ECUADOR
7th FEBRUARY, 1994 to 1st MARCH, 1994
JOHN & DAVID COOPER
I originally published our Ecuador trip report over four seperate posts in Feb, 2022, but I have now decided to post this trip report in full for completeness. All the photographs were taken by ourselves using my old Nikon SLR camera with 300 mm Nikon telephoto lens and a good supply of Kodak colour slide films.
EEcuador although a fairly small South American country, around 1,600 species of birds have been found on mainland Ecuador with a good mixture of habitats including the Pacific Ocean coast, and wet lands, large forests, volcanoes, and the Andes mountains , adds to a nice large selection of bird species. In the itinerary, I have included a good number of scenic photographs which I took during our visit. During our three week trip we identified 308 species of birds without the use of guides, although we did have bird tapes, and previous birders trip reports, and bird identification guides which David and myself spent many hours studying to plan our itinerary.
ITINERARY
8th February: Arrived Quito, from Heathrow.
View looking over Quito, before flying off tomorrow to Loja.
9th February: Flew fron Quito to Loja spending the afternoon along the Cajanuma Cabin trails, in the large Podacarpus National Park.
Overlooking the Podacarpus National Park.
The entrance track into the Podacarpus National Park.
High up on the Cajanuma Cabin trail in the Podacarpus National Park.
10th February: All day along the Cajanuma Cabin trails, in the Podacarpus National Park.
Slowly making our way along the Cajanuma Cabin trail.
Looking from the Cajanuma Cabin trail over this large National Park.
11th February: Caught the early morning bus to Zamora, spending the afternoon along the Rio Bombuscara Trail.
We were soon out birding along the Rio Bombuscara Trail.
12th February: All day birding along the Rio Bombuscara Trail.
Another view from the Rio Bombuscara Trail.
13th February: Another all day birding along the Rio Bombuscara Trail.
Views of the rainforest in this National Park.
14th February: Caught the bus back to Loja spending the afternoon along the Cajanuma Cabin trails.
15th February: All day birding along the Cajanuma Cabin trails.
16th February: Flew back to Quito, hired a car and then driving to Pasochoa – La Cienaga.
Two views taken at Paschoa.
17th February: All day Cotopaxi.
Cotopaxi Volcano and surrounding areas, with some good birding habitats.
18th February: Drove along the Old Santo Domingo road.
19th February: All day birding at Tinalandia.
View taken at Tinalandia.
Butterfly taken at Tinalandia.
20th February: All day at Rio Palenque.
21st February: All day birding at the Papallacta Pass.
Four views taken on the Papallacta Pass.
David birding on the Papallacta Pass.
22nd February: Drove along the long Nono Mindo road to Mindo.
Spectacular scenery.
Waterfall through the forest.
Views taken, as we drove along the Nono-Mindo road towards Mindo.
23rd February: All day birding at Mindo.
Views taken around Mindo.
Plants taken at Mindo.
24th February: Drove from Mindo to Nono.
25th February: Drove from Nono to Tandayapa.
26th February: Visited Pasochoa and then Pappalacta Pass.
27th February: Visited Cotopaxi and then Papallacta Pass.
28th February: Papallacta Pass then drove to Quito.
1st March: Flew from Quito back to London.
Systematic bird list
Curve-billed Tinamou - Nothoprocta curvirostris JFC saw 1 on hillsides at the back of Laguna de Limpiopungo, Cotopaxi, on the 27th.
Silvery Grebe - Podiceps occipitalis juninensis C Seen on a lake near Papallacta Pass with 6 seen on the 21st and 7 on the 26th. On the second visit an adult was seen feeding a juvenile.
Great Egret - Ardea alba egretta C Singles were seen at Guayaquil Airport on the 9th and 16th and in flight over the Zamora Bus Terminal on the 14th.
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis ibis C A total of 8 were seen from the Catamayo airfield serving Loja on the 16th and 2 were seen near Mindo on the 22nd.
Torrent Duck - Merganetta armata leucogenis/colombiana C A superb pair of the form leucogenis were watched for some time on the Rio Bombuscara from the point where the taxi drops visitors at the start of the trail on the 13th and close views of a superb drake colombiana were obtained along the Old Santo Domingo Road on the 18th.
Drake Torrent Duck along the Old Santo Domingo Road.
Speckled Teal - Anas flavirostris andium C Around 20 were seen on the Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotapaxi on the 17th and 25 there on the 27th. At the Papallacta Pass a pair were flushed from a stream on the 21st and 8 were seen on the sterile-looking reservoir above Papallacta Village on the 26th.
Yellow-billed Pintail - Anas georgica spinicauda C On our first visit to Cotopaxi 10 were seen on the Laguna de Limpiopungo on the 17th.
Yellow Billed Pintails on Laguna de Limpiopingo, Cotopaxi.
Andean Duck - Oxyura ferruginea C Two drakes and a female were seen on the same lake as the Silvery Grebes at Papallacta Pass on the 26th. The species was not listed by Heijnen as having been recorded at Papallacta. This form is given specific status by Clements though not by HBW.
Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus C Seen on eight dates between the 16th and 28th with a daily maximum of 50 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura jota C Seen on five dates between the 19th and 28th with a daily maximum of 50 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Andean Condor - Vultur gryphus C We saw 3 drift over Papallacta Pass from the point where the path left the road to the lake with the Silvery Grebes during the afternoon of the 21st.
wallow-tailed Kite - Elanoides forficatus yetapa C A single individual was seen at Tinalandia on the 18th and up to 30 were seen there the following day, and singles were seen along the road to the Obelisk above Mindo on both the 23rd and 24th.
Swallow-tailed Kite over Tinalandia.
Barred Hawk - Leucopternis princeps C A superb adult was watched perched above the road and then calling as it circled over us along the road between the Tandayapa Trail (Blue House Trail) and the town of Tandayapa on the 25th.
Barred Hawk sat over the road near Tandayapa.
Roadside Hawk - Buteo magnirostris magnirostris C We saw up to 4 on seven different dates between the 19th and 26th.
Roadside Hawk at Mindo.
Broad-winged Hawk - Buteo platypterus platypterus C We saw up to 3 on seven dates between the 16th and 26th.
Broad Winged Hawk near Tandayapa.
Variable Hawk - Buteo polyosoma poecilochrous C
At Cotopaxi singles were seen over the high ridges at the back of Laguna de Limpiopungo on the 17th and 27th and at Papallacta Pass 4 were seen in the vicinity of the lake holding the Silvery Grebes on both the 21st and 26th and perched close to the road on the 28th.
Variable Hawk at Cotopaxi.
Carunculated Caracara - Phalcoboenus carunculatus C A pair of adults were seen in the vicinity of the first campsite at Cotopaxi on both the 17th and 27th with another pair of adults seen around the Laguna de Limpiopungo on the 17th and 4 immatures seen there on both the 17th and 27th. A single immature was seen at the Silvery Grebe lake at Papallacta Pass on the 28th.
Adult Carunculated Caracaras at Cotopaxi.
Juvenile Carunculated Caracara at Cotopaxi.
Crested Caracara - Caracara plancus cheriway C
We saw 2 at Guayaquil airfield on the 16th.
