Montane Ecuador: Jul 29-Aug 7, 2011 with Rose Ann Rowlett & Willy Perez Field Guides Tour Report MONTANE ECUADOR

Jul 29, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011 Rose Ann Rowlett & Willy Perez

Ecuador is a small country, but its diversity of habitats and wildlife are legendary, making it one of the best countries in the world for birdwatching. During our 8 days of birding in MONTANE ECUADOR, we encountered close to 300 species of birds, all the while based in just two forest lodges, but by birding a range of elevations from 4700 to 14,000 feet, all within amazingly short distances. We had wonderful fun watching hummingbirds, tanagers, antpittas, owls, cotingas, trogons, barbets, toucans, and even elusive tapaculos.

A few memorable moments we all enjoyed would have to include watching the following: the ridiculous bill of the Sword-billed Hummingbird at Yanacocha & Guango, its bill as long as its body!; stunning male cocks-of-the-rock jumping up and down at their lek and flying across the Tandayapa valley; literally swarms of hummingbirds feeding at Tandayapa, Milpe, Guango, and San Isidro; an incredible four species of antpittas at Angel's place, topped off with a family of Dark- backed Wood-Quail, a close pair of Toucan Barbets, and a nesting pair of Orange-breasted Fruiteaters!; a magnificent male Andean Condor circling above the sunlit Andes; two striking species of mountain-toucans; a cooperative pair of spectacular Ocellated Tapaculos, one even through the scope!; and the fantastic procession of spectacular tanagers, from high to low elevations, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors. Despite lots of clouds and misty weather, we got to see Reventador Volcano steaming in eruption, Cotopaxi covered with ice and snow, and the lovely silhouette of This Giant Antpitta, "Panchito" to be more specific, outlying Volcan Sumaco--as well as extensive stretches of lovely montane surprised us by hopping along the trail toward us as forest literally cloaking both outer slopes of the Andes. These were we descended toward where he is usually fed. (Photo heartening scenes to behold. by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)

We enjoyed good accommodations, great cuisine (especially at San Isidro!), wonderful driving (and spotting) by Edgar, and great, friendly staff throughout. But most remarkable was our outstanding group of participants, who were patient, helpful, and enormous fun to be with. Thanks for coming, and we look forward to seeing you again!

--Rose Ann & Willy

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Montane Ecuador: Cloudforests of the Andes.

KEYS FOR THIS LIST One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDS Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) – Female seen diving in the rushing water at Guango and another one

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1 on the Cosanga River. YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH GEORGIA) (Anas georgica georgica) – Great scope views at Papallacta lake. ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium) – A pair on the way up to the Papallacta antennas. Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Well spotted by Edgar from the Guacamayos Trail parking area; we all saw it well.

Birding down the road through the forested Guacamayos as outlying Volcan Sumaco emerges from the clouds (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)

WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) [*] SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Glimpsed near Tandayapa. Odontophoridae (New World Quail) DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – A family group of 5 adults with 3 chicks came in to eat earthworms at Angel's beckoning, for one of the highlights of the trip! This species used to be practically impossible to see, but we were able to photograph it at close range! (see cover photo by RAR) Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) CATTLE EGRET (IBIS) (Bubulcus ibis ibis) Cathartidae (New World Vultures) BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – Fantastic views of an adult male of this spectacular bird (and a real Andean classic) on the way up to Papallacta Pass! (Plus it was in great sunlight!) Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) HOOK-BILLED KITE (HOOK-BILLED) (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus) – One seen flying at the upper Tandayapa valley. BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) – One perched, good scope views in the paramo. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris magnirostris) – Common throughout the trip; perhaps most memorable when it

