NORTHERN & EXTRAVAGANZA A RELAXED & EASY TOUR

MARCH 13–22, 2020

Giant Hummingbird ©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

NORTHERN ECUADOR HUMMINGBIRD & TANAGER EXTRAVAGANZA A RELAXED & EASY TOUR March 13–22, 2020

By Paul Greenfield

This year’s Relaxed & Easy Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza in times of Coronavirus ended up presenting quite the challenge and a surprising variety of experiences that nobody could have ever predicted. Most of our participants had already cancelled days before the trip began. Our first morning initiated normally, as we spotted a Scrub Tanager and our first Vermilion Flycatcher, before heading off to higher elevation and then downslope to our first night’s destination. Our morning visit to Tambo Condor was enjoyable, with two Giant , Shining Sunbeams, a pair of Black-tailed Trainbearers, a half-dozen super-active Sparkling Violetears, a male Great Sapphirewing, Black , a threesome of Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles, an American Kestrel, and Plain-colored among the first we encountered. As we continued on our way, we made a second stop at Guango Lodge, located in the temperate zone on the east slope of the . Here the hummingbirds kept us busy, with many Tourmaline Sunangels, Speckled Hummingbirds, at least two incredible male Long-tailed Sylphs, Tyrian Metaltails, a sharply-clad pair of Collared Incas, aggressive Buff-tailed Coronets, Chestnut-breasted Coronets, a Fawn-breasted Brilliant, a cool White-bellied Woodstar, and a Masked . We continued downslope to the town of Baeza, where we stopped for lunch at Kopal Restaurant; after submitting our orders, we walked a narrow trail to see what might show up. Some twenty minutes later we had picked up our first Groove-billed Ani, Olivaceous Siskins, Blue-gray , Blue-necked Tanagers, and a beautiful and close Saffron-crowned Tanager. We reached Wildsumaco Lodge with little time to check out their nectar feeders, where we got our first looks at a few White-necked Jacobins as the sun went down.

The following morning began at the moth light, which was relatively inactive, with the exception of a pair of Black-faced Antbirds and a pair of Peruvian Warbling-Antbirds that showed themselves nicely. Afterwards, we hung about the lodge’s broad deck to enjoy the hummingbirds that little-by-little showed up to feed at the nectar feeders and nearby Verbena flowers, with great studies of aggressive Brown Violetears, a female Black-throated Mango, adorable Wire-crested Thorntails, Peruvian (Booted) Racket-tails, Black-throated Brilliants, Gould’s Jewelfronts, tiny Gorgeted Woodstars, Violet-headed Hummingbirds, Napo Sabrewings, Fork-tailed Woodnymphs, several Many-spotted Hummingbirds, and dominant Golden-tailed Sapphires. Also, from the deck we saw a male Lined Antshrike and Red-billed Parrots. We later visited some nectar feeders. In the afternoon we visited the forest feeding station where we had excellent looks at a pair of Plain-backed Antpittas, an Ochre-breasted Antpitta, a Gray-cheeked Thrush, and a White-crowned Tapaculo; we saw a second tapaculo along the trail near the feeding station. We also saw Eastern and Western wood-pewees, Violaceous Jays, Swainson’s Thrushes, oropendolas, Canada Warblers, and Slate-throated Whitestart. Overall, activity was surprisingly down during our visit to Wildsumaco…something that is not readily explainable, aside from very sunny skies, which do not bring favorable birding conditions in the Andes. Alas, news began to filter in that the situation in Ecuador was beginning to get complicated due to the Coronavirus situation. At this point we were still rather isolated and planned to spend the following morning at Wildsumaco before Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020 heading upslope to Cabañas San Isidro…and that was what we did. Our following morning added some new species: fairly large flocks of Chestnut-collared and White- collared swifts, more of the same hummingbirds, a soaring Barred Hawk, Gilded Barbet, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, a family of Plain Antvireos, Ornate Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, a Boat-billed Flycatcher, Olivaceous Greenlet, Summer and Scarlet tanagers, Silver-beaked Tanagers, Bay-headed Tanager, and Bananaquit.

