: TANDAYAPA PRE -TRIP

JULY 3–6, 2018

Plate-billed Mountain- ©Paul J. Greenfield

LEADERS : PAUL J. GREENFIELD & HEIKE BRIESCHKE LIST COMPILED BY : PAUL J. GREENFIELD

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS , INC . 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE , SUITE 1003 AUSTIN , TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD .COM

Golden-naped ©Paul J. Greenfield

Ecuador: Tandayapa Pre-Trip July 3–6, 2018 By Paul J. Greenfield

Mega-biodiversity is difficult to fathom. The sheer complexity of such natural ‘systems’ makes deciphering them a real challenge, if not a practically imposible task, even for the keenest eye—most of the world’s ‘mega’ hot-spots’ are so biologically mindboggling that actually appreciating their advertised reality can even seem a bit dissappointing…“So where’s all the wildlife everybody keeps talking about?” Mother Nature often jealously conceals her prized treasures, and with luck and a hefty dose of patience one may be fortunate enough to catch snippets and fleeting glimpses of certain aspects of her hidden riches that are often so very ingeniously camouflaged amidst a densely vegetated backdrop. It was precisely this state-of- affairs that we set out to explore and sample during our three-day Tandayapa Pre-Trip adventure.

As a preview to our Galapagos Islands Cruise, this easy itinerary was also designed to offer a comparative look at two very different ecosystems—that of mainland Ecuador’s mega-rich

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018

Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager © Paul J. Greenfield northwestern Andean slopes compared to the -limited Galápagos Archipelago. The first hint that we had just immersed ourselves in one of earth’s most diverse bioregions became evident as we made our mid-morning arrival at Pacha Quindi and were immediately confronted by nearly a dozen distinct species bounding every-which-way in a dizzying frenzy: Brown, Lesser, and Sparkling violetears; Green-tailed Trainbearer; Brown Inca; Buff-tailed Coronets; ’White-booted’ Racket-tails; Fawn-breasted Brilliants; Empress Brilliant; Purple-throated Woodstars; and Andean Emeralds. At the same time, a nearby plantain banana feeder drew our attention to pairs of Red-headed Barbets and Crimson- rumped Toucanets; Blue-winged Mountain-; Golden-naped, Metallic-green, Golden, and Flame-faced tanagers; along with White-winged and Chestnut-capped brushfinches, while a pair of Toucan Barbets sounded off in the distance. The surrounding trees and shrubs attracted a few additional species as well. By the time we had finished our field lunch, it was time to head onward along a rural road that has earned its claim-to-fame as the Paseo del Quinde EcoRoute; along the way we encountered Chestnut-collared Swifts, Gorgeted Sunangel, Red-billed Parrots, Montane , Pearled Treerunner, Smoke-colored Pewee, Slate-throated Whitestart, Blue-and-black Tanager, Masked , and Yellow-bellied ; a fortuitous stop along this -lined road also brought forth a cooperative group of at least four Plate-billed Mountain-—oh boy! This is one

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018

Red-headed Barbet © Ken Trease of the region’s ‘crown-jewels,’ and it seems that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show! We rolled up to our lodge, Séptimo Paraíso, with time to settle-in and even enjoy some afternoon birding before our list session and dinner—White-necked Jacobin, White-whiskered Hermit, Green-crowned Brilliant, Crowned Woodnymph, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird; a surprisingly ‘obvious’ Lineated Foliage-gleaner; Cinnamon Becard; a typically skulking Gray- breasted Wood-Wren; Ecuadorian Thrush; and Flame (Lemon-)-rumped Tanagers…what a pleasant and productive first day!