American Kestrel - Falco sparverius C
We saw 1 in Quito on the 8th and up to 5 on seven dates again in the north of the country between the 16th and 27th.
A distant American Kestrel near Tandayapa.
Bat Falcon - Falco rufigularis petoensis C
A single individual was watched hunting from a large tree at the edge of the Tinalandia Golf Course on the 19th.
Bat Falcon at Tinalandia Golf Course.
Andean Guan - Penelope montagnii C
At least 3 were seen at Pasochoa on the left-hand hillside as you look up the valley from the HQ on the 26th.
Wattled Guan - Aburria aburri C
A single individual was watched for some time as it fed on the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd. Totally unexpected and a highlight of the trip.
Wattled Guan taking grit from track at Mindo.
Sickle-winged Guan - Chamaepetes goudotii tschudii C
We saw two pairs of adults and a single immature between the taxi drop-off point and the HQ on the Rio Bombuscara Trail on the 13th. Superb views obtained.
Slate-coloured Coot - Fulica ardesiaca C
Up to 20 were seen on both visits to Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi on the 17th and 27th.
Slate Coloured Coot on the Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi.
Sunbittern - Eurypyga helias major C
A superb individual was watched walking ahead of us along the track leading to the ‘expensive new lodge’ at Mindo on the 22nd.
Andean Lapwing - Vanellus resplendens C
We saw 40 at the Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi on the 17th and 60 there on the 27th and 9 in a ploughed field near Pifo below Papallacta Pass on the 28th.
Andean Lapwing at the Laguna de Limpiopungo, Cotopaxi.
Semipalmated Plover - Charadrius semipalmatus C
An immature was seen on both visits to Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi on the 17th and 27th. This species is considered accidental in the high Andes by Birds of the High Andes which doesn’t list any records from Ecuador at this altitude.
Semipalmated Plover at Laguna de Limpiopungo, Cotopaxi.
Noble Snipe - Gallinago nobilis C
A single individual was flushed three times in the reedbed at the back of Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi on the 17th. We obtained excellent flight views.
Greater Yellowlegs - Tringa melanoleuca C
We saw 6 on our first visit to Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi but just 3 on our second visit.
Greater Yellowlegs at the Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi.
Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes C
We saw 6 on our first visit to Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi.
Lesser Yellowlegs on Laguna de Limpiopungo, Cotopaxi.
Spotted Sandpiper - Actitis macularia C
We saw 2 at where the stream enters the sterile-looking Reservoir above the town of Papallacta on the 26th.
Andean Gull - Larus serranus C
We saw 6 at Laguna de Limpiopungo on the 17th and an impressive 80 were seen there on the 27th including a single adult sat on a nest at the back of the lake on both dates. A flock of 18 were seen in a field being ploughed between Papallacta Pass and Pifo on the 21st.
Andean Gulls on Laguna de Limpiopungo, Cotopixa.
Band-tailed Pigeon - Columba fasciata albilinea C
We saw up to 20 daily on our four dates at Cajanuma Cabin in Podocarpus NP, 2 at Cotopaxi, 30 along the Nono Mindo road and 20 at Pasochoa.
Band Tailed Pigeon at Pasochoa.
Plumbeous Pigeon - Columba plumbea C
Up to 3 were seen daily around Mindo and along the Nono Mindo road with others heard.
Plumbeous Pigeons along the Nono-Mindo Road.
Ruddy Pigeon - Columba subvinacea C
We saw, and more importantly heard, just 5 at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Ruddy Pigeon at Tinalandia.
Eared Dove - Zenaida auriculata C
Commonly seen in open cleared habitat as well as in cities including Quito. Seen on a total of seven dates with up to a daily maximum of 15. Not seen in the south of the country.
Common Ground-Dove - Columbina passerina quitensis C
Seen on four dates in and around Quito with a daily maximum of 6 seen on the 8th.
Croaking Ground-Dove - Columbina cruziana C
A pair, were watched in courtship display outside the airport buildings at Catamayo on the 16th.
Black-winged Ground-Dove - Metriopelia melanoptera saturatior C
A party of 7 were seen on the flat plain above Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi on the 27th. Much better than expected appearing almost Sandgrouse-like in flight.
Black Winged Ground-Doves at Cotopaxi.
White-tipped Dove - Leptotila verreauxi decolor C
Only positively identified on four dates and only seen in small numbers.
Grey-fronted Dove - Leptotila rufaxilla dubusi C
Two extremely dark drab Doves seen well on the trail in front of us on the loop trail and on the entrance trail at Rio Bombuscara in the Podocarpus NP were almost certainly this species. It is listed as occurring at this site by Tom Heijnen.
Pallid Dove - Leptotila pallida C
This species was seen around clumps of bamboo with 3 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th and 4 at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Ruddy Quail-Dove - Geotrygon montana montana C
DC saw a single individual perched briefly alongside the Loop Trail at Rio Bombuscara in the Podocarpus NP on the 12th and another was seen to fly low across the entrance trail the following day.
Maroon-tailed Parakeet - Pyrrhura melanura C
A party of 8 were seen along the upper half of the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th.
Red-billed Parrot - Pionus sordidus sordidus C
Up to 10 were seen on two dates spent along the road to the obelisk above Mindo and
a flock of 20 were seen along the Nono Mindo road the following day.
Red Billed Parrot sat high in a tree above Mindo.
Speckle-faced Parrot - Pionus tumultuosus seniloides C
An impressive and noisy party of 30 were seen for most of the day at Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP on the 10th but surprisingly were never seen again.
Bronze-winged Parrot - Pionus chalcopterus C
Only positively identified along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on two dates although almost certainly seen in flight at Tinalandia.
Squirrel Cuckoo - Piaya cayana C
We saw 2 along the Rio Bombuscara Trail in the Podocarpus NP on the 13th, 4 at Tinalandia on the 19th and 1 at Rio Palenque the following day.
Smooth-billed Ani - Crotophaga ani C
Seen on five dates in small numbers but almost certainly under-recorded.
Groove-billed Ani - Crotophaga sulcirostris C
Seen on five dates in small numbers including a few at Curacao Airport where it was the only species seen during our brief stop to refuel the plane there.
Rufous-banded Owl - Ciccaba albitarsis C
A single individual was seen just after dark in the car park at Pasochoa on the 25th. A benefit of sleeping in our car hire at this site.
Spectacled Owl - Pulsatrix perspicillata chapmani C
A superb individual was seen at its daytime roost at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Spectacled Owl at its day time roost at Rio Palenque.
Lesser Nighthawk - Chordeiles acutipennis aequatorialis C
Around 6 were seen around the Catamayo Airfield at dawn on the 16th.
White-collared Swift - Streptoprocne zonaris C
The only species of Swift satisfactorily identified being seen on seven dates though not in the South of the country with a daily maximum of 100 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Band-tailed Barbthroat - Threnetes ruckeri ruckeri C
We saw 2 at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
White-whiskered Hermit – Phaethornis yaruqui JFC
JFC saw a single individual at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Stripe-throated Hermit - Phaethornis striigularis subrufescens C
We saw 3 including a pair facing each other in display flight at Tinalandia on the 19th and 4 at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Sparkling Violet-ear - Colibri coruscans coruscans C
We saw c.20 near Quito airport on the 8th and 1 at Pasochoa on the 16th and 4 there on the 26th.
