Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour

SOUTHERN ECUADOR: Highland Rarities and Tumbesian Endemics 7th – 23rd January 2016

Nearly 60 of were seen on the trip; the Rainbow Starfrontlet was understandably one of the most popular!

Tour Leader: Jose Illanes Report and all photos by Jose Illanes.

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

INTRODUCTION

This Ecuador ranks as my favorite among the many possible Ecuador tours out there, and this trip proved no different; we enjoyed some truly fantastic . Everyone arrived in Ecuador’s most populous city, Guayaquil, the day before. The following morning, we headed west out of the city to Manglares Charute, a dry scrubby habitat that kicked us off with some good birds, like (Pacific) Royal Flycatcher, Jet , Orange-crowned Euphonia and Ecuadorian . The following day, we birded at the Buenaventura Reserve, which again proved itself to be one of the best places to see Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and also produced Gray-backed Hawk, Club-winged Manakin, Ochraceous Attila and the very local Ecuadorian Endemic, El Oro Parakeet at a nesting and roosting site. Our next stop was another, very different, Jocotoco Foundation reserve, Jorupe, which was combined with visits to surrounding areas like El Empalme, Sozoranga and Zapotillo, all hotspots for Tumbesian endemic birds. At El Empalme we found Red-masked Parakeet, White-edged and Yellow-tailed Orioles, Baird’s Flycatcher and the shy White-headed-Brushfinch. Jorupe itself gave us nice views of Pale-browed Tinamou, Whooping , Ecuadorian , the gaudy White-tailed Jay, Henna-hooded Foliage-Gleaner, Scarlet-backed and Watkins’s Antpitta.

White-tailed Jay, Jorupe 2 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Our visit to Zapotillo also yielded some special birds like, Elegant Crescentchest, Tumbes Pewee, Tumbes Sparrow, West Peruvian-Dove and the very local (in Ecuador) Comb Duck. Sozoranga gave us Chestnut- collared Swallow, Bay-crowned Brushfinch, and Slaty Becard. Yet another Jocotoco property also featured next, Utuana, where we saw Chapman’s Antshrike, Black-cowled Saltator, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Jelski’s Chat-tyrant and Rainbow Starfrontlet and Purple-throated Sunangel at their hummingbird feeders. One of the most popular birds there though was the Black-crested Tit-Tyrant. Next up was Podocarpus National Park, one of the biggest parks in Ecuador, where we asended to the Cerro Toledo section, birding at around 12,000ft/3700m. Our main target there was the very local Neblina , which was saw, along with Rainbow- bearded Thornbill, Mouse-colored Thistletail, Black-headed Hemispingus, and Golden-crowned Tanager. One of the mosy highly anticipated spots in the region, is Tapichalaca, home of the fabled Jocotoco Antpitta. This species was seen easily at a feeding station, and other birds supported this too, like the tough White- capped Tanager, Barred Fruiteater, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Chestnut-naped Antpitta and the handsome Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan.

Golden-eared Tanager, Copalinga Lodge

Having just spent time in the chilly cloudforest we then drove down into the humid foothills on the east slope of the Andes, and to Yankuam Lodge, a simple lodge set beside some fantastic birding areas. Specialties we picked up in this area were White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, Blackish Pewee, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, , Purplish Jacamar, Golden-winged and Black-and-white Tody-tyrants, and Gilded Barbet. We also encountered a variety of colorful tanagers in this area, not least the main target we were looking for, the rare 3 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 and local, Orange-throated Tanager. Our next stop was the always-popular Copalinga Lodge, and the Rio Bombuscaro entrance to Podocarpus NP. Although this was still within the foothills of the east, these are quite different from Yankuam, and we added plenty of more birds like the increasingly scarce White-breasted Parakeet, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Lanceolated Monklet, Foothill , a horde of beautiful tanagers, and several hummingbird species at the lodge feeders like, Black-throated and Violet-fronted Brilliants, Violet-headed Hummingbird, while Ecuadorian Piedtail was seen inside the . Copalinga’s star attraction, a grain-fed Gray Tinamou was also seen above the lodge. From the southern city of Cuenca, we visited two different protected areas; at Yunguilla we got Chestnut- crowned Antpitta and the very rare and local endemic Pale-headed Brushfinch. Our last birding stop was El Cajas National Park that brought us Tit-like Dacnis, Violet-throated Metaltail, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Sword-billed Hummingbird and the attractive Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan.

TOUR SUMMARY

DAY ONE – of birding - (8th January): MANGLARES CHARUTE & SANTA ROSA to BUENAVENTURA

After an early breakfast we were soon on the road pre-dawn, traveling 90 minutes by road to Manglares Charute NP, on the coast of western Ecuador. This was a good place to kickstart our list of Tumbesian specialties, and we found Baird’s and Sooty-crowned Flycatchers, Ecuadorian Trogon, Ecuadorian Ground-Dove, Gray-cheeked Parakeet, Pacific Parrotlet, and (Pacific) Royal Flycatcher. The biggest surprise of the morning though was a pair of Rufous-necked Wood-Rail that stood right in the open in response to a little playback. Another specialty of the nearby woodland was the Jet Antbird, which also showed nicely too. In the surrounding damp marshes and fields, we found some Horned Screamers perched up on the tops of tall bushes as hoped, and also found White Ibis, Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, Snail Kite, and Striated and Little Blue-Herons.

After eating our packed lunch we drove up from sea level towards Buenaventura, in the western foothills of the Andes. On the way we stopped near Santa Rosa, where the local people have some shrimp farms that helped us find birds like Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, White-cheeked Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Cocoi Heron, Masked Water-tyrant, Western and Least Sandpipers, Franklin’s Gull, Peruvian and Brown Pelicans, Anhinga, Magnificent Frigatebird, and Whimbrel. Along the road we also saw Chestnut- throated Seedeater, Pacific Hornero, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Striped Cuckoo. After a long, but birdy, day we pulled into Buenaventura at dusk.

