Jewels of Ecuador: Hummers, Tanagers & Antpittas Jan 21-Feb 7, 2012 guided by Rose Ann Rowlett, Willy Perez, & David Geale Field Guides Tour Report JEWELS OF ECUADOR: HUMMERS, TANAGERS & ANTPITTAS I

Jan 21, 2012 to Feb 7, 2012 Rose Ann Rowlett, Willy Perez, & David Geale

In a tropical Andean country, it should come as no surprise that every tour is different. Yet I'm always in awe of the unpredictable highlights, the incredible avian surprises, along a route I've birded for so many years. In dramatic contrast to the last time I guided this tour (Mar'10), this was a rainy year in Ecuador. In fact, we had at least some rain on every single day, and we were pretty much weathered out on a few days. The "arid" Catamayo valley was the greenest I've ever seen it, the rains having commenced in mid-December (instead of late January), and birds seemed exceptionally advanced in their breeding cycle. Yet at nearby Cajanuma (the upper section of Podocarpus National Park), we had one of the best days of birding I've had there. And, despite rain in the northwest, the birding was terrific; and we enjoyed one of our best birding days ever at San Isidro--on a day when it rained for at least a few hours. Plus, the rain brought out the Cuicas!

So what were the "unpredictable highlights" that made this year special? Let's start with some of the "jewels." Good views of multiple antpittas are predictable on this tour, but we've never seen four species of Grallariculas before! Admittedly, that lovely little Crescent-faced didn't reappear for the second half of the group, but we ALL had fabulous views of the others. Angel worked his magic on "Shakira," a tiny Ochre-breasted Antpitta that "danced" in open view for the longest time; we pulled in a responsive One of Ecuador's foremost "jewels," this Toucan Slate-crowned Antpitta to some nearby bamboo, where it persisted even in Barbet was seen at extremely close range at Refugio the rain!; and we were blown away by the newest development at San Paz. (photo by guide David Geale) Isidro: the rare and elusive Peruvian Antpitta (cover photo by Joyce Takamine & WP) being coaxed into view for worms!

Among the more prominent "jewels," there were the clouds of hummers--an amazing 73 species in all!--most of them dazzling and among the aesthetic highlights of the trip. Our surprises among them included our exceptional views of that responsive (& perched!) Ecuadorian Piedtail along the Bombuscaro trail; our wonderful looks at that Wedge-billed Hummer poking holes into the bases of the long, hanging Brugmansia (angel trumpet) flowers at Tony & Barbara's; our witnessing that prolonged mid-air faceoff between a couple of male Booted Rackettails, also at Tony & Barbara's (cover photo by Yvonne Bombardier); and our chance encounters with a couple of genuine rarities: a female Lazuline Sabrewing in the Guacamayos and a female Esmeraldas Woodstar from the Silanche canopy tower. And that's ignoring our fabulous views of those gorgeous, though more predictable, gems that always astound us, e.g., Velvet-purple Coronet (cover photo by Mike Healey), Violet-tailed Sylph (cover photo by Yvonne), Ecuadorian Hillstar, Wire-crested Thorntail, Sword-bill, and Spangled Coquette!

Among the so-called "tanagers," the less predictable highlights included: that Giant Conebill that sat quietly for photos in the Polylepis at Cajas; those Black-chested & Masked mountain-tanagers and Black-backed Bush-Tanagers in mixed flocks near treeline in Cayambe-Coca National Park; those gorgeous Golden-crowned Tanagers at an incidental stop en route to Acacana; that Red-hooded "Tanager" (now considered a Cardinalid) that posed for scope views at Cajanuma; and our repeated encounters (more than our share) with rich, mixed-species flocks that included so many colorful Tangaras--from Metallic-green and Golden to Golden-eared and Paradise!

Speaking of mixed flocks, one of our luckiest encounters was with that Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo flock along the old Loja- Zamora road. Not only did we have superb views of the singing shrike-vireo (DG's cover photo)--at eye level and in perfect light--but in came Red-headed Barbet, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Gray-mantled Wren, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, and

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 1 Orange-eared, Golden-eared, and a host of other tanagers.

Though they aren't all exactly "jewels" (in the traditional sense of the word), we had wonderful luck too with some much- wanted species that can be quite tough to see on this tour. Some of our favorites among these:

--that family of 5 Dark-backed Wood-Quail that came right to the trail in front of us for earthworms at Refugio Paz;

--that young Andean Condor on the cliff ledge, its mother coming in to feed it;

--that incredible Black-and-chestnut Eagle that drifted past RIGHT BELOW US in great light at Cajanuma and then sailed back again, this time right overhead!;

--that White-throated Quail-Dove that put in a timely appearance at Angel's fruit feeders--just before we left;

--that Red-faced Parrot that, once located, sat for long scope views and even photos (cover photo by Yvonne Bombardier);

--that little Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, being mobbed by euphonias, that had sneaked in to playback at Septimo Paraiso and then sat, calling, for great scope views;

--that unbelievably long-tailed male Lyre-tailed Nightjar on its day roost in the west, to be followed by a female brooding a fuzzy-headed chick on the east slope;

--our great evening of night-birding of the trip: that moonlit night at San Isidro that started with an Andean Potoo silently appearing on its hunting perch right at dusk (for great spotlight scope views); continued with fabulous views of the undescribed "San Isidro Owl" (Joyce's cover photo) right after dinner; and then ended with a young Rufous-banded Owl that sailed in and perched for great scope views just down the road;

--great views of three scarce and inconspicuous puffbirds: White-whiskered at Rio Silanche, and Black-streaked and Lanceolated Monklet at Bombuscaro;

--our great encounters with Ocellated Tapaculos, first with a singing and responsive pair along the Tandayapa Ridge, and then the complete surprise, "Tomas" (DG's cover photo), that Angel had trained to come into the open for earthworms!;

--that elegant Elegant Crescentchest that gave good views to all in the acacia-clad slopes W of Loja (wow!);

--our excellent encounters with fruiteaters, especially that bizarre Scaled and those striking Orange-breasted's in the west;

--that male Purple-throated Fruitcrow that displayed right below us at the Silanche tower, expanding and quivering its wine- colored gorget as it emitted its querulous calls;

--such behavioral phenomena as all those Smooth-billed Anis lining up, body to body, to roost at Copalinga (Yvonne's photo); and those spiffy male White-bearded Manakins displaying at their lek at Rio Silanche (WP's photo);

--and the highlight of our final day's birding: finding that cryptically-patterned Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe in the colorful paramo above Papallacta Pass, despite the cold, blowing rain and fog. It was a grand finale to a marvelous trip.

Read on for the rest of the bird highlights--the more predictable jewels of Ecuador! Then, of course, there was the scenery, including some seemingly endless stretches of humid montane Andean forest (RAR's photo from Sumaco N Park) that are becoming more and more precious throughout S. America. During our sampling of varied habitats, we stayed in some comfortable lodges right in great habitats, had some lovely interactions with native Ecuadorians, and ate varied and delicious food. We owe thanks to our hosts, our local guides, and our skilled and faithful driver, Edgar, who not only transported us safely, but found some great birds for us as well. Special thanks, too, to Joyce, Mike, & Yvonne for sharing your wonderful photos.

Willy, David, and I had a great time sharing the riches of Ecuador with you guys, and we thank you for making it such fun! Come again sometime...on another South American tour.

--Rose Ann

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 2 For more information about this tour, including future departures, visit our website at www.fieldguides.com. And to see this same triplist online, go to http://www.fieldguides.com/triplists/jec12aLIST.pdf and you will find the list in its entirety.

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

BIRDS Tinamidae (Tinamous) TAWNY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Nothocercus julius) – Calling from inside the forest way upslope at Huashapamba. [*] LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) – Silanche [*] ANDEAN TINAMOU (Nothoprocta pentlandii) – We had heard them near the toll booth in the Catamayo Valley. Then one burst into flight overhead while we were walking along, minding our own business, on the degraded section of the old Catamayo-Loja road. Suffice it to say, it was a quick view! Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata) – Our first were an active pair along a lovely stretch of rushing river at Cajas National Park N of Cuenca; we watched them swim rapidly upriver, bouncing out onto rocks now and again. Then we saw 3 more in the rain, from the bridge over the river up the road above San Isidro, also for nice scope views. A terrific duck and a real favorite. YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica) – Our best views of these were scope views of birds along the edge of lava-dammed Papallacta Lake. ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium) – As split from the yellow-billed birds of southern S. America, the two formerly lumped and called Speckled Teal; fairly common on high-elevation lakes at Cajas and Papallacta. RUDDY DUCK (ANDEAN) (Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea) – Like our Ruddy Ducks without the white cheek, they were seen nicely on lakes One of only a few truly Ecuadorian endemics, the at Cajas N Park. endangered Violet-throated Metaltail has a very small range, with records primarily from the Cajas Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) basin (where we saw it). This one seems to be a SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) – Several were seen in young male. (photo by guide David Geale) the waning light when we went from Copalinga up the road to spotlight the Blackish Nightjar. But it wasn't too dark to see their speckles and rufous-tipped tails. BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata) – Scarce, local, and of limited distribution, this specialty of southern Ecuador and northernmost montane Peru was seen extremely well on our first morning at Cajanuma. ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) – Good looks for everyone at this species--thanks to Joan from RAR's group--was one of our little successes on our foggy, drizzly afternoon along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) – Well, it wasn't for lack of searching. We heard them delivering their racheting, burry calls, even during the night, at San Isidro. But I'm afraid only a few folks got on the one bird that surprised us by flying across the road beyond the San Isidro entrance gate. SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – First seen by some in a fruiting tree on the old Loja-Zamora road; then most folks caught up with it on the trail back up at Refugio Paz. Another was seen briefly at San Isidro. Odontophoridae (New World Quail) RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) – Too bad their dawn chorusing was so distant, but it was a beautiful welcome to the Silanche canopy tower. [*] DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) – This was a different story. We never heard them chorusing at all, but out came a family of five to scarf earthworms offered along the trail at Refugio Paz!