Blue-tailed Emerald - Chlorostilbon mellisugus C
A single individual seen at Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP was tentatively identified as this species.
Fork-tailed Woodnymph – Thalurania furcata JFC
JFC photographed an obliging female at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Female Fork Tailed Woodnymph at Rio Palenque.
Violet-bellied Hummingbird - Damophila julie feliciana C
A single male was seen at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird - Amazilia tzacatl jucunda C
A pair were seen in the grounds of the Hotel Zaracay near Santo Domingo with a few seen at Tinalandia and a single individual seen on the outskirts of Tandayapa village.
Rufous Tailed Hummingbird in the forest at Tandayapa.
Speckled Hummingbird - Adelomyia melanogenys C
We saw 2 along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th.
Shining Sunbeam - Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis C
We saw 3 in a small patch of Polylepis woodland near Papallacta Pass on the 28th. They would perch near the tops of the trees for long periods allowing prolonged views.
Chimborazo Hillstar - Oreotrochilus chimborazo jamesoni C
It was disappointing to only see 3 females on the higher slopes of Cotopaxi on the 17th and was therefore a relief to see 3 males and 2 females on a hillside near Laguna de Limpiopungo on the 27th. One of the highlights of the trip.
Chimborazo Hillstar on the higher slopes of Cotopaxi.
Brown Inca - Coeligena wilsoni C
A single male was seen along the upper half of the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th.
Collared Inca - Coeligena torquata C
Up to 4 were seen daily in the vicinity of Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP and a single individual was seen along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd. Superb.
Buff-winged Starfrontlet - Coeligena lutetiae C
Up to 3 were seen daily on four dates at the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP.
Rainbow Starfrontlet - Coeligena iris iris C
We saw 2 along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin on the 10th and 1 there on the 15th.
Sword-billed Hummingbird - Ensifera ensifera C
A brief flight view of a bird leaving the courtyard next to the shop at Pasochoa led us to the bird perched on the edge of a nearby bush for several minutes on the 16th. One of the highlights of the trip.
Great Sapphirewing - Pterophanes cyanopterus peruvianus C
A single female was seen on the edge of a patch of Polylepis woodland not far from the shrine at Papallacta Pass on the 28th. It was briefly attracted to the colour of JFC’s shirt hovering around us momentarily.
Giant Hummingbird - Patagona gigas peruviana C
A single individual was seen between Cotopaxi and the Hacienda la Cienega along the Pan American Highway in the vicinity of several gigantic Puyas on which it was first seen perched. This impressive bird then flew across the road and was watched flying back and forth to bathe in a puddle.
Little Sunangel - Heliangelus micrastur micrastur C
We saw up to 5 on four dates along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin.
Glowing Puffleg - Eriocnemis vestitus smaragdinipectus C
A male showing the combination of a golden rump and white puffs was seen along the entrance road to the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP on the 10th.
Sapphire-vented Puffleg - Eriocnemis luciani C
A single male was seen at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Golden-breasted Puffleg - Eriocnemis mosquera
A single individual showing characteristics of this species was seen along the Mirador Trail above the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP on the 14th. With reference to BoHA and HBW it appears Podocapus NP falls to the south of this species’ known range and although Heijnen lists it from this site (so it must have been claimed before) it throws doubt on the identification.
Booted Racket-tail - Ocreatus underwoodii C
A female was seen along the entrance trail to Rio Bombuscara on the 13th and a male was seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Black-tailed Trainbearer - Lesbia victoriae victoriae C
We saw up to 5 near Quito Airport on the 8th, 7 at Pasochoa on the 16th with 1 there on the 26th and 2 at Cotopaxi on the 17th.
Male Black Tailed Trainbearer at Pasochoa
Green-tailed Trainbearer - Lesbia nuna gracilis C
A single individual was seen briefly just above the entrance barrier to Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP on the 14th.
Tyrian Metaltail - Metallura tyrianthina C
A single female was seen in a valley just beyond where the conifer plantations end at Cotopaxi on the 17th.
Viridian Metaltail - Metallura williami C
At least 4 were seen feeding by clinging to ground level flowers just below the shrine near Papallacta Village on the 28th.
Blue-mantled Thornbill - Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi C
Males were seen near the shrine at Papallacta Pass on the 21st and along the track leading to the Silver Grebe Lake just below Papallacta Pass on the 26th.
Violet-tailed Sylph - Aglaiocercus coelestis C
A pair were seen along the upper half of the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th. Superb.
White-bellied Woodstar - Chaetocercus mulsant C
A pair were seen at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Masked Trogon - Trogon personatus C
A stunning male was watched for some time between Tandayapa Village and the Blue House Trail on the 25th.
Golden-headed Quetzal - Pharomachrus auriceps C
A superb male was seen along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP on the 10th, 3 were seen around half-way along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd with 1 again seen there the following day.
Blue-crowned Motmot - Momotus momota microstephanus C
A single individual was seen perched briefly above the entrance trail to the Rio Bombuscara buildings in the Podocarpus NP on the 13th. This record falls below the altitude favoured by the recently split Highland Motmot M. aequatorialis which has been recorded in the Podocarpus NP.
Rufous Motmot - Baryphthengus martii C
A superb adult was watched for some time before it retreated into the forest along the lower section of the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Rufous Motmot above Mindo.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar - Galbula ruficauda melanogenia C
A pair were seen just outside the entrance to the forest trail near the water tank at Tinalandia on the 19th
.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar at Tinalandia.
Coppery-chested Jacamar - Galbula pastazae C
Seen at the Rio Bombuscara in the Podocarpus NP where singles were seen along the entrance trail on the 11th and 13th and also along the River Trail on the 13th. Superb.
Red-headed Barbet - Eubucco bourcierii C
First seen along the entrance trail at Rio Bombuscara in the Podocarpus NP where 1 was seen on the 12th and 2 on the 13th, then at Tinalandia where a pair were seen at their nest-hole on the 19th, and finally 1 along the upper section of the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th.
Red-headed Barbet coming to its nesting hole at Tinalandia.
Toucan Barbet - Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus C
Groups of 3 birds were seen on both days spent along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd and 24th. Both groups loosely associated with mixed-species flocks. One of the highlights of the trip.
Prong-billed Barbet - Semnornis frantzii C
Only seen along the jeep trail at Monteverde where 1 was seen on the 23rd and 6 on the 25th.
Chestnut-tipped Toucanet - Aulacorhynchus derbianus derbianus C
We briefly saw a pair along the entrance trail to Rio Bombuscara on the 12th but obtained good views of a single individual the following day feeding in the same tree as a Sickle-winged Guan.
Crimson-rumped Toucanet - Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus C
We saw 3 at Tinalandia on the 19th and up to 2 on two dates around Mindo.
Crimson Rumped Toucanet at Tinalandia.
