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ECUADOR


23 - 28 May 2003

by Mark Lockwood


Paul Sunby and I recently made a short trip to the west slope of the Andes starting in Quito.  We birded at Yanacocha, the Tandayapa Valley, the Mindo area, and two places near Pedro Vicente Maldonado.  This was my fourth visit to this region, but it was the first for Paul.  We made most of our arrangements through Jane Lyons (Mindo Bird Tours - http://www.mindobirds.com.ec/).  We hired a guide (through Jane) to increase the areas we would visit as well as to gain access to some areas I had not been to before.  The guide's name was Poncho Enriquez.  Below is a brief description of our activities and a few of the highlights.

23 May

We had arrived in Quito the day before, so this was the first day of birding.  Poncho picked us up at the Alston Inn (https://www.angelfire.com/de/alston/) at 6:00 AM and we headed for Yanacocha.  Since my last visit, the Jocotoco Foundation has purchased the excellent elfin Polylepis forest found here.  In addition to hiring a warden, they also have put up hummingbird feeders.  We had an excellent morning or birding with the highlight being a pair of the very rare Black-breasted Pufflegs coming to one of the feeders.  For me the other highlight of the morning was getting excellent views of Ocellated Tapaculo.  Other species we observed included: Variable Hawk, Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Stout-billed and Bar-winged Cinclodes, Red-crested Cotinga, Rufous and Grass Wrens, Golden-crowned Tanager, and Black-chested and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers.

We then continued down the old Non-Mindo Road to Tandayapa.  The birding was rather slow along the way, but we did see a few nice birds such as White-capped Dipper, Turquoise Jay, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, and a Scarlet-rumped Cacique.  We arrived at the Tandayapa Lodge just in time to witness the hummingbird spectacular that occurs every evening lust before dark.  There were 16 species of hummingbirds and certainly well over 100 individuals vying for space at the feeders.  This is one of the highlights of staying at Tandayapa Lodge.  Not only are there large numbers of the more common species, but some of the more uncommon hummingbirds (Empress Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Green-fronted Lancebill) frequently visit the feeders as well.

24 May

We spent a little time around the Lodge before catching a ride to the upper part of the Tandayapa Valley.  We spend the rest of the day working our way back down to the Lodge.  The birding was excellent until 10:00 and rather slow afterwards.  Certainly one of the best birds of the walk was a Common Potoo that was roosting on a favored perch near the entrance to the Bellavista Lodge.  Other species seen along the walk down the valley included: Green-fronted Lancebill, Brown Inca, Gorgeted Sunangel, Toucan Barbet, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Striped Treehunter, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (great looks), Spillmann's Tapaculo, Black-and-green Fruiteater, Black-crested and Russet-crowned Warblers, Western (Black-eared) Hemispingus, and Grass-green Tanager.

25 May

We spent the morning and early afternoon birding the grounds and trails around Tandayapa Lodge.  The forest here is very nice and the bird life at this elevation is rather different from higher in the Valley, such as at Bellavista.  The highlights of the day were three male Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks and a very cooperative Rufous-breasted Antthrush.  Other species observed (or heard) along the trails included: Sickle-winged Guan, Dark-backed Wood-Quail (HO), Masked Trogon, Red-headed Barbet, Mustached Antpitta (HO), Streak-capped Treehunter, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Golden-winged Manakin, and White-winged Brush-Finch.

In the late afternoon we birded the upper Tandayapa Valley on our way to the Mindo area.  We were specifically looking for Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, which we had heard but not seen.  We heard more toucans, but again missed them.  We did flush a Band-winged Nightjar off its day roost and came across a couple of nice flocks in the effort however.  We spend the night (and the next two) at Sachatamia Lodge.