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 3 Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Papallacta Lake Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum) – Our first one was seen right from the bridge on the old Loja- Zamora road, but it bolted upriver before everyone saw it. Fortunately, those who had missed it were in the group who saw it well through the scopes along the Rio Bombuscaro before entering the trail. An impressive heron specializing on fishing amid rushing torrents. CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – A few in pastures in the west. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Rarely seen away from the coastal lowlands in W Ecuador, a bird of this species was flying around above Laguna Llaviuco at El Cajas National Park. Cathartidae (New World Vultures) BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) – Let's see, was this the "naked grandfather"? In any case, it was common enough that ya didn't wanta look.... TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – A few scattered around, mostly in the west, ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) – We were lucky with this one. Given the foggy, rainy weather we had at Cajas and Papallacta Pass, flying condors were in short supply this year. But it was terrific to find a full-sized youngster on a nesting cliff on our way up to Papallacta Pass--and then This was one of a family of five Dark-backed Wood-Quail see its mother come in and feed it. We had nice scope conjured up by Angel and Rodrigo Paz. This secretive species, of views between wafting clouds. [N] steep, humid terrain, was rarely ever seen in the wild before it became habituated at Refugio Paz. (photo by guide Rose Ann Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) Rowlett) GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) [*] HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus) – Two birds were circling above the humid temperate forest (though on the drier side) at Cajanuma. They led us to discovering the Black-and-chestnut Eagle, which commanded most of our attention. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Our best views were of birds flying below eye level from the Rio Silanche tower. BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) – Singles were seen in the Catamayo valley and near Papallacta. This is the closest thing in the New World to Africa's Bateleur. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) – This plain-breasted form has been considered by some a full species distinct from Sharp-shinned, but it was relumped by the South American Checklist Committee (SACC). We saw singles at Cajanuma, Tony & Barbara's, and Papallacta. BARRED HAWK (Leucopternis princeps) – Our wonderful driver Edgar spotted this species perched above the road along the Tandayapa Ridge, but only a few folks could see ahead to where it was before it flew off. We later heard one calling while birding the Septimo entrance road, but we couldn't see it. SEMIPLUMBEOUS HAWK (Leucopternis semiplumbeus) – Perched well below us along the Rio Silanche, this one got away quickly; but a few folks got on it before it flew. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) – The common small Buteo with the yellow eye and the rufous patches in the wings. BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) – A common winterer this time of year, especially in the San Isidro area. [b] SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – One bird circled high above the Rio Silanche tower. VARIABLE HAWK (Buteo polyosoma) – Good looks at this large Buteo at El Cajas and in the paramo above Papallacta, where we saw both light and dark morphs. BLACK-AND-CHESTNUT EAGLE (Spizaetus isidori) – Our views of this magnificent raptor, from above and below, were among the very best views we've ever had! It was up during the short period of drier, even sunny, weather at

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 4 Cajanuma. One of the trip highlights! Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) – We had nice views of a very streaked adult on the ground in the lower (pasture) section of El Cajas. A second bird appeared quite dark on the breast, more like a Mountain Caracara, making us wonder if there is any interbreeding going on in the south, where Mountain is a recent invader. MOUNTAIN CARACARA (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) – The only bird we were convinced was a Mountain on this trip was the all buffy- brown immature flying across the meadow at Huashapamba, where we have regularly seen Mountain Caracaras in the past. LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – We had requested it, and Willy found it: a perched Laughing Falcon in the extensive palm plantations on our way out of Rio Silanche Reserve. This snake-eating raptor is among the few that are common in the palm plantations, where locals say there are many snakes. The more open ground under the palms may offer somewhat easier hunting. AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – The birds we saw were breeding populations, of two different races, aequatorialis in the subtropics of the north, and peruvianus in the south. BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis rufigularis) – We saw individuals perched atop the very tall cable towers along the old Loja-Zamora road The tiny male Wire-crested Thorntail, here feeding at in the south and then saw another interacting with the Rufous-bellied nectar-rich vervain (Stachytarpheta) in the Nighthawk at dusk at the Guacamayos pass. It was hard to discern who Copalinga gardens, is one of the fanciest of the small was chasing whom! hummers. (photo by tour participant Mike Healey) Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) VIRGINIA RAIL (ECUADORIAN) (Rallus limicola aequatorialis) – It showed up at close range, quickly, for a few lucky folks at the Llaviuco marsh edge. After that first encounter, it took considerable patience. But those who stuck it out eventually got wonderful views of this sneaky rail that sounds very different from our Virginia Rail and is treated as a distinct species, Ecuadorian Rail, in Ridgely & Greenfield's BIRDS OF ECUADOR. SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) – Seen best at Cajas as they fed about in the marshes at Laguna Llaviuco. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) – This species has recently colonized the pastures up along the road above San Isidro; in the field guide, it is considered to be a lowland inhabiting bird. So above 7000' (2100m) is high indeed, but increased clearing for pastures has encouraged this colonization. We had good looks at several birds here, including two downy chicks. [N] ANDEAN LAPWING (Vanellus resplendens) – David managed to spot one calling bird, near the northern limit of its range, at our final stop near the far boundary of El Cajas. Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes) RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi) – Well, we had given up on our first visit to the antennas above Papallacta Pass, when we had failed to encounter this species easily in the cold, blowing, foggy, rainy conditions that are so common where they occur. We had hoped for better weather on our return. But, aye, yay, yay, we encountered almost identical weather on our way back (though not quite as cold). But this was our final chance--and Yvonne really wanted this one--so we spread out and covered the heights until Edgar and Willy located a bird not far from where we had started! With a little herding, it came into view for everyone (that is, everyone still with us). Yip! Yip! for a hard-won but deserving finale to the trip. (Sorry we had already said good-bye to half our group! We missed you guys.) They really are very like ptarmigans or big sandgrouse. Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) ANDEAN GULL (Chroicocephalus serranus) – A flock of breeding-plumaged birds was seen in fields on our way up to Papallacta Pass. A handsome gull. Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 5 ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Almost daily in towns and cities--if you weren't filtering them out! [I] BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata) – The common highland pigeon. PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) – Seen well near some fruiting trees along the Tandayapa Ridge; the one with the pale iris. RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) – Scoped and seen well by those with RAR & DG on the afternoon trail at the Rio Silanche Reserve; these had red eyes and a distinctive vocalization. DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni) – Everyone saw this choco specialty in the scopes from the Silanche canopy tower; it responded well to playback of its distinctive song. EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Like a Mourning Dove with a blunt tail, this was common in the drier habitats throughout. CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) – With its frog-like call, this distinctive little ground-dove was common in the rain-shadow valleys near Catamayo. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi) – Near Catamayo and along the entrance road to Septimo Paraiso. WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata) – What a nice surprise! It showed up near Angel's fruit feeders just as we were preparing to leave. And it showed well! A secretive bird of the forest floor, it's a tough bird to see well away from where it's being fed (and there are a limited number of such places). Psittacidae (Parrots) WHITE-NECKED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura albipectus) – Catherine told us they were becoming scarcer and hard to see, and we would agree with that based on our experience this trip. We made a special last effort for them by watching the beautifully forested Sabanilla Gorge, from the rim, on our afternoon trip back to Loja. And we heard a small flock from there, but we couldn't locate them, and we never heard them again. This scarce and local Pyrrhura has been using nest boxes (at least as roosts) at the Jocotoco Foundation reserve of Tapichalaca, where we've seen them well. [*] WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalma) – Four screaming birds flew past along the old Loja-Zamora road. CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) – Heard by one group from the boundary trail through the Rio Silanche Reserve. [*] BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – We heard a few of this little parakeet over the humid forests cloaking the Guacamayos in Sumaco N Park and could only think they were likely just starting to show up for the seeds of the dying bamboo that was beginning to festoon the forest. [*] PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) – We had wonderful views of this little parrotlet in the dry Catamayo valley. It's known as the "Celestial Parrotlet" in the pet trade, for its bright blue in the wings. The males had the paler heads, the females' more yellow-green. RED-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops) – This one took some work, but it was worth it! We were hearing them--and seeing a few silhouettes in flight overhead--in This adult male Purple-throated Fruitcrow approached us closely the humid forest of Huashapamba, where they would at the Silanche canopy tower, where he flared and vibrated his respond to playback by vocalizing a bit. But it wasn't until gorget while moving with a "big-bird" flock, including several David found a cooperative, perched bird (which stayed for other (but dark-throated) fruitcrows and several Scarlet-rumped long scope views!) that we all saw them well. (See Caciques. (photo by guide David Geale) Yvonne's cover photo.) After all, they spend most of their time feeding quietly in the crowns of dense trees in these high-elevation forest patches on the interandean slopes of southeastern Ecuador. It's considered Vulnerable by BirdLife International. A great highlight! BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) – Three birds flew past the Silanche canopy tower in the mist. RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus) – Also seen mostly as fly-overs.... But we did have this species in the scopes a couple of times, on the old Loja-Zamora road and near Mindo. SPECKLE-FACED PARROT (WHITE-CAPPED) (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) – These were flying around, sometimes in the rain, along the road above San Isidro, but we never got them perched.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 6 BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) – On the other hand, we had good scope views of this species perched, especially along the Milpe road. (That was when I was telling you that they're really more handsome in flight!) RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) – A calling pair flew over the Silanche canopy tower; identified by their voice and their shallow wingbeats, making them an Amazona. SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) – The high-elevation representative of its genus, this one is rarely seen perched anywhere! We saw them flying around near San Isidro and the Guacamayos. MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) – Seen by some in Willy's group along the trail at Silanche. Cuculidae (Cuckoos) SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) – A couple of birds along the old Loja-Zamora road were our only sightings of this widespread cuckoo. SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – What a behavioral highlight to have seen (ultimately) nine birds of this very social species line up shoulder to shoulder on a branch at Copalinga! (See Yvonne's cover photo.) Fairly common and widespread, it was encountered on both sides of the Andes. GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris) – In the arid intermontane valleys near Catamayo and Ona. Strigidae (Owls) COLOMBIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops colombianus) – The one we heard at Septimo was way up the hill and didn't come any closer. [*] CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nubicola) – What great views we had of this elusive little diurnal owl! It responded to playback by sneaking in, and we might not have noticed it had it not been for the euphonias and other small birds that started mobbing it. But it did start calling as it sat for great scope views. It's generally scarce in subtropical forests of sw Colombia and nw Ecuador, S to the Mindo area. ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) – Virtually identical to the last species, this one has a distinct voice, which we heard (albeit in the distance) at Llaviuco in El Cajas N Park. [*] PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) – We saw this inhabitant of the arid intermontane valleys of s Ecuador in the Catamayo valley, where we called in two different birds while trying for small passerines, which come to mob any little diurnal bird-eating owl. This is the one with the really rapid whistles. MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) – Heard from right outside our rooms at Septimo, but it was either pre-dawn or in the middle of the night. No Another of the highlights of the tour was seeing response when we tried for them. [*] this adult male Lyre-tailed Nightjar on its day roost along a mossy cliff on the west slope. RUFOUS-BANDED OWL (Ciccaba albitarsis) – There we were, playing its (photo by guide David Geale) call and looking the wrong direction. Mike saw its silent shadow sail overhead and land. In the spotlight we could see that it was a mostly white juve, a real treat of see through the scopes! "BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) – Just as we finished dinner at San Isidro, on our one lovely moonlit night there, Mitch interrupted to say the "San Isidro Owl" had appeared. The dining room erupted. But the owl had flown, and it took a good bit of searching before Edgar (our faithful driver) relocated it. But there it sat for long scope views and even a few digiscope photos. A beautiful owl and a real treat! This is what we've been calling the San Isidro Mystery Owl (cover digiphoto by Joyce & Willy), which has still not been found away from San Isidro. Preliminary results of DNA testing on the feathers collected indicated that there is at least a 3% difference between the San Isidro owl and Black-and-white (found W of the Andes) and at least a 1% difference between the San Isidro bird and Black-banded (an effete lowlander of Amazonia). A 2% difference is usually quite sufficient for most populations of sibling species that are recognized as distinct species. (Remember that humans share about 98.5% of our genes with those of chimpanzees.) So the San Isidro bird is more closely related to Black-banded, as we expected, but it likely represents an entirely new, montane species. SHORT-EARED OWL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Asio flammeus bogotensis) – One bird, flying around in the daytime,