DAY TWO (9th January): BUENAVENTURA

We were staying at Umbrellabird Lodge as I call, which is rightly therefore one of the best places to see the Long- wattled Umbrellabird, a regional endemic. After breakfast we went to the lek site by car, but picked up a rare Little Woodstar along the road near the lodge first. We also saw Orange-billed Sparrow, Red-rumped Woodpecker, and the scarce and local Chestnut-headed Oropendola. While waiting for the umbrellabird we saw other birds along the forest trail, like Pallid Dove, Checker-throated and Slaty Antwrens, Tawny- faced Gnatwren, White-bearded Manakin, and White-tipped Sicklebill. Finally, we found our main target, a nice displaying male Long-wattled Umbrellabird. Later on, we birded along the old road that bisects the reserve, where we found Spotted and Wedge-billed Woodcreepers, Band-tailed Barbthroat, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, White-whiskered Hermit and a small mixed feeding flock with Bay- 4 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 headed, Guira, and Rufous-throated Tanagers, Yellow-throated and Ashy-throated Chlorospinguses, and a Club-winged Manakin. The road also brought us Broad-billed Motmot, Yellow- Tyrannulet, Thick-billed Seed-Finch, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Song and Bay Wrens, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Ornate and Tawny-breasted Flycatchers. These birds were broken by periods of long inactivity, as is typical for birding tropical . After such a period though we picked up soaring Gray-backed Hawk and Plumbeous Kite just near the lodge as we were returning for lunch.

Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Buenaventura

Over lunch we saw at least 11 different hummingbird species at the feeders; Crowned (Emerald-bellied) Woodnymph, Andean Emerald, Green-crowned Brilliant, Green Thorntail, White-necked Jacobin, Amazilia, Violet-bellied and Rufous-tailed , Brown Violetear and a rare Choco Endemic (at this site), Velvet-purple Coronet. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon was spent targeting the rare El Oro Parakeet. We were going to look for them around some nest boxes, which serve as both a nesting site and roost site for the birds. On the way to there, we encountered Bronze-winged Parrot, Pale- mandibled Aracari, Choco and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, and the scare Ochraceous Attila. We 5 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 also found a little activity close to the parakeet spot, with Golden Tanager, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Russet Antshrike, Line-cheeked Spinetail and Long-tailed Sylph seen. As we waited for the parakeets to show up, we also saw a Guayaquil Woodpecker. As we continued to wait rain began to fall, and the group were getting itchy to leave. Somehow I convinced them to stay just a little longer, which paid off, when a dozen El Oro Parakeets flew in and landed in and around their nest boxes, for a top end to the day.

PHOTO BELOW: El Oro Parakeet, Buenaventura

DAY THREE (10th January): BUENAVENTURA to JORUPE (via EL EMPALME)

Our last morning birding at Buenaventura began by birding right by the lodge, where a light that had been left on overnight had attracted both moths, and attendant birds to pick them off. This led us to see Blue-necked Tanager, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, more Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Cinnamon and One-colored Becards, Tropical Parula, Green Honeycreeper, Common Tody- Flycatcher, and Gray-and-gold Warbler. Following this, we birded the upper end of the old road that cuts through the reserve, and allows some higher elevation species to be reached. There we saw, in just one area, Flame-faced, Beryl-spangled, Swallow, Silver-throated, Ochre- breasted and Fawn-breasted Tanagers, Buff- throated and Black-winged Saltators, Azara’s and Slaty Spinetails, and a couple of Andean Solitaires. The same road also brought us Scaled Fruiteater, , Tricolored Brushfinch and even the usually shy Whiskered Wren.

Much of the rest of the afternoon was taken up with the long drive to reach El Empalme. Once we arrived we were relieved to both stretch our legs and continue adding yet more birds to the list, White-edged Oriole, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Gray-cheeked and Red-masked Parakeets, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Collared Antshrike and Southern Yellow-Grosbeak. Trying another spot we finally also found the major target there, the shy White-headed Brushfinch, which appeared as several Tumbes Swifts also passed overhead. We then continued on another hour to the lodge at Jorupe, for our first of three nights there.

DAY FOUR (11th January): JORUPE & ZAPOTILLO

Having arrived essentially at dark the evening before, this was the first time to truly take in the wonderful surrounds of Urraca Lodge, inside Jorupe reserve. We started out the day with birding right on the door step, as the lodge hosts an excellent, and unique set of feeders, which drew in Whooping Motmot, Plumbeous- backed and Ecuadorian Thrushes, gaudy White-tailed Jays, and the furtive Pale-browed Tinamou also came in very warily. There were not many Red-masked Parakeet, but a few were enough, and finally even an Ochre-bellied Dove wandered in to, one of the most difficult birds in the area. In reality, the hummingbird 6 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 feeders are not actually that great for what they were initially intended for-hummingbirds, but with Yellow- edged and Yellow-tailed Orioles utilizing them instead, we did not care too much! Later on, we birded the deserted dirt entrance road to the lodge, where it was initially rather quiet, but eventually produced Ecuadorian Trogon, Collared Antshrike, Pacific Elaenia, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Plain Antvireo, Rufous- browed Peppershrike, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Golden-olive Woodpecker and One-colored Becard. On this day, we had to work hard for some of the area’s specialties, although we did eventually track down Henna-hooded Foliage-Gleaner and Blackish-headed Spinetail. Shortly before lunch, we also found a Black-capped Sparrow hopping along the road, and an Ecuadorian Piculet. We also added Gray- breasted Flycatcher and Speckled-breasted Wren, while Savanna Hawk and King Vulture were also found soaring overhead.