Day 2 began and ended by dividing our group into two more manageable teams; we took turns enjoying pre-breakfast and late-afternoon outings around the Séptimo Paraíso grounds and to a nearby birding garden (‘San Tadeo Birding’ or what I prefer to call ‘Casa Rolando’). After breakfast we all headed to Milpe Sanctuary until our return to Séptimo Paraíso for lunch and a little optional free-time/birding. All in all, we came up with some magnificent new encounters, including among them: Crested and Wattled guans; Swallow-tailed Kites; White- tipped Dove; Tawny-bellied Hermit; Green Thorntails; Violet-tailed Sylphs; Velvet-purple Coronet; Purple-bibbed Whitetip; Golden-headed Quetzal; Chocó Trogon; Rufous Motmot; Pale-mandibled Araçaris; Yellow-throated (Chestnut-mandibled) and Chocó toucans; Slaty Antwren; Spotted Woodcreeper; Streak-necked, Slaty-capped, and Dusky-capped flycatchers; Brown-capped and Red-eyed vireos; Andean Solitaire; Tropical Parula; Black- chinned Mountain-Tanagers; Blue-gray and Palm tanagers; Rufous-throated, Black-capped, Blue-necked, and Silver-throated tanagers; Green Honeycreeper; Dusky-faced Tanager;

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Bananaquit; Buff-throated and Black-winged saltators; Dusky Chlorospingus; Tricolored (Chocó) Brushfinch; Scrub Blackbird; along with Thick-billed and Orange-bellied euphonias.

Our 3rd and final full day began with our post-breakfast departure from Séptimo Paraíso as we initiated our return back up the Paseo del Quinde EcoRoute, making a few birding stops as we advanced. Cara came upon a singing pair of Squirrel Cuckoos that responded beautifully to tape-playback for all to see. We made a planned stop at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge for a coffee/birding break. The nectar feeders were buzzing with activity, and we added Speckled , along with a handsome male Collared Inca to our growing list; one of the always anticipated Neotropical phenomenas that all birders watch for—the mixed species foraging flock—obliged us with some pretty cool specialties, including Streaked Tuftedcheek, the scarce Flammulated Treehunter, White-tailed Tyrannulet, an unbelievably cooperative pair of Cinnamon Flycatchers, Golden-crowned Flycatchers, a Green-and-black Fruiteater, Russet-crowned Warbler, and a pair of Beryl-spangled Tanagers. We continued, turning onto the main highway and heading ‘home,’ only making a brief rest-stop at the Calacalí gas station, where aside from stretching our legs, etc., we encountered activity in an overgrown lot situated just across the road with Ash-breasted Sierra-Finches, Band-tailed , a female Plain-colored Seedeater, and a band of Hooded Siskins.

Cinnamon Flycatcher © Ken Trease

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018

We pulled up to San José de Puembo with ample time to settle in and enjoy a little birding around the hotel’s ample garden area before meeting for our final checklist session and dinner. The following morning we did some pre-breakfast birding before meeting up with the remainder of our Galapagos Cruise participants, having added a few local interAndean to our collection…Western Emerald, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, and Cinereous Conebill among them. How quickly time flies! We now savored an ample array of memories that ‘sang’ of incredible diversity and color; we enjoyed many eureka moments (and maybe even a few frustrations), met some amazing local entrepreneurs, and were thrilled to the tune of guans, kites, egrets, hawks, pigeons and doves, cuckoos, swifts, hummingbirds galore, quetzal and trogon, barbets, toucans of all shapes and sizes, parrots, , foliage-gleaners, flycatchers of all sorts, cotingas, becards, vireos, wrens, thrushes, warblers, a rainbow of tanagers, brushfinches, and euphonias, etc., etc…our minds now poised to focus on what could well be another experience of a lifetime…Las Islas Encantadas.