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 7 over the grass and potato fields on the slopes of Pichincha, when we were returning from Yanacocha, was doubtless a resident, of the suindi group. It's a scarce breeder in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and nw Peru. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) – A bird that made several passes right at the pass over the Guacamayos, at dusk, in the mist, was caught with our spotlights such that we could even see the rufous belly! COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Copalinga and on the road to the Rio Silanche BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus longirostris) – We had wonderful views of two birds just before dawn as they circled overhead on two different mornings at the entrance to Cajanuma. BLACKISH NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus nigrescens) – We had great scope views of this small, dark nightjar as it hunted from its favorite resting spot, on the banks near Copalinga. LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra) – One of the major highlights of the trip was seeing a long-tailed male of this scarce nightjar, on a day roost en route from Refugio Paz. With the longest tail of any nightjar, it was a dramatic view! To add to our fabulous experience with this species, we got to see a female on a nest with the head of a downy chick peeking from under her breast--also during the day, this one near San Isidro. [N] Nyctibiidae (Potoos) COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – This one flew overhead at night, in response to playback, on the grounds of Septimo Paraiso. ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) – Our scope views This Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, formerly a difficult bird to of this rare potoo were as good as any we've ever seen! At count on, now comes for bananas at Refugio Paz de las Aves. dusk, it appeared, silently, on a dead snag to which we'd (photo by tour participant Mike Healey) been guided by Mitch and Edgar, near San Isidro, and it sat for long views in the spotlights and made hunting forays from its perch. Absolutely fabulous! Its white wing patch was prominent. Yip! Yip! Yip! Apodidae (Swifts) CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila) – Seen in the late afternoon over Copalinga and in the early morning at the shrike-tyrants cliffs N of Loja. WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – We had multiple wonderful views of this big, wide-ranging beauty, including a massive gathering in the skies above Rio Silanche. GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris) – We identified these swifts flying above Copalinga on our two afternoons there. Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) – We had amazingly good studies of most of the 73 species of hummers we recorded on this tour, many of them visiting feeders or flowers repeatedly. This one was at Tony & Barbara's, Milpe, and the Rio Silanche. BAND-TAILED BARBTHROAT (Threnetes ruckeri) – Willy's group on the trail at the Silanche Reserve had nice looks at perched birds whereas Rose Ann's and David's group saw them only briefly, mostly in passing (in the same area). WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) – Great views at the feeders at Milpe & Septimo. GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy) – Seen perched and singing along the trail at Bombuscaro. TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – Seen well along the entrance road to Septimo and then again at Refugio Paz and by some at San Isidro. GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis) – We heard these at a lek along the Bombuscaro trail, but we could locate one for viewing. Of our 72 species, this was the only one that was heard only. [*] GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Repeated good views at Bombuscaro. WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Schistes geoffroyi) – This hard-to-see little hummer was filching nectar from holes in the bases of the long white corolla tubes of the Brugmansia flowers at Tony & Barbara's. It made the rounds, giving

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 8 everyone nice views. BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – A few were seen at Tony & Barbara's and at our feeders at Septimo. GREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus) – Seen nicely at Tony & Barbara's. SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans) – Seen well on both slopes, first on the upper slopes of the Catamayo valley, where it fed at blooming Leonotis, introduced from Africa; also at Copalinga, Calacali, Papallacta, and the San Isidro feeders. We got to see its "ears" flared many a time! PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) – Seen briefly but well at Silanche, including from the canopy tower. BLACK-EARED FAIRY (Heliothryx auritus) – The east-slope replacement of the last species, this one put in an appearance (for those who were there one late afternoon) on the grounds at Copalinga. GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus) – Along the Tandayapa Ridge. TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – The commonest hummer at the Guango feeders, this one is stunning (but then most of them are!). LITTLE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster) – Seen well repeatedly at Cajanuma and Acacana; formerly known as Flame-throated Sunangel. PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola) – Wonderfully at Cajanuma. WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) – We had great views of both males and females of this beauty at Copalinga. GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) – The last species was replaced in the west by this little beauty, common at the feeders at Milpe and seen "making an honest living" at Rio Silanche. SPANGLED COQUETTE (Lophornis stictolophus) – Wow! Fabulous males and females at the vervain at Copalinga! It's hard to beat the tiny but elaborately decorated male of this one. ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) – David used some dynamite playback that brought in a feisty male of this foothills specialty of the understory that's rarely seen so well--and by everyone!; along the forest trail at Bombuscaro. SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Both slopes (the one that is often mistaken for a hermit). LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) – Wow again! Long- tailed males, first at arm's length at Guango, and then at San Isidro, blew us away. VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis) – ...though no moreso than its counterpart on the west slope. Our first ones were at Tony & Barbara's, but they were also at Septimo and Refugio Paz. Thanks to Yvonne for the cover photo (and sorry I cut off the tail).f ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) – Virtually endemic to Ecuador, this paramo inhabitant that feeds on the nectar of A tiny (but fancy!) male Spangled Coquette was orange-blossoming Chuquiragua bushes, is found just into s Colombia hanging out above the vervain hedge at Copalinga, as well. We had spectacular views of it perched and feeding (and often where it has become a regular. (photo by tour perched WHILE feeding) at Cajas. participant Mike Healey) BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – First seen at Calacali and then briefly (coming and going) at our condor stop en route to Papallacta Pass. GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna) – This, the shorter-billed, shorter-tailed version, was first seen high in the eucalyptus along our side road at Calacali West and then later near Papallacta. PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) – Willy pointed out a stunning male that was perched briefly below us along the antennas road at Acacana. It flew off, we tried playback, but we had no response. So this was one of very few hummers that weren't seen well by all. And it's one that we've never seen at a feeder. BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi) – Great views of this longish-tailed, high-elevation species above Toreadora in Cajas. RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani) – David pointed out a male of this scarce, high-elevation species right at the entrance to Yanacocha, where some folks got on it but not everyone. TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – Fairly common in small numbers at the higher elevations. VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami) – This was the first bird we scoped along the road into Cayambe-Coca N

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 9 Park above the hot springs at Papallacta. VIOLET-THROATED METALTAIL (Metallura baroni) – One of few truly Ecuadorian endemics--and considered Endangered by BirdLife International--this one is found primarily in the Cajas basin. We saw one well at a stop along the road through El Cajas N Park. [E] GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita) – A glowing beauty, it was seen at our highest point along the antennas road into the paramo at Acacana. SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani) – Another hard-to-beat beauty, it was fairly common at the Yanacocha feeders and seen at flowers near Laguna Llaviuco. GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) – The Yanacocha feeders offered good comparisons between this and the last species of puffleg. SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis) – Seen briefly at Cajas and W of Papallacta Pass, this one was ultimately seen really well as it perched in the gardens of the Papallacta hot springs. BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena) – Coeligena is the genus with the long, straight bills, and we saw 5 species of them, this one being the last new one, the one at the San Isidro hummingbird pavilion. BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) – Its counterpart on the west slope came to feeders at Tony & Barbara's, at Septimo, and at Finca Paz. This was the one with the white patch on the side of the chest. COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) – A widespread beauty that was seen well on both slopes, both at feeders and in the forest. BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) – This spectacular hummer was seen at the Yanacocha feeders, along the trail at Cajanuma, and at Guango. This was the one with the unique, nasal flight vocalization. Another favorite. RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris) – But then maybe this one was our favorite.... Seen at Cajanuma and Cajas, it had the rainbow colors on its forehead. MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) – After several brief encounters, we finally nailed a female of this species (with the decurved bill and all the white in the tail) feeding at orange flowers in the yard at Guango. SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) – First seen at Yanacocha and then (at arm's length!) at Guango, this bizarre hummer had to back up to sip from the feeders. It's the third heaviest hummer and one of the "most wanted" of the entire family. GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) – The second largest (= second heaviest) of the hummers, this one dazzled us with its deep-blue wings and relatively slow wingbeats, primarily at the Yanacocha feeders. This adult male Swallow Tanager was right in the BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens) – It was the gardens at Copalinga. (photo by tour participant coronets that hold their wings up for a bit upon landing. This one was Mike Healey) aggressive at Tony & Barbara's feeders, chasing others away. It was common at Refugio Paz as well, but only one was seen at Guango; it's uncommon on the east slope. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) – First at Cajas, then at Guango, but probably most enjoyed at San Isidro. VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – This brilliant hummer, of unusual colors and lots of white in the tail, may be my favorite of them all. We saw it first at Tony & Barbara's (where it's uncommon), but we came to enjoy it the most at Refugio Paz, where good light showed off its fabulous iridescence. Thanks to Mike for the cover photo. BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) – Our first was a female at the Copalinga vervain; then a male at Bombuscaro. These were the buffy-booted birds E of the Andes. But we really came to love them at Tony & Barbara's, where they were abundant--and where we got to watch two males facing off in midair for a very long time. Kudos to Yvonne for having captured a moment of the face-off (cover photo)! These western birds have the white boots. WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri) – Our only encounters were with a bird coming to the feeder Tony pointed out to us, right below the upper deck at Tony & Barbara's. PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini) – Another favorite at Tony & Barbara's, Milpe, and Finca Paz, this was the one with the huge white spot in the tail and the big white spot behind the eye.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 10 FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) – The brilliant with the unusual pink gorget; seen well on both slopes. GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) – Seen only on the W slope, at Milpe and Septimo. EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – A dynamite brilliant! We saw our first one at Tony & Barbara's, but our best views were at Angel's feeders, where one bird dazzled us all. This one used to be really tough to find, but the feeders have made it reliable. VIOLET-FRONTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa leadbeateri) – The common and very dominant hummer at Copalinga's feeders. Yep, yet another stunner! GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas) PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny) – Seen on the upper slopes of the Catamayo valley, most notably one perched female at our lunch stop. Remember the decurved bill? WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) – Our best looks were at the feeders at Guango, one of which hummed with 6 of these little bee-like hummers at once. LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) – We identified the young male woodstar, feeding at Copalinga's vervain, as this species (rather than a Gorgeted Woodstar), based on the absence of rufous above its black tail band--admittedly a feature that was difficult to see. Both species are tiny, the Gorgeted scarce from farther N on the E slope, the LIttle known primarily from W Ecuador. So either would be a rarity here, but this young male has been photographed and identified as Little. ESMERALDAS WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus berlepschi) – Okay, this one was distant. It was flycatching from the tip top of a tall canopy tree, visible from the Silanche canopy tower. But those who saw it through the scopes could see that it had a buffy throat, dark mask and white border, and clean white underparts (with no buff or rufous on sides), thus eliminating all other woodstars. Esmeraldas is a scarce and local endemic of the western lowland forests--a terribly fragmented habitat now. Considered Endangered by BirdLife International--and was new for this tour--it is not known from the Silanche reserve. Interestingly, it was also the most recent addition to Tony & Barbara's long yard list of hummers, becoming #42. It remains a very little known bird, but there may be some dispersal owing to its habitat fragmentation/deforestation. [E] PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii) – Common on the W slope at Tony & Barbara's, Septimo, and Refugio Paz. WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus) – Ultimately, we had a great view of one male at Tony & Barbara's, where it fed on the vervain and glittered all over. BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – East-slope counterpart of the last species, this one glittered in the (same species of) vervain at Copalinga. VIOLET-HEADED HUMMINGBIRD (Klais guimeti) – Ever-present at Copalinga's vervain garden; the one with the big post-ocular spot. LAZULINE SABREWING (Campylopterus falcatus) – Wow! Another species new for our Jewels tour! It was a good thing Willy et al. stayed back to check out the hummer that disappeared quickly from the intense red blossoms of a couple of terrestrial bromeliads, at 1760m (5800') on the E slope in Sumaco N Park. We all walked back and studied it, seeing its decurved bill, rufous underside of the tail (& outer tail feathers from behind), and its confined blue throat patch: It was a female Lazuline Sabrewing, a species known primarily from Venezuela. In Ecuador it was known from old specimens on the E slope, including the Baeza area, and from a 1999 sighting by Mitch and Carmen at the feeders at San Isidro. But it has been turning up more often recently, mostly at Wildsumaco in the e foothills. It was new for the Grebe for Ecuador; Willy had seen it once before--at Wildsumaco. Nice! GREEN-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania fannyi) – We had dynamite looks at this beauty at the Milpe feeders. FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) – The eastern counterpart of the last species, it was seen well at the Copalinga feeders and on the old Loja-Zamora road. AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (LOJA) (Amazilia amazilia alticola) – Ridgely & Greenfield split this form out, calling it "Loja Hummingbird," but the SACC retains it as a race of Amazilia. We saw them well several times in the Catamayo valley and slopes, starting right at the airport when we got off the plane. ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae) – The hummer with the immaculate white underparts and aqua-blue crown, it was among Yvonne's favorites. We had many great views in the west. GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata) – Seen only in the gardens at Copalinga, where it is somewhat scarce. BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) – Apparently, this one has become a regular at the pinkish Aphelandra flowers in the gardens at the Silanche reserve. Both groups on the trail had good views of a singing bird and