26 May

This morning we were off to a Cock-of-the-Rock lek near Sachatamia.  Unfortunately, the birds did not cooperate, however we did have some very nice birds in the forest around the lek.  The highlight was a Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, a bird we had all but given up on for the trip.  We also saw Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Long-tailed Antbird, Sepia-brown Wren, and a small flock of Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers.  We then visited the Las Grallarias Reserve, which is owned by Jane Lyons.  There are several fairly rare birds known to occur on this property and we were lucky enough to find one of the most spectacular - the Orange-breasted Fruiteater.  While wandering the trails were also encountered White-throated Quail-Dove, Maroon-tailed and Barred Parakeets, and Crimson-mantled, Smoky-brown and Powerful Woodpeckers.  In the afternoon we birded around Mindo, primarily along the road that leads to the turn-off for Carmelo's (south of town).  This was very productive and some of the best birds included: Broad-billed and Rufous Motmots, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Uniform Treehunter, Ecuadorian Thrush, Orange-crowned Euphonia, and Yellow-tufted Dacnis.  We also visited a restaurant called Las Colibri where there are hummingbird feeders which attracted White-whiskered Hermit, White-necked Jacobin, and Green-crowned Woodnymph. At dusk Pancho took us to a place where Lyre-tailed Nightjars roosted.  This forested cliff face was along the road we birded earlier in the afternoon.  Two males nightjars would occasionally fly out of the forest out into the open sky.  Quite a sight!

27 May

We birded at lower elevations on this day.  The first stop was a private primary forest reserve near Pedro Vicente Maldonado arrange by Jane Lyons.  The forest her was spectacular and we did see some very nice birds, but overall the number of individuals we saw was low.  The highlights were: Band-tailed Barbthroat, Purple-chested Hummingbird, a pair of Crimson-bellied Woodpeckers, Western (Striped) Woodhaunter, Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Spot-crowned Antvireo, White-throated Spadebill, Orange-crested Flycatcher, Green Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Choco (Golden-bellied) Warbler, and Emerald Tanager.

We made a brief stop at the Hotel Arasha on the way to the well known road just past Pedro Vicente Maldonado (PVM).  Here we saw Purple-crowned Fairly, White-thighed Swallow and Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet.  We arrived at PVM in the mid-afternoon, but it proved to be a successful visit.  Birds observed included: Pallid Dove, Little Cuckoo, Olivaceous Piculet, Black-headed Antthrush, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Masked Water-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, and Gray-and-gold and Guira Tanagers.

28 May

This morning was spent birding in the Mindo area in the morning and then working our way back to Quito.  We headed south past Mindo into the Rio Cinto Valley.  The forest here was excellent and we were rewarded with several good birds.  The highlights were excellent views of a Sunbittern and a Barred Puffbird.  Other "good" birds included: Barred Hawk, Red-headed Barbet, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Choco Toucan, Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant, Tawny-breasted Flycatcher, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, and Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager.  We spent some time on the Sachatamia Lodge grounds at noon.  As with several other places we visited, Sachatamia has hummingbird feeders.  The star of the show here is the Velvet-purple Coronet.  We saw as many as six at one time here during our stay.  Other species that visited the feeders included Empress Brilliant and Brown Violet-ear.

We made a couple of stops on the way to Quito, the first was an orchid garden called La Pahuma.  They have hummingbirds feeders as well and two White-tailed Hillstars came while we were there.  The only other notable birds seen during the brief stop was an adult and juv. Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant.  As we crested the west slope of the Andes near Quito we stopped to try for the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, but were unsuccessful.  We did see Black-tailed Trainbearer, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Golden-rumped Euphonia, and Hooded Siskin in the area however.

This was my first visit to the west slope in May and although the diversity was excellent, I would say that the birding overall was rather slow.  Early mornings (before 10:00) were by far the best.  If you would like an annotated list of the birds we observed, send me an email.  This trip report (including the annotated list) will be placed on Blake Maybank’s site <http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/ns/maybank/Trips.htm> at some point.

Birds observed in Ecuador, 23-28 May 2003

23 May - Birded Yanacocha in the AM and worked our way down the Nono-Mindo road in the afternoon to Tandayapa.  We stayed at the Tandayapa Lodge.

24 May - Birded the Tandayapa Valley from above Bellavista down to Tandayapa Lodge, including a brief stop at Loma Linda (Tony Nunnery's place).

25 May - Birded Tandayapa Lodge grounds and upper Tandayapa Valley.  Overnight at Sachatamia Lodge.

26 May - Birded around Mindo, including Las Grallarias Reserve (owned by Jane Lyons)

27 May – Birded a private forest tract between Los Bancos and Pedro Vicente Maldonado and the road at km 124 on main highway west of Pedro Vicente Maldonado.  We also made a mid-afternoon stop at the Hotel Arasha Resort.