Pale-browed Tinamou, Jorupe

As we had done well with our morning’s birding, by the time lunch came around, we decided to go further afield, to Zapotillo in the afternoon, a 2-hour drive away. After some initial, and unexpected, heavy rain in this usually brutally dry area, we finally got to see some birds like Tumbes Sparrow, Tumbes Pewee, West Peruvian Dove, Snowy-throated Kingbird, Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant and excellent looks at an Elegant Crescentchest, once the roan had moved on. After this we headed back to the lodge, picking up a handful of Comb Ducks on the return journey, a very local species in the country.

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY FIVE (12th January): SOZORANGA

After a now familiar early breakfast, we went out birding uphill in the Sozoranga area. This would normally have been only 60 minutes away, but took double the time due to road construction occurring at the time! Our first stop was in a small village, to admire the local nesting Chestnut-collared Swallows. Heading higher than the village, the weather deteriorated somewhat, but we still managed to find Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Rufous- necked Foliage-Gleaner, Silvery and Fawn-breasted Tanagers, nesting Russet-backed Oropendola, many “Loja” Tyrannulets, Three-banded Warbler, White-vented Plumeleteer, Gray-browed and Bay-crowned Brushfinches, and beautiful views of both male and female Chapman’s Antshrikes, and Pacific Pygmy-Owl.

Chapman’s Antshrike, Sozoranga

Later on, we went to bird on the lower road from the lodge, where we got both some repeats and some new birds, including Henna-hooded Foliage-Gleaner, Sooty-crowned Flycatcher, Ecuadorian Trogon, Plumbeous-backed Thrush, Fasciated and Superciliated Wrens, White-tailed Jay, Red-masked Parakeet, Whooping Motmot, White-edged and Yellow-tailed Orioles, Yellow-billed Cacique and a flock of bright Saffron Siskins in the treetops.

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY SIX (13th January): UTUANA and CATAMAYO to VILCABAMBA

With little left right at Jorupe for us by this stage, we left there early and birded Utuana and some other spots, en- route to our night’s destination, Vilcabamba. Utuana is another valuable Jocotoco Foundation reserve, although does not have accommodation nearby, so is best served from Jorupe, as we did. Our two main finds that morning were Jelski’s Chat-Tyrant and the adorable Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, although we also saw Blue-and- black and Blue-capped Tanagers, Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush, and Glossy-black Thrush. We spent extended time by their small, but buy, set of hummingbird feeders, which were home to two new dazzling species for us: the incomparable Rainbow Starfrontlet and gorgeous Purple-throated Sunangel. On the walk out from the reserve, we also found species like Green-tailed Trainbearer feeding on a flower, the western (white-booted) of Booted-Racket-tail, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker and a singing Black-cowled Saltator. We took a packed lunch at the end of the morning, and then headed up towards Catamayo, with further traffic delays caused by yet more road construction. Once we arrived at the birding spot near the small local airport, we found Parrot-billed, Chestnut-throated and Drab Seedeaters, and plenty of Pacific Parrotlets. The last part of the afternoon involved us driving the last leg to Vilcabamba town, where we were staying for a single night.

Pacific Hornero

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY SEVEN (14th January): CERRO TOLEDO to TAPICHALACA

Our next destination was one of the largest parks in Ecuador, Podocarpus, although one of the least visited sectors of the park, Cerro Toledo. We needed to take a very early breakfast, and take off early to reach the area we needed in time, but the birding rewards proved worthwhile at the end of it all! We made our way up the dirt road to where stunted, elfin forest takes over, at some 12,000ft/3700m. A nice clear morning greeted us, with some relief, as weather at such altitudes is notorious unpredictable and often harsh. The beautiful weather no doubt aided us in finding our main target quite quickly, Neblina Metaltail, as well as Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Many- striped Canastero, and Mouse-colored Thistletail. Walking downhill from there, we found a small feeding flock, with Yellow-breasted and Pale-naped Brushfinches, Black-headed Hemispingus, Citrine Warbler and the handsome Golden-crowned Tanager feeding along the roadside.

Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Cerro Toledo

As we continued walking downhill, we noticed that the cloud was swiftly building up behind us, where we had been, and so we were glad to now only need to bird lower than that, having already for our high altitude target birds. Further down the road we picked up Bar-bellied Woodpecker and Barred Fruiteater, and another small bird party held White-banded, White-throated and Black-capped Tyrannulets, Pearled Treerunner, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Rufous Wren, Scarlet-bellied and Lacrimose Mountain-Tanagers, and the scare and local Orange-banded Flycatcher also showed up for 10 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 us. A bit of playback also worked well for one of the local Rufous Antpittas, which came out and let us have good looks at it. After a packed lunch on site, we headed up towards Tapichalaca reserve. After checking in, we started in one of the upper parts of the reserve, where we a small flock held Lacrimose, Hooded and Scarlet- bellied Mountain-Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, Rufous and White-browed Spinetails, Pale- naped Brushfinch, Pearled Treerunner, Black-capped Hemispingus, Gray-headed Bush-Tanager, and a gorgeous Plushcap, round out a productive day in the temperate zone of the eastern slope of the Andes.

Jocotoco Antpitta, Tapichalaca

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY EIGHT (15th January): TAPICHALACA

Tapichalaca is home to the Jocotoco Antpitta, and therefore by that fact alone ranks as a very special place indeed, as the only reliable place in the world to see this very local species. After a pre-dawn breakfast at the lodge, we took a short drive to the trailhead and then began hiking up to the antpitta feeding station seeing Grass-green Tanager, Scarlet-bellied, Lacrimose and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanagers, Black-capped Hemispingus, Gray-headed Bush-Tanager and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker in mixed flocks along the way. We also got lucky with White-throated Quail-Dove too. Soon after we met up with Franco, one of the local rangers, who whistled out at least two of the local Jocotoco Antpittas for us to view at very close quarters! Continuing birding along trail we also found Chusquea Tapaculo and had wonderful views of a Chestnut-naped Antpitta as well. Walking back down to the lodge for lunch, we picked up a Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan on the way down. Either side of lunch at the lodge, we watched the hummingbird feeders, where Long-tailed Sylph, numerous Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Amethyst-throated and Flame- throated Sunangels, Collared Inca, Speckled Hummingbird and Fawn-breasted Brilliant were all in attendance.