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 11 could see that its undertail feathers were primarily dusky-gray (rather than bright white, as in its close relative, the following species). PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi) – We had great scope views of this one right from the Silanche tower, where it sat and sang for a long time. From lower levels we could see its stand-out bright-white undertail coverts. RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) – The one with the red bill; common at the feeders in the west. GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) – Not common at Copalinga, but we saw it at the vervain hedge there and at a flowering Inga on the old Loja-Zamora road. Trogonidae (Trogons) GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps) – First found in the Sabanilla Gorge, way below, where we could hear it calling. But our best looks were along the road just beyond San Isidro. CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) – We had wonderful looks at a family of this fancy quetzal (with the white underside of the tail) right in the "yard" at San Isidro. WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus) – Rio Silanche GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus) – As part of a 3-way split of "Violaceous Trogon," this one occurs from s. Mexico through Middle America and W of the Andes to NW Peru. It was the one over the road near the Rio Silanche bridge, which we may have called "Northern Violaceous Trogon" at the time. (The other two "new" species are Guianan and Amazonian.) COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) – Along the entrance road to Septimo. MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) – First at Cajanuma, then at Cajas & Tandayapa Ridge, but possibly best at San Isidro, where we had marvelous looks at a pair around the lamp posts. Momotidae (Motmots) ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) – Both groups on the trail at Bombuscaro had great views of this highland split from Blue-crowned Motmot. RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – We scoped a responsive pair from the parking lot at Septimo, and then some folks saw one along the trail at Silanche as well. Their hollow, resonating calls were wonderful to hear. BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) – By contrast the calls of this smaller motmot were almost grating to the ear. But we called it in along the trail at Silanche, where everyone got to see it. Bucconidae (Puffbirds) WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis) – Willy's group had this one all staked out for us when we crossed paths with them along the trail at Rio Silanche. Great scope views of a generally inconspicuous understory puffbird. BLACK-STREAKED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fulvogularis) – My group found this one along the Bombuscaro trail, and we were able to refind it for Willy's group on our way out. Another great Malacoptila! LANCEOLATED MONKLET (Micromonacha lanceolata) – And we all saw this little monotypic puffbird together, when it finally responded by moving into view along the Bombuscaro trail. Galbulidae (Jacamars) COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) – Restricted to the eastern foothills, and almost entirely within Ecuador, this beauty was seen well by both groups along the Bombuscaro trail. Capitonidae (New World Barbets) ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus) – We had repeated great views of a pair that moved through with a canopy flock near the Silanche canopy tower. RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – We had both males and females with flocks on both slopes. Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets) TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) – Now representing a new family, the Toucan-Barbets, comprised solely of this species and the Prong-billed Barbet of Costa Rica and w Panama; our views just kept getting better and better, culminating in the eye-to-eye views of a pair at Angel's fruit feeders. Thanks to David for the cover photo. Ramphastidae (Toucans)

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 12 EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – We had scope views of a couple of birds at Cajanuma, where we could see the yellow ridge to their bills. CHESTNUT-TIPPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus derbianus) – RAR's group on the trail at Bombuscaro had good looks on our first encounter (remember the dark reddish-black bill with no yellow ridge?), and then everyone caught up with it along the old Loja-Zamora road. CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus) – Our first ones were eating fruit at Tony & Barbara's. But once again those coming to the fruit feeders at Refugio Paz walked away with the prize! GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) – We had marvelous views of this, the most colorful of the mountain-toucans, in a fruiting tree at the HQ clearing edge at Cajanuma and again along the road. PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) – Scopes on this beauty at Tony & Barbara's revealed how the "plate" sticks out from the rest of the bill. COLLARED ARACARI (STRIPE-BILLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius) – Seen at very close range from the Rio Silanche tower. Called "Pale-mandibled Aracari" in the BIRDS OF ECUADOR. BLACK-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (BLACK-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus ambiguus) – Heard near the Cocodrilos station. [*] CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) – Digby spotted our first one, way across the road from the top of the Septimo entrance road. That was nice. But then we saw it (and heard it croaking!) at much closer range from the Silanche tower. Picidae (Woodpeckers) LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) – RAR's group had one nicely along the Bombuscaro trail, and then we all had great views of several additional birds with flocks along the old Loja-Zamora road. YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) – A pair was nesting in a tall palm trunk along the old Loja-Zamora road. A real beauty! [N] BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) – We had wonderful views of this handsome woodpecker both at Milpe (where it came to the fruit feeders) and from the Rio Silanche tower. RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii) – A pair was nest-building near the Silanche canopy tower, thus affording repeat good views. [N] LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) – A female in the gardens at Copalinga was our only encounter. BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps) – A responsive bird came in nicely while we stood in the meadow at the end of the trail at Huashapamba. GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) – A female was feeding fledglings along the old Loja-Zamora road, and it was seen again at Silanche. [N] CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – What a bird! Phil found our first one, which stayed for long scope views at Cajanuma. We later saw singles at Tandayapa Ridge, above Papallacta, and at San Isidro. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus) – Our first was a distant female (which we had heard calling) along the old Loja-Zamora road. We encountered it again at Septimo and Silanche. GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis) – We had a great comparison of this species with the last from the Silanche canopy tower. Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior) – This was the larger one with the longer, thicker, slightly decurved bill. We saw them best near Lago Toreadora at Cajas. CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) – Bar-winged Cinclodes was split three ways, this one being the northernmost of the three, occurring from Venezuela & Colombia to n Peru. We saw it best at Cajas, in nice comparison with the last species. This was the smaller-bodied, smaller-billed bird. PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) – After all the rains, it was good weather for horneros to be out and about nest-building--and they were! We had lovely views of them in the south, starting right at the Catamayo airport when we got off the plane. [N] ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola) – We called up a pair of this long-tailed, streaky, paramo species at Cajas. AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae) – Heard widely on both slopes, but we finally called in a pair for good viewing along our side road at Calacali West. DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis) – A bird finally came in for good views upslope in an abandoned pasture along the old Loja-Zamora road.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 13 RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – First seen by Willy's group on the trails at Cajanuma and later seen by RAR's group along the Guacamayos Ridge trail; this richly colored spinetail comes in close for a good view of us! SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) – Near the top of the entrance road into Septimo. WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis) – One of the first birds we saw well along the trail at Yanacocha our first morning afield. RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops) – The common arboreal spinetail (all the Cranioleucas are arboreal) of the west; we saw them with flocks at Septimo & Milpe. ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) – Counterpart of the last species on the east slope; we saw them along the old Loja-Zamora road. LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis) – This high-elevation Cranioleuca was the one we called into the eucalyptus along the river behind our hotel in Cuenca early on our morning to Cajas. MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata) – Handsomest of the canasteros, this one responded very nicely near Lago Toreadora in Cajas. STREAK-BACKED CANASTERO (Asthenes wyatti) – I think Willy glimpsed one in flight near Calacali, but for most of us it was heard only. [*] WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa) – We finally got one to respond along the old road at Papallacta Pass, but it sneaked away quickly and wouldn't return. MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes griseomurina) – But we all had good looks at its southern replacement-- for some near the antennas above Acacana and for others in the Polylepis grove at Cajas. EQUATORIAL GRAYTAIL (Xenerpestes singularis) – Joyce alone got on this bird, with a mixed flock along the trail at Bombuscaro. Her description was perfect; it was just a tough bird to see with a busy, mixed-species, canopy flock. SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens) – Seen with a mixed flock along the Tandayapa Ridge. PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger) – Always a favorite, this little beauty was fairly common with mixed flocks at high to middle elevations on both slopes. STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Seen nicely at Cajanuma and along the Tandayapa Ridge. SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) – Seen with mixed flocks in the west, namely at Septimo and Milpe. MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Replaces the previous species on the east slope; we saw it at Bombuscaro and along the old Loja-Zamora road. LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) – Seen along the driveway at Septimo. STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Hyloctistes subulatus assimilis) – From the Silanche tower; it wouldn't show. [*] BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) – Seen with flocks at Septimo & Milpe. BLACK-BILLED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes melanorhynchus) – A responsive bird was seen by RAR's group along the trail at Bombuscaro--right after the Coppery-chested Jacamar. STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) – This was the one we called into the tall bamboo above the driveway at Septimo early our first morning there. PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) – Seen with flocks at Milpe, Silanche, & San Isidro. TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina) – In the distance along the Tandayapa Ridge. [*] OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (PACIFIC) (Sittasomus griseicapillus aequatorialis) – Seen along the trail at Bombuscaro. Keep track of where you see this species; the birds in Brazil and Middle America, for instance, are very different, and there will doubtless be splits in the future. The race we saw occurs from w Ecuador to extreme nw Peru (Tumbes). WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Smallest of the woodcreepers, this one was seen at Bombuscaro, Milpe, & Silanche. BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – The most striking woodcreeper we saw was this well marked species, along the exit road from Rio Silanche. SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) – The large, mottled woodcreeper of the west that we saw several times, at Septimo, Milpe, & Silanche. OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – The east-slope counterpart of the last species, this one was seen at San Isidro.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 14 STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – Seen nicely from the tower at Rio Silanche. MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Replaces Streak-headed at the higher elevations; it was common with flocks on both slopes. Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae) – A responsive pair was seen below us at our lunch spot along the uppermost section of the old Catamayo-Loja road. LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus) – The finely barred antshrike of the east slope; well, actually, we thought the rufous-backed female was more handsome than the male! We watched a pair pumping their tails with each note of song along the lower section of the old Loja-Zamora road. COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus bernardi) – Those Catamayo valley birds were just too far advanced in their breeding season, which must have started early this year with the early onset of rains. It wouldn't budge. [*] WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – A female of this species came into the tree right at the corner of the Silanche canopy tower. RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus) – Seen nicely with the big flock in the rain at Milpe. CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris) – Seen by Willy's group along the Silanche trail. YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) – We had marvelous eye-level views of this long-tailed, arboreal, flocking species with the big shrike-vireo flock along the old Loja-Zamora road. DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) – Seen well from the Silanche canopy tower. LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata) – A Chusquea bamboo dweller, this handsome antbird was seen first along the road near San Isidro and then, very well, along the road through Sumaco N Park on the east slope. RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Terenura callinota) – We could hear it in the big mixed flock from our rain shelter at Milpe, but I think only a few folks got on this one as we birded out along the road. BLACKISH ANTBIRD (BLACKISH) (Cercomacra nigrescens aequatorialis) – Willy's group along the Bombuscaro trail had a nicely responsive pair of these skulkers. CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) – Heard from the Silanche tower; but they were down near the forest floor. [*] STUB-TAILED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza berlepschi) – We had a very responsive male, its white interscapular patch extended, along the road to the Silanche reserve. IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza immaculata) – What a surprise to find a male of this species right out at the edge of the parking lot our first morning at Septimo! Turned out it was foraging at a little antswarm, along with Ecuadorian Thrushes. The male of this one is immaculately black. Formicariidae (Antthrushes) BLACK-HEADED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius nigricapillus) – They weren't singing on our dark, drizzly morning at Silanche; we heard only a quick scold note from the tower. [*] RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus) – We were close to one at Refugio Paz, but it wouldn't come back at Angel's beckoning. [*] BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima) – Heard, and apparently at close range, by Willy's group who went farthest out the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Grallariidae (Antpittas) UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera) [*] MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni) – The big antpittas weren't singing much at Refugio Paz, and none of them responded. [*] CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*] CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis) – But this big guy responded pretty well, circling our group, along the main trail at Cajanuma. Unfortunately, not everyone had a great view. We tried again early the following morn, but only Digby and I were tall enough to see it standing in the trail, just over a little hump. Sorry! YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta) – Heard briefly in the distance at Refugio Paz. [*] WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) – But, with Guido's help, we nailed this guy twice (!) at San Isidro. RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula rufula) – Everyone had marvelous views of these little gems that responded so well at Cajanuma. I note the race here because the "Rufous" group is overdue a split that will be into multiple species. The nominate group is the one we saw; it occurs from the Andes of Colombia & w Venezuela (Tachira) south throughout

