Ecuador trip report - April-June 2000 - Birding The Americas Trip Report Repository

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ECUADOR:
LOWER TANDAYAPA VALLEY, NW ECUADOR

9 April - 2 June 2000

by Nick Athanas and Judy Davis

The Tandayapa Valley is an area of extensive cloud forest in northwest Ecuador located about 1 1/2 hours from the capital city of Quito. Approximately 300 species have been reported from the Valley including over 20 species from the Choco Endemic Bird Area of northwest Ecuador and southwest Columbia.

The old Nono-Mindo road traverses the Tandayapa Valley from an elevation of ca. 1620 m to 2350 m and has long been a popular birding destination in Ecuador. Before the opening of two lodges, one in the lower valley and one in the upper valley, birders visited this area through long day trips from Quito or Mindo.

Located in the lower valley along the old Nono-Mindo road, Tandayapa Bird Lodge opened in October, 1999, providing birders a comfortable base for exploring the valley. In addition to the excellent roadside birding nearby, a well developed trail system on the grounds of the Lodge provides the opportunity to search for forest dwelling species which cannot be seen from the road. Guests at the Lodge have access to all open trails. Day visitors to the area can bird the trails for a fee, though access to some areas may require a guide, which must be arranged in advance.

Between April 10 and June 2, 2000, we participated in a volunteer program sponsored by Tandayapa Bird Lodge to increase knowledge of the avifauna of the region. The observations in this report are a compilation of our sightings along the trails of the Lodge and along roads within 3 km of the Lodge. Since much of our time was spent observing nesting behavior of a pair of White-faced Nunbirds at a site in the forest, our data is biased towards the forest-dwelling species.

Some of the species are very difficult to see and many of our observations were based upon our knowledge of the vocalizations of most of the species in the area. We highly recommend the CD The Birds of Northwest Ecuador Volume 1: The Upper Foothills and Subtropics for birders wishing to learn these vocalizations. In order to decrease disturbance to the birds, the Lodge has instituted a no-playback policy for certain areas. Please check with Iain Campbell before using tape playback on Lodge property.

Although the Valley has been birded extensively, we could find no published reports of seasonal changes in bird populations. Our observations were made at the end of the rainy season and all observations were in the lower valley. We did not record many of the species on the Tandayapa Valley List. Some of these species can be found in the upper valley, and we suspect that some species occur seasonally. Birders visiting the area at a different time of year or spending time birding the upper valley will probably note differences in abundance of species than those noted in this report.

This report consists of a description of the area, a list of our sightings including status and locations, notes on observations of special interest and site information for certain species, and a list of species on the Tandayapa Valley List that we did not observe. Taxonomy used in this report is based on An Annotated List of the Birds of Mainland Ecuador. This taxonomy will probably be that used in the forthcoming book The Birds of Ecuador by Ridgely and Greenfield. If a name differs from that used in A Guide to Birds of Columbia, the name used in the latter is given in brackets.

SITE INFORMATION

Directions to Tandayapa Bird Lodge from Quito:

Via paved Quito - Nanegalito - Mindo road: Take the road to Mitad del Mundo north of Quito. Proceed straight through the roundabout and continue to Calacali veering left at an unsigned junction before the town. At km 32, past a bridge, turn left onto a dirt road. Continue on this road 6 km to the village of Tandayapa. The Lodge entrance is 200 m past the village.

Via Old Nono-Mindo Road: This road is unpaved but can provide excellent birding with little or no traffic from Nono to the Lodge. From the roundabout where the Avenida Occidental meets the roads to Mitad del Mundo and Otavalo north of Quito, go west up the hill on Avenida Occidental 2 km and turn right onto the Nono Road just before a pedestrian overpass. Upon reaching Nono, turn left following signs to Tandayapa and Mindo. Turn left upon reaching the village of Tandayapa and continue 200 m to the entrance of Tandayapa Bird Lodge.

Description of Trails and Roads

Platform Trail (1720 m): A short flat trail from the Lodge to a covered platform overlooking a forested ravine. This is an excellent place to watch for Andean Cock-of-the-rock and Sickle-winged Guans in the early morning and late afternoon.

Potoo Trail (1640 - 1780 m): This trail starts at the Lodge and ends at the start of the entrance road. It climbs gradually into the forest, passes a water tank and the bottom of a large landslide before reaching a ridge at the intersection with the Nunbird Trail. This intersection is a favorite place for a large mixed species flock. From this point, the trail then descends steeply until reaching the Cock-of-the-rock Bridge, so named because an Andean Cock-of-the-rock nested twice in 1999 next to the waterfall. Gradually climbing from the bridge, the trail meets the Antpitta Trail and then passes into a large cleared area before descending onto the road.

Nunbird Trail (1780 m - 1880 m): From the Potoo Trail, this trail descends slightly before climbing fairly steeply to several switchbacks before flattening. This area was a reliable site for Moustached Antpitta in May, 2000 but can be very muddy and slippery. The trail then follows a contour before reaching a lookout over the landslide. It then ascends with a series of switchbacks to the top of the landslide where White-faced Nunbirds were found nesting in April, 2000. The trail continues climbing until terminating at a trail intersection.