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2 dived to catch a male Black-capped Tanager while we were eating bolones verdes and empanadas at Refugio Paz. WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Buteo leucorrhous) – A distant bird at Guango. SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus brachyurus) – Nice views, at the entrance of San Isidro. VARIABLE HAWK (VARIABLE) (Buteo polyosoma polyosoma) – We had multiple good looks at perched, hovering, and stilling birds. BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – One bird flying very far, spotted by Gregg in the Guacamayos. A much closer bird, above the gas station near Baeza, was spotted by Ethel and Collin. This bird circled in and out of the forest several times with prey in its talons; the prey seemed to have been a snake. Great views! Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus semitorquatus) – San Isidro. [*] CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) – Many of these striking black-and-white birds were seen flying beyond Pifo en route to Papallacta Pass. AMERICAN KESTREL (COLOMBIAN) (Falco sparverius aequatorialis) – The breeding race. Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Papallacta Lake. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) SOUTHERN LAPWING (NORTHERN) (Vanellus chilensis cayennensis) – Increasingly common at higher elevations as this species colonizes Ecuador, moving up with the clearings. Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – This lovely highland gull was seen on the way up to Papallacta Pass. When Angel offered earthworms along the trail, a covey of at Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) least five adult Dark-backed Wood-Quail rushed in, with at least three chicks following. (Photo by guide Rose Ann ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] Rowlett) BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Seen nicely at Finca Paz and near Baeza. EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina quitensis) – Tumbaco. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata bourcieri) – A pair of these normally shy and difficult-to-see quail-doves were doing an interaction display at the blind in Tandayapa, where we got to watch their behavior at extremely close range. Psittacidae (Parrots) MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) – A group of 6 perched birds was seen through the scopes at Milpe. BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola tigrinus) [*] RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus) – Not as common as the Speckle-faced, but seen well around San Isidro. SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – Big flocks of them close to the cabins at San Isidro. BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) [*] SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) [*] Cuculidae (Cuckoos) SQUIRREL CUCKOO (AMAZONIAN) (Piaya cayana mesura) – A pair came close to us while we were on the rooftop mirador at San Isidro. Strigidae (Owls)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 3 WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis albogularis) [*] "BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – Edgar interrupted our dinner, on our second evening at San Isidro, to show us a very friendly "San Isidro Owl" that posed for digiscope photos (see cover). Lovely! Stay tuned to our website for eventual developments in naming it. RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – Another big, spectacular owl! After having heard its excited calls on several nights, we saw one at very close range on our final night near the cabins at San Isidro (where it hadn't rained as it had on our Guacamayos pass nightbirding). Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – This highland relative of Short-tailed Nighthawk was seen near San Isidro's car park by Gregg and Ethel and at the Guacamayos Pass by Collin.

The ground fog lifts on a sunny morning at San Isidro reserve. (Photo by guide Rose Ann Rowlett)

BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (BAND-WINGED) (Caprimulgus longirostris ruficervix) – A close female in the rain at the Guacamayos pass. LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra) – Seen very briefly in flight overhead by a couple of folks along the road near Tandayapa town. Apodidae (Swifts) WHITE-CHESTED SWIFT (Cypseloides lemosi) – In the mist above the Guacamayos pass. CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques) – We worked at getting good looks--and succeeded--at individuals flying low over the pasture across the road from San Isidro. WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – We saw adult males several times at Tandayapa and Milpe. WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – Our first hermit in the trip, at Milpe. TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – We had fantastic views of this very attractive hermit feeding in some flowers close to the car park at San Isidro. BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – Seen nicely at Tandayapa Lodge feeders. GREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus) – We had nice comparisons of this and the next species, especially at Tandayapa Lodge. SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans) – The bigger one with the blue belly and blue under the chin. GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus) – We had a few scope views of this handsome specialty on the upper Tandayapa ridge. TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – One of the most common (and lovely!) hummers at the Guango feeders.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4 GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – They were quite common on our visit to Milpe. SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Both slopes. LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi mocoa) – A lot of handsome males were at the feeders at Guango and San Isidro. VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) – Another great hummingbird! We enjoyed it at the feeders at Refugio Paz. MOUNTAIN AVOCETBILL (Opisthoprora euryptera) – This rarity put in one quick appearance at the Guango feeders, and some fortunate people happened to be looking at the right feeder at the right time and thus managed to see it. BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) – Fly-by's. BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi) – We got to watch a bird (which would have been a female, given that males have nothing to do with the nest) zipping in and out of a mossy nest under a bank along the old road below Papallacta Pass. [N] RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani herrani) – We saw one adult female and (later) its young begging for food on our first day in the field, along the trail at Yanacocha. TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – Very common on both sides of the Andes. VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami primolinus) – Seen by Gregg in the Polylepis forest below the pass near Papallacta. SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis luciani luciani) – One of the beautiful pufflegs at Yanacocha. GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) – Not as many as usual, but we had good looks at this beauty at Yanacocha. SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – With its unique color, this hummer was a real treat (at Yanacocha). BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – East slope. BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) – The west-slope replacement of the last species. COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) – The most handsome inca of the three; we had good studies of the purple cap on the males at Guango. BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) – Some males at Yanacocha were showing the iridescent green head. MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) – We saw a female of this decurve-billed species at the far Yanacocha feeders. SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – This one made us all say "Wow!" over and over. Our first was at Yanacocha, but we saw several (of both sexes) at Guango; some were feeding within inches of our faces! A glowing male Velvet-purple Coronet was one of the prizes GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus at Angel's hummingbird feeders. (Photo by guide Richard cyanopterus) – The second-largest hummer (by weight), this Webster on a previous trip) one is dynamite to watch (both males and females)! BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) – Remember how the coronets hold their wings up when they land? Buff-tailed was our first coronet, but this nominate race was the one on the east slope. We saw it at