Crowned Woodnymph © Paul J. Greenfield

ITINERARY

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018

July 3— Arrival at Hotel Quito July 4— Morning drive to Tandayapa Valley and the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute; brief stop at Calacalí gas station. Remainder of morning hummingbird-watching at Pacha Quindi; after a field lunch there, birding along the Ecoroute to Séptimo Paraíso Lodge, with some afternoon birding (overnight at Séptimo Paraíso) July 5— Group divides; pre-breakfast walk around Séptimo Paraíso grounds/San Tadeo Birding (‘Casa Rolando’); mid-morning at Milpe Bird Sanctuary; lunch and midday at Séptimo Paraíso; afternoon (groups switch) around Séptimo Paraíso grounds/ San Tadeo Birding (’Casa Rolando’) (overnight at Séptimo Paraíso) July 6— Morning departure from Séptimo Paraíso”; birding along the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute with coffee/birding break at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. Return along Ecoroute and highway—brief stop at Calacalí gas station—to the Andean village of Puembo; dinner and checklist there (overnight at San José de Puembo) July 7— Morning birding at San José de Puembo gardens before meeting with our entire Galápagos Cruise group

BIRDS

H = heard Boldface = species of special interest

GUANS, CHACHALACAS & CURASSOWS: CRACIDAE Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens )—3 seen on July 5th at Séptimo Paraíso Wattled Guan (Aburria aburri )—H daily (strange song); 1 seen distantly on the morning of July 5th at Séptimo Paraíso

HERONS,EGRETS & BITTERNS: ARDEIDAE Great Egret ( (Ardea alba )—1 seen in flight at San José de Puembo on July 7th Snowy Egret ( Egretta thula )—At least 1 was seen at San José de Puembo Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis )—Numberous; flocks were observed overflying Séptimo Paraíso, to and from their roosting sites, on 5-6 July

NEW WORLD VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE Black Vulture ( Coragyps atratus )—Generally common throughout Ecuador—from 1 to 5 or so were seen daily at a few sites Turkey Vulture ( Cathartes aurea )—As with the previous species, generally fairly common throughout Ecuador—singles were seen on 4-5 July at a few sites

KITES, EAGLES & HAWKS: ACCIPITRIDAE Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus )—8 soaring birds seen from Casa Rolando Roadside Hawk ( Rupornis magnirostris )—1 seen briefly along the Ecoroute on our last day; another seen ther on July 6th Variable Hawk ( Geranoaetus polyosoma )—1 hovering bird was seen distantly from the Calacalí gas station

PIGEONS & DOVES: COLUMBIDAE

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Plumbeous Pigeon ( Patagioenas plumbea )—H mostly on three days; 1 seen along the Ecoroute on July 6th Ruddy Piqeon ( Patagioenas subvinacea )—H at Séptimo Paraíso and Milpe White-tipped Dove ( Leptotila verreauxi )—4 seen in all; 1 at Pacha Quindi, 1 at Séptimo Paraíso, and 2 on our final day along the Ecoroute Eared Dove ( Zenaida auriculata )—Generally common around Quito and more open areas in the highlands

CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE Squirrel Cuckoo ( Piaya cayana )—A singing and calling pair seen in canopy along the Ecoroute

SWIFTS: APODIDAE Chestnut-collared ( Streptoprocne rutila )—20 seen along the Ecoroute on 4 July White-collared Swift ( Streptoprocne zonaris )—Only 3 seen overflying Séptimo Paraíso