Toucan Trail (1880 - 1920 m): This trail is only easily accessed via the Nunbird Trail. It can also be accessed by a rough track that connects to the Zigzag Trail, though this is not recommended. At the end of the Nunbird Trail the Toucan Trail is accessed by going straight through the intersection and turning right after ca. 100 m. The trail climbs and follows a ridge through excellent forest before ending. Due to a temporary closure of this trail in late April, we did not have opportunities to bird this excellent area as much as we would have liked.

Antpitta Trail (1710 m - 1810 m): This trail starts on the Nunbird Trail where there is a boulder embedded in the middle of the trail. It passes through good forest before descending very steeply past several streams and clearings and ends at the Potoo Trail. This is the newest trail and there are plans to improve it.

Tanager Trail (1720 m): This short but muddy trail branches off the Potoo Trail close to the Lodge, passes through a cleared area and enters a small patch of forest before ending at a barricade.

Zigzag Trail (1720 - 1820 m): This trail is accessed from the Tanager Trail. It climbs very steeply via switchbacks through the clearing above the Lodge into the forest. Where the trail splits, the right fork continues until it meets the Toucan Trail; however, this section of the trail was not completed and was dangerous to walk. The left fork continues through the forest and ends at the landslide.

Roads: The 3 roads that are close to the lodge provide excellent and easy birding opportunities. All roads are accessible by walking to the start of the entrance drive from the Lodge. The Nono Road reaches good forest within 500 m of the village and the Mindo Road provides access to the Upper Valley. The road to Naneglito has been largely cleared but may offer opportunities to see birds of the lower elevations.

BIRD LIST

Key

Status:

C -- Heard or seen almost every day.
F -- Heard or seen 3 - 4 days a week.
U -- Heard or seen 1 - 2 days a week.
R -- Encountered on only a few occasions or the same individual(s) seen
regularly (see notes for specific details)
n -- Evidence of nesting noted.
* -- Additional notes provided on observations.

Location:

T -- Tandayapa Bird Lodge, surrounding clearings, and entrance road.
R -- Roads and adjacent areas within ca. 3 km of the Lodge.
L -- Lower trail system including Platform Trail, Potoo Trail, Tanager Trail, and Zigzag Trail.
U -- Upper trail system including the Nunbird Trail, Antpitta Trail, and Toucan Trail.

Species

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS LOCATION

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus R T R - -

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura R T R - -

Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus R* - R - -

Plain-breasted Hawk [Sharp-shinned Hawk] Accipiter ventralis R* - - L -

Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor R* - R - -

Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris U T R - U

Black-and-chestnut Eagle Oroaetus isidorei R* T - - -

Barred Forest-Forest Micrastur ruficollis R* - - - U

American Kestrel Falco sparverius U T R - -

Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii F - - L U

Dark-backed Wood-Quail Odontophorus melanonotus F*n - - L U

Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata U T R L -

Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea C T R L U

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi F T R - -

White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata U - R L U

Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus C T R L U

White-capped Parrot [Speckle-faced Parrot] Pionus seniloides R - R - -

Scaly-naped Amazon [Scaly-naped Parrot] Amazona mercenaria R - R - -

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana R - R L -

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani R - R - -

Rufescent Screech-Owl Otus ingens R* - - L -

Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl Glaucidium nubicola F* - R L U

Mottled Owl Strix virgata R - - - U

Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus R* - - L -

Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra R* - R - -

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris F T R L U

Chestnut-collared Swift Cypseloides rutilus U T R L U

Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus C T R L U

Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae R* - - L -

Brown Violet-ear Colibri delphinae R* - R L -

Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus F* T R L -

Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans U* T R
-

Western Emerald [Blue-tailed Emerald] Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus C T R L -

Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae C T R L -

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl C T R L -

Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys U - R - -

Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides C T - L -

Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni U*n - - - U

Collared Inca Coeligena torquata R*n - - R -

Buff-tailed Coronet Bossonneaua flavescens F - T - -

Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus R*n - - R L

Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Cn T R L U

Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis U* - - L U

Wedge-billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi R* - - L -

Purple-throated Woodstar Philodice mitchellii F T R L -

Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps U T R L U

Masked Trogon Trogon personatus U - R L U

White-faced Nunbird Hapaloptila castanea R*n - - - U

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii F T R L U

Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus F*n - - L U

Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus F T R L U

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena laminirostris U* - R L U