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 15 Ecuador and has the distinctive song you heard many times, especially at Yanacocha and Cajanuma. TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis) – Named for Quito, this one is sometimes called "the Easy Antpitta." (It may be the only easy antpitta!) It did prove easy for us, as we had great looks our first morning afield near the Yanacocha parking lot; then we stumbled into others along the road edge at Cajas and Papallacta Pass. We'll take it! OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) – Just like the Colombian singer/songwriter/belly dancer, Angel's "Shakira" was a big hit! It stayed for a long time, all fluffed up and doing its little dance from side to side, as we all watched in awe and contemplated the magic of Angel Paz. The quality of our view was much superior to that of the first one we'd seen the old-fashioned way along the Septimo entrance road. Yip! Yip! For an article about Angel and Refugio Paz de las Aves, see "The Antpitta Whisperer" by Kenn Kaufman in the July-Aug 2006 issue of "Birdwatcher's Digest." The title is quite appropriate! PERUVIAN ANTPITTA (Grallaricula peruviana) – If I had to pick a single highlight of the whole tour, it would have to be having our entire group watch this beautiful little rarity coming in for earthworms put out by Guido down the trail at San Isidro. One of the least known of antpittas, it was first recorded in Ecuador in 1984, and in recent years San Isidro has emerged as the best place for it, with Harold Greeney having found the first known nests not far from the area where we saw it. Not only is it rare (considered Near Threatened by BirdLife), it is one of the cutest of the little Grallariculas. A fantastic new development--and it all started with Angel Paz's ingenuity at habituating antpittas. Thanks to Joyce (and Willy) for the digiscope cover photo. SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana) – Another adorable Grallaricula, this one was persistently responsive, even in the rain, in the bamboo near San Isidro. It too was seen well by all--after a bit of patience and persistence. It was our 4th Grallaricula of the trip, which sets a new record for this tour! CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons) – And this one competes with the Peruvian for "prettiest of the Grallariculas." Sadly, it was only seen by half the group along the antennas road at Acacana; it refused to come back in for the second effort. But it was a real treat for those lucky enough to have seen it. Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos) OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx) – Well, we had already seen a responsive (but difficult-to-see) pair along the Tandayapa Ridge, but the newest member of Angel's menagerie was a singleton of this big, fancy tapaculo that hopped right out into the open ground when called! Angel named it "Tomas" and left it a little reward in the form of earthworms. It's the kind of tapaculo that gives tapaculos a much-improved image. Did you notice the length of its toes?! Thanks to David for the cover photo. ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) – This was the relatively long-tailed tapaculo that was seen by some (and heard by all!) at Acacana. BLACKISH TAPACULO (BLACKISH) (Scytalopus latrans latrans) – We had all heard this one at Yanacocha, where it couldn't be seen, and then at San Isidro. Ultimately, some folks in Willy's group along the Guacamayos Ridge trail laid eyes on a bird that responded on that misty afternoon. BLACKISH TAPACULO (PACIFIC) (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) – The southern race of this species, however, put on an outstanding show for a Scytalopus: two birds sneaked in and hopped circles around us, at one point standing right on the boardwalk (!) at El Cajas. LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*] WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus atratus) – This skulker was seen pretty well by RAR's group along the Bombuscaro trail when Digby spotted a silent bird working along a dead log! It then responded fairly well. We heard one singing the next day along the old Loja-Zamora road, and some folks managed a glimpse of that one as well. Remember: It's the voice that counts in Scytalopus tapaculos! NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) – This one was mostly heard, at Septimo and Finca Paz, but it did respond by coming closer along the trail at Refugio Paz, giving brief looks to a few folks in just the right place. SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) – This one was heard by all and seen by some who were with Willy along the Guacamayos Ridge trail that misty afternoon. CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri) – This bamboo dweller, named for Ted Parker when it was first described in 1997, is a real specialty of s Ecuador, barely occurring into adjacent n Peru. Fortunately, we all saw this one well at Cajanuma, where it was first discovered to be a distinct species. Again, it's all based on vocalizations. PARAMO TAPACULO (Scytalopus opacus) – And we certainly HEARD this one, along the old road at Papallacta Pass. But the less-than-perfect weather conditions probably didn't help, and we gave up before we saw it. [*] Melanopareiidae (Crescentchests) ELEGANT CRESCENTCHEST (Melanopareia elegans) – You guys were probably delighted to learn that crescentchests

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 16 were recently removed from the tapaculo family; they're much too spiffy for that Scytalopus clan! And, sure enough, David found a wonderfully responsive one along the upper old road between Catamayo and Loja. It hopped along and into the open, giving everyone a wonderful view. It was even among our favorites of the trip! Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – It was a real treat to have repeated eye-to-eye views of this little flycatcher that was nesting very close to the Silanche canopy tower. [N] SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) – A good responder (to Peruvian Pygmy-Owl playback) in the Catamayo valley. WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) – This one interrupted our eating bolones verdes and empanadas at Refugio Paz and was seen again at San Isidro. WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – Common and vocal at Cajanuma, especially in response to Andean Pygmy-Owl playback. WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Fairly common at high elevations with flocks; we saw it at Yanacocha, Cajas, & Cayambe-Coca N Park above Papallacta hot springs. SULPHUR-BELLIED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus minor) – Seen by some with a flock at roadside in the Guacamayos. TUFTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes parulus) – We saw this cutie with the long crest at Cajas. AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes agilis) – A couple of these, with the bright orange mouth linings, came close along the antennas road at Acacana. MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (TUMBES) (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana) – A rather dull flycatcher of the Tumbesian scrub zones of sw Ecuador and nw Peru, this form is likely to be split out from the true Mouse-colored Tyrannulet. We saw it in the Acacia woodlands west of Loja. YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola) [*] FOOTHILL ELAENIA (Myiopagis olallai) – This one is not in the field guide; the description of it, new to science from near where we saw it at Bombuscaro, was only published in 2000, after the book had gone to press. It has since been found in n Ecuador and in s Peru as well, but it is listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife. It has quite a distinctive song and often associates with mixed flocks. WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps) – Fairly common at high and middle elevations on both slopes. MOTTLE-BACKED ELAENIA (Elaenia gigas) – Not for lack of trying, at Copalinga. [*] TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea) – At the bridge over the rushing river up the road from San Isidro, in the rain. STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis) – Best at Tandayapa Ridge. OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus) – Bombuscaro SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) – With the flocks at Bombuscaro, Loja-Zamora road, and at Silanche. RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus) – Seen nicely by those at the San Isidro hummingbird pavilion, in pursuit of Bronzy Inca before lunch. ECUADORIAN TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes gualaquizae) – Seen well on the lower end of the old Loja-Zamora road. SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps) – A VERY responsive pair in the garden at Copalinga was seen well by all. BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) – We had great looks at our first one, with a flock at Acacana and later saw one near Papallacta. ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) – Seen on the west slope this trip. CHOCO TYRANNULET (Zimmerius albigularis) – Formerly considered a race of Golden-faced Tyrannulet, the birds we saw at Milpe and Silanche have now been split in the Clements checklist, and rightfully so: Their dawn song and calls are quite distinct from the birds of the east slope. GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops) – We saw the east-slope birds at Copalinga and in the Guacamayos. ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – A wonderfully confiding little flycatcher, seen at Bombuscaro and Milpe. RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) – Heard by all and seen by Willy's group along the Guacamayos Ridge trail.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 17 TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus) – Seen several times on the slopes of the Catamayo valley. BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – This was the great cutie that competes (with Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant) for honors as the smallest passerine bird. We saw it quite well from the Silanche canopy tower. SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) – Seen briefly at Milpe and heard at Silanche. RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – Another winning little tyrant, it was seen well at San Isidro, including along the driveway, where it joins in foraging for moths attracted to the lights at night. COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) – Very confiding at Copalinga. BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps) – Some of us up on the Silanche tower (while others were watching White-bearded Manakins) called in a Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher for wonderful views. FULVOUS-BREASTED FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus) – A pair surprised us--and cooperated nicely--along the old Loja-Zamora road; an uncommon specialty of mid-elevation forest on the e slope of the Andes. YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Seen in the foothills at Bombuscaro and Loja-Zamora road. The Yellow-olive complex is another one that may get split into several species eventually; so keep track of where you see them. YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (YELLOW-MARGINED) (Tolmomyias assimilis flavotectus) – We had smashing views of a very responsive bird at the Silanche canopy tower. GOLDEN-CROWNED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus coronatus) – Seen nicely by everyone along the trail at Rio Silanche. RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus) – Seen by some at Bombuscaro and by others on the Silanche trail. CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – A common and spiffy little flycatcher of middle elevations throughout the Andes. CLIFF FLYCATCHER (Hirundinea ferruginea) – They were way up there, along the new Loja-Zamora road, but we had very nice scope views as we watched them sally out and back from the slope. HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher) – Both groups encountered the family group of these along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. ORANGE-BANDED FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias lintoni) – Just as we were about to leave, we heard the telltale notes of this scarce little high-elevation flycatcher, and sure enough we called it out of the flock for good viewing on our way to the Acacana towers. FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans) – Seen on both slopes, on the Tandayapa Ridge and at San Isidro. OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) – Remember Phoebe's #5000? We called in a pair along the old Loja-Zamora road. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – We saw it along the old Loja-Zamora road in the east and at Milpe in the west; these are migrants from the north that winter here in Ecuador. [b] SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) – Seen on both slopes at middle elevations. WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – Seen by some at Bombuscaro. BLACK PHOEBE (WHITE-WINGED) (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris) – Common and widespread along water courses; this race with more white in the wings than the N. American birds is sometimes considered for a split. PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT (Muscisaxicola alpinus) – Called "Paramo Ground-Tyrant" in the BIRDS OF ECUADOR, this ground-dwelling flycatcher was seen well in the paramo at Cajas. BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montanus) – As we got out of the bus near San Lucas (N of Loja), we could hear the haunting dawn song of this species, and it didn't take long to find it. Through the scopes we could even see (or at least imagine!) its pale iris, and we watched it throw its head back as it belted out its song. WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis albicauda) – A little playback at the same cliffs stimulated this species to start calling as well--giving a very different, less musical song. It was more of a challenge to find it, especially in the low-light conditions, but David pulled it out--from way upslope near the ridgetop. Through the scopes, we could see that it seemed slightly stouter, with a heavier, hooked bill. It too threw its head back when singing. But we couldn't make out the other visual details. (Both shrike-tyrants have lots of white in the tail; so the name of this one is a bit of a misnomer.) The best clinchers at such distance were the very distinctive vocalizations. There aren't many places where one can see (and hear!) both species of shrike-tyrants at the same spot. STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) – A couple of birds near the entrance to Yanacocha were among the first birds we saw on the tour--and the only ones until we headed for Papallacta. They do have a bit of a