HUMMINGBIRD: TROCHILIDAE White-necked Jacobin ( Florisuga mellivora )—Rather common low-elevation species; 20 or so seen: Pacha Quinde, Séptimo Paraíso, Casa Rolando, and Milpe White-whiskered Hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui )—1-6 seen at Séptimo Paraíso and Milpe Tawny-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus )—1 seen briefly at Séptimo Paraíso Brown ( Colibri delphinae )—1 seen at Pacha Quindi, 2-5 at Séptimo Paraíso (Colibri cyanotus )—This population is now split from Green Violetear (C. thalassinus ). Singles seen at Pacha Quindi, Casa Rolando, and Bellavista ( Colibri coruscans )—8 or so seen at Pacha Quindi: 1 more at Bellavista and 5 at San José de Puembo Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus )—1 seen along the Ecoroute on July 4th; another seen at Bellavista and 2 more along the Ecoroute on July 6th (Discosura conversii )—10 seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary (mostly females) Speckled Hummingbird ( Adelomyia melanogenys )—3 seen at Bellavista feeders Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis )—Only a few seen this trip; 1 rather spectacular male, another apparent juvenile male with very short tail and a female were seen at Séptimo Paraíso, Casa Rolando and Bellavista Black-tailed Trainbearer ( Lesbia victoriae )—1 seen in Hotel Quito gardens; another seen briefly at San José de Puembo gardens Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna )—1 female seen at Pacha Qunde gardens (not at feeders) Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni )—Singles seen at Pacha Quindi and Casa Rolando Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata )—1 showy male seen at Bellavista Buff-tailed Coronet ( Boissonneaua flavescens )—Common in subtropics mainly, with its wing-lifting, cinnamon ‘wing-pits’, buff tail and brilliant chartreuse face. Very common at Pacha Quindi; most numerous at Bellavista, and 1 at Casa Rolando Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini )—Only 2 of this stunning Chocó bioregional endemic species seen beautifully at Casa Rolando (White-)Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii )—Some authors Split this White- booted form from the east-slope, buff-booted, populations. 3 males at Pacha Quindi; 1 or so at Casa Rolando, and a female at Bellavista Purple-bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini )—Only 2 at Casa Rolando this trip Fawn-breasted Brilliant ( Heliodoxa rubinoides )—Common in the región; 15 or so at Pacha Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Quindi; 3 seen at Casa Rolando and another 3 at Bellavista Green-crowned Brilliant ( Heliodoxa jacula )—2 seen at Pacha Quindi; 12 or so at Milpe and Séptimo Paraíso feeders Empress Brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix )—1 of this rare and local Chocó bioregional endemic seen at Pacha Quindi; 1 female seen repeatedly at Bellavista Purple-throated Woodstar (Calliflox mitchellii )—2 seen at Pacha Quindi; singles seen at Casa Rolando and Bellavista Western Emerald (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus )—3 (then 2) seen at San Jospe de Puembo gardens Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica )—Previously considered a separate species, Green-crowned Woodnymph ( T. fannyi ), but has recently been lumped with Purple-crowned Woodnymph to form Crowned Woodnymph. This lower elevation species (with brilliantly clad males) was seen best at Milpe feeders but also 2 at Séptimo Paraíso Andean Emerald ( Amazilia franciae )—A pair seen at Pacha Quindi, Singles at Milpe and Casa Rolando Rufous-tailed Hummingbird ( Amazilia tzacatl )—A common lowland species in western Ecuador, though not that many seen this trip; from 4 seen at Pacha Quindi, 6-7 at Séptimo Paraíso/Milpe/Casa Rolando

TROGONS & QUETZALS: TROGONIDAE Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps )—H and finally 1 male was seen at Séptimo Paraíso Chocó Trogon (Trogon comptus )—Aka Blue-tailed Trogon by some authors. 1 female seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary; a Chocó bioregional endemic Masked Trogon ( Trogon personatus )—H at Séptimo Paraíso

MOTMOTS: MOMOTIDAE Rufous Motmot ( Baryphthengus martii )—H at dawn at Séptimo Paraíso; 1 seen and photographed at Milpe Bird Sanctuary

BARBETS: CAPITONIDAE Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii )— A pair seen at Pacha Quindi feeders; 2 pairs seen at Casa Rolando and Milpe Bird Sanctuary feeders

TOUCAN-BARBETS: SEMNORNITHIDAE Toucan Barbet ( ramphastinus )—This Chocó bioregional endemic species was H at Pacha Quindi

TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulocorhynchus haematopygius )—A pair came to plantain feeders at Pacha Quindi; another 1 seen at Casa Rolando feeders Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris )—At least 4 of this emblematic Chocó bioregional endemic species seen along the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute on our first afternoon Pale-mandibled Araçari (Pteroglossus erythropygius )—Considered a race of Collared Araçari (P. torquatus ) by some authors. A group of about 6 were seen repeatedly at Milpe Bird Sanctuary feeders Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Chestnut-mandibled Toucan ( swainsonii )—Aka Yellow-throated Toucan ( R. ambiguus ) by some authors when considered a race along with Black-mandibled Toucan ( R. ambiguus ). 4 or so were seen well, around feeders, at Milpe Bird Sanctuary Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis )—3 or so of this Chocó bioregional endemic were seen repeatedly around Milpe Bird Sanctuary feeders