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii U - R L U

Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus R T - L -

Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus R T - L U

Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens Un - - L U

Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae C T R L -

Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Rn - R - -

Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops R - R L -

Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens F - R L U

Rusty-winged Barbtail Premnornis guttuligera F - R L U

Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris C T - L U

Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps R - - L U

Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus R* - - - U

Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps U - R L U

Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis R* - - - U

Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina U - - - U

Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus U - - - U

Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius R - - L U

Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lachrymiger C T R L U

Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor C - R L U

Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis R - - L -

Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor C - R L U

Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata C - R L U

Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza immaculata C T R L U

Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus C - R L U

Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea R* - - L -

Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis R* - - L -

Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni R*n - - - U

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla F* T R L U

Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta R* - R - -

Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris R* - - - U

Nariño Tapaculo Scytalolpus vicinior C* - R L U

Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps F T R L U

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum R T R - -

White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus C T R L U

Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea R - - R -

Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis F T R L U

Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni U* - - L U

Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus R - - R L

Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea R - R - -

Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus U - - L U

Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans F - - L U

Smoke-colored Pewee [Greater Pewee] Contopus fumigatus Cn T R L U

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans U T R L -

Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer F T R L -

Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus C T R L U

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus U - T R -

Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Un - R L U

White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Un - R L U

Black-and-white Becard Pacyramphus albogriseus R - - L U

Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii R* - - L U

Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii R* - - L U

Olivaceous Piha Lipaugus cryptolophus F* - - L U

Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana F* T R L U

Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus F*n - R L U

Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa R - R - U

Beautiful Jay Cyanolyca pulchra U* - R L U

Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys F T R L U

Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides C T R L U

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater U* - - - U

Great Thrush Turdus fuscater R - - L -

Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus U - - L U

White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus R* - R - -

Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca C T R - -

Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Cn T R - -

Southern House-Wren [House Wren] Troglodytes musculus C T R - -

Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Cn - R L U

Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi F T R L U

Blackburian Warbler Dendroica fusca F* T R L -

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava F T R - -

Slate-throated Whitestart [Slate-throated Redstart] Myioborus miniatus C T R L U

Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus C - R L U

Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus C - R L U

Golden-rumped Euphonia [Blue-hooded Euphonia] Euphonia cyanocephala R T R - U

Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster C T R L U

White-sided Flower-piercer Diglossa albilatera C T R L -

Golden Tanager Tangara arthus C T R L U

Silvery-throated Tanager [Silver-throated Tanager] Tangara icterocephala R* - R - -

Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii U T R L U

Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides F T R L U

Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix F T R L U

Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis C T R L U

Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii R T R - U

Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei U T R L -

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus C T R L U

Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus U T R L -

Blue-capped Tanager Thruapis cyanocephala U T R L -

Yellow-rumped Tanager [Lemon-rumped Tanager] Ramphocelus icteronotus F T R - -

White-winged Tanager Piranga leucoptera U T R L -

Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis R - - - U

Plushcap [Plush-capped Finch] Catamblyrhynchus diadema R* - - - U

Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis U T R L -

Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina U T R - -

Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea R - R - -

Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis C T R L -

Blue Seedeater Amaurospiza concolor R* T - - -

Tricolored Brush-finch Atlapetes tricolor F T R L U

White-winged Brush-Finch Atlapetes leucopterus C T R L -

Chestnut-crowned Brush-Finch Atlapetes brunneinucha Fn - R L U

Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Cn T R - -

Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustrifrons U - R L U

Notes on species and sightings of interest

Hook-billed Kite: 1 dark phase bird seen soaring over Mindo road.

Plain-breasted Hawk: 1 adult seen on Potoo Trail about 50 m below the water tank.

Bicolored Hawk: 1 immature seen on the Old Nono Road.

Black-and-chestnut Eagle: 1 adult seen soaring over the Lodge.

Barred Forest-Forest: 1 seen from the top of the landslide.

Dark-backed Wood-Quail: Commonly heard throughout the area and infrequently seen along forest trails most often in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Rufescent Screech-Owl: 1 seen and another heard on 5/29 on a branch overhanging the trail 20 m below the water tank on the Potoo Trail.

Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl: Frequently heard from all trails and from the Nono road; not responsive to tape playback.

Common Potoo: 1 known day roost on the Potoo Trail. From the Cock of-the-rock bridge, walk up the steep stairs until the trail abruptly flattens and turns sharply left. Continue about 5 m from the turn and stop at the log mostly buried in the trail. Turn around and look back towards the turn to the left of the trail. The roost is a broken branch pointed towards the left about 5 m from the ground.

Lyre-tailed Nightjar: Seen at dusk and dawn along the rock cliffs on the Nono Road 6 utility poles from the bridge in Tandayapa Village. One pair nested here in late May.

Green-fronted Lancebill: 1 seen on the rock cliffs by the Cock-of-the-Rock bridge.

Brown Violetear: 3 sightings, once along the Tanager Trail and twice along the lower section of the Mindo Road

Green Violetear: Not seen in the area until May 7 after which it was common throughout the area thus indicating possible seasonal movements.

Sparkling Violetear: Not seen in the area until May 14. Thereafter, observed occasionally around the Lodge and along roadsides.

Brown Inca: Infrequently seen along the upper trails.

Collared Inca: 1 female feeding a fledged young along the Nono Road. This species is more common in the upper valley.

Gorgeted Sunangel: 3 sightings in the area, two of which were along the Tanager Trail. More common in the upper valley.

Violet-tailed Sylph: Males frequently seen on the Nunbird Trail close to the landslide.

Wedge-billed Hummingbird: One male frequently found singing ca. 200 m along Potoo Trail from Lodge. Look for a large tree on the left with many thin vines hanging from the upper branches. The bird had several favorite perches on small branches ca. 4 - 7 m high in the tree. It can be difficult to locate even when singing as it seldom moves from its perch.

White-faced Nunbird: One bird first seen an April 13 at the top of the landslide. We began monitoring a nesting pair at the same site on April 26. By May 30, they had excavated a nest cavity and had laid 2 eggs.

Toucan Barbet: Frequently heard, though less often seen along the forest trails.

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan: Occasionally seen along the upper trails. This species is more commonly seen in the upper valley.