Later on, we went downhill to near the town of Valladolid for birding, as this area holds some lower elevation species not available around the lodge. In this area we found Highland Elaenia, Broad-winged Hawk, Rufous-tailed Tyrant, Mottled-backed Elaenia, Blue-necked, Golden-browed, Black-faced and Paradise Tanagers, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Marañon Thrush, Yellow-cheeked Becard and Rufous-fronted Thornbird. On the way back, just before arriving back at the lodge, we also spotted Inca Jay along the road.

Masked Flowerpiercer, Tapichalaca 12 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY NINE (16th January): TAPICHALACA to YANKUAM

We had a final morning left in Tapichalaca, before our long drive into the foothills of the far southeast. We birded behind the lodge to start, where a White-capped Tanager came right into playback, and we also encountered Turquoise Jay, Mountain Wren, and Green-and-black and Barred Fruiteaters. The same trail also brought us Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Masked Flowerpiercer, Hooded Mountain-Tanager and our second Chestnut-naped Antpitta. Later in the morning we headed up to Quebrada Honda trail again, where fortunately the morning was quite clear and gave us the opportunity to see some of the local Golden- plumed Parakeet, which were perched near their nest boxes. Other birds in the same area included Citrine Warbler, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Bluish Flowerpiercer, Black-headed Hemispingus, Lacrimose, Scarlet-bellied and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Rufous-naped Brushfinch, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Streaked Tuftedcheek and another great view of Golden-crowned Tanager. Other good birds seen in the same area were Powerful Woodpecker, Plain-tailed Wren, Slate- crowned Antpitta and the cute Rufous-crowned Tody-flycatcher.

We took an early lunch at the lodge before packing up and heading to Yankuam. Black-chested Buzzard- Eagle, Cliff Flycatcher, Black-and-white Seedeater, Lineated Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tyrant, Little Cuckoo and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl right at dusk. The various birding stops, and the length of the journey caused us to roll into the lodge after dark, in readiness for a very different day ahead the next day…

Green-and-gold Tanager

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY TEN (17th January): YANKUAM and SHAIME areas

This fairly recently discovered area has been the site of a number of recent discoveries and is home to some very scarce birds and specialties. The birding close to the lodge is good, and we needed to only drive about 4km from the lodge, where we spent our time birding along a dirt road. Unfortunately, rain moved in early in the morning and remained all morning long. This did not, however, stop us from birding, and mixed flocks held Gilded Barbet, Masked Tityra, Dusky-chested Foliage-Gleaner, Blue-necked, Green-and-gold, Yellow- bellied, Paradise, Bay-headed and Flame-crested Tanagers, Dusky-chested Flycatcher, Little Woodpecker, and Rufous-winged Antwren working the canopy. We continued birding along the road, in the continuing rain, at various points, and racked up Little Cuckoo, Chestnut-bellied Seedfinch, Black- and-white Tody-Flycatcher, Channel-billed Toucan, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Fulvous Antshrike, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Green-backed Trogon, Thrush-like Wren, many overflying Blue-headed Parrots and a Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher foraging by the roadside. Just before getting back to the lodge for lunch, we ran across another lodge feeding flock, with Black-faced and Blue Dacnises, Green and Purple Honeycreepers, Slate-colored Grosbeak and our main target bird, Orange-throated Tanager contained within it.

Orange-throated Tanager, Shaime area (near Yankuam)

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

After getting a little rest after lunch, we returned to the same dirt road, where the dryer conditions made the birding a little easier for us, and we found the recently discovered (in Ecuador that is), White-bellied Pygmy- Tyrant, in addition to Peruvian Warbling Antbird and Purplish Jacamar. Also, right by a cow pasture we found Black-capped Donacobius, Lined Antshrike, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Black-billed Thrush, Magpie Tanager, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Black-billed Seedfinch, Turquoise and Swallow Tanagers, and the nomadic Rusty-fronted Tody-Flycatcher.

Gray Tinamou, Copalinga Lodge

DAY ELEVEN (18th January): YANKUAM to COPALINGA

We had just half a day to capitalize on the many great birds in the Yankuam area. Unfortunately, it rained again on us, but we persisted anyway, driving to the Nuevo Paradiso Road, about a 30-minute drive from the lodge. In spite of the rain there were plentiful birds seen, like Blackish, White-browed and Peruvian Warbling-. Streak-chested Antwren, Grayish Saltator, Black-faced Dacnis, Speckled Chachalaca, Dark-

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 breasted Spinetail, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet and White-throated Toucan also featured. Near the end of our time birding the road at this spot we continued to add birds like, White-thighed Swallow, Striped Woodhaunter, Rufous Motmot, Blue-crowned Trogon, Plain Xenops, Olive-faced and Zimmer’s Flatbills, and Red-stained and White-throated . One of the final finds of the morning was also one of the rarest, as we stopped in again at a spot for Blackish Pewee one last time, but this time found one hawking insects from a roadside snag. We did very little birding en-route to Copalinga Lodge, as we wanted to get there in time for the afternoon feeding of the Gray Tinamou, which we did and succeeded on seeing that and Little Tinamou too, as well as Gray-fronted Dove at the feeding area.