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 5 Guango. BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) – This western race was truly our first coronet. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – Numerous at Guango and San Isidro, this was a real favorite, especially when the wings and tail were spread. VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – Somewhat subtle and yet breathtaking was the color combination of this beauty. We saw them quite well at Angel's feeders. BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus) – We saw many males of this dramatic hummer, mainly at Tandayapa Lodge and Refugio Paz. It's a wonder that nature can develop such an unlikely bird! WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri leucura) – Great looks at this beautiful hummingbird feeding along the Guacamayos trail. PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini) – This generally uncommon hummer was visiting the feeders at Tandayapa Lodge and at Angel's reserve. Remember it's the one with the biggest white spot behind the eye. RUFOUS-VENTED WHITETIP (Urosticte ruficrissa) – This scarce hummer, the east-slope counterpart of the last, was seen briefly at flowers in the 4800-foot zone of the Guacamayos. (We have never seen it at feeders.) FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) – Seen on both sides of the Andes, its elongated forehead a clue to its being a brilliant. GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamesoni) – This one is found on the west slope, primarily at foothill elevations; we saw it at Milpe. EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – What a bird! We watched in astonishment as several males fed and perched right in front of us at Refugio Paz. GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas peruviana) – We really enjoyed watching this heaviest of hummers feeding at agave flowers near Calacali. Thanks to Barb's spotting! WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – This tiny hummer, with the bee-like buzzing of its wings, was seen well at Guango, where as many as 5 males were at one feeder! PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii) – Both males and females were seen at Tandayapa Lodge and at Refugio Paz. WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus melanorhynchus) – We saw just one male and one female at Tandayapa One of the highlights of the tour was getting scope Lodge. views of a big, responsive Ocellated Tapaculo along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. (Photo by guide GREEN-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (GREEN-CROWNED) Richard Webster on a previous trip) (Thalurania fannyi verticeps) – Stunning and common at the Milpe feeders. (Make sure this one is marked on your checklist; we may have missed marking it.) ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae viridiceps) – The common white-breasted one in the west. RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (RUFOUS-TAILED) (Amazilia tzacatl jucunda) – Also common in the west. Trogonidae (Trogons) GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) – We had some terrific views of this classical Andean quetzal (with the black underside of the tail) on both slopes of the Andes. CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – The more difficult-to-see of the two; we had stunning views of a male at Refugio Paz and saw another along the road beyond San Isidro. (This is the one with the white underside of the tail.)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 6 MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus personatus) – Seen almost daily around the San Isidro lights. Momotidae (Motmots) ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) [*] Galbulidae (Jacamars) COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – We managed to scope this fantastic east-slope specialty at 4700 feet along the Guacamayos road. Capitonidae (New World Barbets) RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii orientalis) – We had our breakfast while watching this fancy barbet eating its breakfast (of bananas) at Tandayapa Lodge. We saw both sexes. Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets) TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) – One of the most-wanted birds of the trip, this fancy specialty was heard duetting several times before we went to Angel's reserve. There we had unbelievably close studies of a pair that visited the feeders right in front of us! (see RAR's cover photo) Ramphastidae (Toucans) EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – Great scope views at San Isidro. CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus) – Good looks at Tandayapa Lodge. GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) – Guango. [*] PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – Another most wanted Choco specialty that graces the cover of the field guide. We had to work a bit, but at least 3 were seen along the Tandayapa ridge, where one fed on fruits at close range, affording some wonderful views. BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris spilorhynchus) – After seeing the previous one, it became clear that any mountain-toucan would be highly prized. We saw this east-slope specialty with a mixed flock along the road in the Guacamayos. CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) [*] Picidae (Woodpeckers) YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis dignus) – This small but good-looking woodpecker was very friendly at Angel's farm (with the mixed flock near the fruiteater nest). GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – We had extremely close views of the ridiculously long-billed Two over the parking lot at Milpe. Sword-bill at the feeders at Guango. (Photo by participant CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii Peggy Keller on a previous trip) brevirostris) – Our first ones were seen beautifully at Tandayapa. But it got even better at San Isidro, where we watched a pair working on their nest in a dead tree off the parking vista daily. POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) – Glimpsed flying over, but they weren't very friendly this trip. [*] Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior) – Fairly common at upper levels of Papallacta Pass. CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris) – The northernmost of a 3-way split of Bar-winged Cinclodes, it was seen along the Papallacta antennas road. ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola) – Papallacta Pass. AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media) – Both slopes. DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis rodolphei) [*]

