ECUADOR: TINALANDIA PRE-TRIP NOVEMBER 7–12, 2017

Chocó Toucan © Paul J. Greenfield

LEADER: PAUL GREENFIELD LIST COMPILED BY: PAUL GREENFIELD

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM ECUADOR: TINALANDIA PRE-TRIP NOVEMBER 7 –12, 2017

By Paul Greenfield

Our Tinalandia Pre-trip began with a twist; Ecuador’s classic pioneer birding hot-spot was unable to accommodate our group, or any group for that matter. Sadly, it will be closing its doors to avitourism, after well over 50 years, due mainly to collateral damage it endured during a recent earthquake that shook Ecuador’s northern coast…indeed, this is a sad day for this country’s rich birding history. Accordingly, we made Plan-B arrangements to stay at nearby Hostería Samawa and followed our otherwise original itinerary. As in the past, this pre-trip highlights altitudinal zones that the main Northwestern Andean Slopes Tour does not visit and offers a pleasant opportunity to prepare for that adventure, while at the same time allowing us the chance to see species that are more difficult or impossible to encounter on that excursion.

We initiated our journey southwestward out of Quito along the ‘old’ Chiriboga Road—another Ecuador classic—winding our way downslope from about 10,000 ft. in altitude to around 2,400, through temperate, subtropical, and foothill zone habitats before hitting the paved highway to our destination. We started with a scrumptious field breakfast at the road’s summit, and then began our descent, birding all the way. As we explored the upper temperate zone, although sunny, we encountered some specialties. We began with a few Tyrian Metaltails, Glossy and Black flowerpiercers, a Collared Inca, Streak-throated Flycatcher, a charming Spectacled Whitestart, a stunning pair of Scarlet-bellied Mountain- Tanagers, a Red-crested Cotinga, a male Lesser Goldfinch, and a large band of Hooded Siskins. As we dropped down to the subtropical and foothill zones, we enjoyed a male Masked Trogon, a cuddling pair of Crimson-rumped Toucanets, a Plate-billed Mountain- Toucan threesome, a pair of Pale-mandibled Araçaris, at least 2 Yellow-throated Toucans, a beautiful Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, a pair of foraging Guayaquil Woodpeckers, 5 up- close and personal Montane Woodcreepers, a Pacific Hornero duo, a pair of White-capped Dippers, a male Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, 8 or so Blue-winged Mountain-Tanagers, a really close Blue-capped Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager (in amazing sunlight!), a breathtaking Flame-faced Tanager, Golden Tanagers (need I say more), and a very obliging Yellow-tailed Oriole.

We were greeted, the following morning, by a very reactive Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy-Owl right outside our rooms. We spent the remainder of the morning at Tinalandia—as a final fairwell to a once glorious birding hotspot…the birding was great as usual! Just to remember a few: Neotropic Cormorants on the river below; a soaring Anhinga overhead; a beautiful Swallow-tailed Kite; a surprising Zone-tailed Hawk co-soaring with vultures; Pale-vented Pigeons; our first Squirrel Cuckoos; a White-whiskered Hermit; Green-crowned Brilliant; a female Purple-throated Woodstar; 2 female Crowned Woodnymphs; Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds; 3 Rufous Motmots; an “eye-popping” male Red-headed Barbet; Lineated Woodpecker; a band of Chocó (Maroon-tailed) Parakeets; Plain-brown and Streak-headed woodcreepers; a Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner; an inquisitive Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant!; Rusty-margined and Gray-capped flycatchers; Masked Tityra; Cinnamon and One-colored becards; Ecuadorian Thrush; 6 endearing Buff-rumped Warblers; the ubiquitous Lemon (Flame)-rumped, Blue-gray, and Palm tanagers; the (gaga) Blue-necked and Swallow Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 tanagers; and Green Honeycreeper, among the many species seen. After a farewell lunch we returned to Hostería Samawa and some relaxed birding around the grounds where we spotted a family threesome of Broad-billed Motmots, a pair of Masked Water-Tyrants, and a male White-bearded Manakin among other species.