Little Tinamou, Copalinga Lodge

DAY TWELVE (19th January): PODOCARPUS NP (RIO BOMBUSCARO SECTOR)

After the traditional early breakfast we went to visit nearby Podocarpus National Park just 10 minutes drive away from the lodge. Amazingly, virtually the first bird we saw was a Lanceolated Monklet, which can be very difficult bird to see. Continuing with our birding we saw more species like, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Foothill Elaenia, and a flurry of tanager species: Green-and-gold, Blue-necked, Golden and Spotted Tanagers. We birded the wide open path that leads to the park’s visitor centre, finding a flycatching Coppery-chested Jacamar, as well as Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Subtropical Cacique, Inca Jay, White-necked Thrush and four Amazonian Umbrellabirds chasing each other!

After this productive morning we headed back to the lodge for lunch. After eating, some went for a rest while others birded around the lodge. Our original plan had been to return to the park again in the afternoon, but rain put paid to those plans. Instead we birded right around the lodge, having Violet-fronted Brilliant, Many- spotted Hummingbird, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Green Hermit, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Violet- 16 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016 bellied Hummingbird and the handsome Wire-crested Thorntail all at the feeders or in the garden. Ash- browed Spinetail was found nesting by the lodge parking lot, and we even managed to get the increasingly difficult White-breasted Parakeet, as it passed by in flight several times. At dusk we tracked down a Blackish Nightjar on the road near the lodge, and also managed to find Band-bellied Owl, which can often be difficult.

Violet-headed Hummingbird, Copalinga Lodge

DAY THIRTEEN (20th January): OLD LOJA-ZAMORA ROAD and ACANAMA to CUENCA

We packed up and left the idyllic surrounds of Copalinga Lodge early, in the hope of getting some new birds in our only available time to visit the Old Loja-Zamora Road, a famed birding site from old. Once again, we were hot with rainy conditions, but we had learnt by then that a little rain did not stop the birds, merely made our lives uncomfortable, and so we carried on, with only this time available to us to cover this site. All too soon we hot a feeding flock with the usual rush of birds, which held within it, Ashy-throated and Yellow-throated Chlorospinguses, Black-billed Treehunter, and Magpie, Paradise, Bay-headed and Orange-eared Tanagers, Olivaceous Greenlet, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Montane Foliage-Gleaner, Ash-browed Spinetail, Grayish Saltator, Blackburnian and Three-striped Warblers and a handsome Red-headed

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Barbet. Further along the road we were treated to views of foraging Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper.

We then continued our long drive towards Cuenca (spotting Peruvian Meadowlark and Bearded Guan along the way), stopping at Acanama near Saraguro as a last birding stop before we reached our destination. Once at Acanama, we found some high elevation birds like, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Black Flowerpiercer, Rufous- naped Brushfinch, Scarlet-bellied and Lacrimose Mountain-Tanagers, Plain-colored Seedeater, Brown-bellied Swallow, Mouse-colored Thistletail, and a bright Glowing Puffleg. Near dark, we rolled into Cuenca for a two-night stay.

Pale-headed Brushfinch, Yunguilla

DAY FOURTEEN (21st January): YUNGUILLA

Once again we visited a Jocotoco Foundation reserve on this day, our fifth of the trip! Our earliest start beckoned with this remote reserve being a good couple of hours from Cuenca. On arriving in Yunguilla we met up with the park ranger, Enrique, who led us into the reserve, where we found Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Slaty- backed Nightingale-Thrush, Russet-crowned and Black-crested Warblers, Speckled Hummingbird, (Highland) Hepatic Tanager and Scrub Blackbird straight off the bat.

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This small reserve has limited habitat and birds, but there was one very special one we had come there for. In to see it, our best bet was to wait it out by the fruit feeders. We did this, which was not super exciting at times, but we did see Gray-browed Brushfinch while we waited. And we also saw a Chestnut-crowned Antpitta in the same area. Then, finally, the star attraction arrived when the critically endangered Pale-headed Brushfinch appeared. Birding in the wider area led us to add Masked Yellowthroat, Southern Yellow Grosbeak and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. After we left the reserve, we found a spot for lunch along the road, which produced birds like Dull-colored Grassquit, Lined-cheeked Spinetail and Chiguango Thrush over lunch. We returned to Cuenca with some time off in the afternoon (around our hotel which is equipped with hot baths), which was much needed after the rigors of a long day, and plentiful time in the field in recent days!

Tit-like Dacnis, El Cajas NP

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

DAY FIFTEEN (22nd January): EL CAJAS NP to GUAYAQUIL

This was to be our last day in the field, but as we were visiting an entirely new area, could still expect, and found, many new birds, including some real specialties. After breakfast we visited the lower part of El Cajas NP, Llaviucu Lake. This scenic lake is surrounded by wet temperate forest, which hosted Superciliaried Hemispingus, White-banded and Tawny-rumped Tyrannulets, Spectacled Redstart, Blue-backed Conebill, Black and Masked Flowerpiercers, Shining Sunbeam, Mountain Velvetbreast, Tyrian Metaltail and gave us exceptional views of a Sword-billed Hummingbird. At the lake itself, we got a few waterbirds like, Slate- colored (Andean) Coot, Andean Gull, Andean Teal, Black-crowned Night-Heron, (Andean) Ruddy Duck, and Northern Mountain-Cacique and Sapphire-vented Puffleg at the forested verges. Also in this same area were Grass (Sedge) Wren and a Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, which was a nice catch up bird for some who had missed our earlier one at Tapichalaca.