Striped Treehunter: 1 individual seen ca. 100 m from the end of the Toucan Trail

Uniform Treehunter: 1 individual occasionally sighted on the Antpitta Trail ca. 200 m from the intersection with the Nunbird Trail.

Giant Antpitta: 1 individual seen in the forest near the platform. This species was not heard vocalizing during the survey dates.

Scaled Antpitta: At least 2 individuals frequently heard but only observed twice near the platform and across the valley on the Potoo Trail.

Moustached Antpitta: At least 1 adult and 1 fledged young observed along the Nunbird Trail between the intersection of the Antpitta Trail and the middle landslide.

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta: The most common antpitta in the valley, heard far more often than seen.

Yellow-breasted Antpitta: 1 individual heard along the Nono road ca. 2 km from Tandayapa.

Ochre-breasted Antpitta: 2 individuals observed 6 times along the Nunbird Trail near the first switchbacks.

Nariño Tapaculo: Commonly heard in the forest. Extremely difficult to see.

Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant: Not observed until May 24, but thereafter frequently found along the Potoo Trail and the Nunbird Trail. More frequently heard than seen.

Green-and-Black Fruiteater: One male and one female observed near the intersection of the Potoo Trail and the Nunbird Trail. This species is more commonly encountered in the upper valley.

Scaled Fruiteater: Uncommonly observed at the intersection of the Potoo Trail and the Landslide Trail; 1 sighting of a pair along the Toucan Trail.

Olivaceous Piha: Frequently seen along the forest trails.

Andean Cock-of-the Rock: Frequently seen from the Lodge, the Platform, and the Nono Road. Regularly seen elsewhere in the area.

Golden-winged Manakin: Infrequently seen but one male regularly observed along the Nunbird Trail

Beautiful Jay: Small groups occasionally observed along the Nono Road between 500 m and 2 km from Tandayapa Village. Recorded twice from the Lodge trails.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush: Uncommonly heard in the area but very difficult to see.

White-capped Dipper: Seen 3 times from the bridge in Tandayapa Village and one time along the stream at the entrance road to the Lodge.

Blackburnian Warbler: A North American migrant sighted in small numbers until April 29.

Silvery-throated Tanager: One individual observed twice in mixed species flocks along the Nono Road within 1 km of Tandayapa Village.

Plushcap: One individual observed one time along the Toucan Trail with a mixed species flock. It was in a stand of bamboo located near the beginning of the Toucan Trail where the trail turns right and climbs steeply.

Blue Seedeater: One pair seen from the Lodge balcony on April 10.

Other Valley Species

The following is a list of birds previously reported in the Tandayapa Valley that we did not record within the survey area. For more information on these species, please contact Iain Campbell of Tandayapa Bird Lodge.

Tawny-breasted Tinamou
Neotropic Cormorant
Torrent Duck
Snowy Egret
Fasciated Tiger-Heron
Swallow-tailed Kite
Double-toothed Kite
Semi-collared Hawk
Barred Hawk
White-rumped Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Short-tailed Hawk
White-throated Hawk
Variable Hawk
Crested Eagle
Black Hawk-Eagle
Ornate Hawk-Eagle
Collared Forest-Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Andean Guan
Wattled Guan
White-throated Crake
Sora
Spotted Sandpiper
Upland Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Maroon-tailed Parakeet
Barred Parakeet
Blue-fronted Parrotlet
Rose-faced Parrot
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Gray-capped Cuckoo
White-throated Screech-Owl
Spectacled Owl
Andean Pygmy-Owl
Rufous-banded Owl
Oilbird
Rufous-bellied Nighthawk
Pauraque
Band-winged Nightjar
Swallow-tailed Nightjar
Spot-fronted Swift
Chimney Swift
Band-rumped Swift
Gray-rumped Swift
White-tipped Swift
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift
Green-crowned Woodnymph
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
Empress Brilliant
Green-crowned Brilliant
White-tailed Hillstar
Mountain Velvetbreast
Velvet-purple Coronet
Hoary Puffleg
Green-tailed Trainbearer
Long-tailed Sylph
White-bellied Woodstar
Crested Quetzal
Black-throated Trogon
Broad-billed Motmot
Barred Puffbird
Yellow-vented Woodpecker
Pacific Hornero
Rufous Spinetail
Pearled Treerunner
Star-chested Treerunner
Streaked Tuftedcheek
Western Woodhaunter
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner
Flammulated Treehunter
Tawny-throated Leaftosser
Greater Scythebill
Brown-billed Scythebill
Undulated Antpitta
Ash-colored Tapaculo
Spillman's Tapaculo
Ocellated Tapaculo
Black-capped Tyrannulet
Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet
Sierran Elaenia
White-crested Elaenia
White-banded Tyrannulet
Olive-striped Flycatcher
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant
Rufous-crowned Tody-Tyrant
Bran-colored Flycatcher
Handsome Flycatcher
Western Wood-Pewee
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant
Smoky Bush-Tyrant
Rusty-margined Flycatcher
Red-crested Cotinga
Long-wattled Umbrellabird
Black-billed Peppershrike
Red-eyed Vireo
Black Solitaire
Swainson's Thrush
Pale-eyed Thrush
Ecuadorian Thrush
Barn Swallow
Sepia-brown Wren
Plain-tailed Wren
Whiskered Wren
Bay Wren
Mountain Wren
Black-and-white Warbler
Tenessee Warbler
Spectacled Whitestart
Black-crested Warbler
Bananaquit
Capped Conebill
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia
Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia
Orange-crowned Euphonia
Thick-billed Euphonia
Bluish Flower-piercer
Masked Flower-piercer
Fawn-breasted Tanager
Saffron-crowned Tanager
Purplish-mantled Tanager
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager
Hooded Mountain-Tanager
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager
Swallow Tanager
Palm Tanager
Summer Tanager
Red-hooded Tanager
White-shouldered Tanager
Rufous-chested Tanager
Dusky Bush-Tanager
Black-capped Hemispingus
Western Hemispngus
Grass-green Tanager
Buff-throated Saltator
Southern Yellow-Grosbeak
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Dull-colored Grassquit
Variable Seedeater
Black-and-white Seedeater
Rufous-naped Brush-Finch
Slaty Finch
Tanager Finch
Olive Finch
Giant Cowbird
Scrub Blackbird
Hooded Siskin
Yellow-bellied Siskin
Andean Siskin
Lesser Goldfinch