We took to our drive upslope with caution, not knowing what the situation would be as we advanced. Luckily, there were no roadblocks or check-points to deal with, although one place we always stop at was closed due to the Coronavirus. We then made a few spur-of- the-moment stops en route and came up with some surprises. We came across a cool pair of Fasciated Tiger-Herons along a river near a local roadside restaurant. We made a stop at an about-to-open Narupa Reserve, where nectar feeders were quite active, with a Bronzy Inca and a few Violet-fronted Brilliants, along with 8 or so White-tailed Hillstars; a Fawn-breasted Tanager also showed up nearby. As we continued, we spotted a group of Cliff Flycatchers, another Fasciated Tiger-Heron, a Southern Lapwing, Spotted Sandpiper, Broad-winged Hawk, and some Black Phoebes. We arrived safe and sound at Cabañas San Isidro in time to watch some active hummingbirds, see a Glossy- black Thrush, and during dinner a pair of the San Isidro Mystery-Owl—an isolated population that has not been definitely identified to date—were glimpsed. That same evening, news began to come in that the situation was about to become more difficult for us—varied contradicting governmental decisions came vía Facebook and WhatsApp, and our trusty ground agent, Juan, began to make phone calls to attempt to understand the real situation. At first we began to think that we would have to just pack up and head towards Quito that same night, but it turned out that Ecuador’s president had announced that a national lock-down would be set for the following evening. We began to analyze our options, as only the first half of our trip was coming to an end. Our original plan was to bird our way to Quito the following day after lunch (another delicious one!) at Cabañas San Isidro. We then heard that the Mayor of Quito closed down the entire Metropolitan District from 5am the following morning onward! With heavy fines and even prison for those that ignore the ruling. CRAZY! That meant that we were, effectively, trapped—we would not be able to make it into Quito and, worse, continue to the Mindo area on to the west Andean slope. We ran several optional plans (probably now getting to Plan D or E at this point). After all Juan’s phone calls, we were unable to assess what the real-time situation would be, but we were able to reorganize our reservations—cancel Séptimo Paraíso, and book space at San José de Puembo (which was never in the plan). So our new plan was set—bird all morning at Cabañas San Isidro and, after lunch, head off for the unknown, hoping we would not be stopped en route, fined, arrested, or whatever…we assumed we would be able to talk our way out of any inconvenience based on our many past experiences in Ecuador.

The following morning’s birding was great! We hung around the lodge’s deck, and it was awesome…many species showed up, attracted to moths and other insects that had been drawn to the lights that remain on all through the night, along with the hyperactive nectar feeders. It was hard to know where to look first; actually, we first went to a nearby blind and second moth light where we picked up different species. A White-bellied Antpitta scampered in for some splendid looks; Chestnut-capped Brushfinch foraged about the undergrowth; Three-striped Warblers clambered about; Canada Warblers, in their clean spring plumages, came forth; and an Oleaginous Hemispingus came in for close looks. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Back at the restaurant deck, Lesser Violetears, some 5 Speckled Hummingbirds, Bronzy and Collared incas, a Buff-tailed Coronet, many Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Fawn- breasted Brilliants, and a female Gorgeted Woodstar graced the nectar feeders; a lovely and totally friendly pair of Masked Trogons offered endless looks; Steve went off to see a second White-bellied Antpitta; an obliging pair of Montane Woodcreepers worked the scattered trunks and poles; cute Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrants foraged about; Lily located a Cinnamon Flycatcher back up the main entrance trail; a Pale-edged Flycatcher and a pair of Golden-crowned Flycatchers were seen repeatedly; a female Barred Becard was seen up close; a Black-billed Peppershrike came in, singing loudly; a Brown-capped Vireo showed up; some 5 or so truly entertaining Inca (Green) Jays hung out, sounding off with their bizarre vocalizations; a Mountain Wren worked the bases of some tangled trunks; an unobtrusive Common Chlorospingus was spotted; a small and active band of Subtropical Caciques moved about actively; and a beautiful male Blackburnian Warbler showed-off its freshly molted plumage.