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 7 RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa) – A nice pair of this rufous spinetail with the black lores came in to playback to within a few feet of us at the Guacamayos pass. SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura nigrofumosa) – Finca Paz. WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis) – More like a wren than a spinetail, this one was seen very well at Yanacocha. RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops) [*] MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata flammulata) – Papallacta Pass. WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa) – A pair came in right below us at the lower end of Papallacta Lake. SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens) [*] PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) – Both slopes. STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – We all had fabulous views of this big, white-cheeked furnariid along the Tandayapa Ridge. MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis montana) – Seen along the lower Guacamayos road. BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Likewise. STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) – The views we had of this species were exceptionally good when it was the first birds to appear to hunt moths, almost at arm's length, as we sat inside the blind at Tandayapa Lodge. STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) – We had equally good looks at two of these big woodcreepers that foraged just outside the same blind. OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis) – Coming every morning to eat the moths at the San Isidro lights. MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) – Likewise. Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) BICOLORED ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus occidentalis punctitectus) [*] SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor) [*] LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata caudata) – This distinctive bamboo specialist was easily seen near the cabins at San Isidro when a pair came to eat the moths attracted by the lights. IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza immaculata macrorhyncha) [*] Formicariidae (Antthrushes) RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) – One walked across the uppermost opening visible from the blind at Tandayapa Lodge. Grallariidae (Antpittas) GIANT ANTPITTA (Grallaria gigantea) – This was the first of the four species of antpittas we saw at Refugio Paz. We were surprised by this big antpitta when we were walking down toward the usual feeding place and encountered "Panchito" coming right up the trail toward us, no doubt expecting a handout! He stayed long enough for all of us to have a good looks before disappearing silently into the forest. (He was later rewarded with earthworms when we came back up.)(see RAR's cover photo) MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni andaquiensis) – This one was close to the hummingbird feeders, and Angel put the food on the trail to draw it out so that all could see it well. This used to be one of the toughest of all antpittas to see. CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla) – Terry alone managed to see one of these when we were trying for the Ocellated Tapaculos along the Tandayapa ridge. CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) – A responsive pair was heard extremely well along the Guacamayos ridge trail, where this species is scarce. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a view. [*] YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta) – Two birds came in, one to either side of the dirt road through Angel's new farm (see RAR's cover photo). This is another species that used to be quite difficult to see. WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) – The usual one that has been trained to come in for earthworms at San Isidro performed beautifully once again. RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula rufula) – To see antpittas with no worms is always a challenge, but we managed to