Our visit to Río Palenque the following day was a bit disappointing; normally being a very rich and birdy site, activity this time was notably slow. At any rate, we did encounter some “good” birds; among them were Stripe-throated Hermit, Purple-crowned Fairy, 5 Collared Trogons, a Pied Puffbird, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-crowned Antshrike, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, a strikingly vibrant Vermilion Flycatcher, an Ochraceous Attila (a rare and local endemic!), Snowy-throated Kingbird, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, White-thighed Swallow, a Band-backed Wren, and a brief look at a Gray-and-gold Warbler.

Finally, our last day took us back to Quito, but not after a morning of birding our way down what I call “Exploration Road” for lack of another name. This rural road that cuts through farmland and forest just southwest of Tinalandia has proven to be a hot-spot , and after reaching an area towards the upper section, we slowly advanced downhill on foot. Great looks at 3 Swallow-tailed Kites, a perched Long-billed Starthroat, a “challenging” Chocó Trogon, a stoic Barred Puffbird, a perched and calling Chocó Toucan, 50 incredible Bronze- winged Parrots!, 6 perched Chocó (Maroon-tailed) Parakeets, a flock of 20 (Tumbesian endemic) Red-masked Parakeets, Streak-necked Flycatcher, super looks at 6 Sooty-headed Tyrannulets, a Golden-crowned Flycatcher, a half-dozen Yellow-faced Grassquits, and a pair of Saffron Finches were just some of the species we enjoyed. As we headed upslope to the interAndean valley and our hotel in Quito for our final checklist session, our final dinner, and time to share memories of the many species we encountered over the past few days, we were met by all the Northwestern Andean Slopes participants and new anticipation and expectations of our upcoming adventure.

ITINERARY:

Nov. 7 – Arrival in Quito. Overnight Hotel Quito. Nov. 8 – All-day along Chiriboga Road to Hostería Samawa (3000-600m). Overnight Hostería Samawa Nov. 9 – Morning birding Tinalandia grounds (700-800m); afternoon birding Hostería Samawa grounds (600m). Overnight Hostería Samawa Nov. 10 – Río Palenque day-trip (250m). Overnight Hostería Samawa Nov. 11 – Half-day; “Exploration Road” until lunch (700-900m); return to Quito along the Panamerican Highway. Final dinner and overnight at Hotel Quito. Nov. 12 – NW Andean Slopes Tour begins (all participants took part in both trips)

KEY: CHR = Chiriboga Road; T = Tinalandia; HS = Hostería Samawa; RP = Río Palenque: ER =”Exploration” Road

H = Heard only; Species names in bold = of special interest

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017

Green Honeycreeper @Paul J. Greenfield

BIRDS:

TINAMOUS: TINAMIDAE Little Tinamou ( Crypturellus soui )—H at T and RP

DUCKS, GEESE & WATERFOWL: ANATIDAE Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata )—1 was seen briefly along the CHR

CORMORANTS: PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilianus )—3 seen at T (Río Toachi); a n active band of at least 25 were seen at RP

ANHINGAS: ANHINGIDAE Anhinga ( Anhinga anhinga )—1 was seen in high soaring flight over T

HERONS & BITTERNS: ARDEIDAE Great Egret ( Ardea alba )—Singles were seen at RP and near ER Snowy Egret ( Egretta thula )—15-20 were seen at RP (following Neotropic Cormorants) Little Blue Heron ( Egretta caerulea )—1 juvenile bird was seen at RP Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis )—Common to abundant; flocks seen daily Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017

AMERICAN VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE Black Vulture ( Coragyps atratus )—Common to very common—seen daily Turkey Vulture ( Cathartes aura )—Fairly common to common—seen daily

KITES, EAGLES & HAWKS: ACCIPITRIDAE Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus )—1 soaring bird at T; 3 along the ER—beautiful! Plain-breasted Hawk ( Accipiter ventralis )—Lumped by some with Sharp-shinned Hawk. 1 was glimpsed as it rocketed by us along the upper CHR Roadside Hawk ( Bureo magnirostris )—Seen on three days; 1 seen along the lower CHR, singles at Tand RP Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus)—1 seen soaring with Turkey Vultures at T (seemingly rarely encountered there)