As we pulled out of Cabañas San Isidro’s driveway, it was definitely unclear what lay ahead; would the controls and sanctions we were hearing about be in full swing? Would we be prohibited to complete our planned trip? Where would we have to spend the night…or the following nights? What did Government policy and COVID-19 have in store for us? As we ascended the Andes, we noted some vehicles (cars, buses, and trucks) moving in both directions, which gave us the curious feeling that the threatened controls had not been put in place, and this bcame more clear as we passed the 13,000 ft Papallacta Pass, where Quito’s Metropolitan District initiates. We came upon one check- point but were allowed to pass without delay…good news! Shortly afterwards, we arrived successfully at San José de Puembo. This became a perfect home-away-from-home for us during the following days. The ‘hacienda hotel’ took good care of us, sprayed-down the entire place a few times a day, wiped down surfaces with alcohol, took our temperatures once or twice a day, and seemed to be on top of everything down to the smallest detail. We were taken to a local pharmacy to stock up on medicine, too. Their ample gardens and the nearby Chaquiñán Nature Trail were a pleasant relief to the concerns and uncertainties we were all facing. Our focus was centered on dealing with the situation and searching for flights out of the country, and it seemed that rumors and conflicting information swirled around us, as all guests were handling varying degrees of panic as they sought out solutions.

A few morning and afternoon birding walks brought us several local avian specialties, including a couple of Croaking Ground-Doves (which are extremely local and scarce in northern Ecuador), Vermilion Flycatchers, a Tropical Mockingbird family foursome, many Great Thrushes, pairs of lovely Golden-rumped Euphonias (that apparently are quite common here), bands of Hooded Siskins, a female Golden Grosbeak, a pair of Blue-and-yellow Tanagers, Blue-gray Tanagers, Cinereous Conebills, Saffron Finches, and quite a few Scrub Tanagers, along with the ubiquitous Rufous-collared Sparrows that even wandered through the hotel.

Most of our time was spent social distancing and at the same time trying to find flights out of Ecuador…not an easy task, as information we received often caused confusion or could not be definitely confirmed. At one point, flights out of the southern coastal city of Guayaquil became believable options, and tickets were purchased. Then came the problematic reality of how to get there—the country was shut down, mobilization was

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020 apparently prohibited. After several calls and emails, Juan was able to find out that Ecuador’s largest tour company—Metropolitan Touring—had ordered three buses, for about a hundred travelers, to organize a caravan to get foreign nationals to those flights; but those buses would apparently depart from Quito. We needed a bus to pick up our people directly from San José de Puembo. After many calls and messages, we were arranging for such a vehicle that would eventually meet up with the caravan and travel together to Guayaquil. All sounded like things were beginning to take shape when the owner of the bus company informed us that it seemed that ‘la Metro’ would not go through with their original plan. So we would have to sort of ‘go-it-alone.’ This was a bit worrisome—the bus company had to guarantee that they would be able to procure a legal ‘safe-conduct’ that would be respected throughout the country, from province-to- province. Each passenger would have a letter sent to them by the American Ambassador assuring that they would be meeting their flight…all had their letters, but this made me nervous. As all this was taking place, word came out, via internet, WhatsApp, email, and who-knows-what-else that a flight out of Quito had just opened up! Craziness ensued! Everyone got online, all at once, trying to purchase their tickets…the system apparently crashed, and purchases didn’t go through. But finally, one-by-one, purchases were made…could that really be finally true! Apparently, yes indeed. The Government announced a new curfew for the following afternoon, so we quickly reserved taxis, one for me to return to my home in Quito, and another to take our travelers to the airport…fingers crossed. What I can confirm at this time is that we all made it home!