After this success in the lower elevations of the park, we drive up higher stopping first for Violet-throated Metaltail on the way up. Near La Toreadora Lake, we had now emerged into grassy paramo, and were above the treeline, which provided us with plentiful new birds, as this was our only time within this distinct habitat. Once we arrived at the lake we spotted a Tawny Antpitta hopping on an open grassy area, and Tit-like Dacnis were noted within the nearby, stunted, polylepis trees. Other species new to us included Blue-mantled Thornbill, Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes and also got great looks at Ecuadorian Hillstar and a soaring Variable Hawk. Finally, just before leaving the area, we picked up Yellow-billed Pintail and Andean Lapwing. Our birding had then come to an end, all that was left was to drive back downslope to Guayaquil, and enjoy a final dinner together, mulling over what we had seen…

At the end of it all, we had recorded 605 species, of which 44 were heard only. Among the favorites for the group were Orange-throated Tanager, El Oro Parakeet, Jocotoco Antpitta, (Pacific) Royal Flycatcher, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Little and Pale-browed Tinamous, Rufous- necked Wood-Rail, and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan.

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Paradise Tanager, near Zamora

Bird List

Bird follows Clements/eBird version 6.8 (2013), downloadable from:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist Alternate names used by The Birds of Ecuador (Ridgely & Greenfield) are give in parentheses

H Indicates a species that was HEARD ONLY.

GO indicates a species that was seen by the GUIDE ONLY.

TINAMOUS TINAMIDAE Tawny-breasted Tinamou Nothocercus julius H Gray Tinamou Tinamus tao Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus H Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui

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Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Pale-browed Tinamou Crypturellus transfasciatus SCREAMERS ANHIMIDAE Horned Screamer Anhima cornuta DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS ANATIDAE Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Blue-winged Teal Anas discors White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica Andean Teal Anas flavirostris andium (Andean) Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis andina GUANS, CHACHALACAS, CURASSOWS CRACIDAE Rufous-headed Chachalaca Ortalis erythroptera Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Bearded Guan Penelope barbata Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii NEW WORLD QUAIL ODONTOPHORIDAE Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail Odontophorus erythrops H GREBES PODICIPEDIDAE Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus GO PELICANS PELECANIDAE Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis CORMORANTS AND SHAGS PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus ANHINGAS ANHINGIDAE Anhinga Anhinga anhinga STORKS CICONIIDAE Wood Stork Mycteria americana FRIGATEBIRDS FREGATIDAE Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens HERONS, EGRETS, AND BITTERNS ARDEIDAE Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Great Egret Ardea alba Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Snowy Egret Egretta thula Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Striated Heron Butorides striata Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax IBIS AND SPOONBILLS THRESKIORNITHIDAE White Ibis Eudocimus albus Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja NEW WORLD VULTURES CATHARTIDAE Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa HAWKS, EAGLES, AND KITES ACCIPITRIDAE Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus 22 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Sharp-shinned (Plain-breasted) Hawk Accipiter striatus ventralis Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis Gray-backed Hawk Pseudastur occidentalis Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Gray-lined Hawk Buteo nitidus Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS RALLIDAE White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis H Virginia (Ecuadorian) Rail Rallus limicola aequatorialis GO Rufous-necked Wood-Rail Aramides axillaris Sora Porzana carolina Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans H Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Slate-colored (Andean) Coot Fulica ardesiaca LIMPKIN ARAMIDAE Limpkin Aramus guarauna STILTS AND AVOCETS RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus

PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS CHARADRIIDAE

Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens JACANAS JACANIDAE Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana SANDPIPERS and ALLIES SCOLOPACIDAE Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla GULLS,TERNS and SKIMMERS LARIDAE Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan PIGEONS AND DOVES COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon Columba livia Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Pacific (West Peruvian) Dove Zenaida meloda Ecuadorian Ground-Dove Columbina buckleyi Croaking Ground-Dove Columbina cruziana 23 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa H White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Gray-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida Ochre-bellied Dove Leptotila ochraceiventris White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata CUCKOOS CUCULIDAE Little Cuckoo Coccycua minuta Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris OWLS STRIGIDAE Peruvian Screech-Owl Megascops roboratus Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota Andean Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium jardinii H Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum Peruvian (Pacific) Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium peruanum Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata NIGHTJARS CAPRIMULGIDAE Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Scrub (Anthony's) Nightjar Caprimulgus anthonyi H Blackish Nightjar Caprimulgus nigrescens SWIFTS APODIDAE Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Short-tailed (Tumbes) Swift Chaetura brachyura ocypetes Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris HUMMINGBIRDS TROCHILIDAE Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Long-billed (Baron's) Hermit Phaethornis longirostris baroni Black-throated Hermit Phaethornis atrimentalis Gray-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila Gray-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii Green Thorntail Discosura conversii Crowned (Emerald-bellied) Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi hypochlora Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata Violet-bellied Hummingbird Damophila julie Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia Amazilia (Loja) Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia alticola Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae 24 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Glittering-throated Emerald Amazilia fimbriata Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Ecuadorian Piedtail Phlogophilus hemileucurus Black-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa schreibersii Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri Gould's Jewelfront Heliodoxa aurescens Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae Rainbow Starfrontlet Coeligena iris Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis Little (Flame-throated) Sunangel Heliangelus micraster Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola Glowing Puffleg Eriocnemis vestita Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Violet-throated Metaltail Metallura baroni Neblina Metaltail Metallura odomae Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis Wedge-billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris Little Woodstar Chaetocercus bombus TROGONIDAE Golden-headed auriceps H Ecuadorian Trogon Trogon mesurus Green-backed (Amaz. White-tailed) Trogon Trogon viridis Blue-crowned Trogon Trogon curucui Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Trogon personatus MOMOTIDAE Whooping (Blue-crowned) Motmot subrufescens argenticinctus Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum KINGFISHERS ALCEDINIDAE Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquatus American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea 25 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana GO PUFFBIRDS BUCCONIDAE Lanceolated Monklet Micromonacha lanceolata JACAMARS GALBULIDAE Coppery-chested Jacamar Galbula pastazae Purplish Jacamar Galbula chalcothorax NEW WORLD BARBETS CAPITONIDAE Gilded Barbet Capito auratus Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii TOUCANS RAMPHASTIDAE Chestnut-tipped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus derbianus H Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan Andigena hypoglauca Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis Collared (Pale-mandibled) Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius Black-mandibled (Chestnut-mandibled) Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus Choco Toucan Ramphastos brevis Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus WOODPECKERS PICIDAE Lafresnaye's Piculet lafresnayi Ecuadorian Piculet Picumnus sclateri Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps Red-stained Woodpecker Veniliornis affinis White-throated Woodpecker Piculus leucolaemus Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos H Guayaquil Woodpecker Campephilus gayaquilensis FALCONS AND CARACARAS FALCONIDAE Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus GO American Kestrel Falco sparverius Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis NEW WORLD and AFRICANS PARROTS PSITTACIDAE Golden-plumed Parakeet Leptosittaca branickii El Oro Parakeet Pyrrhura orcesi White-necked Parakeet Pyrrhura albipectus Red-masked Parakeet Aratinga erythrogenys White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalma 26 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis Gray-cheeked Parakeet Brotogeris pyrrhoptera Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Speckle-faced (White-capped) Parrot Pionus tumultuosus seniloides Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus Scaly-naped Parrot (Amazon) Amazona mercenaria TYPICAL ANTBIRDS THAMNOPHILIDAE Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus H Fulvous (Undulated) Antshrike fulva Great Antshrike Taraba major Chapman's Antshrike zarumae Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus Collared Antshrike Thamnophilus bernardi Black-crowned(Western Slaty) Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha Plain-winged Antshrike Thamnophilus schistaceus Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor H White-shouldered Antshrike Thamnophilus aethiops H Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis Checker-throated Antwren Epinecrophylla fulviventris Stripe-chested Antwren Myrmotherula longicauda White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris H Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris Rufous-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus Blackish Antbird (foothills) nigrescens aequatorialis Jet Antbird Cercomacra nigricans White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota H White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus H Peruvian Warbling-Antbird Hypocnemis (cantator) peruviana Spot-winged Antbird Schistocichla leucostigma Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul Esmeraldas Antbird Myrmeciza nigricauda Zimmer's (Chestnut-tailed) Antbird Myrmeciza (hemimelaena) castanea H CRESCENTCHESTS MELANOPAREIIDAE Elegant Crescentchest Melanopareia elegans ANTPITTAS GRALLARIIDAE Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis H Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonota H Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla Watkins's Antpitta Grallaria watkinsi Jocotoco Antpitta Grallaria ridgelyi Chestnut-naped Antpitta Grallaria nuchalis Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis Thrush-like Antpitta Myrmothera campanisona H Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana TAPACULOS RHINOCRYPTIDAE Blackish (Unicolored) Tapaculo Scytalopus (unicolor) latrans 27 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Chusquea Tapaculo Scytalopus parkeri Paramo Tapaculo Scytalopus opacus H Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx H ANTTHRUSHES FORMICARIIDAE Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis H Barred Antthrush Chamaeza mollissima H OVENBIRDS AND WOODCREEPERS FURNARIIDAE Olivaceous Woodcreeper (east) Sittasomus griseicapillus amazonus Olivaceous Woodcreeper (west) Sittasomus griseicapillus aequatorialis Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina H Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii Pale-legged (Pacific) Hornero Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior Chestnut-winged (Bar-winged) Cinclodes Cinclodes albidiventris Dusky-cheeked (Bamboo) Foliage-gleaner Anabazenops dorsalis Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner Philydor ruficaudatum Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis Rufous-necked Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla ruficollis Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner Hylocryptus erythrocephalus Striped (Eastern) Woodhaunter Hyloctistes subulatus subulatus Black-billed Treehunter Thripadectes melanorhynchus Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Rufous-fronted Thornbird Phacellodomus rufifrons White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata Mouse-colored Thistletail Asthenes griseomurina Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata Line-cheeked Spinetail Cranioleuca antisiensis Azara's Spinetail azarae Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Blackish-headed Spinetail Synallaxis tithys Dusky Spinetail Synallaxis moesta TYRANT FLYCATCHERS TYRANNIDAE Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Black-crested Tit-Tyrant Anairetes nigrocristatus Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus Mouse-colored (Tumbesian) Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina tumbezana Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola Foothill Elaenia Myiopagis olallai 28 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Pacific Elaenia Myiopagis subplacens Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps Mottle-backed Elaenia Elaenia gigas Highland Elaenia Elaenia obscura Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Ecuadorian Tyrannulet Phylloscartes gualaquizae Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps H Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias uropygialis Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops chrysops Golden-faced (Loja) Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops flavidifrons Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps GO Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis albiventris Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis H Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus ruficeps Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus capitalis Rusty-fronted Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus latirostris Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus calopterus Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum H Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Flatbill) (southeast) Tolmomyias sulphurescens peruvianus Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Flatbill) (west) Tolmomyias sulphurescens aequatorialis Yellow-margined Flycatcher (Zimmer's Flatbill) Tolmomyias assimilis obscuriceps Yellow-breasted Flycatcher (Olive-faced Flatbill) Tolmomyias flaviventris (Pacific) Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus corona occidentalis Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea Tawny-breasted Flycatcher Myiobius villosus Orange-banded Flycatcher Nephelomyias lintoni Olive-chested Flycatcher Myiophobus cryptoxanthus Bran-colored Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus Gray-breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus griseipectus Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus Tropical (Tumbes) Pewee Contopus cinereus punensis Blackish Pewee Contopus nigrescens Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Rufous-tailed Tyrant Knipolegus poecilurus Plain-capped (Páramo) Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola alpinus Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis 29 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Smoky Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes fumigatus Masked Water-Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta Jelski's Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca jelskii Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris H Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Ochraceous Attila Attila torridus Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Sooty-crowned Flycatcher Myiarchus phaeocephalus Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Gray-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Dusky-chested Flycatcher Myiozetetes luteiventris Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus Baird's Flycatcher Myiodynastes bairdii Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus COTINGAS COTINGIDAE Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus Long-wattled Umbrellabird Cephalopterus penduliger Dusky Piha Lipaugus fuscocinereus H MANAKINS PIPRIDAE Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin Tyranneutes stolzmanni H Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus Wing-barred Piprites Piprites chloris H TITYRAS AND ALLIES TITYRIDAE Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Green-backed (Yellow-cheeked) Becard Pachyramphus viridis xanthogenys Slaty Becard Pachyramphus spodiurus Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Pachyramphus polychopterus White-winged Becard (east) nigriventris H Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus One-colored Becard Pachyramphus homochrous VIREOS, SHRIKE-BABBLERS and ERPORNIS VIREONIDAE Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis H 30 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis CROWS JAYS AND MAGPIES CORVIDAE Green (Inca) Jay Cyanocorax yncas yncas Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus White-tailed Jay Cyanocorax mystacalis Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa SWALLOWS HIRUNDINIDAE Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Pale-footed Swallow Orochelidon flavipes Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina White-thighed Swallow Atticora tibialis White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Chestnut-collared Swallow Petrochelidon rufocollaris WRENS TROGLODYTIDAE Scaly-breasted (Southern Nightingale) Wren Microcerculus marginatus H Gray-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii House Wren Troglodytes aedon Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis Sedge (Grass) Wren Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys Whiskered Wren Pheugopedius mystacalis Coraya Wren Pheugopedius coraya Speckle-breasted Wren Pheugopedius sclateri Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Superciliated Wren Cantorchilus superciliaris Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus GNATCATCHERS POLIOPTILIDAE Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea DIPPERS CINCLIDAE White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus DONACOBIUS DONACOBIIDAE Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla THRUSHES AND ALLIES TURDIDAE Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater Spotted Nightingale-Thrush Catharus dryas Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Plumbeous-backed Thrush Turdus reevei Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris 31 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Marañon Thrush Turdus maranonicus Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS MIMIDAE Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus NEW WORLD WARBLERS PARULIDAE Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Yellow (Mangrove) Warbler Setophaga petechia peruviana Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava Masked (Black-lored) Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis auricularis Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis Slate-throated Redstart (Whitestart) Myioborus miniatus Spectacled Redstart (Whitestart) Myioborus melanocephalus Gray-and-gold Warbler Myiothlypis fraseri Citrine Warbler Myiothlypis luteoviridis Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristatus Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronatus Three-banded Warbler Basileuterus trifasciatus Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda TANAGERS AND ALLIES THRAUPIDAE Black-faced Tanager Schistochlamys melanopis Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata Black-capped Hemispingus Hemispingus atropileus Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris Black-headed Hemispingus Hemispingus verticalis Gray-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris Rufous-chested Tanager Thlypopsis ornata Flame-crested Tanager Tachyphonus cristatus White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo Flame-rumped (Lemon-rumped) Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala Orange-throated Tanager Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron Hooded Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis montana Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager Dubusia taeniata Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix 32 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Silvery (Silver-backed) Tanager Tangara viridicollis Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata lineata Black-faced (Yellow-tufted) Dacnis Dacnis lineata aequatorialis Yellow-bellied Dacnis Dacnis flaviventer Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor Tit-like Dacnis Xenodacnis parina Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyaneus Plushcap Catamblyrhynchus diadema Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis Parrot-billed Seedeater Sporophila peruviana Drab Seedeater Sporophila simplex Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris Chestnut-throated Seedeater Sporophila telasco Thick-billed (Lesser) Seed-Finch Oryzoborus (angolensis) funereus Chestnut-bellied (Lesser) Seed-Finch Oryzoborus (a.) angolensis Black-billed Seed-Finch Oryzoborus atrirostris Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Dull-colored Grassquit Tiaris obscurus 33 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak Parkerthraustes humeralis Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Grayish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Black-cowled Saltator Saltator nigriceps Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus BUNTINGS AND NEW WORLD SPARROWS EMBERIZIDAE Olive Finch Arremon castaneiceps H Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Black-capped Sparrow Arremon abeillei Gray-browed (Stripe-headed) Brushfinch Arremon assimilis Pale-naped Brushfinch Atlapetes pallidinucha Tricolored Brush-Finch Atlapetes tricolor Yellow-breasted (Rufous-naped) Brushfinch Atlapetes latinuchus White-headed Brushfinch Atlapetes albiceps Pale-headed Brushfinch Atlapetes pallidiceps Bay-crowned Brushfinch Atlapetes seebohmi Tumbes Sparrow Rhynchospiza stolzmanni Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Common Chlorospingus Chlorospingus ophthalmicus Yellow-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavigularis Ashy-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus canigularis GROSBEAKS AND ALLIES CARDINALIDAE (Highland) Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava lutea Summer Tanager Piranga rubra White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera H Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni Golden-bellied (Southern Yellow) Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides TROUPIALS AND ALLIES ICTERIDAE Peruvian Meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus White-edged Oriole Icterus graceannae Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus (Northern) Mountain Cacique Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis pacificus Scarlet-rumped (Subtropical) Cacique Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus FINCHES, EUPHONIAS AND ALLIES FRINGILLIDAE Orange-crowned Euphonia Euphonia saturata Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Golden-bellied (White-lored) Euphonia Euphonia chrysopasta Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa 34 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page

Tropical Birding Trip Report SOUTHERN ECUADOR: January 2016

Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Yellow-bellied Siskin Spinus xanthogastrus Hooded Siskin Spinus magellanicus Saffron Siskin Spinus siemiradzkii Olivaceous Siskin Spinus olivaceus OLD WORLD SPARROWS PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus

MAMMALS Mantled Howler Alouatta palliata Guayaquil Squirrel Sciurus stramineus Black Agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Brazilian Rabit Sylvilagus brasiliensis White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Sechura Fox

Coppery-chested Jacamar, Podocarpus NP (Rio Bombuscaro sector) 35 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page