PIGEONS & DOVES: COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon ( Columba livia )—Seen around Quito; 1 beautifully White one at HS and 1 at a town along the highway on our last day Pale-vented Pigeon ( Patagioenas cayennensis )— 6 or so seen at T/HS; only 1 more along the ER Band-tailed Pigeon ( Patagioenas fasciata )—3 or so were observed perched along the upper CHR Plumbeous Pigeon ( Patagioenas plúmbea )—H at RP Ruddy Pigeon ( Patagioenas subvinacea )—H at RP Ecuadorian Ground-Dove (Columbina buckleyi )—At least 1 was seen at RP White-tipped Dove ( Leptotila verreauxi )—H at T, 4 or so were seen at RP Pallid Dove ( Leptotia palida )—Alas, only H on three days at T, RP and along the ER

CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani )—Seen daily in open country (mostly in dense shrubby pasture) Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana )—Quite a few seen on three days; at T (2), RP (2), and ER (4)

OWLS: STRIGIDAE Pacific (Peruvian) Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium peruanum )—1 calling bird was seen closely at HS

SWIFTS: APODIDAE White-collared Swift ( Streptoprocne zonaris )—Only 2 or so were seen at T Gray-rumped Swift ( Chaetura cinereiventris )—A group of 8 were seen at T

HUMMINGBIRD: TROCHILIDAE White-whiskered Hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui )—1 was seen feeding on a Heliconia flower at T; others H Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis striigularis )—1 was seen at RP Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti )—2 were seen well at RP Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis )—1 male was seen only broefly along the CHR Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina )—3 were seen at close range along the upper CHR Collared Inca ( Coeligena torquata )—1 female was encountered along the upper CHR Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 Green-crowned Brilliant ( Heliodoxa jacula )—1 was seen well at T Long-billed Starthroat ( Heliomaster longirostris )—1 male was seen along the ER Purple-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox mitchellii )—1 female was seen perched high up on and emergent branch at T (this is a very rare species at this site) Crowned Woodnymph ( Thalurania colombica )—Formally called Green-crowned Woodnymph ( T. fannyi ); now lumped with the purple-crowned Colombian form. 2 females were seen at T Rufous-tailed Hummingbird ( Amazilia tzacatl —The most common W lowland hummer. 2s were seen daily this trip

QUETZALS & TROGONS: TROGONIDAE Chocó Trogon (Trogon comptus )—Called Blue-tailed Trogon by some authors. A male was finally seen after a faily long back-and-forth (a female called from nearby) along ER Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris )—5 were seen well at RP: another 2 were encountered along ER Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)—1 male was seen along the CHR

MOTMOTS: MOMOTIDAE Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii )—3 or so were seen at T; H at RP and ER Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum )—1 was seen at T; a family group of 3 later at HS

PUFFBIRDS: BUCCONIDAE Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus )—1 was seen high in open canopy at RP Barred Puffbird (Nystalus radiatus )—1 was seen beautifully along the ER

JACAMARS: GALBULIDAE Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda )—1 was seen (scoped) at RP

BARBETS: CAPITONIDAE Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii )—1 female was seen at T; 2 males seen at RP

TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus )—A pair was seen huddled together along the lower CHR Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris )—3 were encountered along CHR Pale-mandibled Araçari (Pteroglossua erythropygius )—Considered a race of Collared Araçari ( P. torquatus ) by some authors. Pairs of this Ecuadorian endemic were seen daily; along the lower CHR; at T, RP and ER. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan ( Ramphastos swainsonii )—Considered a race of what is now called Yellow-throated Toucan ( R. ambiguus ) by some authors. 2 or so were seen along the lower CHR; also H at T Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis )—This Chocó bioregional endemic species was H at T; 1 was encountered along ER

WOODPECKERS: PICIDAE Black-cheeked Woodpecker ( Melanerpes pucherani )—H at RP Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (Colaptes rivolii )—1 of this beautiful species was seen Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 along the upper CHR Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lieatus )—1 was observed well at T; H at RP and along the ER Guayaquil Woodpecker (Campephilus gayaquilensis )—A apir was seen well along the lower CHR