28 May - Birded the Mindo area, including the Rio Cinto Valley, and returned to Quito stopping at La Pahuma (an orchid garden)

LEGEND:

YA - Yanacocha
TL - Tandayapa Lodge grounds
SL - Sachatamia Lodge grounds
LG - Las Grallarias Reserve ( near Mindo)
RCV - Rio Cinto Valley
PVM - road at km 124 on main highway west of  Pedro Vicente Maldonado
PF - private forest reserve east of Pedro Vicente Maldonado

Great Egret - one near Mindo on the 26th
Cattle Egret - about 15 birds around Mindo in the 26th and three more there on the 28th
Striated Heron - one along the river at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Black Vulture - fairly common at most location, none at YA
Turkey Vulture - uncommon at Mindo and common at PVM
Swallow-tailed Kite - eight at LG on the 26th and four at PVM on the 27th
Plain-breasted (Sharp-shinned) Hawk - one pale morph at Mindo on the 28th
(Gray-backed Hawk) - a high flying hawk that I though was this species at PVM on the 27th
Barred Hawk - two in the RCV on the 28th
Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle - two near Quito (at the crest of the west ridge) on the 28th
Roadside Hawk - one in the Tandayapa Valley near TL on the 24th, one at PVM on the 27th and four in the RCV
Variable Hawk - two at YA and another very near Nono on the 23rd
American Kestrel - three at/near YA on the 23rd and one near Quito on the 28th
Sickle-winged Guan - four along the Nono-Mindo road on the 23rd and another at TL on the 25th
Sunbittern - one near the river in the RCV on the 28th
Rock Dove - common in virtually all urban areas
Ruddy Pigeon - two near Mindo on the 28th, others heard in the vicinity and at PVM and PF
Plumbeous Pigeon - several head in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and one seen at TL on the 25th
Eared Dove - common in Quito and several seen at the crest of the west slope and in Quito on the 28th
Common Ground-Dove - up to 10 at the crest of the west slope on the 28th
White-tipped Dove - one heard in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and another seen near Mindo on the 28th
Pallid Dove - one seen well on the roadside at PVM on the 27th
White-throated Quail-Dove - one flushed along the roadside in the upper Tandayapa Valley on the 25th and one at LG on the 26th
Maroon-tailed Parakeet - two at LG on the 26th and 30 at PF and PVM on the 27th
Barred Parakeet - a flock of about 10 at LG on the 26th
Red-billed Parrot - up to 10 daily in the Tandayapa Valley and around Mindo.  A high of about 30 were seen on the 28th at Mindo and in the RCV
Scaly-naped Parrot - two flying very high over TL on the 25th
Squirrel Cuckoo - one at PVM on the 27th and one at RCV on the 28th
Little Cuckoo - one at PVM on the 27th
Smooth-billed Ani - one near Mindo on the 26th and one at PVM on the 27th
Common Potoo - one at a roost site near Bellavista on the 24th and 25th
Common Pauraque - one hear in the upper Tandayapa Valley on the 25th and another flushed from the road at dawn at SL on the 26th
Band-winged Nightjar - one flushed from a roadside roost in the upper Tandayapa Valley on the 25th
Lyre-tailed Nightjar - two males at a known lek site at dusk on the 26th
White-collared Swift - fairly common at all elevations with a high of 30+ on the 28th
Chestnut-collared Swift - 30+ along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd and 15 at TL on the 25th
Gray-rumped Swift - 2 along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd, four at TL on the 25th, and 10+ at PVM on the 27th
Band-tailed Barbthroat - one at PF on the 27th
White-whiskered Hermit - two at Las Colibri near Mindo on the 26th
Tawny-bellied Hermit - one at TL on the 24th and 25th and another in the forest at TL on the 25th
Stripe-throated Hermit - one at PF on the 27th
Green-fronted Lancebill - one at TL on the 24th and 25th and another in the forest in the Tandayapa Valley on the 25th
White-necked Jacobin - a pair at SL and four at Las Colibri near Mindo on the 26th and the female at SL on the 28th
Brown Violet-ear - two at TL on the 23rd-25th, one at SL on the 26th and 28th, one at Las Colibri near Mindo on the 26th
Green Violet-ear - abundant along the Nono-Mindo Road and in the Tandayapa Valley (including the feeders at TL) and uncommon in the Mindo area
Sparkling Violet-ear - uncommon along the Nono-Mindo Road and in the Tandayapa Valley (including the feeders at TL) and three near Quito on the 28th
Green Thorntail - two at PVM on the 27th
Western Emerald - five+ at TL on the 23rd-25th and two others at Loma Linda on the 24th
Green-crowned Woodnymph - two at Las Colibri near Mindo on the 26th