FALCONS & CARACARAS: FALCONIDAE American Kestrel ( Falco sparverius )—1-2 seen at San José de Puembo gardens on July 4 and 7 (morning) and also along the Ecoroute on July 6

PARROTS & MACAWS: PSITTACIDAE Red-billed Parrot ( Pionus sordidus )—Pairs seen along the Ecoroute on July 4th and 6th

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS: THAMNOPHILIDAE Slaty Antwren ( Myrmotherula schisticolor )—A pair seen at Séptimo Paraíso by part of our group Zeledon’s Antbird ( Hafferia zeledoni )—H at Séptimo Paraíso

ANTPITTAS: GRALLARICULA Scaled Antpitta ( Grallaria guatimalensis )—H at Séptimo Paraíso Plain-backed Antpitta (Grallaria haplonota )—H at Séptimo Paraíso; possibly the first record of the species from this site

TAPACULOS: RHINOCRYPTIDAE Nariño Tapaculo ( Scytalopus vicinior )—H near Séptimo Paraíso Spillmann’s Tapaculo ( Scytalopus spillmanni )—H along the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute

ANTTHRUSHES: FORMICARIIDAE Rufous-breasted Antthrush ( Formicarius rufipectus )—H at Séptimo Paraíso

OVENBIRDS & WOODCREEPERS: FURNARIIDAE Spotted Woodcreeper ( Xiphorhynchus erythropygius )—2 seen with mixed foraging flock at Milpe Bird Sanctuary Montane Woodcreeper ( lacrymiger )—2, the 3 were seen along the Ecoroute and Bellavista; another 1 at Séptimo Paraíso Streaked Tuftedcheek (Pseudocolaptes boisseauttii )—1 seen well and repeatedly at Bellavista with a mixed-species foraging flock Lineated Foliage-gleaner (Syndactyla subalaris )—1 surprisingly congenial individual seen repeatedly on two days around Séptimo Paraíso néctar feeders Flammulated Treehunter (Thripadectes flammulatus )—A big surprise! 1 of this truly scarce skulker was seen at Bellavista with a mixed-species foraging flock Pearled Treerunner ( Margarornis squamiger )—1 seen along the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute on July 4th Azara´s Spinetail ( Synallaxis azarae )—H along the Ecoroute on two days-1 seen by a few of us on July 6th

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE Southern Beardless Tyrannulet ( Camptostoma obsoletum )—2 seen at San José de Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Puembo on the morning of July 7th White-tailed Tyrannulet ( Mecocerculus poecilocercus )—2 seen with mixed foraging flocks at Bellavista Streak-necked Flycatcher ( Mionectes striaticollis )—1 seen at Séptimo Paraíso on July 4th Slay-capped Flycatcher ( Leptopogon suoperciliaris )—1 seen with mixed species flocks at Milpe by Nancy and Heike Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus )—2 (truly charming!) seen at Séptimo Paraíso Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant ( Lophotriccus pileatus )—H only at Séptimo Paraíso Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus )—A pair of this adorable flycatcher seen at point blank range at Bellavista (hanging out with us as we watched a mixed foraging flock) Smoke-colored Pewee ( Contopus fumigatus )—2 seen along the Ecoroute; another 1-2 to Bellavista Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer )—1 seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus )—2 seen closeby at Bellavista Tropical Kingbird ( Tyrannus melancholicus )—Singles seen on three days along the Ecoroute and en route to Milpe Bird Sanctuary