Stripe-billed Aracari - Pteroglossus sanguineus C
A single individual was seen at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Pale-mandibled Aracari - Pteroglossus erythropygius C
Pairs were seen at Tinalandia on the 19th, Rio Palenque on the 20th and a single individual was seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan - Andigena laminirostris C
Unfortunately only poor views were obtained of a pair that flew across in front of us whilst were driving along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd.
Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan - Andigena hypoglauca lateralis C
Excellent views were obtained along the road to the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP of a party of 4 c.800m below the HQ sign on the 10th and 1 lower down on the 15th. A superb species proving a highlight of the trip.
Record shot of a Grey Breasted Mountain-Toucan.
Choco Toucan - Ramphastos brevis C
At least 3 were seen at Tinalandia feeding low in the forest near the parking area on the 19th.
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan - Ramphastos swainsonii C
A single individual was seen perched high in the canopy of the forest at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker - Melanerpes pucherani C
Singles were seen at Tinalandia on the 19th and at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Black-cheeked Woodpecker at Tinalandia.
Smoky-brown Woodpecker - Veniliornis fumigatus reichenbachi C
Singles were seen above Mindo on the 23rd and 24th.
Little Woodpecker - Veniliornis passerinus agilis C
A single individual was seen on the loop trail above the Rio Bombuscara HQ on the 13th.
Red-rumped Woodpecker - Veniliornis kirkii cecilii C
A single individual was seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Golden-olive Woodpecker - Piculus rubiginosus C
A single individual was seen near Mindo on the 24th.
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker - Piculus rivolii brevirostris C
We saw at least 2 at Pasochoa on the 26th obtaining some good photographs. Superb.
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker at Pasochoa.
Lineated Woodpecker - Dryocopus lineatus lineatus C
A pair were seen along the entrance road to Rio Bombuscara on the 11th.
Powerful Woodpecker - Campephilus pollens pollens C
A pair were seen along the entrance road just below Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP during the evening of the 9th. Superb.
Bar-winged Cinclodes - Cinclodes fuscus albidiventris C
We saw around 10 on both visits to Cotopaxi and saw up to 3 at Papallacta Pass on our three visits there.
Bar Winged Cinclodes carrying food to it’s nearby nest at Cotopaxi.
Stout-billed Cinclodes - Cinclodes excelsior excelsior C
We saw c.40 on our first visit to Cotopaxi but surprisingly only 2 were in evidence there during our second visit. We also saw 2 near Papallacta Pass on the 21st.
Stout Billed Cinclodes at Cotopaxi.
Pale-legged Hornero - Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus C
Singles were seen in fields between Loja and the Cajanuma Cabin entrance of the Podocarpus NP on the 9th and 10th, another single was seen outside the airport serving Loja on the 16th and seen on three dates around Santo Domingo including a confiding individual in the hotel grounds and a daily maximum of 30 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th. Superb.
Pale-legged Hornero at Tinalandia.
Andean Tit-Spinetail - Leptasthenura andicola andicola C
We saw 2 at Papallacta Pass on the 21st and 1 there on the 26th and 2 just above the conifer plantation on Cotopaxi on the 27th.
Andean Tit-Spinetail at Papallacta Pass
Rufous Spinetail - Synallaxis unirufa unirufa C
Seen on the trails around the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP where 10 were seen on the 9th, 2 on the 14th and 4 on the 15th.
Azara’s Spinetail - Synallaxis azarae
We recorded singles on both days spent along the road to the obelisk above Mindo and 2 along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th. However Cotinga 6 does not include this species from this site and they were therefore quite probably immature Red-faced Spinetails (see comments under Line-cheeked Spinetail in The Birds of South America). A single individual seen at Cajanuma Cabin had dusky underparts rather than the almost-white underparts of the expected form to occur at this site. Tricky !
Slaty Spinetail - Synallaxis brachyura chapmani C
Pairs were seen at Tinalandia on the 19th and along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
White-browed Spinetail - Hellmayrea gularis gularis C
Only seen whilst on the trails at Cajanuma Cabin where 2 were seen on the 9th, 1 on the 10th and 1 on the 15th.
Red-faced Spinetail - Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops C
Seen on all four dates spent in the Nono and Mindo areas with a daily maximum of 6 seen along the road to the obelisk on the 23rd.
White-chinned Thistletail - Schizoeaca fuliginosa fuliginosa C
We obtained poor views of 3 at Papallacta Pass on the 21st but good views of a single individual in the gully just above the conifer plantation on Cotopaxi on the 27th.
Record shot of White Chinned Thistletail at Cotopaxi, showing its white chin.
Streak-backed Canastero - Asthenes wyatti aequatorialis C
We found a single individual near a red lava flow at the top end of the flat area beyond Laguna de Limpiopungo on Cotopaxi on the 27th.
Many-striped Canastero - Asthenes flammulata flammulata C
Seen daily in small numbers at both Cotopaxi and Papallacta Pass.
Many Striped Canastero at the Papallacta Pass.
Slender-billed Xenops - Xenops tenuirostris acutirostris C
A pair of ‘streaked’ Xenops that were seen along the Rio Bombuscara trail on the 12th were most likely this species if the altitude map in ‘The Birds of Ecuador’ by T. Butler is correct.
Streaked Xenops - Xenops rutilans C
A single individual was seen above Mindo on the 23rd.
Montane Foliage-gleaner - Anabacerthia striaticollis montana C
A single individual was seen along the Rio Bombuscara trail on the 13th.
Streaked Tuftedcheek - Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii orientalis C
At the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP we saw 2 on the 10th and 2 on the 14th.
Streak-capped Treehunter - Thripadectes virgaticeps virgaticeps C
Singles were seen above Mindo on the 23rd and along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th.
Lineated Foliage-gleaner - Syndactyla subalaris subalaris C
We saw 2 along the road leading to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner - Philydor rufus riveti C
A single individual was seen above Mindo on the 23rd.
Tyrannine Woodcreeper - Dendrocincla tyrannina tyrannina C
We saw 2 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo. Also we saw 2 which we considered to be this species along the road just below Cajanuma Cabin on the 14th although Tom Heijnen (1993) does not list this species from this site.
Spotted Woodcreeper - Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis C
A single individual was seen along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd.
Streak-headed Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes souleyetii C
At least 3 were tentatively identified as this species at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Montane Woodcreeper - Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis C
We noted 2 on three dates in the Mindo area.
Great Antshrike - Taraba major transandeanus C
A superb male was seen on the edge of the forest at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Pacific Streaked-Antwren - Myrmotherula pacifica C
A single male was seen near the parking lot at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Black-headed Antthrush - Formicarius nigricapillus destructus C
A superb individual was seen walking through the forest at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
Undulated Antpitta - Grallaria squamigera squamigera C
An excellent hoped-for species which we didn’t really expect to see. A superb individual was watched for around 30 minutes at the start of the Mirador trail above the Cajanuma Cabin as it fed in the open on the trail ahead of us after heavy rain on the 9th with another seen briefly on the Antenejos trail the same day. A single individual was seen in the bamboo thicket at Pasachoa on the 26th although it quickly departed once it was aware of our prescence. Many birds were heard at both sites although it is listed as uncommon in The Birds of the High Andes.
An Undulated Antpitta after heavy rain on the Mirador trail.