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 18 Robin-toned breast. SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus) – Also seen on our first day, at Yanacocha, and then again by some at San Isidro. RED-RUMPED BUSH-TYRANT (Cnemarchus erythropygius) – As I recall, it was Yvonne who spotted the first one of these stunning high-elevation flycatchers. A pair was in the paramo at Cajas, and we later saw another bird as well. Next year we'll be wishing we hadn't used up all our luck with this beauty this year! MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta) – It was another good spot from the back of the bus--when David hollered stop for this one. It was, after all, the purpose of our having driven the road past Milpe in the pouring rain. And it's a crisply black-and-white beauty. YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema) – A couple of vocalizing birds sneaked in right below us along the highway through the Guacamayos. RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – At Cajanuma and Cajas. BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor) – The highest-elevation chat-tyrant. DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer nigriceps) – Fairly common in the lowlands and foothills of the west. SHORT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus ferox) – Seen in the yard at Copalinga. PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes) – The common east-slope Myiarchus, that we saw repeatedly at San Isidro. RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – Septimo and Silanche SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis) – Common in the eastern lowlands & foothills. GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – Closely related to our Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher; we saw it at Bombuscaro and San Isidro (and heard it at Septimo too). PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) – This is the one that pirates the nests of caciques or oropendolas. We scoped it along the lower Loja-Zamora road. TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Seen most days at the mid- to lower elevations. Cotingidae (Cotingas) GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – We had great views of a lovely male on our first morning at Cajanuma; also seen on Tandayapa Ridge and the Guacamayos Ridge trail. BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata) – On the same morning, a male of this bigger fruiteater was seen right above us up the trail. RAR's group had eye level views of yet another male on the Bosque Nublado trail the following day. ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola jucunda) – Wow! This used to be such a tough bird to find. At Angel's even the children were pointing out a pair that moved along the fencerow vegetation at Refugio Paz. We followed the female down and then here came the stunning male; he was following her too. Yip! Yip! SCALED FRUITEATER (Ampelioides tschudii) – Another handsome and unusual fruiteater! We had great scope studies of a female along the Tandayapa Ridge road, where there were many fruiting trees. RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Seen at close range on our condor stop en route to Papallacta Pass, but those first (distant) ones at Cajanuma were spreading their raised crests in interaction. Nice. ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus) – Did anyone else get the impression that this was Rose's most-wanted bird of the trip? Well, it's a great one, and after seeing a female fly-by, we had wonderful views of two males doing a little displaying--even on a misty morning--at Refugio Paz. This west-of-the-Andes race is much richer red than the east-slope race. ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus aequatorialis) – We saw a female of this race along the lower section of the old Loja-Zamora road, and we heard two males displaying downslope, out of sight. OLIVACEOUS PIHA (Snowornis cryptolophus) – We had wonderful studies of two birds near the fruit feeders at Refugio Paz, and then another bird was seen with a flock below the road through the Guacamayos. PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata) – This was a real show! On our morning in the Silanche canopy tower, an adult male swooped in below us, his wine-colored gorget fluffed and flared as he uttered his querulous calls; dark-throated females and/or young birds foraged noisily around us, until the whole troop lost interest and continued through the forest. AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus ornatus) – My group was happy to have seen one bird flying across the Rio Bombuscaro before entering the trail...until we heard that Willy's group had seen 3 birds perched along the trail! A cool bird under any circumstances.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 19 Pipridae (Manakins) GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus) – Longish-tailed females were seen on two occasions: in a fruiting melastome near the top of the Septimo entrance road; and at Refugio Paz. CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) – In the same melastome at Septimo, we watched a young male of this species display over and over. He would bend forward and lift his wings; trouble was his wing feathers weren't developed enough to create the musical tone that an adult produces by stridulation, a process unique among vertebrates. See these links online for videos of an adult male displaying, first at normal speed: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=JMetl4ekRIQ&feature=related; and then slowed-down the way Kimberly Bostwick viewed it to figure out how the violin-like sound was produced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=9woLRcVKL3M. The article in Science can be found at: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/309/5735/736.abstract. And a fabulous little explanation is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Bsu4z9Y3k. STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) – This one was seen by Willy's group near the Bombuscaro clearing. BLUE-RUMPED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix isidorei) – Also in the melastomes at Bombuscaro; but again a female or young male. Seems we missed most of the males on this trip! WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) – ...with the exception of this one! We did get to watch fabulous males of this species displaying at their courts in the understory below the Silanche canopy tower. These are the ones that snap together bulbous enlargements of their 4th and 5th primaries to make their castanet-like snapping sounds. Fabulous stuff! (See Willy's cover photo of a male sitting above its display court.) Tityridae (Tityras and Allies) BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor) – Seen nicely from the Silanche canopy tower. MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata) – Both sexes were compared with those of the previous species at the Silanche tower. BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor) – After hearing a recalcitrant bird with a big flock at Cajanuma, we had good views of a male, with another flock, along the road to the Acacana antennas. There was another male hanging out near the San Isidro light poles. (Where were the females?) CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – What a treat to see a pair building their big, messy nest right next to the Silanche tower! [N] WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus dorsalis) – We had a male of the paler, west-slope form right from the parking lot at Septimo. Vireonidae (Vireos) BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys) – Common with montane forest flocks on both slopes. Once lumped with Warbling Vireo. RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Rio Silanche OLIVACEOUS GREENLET (Hylophilus olivaceus) – An east-slope foothill species that was fairly common in the south. This one has a pale eye, a flesh-colored bill, and quite an explosive song. LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus) – Formerly known as "Gray-headed Greenlet," this one was quite responsive at the Silanche tower, where we called it out of a flock. SLATY-CAPPED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius leucotis) – A personal favorite on this trip! It's rare to have such long, eye-to-eye views of a singing shrike-vireo. And he brought with him a rich, mixed-species flock into great view along the old Loja-Zamora road. Thanks to David for the cover photo. RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – We put the scope on a distant singing bird in the acacias along the old Catamayo-Loja road. BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) – We had much closer views of this one, from the rooftop mirador at San Isidro, where it is a regular. Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) – Fairly common on both slopes, it was seen first at Cajanuma, when a group came in close. A real stunner...but not all that turquoise. GREEN JAY (INCA) (Cyanocorax yncas yncas) – Sometimes considered a distinct species, "Inca Jay," including in the BIRDS OF ECUADOR. The birds we enjoyed on the east slope, especially at San Isidro, are indeed quite different from our blue-headed birds in S Texas. But there are many races involved, some of them intermediate. Still, watch for a split of this one.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 20 Hirundinidae (Swallows) BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) – The common swallow at middle elevations, in both dry and humid habitats. BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina) – The high-elevation swallow in Ecuador. We had them a few times well, perhaps best right in Cuenca near the historic "broken bridge," where the light was perfect on them. WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – We had good looks at this mostly brownish swallow at Milpe, where some were perched on the wire. WHITE-BANDED SWALLOW (Atticora fasciata) – Fly-overs at Copalinga. SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – A few at Refugio Paz; the one with the palerrump. GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea) – On the antennas at the Loja/Catamayo airport, plus one bird passing the Silanche tower. Troglodytidae (Wrens) FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) – We had nice looks at this dry-forest species right at the Catamayo airport; in the same genus as our Cactus Wren. These troop around in family groups and have helpers at the nest. GRAY-MANTLED WREN (Odontorchilus branickii) – What great views we had of this aberrant wren that forages along moss- or lichen-covered trunks. We had a pair with a flock on the old Loja-Zamora road. RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa) – A family group of these big bamboo dwellers came in close, for great views, at Cajanuma. SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens) – This one was at Refugio Paz--way up in the canopy! It was the highest we've ever seen it. PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Pheugopedius euophrys) – We watched a pair singing in the bamboo at Cajanuma and talked about their duetting and the precision with which different parts of the very strong song are contributed, sometimes by 3 or more individuals, the outcome sounding like a single melody. This phenomenon is now considered the most extreme example of duetting birds yet studied. For a nice review of duetters and the functions of duetting, see the Jan 28, 2006, SCIENCE NEWS online at www.sciencenews.org/articles/20060128/bob9.asp (though it seems one needs to become a member to get to this article nowadays). BAY WREN (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Cantorchilus nigricapillus nigricapillus) [*] SUPERCILIATED WREN (Cantorchilus superciliaris) – We called in a very vocal pair of these flashy, long-billed wrens and struggled to see them well among the (relatively) lush greenery of the Catamayo valley slopes. But in the end everyone got on one. HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Almost ubiquitous; seen or heard regularly. The S. American birds are much buffier than ours. MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis) – Fairly common and widespread in the highlands, but heard much more often than seen. SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) – A.k.a. Grass Wren, this is another complex taxon that will probably end up being split several ways. We called them up from their marshy haunts at Laguna Llaviuco in Cajas. WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) – One was seen by RAR's group along the trail at Bombuscaro. GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Quite common by voice throughout the highland forests, it was seen well only at San Isidro. SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*] Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea bilineata) – Quite common in the Catamayo valley, where it was one of the first responders to playback of the Peruvian Pygmy-Owl's call. Cinclidae (Dippers) WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – We had good views of this lovely Andean specialty along the Loja- Zamora road, at Cajas, and on the E slope in the north. These dippers don't walk under water like ours do. Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) – We had more than our share of good looks at this shy species, usually near