Gould’s Jewelfront © Dave Johnson

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Fasciated Tiger-Heron © Paul J Greenfield

ITINERARY

March 13: Arrival in Quito (overnight: San José de Puembo) March 14: Morning departure from Quito; drive to Tambo Condor in the Antisana National Park area; continue north and then eastward over Papallacta Pass (3,960m) to Guango Lodge, then onward to the town of Baeza (lunch at Kopal Restaurant); afterwards, long drive over the Huacamayo Ridge and on to Wildsumaco Lodge (1.500m) (overnight: Wildsumaco Lodge) March 15: Wildsumaco Lodge all day; ‘moth’ light, lodge & forest feeders/roadside birding and antpitta feeding station (very sunny weather) (overnight: Wildsumaco Lodge) March 16: Morning at Wildsumaco Lodge; departure, after lunch, with road birding and drive to Cabañas San Isidro (2,300m); stops near Narupa and at Cosanga River, with first evidence of National Coronavirus lock-down, with uncertain details about the Government’s decree; we initiated our Plan ‘B’ (overnight: Cabañas San Isidro) March 17: Morning birding at Cabañas San Isidro and early lunch (much time deciding how to proceed with varied and conflicting information; we were receiving); drive towards Quito, expecting roadblocks and military checkpoints… alas, we advanced without problems and arrived at San José de Puembo (overnight: San José de Puembo). March 18-21: Held-up at San José de Puembo, as Ecuador was on total shut-down, airports closed. Most of our time trying to figure out how to get flights out of the country—unreliable information and rumors made it tough to deal with, but with the excellent care we received from the hotel management and staff, we felt safe and secure . We also did a little birding along the ‘Chaquiñan Nature Trail’ and hotel grounds (overnights: San José de Puembo) March 22: Departure for home (2am Tame Airlines Flight)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

BIRDS

KEY—Trip highlights, favorites and rarities are in bold H = heard only ♂ = Male ♀ = Female

Great Sapphirewing © Paul J Greenfield

Shining Sunbeam © Paul J Greenfield

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

TINAMOUS: TINAMIDAE Great Tinamou (Tinamus major)—H at Wildsumaco

PIGEONS & DOVES: COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)—Common in the central ‘plaza’ in the town of Pintag en route to Antisana National Park, also around San José de Puembo Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)—1 was seen at Guango Lodge; 2 more were seen at Cabañas San Isidro Plumbeous Pigeon (Patagioenas plumbea)—3H at Wildsumaco Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea)—2H at Wildsumaco Croaking Ground-Dove (Columbina cruziana)—2 were seen briefly at San José de Puembo; this species is considered rare in northern Ecuador Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)—A generally common species in the Andean highlands, especially abundant daily at San José de Puembo

CUCKOOS: CUCULIDAE Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)—1-3 were seen on two days in open country; 1 at Kopal Restaurant, Baeza, and 3 in the Wildsumaco area

SWIFTS: APODIDAE Chestnut-collared Swift (Streptoprocne rutila)—A fairly large band was seen on one day at Wildsumaco White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris)—Fairly large flockes were seen on two days at Wildsumaco and Cabañas San Isidro

HUMMINGBIRDS: TROCHILIDAE White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)—A rather common species at lower elevations on the east Andean slope: up to 3 or so were seen on two days at Wildsumaco Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy)—Only 1 was seen at Wildsumaco feeders this time Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae)—Up to 15 or so were seen at Wildsumaco feeders, where quite aggressive, chasing away other species Lesser Violetear (Colibri cyanotis)—A recent split from Green Hermit (C. thalassinus). At least 1 was seen repeatedly at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge feeders Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans)—6 or so were seen repeatedly and well at Tambo Condor; 1 was seen at Guango Lodge; another at Wildsumaco; common at San José de Puembo on four days Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis)—1♀ was seen a couple of times at Wildsumaco feeders Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis)—At least 10 were seen repeatedly at Guango Lodge feeders Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii)—Up to 15 or so were seen repeatedly at Wildsumaco feeders on two days Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys)—At least 2 were seen at Guango Lodge: another 5 were seen repeatedly at Cabañas San Isidro Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi)—At least 2 ♂♂ were seen at Guango Lodge; 1 more was seen at Narupa feeders, and 2 or so more at Cabañas San Isidro Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae)—A pair was seen at Tambo Condor; at