FALCONS & CARACARAS: FALCONIDAE Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans )—H at RP

PARROTS & MACAWS: PSITTACIDAE Red-billed Parrot ( Pionus sordidus )—H along the CHR Bronze-winged Parrot ( Pionus chalcopterus )—Relatively common; seen daily along the lower CHR, at T, RP and along the ER, where over 50 were seen repeatedly at extremely close range along the road and at a farm Chocó Parakeet (Pyrhurra pacifica )—Considered a race of Maroon-tailed Parakeet (P. melanura ) of the east slope of the Andes by many authors, though recently considered a separate Chocó bioregional endemic species. Groups of between 6-8 or so were seen (also scoped) on three days at T, RP and along the ER Red-masked Parakeet (Psittacara erythrogenys )—A high-flying flock of at least 20 was seen along the ER. This Tumbesian bioregional endemic is apparently expanding its range northward in Ecuador

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS: THAMNOPHILIDAE Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha )—Formally called Western Slaty- Antshrike. 3 were seen well at RP Chestnut-backed Antbird ( Myrmeciza exsul )—H often at T

TAPACULOS: RHINOCRYPTIDA Blackish Tapaculo ( Scytalopus latrans )—H along the upper CHR

OVENBIRDS: FURNARIIDAE Plain-brown Woodcreeper ( Dendrocincla fuliginosa )—Pairs were seen at T and RP; 3 more were seen along the ER Wedge-billed Woodcreeper ( Glyphorynchus spirurus )—1 was seen at RP Olivaceous Woodcreeper ( Sittasomus griseicapillus )—1 was seen at RP Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris )—1 was seen by Pam at RP Streak-headed Woodcreeper ( Lepidocolaptes souleyetii )—Singles were seen at T and RP (others H) Montane Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger )—5 were seen really closely along the CHR Pacific Hornero ( Furnarius cinnamomeus )—Considered a race of Pale-legged Hornero ( F. leucopus ) by some authors. Pairs were seen on three days, along the lower CHR, at T, and along ER; a Tumbesian bioregional endemic Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner ( Philydor rufum )—1 foraging bird was seen well at T Pearled Treerunner ( Margarornis squamiger )—1 was seen briefly along the CHR Slaty Spinetail ( Synallaxis brachyura )—H along the ER

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet ( Camptostoma obsoletum )—2 were seen at T Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 White-tailed Tyrannulet ( Mecocerculus poecilocercus )—2 were seen along the CHR Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet ( Tyrannulus elatus )—H at T and RP; 1 was seen at close range along the ER Greenish Elaenia ( Myiopagis viridicata )—1 was seen well at RP Streak-necked Flycatcher ( Mionectes striaticollis)—1 was seen well along the ER Slaty-capped Flycatcher ( Leptopogon superciliaris )—2 or so were seen at T; another at RP Sooty-headed Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias griseiceps )—6 or so were seen at very close range along the ER Chocó Tyrannulet (Zimmerius albigularis )—Now considered a species disitnct from Golden-faced Tyrannulet ( Zimmerius chrysops ). Singles were seen at T, RP and along the ER Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus )—Great looks at 1 seen of these cute little guys at T (also H at RP) Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher (Myiobius sulphureipygius )—2 were seen at RP Smoke-colored Pewee ( Contopus fumigatus )—1-2 were seen along the CHR Western Wood-Pewee ( Contopus sordidulus )—1 of this boreal migrant was seen along ER Black Phoebe ( Sayornis nigricans )—8 were seen along the CHR Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus )—A stunning male was seen as we were leaving RP Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant ( Myiotheretes striaticollis )—1 was seen atop a tall tree along the upper CHR Masked Water-Tyrant (Fluvicola nengeta )—2 very obliging birds were seen at HS Ochraceous Attila (Attila torridus )—1 of this bioregional endemic was seen briefly at RP Dusky-capped Flycatcher ( Myarchus tuberculifer )—2 were seen along the ER Rusty-margined Flycatcher ( Myiozetetes cayanensis )—Fairly common, from 1-6 or more were seen daily Gray-capped Flycatcher ( Myiozetetes granadensis )—6 were seen at T Golden-crowned Flycatcher ( Myiodynastes chrysocephalus )—1 was seen well along ER Streaked Flycatcher ( Myiodynastes maculatus )—Singles were seen at T and RP Snowy-throated Kingbird (Tyrannus niveigularis )—3 or so of this Tumbesian bioregional endemic were seen at RP Tropical Kingbird ( Tyrannus melancholicus )—A rather common Neotropical species, seen daily