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 21 fruiting trees. SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – A fairly common winterer in the Andean foothills on both slopes. [b] PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) – This songster with the varied song was seen well at San Isidro. PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) – We tracked this one down along the old Catamayo-Loja road, where we managed to compare it to (Andean) Slaty Thrush in the same locale. ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris) – Nicely on the grounds at Septimo. BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis) – At Copalinga and the old Loja-Zamora road. SLATY THRUSH (ANDEAN) (Turdus nigriceps nigriceps) – Singing away from the very green slopes of the upper Catamayo valley; we managed to call some into view, eventually for everyone. This is another taxon that is sometimes split from the birds of s Brazil and Argentina. GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) – Common and widespread in the highlands, it was this species that became the "naked woman" to our group. (But we looked at them anyway; after all they're the largest New World thrush.) CHIGUANCO THRUSH (Turdus chiguanco) – Some folks made a special effort to see this one in Loja, but then we saw quite a few in Cuenca, especially during our "cultural tour." GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) – This was the common thrush (with the more repetitive song) at San Isidro. WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis) – RAR's group at Bombuscaro had nice looks at a responsive bird along the trail. This was the one with the rather sad song. Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus) – Common--and quite distracting!--in the arid Catamayo valley. Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits) PARAMO PIPIT (Anthus bogotensis) – This one came in from way down in the valley below--clearly a responsive male-- at Cajas. Parulidae (New World Warblers) OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava) – Seen by Mike alone at Septimo. AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – A nice surprise to see a female of this boreal migrant, rare on the east slope, along the road through the Guacamayos. [b] CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – Willy pointed out one male, now considered Endangered, with the big flock along the old Loja-Zamora road (but there was a lot going on just then). [b] TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) – Fairly common at lower and middle elevations on both slopes, often with flocks. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) – The most common of the N. American migrant warblers that winter in Ecuador; seen almost daily, including a few bright males. [b] THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus) – These resident warblers were seen at Septimo and Milpe. THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus) – And these were the yellower ones in the high-elevation forest patch at our lunch stop in the uppermost Catamayo valley. CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis) – Seen with a flock at Acacana. BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristatus) – Fairly common at the higher elevations on both slopes. BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda) – This loud songster was seen well from the Rio Silanche bridge. GOLDEN-BELLIED WARBLER (CHOCO) (Myiothlypis chrysogaster chlorophrys) – This choco specialty, seen well with the big flock at Milpe, sounds entirely different from its closest relative, the disjunct Golden-bellied Warbler of c. and s. Peru, from which it is split by some (including Ridgely). However, the conservative revision of the Clements list considers it a race of Golden-bellied, B. chrysogaster. RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronatus) – We had good looks at the east-slope birds, which are mostly gray below, at Cajanuma and San Isidro. The yellower, west-slope birds were with the flocks along the Tandayapa Ridge. On both slopes, their songs lit up the forest. CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) – A fairly common winterer on the east slope, where we saw quite a few. [b] SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus) – A.k.a. "Whitestart," it was common with mixed flocks on both slopes at middle to lower elevations.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 22 SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus) – Replaces the last species at higher elevations, where it too is fairly common. Coerebidae (Bananaquit) BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola) – Fairly common and widespread on both slopes, but always in small numbers. Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) MAGPIE TANAGER (Cissopis leverianus) – Now for the "tanagers & allies." Exactly what is a tanager anyway? Recent genetic studies have shown that what has been considered the Thraupidae consists of at least seven lineages mixed in with birds currently considered buntings, warblers, and grosbeaks; so eventually we'll end up with either a gigantic family broken into subfamilies or a host of smaller families. In any case, we saw an impressive number of what are usually called "tanagers," most of them stunningly beautiful. The striking, aberrant Magpie Tanager was seen well at Copalinga, at Bombuscaro, and on the old Loja-Zamora road. BLACK-AND-WHITE TANAGER (Conothraupis speculigera) – Well, it was clear from the air, as we circled down into the Catamayo valley, that the rains had started early in the south. Maybe the Black-and-white Tanagers would be in? Well, they were; they were singing from inside the densely green vegetation, and we saw one flit or fly from time to time. But, despite considerable effort with various individuals, we never had a really good look at one of these enigmatic tanagers that appear on their breeding grounds only after the rains have greened the landscape. Sorry. Some folks did get brief glimpses. BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus atropileus) – Seen beautifully at Cajas and later in the Guacamayos. SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris) – Yanacocha & Cajas BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (BLACK-EARED) (Hemispingus melanotis melanotis) – The east-slope form with the darker mask and richer tones; this one is pretty tied to the Chusquea bamboo stands, and we saw it at San Isidro. BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (WESTERN) (Hemispingus melanotis ochraceus) – The BIRDS OF ECUADOR splits this duller, west-slope form from the true Black-eared, calling it "Western Hemispingus." We had a couple of responsive birds with an understory flock along the Tandayapa Ridge. BLACK-HEADED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus verticalis) – Some folks saw this one at Cajas, but everyone caught up with it in the big flock we watched when we were waiting for Edgar to clear the road on our way to the Acacana towers. This species spends most of its time feeding right in the crowns of densely foliated trees. GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris) – A tail pumper, which makes it easy to recognize, even in poor light (as long as it's not a Capped Conebill). This was the one with the pink bill, gray hood, and yellow belly. It was seen with flocks at Cajanuma and Guango. RUFOUS-CHESTED TANAGER (Thlypopsis ornata) – Some folks got on this one along our side road at what we called Calacali West. CINEREOUS CONEBILL (Conirostrum cinereum) – One of the dullest of the "tanager" assemblage, this one is widespread in the higher, drier habitats. We had it at Yanacocha (well, it wasn't exactly dry there), Cajas (ditto), and Calacali East. Its most distinctive marks are its pale brow and wing-spot. BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor) – This one was best seen at Guango, with the flock across the meadow. CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum) – A sexually dimorphic conebill, the males mostly black with dark blue highlights, and females a mix of dull greens, grays and blues. Like the Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, it's also a tail pumper. We saw it with flocks at Cajanuma, Tandayapa Ridge, and San Isidro. GIANT CONEBILL (Oreomanes fraseri) – But this is the king of the conebills. After much searching amid its Polylepis groves (where it probes for arthropods along the trunks with the scaly bark) at Cajas, Eduardo, our local guide, found one for us near Lago Toreadora. Interestingly, unlike what we usually experience with this species, this bird sat quietly the whole time, allowing long scope views and photos. Yip! Yip! TIT-LIKE DACNIS (Xenodacnis parina) – Foraging for aphids on the undersides of leaves in high-elevation Gynoxys woodlands, this little specialist was at the N limit of its range where we saw it at Cajas. We had wonderful looks at both females and dazzling blue males. PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – Yvonne found this one for us in the bamboo along the road at San Isidro. Given the weather at the time, its plush crown feathers (of a specialized structure that repels water) should have been very useful! BLACK-BACKED BUSH TANAGER (Urothraupis stolzmanni) – One of our target species for climbing up through the Papallacta thermal springs area and into the Cayambe-Coca N Park, this one seems to be a flock leader in the stunted forest and shrubbery at treeline. We were lucky with it this trip, finding several moving with a flock near our very first

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 23 stop. With its prominent white throat, it's reminiscent of a brush-finch. GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira) – After fleeting looks at a pair along the old Loja-Zamora road, we cleaned up with great views of a stunning male and female from the Silanche canopy tower. DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) – These were the pale-eyed understory skulkers in the flock by the road near the Rio Silanche bridge. SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – We had great scope views of a male, its scarlet brow conspicuous, from the Silanche tower. FLAME-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus cristatus) – This was the black one with the orange crest that moved with the canopy flock along the trail at Bombuscaro when we were all together on our back. WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – A pair was seen at Silanche. TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – These were dashing through the understory in the same flock with the Dusky-faced, at Silanche. WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus) – The glossy male with the white underwing lining (that shows in flight) is drastically different from that all rufous female! We saw pairs in the foothills on both slopes. SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo) – Common in the eastern foothills, e.g., the grounds at Copalinga. FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (Ramphocelus flammigerus) – Well, when what we saw (called "Lemon-rumped" in our book) was lumped with the Colombian bird (which has a bright flame rump), "Flame-rumped" had name priority. The two populations were geographically isolated until forest clearing allowed them to come into contact. Sure enough they hybridized, producing birds with orange rumps. There is still debate about how these populations should be treated. But that's why our yellow-rumped birds are now called "Flame-rumped." They were abundant in the western lowlands and foothills. BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus) – We saw birds with white shoulders and wingbars on the E slope and then all-blue-gray birds in the west. I was planning to convert T. episcopus to a couple of distinct subspecies, east and west of the Andes. But truth is, there are multiple races of Blue-gray Tanager, with lots of intergradation, and no one is talking about splitting them. So we'll leave it at T. episcopus. PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) – Common in the humid foothills and lowlands of both slopes. BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Our best views were in the fruiting trees at Tony & Barbara's and at Calacali West. BLUE-AND-YELLOW TANAGER (Thraupis bonariensis) – First right behind the hotel in Cuenca, where it was seen poorly; then we had dynamite views of a striking male along our condor side road en route to Papallacta. HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis montana) – The common big mountain-tanager of middle and upper elevations on both slopes. This was the one with the prominent red eye that we saw well at Cajanuma, Acacana, and in the Guacamayos. BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis eximia) – After having missed this one in the rain at Yanacocha our first morning afield, we managed to find it (for great scope views) in the treeline woodland of Cayambe- Coca N Park. A scarce and local specialty. MASKED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis wetmorei) – Associated with the last species, this big beauty was an extra-special treat (and one that we often miss). They are local and restricted to humid treeline habitats, where we usually have limited time. Yip! Yip! LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus) – The smaller mountain-tanager with the yellow- orange teardrop on its face. We saw it at Cajas and Acacana. SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris) – Another flashy mountain-tanager that was seen in high-elevation forest--at Cajanuma, Acacana, and Calacali West. BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus) – The common mountain-tanager at middle elevations; we saw the black-backed form in the west and then the duller olive-backed form in the east. The highlight may have been watching this beauty, feeding right beside the next species, at Refugio Paz. BLACK-CHINNED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus notabilis) – This one is scarce and local at middle elevations in the west. Fortunately, Angel's fruit feeders have almost guaranteed that we'll get to see it nowadays. By comparison to Blue-winged, this one was more orange below (rather than yellow), had a green (instead of black) back, and had black extending under the bill. Both are knock-outs! GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii) – Among the favorites, this heavy-bodied tanager with the red bill and legs was seen well at Cajas, along Tandayapa Ridge, and in the Guacamayos. BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) – A very responsive, singing bird flew right in to

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 24 playback along the road at Cajanuma. YELLOW-THROATED TANAGER (Iridosornis analis) [*] GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex) – One of my personal favorites, this one is uncommon with flocks at high elevations on both slopes. We were lucky to pull two of them out of the flock along the road toward the Acacana antennas. They sat up for fabulous views! FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – Tandayapa Ridge and (better) at Milpe. ORANGE-EARED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa calliparaea) – This small green beauty--with an orange rump as well as an orange ear--was with the flocks at Bombuscaro and along the old Loja-Zamora road. GRAY-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara palmeri) – Our first two of this choco specialty were scoped in a treetop along the road beyond Milpe (in the light rain), and we scoped them again from the Silanche tower. PARADISE TANAGER (Tangara chilensis) – Vocal and conspicuous in the east-slope foothills, these stunners could have been designed by committee! They grew on us as we scoped them at Bombuscaro, Copalinga, and on the old Loja- Zamora road. That combo of red rump, chartreuse head, blue body, and purple throat is hard to beat. Breathtaking! GREEN-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Tangara schrankii) – I should probably just go ahead right now and throw the whole Thesaurus at the Tangaras; they're all dynamite! (I'll try to limit my descriptions henceforth.) This one was with flocks at Bombuscaro and on the old Loja-Zamora road. GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus) – Bombuscaro, Tandayapa Ridge, Tony & Barbara's, Septimo, Milpe, & Refugio Paz; it was common and widespread and always breathtaking. SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala) – Septimo, Milpe, & Silanche. SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala) – Common at middle elevations on both slopes. GOLDEN-EARED TANAGER (Tangara chrysotis) – This one can be scarce; so it was great to see it at Bombuscaro and along the old Loja-Zamora road. FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii parzudakii) – This east-slope subspecies has the defined yellow and red in the head; we saw in with flocks in the Guacamayos. FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii lunigera) – This west-slope form has a brighter orange wash through the head and shows more green in the body. We saw it well on Tandayapa Ridge, at Septimo, and a Refugio Paz. YELLOW-BELLIED TANAGER (Tangara xanthogastra) – Seen well right in the gardens at Copalinga, as well as on the old Loja-Zamora road. SPOTTED TANAGER (Tangara punctata) – Fairly common in the east-slope foothills. RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara rufigula) – We saw these specialties with the big flock (in the light rain) at Milpe. BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola) – Common in the foothills on both slopes. SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina) – An intermontane valley specialty, this was our target for our birding stop in Tumbaco. Mike found one after a short search, and we scoped it for fine views. It has adapted well to the presence of man, even sitting on the wires and poles in the suburbs. GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Tangara ruficervix) – Fairly common at middle elevations on both slopes. It was hard sometimes to see the small golden-orange patch on the "nape." METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – This one is scarce and can be hard to find; so it was great to have seen it well along the Tandayapa Ridge. Some saw it again at Finca Paz. BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – The one with the worst name--since its whole head, not just the neck, is blue. It was common on both slopes. GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata) – Seen by some at Silanche. BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Common in the Tandayapa, Mindo, and San Isidro areas. BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii) – The highest-elevation Tangara, it was seen well at Cajanuma and along the Tandayapa Ridge. BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei) – In fruit trees at Tony & Barbara's, Septimo, and Finca Paz. BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata lineata) – The nominate race, with the white belly, was seen at Copalinga & on the old Loja-Zamora road. BLACK-FACED DACNIS (BLACK-FACED) (Dacnis lineata aequatorialis) – Its west-slope replacement, with the yellow belly, was seen well from the Silanche tower. SCARLET-THIGHED DACNIS (Dacnis venusta) – Both sexes were seen well from the Silanche tower. BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana) – Loja-Zamora road & Silanche