Purple-chested Hummingbird - four at PF and another at PVM on the 27th
Andean Emerald - 10+ at TL on the 23rd-25th, four at Loma Linda on the 24th and at least one at SL
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird - up to five at TL on the 23rd-25th, two at SL on the 26th and 28th, three at Las Colibri on the 26th and three+ at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Speckled Hummingbird - one in the upper Tandayapa Valley on the 25th and another at La Pahuma on the 28th
Purple-bibbed Whitetip - 10+ (mostly males) at TL on the 23rd-25th
Empress Brilliant - three at TL on the 23rd-25th and at least two at SL on the 26th
Fawn-breasted Brilliant - five+ at TL on the 23rd-25th and two at SL on the 26th and 28th
Green-fronted Brilliant - two at Las Colibri on the 26th
White-tailed Hillstar - two at La Pahuma on the 28th
Shining Sunbeam - up to 15 at YA and the Nono-Mindo Road above Nono on the 23rd
Great Sapphirewing - four at YA on the 23rd
Brown Inca - one (or two) at TL on the 23rd-25th and one at Loma Linda and another in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Collared Inca - two at YA on the 23rd and two in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Buff-winged Starfrontlet - 15+ at YA on the 23rd
Buff-tailed Coronet – two at YA on the 23rd and 10+ at TL on the 23rd-25th
Velvet-purple Coronet - up to six at SL on the 25th and two there on the 27th
Gorgeted Sunangel - one (or two) at TL on the 23rd-25th and two at Loma Linda and singles in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and 25th
Black-breasted Puffleg - a male and a female (both photographed) at YA on the 23rd
Sapphire-vented Puffleg - 10+ at YA on the 23rd
Golden-breasted Puffleg - one at YA on the 23rd
Hoary Puffleg - one along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd
Booted Racket-tail - 20+ at TL on the 23rd-25th, five at Loma Linda on the 24th, and two at SL on the 26th and 28th
Black-tailed Trainbearer - one along the Non-Mindo Road on the 23rd, two at the crest of the west slope and three others in Quito on the 28th
Tyrian Metaltail - up to 15 at YA and the Nono-Mindo Road above Nono on the 23rd
Violet-tailed Sylph - one female at Loma Linda on the 24th, two at TL on the 24th-25th, and two at SL on the 26th and 28th
Purple-crowned Fairy - two at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Purple-throated Woodstar - 25+ at TL on the 23rd-25th, up to 10 at Loma Linda on the 25th, and three at SL on the 26th and 28th
White-bellied Woodstar - one at Nono on the 23rd, three at TL on the 23rd-25th, one at the crest of the west slope and two others in Quito on the 28th
Collared Trogon - one at PF on the 27th
Masked Trogon - two males at TL on the 25th
Black-throated Trogon - one at PF on the 27th
Golden-headed Quetzal - two at Mindo in the 28th
Broad-billed Motmot - one near Mindo on the 26th and another at PF on the 27th
Rufous Motmot - two at Mindo on the 26th, another at PF on the 27th, and two others near Mindo on the 28th
Barred Puffbird - one observed at length in the RCV on the 28th
Red-headed Barbet - a pair at TL on the 25th and two separate males in the RCV on the 28th
Toucan Barbet - up to six seen (and others heard) in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Crimson-rumped Toucanet - two at Mindo on the 26th and one at PVM on the 27th
Pale-mandibled Aracari - one near Mindo on the 26th and at least six in the RCV on the 28th
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan - one near Mindo on the 26th, heard in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and 25th
Choco Toucan - one in the RCV on the 28th
Olivaceous Piculet - one at PVM on the 27th
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker - two at LG on the 26th
Smoky-brown Woodpecker - one at LG on the 26th
Bar-bellied Woodpecker - two at YA on the 23rd
Lineated Woodpecker - one at PVM on the 27th
Powerful Woodpecker - a pair at LG on the 26th
Crimson-bellied Woodpecker - a pair observed at length at PF on the 27th
Stout-billed Cinclodes - one at YA on the 23rd
Bar-winged Cinclodes - one at YA on the 23rd
Pacific (Pale-legged) Hornero - up to 10 around Mindo on the 26th and smaller numbers seen on the 27th and 28th; pair regular at SL
Azara’s Spinetail - many heard along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd, four seen (and others heard) in the Tandayapa Valley on the 25th, heard at TL and around Mindo during the remainder of the trip
Slaty Spinetail - two near Mindo on the 26th, two at the Hotel Arasha and two at PVM on the 27th and two others near Mindo on the 28th