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta - Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla C
A single individual was watched briefly feeding on the trail ahead of us in the bamboo thicket at Pasochoa on the 26th. This species is not listed by T. Heijnen from this site.
Chestnut-naped Antpitta - Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis C
A superb species being one of the highlights of the trip with a pair found feeding on emerging grubs on the Antenejos trail with some good photographs being obtained as the birds performed for much of the day. The following day a single individual was seen briefly on a different part of the same trail. Brilliant.
Chestnut Naped Antpitta along the Antenejos trail.
Rufous Antpitta - Grallaria rufula rufula C
We taped 2 into view which then performed well along the Mirador trail above the Cajanuma Cabin on the 14th and a single individual was seen crossing the Antenejos trail the following day. Excellent.
Tawny Antpitta - Grallaria quitensis quitensis C
A single individual was seen opposite the museum at Cotopaxi on the 17th, 8 were seen at Papallacta Pass on the 21st and 5 there on the 28th. Good views seem almost guaranteed of this showy Antpitta.
Tawny Antpittas at Cotopaxi.
Ash-coloured Tapaculo - Myornis senilis C
In the vicinity of the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP we saw 2 on the 10th and 1 on the 15th.
Ocellated Tapaculo - Acropternis orthonyx infuscata C
An outrageous species proving the highlight of the trip when we succeeded at Pasochoa where singles were watched on both the 16th and 26th. With the aid of tape playback they were watched for a couple of hours as once located they would only move a very short distance whilst foraging. JFC obtained some fine photographs.
Ocellated Tapaculo at Pasochoa.
Red-crested Cotinga - Ampelion rubrocristata C
We saw 2 along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin associating with Barred Fruiteaters on the 15th, and singles at Pasochoa on the 16th and above Papallacta Village on the 28th.
Red Crested Cotinga at Pasochoa National Park.
Barred Fruiteater - Pipreola arcuata arcuata C
We saw 4 over a period of three dates in the vicinity of Cajanuma Cabin with JFC obtaining some good photographs. The birds all gave distinctive high-pitched whistles alerting us to their prescence. An aggressive individual was seen to twice chase a Red-crested Cotinga.
Barred Fruiteater near Cajanuma Cabin.
Fiery-throated Fruiteater - Pipreola chlorolepidota C
A single female was watched feeding in the canopy of a flowering tree attracting mainly Tanagers along the entrance trail to the Rio Bombuscara HQ on the 13th. Due to the bird’s size it was only the white tips to the tertials that convinced us that we were watching a Fruiteater. This little-known species is not listed from this site by Tom Heijnen.
Purple-throated Fruitcrow - Querula purpurata C
A party of 3 were seen at Rio Palenque on the 20th. Superb.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock - Rupicola peruviana aequatorialis C
Excellent views were obtained daily at Rio Bombuscara where it was the second species seen. Both males and females were seen but never at a lek. We estimated that we saw 2 on the 11th, 5 on the 12th and 3 on the 13th. A highlight of the trip.
Record shot of a male Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks along the Rio Bombuscara trail.
Female Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks along the Rio Bombuscara trail.
Blue-rumped Manakin - Pipra isidorei isidorei C
We saw 2 fine males along the river trail beyond the Rio Bombuscara HQ buildings on the 12th. The birds were seen to be chasing each other and briefly in display. Unfortunately the only other Manakins seen during the trip were females which were left unidentified.
White-crested Elaenia - Elaenia albiceps griseigularis C
Singles were seen in Quito on the 8th, along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd and 6 were seen at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Sierran Elaenia - Elaenia pallatangae pallatangae C
A single individual was seen just above Nono on the 25th.
Torrent Tyrannulet - Serpophaga cinerea cinerea C
A single individual was seen along the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 2 were seen along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd.
Streak-necked Flycatcher - Mionectes striaticollis C
A single individual was seen at the Rio Bombuscara HQ on the 13th, 2 were seen in the Nono and Mindo areas on the 24th with 1 seen there the following day.
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant - Phylloscartes ophthalmicus ophthalmicus C
Singles were seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd and 24th.
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet - Phyllomyias uropygialis C
A single individual was seen along the road to the obelisk on the 24th.
White-throated Tyrannulet - Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatis C
In Polylepis woodland at Papallacta Pass we saw 1 on the 21st and 2 on the 28th.
White-banded Tyrannulet - Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus C
At Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP we saw 2 on the 9th and 1 the following day.
Tufted Tit-Tyrant - Anairetes parulus aequatorialis C
Pairs were seen at Hacienda la Cienega, Cotopaxi and at Papallacta Pass.
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant - Lophotriccus pileatus squamaecrista C
We heard several and saw 2 at Rio Palenque on the 20th and saw 1 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher - Todirostrum nigriceps C
A pair were seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Fulvous-breasted Flatbill - Rhynchocyclus fulvipectus C
DC saw a single individual along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
White-throated Spadebill - Platyrinchus mystaceus zamorae C
A single individual was seen briefly along the River trail at Rio Bombuscara on the 12th.
Ornate Flycatcher - Myiotriccus ornatus C
We saw 8 along the Rio Bombuscara trails on the 11th and 4 there the following day and we saw 2 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 22nd and 10 there on the 23rd. Superb.
Ornate Flycatcher along the Rio Bombuscara trail.
Ornate Flycatcher near Mindo.
Cinnamon Flycatcher - Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea pyrrhoptera C
Singles were seen at the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP and along the Nono Mindo road on both the 22nd and 25th.
Smoke-coloured Peewee - Contopus fumigatus C
Seen in small numbers on four dates in the Nono and Mindo areas with a daily maximum of 3 seen on the 24th.
Eastern / Western Wood-Pewee - Contopus virens / sordidulus C
We saw 4 along the entrance road to Rio Bombuscara on the 13th.
Tawny-breasted Flycatcher – Myiobius villosus JFC
JFC saw a single individual on the loop trail above the Rio Bombuscara HQ buildings on the 13th.
Black Phoebe - Sayornis nigricans angustirostris C
Singles were seen at the Rio Bombuscara on two dates and up to 3 were seen on four dates in the Nono and Mindo areas.
Vermilion Flycatcher - Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae C
We saw up to 6 on both visits to the airport serving Loja, up to 8 were seen around Quito and a few were seen in the gardens of Hacienda La Cienega.
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant - Ochthoeca rufipectoralis C
Up to 8 of these superb birds were seen daily whilst in the vicinity of the Cajanuma Cabin on our four days there.
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant - Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons C
We saw up to 8 daily on visits to Papallacta Pass and Cotopaxi.
Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant - Cnemarchus erythropygius erythropygius C
A superb individual was seen just behind the shrine at Papallacta Pass on the 21st and although it proved approachable we couldn’t locate it on subsequent visits.
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant - Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis C
A pair were seen on four dates at the edge of the forest along the entrance road to the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP.
Smoky Bush-Tyrant - Myiotheretes fumigatus cajamarcae C
Singles were seen on four dates at the Cajanuma Cabin 1 often present at the start of the Antpitta trail.
Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola maculirostris rufescens C
We saw around 6 in the vicinity of Laguna de Limpiopungo at Cotopaxi on the 27th.