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 25 GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza) – Copalinga & Silanche PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – A male at Silanche GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) – We were lucky to find a lovely pair along the old Loja-Zamora road. SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis) – Beautifully in the gardens at Copalinga. GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens) – Copalinga BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus) – Mike saw this one at Copalinga, and the rest of us caught up with it at Septimo or Silanche. BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis) – We had great scope views of this sharply marked, west-slope saltator right from the parking lot at Septimo. Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor) – The common, plump sierra-finch of the high paramo, it was seen well at Cajas. ASH-BREASTED SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus plebejus) – Fairly common in arid habitats, it was seen at Catamayo & Calacali East. BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) – We watched males of this species doing their "jump up" displays, at Catamayo & on the Loja-Zamora road. VARIABLE SEEDEATER (Sporophila corvina ophthalmica) – The black-and-white seedeater at Septimo. YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis) – Near Septimo DRAB SEEDEATER (Sporophila simplex) – We had a nice variety of dull seedeater types in the dry Catamayo valley; this was the one with the pinkish bill and whitish wing-bars. CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila castaneiventris) – We saw a female at Copalinga and another pair in a pasture along the Loja-Zamora road. THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus funereus) – Willy's group at Silanche had a female along the boundary trail. CHESTNUT-BELLIED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus angolensis) – The east-slope replacement of the last species, this is the songster we worked on first thing at the Bombuscaro entrance, seeing it fly back and forth overhead. But we later saw a good pair in a cut-over stretch of the old Loja-Zamora road. PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata) – This common seedeater of the highlands has a pink bill and prefers grassy habitats. We had them well along the road into Yanacocha. DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus) – Another of the "drabs" that we saw in the arid Catamayo valley; this one had a more pointed bill than a seedeater, with a dark culmen and a pale mandible. SLATY FINCH (Haplospiza rustica) – We were just starting to notice the dying (and seeding!) bamboo when we heard the songs of these inconspicuous little finches. With a bit of playback we managed to get everyone a good look at a responsive male. There were at least half a dozen birds that were doubtless feeding on the bamboo seeds. This is one of an array of species that, seemingly, can appear from nowhere, in numbers, when the bamboo goes to seed. For any one clone of Chusquea, this may happen only once in 30 years or so! GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii) – We had our best views of this high elevation flowerpiercer at Yanacocha, where they came to feed at the hummingbird feeders at arm's length. This was the one with the bluish shoulder patch. BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis) – This species seems to prefer slightly scrubbier habitats than the previous species. We had our best views of it at Cajas and en route to Papallacta Pass. WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) – Widespread in secondary woodland and edge; they were fairly common at mid- to high elevations. RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides) – Males of this pretty blue-and-rust flowerpiercer were seen in the upper Catamayo valley and at Calacali East. DEEP-BLUE FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa glauca) – But this was the fairest of the flowerpiercers we saw, with its deep blue plumage and bright golden iris. We saw it along the road through the Guacamayos. BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens) – This was the blue-gray flowerpiercer (with the dull red eye) around San Isidro and the Guacamayos. MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea) – Another common (and very pretty) flowerpiercer that was widespread on our route--and very fond of hummingbird syrup! SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola) – A bright addition to the arid valleys near Catamayo! Plus, you can count them here;

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 26 they're native. OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps) – We had to work a bit, but most folks managed to see at least one of a pair of responsive Olive Finches that emerged, at least briefly, from their dark understory retreat across the creek along the old Loja-Zamora road. Given their scarcity, our encounter was an overall success. ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris spectabilis) – We all had nice views of this spiffy sparrow at Bombuscaro and/or Copalinga. GRAY-BROWED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon assimilis) – As split from Stripe-headed Brush-Finch, this one occurs in the Andes from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador and Peru. We saw a couple of birds out on the muddy trail at Cajanuma as we crept up the trail in hopes of antpittas. PALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha) – Both groups had marvelous views of very confiding bird(s) with a flock along the Cajanuma trail. We later saw one with the flock at Cayambe-Coca N Park. TRICOLORED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes tricolor) – Like a duller form of the Yellow-breasted Brush-Finch. This species inhabits middle elevations on the west-slope, and we had them nicely at Septimo and Milpe. YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus spodionotus) – Formerly called "Rufous-naped Brush- Finch," then "Cloud-forest Brush-Finch," the birds of s Colombia and n Ecuador are now considered a race of "Yellow- breasted Brush-Finch." This form is fairly common in high-temperate forest edge; we saw them well at Yanacocha and Tandayapa Ridge. This is the form with no malar and a dark wing. YELLOW-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes latinuchus latinuchus) – The nominate race, occurring in the Andes from se Ecuador to ne Peru, is the bird we saw at Cajanuma, Acacana, and Cajas in the south. This was the one with the white wing speculum. SLATY BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus) – We saw this handsome brush-finch with the flock across the meadow at Guango. WHITE-WINGED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes leucopterus) – This lovely brush-finch was coming to eat rice at Tony & Barbara's. It had a white wing speculum and a pale rufous crown. BAY-CROWNED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes seebohmi) – This was another spiffy brush-finch, with the darker chestnut crown and no white speculum; we saw in well on the upper slopes of the Catamayo valley. TUMBES SPARROW (Rhynchospiza stolzmanni) – Formerly placed in the genus Aimophila, this Tumbesian endemic is reminiscent of our Rufous-crowned or Botteri's Sparrow. We saw it well several times in the lower part of the Catamayo valley. YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons) – This lowlander was seen at Copalinga and in pastures along the Loja/Zamora road, where it has colonized well up into the highlands with continued deforestation. RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis) – The original "naked man." Some tried to avert their eyes; but Margie nobly defended it as the pretty little sparrow with the sweet song that it is. COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus) – Common with the flocks around San Isidro; the bush- tanager with a pale eye. DUSKY BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus semifuscus) – Common with the flocks in the subtropics of the west, this was the dark olive one with the pale iris at Tandayapa and Finca Paz. YELLOW-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis marginatus) – The duller form of the west slope, that we saw well at Milpe, as they fed with the big mixed flock. YELLOW-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (YELLOW-THROATED) (Chlorospingus flavigularis flavigularis) – This east-slope form has the brighter, more defined yellow throat; a common bird at Bombuscaro and along the old Loja- Zamora road. ASHY-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus canigularis) – We had good looks at two of these scarcer bush- tanagers with the shrike-vireo flock on the old Loja-Zamora road. Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – The genus Piranga has now been placed in the Cardinalidae, with the grosbeaks. [We no longer have any "true" tanagers in the U.S.] This one is a fairly common winterer in Ecuador, and we saw it on both slopes. [b] WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera) [*] RED-HOODED TANAGER (Piranga rubriceps) – We had lovely looks at this beauty, as one sat atop the trees with the copper-colored leaves at Cajanuma. Hard to believe it's not a tanager. OCHRE-BREASTED TANAGER (Chlorothraupis stolzmanni) – And this one doesn't seem much like a cardinal either. We had good looks at these drab but noisy flock leaders in the rain at Milpe on our afternoon there.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 27 GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster) – Common in the dry valleys throughout Ecuador. The male of this species is stunning, and we had multiple nice views. BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) – Heard from the Silanche tower. [*] Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) PERUVIAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella bellicosa) – We saw this red-breasted meadowlark in the dry valleys at the Catamayo airport, near Ona, and in Cuenca. SCRUB BLACKBIRD (Dives warszewiczi) – The common bird of the drier habitats, it was seen well at one of our first stops in the Catamayo valley. SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – Catamayo and Ona GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus) – A surprisingly high-elevation bird along the Tandayapa Ridge was our first one; we saw another at the Scrub Tanager stop in Tumbaco. YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) – We coaxed in a bird that was vocalizing from the bamboo understory near the top of the road into Cajanuma. MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus) – Seen nicely at Cajanuma and again at Huashapamba; the black cacique with the yellow shoulders and rump. SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (PACIFIC) (Cacicus uropygialis pacificus) – The west-slope form of this complex that inhabits lower foothills and lowlands is considered a distinct species in BIRDS OF ECUADOR. But the SACC maintains it as a race. It does have a distinctive set of vocalizations from those of the next form. So keep track of where you've seen it; it may be resplit someday. We had great views of their scarlet rumps and pale blue irides when a flock came in with the Purple-throated Fruitcrows to the Silanche tower. SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – This look-alike (but with different vocalizations) was the common one around San Isidro and in humid forest along the whole east slope. RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) – This one is fairly common on the east slope, where we saw the race alfredi (with a yellowish bill) in the Zamora area and the nominate race (with a dark bill) around San Isidro and in the Guacamayos. CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus) – We saw this lowland cacique near Copalinga and on the lower Loja-Zamora road. Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata) – Recent genetic studies have shown that the euphonias and chlorophonias, formerly considered tanagers, are more closely related to the siskins; they have been moved into the Fringillidae. Orange-crowned was the one with an extensive orange crown patch and without the white undertail spots. We saw it mobbing the pygmy-owl in the gardens at Septimo and again from the Silanche tower. THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) – The euphonia with the all-yellow throat. They were fairly common at foothill and lower elevations on both slopes. GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – These were the dazzlers that we worked on and saw at Calacali East. BRONZE-GREEN EUPHONIA (Euphonia mesochrysa) – Seen with the big flock at Bombuscaro. ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster) – The commonest euphonia of the trip, with the yellow crown and dark throat. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys) – We heard it singing at Cajanuma, but we couldn't locate it. Then, down the road from San Isidro, we has a lovely look at a bird atop a tall tree. Even from behind, it's a standout with a yellow rump. YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia flavirostris) – On our rainy afternoon at Milpe, we saw a flock of about 8 birds, some of which were scoped from the bus. This is another dazzler of the west slope! YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus) – Seen well at Septimo and Silanche. HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus) – Seen from the Catamayo valley to the paramo at Cajas, this is the common highland siskin.

MAMMALS BRAZILIAN RABBIT (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) – Common especially in the paramo grasslands, where they probably are food for the Variable Hawks.

Field Guides Birding Tours • www.fieldguides.com • 800-728-4953 28 RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis) – The common squirrel on both slopes. KINKAJOU (Potos flavus) – We had super views of this nocturnal relative of raccoons in some tall cecropias near Copalinga, when David spotlighted one from the bus after our nightjar outing. LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata) – Rose alone saw this species--the same as in N America--at Yanacocha our first day afield. WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Margie and Yvonne spotted a deer with a fawn near Cuenca, and then we all saw the species in the high paramo on our way up to the Papallacta antennas. There was also a very small deer seen by some along the Yanacocha trail, but it wasn't identified.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

There were a few other critters that deserve special mention. David pointed out a number of fascinating butterflies along the way (including the lovely ithomid, or clearwing, he photographed at Refugio Paz-the cover photo), and there were a few fancy moths seen here and there (though not as many as usual, owing to the rain).

But the extra critter that grabbed the most attention was the Cuica, or Giant Earthworm, that we found in the middle of the road above San Isidro--after lots of rain. (It was good weather for seeing Cuicas whose burrows had doubtless been flooded.) This one was probably 2 feet long! I tried to research its scientific name and discovered there there has been relatively little taxonomic work done on earthworms of the world; there are hundreds of species of "giant earthworms" occurring throughout the world, many of them in S. America. So, sorry, I couldn't narrow it down to more than annelid earthworm. The most fascinating bit I ran across was at this link: http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/a- bad-day-for-earthworms/

It shows a caecilian attempting to eat a giant earthworm in the eastern Andes of Ecuador! It also offers a link to a David Attenborough bit on the life history of the caecilian; it's well worth watching! Maybe next trip we'll see a caecilian.

Totals for the tour: 552 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa

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