Red-faced Spinetail - two at SL on the 26th and another at PVM on the 28th
Spotted Barbtail - one at TL on the 25th and another near Mindo on the 26th
Rusty-winged Barbtail - one near Bellavista in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Streaked Tuftedcheek - singles near Bellavista on the 24th and 25th
Western Woodhaunter - one at PF on the 27th
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner - one near Bellavista on the 24th, two at TL on the 25th, and two at PF on the 27th
Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner - one in the RCV on the 28th
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner - one at PF on the 27th
Striped Treehunter - up to six in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and two there on the 25th
Streak-capped Treehunter - one at TL on the 24th and three there on the 25th
Uniform Treehunter - one near Mindo on the 26th
Plain Xenops - two at PF on the 27th
Plain-brown Woodcreeper - four at PF on the 27th
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper - four at PF on the 27th
Strong-billed Woodcreeper - one near Mindo in the 26th
Spotted Woodcreeper - four at PF on the 27th
Montane Woodcreeper - two in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, one at TL on the 25th and two near Mindo on the 26th
Spot-crowned Antvireo - one at PF on the 27th
Checker-throated Antwren - up to six at PF on the 27th
Slaty Antwren - one at TL on the 25th and two at PF on the 27th
Dot-winged Antwren - a male at PVM on the 27th
Long-tailed Antbird - two near Mindo on the 26th
Black-headed Antthrush - three heard at PF and two others (one seen very well) at PVM on the 27th
Rufous-breasted Antthrush - one seen (and another heard) at TL on the 25th
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta - one seen (and many others heard) in the Tandayapa Valley between Bellavista and Tandayapa Lodge on the 24th
Unicolored Tapaculo - two seen and many others heard at YA on the 23rd
Spillmann’s Tapaculo - two seen, although commonly heard, in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Ocellated Tapaculo - one seen very well at YA on the 23rd
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet - two at TL on the 25th
Golden-faced Tyrannulet - two near Mindo on the 26th and two at PF on the 27th
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet - one at SL on the 26th
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet - two at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Sierran Elaenia - one at LG on the 26th
White-crested Elaenia - four at YA and two along the upper Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd
White-throated Tyrannulet - three at YA on the 23rd
White-tailed Tyrannulet - up to six in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and  smaller numbers at TL on the 25th, and around Mindo on the 26th and 28th
White-banded Tyrannulet - up to eight at YA on the 23rd
Torrent Tyrannulet - single birds at Mindo on the 26th and 28th
Steak-necked Flycatcher - two on the upper Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd and one above Bellavista on the 24th
Olive-striped Flycatcher - one at Mindo on the 28th
Yellow Tyrannulet - one above Bellavista on the 24th
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant - two near Mindo on the 28th
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant - one seen and another heard at TL on the 25th
Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant - one in the RCV on the 28th
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant - two near Mindo on the 26th, up top four at PF on the 25th and two others near Mindo on the 28th
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher - two at PVM on the 27th
Common Tody-Flycatcher - one at PVM on the 27th
White-throated Spadebill - one at PF on the 27th
Ornate Flycatcher - three at Mindo on the 26th
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher - one at PF on the 27th
Orange-crested Flycatcher - one at PF on the 27th
Smoke-colored Pewee - three along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd, four in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th (including a pair building a nest), two at TL on the 25th, and one above Mindo on the 28th
Black Phoebe - two along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd, four at Mindo on the 26th and two there on the 28th
Vermilion Flycatcher -a male on the outskirts of Quito on the 28th
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant - one at YA on the 23rd