Lodge Information

Tandayapa Bird Lodge currently has 8 double rooms with private baths and two dormitories with shared facilities. Meals are included in the quoted prices and meal times can be arranged based upon your birding schedule. Electricity and hot water are available 24 hours per day. Transportation to the lodge from Quito and to other birding sites can be arranged. Knowledgeable guides are available for the Tandayapa Valley and other nearby birding sites.

For more information regarding rates and availability at Tandayapa Bird Lodge and the birds of the Tandayapa Valley, contact Iain Campbell at:

Mariscal Foch 714 y J.L. Mera
Mariscal Sucre
Quito, Ecuador
South America
Tel: (593-2) 543-045
Cel: (593-9) 735-536
Fax: (593-2) 527-630
E-mail: iainc@tandayapa.com
Web: http://www.tandayapa.com

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the owners of Tandayapa Bird Lodge, especially Iain Campbell and Rafael Furniss, for the establishment and support of the volunteer program which allowed us the opportunity to collect our data.

References
Ridgely, R. S., P.J. Greenfield & M. Guerrero, 1998. An Annotated List of the Birds of Mainland Ecuador. Fundacion Ornitologica del Ecuador, CECIA. Quito 155 pp.

Moore, J. V., Coopmans, P, Ridgely, R. S. & Lysinger, M. The Birds of Northwest Ecuador Volume 1: The Upper Foothills and Subtropics. John V. Moore Nature Recordings. San Jose, CA

Hilty, Steven L. and Brown, William L. A Guide to the Birds of Columbia.
Princeton University Press. Princeton, New Jersey, 1986.

Stattersfield, A. J., Crosby, M. J., Long, A. J., & Wege, D. C. Endemic Bird Areas of the World. Birdlife International. Cambridge, 1986.

Author contact information
Nick Athanas
Mariscal Foch 714 y J.L. Mera
Mariscal Sucre
Quito, Ecuador
South America
Email: nick_athanas@hotmail.com

Judy Davis
P. O. Box 817
Sierra Vista, Arizona 85636
USA
Email: davisj@goodnet.com

Please allow several weeks for a response as there are frequently times when we are both in places where we cannot access our e-mail.

