (with white on shoulders and wing-coverts) and western race (wings are blue) were seen on all but two days. Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) —Generally, a fairly common lowland species; between 1-3 or so were seen on most days in the lowlands and foothills; at Copalinga, Buenaventura Reserve, and east of Naranjal
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 24 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Rufous-throated Tanager (Ixothrupis rufigula) —1 of this Chocó bioregional endemic was seen with a mixed foraging flock at Buenaventura Reserve Spotted Tanager (Ixothrupis punctata) —5 were seen over three days at Copalinga lodge and along the Las Fragancias Road Golden-naped Tanager (Tangara ruficervix) —A paiur was seen well at our lunch stop along the Molletura Road, east of Naranjal Silver-backed Tanager (Tangara viridicollis) —Aka Silvery Tanager by some authors. 1, possibly 2 (a pair?), seen at the upper Buenaventura Reserve area Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis) —A relatively common and beautiful tanager; 4-10 were seen on two days at Copalinga Lodge (race: caeruleocephala ); pairs were seen on two days at Buenaventura (race: cyanopygia ) Blue-and-black Tanager (Tangara vassorii) —Pairs at least were seen on two days, right outside of Casa Simpson at Tapichalaca Reserve Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis) —At least a pair was seen on two days, right outside of Casa Simpson at Tapichalaca Reserve; another pair was seen at Buenaventura Reserve along the upper road–what a bird! Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis) —This gorgeous tanager was seen on three days at and around Copalinga Lodge and along the Las Fragancias Road; so beautiful! Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) —1 was glimpsed at Copalinga Lodge; 2 more were seen pretty well along the Las Fragancias Road; another 1 or so was seen at Buenaventura Reserve Golden-eared Tanager (Tangara chrysotis) —A regular visitor to Copalinga plantain feeders; an eastern foothill specialty. 3-6 or so were seen daily at Copalinga Lodge Green-and-gold Tanager (Tangara schrankii)—One of the most common visitors to the plantain feeders at Copalinga Lodge; also seen in nearby forest and edge Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus) —Often, the most common mid-elevation Tangara : up to 20 or so were seen at Copalinga Lodge plantain feeders on three days; also seen at our lunch stop along the Molleturo Road, east of Naranjal Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) —Singles were seen with mixed species canopy flocks on two days at Buenaventura Reserve Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis) —1 male was glimpsed only along the upper road at Buenaventura Reserve Black-faced Dacnis (Dacnis lineata) —1 ‘snappy’ male was seen in canopy along Las Fragancias Road Yellow-tufted Dacnis (Dacnis egregia) —Considered a race of Black-faced Dacnis (D. lineata) by some authors. An incredible pair was seen at close quarters along the lower Molleturo Road, east of Naranjal; 1 female was seen at Buenaventura Reserve Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) —1 male was seen near Valladolid Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) —Very common at both Copalinga Lodge and at Buenaventura Reserve Guira Tanager (Hemithraupis guira)—1 male at least was seen along the Bombuscar entrance road Capped Conebill (Conirostrum albifrons) —1 male was seen at Tapichalaca Reserve Tit-like Dacnis (Xenodacnis parina)—At least 5 were seen well at El Cajas national Park (Illincocha) Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis) —Pairs were seen at Dos Chorreras and Llaviucu Lake White-sided Flowerpiercer (Diglossa albilatera) —at least a pair was seen near
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 25 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
Valladolid Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) —2 were seen at Llaviucu Lake; 3-4 were encountered at Tapichalaca Reserve on three days Plumbeous Sierra-Finch (Phrygilus unicolor) —A male and female were seen in páramo at El Cajas National Park Slaty Finch (Spodiornis rusticus) —1 male was seen briefly high in seeding Chusquea bamboo at Tapichalaca Reserve Black-headed Hemispingus (Pseudospingus verticalis) —2 were seen well high in Canopy, with a mixed species foraging flock, at Tapichalaca Reserve Gray-headed Bush-Tanager (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris) —Threesoms were seen on two days with mixed species foraging flocks at Tapichalaca Reserve Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)—Fairly common in much of the southwest in drier regions: south of Loja, Vilcabamba, Loja-Porto Velo road, south of Guayaquil and at Cerro Blanco Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) —4 or so along the coastal lowlands east and south of Guayaquil; 1 female was seen at Zamora (Tilapia pond area) Chestnut-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila castaneiventris)—A few males and females were seen in the copalinga/Zamora area Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch (Sporophila angolensis) —1 male was seen along the Bombuscaro entrance road; 2 males and a female were seen near the Tilapia pong in Zamora Variable Seedeater (Sporophila corvina) —Single males were seen at Buenaventura and at our luch stop south of Naranjal Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis) —1 male was seen along the road near Valladolid Plain-colored Seedeater (Catamenia inornata)—4 or so were seen in grassland bordering Llaviucu Lake Páramo Seedeater (Catamenia homochroa) —2 were seen in seeding Chusquea bamboo at Tapichalaca Reserve Red-Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus)—Aka Red-crested Finch by some authors. A pair was seen repeatedly on two days at Copalinga Lodge
Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) —1-2 visited nectar feeders at Copalinga Lodge on two days; more common at Umbrellabird Lodge, Buenaventura Reserve Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus) —1-2 seen repeatedly at Copalinga feeders; 2-3 or so were seen at Buenaventura Reserve Black-winged Saltator (Saltator atripennis) —1-2 were seen, finally with a mixed species canopy flock along the upper Buenaventura Reserve road Streaked Saltator (Saltator striatipectus)—5 or so of the unstreaked race of this species were seen at Cerro Blanco Reserve
NEW WORLD SPARROWS: PASSARELLIDAE Yellow-throated Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus semifuscus) —No longer considered a tanager, though the former name ‘Bush-Tanager’ could still be valid. 6 were seen along the Bombuscaro entrance road; pairs at least were seen on two days at Buenaventura Reserve Ashy-throated Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus canigularis) — No longer considered a tanager, though the former name ‘Bush-Tanager’ could still be valid. 1 was seen
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 26 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
and photographrd by Pam at the upper Buenaventura reserve gardens Common Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus flavopectus) — No longer considered a tanager, though the former name ‘Bush-Tanager’ could still be valid. A pair was seen at the upper Buenaventura Reserve area on Seot. 2 nd ; another 1 was encountered in that area on Sept. 5 th Yellow-browed Sparrow (Ammodramus aurifrons) —Singles were seen along the Bombuscaro entrance road and at Copalinga Lodge’s parking lot Orange-billed Sparrow (Arremon aurantiirostris) —Singles were seen along the Las Fragancias Road and at Copalinga Lodge Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) —The common highland sparrow, but only singles were seen on two days; near Valladolid and at the upper Buenaventura Reserve area Yellow-breasted Brushfinch (Atlapetes latinuchus)—Aka Rufous-naped Brushfinch. 1- 5 were seen on three days at Tapichalaca Reserve; great looks around Casa Simpson
CARDINALS & ALLIES: CARDINALIDAE Blue-black Grosbeak (Cyanoloxia cyanoides) —H close-by, but would not come out to play, in understory at Buenaventura Reserve
TROUPIALS & ALLIES: ICTERIDAE Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons) —Rather common (the most widespread ecuadorian oropendola); Many seen on two days at Copalinga Lodge and the Zamora area Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) —Pairs at least were seen at Copalinga Lodge on three days Subtropical Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis) —H along Las Fragancias Road Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) —3 or so were seen at Manglares-Churute; 2 were seen in the outskirts of Zamora; 1 was seen south of Naranjal at our lunch stop. Western birds are notably different than those found in Amazonia Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas)—A pair was seen along the lower Molleturo Road, east of Naranjal: another pair was seen at Cerro Blanco Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) —3 or so were encountered at Manglares- Churute Giant Cowbird (Molothrus oryzivorus )—1 was seen east of Guayaquil Scrub Blackbird (Dives warszewiczi) —Common, especially along highways, roads and agricultural areas in the southwest lowlands and interAndean valleys; encountered on six days
SISKINS, CROSSBILLS & ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) —Fairly common; seen on five days; at Copalinga and Buenaventura reserve feeders; males of eastern and western races show different tonality of yellow on underparts and crown Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster) —Mostly pairs were seen, repeatedly at Copalinga Reserve and Buenaventura reserve plantain feeders Yellow-bellied Siskin (Spinus xanthogastrus)—1 female was seen first at Buenaventura Reserve; then a male was seen on our last morning there along the upper road
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 27 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018
OLD WORLD SPARROWS: PASSERIDAE House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) —1 male was seen at a toll booth near Naranjal
MAMMALS:
MONKEYS: CEBIDAE White-fronted Capuchin-Monkey (Cebus albifrons) —A crazy marauding ‘band’ of 4- 6 invaded Copalinga Lodge twice, stealing plantain bananas and checking out our cabins before disappearing inti the forest Mantled Howler-Monkey (Alouatta palliata )—H daily at Buenaventura Reserve
RACOONS & ALLIES: PROCYONIDAE South American Coati (Nasua nasua) —1 regularly invaded the plantain feeders at Copalinga on two days White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica)—A family group of about 6 or so came right up to the Umbrellabird Lodge patio (and us!) several times a day, at Buenaventura Reserve
SQUIRRELS: SCIURIDAE Guayaquil Squirrel (Sciurus stramineus)—3-4 of this Tumbesian bioregional endemic species were seen at Cerro Blanco Reserve
RABBITS: LEPORIDAE Forest Rabbit / Tapiti (Silvilagus brasiliensis) —3-4 were seen at El Cajas Natioanl Park and Dos Chorreras; another 1 at Copalinga lodge
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS:
Green (American) Iguana (Iguana iguana) —Common in the coastal lowlands (even in ‘Iguana’ Park across the street from our Hotel Continental); also seen at Manglares- Churute, Puerto Jelí and Cerro Blanco, but elsewhere as well *Also, our Tarantula Hawk (Wasp), may have been Pepsis sumptuosa or Pepsis ecuadorae among the possibilities
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 28 Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza, 2018