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

least another pair was seen a few times at San José de Puembo Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina)—2 (♂ and ♀) at least, were seen at Guango Lodge Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis)—5 or so, displaying their iridescent backs, were seen at Tambo Condor Bronzy Inca (Coeligena coeligena)—1 was seen only briefly at Kopal Restaurant , at Baeza; 1 was seen well at Narupa feeders, and another 2 at Cabañas San Isidro Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata)—A pair was seen at Guango Lodge; 1♂ was seen repeatedly at Cabañas San Isidro Great Sapphirewing (Pteropjhanes cyanopterus)—1♂ of this, the World’s second largest hummingbird with shining-blue wings, was seen well a few times at Tambo Condor Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens)—10 or so were active and aggressive at Guango Lodge; singles were seen at Cabañas San Isidro and at Narupa feeders (this species is generally scarce on the east Andean slope) Chestnut-breasted Coronet (Boissonneaua matthewsii)—10 were active at Guango Lodge; 15 or so were encountered on two days at Cabañas San Isidro Peruvian Racket-tail (Ocreatus peruvianus)— Also lumped as Booted Racket- tail (O. Underwoodii) with the west-slope white-booted (melanantherus) by many authors although these populations really seem to represent separate species. 5 or so were seen repeatedly at Wildsumaco on two days; 1 was seen briefly while feeding at Verbena flowers at Narupa White-tailed Hillstar (Urochroa leucura)—Now considered a separate species from the west-slope Rufous-gaped Hillstar (or poorly named ‘Green-backed Hillstar’). 8 or so were seen repeatedly at Narupa feeders Black-throated Brilliant (Heliodoxa schreibersii) —1♀ of this generally Amazonian lowland species was seen a couple of times at Wildsumaco Gould’s Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens) —Two to three pairs were seen on two days at Wildsumaco feeders (a generally scarce forest species) Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides)—A fairly common species on the eastern subtropical slopes of the Andes; 1 was seen at Guango Lodge; 9 or so were seen at Cabañas San Isidro; 1 at Narupa Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri)—4 (♂♂ and ♀♀) were seen repeatedly at Narupa feeders Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)—This is the World’s largest hummingbird, with its crazy, floppy flight. 2 were seen flying and perched at Tambo Condor White-bellied Woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant)—At least 1♂ was seen at Guango Lodge feeders Gorgeted Woodstar (Chaetocercus heliodor)—2♀♀, and 1 juvenile ♂ were seen on two days at Wildsumaco (mainly feeding at flowering Verbena); another ♀ was encountered at Cabañas San Isidro Western Emerald (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus)—Pairs were seen a few times at San José de Puembo Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti)—Up to 4 were seen feeding at flowering Verbena shrubs at Wildsumaco on two days Napo Sabrewing (Campylopterus villaviscensio)—3♂♂ were seen sporadically, but repeatedly at Wildsumaco lodge feeders; a specialty of the Amazonian foothills Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata)—5-7 or so (especially ♂♂) were seen

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

repeatedly at Wildsumaco on two days Many-spotted Hummingbird (Taphrospilus hypostictus)—Between 4-5 were seen on two days at Wildsumaco Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone)—Numerous (the most common) at Wildsumaco on two days

PLOVERS & LAPWINGS: CHARADRIIDAE Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)—1 was seen in flight as we neared Cosanga en route to Cabañas San Isidro

SANDPIPERS & ALLIES: SCOLOPACIDAE Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)—1 was seen along the river at Cosanga HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS: ARDEIDAE Fasciated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma fasciatum)—2 seen perched along a river near Río Hollín; another 1 seen along the Río Cosanga