COMMON NAME	SCIENTIFIC NAME	STATUS	LOCATION
Black Vulture	Coragyps atratus	R	T	R	-	-
Turkey Vulture	Cathartes aura	R	T	R	-	-
Hook-billed Kite	Chondrohierax uncinatus	R*	-	R	-	-
Plain-breasted Hawk [Sharp-shinned Hawk]	Accipiter ventralis	R*	-	-	L	-
Bicolored Hawk	Accipiter bicolor	R*	-	R	-	-
Roadside Hawk	Buteo magnirostris	U	T	R	-	U
Black-and-chestnut Eagle	Oroaetus isidorei	R*	T	-	-	-
Barred Forest-Forest	Micrastur ruficollis	R*	-	-	-	U
American Kestrel	Falco sparverius	U	T	R	-	-
Sickle-winged Guan	Chamaepetes goudotii	F	-	-	L	U
Dark-backed Wood-Quail	Odontophorus melanonotus	F*n	-	-	L	U
Band-tailed Pigeon	Columba fasciata	U	T	R	L	-
Plumbeous Pigeon	Columba plumbea	C	T	R	L	U
White-tipped Dove	Leptotila verreauxi	F	T	R	-	-
White-throated Quail-Dove	Geotrygon frenata	U	-	R	L	U
Red-billed Parrot	Pionus sordidus	C	T	R	L	U
White-capped Parrot [Speckle-faced Parrot]	Pionus seniloides	R	-	R	-	-
Scaly-naped Amazon [Scaly-naped Parrot]	Amazona mercenaria	R	-	R	-	-
Squirrel Cuckoo	Piaya cayana	R	-	R	L	-
Smooth-billed Ani	Crotophaga ani	R	-	R	-	-
Rufescent Screech-Owl	Otus ingens	R*	-	-	L	-
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl	Glaucidium nubicola	F*	-	R	L	U
Mottled Owl	Strix virgata	R	-	-	-	U
Common Potoo	Nyctibius griseus	R*	-	-	L	-
Lyre-tailed Nightjar	Uropsalis lyra	R*	-	R	-	-
White-collared Swift	Streptoprocne zonaris	F	T	R	L	U
Chestnut-collared Swift	Cypseloides rutilus	U	T	R	L	U
Tawny-bellied Hermit	Phaethornis syrmatophorus	C	T	R	L	U
Green-fronted Lancebill	Doryfera ludovicae	R*	-	-	L	-
Brown Violet-ear	Colibri delphinae	R*	-	R	L	-
Green Violet-ear	Colibri thalassinus	F*	T	R	L	-
Sparkling Violet-ear	Colibri coruscans	U*	T	R		-
Western Emerald [Blue-tailed Emerald]	Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus	C	T	R	L	-
Andean Emerald	Amazilia franciae	C	T	R	L	-
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird	Amazilia tzacatl	C	T	R	L	-
Speckled Hummingbird	Adelomyia melanogenys	U	-	R	-	-
Fawn-breasted Brilliant	Heliodoxa rubinoides	C	T	-	L	-
Brown Inca	Coeligena wilsoni	U*n	-	-	-	U
Collared Inca	Coeligena torquata	R*n	-	-	R	-
Buff-tailed Coronet	Bossonneaua flavescens	F	-	T	-	-
Gorgeted Sunangel	Heliangelus strophianus	R*n	-	-	R	L
Booted Racket-tail	Ocreatus underwoodii	Cn	T	R	L	U
Violet-tailed Sylph	Aglaiocercus coelestis	U*	-	-	L	U
Wedge-billed Hummingbird	Schistes geoffroyi	R*	-	-	L	-
Purple-throated Woodstar	Philodice mitchellii	F	T	R	L	-
Golden-headed Quetzal	Pharomachrus auriceps	U	T	R	L	U
Masked Trogon	Trogon personatus	U	-	R	L	U
White-faced Nunbird	Hapaloptila castanea	R*n	-	-	-	U
Red-headed Barbet	Eubucco bourcierii	F	T	R	L	U
Toucan Barbet	Semnornis ramphastinus	F*n	-	-	L	U
Crimson-rumped Toucanet	Aulacorhynchus haematopygus	F	T	R	L	U
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan	Andigena laminirostris	U*	-	R	L	U
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker	Piculus rivolii	U	-	R	L	U
Golden-olive Woodpecker	Piculus rubiginosus	R	T	-	L	-
Smoky-brown Woodpecker	Veniliornis fumigatus	R	T	-	L	U
Powerful Woodpecker	Campephilus pollens	Un	-	-	L	U
Azara's Spinetail	Synallaxis azarae	C	T	R	L	-
Slaty Spinetail	Synallaxis brachyura	Rn	-	R	-	-
Red-faced Spinetail	Cranioleuca erythrops	R	-	R	L	-
Spotted Barbtail	Premnoplex brunnescens	F	-	R	L	U
Rusty-winged Barbtail	Premnornis guttuligera	F	-	R	L	U
Lineated Foliage-gleaner	Syndactyla subalaris	C	T	-	L	U
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner	Anabacerthia variegaticeps	R	-	-	L	U
Striped Treehunter	Thripadectes holostictus	R*	-	-	-	U
Streak-capped Treehunter	Thripadectes virgaticeps	U	-	R	L	U
Uniform Treehunter	Thripadectes ignobilis	R*	-	-	-	U
Tyrannine Woodcreeper	Dendrocincla tyrannina	U	-	-	-	U
Strong-billed Woodcreeper	Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus	U	-	-	-	U
Spotted Woodcreeper	Xiphorhynchus erythropygius	R	-	-	L	U
Montane Woodcreeper	Lepidocolaptes lachrymiger	C	T	R	L	U
Uniform Antshrike	Thamnophilus unicolor	C	-	R	L	U
Plain Antvireo	Dysithamnus mentalis	R	-	-	L	-
Slaty Antwren	Myrmotherula schisticolor	C	-	R	L	U
Long-tailed Antbird	Drymophila caudata	C	-	R	L	U
Immaculate Antbird	Myrmeciza immaculata	C	T	R	L	U
Rufous-breasted Antthrush	Formicarius rufipectus	C	-	R	L	U
Giant Antpitta	Grallaria gigantea	R*	-	-	L	-
Scaled Antpitta	Grallaria guatimalensis	R*	-	-	L	-
Moustached Antpitta	Grallaria alleni	R*n	-	-	-	U