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant  - two (an adult and an immature) at La Pahuma on the 28th
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant - two above Bellavista in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Masked Water-Tyrant - one at PVM on the 27th and one near Mindo on the 28th
Long-tailed Tyrant - two at PVM on the 27th
Dusky-capped Flycatcher - one at TL on the 25th and two at PVM on the 27th
Boat-billed Flycatcher - one at SL on the 28th
Rusty-margined Flycatcher - three or four at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Social Flycatcher - common in disturbed habitats around Mindo and at PVM
Golden-crowned Flycatcher - four in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th (including a pair building a nest), two at TL on the 25th, and two near Mindo on the 26th
Tropical Kingbird - common in open habitats throughout
Cinnamon Becard - two at PF on the 27th and one in the RCV on the 28th
White-winged Becard - a male near Mindo on the 26th
Black-and-white Becard - a male near Bellavista on the 25th and a female near Mindo on the 28th
Masked Tityra - one near Mindo on the 26th
Red-crested Cotinga - three at YA on the 23rd
Green-and-black Fruiteater - a pair near Bellavista in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and a male at the same location on the 25th
Orange-breasted Fruiteater - one stunning male (and probably a female) at LG on the 26th
Purple-throated Fruitcrow - six at PVM on the 27th
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock - two males at TL on the 25th
Golden-winged Manakin - two males at TL on the 25th
White-bearded Manakin - one female at PF on the 27th
Green Manakin - one at PF on the 27th
Thrush-like Schiffornis – one at PF on the 27th
Turquoise Jay - six along the Nono-Mindo Road (near Tandayapa) on the 23rd and at least 15 (in four flocks) in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Red-eyed Vireo - one at PVM on the 27th
Brown-capped Vireo - four in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, two at TL on the 25th, and two at Mindo on the 26th and another there on the 28th
Tawny-crowned Greenlet - two at PF on the 27th
Great Thrush - abundant around Quito, YA, and along the Nono-Mindo Road and one near Bellavista on the 25th
Glossy-black Thrush - a pair above Bellavista on the 25th
Ecuadorian Thrush - two near Mindo on the 26th
White-capped Dipper - two along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd
Brown-bellied Swallow - common at YA and at along the upper portions of the Nono-Mindo Road and in open areas near Quito
Blue-and-white Swallow - common in open habitats except in the uppermost elevations
White-thighed Swallow - up to 10 at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Southern Rough-winged Swallow - uncommon (up to four a day) in open habitats around Mindo and below
Rufous Wren - up to eight at YA on the 23rd
Sepia-brown Wren - two near Mindo on the 26th
Grass (Sedge) Wren - two at YA on the 23rd
Bay Wren - four near Mindo on the 26th, two at PVM on the 27th and one in the RCV on the 28th
House Wren - uncommon in disturbed habitats around Mindo, SL, and PVM
Mountain Wren - one at Bellavista on the 25th
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren - common in the Tandayapa Valley and lower
Southern Nightingale-Wren - one seen and two others heard at PF on the 27th
Tawny-faced Gnatwren - one at PF on the 27th
Long-billed Gnatwren one at TL on the 25th
Tropical Parula - uncommon in the Tandayapa Valley and lower
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat - two in the RCV on the 28th
Slate-throated Redstart - common in the Tandayapa Valley and lower
Spectacled Redstart - six at YA and two along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd and two near Bellavista on the 25th
Choco (Golden-bellied) Warbler - three at PF on the 27th
Three-striped Warbler - two in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, up to four at TL on the 25th, four at Mindo in the 26th and three in the RCV on the 28th
Black-crested Warbler - two near Bellavista in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Russet-crowned Warbler - up to six in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and four at TL on the 25th
Buff-rumped Warbler - two at PF on the 27th
Bananaquit - up to six daily the 26th-28th
Golden-rumped Euphonia - a female near Mindo on the 26th and a pair at the ridge of the Andes near Quito on the 28th
Orange-bellied Euphonia - common along the Nono-Mindo Road and lower
Orange-crowned Euphonia -  a pair at Las Colibri on the 26th