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 8 see this one well along the trail at Yanacocha. TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis quitensis) – A very friendly one almost landed on our shoulders at the Yanacocha car park. Note the name, for Quito, where they are indeed common in the paramo; this is probably the easiest of all antpittas to see! OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris mindoensis) – Angel had to work hard for this tiny Grallaricula, but we had fantastic scope views of an adult with a young one. SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (SLATE-CROWNED) (Grallaricula nana nana) – Close but not quite! [*] Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos) OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscatus) – After having had a very frustrating encounter with this species along the Tandayapa ridge, where we spent a lot of time (with only Alice managing to see one), we appealed to Orni, the god of birders (according to Gregg), and sure enough we encountered a cooperative pair along the Guacamayos trail and even got great scope views. One of the highlights of the whole tour! BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans latrans) [*] NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*] SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) – We had great looks at this tapaculo on the Guacamayos trail on our tapaculo morning. Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (SOUTHERN) (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri) – Tumbaco. WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – Tandayapa Ridge. WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus) – At high elevations on both slopes. WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatis) – Yanacocha & Papallacta Pass. SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – San Isidro. TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus aequatorialis) – It was great to see the little tufts of this handsome bird at Calacali. WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (WHITE-CRESTED) (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis) – Seen nicely from the car park at San Isidro. TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea) – Always near rushing water. STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Both slopes. SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – Lower Guacamayos. RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) [*] ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – San Isidro. TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis) [*] CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis) – As split from Golden-faced Tyrannulet; this taxon occurs in NW Ecuador and the Choco of Colombia. GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops) – The eastern taxon that we saw well (including its golden face) at Baeza. ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A little beauty, seen at Milpe. RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – We had a close encounter with this little mite inside the forest along the Guacamayos ridge trail. SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Tandayapa Ridge. RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – One of the smallest flycatchers, but one of the most handsome in the group; we saw it well in the bamboo under the lights at San Isidro. CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus pyrrhopterus) – Our close encounters with this confiding little flycatcher, especially at Guango, contributed to its being Barb's favorite of the trip. HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher) – By some at San Isidro. SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Both slopes. BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris) – With more white on the wings than our North American birds, this species was seen on both slopes. VERMILION FLYCATCHER (VERMILION) (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) – The locally breeding race was seen in Tumbaco.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 9 RUFOUS-TAILED TYRANT (Knipolegus poecilurus) – This flycatcher, scarce this far north in Ecuador, was seen twice (on successive days) in the same bare tree, its favorite perch for hunting insects along the Guacamayos road. PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus alpinus) – A.k.a. Paramo Ground-Tyrant; seen along the Papallacta antennas road. WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis albicauda) – Rare and local in Ecuador, this big flycatcher with the big hooked bill was seen in its shrubby montane habitat near Calacali. STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis) – Nice scope views of two distant birds on our Nono turnoff road near Calacali. SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus fumigatus) – Nice views in Guacamayos. CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis) – We had nice looks at several individuals along the trail at Yanacocha. RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata) – Fantastic looks at Guango for those who walked down the meadow. BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons) – Papallacta paramo. DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Both slopes. PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes cephalotes) – The most common flycatcher at San Isidro. GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor) – Nicely on both slopes. SNOWY-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus niveigularis) – This species breeds in the arid Tumbesian zone of SW Ecuador and NW Peru during the rainy season there (usually January through June) and migrates to more humid areas during the Tumbesian dry season. Our bird at Milpe (at 1100m, high for the species) was probably a post-breeding migrant. [a] TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus) – Common and widespread. Cotingidae (Cotingas) GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – Seen on both slopes. BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata) – A female was seen briefly at Yanacocha. ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola jucunda) – Luckily for us, Angel had found a pair of these scarce fruiteaters nesting on his new farm. We got to see the female on the nest and the spectacular male feeding nearby. Yip! Yip! [N] RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – One of the first birds we saw on our way to Yanacocha; its nice red eye and recumbent crest were visible through the scopes. ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – What a show! We watched males of this bright-red, western race at a distant lek along the old Nono Mindo road, and Terry had a nice look at one male that came in right below us, comprising his favorite bird of the trip. Pipridae (Manakins) GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – A fantastic male was seen along the trail at Milpe. CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – It took a while to see this Choco specialty, but we were rewarded by two males displaying a bit at Milpe. The discovery of how the sound is produced was published in Science 309:736, July 29, 2005. The paper, by Kimberly Bostwick (with whom Willy worked) & Richard Prum, is titled: "Courting bird sings with stridulation wing feathers." For a short video and explanation of the male's unique (among vertebrates) method of vibrating its feathers to produce the sound, go to: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/11/09111-birds-sing-feathers-wings.html Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor) – This (fairly common) becard gave us a hard time for a while, but in the end we saw it--especially a female at San Isidro. ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous) – A female, seen at Angel's farm (1200-1300m), was a new bird for Angel and Rodrigo. Our sighting was at a high elevation for the species, which usually occurs below 1000m, but, according to Ridgely & Greenfield, it has been recorded locally to 1500m. Vireonidae (Vireos) BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) [*] RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – We saw a bird of undetermined subspecies along the lower Guacamayos road. The bird was singing a bit, and neither of the races known occur on the east slope should be singing; so the race remains