AMERICAN VULTURES: CATHARTIDAE Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)—Generally common; seen on seven days Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)—3 were seen at Wildsumaco; several others were seen at San José de Puembo

KITES, EAGLES & HAWKS: ACCIPITRIDAE Barred Hawk (Morphnarchus princeps)—1 calling bird was seen soaring above Wildsumaco Lodge Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris)—Singles were seen on two days at Wildsumaco Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)—An apparent family of 3 were seen flying and at a nest from Tambo Condor Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platyterus)—1 was seen near Cabañas San Isidro

OWLS: STRIGIDAE Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota)—A pair was H at Wildsumaco ‘San Isidro Mystery’ Owl (Ciccaba sp.)—H and a pair was seen briefly at San Isidro. Taxonomic ‘assignment’ of this population has not yet been determined; questions arise due to this population’s tiny temperate zone range and plumage features that seem to show characteristics of both Black-banded (of the Amazonian lowlands) and Black-and-white (of the Pacific lowlands) owls. This taxon may actually represent a separate, and as yet, undescribed species

QUETZALS & TROGONS: TROGONIDAE Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)—A pair of the personatus race was seen repeatedly and close-up at Cabañas San Isidro

NEW WORLD BARBETS: CAPITONIDAE Gilded Barbet ( auratus)—H several times, then 1♂ was seen in canopy at Wildsumaco Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)—H often at Wildsumaco (orientalis race)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Gilded Barbet © Paul J Greenfield

TOUCANS: RAMPHASTIDAE White-throated (Ramphastos tucanus)— H at Wildsumaco Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus)—H at Wildsumaco

WOODPECKERS: PICIDAE Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucus)—H at Wildsumaco Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (Colaptes rivoli)—1♂ was seen at San José de Puembo

FALCONS & CARACARAS: FALCONIDAE American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)—1 was seen in flight at Tambo Condor; another was seen perched at San José de Puembo

NEW WORLD & AFRICAN PARROTS: PSITTACIDAE Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus)—Pairs were seen in flight on two days at Wildsumaco; 2 were scoped, perched at Cabañas San Isidro Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus)—1 was seen in flight (also H) at Wildsumaco

TYPICAL ANTBIRDS: THAMNOPHILIDAE Lined Antshrike (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus)—1♂ was seen from the deck at Wildsumaco Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis)—A family threesome was seen at the Wildsumaco moth light Peruvian Warbling-Antbird (Hypocnemis peruviana)—A pair of this attractive antbird was seen at the Wildsumaco moth light Black-faced Antbird (Myrmoborus myotherinus)—A pair was seen close-up and repeatedly at the Wildsumaco moth light

ANTPITTAS: GRALLARIIDAE Plain-backed Antpitta (Grallaria haplonota)—A pair was seen repeatedly at the

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Wildsumaco worm-feeding station (others H) White-bellied Antpitta (Grallaria hypoleuca)—2 were seen at Cabañas San Isidro Tawny Antpitta (Grallaria quitensis)—H at Tambo Condor Ochre-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula flavirostris)—1 observed repeatedly at the Wildsumaco worm-feeding station

TAPACULOS: RHINOCRYPTIDAE Blackish Tapaculo (Scytalopus latrans)—H at Guango Lodge, and Cabañas San Isidro Long-tailed Tapaculo (Scytalopus micropterus)—H at Cabañas San Isidro White-crowned Tapaculo (Scytalopus atratus)—1-2 were seen at the Wildsumaco worm-feeding station and along the Antpitta Trail there

ANTTHRUSHES: FORMICARIIDAE Short-tailed Antthrush (Chamaeza campanisoma)—H at Wildsumaco

OVENBIRDS & WOODCREEPERS: FURNARIIDAE Montane Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)—A pair was seen close-up and repeatedly from Cabañas San Isidro deck Dark-breasted Spinetail (Synallaxis albigularis)— H in pasture at Wildsumaco