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta	Grallaria ruficapilla	F*	T	R	L	U
Yellow-breasted Antpitta	Grallaria flavotincta	R*	-	R	-	-
Ochre-breasted Antpitta	Grallaricula flavirostris	R*	-	-	-	U
Nariño Tapaculo	Scytalolpus vicinior	C*	-	R	L	U
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet	Phyllomyias cinereiceps	F	T	R	L	U
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet	Camptostoma obsoletum	R	T	R	-	-
White-tailed Tyrannulet	Mecocerculus poecilocercus	C	T	R	L	U
Torrent Tyrannulet	Serpophaga cinerea	R	-	-	R	-
Streak-necked Flycatcher	Mionectes striaticollis	F	T	R	L	U
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant	Pseudotriccus pelzelni	U*	-	-	L	U
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant	Lophotriccus pileatus	R	-	-	R	L
Cinnamon Flycatcher	Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea	R	-	R	-	-
Ornate Flycatcher	Myiotriccus ornatus	U	-	-	L	U
Flavescent Flycatcher	Myiophobus flavicans	F	-	-	L	U
Smoke-colored Pewee [Greater Pewee]	Contopus fumigatus	Cn	T	R	L	U
Black Phoebe	Sayornis nigricans	U	T	R	L	-
Dusky-capped Flycatcher	Myiarchus tuberculifer	F	T	R	L	-
Golden-crowned Flycatcher	Myiodynastes chrysocephalus	C	T	R	L	U
Tropical Kingbird	Tyrannus melancholicus	U	-	T	R	-
Barred Becard	Pachyramphus versicolor	Un	-	R	L	U
White-winged Becard	Pachyramphus polychopterus	Un	-	R	L	U
Black-and-white Becard	Pacyramphus albogriseus	R	-	-	L	U
Green-and-black Fruiteater	Pipreola riefferii	R*	-	-	L	U
Scaled Fruiteater	Ampelioides tschudii	R*	-	-	L	U
Olivaceous Piha	Lipaugus cryptolophus	F*	-	-	L	U
Andean Cock-of-the-rock	Rupicola peruviana	F*	T	R	L	U
Golden-winged Manakin	Masius chrysopterus	F*n	-	R	L	U
Turquoise Jay	Cyanolyca turcosa	R	-	R	-	U
Beautiful Jay	Cyanolyca pulchra	U*	-	R	L	U
Brown-capped Vireo	Vireo leucophrys	F	T	R	L	U
Andean Solitaire	Myadestes ralloides	C	T	R	L	U
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush	Catharus fuscater	U*	-	-	-	U
Great Thrush	Turdus fuscater	R	-	-	L	-
Glossy-black Thrush	Turdus serranus	U	-	-	L	U
White-capped Dipper	Cinclus leucocephalus	R*	-	R	-	-
Blue-and-white Swallow	Notiochelidon cyanoleuca	C	T	R	-	-
Southern Rough-winged Swallow	Stelgidopteryx ruficollis	Cn	T	R	-	-
Southern House-Wren [House Wren]	Troglodytes musculus	C	T	R	-	-
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren	Henicorhina leucophrys	Cn	-	R	L	U
Tropical Parula	Parula pitiayumi	F	T	R	L	U
Blackburian Warbler	Dendroica fusca	F*	T	R	L	-
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat	Geothlypis semiflava	F	T	R	-	-
Slate-throated Whitestart [Slate-throated Redstart]	Myioborus miniatus	C	T	R	L	U
Three-striped Warbler	Basileuterus tristriatus	C	-	R	L	U
Russet-crowned Warbler	Basileuterus coronatus	C	-	R	L	U
Golden-rumped Euphonia [Blue-hooded Euphonia]	Euphonia cyanocephala	R	T	R	-	U
Orange-bellied Euphonia	Euphonia xanthogaster	C	T	R	L	U
White-sided Flower-piercer	Diglossa albilatera	C	T	R	L	-
Golden Tanager	Tangara arthus	C	T	R	L	U
Silvery-throated Tanager [Silver-throated Tanager]	Tangara icterocephala	R*	-	R	-	-
Flame-faced Tanager	Tangara parzudakii	U	T	R	L	U
Metallic-green Tanager	Tangara labradorides	F	T	R	L	U
Golden-naped Tanager	Tangara ruficervix	F	T	R	L	U
Beryl-spangled Tanager	Tangara nigroviridis	C	T	R	L	U
Blue-and-black Tanager	Tangara vassorii	R	T	R	-	U
Black-capped Tanager	Tangara heinei	U	T	R	L	-
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager	Anisognathus somptuosus	C	T	R	L	U
Blue-gray Tanager	Thraupis episcopus	U	T	R	L	-
Blue-capped Tanager	Thruapis cyanocephala	U	T	R	L	-
Yellow-rumped Tanager [Lemon-rumped Tanager]	Ramphocelus icteronotus	F	T	R	-	-
White-winged Tanager	Piranga leucoptera	U	T	R	L	-
Oleaginous Hemispingus	Hemispingus frontalis	R	-	-	-	U
Plushcap [Plush-capped Finch]	Catamblyrhynchus diadema	R*	-	-	-	U
Black-winged Saltator	Saltator atripennis	U	T	R	L	-
Blue-black Grassquit	Volatinia jacarina	U	T	R	-	-
Yellow-faced Grassquit	Tiaris olivacea	R	-	R	-	-
Yellow-bellied Seedeater	Sporophila nigricollis	C	T	R	L	-
Blue Seedeater	Amaurospiza concolor	R*	T	-	-	-
Tricolored Brush-finch	Atlapetes tricolor	F	T	R	L	U
White-winged Brush-Finch	Atlapetes leucopterus	C	T	R	L	-
Chestnut-crowned Brush-Finch	Atlapetes brunneinucha	Fn	-	R	L	U
Rufous-collared Sparrow	Zonotrichia capensis	Cn	T	R	-	-
Russet-backed Oropendola	Psarocolius angustrifrons	U	-	R	L	U