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 10 unknown. BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris nigrirostris) – We had nice views at a singing bird that has its territory near the lights at San Isidro, where it sometimes comes to eat moths. Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) BEAUTIFUL JAY (Cyanolyca pulchra) [*] TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) – From our vantage point well off the paved road through the Guacamayos, we had dynamite views of a bird in good light; the blue was simply stunning! (see RAR's cover photo) GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – Split by some folks as Inca Jay, this blond-headed race of Green Jay was common and a very striking yard bird at San Isidro. Hirundinidae (Swallows) BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (CYANOLEUCA) (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca) – Common and widespread. BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina murina) – Fairly common at the higher elevations. WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis minima) – Perched on the wire at Milpe, where we could see its white thighs. SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – At lower elevations on both slopes. Troglodytidae (Wrens) RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unirufa) – Very confiding at Yanacocha, where a family group of 7 birds came very close to us and gave us a sample of their lovely song as well. SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens olivascens) – Tandayapa Ridge. PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) – We saw these well in the bamboo along the road beyond San Isidro. Their strong song was a regular presence off the car park vista point too. Recent research has shown that three or more birds may join in the singing, with such precise parts and split-second alternations between male and female additions that the song sounds like a single melody. It is now considered the most extreme example of duetting birds yet studied. HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon albicans) [*] MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis) – Seen well on the east slope. SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) [*] GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys leucophrys) – Both slopes. Cinclidae (Dippers) WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus) – Two birds were scoped from the bridge across the Rio Cosanga--way upriver. Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – More often heard than seen, this songster was seen on our first morning of birding at San Isidro. CHESTNUT-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus fulviventris) – We had great views of a bird eating berries in the nearby Miconia tree (a melastome) at the Cocodrilos ranger station. The species is rather local on the east slope in Ecuador. GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater quindio) – Common and widespread in the highlands; the largest New World thrush. GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus) – Both slopes. Parulidae (New World Warblers) TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi) – Seen well with the tanagers near Baeza. SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – A.k.a. Slate-throated Whitestart (for their white outer tail feathers). SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus) – The higher-elevation replacement of the last species, it was seen regularly on this trip. We saw both species together in their zone of overlap at San Isidro. BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Basileuterus nigrocristatus) – We enjoyed a particularly responsive pair, almost at our feet, on the lower slopes of the Papallacta Pass road. RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus coronatus orientalis) – Another faithful attendee at the San Isidro "moth lights." Coerebidae (Bananaquit)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 11 BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Both slopes. Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sericossypha albocristata) – This aberrant (and beautiful!) tanager responded well to playback at San Isidro, where four birds came in from far below (where Willy first spotted one) to the trees right above the mirador where we stood in amazement. Plus, Collin managed to get Jane and they came back for all to see. One of the aesthetic highlights of the trip! BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-CAPPED) (Hemispingus atropileus atropileus) – Seen with mixed flocks at Guango. SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (SUPERCILIARIED) (Hemispingus superciliaris nigrifrons) – Yanacocha & Nono road near Calacali. BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus melanotis melanotis) – Seen well at the "moth lights" at San Isidro. GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (RUBRIROSTRIS) (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris) – Nicely with a mixed flock at Guango. RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata ornata) – Along road to Nono from near Calacali. CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum fraseri) – Near Calacali and Papallacta Pass. BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor) – Yanacocha. GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – We stopped at a Polylepis grove near the pass, where we often see this species, and Edgar spotted it almost immediately! We called it in closer for wonderful views of a real Polylepis specialist doing its thing, i.e., foraging under the loose, scaly bark of the reddish-trunked, rose-family trees. Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (NORTHERN ANDES) (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus phaeocephalus) – San Isidro & the Guacamayos. DUSKY BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus) – This Choco specialty was seen on Tandayapa Ridge and at Refugio Paz. YELLOW-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus) – Milpe. Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo carbo) [*] FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) – This yellow-rumped taxon was lumped with a population in Colombia that has an orange-red rump (more flame-like) and thus inherited the common name Flame-rumped Tanager. We saw it at Tandayapa Lodge. BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus coelestis) – These birds with the white shoulder patches only occur east of the Andes. PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Baeza. BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala cyanocephala) – Scoped along the old Nono-Mindo road. BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis darwinii) – A young bird was seen the first day on our way to Yanacocha, and a fancier male was seen later in "downtown Tumbaco." HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana cucullata) – Largest of the mountain-tanagers, this species was seen well on both slopes. BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis eximia chloronota) – Some people saw this scarce and local tanager along the trail to the feeders at Yanacocha, where it sat up atop a distant tree. LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus palpebrosus) – We had nice scope looks at this tanager's teardrop below the eye in the Guacamayos. SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris erythronotus) – We saw this beauty well at Yanacocha. BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus cyanopterus) – The western race with the black back. BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus baezae) – The eastern population with the green back. (Note that it's name for Baeza, where we saw it well.) BLACK-CHINNED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus notabilis) – We encountered a nice flock near Angel's farm