COTINGAS: COTINGIDAE Green-and-black Fruiteater ( Pipreola riefferii )—1 seen briefly with a mixed foraging flock at Bellavista Andean Cock-of-the-rock ( Rupicola peruvianus )—H at Séptimo Paraíso on July 4th

TITYRAS & ALLIES: TITYRIDAE Cinnamon Becard ( Pachyramphus cinnamomeus )—3, in all, seen on two days at Séptimo Paraíso One-colored Becard (Pachyramphus homochrous )—2 seen along the lower Ecoroute on July 6th by Nancy

VIREOS, SHRIKE-BABBLERS & ERPORNIS: VIREONIDAE Brown-capped Vireo ( Vireo leucophrys )—1 seen at Milpe; 3 along the Ecoroute and Bellavista Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus )—1 seen at Milpe

SWALLOWS: HIRUNDINIDAE Blue-and-white Swallow ( Pygochelidon cyanoleuca )—Usually fairly common; between 5 to 20 or so were encountered daily

WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE House Wren ( Troglodytes aedon )—Formally, South American populations were considered a separate species—Southern House Wren ( T. musculus ). 1 seen (others H) at Séptimo Paraíso Plain-tailed Wren ( Pheugopedius euophrys )—H from Chusquea bamboo at Bellavista Bay Wren ( Cantorchilus nigricapillus )—H at Milpe Bird Sanctuary Gray-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys )—H often throughout; singles seen well at Séptimo Paraíso and Bellavista

THRUSHES & ALLIES: TURDIDAE Andean Solitaire ( Myadestes ralloides )— 1 seen at Séptimo Paraíso (others H) Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Ecuadorian Thrush (Turdus maculirostris )—1 seen at Septimo Paraíso; 3 at Casa Rolando (others H) Great Thrush ( Turdus fuscater )—Generally common highland species, especially around Quito; also at San José de Puembo

NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE Tropical Parula ( Setophaga pitiayumi )—1 seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary Russet-crowned Warbler ( Myiothlypis coronata )—1 seen closely at Bellavista Slate-throated Whitestart ( Myioborus miniatus )— Also called ‘Redstart’ by many authors though the species shows NO red! Only 1-2 were seen this trip, at Pacha Quindi and Bellavista

TANAGERS & ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE Lemon-rumped Tanager ( Ramphocelus icteronotus )—Considered a race of Flame-rumped Tanager ( R. flammigerus) by some authors. A common species of the western lowlands; many seen at Séptimo Paraíso, Casa Rolando and Milpe Grass-green Tanager (Chlorornis riefferii )—At least 1-2 were seen along the Ecoroute Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus )—Seen on all three days; best perhaps at Bellavista néctar feeders, but also at Casa Rolando, Pacha Quindi and along the Ecoroute Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus notabilis )—3 beauties came to plantain feeders at Casa Rolando; a very special Chocó bioregional endemic Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Pipraeidea bonariensis )—1 seen in gardens at San José de Puembo on July 7th Blue-gray Tanager ( Thraupis episcopus )—Very common, mostly at Milpe Bird Sanctuary; also at Casa Rolando and Séptimo Paraíso Palm Tanager ( Thraupis palmarum )—Common at Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Casa Rolando Rufous-throated Tanager (Ixothraupis rufigula )—A pair of this special Chocó bioregional endemic seen well at Milpe Bird Sanctuary plantain feeders Golden-naped Tanager ( ruficervix )—Rather common this trip; groups of 8 or so were seen at Pacha Quindi, Casa Rolando; 2 more at Bellavista Black-capped Tanager (Tangara heinei )—A handsome pair seen well and repeatedly at Casa Rolando Blue-necked Tanager ( Tangara cyanicollis )—3 seen at Séptimo Paraíso Blue-and-black Tanager ( Tangara vassorii )—4 were encountered with a mixed forahing flock along the Ecoroute on July 4th Beryl-spangled Tanager (Tangara nigroviridis )—2 of this stunning tanager seen at Bellavista Metallic-green Tanager (Tangara labradorides )—1 of this uncommon species seen at Pacha Quindi; another 2 seen along the Ecoroute on July 6th Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii )—2-3 seen at Pacha Quini; 5 or so at Casa Rolando Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus )—Rather common; seen daily; 8 or so at Pacha Quindi; 10 or more at Casa Rolando, also at Séptimo Paraíso and Milpe Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala )—3-4 seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary feeders Green Honeycreeper ( Chlorophanes spiza )—Only 1 female seen at Milpe Bird Sanctuary Cinereous Conebill ( Conirostrum cinereum )—2 were seen at San José de Puembo on July 7 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018 Black Flowerpiercer ( Diglossa humeralis )—1 in San José de Puembo gardens on July 4th White-sided Flowerpiercer ( Diglossa albilatera )—3 seen in flowering shrubs at Pacha Quindi; 3 more at Bellavista Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea )—2 seen at Pacha Quindi; 3-4 seen close-up at Bellavista Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch ( Phrygilus plegejus )—At least 7 seen in an overgrown lot across from the Calacalí gas station on July 6th Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis )—1 male was spotted from the van, along the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute Band-tailed Seedeater ( Catamenia analis )—4 seen in an overgrown lot across from the Calacalí gas station on July 6th Plain-colored Seedeater ( Catamenia analis )—1 female seen in an overgrown lot across from the Calacalí gas station onn July 6th Bananaquit ( Coereba flaveola )—1 seen repeatedly at Milpe Bird Sanctuary néctar feeders Buff-throated Saltator ( Saltator maximus )—1 seen at Pacha Quindi; 4 or so seen Séptimo Paraíso and another at Casa Rolando Black-winged Saltator (Saltator atripennis )—Pairs seen at Séptimo Paraíso and Casa Rolando; also H regularly