COTINGAS: COTINGIDAE Red-crested Cotinga ( Ampelion rubrocristatus )—1 was seen along the upper CHR Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata )—3 were seen close and well in canopy at RP

MANAKINS: PIPRIDAE White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus )—1 male was seen fairly well by Pam and PJG at HS; H at RP

TITYRAS & ALLIES:TITYRIDAE Masked Tityra ( Tityra semifaciata )—3s were seen at T and RP Cinnamon Becard ( Pachyramphus cinnamomeus )—1 was seen at T One-colored Becard ( Platypsaris homochrous )—Fairly common; at T (5+), RP (6+) and along ER (2+); only a few males, and several females and juvenile birds

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 VIREOS & ALLIES: VIREONIDAE Rufous-browed Peppershrike ( Cyclarhis gujanensis )—H at RP Brown-capped Vireo ( Vireo leucophrys )—2 were seen well along the CHR Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus )—5 were seen at RP; 3 along the ER

SWALLOWS: HIRUNDINIDAE Blue-and-white Swallow ( Notiochelidon cyanoleuca )—The most common swallow, seen on all but our 3rd day Brown-bellied Swallow ( Orochelidon murina )—A few were seen along the upper CHR White-thighed Swallow (Atticora tibialis )—Only 2 were seen at RP Southern Rough-winged Swallow ( Stelgidopteryx ruficollis )—2 were seen at RP, another 2 were encountered along the ER

WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE Scaly-breasted (So. Nightingale-) Wren ( Microcerculus marginatus )—H at T House Wren ( Troglodytes aedon )—H often daily; Singles seen along the CHR and along ER Band-backed Wren (Campylorhynchus zonatus )—Singles of this large noisy wren were seen at T and RP Plain-tailed Wren ( Pheugopedius euophrys )—H in Chusquea bamboo along the upper CHR Whiskered Wren ( Pheugopedius mysticalis )—H at RP (a true skulker!) Bay Wren ( Cantorchilus nigricapillus )—H on three days; 1 was glimpsed at T Gray-breasted Wood-Wren ( Henicorhina leucophrys )—H along the CHR

DIPPERS: CINCLIDAE White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus )—A pair were seen well along the CHR

THRUSHES & ALLIES: TURDIDAE Swainson’s Thrush ( Catharus ustulatus )—Only singles were seen; at T (Jane) and RP Ecuadorian Thrush (Turdus maculirostris )—2 or so were seen at T (best at fruit feeders), singles at RP and along ER (Marcia); a Tumbesian bioregional endemic species Great Thrush ( Turdus fuscater )—A common highland species; 6 or so along the upper CHR

NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE Olive-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis semiflava )—a singing male was seen well along the lower CHR; H along the ER Tropical Parula ( Setophaga pitiayumii )—2 were seen at T; 1 along the ER Blackburnian Warbler ( Setophaga fusca )—5 were seen along the CHR; Buff-rumped Warbler (Myiothypis fulvicauda )—6 or more were seen at T; 2 at RP Chocó Warbler (Myiothlypis chlorophrys )—Considered a race of Golden-bellied Warbler (M. chrysogaster ) by some authors, but voices, etc. are totally different. Only 1 was seen with a mixed species flock at T; a Chocó bioregional endemic Gray-and-gold Warbler (Myiothypis fraseri )—1 seen seen only briefly in undergrowth at RP; a Tumbesian bioregional endemic Slate-throated Whitestart ( Myioborus miniatus )—At least 3 were seen along the CHR; another 1 along the ER. Often called ‘redstart’ though the species shows NO red Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 Spectacled Whitestart ( Myioborus melanocephalus )—Only 1 of this atractive warbler was seen along the upper CHR. Often called ‘redstart’ though the species shows NO red