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 12 on our way to see the Yellow-breasted Antpitta. GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii riefferii) – This big green tanager with the red bill, face, and legs was seen along the Tandayapa Ridge and in the Guacamayos. BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata taeniata) – We all heard its plaintive whistle below Calacali and again at Guango, but it remained heard only for most of us. [*] YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) – Another real beauty!; it was seen on two days in the shrubbery along the road through the Guacamayos. FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota venezuelensis) – Nicely at the "moth lights." ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea bourcieri) – This small, glistening-green tanager came into the Miconia in fruit at the Cocodrilos station. PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Our primary goal in getting to lower elevations on the Guacamayos road was seeing this dramatic, multicolored tanager--which we did at 4750'. Wow! GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus goodsoni) – Tandayapa Ridge and Refugio Paz. GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus aequatorialis) – The east-slope race in the Guacamayos. SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala venusta) – Another dazzler; seen in the Guacamayos and near Baeza. GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – Seen on our final day of birding in the Baeza valley. FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – We had nice studies of its bright-red face on the east slope. FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii lunigera) – This western population is a bit paler than the eastern birds, but still pretty nice. SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – A specialty of the intermontane valleys of N Ecuador and Colombia. It took a bit longer than usual, but we saw them well in the end, and in the meantime we saw a number of other species in "downtown Tumbaco." GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – Seen at Finca Paz and near Baeza. BLUE-BROWED TANAGER (Tangara cyanotis lutleyi) – Found all along the humid east slope of the Andes, but only in a narrow elevation zone from ca. 1400-1900m (4600-6200'); we saw it well (if all too quickly) at the Cocodrilos ranger station. BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Its name a bit of a misnomer (since its whole head is blue), this species is common at lower elevations on both slopes. It was seen at Refugio Paz, in the lower Guacamayos, and near Baeza. BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Seen beautifully in subtropical forest on both slopes. BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii vassorii) – Occurs to higher elevation than other Tangara tanagers, it was seen on this trip only at the Guacamayos pass. BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei) – Fairly common in edge habitats on both slopes and seen beautifully, including the male we saw below the dining pavilion at Refugio Paz just before it was taken by a Roadside Hawk! PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – Lower Guacamayos. GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus pulcherrimus) – Males of this rather scarce east- slope species were seen at the Cocodrilos station and near Baeza. SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis occidentalis) – An aberrant "tanager," this species used to be in its own monotypic family. Both sexes were seen nicely at Milpe. Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis) – Both sexes of this high-Andean emberizid were seen in the paramo above Papallacta Pass. YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis vivida) – Several males at Tumbaco. CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – A nice male along the lower Guacamayos road. PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata minor) – On our way to Yanacocha and at Papallacta Pass. YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus pusillus) [*] GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii) – Common and visiting syrup feeders at Yanacocha. BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis aterrima) – En route to Yanacocha. (Barb, did you find any of these at the Parque Carolina?)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 13 WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera albilatera) – Tandayapa Lodge & San Isidro. RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides decorata) – Tumbaco. DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca tyrianthina) – We saw this beauty twice along the road to Cocodrilos station. BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens media) – San Isidro & the Guacamayos. MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea cyanea) – Another nectar parasite by nature, it has become a common visitor to syrup feeders on both slopes. SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – Moving north in the country, small numbers were seen in Tumbaco valley. GRASSLAND YELLOW-FINCH (MONTANE) (Sicalis luteola bogotensis) – Flocks were flying and landing in the tall grass en route to Yanacocha. CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Arremon brunneinucha frontalis) – A pair of this shy, forest-based species was seen from the blind at Tandayapa Lodge. STRIPE-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon torquatus) [*] PALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha papallactae) – Seen by Alice and Gregg with a mixed flock at Guango. YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – Yanacocha, Calacali, & (by Alice) at Guango. SLATY BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus schistaceus) – Seen well at at Guango. WHITE-WINGED BRUSH-FINCH (WHITE-WINGED) (Atlapetes leucopterus leucopterus) – A pair was eating moths at Tandayapa lodge. YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons aurifrons) – Another edge species that is colonizing up the east slope with increased clearing, this one was seen by most at Baeza. RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis costaricensis) – The widespread "Rufi." Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster) – Nicely at Tumbaco. Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus) – San Isidro. SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – This race, formerly considered a full species and called Subtropical Cacique, was recently re-lumped with similar birds W of the Andes. It was our regular companion at San Isidro, where we critiqued its pale-blue iris. RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons angustifrons) – Displaying and nesting at San Isidro. [N] Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – Common at the fruit feeders at Tandayapa Lodge. GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala pelzelni) – A pair was seen in or near the big mistletoe clumps at Baeza. BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) [*] ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – Both slopes. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) [*] HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus capitalis) – Tumbaco. OLIVACEOUS SISKIN (Spinus olivaceus) – The siskin of the humid east slope. We saw lots of female-plumaged birds at San Isidro and a few males near Baeza.

MAMMALS BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – Seen by most in the upper montane grasslands en route to Yanacocha or the Papallacta antennas. RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – Common on both slopes. WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Occurring all the way south through the Andes, this species is considered the same as our White-tailed Deer. But they are rarely seen in S. America, the Papallacta antennas road being one of the best places in Ecuador. We were lucky to see two of these "real mammals" at close range.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 14 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Our list contains only birds and mammals, but it's hard to ignore a few more critters that we thoroughly enjoyed. Outstanding among them were the giant beetle at Tandayapa Lodge and the many lovely moths, especially at San Isidro and at the shrine at the Guacamayos pass, where the diversity was truly astounding. The "monkey face" moth on the cover will, hopefully, serve to remind us of all those beautiful moths.

Totals for the tour: 303 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 15