Spot Billed Ground-Tyrant at Cotopaxi.
Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant - Muscisaxicola alpina alpina C
Only seen at Cotopaxi above Laguna de Limpiopungo where 20 were seen on the 17th and 1 on the 27th.
Plain Capped Ground-Tyrant high up on Cotopaxi.
Masked Water-Tyrant - Fluvicola nengeta atripennis C
We saw 6 around the Tinalandia. Superb.
Masked Water-Tyrant on the Tinalandia golf course.
Bright-rumped Attila - Attila spadiceus C
A single individual was part of a mixed-species flock seen along the Nono Mndo road on the 22nd.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher - Myiarchus tuberculifer C
We saw at least 5 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th.
Social Flycatcher - Myiozetetes similis C
Seen along the old road to Santo Domingo, at Tinalandia, Rio Palenque and along the Nono Mindo road with a daily maximum of 40 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Social Flycatcher along the Nono-Mindo road.
Streaked Flycatcher - Myiodynastes maculatus C
A pair were seen around the Rio Bombuscara HQ on the 12th.
Snowy-throated Kingbird - Tyrannus niveigularis C
A single individual was seen in the orchard along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 22nd.
Tropical Kingbird - Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus C
We saw up to 6 daily at Rio Bombuscara, 60 at Tinalandia with smaller numbers seen at the nearby Rio Palenque and in the Nono Mindo areas.
Eastern Kingbird - Tyrannus tyrannus C
A single individual was seen in the orchard along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 22nd.
Barred Becard - Pachyramphus versicolor C
Seen along the Nono Mindo road and along the road to the obelisk above Mindo with 4 seen on the 22nd and 1 on the 23rd. Superb.
Cinnamon Becard - Pachyramphus cinnamomeus cinnamomeus C
A single individual was seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
White-winged Becard - Pachyramphus polychopterus C
We saw 3 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Masked Tityra - Tityra semifasciata C
We saw 6 at Tinalandia on the 19th and 3 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 22nd.
Black-crowned Tityra - Tityra inquisitor C
We saw a pair at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Grey-breasted Martin - Progne chalybea chalybea C
A single individual was identified at Zamora on the 12th, 4 were seen at the airport serving Loja on the 16th and 2 were seen near Santo Domingo on the 20th.
Blue-and-white Swallow - Pygochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca C
Seen on seventeen dates in good numbers including birds breeding along the entrance road to the Cajanuma Cabin where we unfortunately failed to find the Pale-footed Swallow.
Brown-bellied Swallow - Notiochelidon murina murina C
Seen on ten dates in good numbers at widespread highland locations with a daily maximum of 50 seen in the Nono and Tandayapa Pass area on the 25th.
White-banded Swallow - Atticora fasciata C
We saw 10 over the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 1 there the following day. Superb.
White-thighed Swallow - Neochelidon tibialis minima C
We saw c.8 at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx ruficollis C
Seen in fair numbers on eight dates in the north of the country.
Paramo Pipit - Anthus bogotensis bogotensis C
A single individual was located on a large flat plain between the sterile-looking reservoir and the shrine at Papallacta Pass on the 21st.
White-capped Dipper - Cinclus leucocephalus leuconotus C
A single individual was seen on the Rio Bombuscara on the 11th with further singles seen along the Nono Mindo road on the 24th and above Papallacta Village on the 26th and 28th. Sup.
Record shot of a White Capped Dipper along the Nono-Mindo road.
Rufous Wren - Cinnycerthia unirufa unibrunnea C
We saw 3 forming part of a mixed-species flock along the Nono Mindo road.
Plain-tailed Wren - Thryothorus euophrys longipes C
Seen on three dates around the Cajanuma Cabin in the Podocarpus NP with a daily maximum of 4 seen there on the 15th and singles were seen at Pasochoa on the 16th and 26th. Superb.
Bay Wren - Thryothorus nigricapillus nigricapillus C
A single individual was seen at Rio Palenque on the 20th.
House Wren - Troglodytes aedon albicans C
We saw up to 4 daily around Zamora, 2 at Tinalandia, 4 near Mindo and 2 at Pasochoa.
Mountain Wren - Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis C
Up to 6 were seen daily around the Cajanuma Cabin.
Sedge Wren - Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis C
A single individual was seen near the museum at Cotopaxi on the 17th and 4 were seen at Papallacta Pass on the 21st.
Grey-breasted Wood-Wren - Henicorhina leucophrys C
We saw a pair along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th.
Long-tailed Mockingbird - Mimus longicaudatus albogriseus C
A pair were seen at the airport serving Loja on the 16th.
Andean Solitaire - Myadestes ralloides C
Singles were seen along the Rio Bombuscara trail on the 12th and along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Swainson’s Thrush - Catharus ustulatus swainsoni C
We saw up to 8 daily at the Rio Bombuscara, 1 in the parking lot at Tinalandia and 6 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Swainsons Thrush along the Rio Bombuscara trail.
Pale-eyed Thrush - Platycichla leucops C
We saw 2 males along the entrance trail to the Rio Bombuscara HQ on the 13th.
Great Thrush - Turdus fuscater C
Seen on fifteen dates with a daily maximum of 40 recorded on three dates at Cotopaxi, Pasochoa and the Tandayapa Pass area.
Great Thrush at Cotopaxi.
Glossy-black Thrush - Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus C
A single individual was seen along the entrance road to the Cajanuma Cabin on the 15th.
Chestnut-bellied Thrush - Turdus fulviventris C
We saw 2 along the Rio Bombuscara trails on both the 12th and 13th.
Male Chestnut Bellied Thrush along the Rio Bombuscara trail.
Pale-vented Thrush - Turdus obseletus parambanus C
A single individual was seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Ecuadorian Thrush - Turdus maculirostris C
We saw 2 in the Hotel grounds at Santo Domingo on the 18th and 4 at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Tropical Gnatcatcher - Polioptila plumbea bilineata C
A pair were seen at the airport serving Loja on the 16th.
Green Jay - Cyanocorax yncas yncas C
Along the Rio Bombuscara Trails we saw 1 on the 11th and 3 on the 13th.
Turquoise Jay - Cyanoleuca turcosa C
At the Cajanuma Cabin we saw 2 on the 9th and 1 on the 15th. Pairs were seen along the Old Santo Domingo Road and on two dates along the Nono Mindo Road.
A distant Turquoise Jay along the Nono-Mindo road.
Brown-capped Vireo – Vireo gilvus josephae C
We saw singles along the entrance road below the Cajanuma Cabin on the 9th and 10th and 5 along the road to the obelisk on the 23rd and 2 along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th.
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo – Vireolanius leucotis C
A single individual was seen along the entrance track to the Rio Bombuscara HQ on the 12th.
Hooded Siskin – Carduelis magellanica C
Seen in small numbers on five dates whilst in highland areas with a daily maximum of 10 seen around Quito on the 8th.
Tropical Parula – Parula pitiayumi C
We saw 2 along the Rio Bombuscara Trail on the 13th and up to 8 were seen on three dates in the Nono Mindo area.
Record shot of a Triopical Parula along the Rio Bombuscara trail.