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: TYRANNIDAE Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant (Pogonotriccus opthalmicus)—1 pair was observed repeatedly from the Cabañas SanIsidro deck Ornate Flycatcher (Myiotriccus ornatus)—1 was seen well along the road at Wildsumaco Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea)—Lily saw 1 at Cabañas San Isidro Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea)—4 were seen along the highway west of Río Hollín Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)—1 was seen in pastureland at Wildsumaco Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)—2 were seen at Wildsumaco Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)—4 or so were seen on two days at Wildsumaco Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)—3 or so were seen on two days at Cabañas San Isidro Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)—1 or so were seen at San José de Puembo on our first morning; then pairs were seen on four days there at the end of our trip Pale-edged Flycatcher (Myiarchus cephalotes)—1 or so saw seen from the Cabañas San Isidro deck Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua)—1 was seen in flight at Wildsumaco Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)—A pair was seen close- up from the deck at Cabañas San Isidro Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)—Fairly common; seen on two days, often along the highway in the foothills and subtropics

TITYRAS & ALLIES: TITYRIDAE Barred Becard (Pachyramphus versicolor)—1♀ was seen close-up from the deck at Cabañas San Isidro

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

VIREOS & ALLIES: VIREONIDA Black-billed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)—H, and 1 was seen from the deck at Cabañas San Isidro Olivaceous Greenlet (Hylophilus olivaceus)—At least 1 was seen at Wildsumaco Brown-cappedVireo (Vireo leucophrys)—1 or so was seen close-up from the Cabañas San Isidro deck

CROWS, JAYS & MAGPIES: CORVIDAE Inca Jay (Cyanocorax yncas)—Lumped by some authors with Green Jay that is found from Texas to Honduras. 5 or so were seen daily on three days at Wildsumaco, and Cabañas San Isidro mainly Violaceous Jay (Cyanocorax violaceus)—Pairs were seen (also H) around Wildsumaco

SWALLOWS & MARTINS: HIRONDINIDAE Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)—The most widespread swallow in Ecuador; varying numbers were seen on all but one day

WRENS: TROGLODYTIDAE MountainWren (Troglodytes solstitialis)—1 was seen from mthe deck at Séptimo Paraíso Gray-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys)—H; also a pair was seen from the deck at Cabañas San Isidro

THRUSHES & ALLIES: TURDIDAE Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)—1 was seen repeatedly at the Wildsumaco worm feeding station Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)—Very common at Wildsumaco, daily; also a few at Cabañas San Isidro Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater)—Common highland species; 6 or so see on our first day, and then again on our last days as we reached the highlands, and at San José de Puembo Glossy-black Thrush (Turdus serranus)—1♂ was seen atop a Cecropia tree at Cabañas San Isidro

MOCKINGBIRDS: MIMIDAE Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus)—A family group of 4 were seen on a few days at San José de Puembo

SISKINS, CROSSBILLS & ALLIES: FRINGILLIDAE Golden-rumped Euphonia (Euphonia cyanocephala)—Surprisingly present; pairs (at least) were seen regularly during our stay at San José de Puembo Hooded Siskin (Spinus magellanicus)—Bands of up to 6 were seen a few times at San José de Puembo Olivaceous Siskin (Spinus olivaceus)—3 were seen at Kopal Restaurant, Baeza

NEW WORLD SPARROWS: PASSERELLIDAE Common Chlorospingus (Chlorospingus flavopectus)—Now removed from Tanagers (thus often no longer called ‘Bush-Tanager’); at least 1 was seen from the deck at

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Cabañas San Isidro Chestnut-capped Brushfinch (Arremon brunneinucha)—1 seen foraging about on the ground at the moth light at Cabañas San Isidro Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)—The common highland sparrow, seen at all higher elevation areas (not at Wildsumaco this time); super common at San José de Puembo