NEW WORLD SPARROWS: PASSERELLIDAE Dusky Chlorospingus ( Chlorospingus semifuscus )—Formally called ‘Bush-Tanager’, but no longer considered a member of the tanager family. 2 seen close-by at Casa Rolando feeders; 5 or so seen along the Ecoroute; a Chocó bioregional endemic Chestnut-capped Brushfinch (Arremon brunneinucha )—1 was seen well around plantain feeders at Pacha Quindi Rufous-collared Sparrow ( Zonotrichia capensis )—Common species throughout the ; seen ‘regularly’ daily; more common in the highlands Chocó Brushfinch (Atlapetes crassus )—Formally lumped with Tricolored Brushfinch (A. tricolor ). A pair seen at Septimo Paraíso White-winged Brushfinch (Atlapetes leucopterus )—At least 2 (an adult and a juvenile) were seen repeatedly at Pacha Quinde plantain feeders

MITROSPINGID TANAGERS: MITROSPINGIDAE Dusky-faced Tanager ( Mitrospingus cassinii )—At least 1 was seen around the plantain feeders at Milpe Bird Samctuary

TROUPIALS & ALLIES: ICTERIDAE Scrub Blackbird ( Dives warcze

FINCHES, EUPHONIAS & ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE Thick-billed Euphonia ( Euphonia laniirostris )—8 or so seen at Casa Rolando feeders Orange-bellied Euphonia ( Euphonia xanthogaster )—3 seen at Pacha Quindi feeders; at least 8 more at Casa Rolando and MIlpe Bird Sanctuary feeders Hooded Siskin ( Spinus magellanicus )—A band of about 10 were seen in overgrown lot across from the Calacalí gas station on July 6th

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018

Pale-mandibled Araçari © Ken Trease

MAMMALS

SQUIRRELS: SCIURIDAE Red-tailed Squirrel ( Sciurus granatensis )—2 seen at Pacha Quindi; another 2 at Casa Rolando

AGOUTIS & ACOUCHIS: DAYPROCTIDAE Central American Agouti ( Dasyprocta punctata )—1 seen at Séptimo Paraíso; another at Milpe

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018

Central American Agouti © Ken Trease

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Tandayapa Pre-trip to Galapagos Cruise, 2018