Blackburnian Warbler – Dendroica fusca C
A total of 5 birds were seen over four dates in the Podocarpus NP being seen at both Cajanuma Cabin and the Rio Bombuscara. Also seen in the Nono Mindo area on four dates with a daily maximum of 20 seen along the road to the obelisk on the 23rd. Some fine males were seen.
Cerulean Warbler – Dendroica cerulea C
A stunning male was seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat – Geothlypis semiflava semiflava C
A single individual was seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Canada Warbler – Wilsonia canadensis C
A superb male was seen on the loop trail at Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 2 were seen there the following day.
Slate-throated Redstart – Myioborus miniatus C
We saw up to 4 daily along the Rio Bombuscara Trails, 2 along the Old Santo Domingo Road on the 18th and up to 8 daily in the Nono Mindo areas.
Spectacled Redstart – Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus C
We saw up to 8 daily around the Cajanuma Cabin and up to 6 daily on our visits to Papallacta Pass.
Black-crested Warbler – Basileuterus nigrocristatus C
We saw 2 at the Cajanuma Cabin on the 9th, 4 there on the 10th and 4 at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Russet-crowned Warbler – Basileuterus coronatus C
Pairs were seen on two dates in the Nono Mindo areas and 1 was seen at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Three-striped Warbler – Basileuterus tristriatus C
We saw pairs on three dates in the Nono and Mindo areas.
Bananaquit – Coereba flaveola C
We saw 1 along the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 3 there on the 13th.
Cinereous Conebill – Conirostrum cinereum fraseri C
We saw around 8 near Quito Airport on the 8th and similar numbers were seen at La Cienega, Cotopaxi, along the Nono Mindo road and at Papallacta on four other dates.
Cinereous Conebill in woodland near Quito Airport.
Blue-backed Conebill – Conirostrum sitticolor sitticolor C
At Cajanuma Cabin we saw 2 on the 9th and 4 on the 10th.
Capped Conebill – Conirostrum albifrons atrocyaneum C
Only seen along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin where we saw 1 on the 9th and 2 the next day.
Giant Conebill – Oreomanes fraseri C
At least 5 were seen in the Polylepis woodland on the left side of the road just beyond the shrine as you approach Papallacta Village from Quito on the 21st.
Magpie Tanager – Cissopis leveriana leveriana C
Only seen along the Rio Bombuscara where we saw 6 on the 11th and 3 on the 13th.
Two Magpie Tanagers along the Rio Bombuscara.
Grass-green Tanager – Chlorornis riefferii riefferii C
We saw 6 at the Cajanuma Cabin on the 10th and 1 there on the 15th and 2 on the Blue House Trail on the 25th.
Dusky Bush-Tanager – Chlorospingus semifuscus semifuscus C
We tentatively identified 5 along the Nono Mindo road on the 24th.
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager – Chlorospingus flavigularis C
We saw up to 20 daily at Rio Bombuscara and singles were seen along the Old Santo Domingo road and above Mindo.
Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager – Cnemoscopus rubrirostris rubrirostris C
A pair were seen at Cajanuma Cabin on the 15th.
Black-capped Hemispingus – Hemispingus atropileus atropileus C
We saw 2 at Cajanuma Cabin on the 9th and 5 there on the 10th.
Black-headed Hemispingus – Hemispingus verticalis C
A single individual of this distinctive species was seen just below the Cajanuma Cabin on the 15th.
White-lined Tanager – Tachyphonus rufus C
We saw up to 6 daily at Rio Bombuscara.
Hepatic Tanager – Piranga flava C
We saw 1 at Tinalandia on the 19th and 4 above Mindo on the 23rd and 1 there the next day.
White-winged Tanager – Piranga leucoptera C
Singles were seen on four days around Mindo. Superb.
A distant male White Winged Tanager at Mindo.
Red-hooded Tanager – Piranga rubriceps C
We saw 6 along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin on the 10th.
Red Hooded Tanager along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin.
Flame-rumped Tanager – Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus C
Seen in good numbers on five dates being seen along the Old Santo Domingo road, Tinalandia, Santo Domingo and around Mindo.
Blue-grey Tanager – Thraupis episcopus C
This species was seen on seven dates in good numbers at widespread lowland locations with a daily maximum of 30 seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Blue-capped Tanager – Thraupis cyanocephala cyanocephala C
A pair were seen below the Cajanuma Cabin on the 15th and 3 were seen along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th.
Blue-and-yellow Tanager – Thraupis bonariensis darwinii C
We saw 4 near Quito Airport on the 8th, 4 at La Cienega on the 16th and 3 on the 27th.
Palm Tanager – Thraupis palmarum C
Probably overlooked as only recorded as being seen on four dates at widespread locations including at Zamora. A daily maximum of 15 were seen at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Hooded Mountain-Tanager – Buthraupis montana cucullata C
Singles were seen at the Cajanuma Cabin on the 14th and 15th and 5 were seen along the Nono Mindo road on the 24th.
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager – Anisognathus lacrymosus C
We saw up to 2 on four dates at the Cajanuma Cabin.
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager – Anisognathus igniventris erythronotus C
We saw pairs at Cajanuma Cabin on three dates and 7 at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager – Anisognathus somptuosus C
We saw up to 7 on three dates in the Nono Mindo areas.
A stunning Blue Winged Mountain-Tanager near Mindo.
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager – Dubusia taeniata taeniata C
Singles were seen at the Cajanuma Cabin on the 9th and at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Fawn-breasted Tanager – Pipraeidea melanota venezuelensis C
We saw 2 along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 23rd.
Orange-crowned Euphonia – Euphonia saturata C
We saw at least 3 at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Golden-rumped Euphonia – Euphonia cyanocephala insignis / pelzeni C
A single insignis was seen along the entrance road to the Cajanuma Cabin on the 9th and up to 4 pelzeni on a day were seen on three dates around Mindo.
Bronze-green Euphonia – Euphonia mesochrysa mesochrysa C
We saw singles at Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 13th.
Orange-bellied Euphonia – Euphonia xanthogaster brevirostris / quitensis C
We saw a pair of brevirostris at the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and up to 4 quitensis on a day on four days in the Mindo area.
Turquoise Tanager – Tangara mexicana boliviana C
A single individual was seen along the Rio Bombuscara on the 11th.
Paradise Tanager – Tangara chilensis chilensis C
We saw up to 25 daily along the Rio Bombuscara proving much easier than anticipated.
Paradise Tanager along the Rio Bombuscara.
Golden Tanager – Tangara arthus aequatorialis / goodsoni C
We saw up to 8 aequatorialis daily along the Rio Bombuscara, 1 goodsoni along the Old Santo Domingo road on the 18th and up to 12 daily in the vicinity of Mindo.
Golden-eared Tanager – Tangara chrysotis chrysotis C
We saw up to 6 daily along the Rio Bombuscara.
Saffron-crowned Tanager – Tangara xanthocephala venusta C
We saw a single individual along the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th.
Flame-faced Tanager – Tangara parzudakii lunigera C
A superb individual was seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo on the 24th.
Spotted Tanager – Tangara punctata zamorae C
We saw up to 6 daily along the Rio Bombuscara.