TANAGERS & ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE White-shouldered Tanager ( Tachyphonus luctuosus )—1 seen at T; 15-20 (!) were encountered at RP Lemon-rumped Tanager ( Ramphocelus icteronotus )—Aka Flame-rumped Tanager ( R. flammigerus ) when lumped.Very common in W lowlands; seen on all but our first day; males are an eye-full! Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris )—A beautiful pair were seen along the upper CHR Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager ( Anisognathus somptuosus )—At least 8 were seen along the CHR Blue-gray Tanager ( Thraupis episcopus )—A common lowland species; seen on all but our first day Palm Tanager ( Thraupis palmarum )—1 was seen at T; 3 at RP Blue-capped tanager (Thraupis cyanocephala )—1 was seen very well along the CHR Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis )—This common but stunning lowland tanager was seen at T (2 or so) and along the ER Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis )—1 was seen well along the CHR Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii )—1 was seen well along the CHR Golden Tanager ( Tangara arthus )—Several were seen along the lower CHR Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis )—Single males (wow!) were seen at T and along the ER Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza )—3 were seen at T (best at their fruit feeder); 1 male was seen at RP Glossy Flowerpiercer ( Diglossa lafesnayii )—3 were seen along the upper CHR Black Flowerpiercer ( Diglossa humeralis )—1 was seen along the upper CHR Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola )—2 were seen along the ER (this species has been expanding its range constantly and is now widespread in Ecuador) Blue-black Grassquit ( Volatinia jacarina )—Several were seen in pastureland along the ER Variable Seedeater ( Sporophila corvina )—1 male was seen along the ER Yellow-bellied Seedeater ( Sporophila nigricollis )—4 were seen along the lower CHR; 2 or so also along the ER Bananaquit ( Coereba flaveola )—Singles were seen at T and RP Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivaceus )—At least 6 were seen in pastureland along the ER Dusky-faced Tanager ( Mitrospingus cassinii )—Noisy bands of 5-6 were seen at T, HS and at RP (best at T fruit feeders) Buff-throated Saltator ( Saltator maximus )—Fairly common at T (also at fruit feeder); 2 also at RP

BUNTINGS, SPARROWS & ALLIES: EMBERIZIDAE Rufous-collared Sparrow ( Zonotrichia capensis )—Common highland species throughout the Andes

CARDINALS & ALLIES: CARDINALIDAE Summer Tanager ( Piranga rubra )—This boreal migrant is NO longer considered a tanager! 1-2 were seen at T, RP and along the ER Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017 Golden Grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysogaster )—Aka Southern Yellow-Grosbeak or Golden- bellied Grosbeak. 1 female was seen along the lower CHR Rose-breasted Grosbeak ( Pheucticus ludovicianus )—Possibly this was H at RP

TROUPIALS & ALLIES: ICTERIDAE Scrub Blackbird ( Dives warszewiczi )—Seen daily; another species that has been expanding its range northward in Ecuador Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas )—1 was seen well along the lower CHR Scarlet-rumped Cacique ( Cacicus uropygialis )—H along at T

SISKINS, CROSSBILLS & ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE Thick-billed Euphonia ( Euphonia laniirostris )—2 or so were seen at T, 1-2 at RP, and 1 male along the ER Orange-bellied Euphonia ( Euphonia xanthogaster )—Only 1 was seen along the CHR, and another along the ER Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria )—1 male was seen in undergrowth along the CHR Hooded Siskin ( Spinus megallanicus )—a flock of about 25 were seen along the upper CHR

MAMMALS:

ANTEATERS: MYRMECOPHAGIDAE Northern Tamandua ( Tamandua mexicana )—1 encountered dead along the Santo Domingo highway en route to RP

WEASEL & ALLIES: MUSTELIDAE Tayra ( Eira barbara )—A pair were seen at RP

SQUIRRELS: SCIURIDAE Red-tailed Squirrel ( Sciurus granatensis )—1 was seen along the lower CHR

AGOUTIS: DASYPROCTIDAE Central American Agouti ( Dasyprocta punctata )—2 were seen along the ER

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Ecuador: Tinalandia Pre-trip, 2017