TROUPIALS & ALLIES: ICTERIDAE Russet-backed Oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons)—Generally common and widespread in the east; only 1-2 were seen on two days at Wildsumaco; a couple were seen briefly in flight along the highway as we decended the eastern slope on our first day; we saw quite a few nests also Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus)—2 or so were seen in the Wildsumaco area Subtropical Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis)—Here considered a distinct east-slope Andean species, split from Scarlet-rumped Cacique (C. microrhynchus) of the western lowlands; when lumped, they go by the name Scarlet-rumped Cacique (C. uropygialis). Seen on three days; 3-6 or so seen repeatedly at Wildsumaco and San Isidro (best and closest from the Cabañas San Isidro deck)

NEW WORLD WARBLERS: PARULIDAE Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)—Singles were seen at Wildsumaco and Cabañas San Isidro on three days Three-striped Warbler (Basileuterus tristriatus)—A group of 4 were seen close-up at the Cabañas San Isidro moth light Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)—6 or so were seen on three days at Wildsumaco and Cabañas San Isidro Slate-throated Whitestart (Myioborus miniatus)— Aka ‘Redstart’ though shows no red, outer tail feathers are white! Surprisingly absent this trip; only 1 was seen at Wildsumaco

CARDINALS & ALLIES: CARDINALIDAE Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)— No longer a tanager according to DNA. Only 1♂ was seen briefly at Wildsumaco (a normally fairly common species; the bulk of the ‘wintering’ population evidently already initiated their northerly migration). Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)— No longer a tanager according to DNA. 2 or so were seen at Wildsumaco (a normally fairly common species at Wildsumaco; the bulk of the ‘wintering’ population evidently already initiated their northerly migration). Golden Grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysogaster)—Formally, aka Southern Yellow- Grosbeak. 1♀ was seen along the ‘Chaquiñan’ at San José de Puembo (others H)

TANAGERS & ALLIES: THRAUPIDAE Oleaginous Hemispingus (Hemispingus frontalis)—1 of this rather non-descript Andean species was seen at the Cabañas San Isidro moth light Silver-beaked Tanager (Ramphocelus carbo)—3 or so were seen at Wildsumaco Fawn-breasted Tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota)—1 was seen at Narupa Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Pipreaidea bonariensis)—1♀, then a ♂, were seen at San José de Puembo

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)—Common lowland species on both slopes; between 1-4 were seen at Kopal Restaurant, Baeza, in the Wildsumaco area on two days (wings with white in the eastern race); 4 or so seen daily at San José de Puembo (wings blue in the western race) Blue-necked Tanager (Tangara cyanicollis)—2 were seen at Kopal Restaurant, Baeza; 4 or so were seen at Wildsumaco on two days Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola)—1 was seen well at Wildsumaco by Lily and PJG Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala)—Singles were seen at Kopal Restaurant, Baeza, and at Cabañas San Isidro Scrub Tanager (Tangara vitriolina)—Seen only at San José de Puembo; 1 on our first morning and then 4 or so seen daily on our last four days there Cinereous Conebill (Conirostris cinereum)—1 was seen brifly at Tambo Condor; 2 or so were seen nearly daily at San José de Puembo Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis)—3 were seen at Tambo Condor; also a few at San José de Puembo Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea)—1 was seen at Guango Lodge Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)—6 or so seen daily at San José de Puembo Chestnut-bellied (Sporophila castaneiventris)—1♂ was seen at Wildsumaco Black-and-white Seedeater (Sporophila luctuosa)— 1♂ was seen at San José de Puembo Plain-colored Seedeater (Catamenia inornata)—3 were seen at Tambo Condor Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)—At least 1 was seen repeatedly at Wildsumaco Grayish Saltator (Saltator coerulescens)—H at Wildsumaco

Inca (Green) Jay © Paul J Greenfield

MAMMALS

AGOUTIS & ALLIES: AGOUTIDAE Black Agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa)—up to 4 were seen at Cabañas San Isidro Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020

Black Agouti ©Paul J. Greenfield

NEW WORLD RATS, MICE & ALLIES: CRICETIDAE Robust Dusky Mouse (melanomys robustulus) —1 was seen at Wildsumaco

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza R&E, 2020