Bay-headed Tanager – Tangara gyrola C
We saw 4 on two dates at Rio Bombuscara.
Golden-naped Tanager – Tangara ruficervix leucotis C
We saw up to 8 a day in the vicinity of Mindo on three dates.
Metallic-green Tanager – Tangara labradorides labradorides C
We saw 4 at Mindo on the 23rd and 2 there the following day.
Blue-necked Tanager – Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala / cyanopygia C
We saw 12 caeruleocephala along the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 10 there on the 13th and up to 8 cyanopygia in the vicinity of Mindo on three dates.
Beryl-spangled Tanager – Tangara nigroviridis cyanescens C
We saw up to 20 around Mindo on three dates.
Blue-and-black Tanager – Tangara vassorii vassorii C
We saw at least 4 at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Black-capped Tanager – Tangara heinei C
We saw a single individual between the Blue House and Tandayapa on the 25th.
Black-faced Dacnis – Dacnis lineata lineata C
We saw a pair of this superb species near the Rio Bombuscara clearing on the 13th.
Green Honeycreeper – Chlorophanes spiza exsul C
We saw a single individual at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Swallow Tanager – Tersina viridis occidentalis C
We saw a single male at Tinalandia on the 19th and a pair at Mindo on the 22nd.
Male Swallow Tanager at Tinalandia.
Plush-capped Finch – Catamblyrhynchus diadema diadema C
We saw 3 at Cajanuma Cabin on the 9th, 2 there on the 10th and 2 on the 15th.
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch – Phrygilus unicolor geospizopsis C
We saw up to 25 daily at both Cotopaxi and Papallacta Pass.
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch at Cotopaxi.
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch – Phrygilus plebjus ocularis C
We saw a single individual between Pifo and Papallacta Pass on the 27th.
Blue-black Grassquit – Volatinia jacarina peruviensis C
We saw 10 at Tinalandia on the 19th and 5 along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd.
Variable Seedeater – Sporophila corvine ophthalmica C
We saw 10 at Tinalandia on the 19th.
Black-and-white Seedeater – Sporophila luctuosa C
A single individual was seen at the airport serving Loja on the 9th and 2 were seen at the Rio Bombuscara on the 13th.
Yellow-bellied Seedeater – Sporophila nigricollis vivida C
We saw around 40 at Tinalandia on the 19th and up to 10 in the Nono Mindo areas on two dates.
Chestnut-throated Seedeater – Sporophila telasco C
Totally unexpected we saw a single individual at the airport serving Loja on the 16th.
Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch – Oryzoborus angolensis torridus C
Singles were seen along the entrance road to the Rio Bombuscara on two dates.
Band-tailed Seedeater – Catamenia analis soederstromi C
We saw at least 6 near Quito Airport on the 8th and 1 at La Cienega on the 27th proving smarter than expected.
Plain-coloured Seedeater – Catamenia inornata minor C
We saw up to 20 daily at both Cotopaxi and Papallacta Pass.
Slaty Finch – Haplospiza rustica rustica C
We saw 2 along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd and 1 there on the 24th.
White-sided Flowerpiercer – Diglossa albilatera albilatera C
Only seen along the Nono Mindo road where we saw 1 on the 22nd and 3 on the 25th.
Glossy Flowerpiercer – Diglossa lafresnayii lafresnayii C
A single individual was seen along the entrance road to Cajanuma Cabin on the 15th. This would appear to contradict the statement in Ridgely & Greenfield that the species doesn’t occur in Loja.
Black Flowerpiercer – Diglossa humeralis aterrima C
We saw small numbers at La Cienega, Cotopaxi, along the Nono Mindo road and at Papallacta Pass on a total of five dates.
Black Flowerpiercer along the Nono-Mindo road.
Masked Flowerpiercer – Diglossopis cyanea cyanea / dispar C
We saw 1 dispar at the Cajanuma Cabin on the 14th and 3 there on the 15th, 1 cyanea along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th and a pair at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Saffron Finch – Sicalis flaveola valida C
Around 8 were present at the airport serving Loja on the 9th.
Pale-naped Brush-Finch – Atlaptes pallidnucha papallactae C
At Cajanuma Cabin we saw up to 8 on three dates.
Rufous-naped Brush-Finch – Atlaptes rufinucha (latinuchus complex – split by Ridgely) C
We saw up to 8 at Cajanuma Cabin on four dates and 7 at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Tricoloured Brush-Finch – Atlaptes tricolor crassus C
We saw up to 4 around Mindo on three dates.
White-winged Brush-Finch – Atlapetes leucopterus leucopterus C
We saw a pair along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th.
Stripe-headed Brush-Finch – Buarremon torquatus C
We saw a single individual along the Nono Mindo road on the 22nd and a pair at Pasochoa on the 26th.
Orange-billed Sparrow – Arremon aurantiirostris occidentalis C
We saw 1 at Tinalandia on the 19th and 2 at Rio Palenque the following day.
Yellow-browed Sparrow – Ammodramus aurifrons aurifrons C
A pair were seen daily around the HQ buildings at Rio Bombuscara including a partially leucistic individual.
Rufous-collared Sparrow – Zonotrichia capensis costaricensis C
Seen on eleven dates in large numbers.
Rufous Collared Sparrows at Pasochoa
Buff-throated Saltator – Saltator maximus maximus C
Singles were seen at the Rio Bombuscara on the 12th and 13th.
Slate-coloured Grosbeak – Saltator grossus grossus C
A party of 3 were seen where the entrance trail meets the road at the Rio Bombuscara on the 13th.
Black-winged Saltator – Saltator atripennis caniceps C
We saw 4 at Tinalandia on the 19th and up to 2 around Mindo on three dates.
Southern Yellow (Golden-bellied) Grosbeak – Pheucticus chrysogaster chrysogaster C
We saw 3 at La Cienega on the 16th and 5 there on the 27th, 2 near the start of the Old Santo Domingo road at Quito and 1 along the Nono Mindo road on the 25th.
Shiny Cowbird – Molothrus bonariensis occidentalis \ aequatorialis C
We saw up to 6 occidentalis on both visits to the airport serving Loja and aequatorialis seen in good numbers around Santo Domingo, Tinalandia, Rio Palenque and Mindo with a daily maximum of 100 seen on the 19th.
Giant Cowbird – Scaphidura oryzivora oryzivora C
Only seen along the road to the obelisk above Mindo where 6 were seen on the 22nd and 50 on the 23rd.
Scarlet-rumped Cacique – Cacicus uropygalis uropygalis C
We saw 2 at the Rio Bombuscara on the 11th and 4 there on the 13th. See The Birds of Ecuador for their proposal to afford this form species status, Subtropical Cacique.
Russet-backed Oropendola – Psarocolius angustifrons atrocastaneus C
We saw around 15 along the Nono Mindo Road on the 25th.
Russet Backed Oropendola along the Nono-Mindo road.
Peruvian Red-breasted Meadowlark – Sturnella bellicose JFC
JFC saw 4 from the plane at Guayaquil Airport on the 16th.
Flowers and Orchids found along the Rio Bombuscara Trail, Podacarpus Nat. Park.
Cotopaxi Volcano at night.