Hook-billed Kite:	1 dark phase bird seen soaring over Mindo road.
Plain-breasted Hawk:	1 adult seen on Potoo Trail about 50 m below the water tank.
Bicolored Hawk:	1 immature seen on the Old Nono Road.
Black-and-chestnut Eagle:	1 adult seen soaring over the Lodge.
Barred Forest-Forest:	1 seen from the top of the landslide.
Dark-backed Wood-Quail:	Commonly heard throughout the area and infrequently seen along forest trails most often in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Rufescent Screech-Owl:	1 seen and another heard on 5/29 on a branch overhanging the trail 20 m below the water tank on the Potoo Trail.
Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl:	Frequently heard from all trails and from the Nono road; not responsive to tape playback.
Common Potoo:	1 known day roost on the Potoo Trail. From the Cock of-the-rock bridge, walk up the steep stairs until the trail abruptly flattens and turns sharply left. Continue about 5 m from the turn and stop at the log mostly buried in the trail. Turn around and look back towards the turn to the left of the trail. The roost is a broken branch pointed towards the left about 5 m from the ground.
Lyre-tailed Nightjar:	Seen at dusk and dawn along the rock cliffs on the Nono Road 6 utility poles from the bridge in Tandayapa Village. One pair nested here in late May.
Green-fronted Lancebill:	1 seen on the rock cliffs by the Cock-of-the-Rock bridge.
Brown Violetear:	3 sightings, once along the Tanager Trail and twice along the lower section of the Mindo Road
Green Violetear:	Not seen in the area until May 7 after which it was common throughout the area thus indicating possible seasonal movements.
Sparkling Violetear:	Not seen in the area until May 14. Thereafter, observed occasionally around the Lodge and along roadsides.
Brown Inca:	Infrequently seen along the upper trails.
Collared Inca:	1 female feeding a fledged young along the Nono Road. This species is more common in the upper valley.
Gorgeted Sunangel:	3 sightings in the area, two of which were along the Tanager Trail. More common in the upper valley.
Violet-tailed Sylph:	Males frequently seen on the Nunbird Trail close to the landslide.
Wedge-billed Hummingbird:	One male frequently found singing ca. 200 m along Potoo Trail from Lodge. Look for a large tree on the left with many thin vines hanging from the upper branches. The bird had several favorite perches on small branches ca. 4 - 7 m high in the tree. It can be difficult to locate even when singing as it seldom moves from its perch.
White-faced Nunbird:	One bird first seen an April 13 at the top of the landslide. We began monitoring a nesting pair at the same site on April 26. By May 30, they had excavated a nest cavity and had laid 2 eggs.
Toucan Barbet:	Frequently heard, though less often seen along the forest trails.
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan:	Occasionally seen along the upper trails. This species is more commonly seen in the upper valley.
Striped Treehunter:	1 individual seen ca. 100 m from the end of the Toucan Trail
Uniform Treehunter:	1 individual occasionally sighted on the Antpitta Trail ca. 200 m from the intersection with the Nunbird Trail.
Giant Antpitta:	1 individual seen in the forest near the platform. This species was not heard vocalizing during the survey dates.
Scaled Antpitta:	At least 2 individuals frequently heard but only observed twice near the platform and across the valley on the Potoo Trail.
Moustached Antpitta:	At least 1 adult and 1 fledged young observed along the Nunbird Trail between the intersection of the Antpitta Trail and the middle landslide.
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta:	The most common antpitta in the valley, heard far more often than seen.
Yellow-breasted Antpitta:	1 individual heard along the Nono road ca. 2 km from Tandayapa.
Ochre-breasted Antpitta:	2 individuals observed 6 times along the Nunbird Trail near the first switchbacks.
Nariño Tapaculo:	Commonly heard in the forest. Extremely difficult to see.
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant:	Not observed until May 24, but thereafter frequently found along the Potoo Trail and the Nunbird Trail. More frequently heard than seen.
Green-and-Black Fruiteater:	One male and one female observed near the intersection of the Potoo Trail and the Nunbird Trail. This species is more commonly encountered in the upper valley.
Scaled Fruiteater:	Uncommonly observed at the intersection of the Potoo Trail and the Landslide Trail; 1 sighting of a pair along the Toucan Trail.
Olivaceous Piha:	Frequently seen along the forest trails.
Andean Cock-of-the Rock:	Frequently seen from the Lodge, the Platform, and the Nono Road. Regularly seen elsewhere in the area.
Golden-winged Manakin:	Infrequently seen but one male regularly observed along the Nunbird Trail
Beautiful Jay:	Small groups occasionally observed along the Nono Road between 500 m and 2 km from Tandayapa Village. Recorded twice from the Lodge trails.
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush:	Uncommonly heard in the area but very difficult to see.
White-capped Dipper:	Seen 3 times from the bridge in Tandayapa Village and one time along the stream at the entrance road to the Lodge.
Blackburnian Warbler:	A North American migrant sighted in small numbers until April 29.
Silvery-throated Tanager:	One individual observed twice in mixed species flocks along the Nono Road within 1 km of Tandayapa Village.
Plushcap:	One individual observed one time along the Toucan Trail with a mixed species flock. It was in a stand of bamboo located near the beginning of the Toucan Trail where the trail turns right and climbs steeply.
Blue Seedeater:	One pair seen from the Lodge balcony on April 10.