Cinereous Conebill - one on the outskirts of Quito on the 28th
Blue-backed Conebill - three at YA on the 23rd
Capped Conebill - four in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, three at TL on the 25th, two neat Mindo on the 26th and another there on the 28th
Masked Flowerpiercer - up to 20 at YA and 10 more along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd, five in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and four there on the 25th
Glossy Flowerpiercer - up to 30 at YA and 10 more along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd
Black Flowerpiercer - two along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd
White-sided Flowerpiercer - two in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and a pair at TL on the 25th
Blue Dacnis - a female at PVM on the 27th
Fawn-breasted Tanager - one near Mindo on the 26th
Golden Tanager - 10+ in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, up to four at TL on the 25th, four at Mindo on the 26th and two in the RCV on the 28th
Emerald Tanager - two at PF on the 27th
Silver-throated Tanager - three at PF on the 27th and one at the RCV on the 28th
Flame-faced Tanager - three in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th
Metallic-green Tanager - singles near Mindo in the 26th and 28th
Blue-necked Tanager - four at PVM on the 27th and two in the RCV on the 28th
Golden-naped Tanager - four in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and four in the RCV on the 28th
Gray-and-gold Tanager - three at PVM on the 27th
Bay-headed Tanager - two near Mindo on the 26th and two in the RCV on the 28th
Beryl-spangled Tanager - abundant (30+ per day) in the Tandayapa Valley and at TL, and six near Mindo on the 26th
Blue-and-black Tanager - four at YA on the 23rd and two near Bellavista on the 25th
Golden-crowned Tanager - one at YA on the 23rd
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager - six at YA on the 23rd
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager - abundant in the Tandayapa Valley, at TL, Mindo, and the RCV
Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager - a group of at least four near Mindo on the 26th
Hooded Mountain-Tanager - a group of four along the Nono-Mindo Road on the 23rd
Black-chested Mountain-Tanager - one at YA on the 23rd
Blue-gray Tanager - uncommon in open habitats around Mindo
Palm Tanager - two near Mindo on the 26th and four at PVM on the 27th
Blue-capped Tanager - 10+ in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, four at TL on the 25th, four at Mindo in the 26th
Lemon-rumped (Flame-rumped) Tanager - abundant in open habitats around Mindo and at PVM
White-shouldered Tanager - two at Mindo on the 26th, six at PVM on the 27th and one near Mindo on the 28th
Dusky-faced Tanager - six at the Hotel Arasha on the 27th
Guira Tanager - a male seen poorly near Mindo on the 26th and up to six at PVM on the 27th
Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager - one near Mindo on the 26th and 12+ in the RCV on the 28th
Dusky Bush-Tanager - 30+ in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th, up to 10 at TL on the 25th, and about 10 near Mindo in the 26th
Superciliaried Hemispingus - two at YA on the 23rd
Western Hemispingus - up to six in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and two at TL on the 25th
Grass-green Tanager - six in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and one there on the 25th
Buff-throated Saltator - one at the Hotel Arasha and three at PVM on the 27th
Southern Yellow-Grosbeak - three at Nono on the 23rd
Blue-black Grassquit - two at PVM on the 27th
Variable Seedeater - four at PVM on the 27th
Yellow-bellied Seedeater - four at Mindo on the 26th, four at PVM on the 27th and two in the RCV on the 28th
Plain-colored Seedeater - four near YA on the 23rd, none seen well
Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch - up to six at the ridge of the Andes near Quito on the 28th
Rufous-naped Brush-Finch - six at YA on the 23rd
Tricolored Brush-Finch - two near Mindo on the 26th and 28th
White-winged Brush-Finch - one at TL on the 24th and four there on the 25th
Chestnut-crowned Brush-Finch - two at TL on the 25th
Orange-billed Sparrow - two at PF on the 27th
Rufous-collared Sparrow - fairly common in disturbed habitats at all locations
Shiny Cowbird - four near Mindo on the 26th and two at PVM on the 27th
Giant Cowbird - one near Mindo on the 26th
Scarlet-rumped Cacique - one on the Nono-Mindo Road near Tandayapa on the 23rd
Scrub Blackbird - two fly-bys at PVM on the 27th
Hooded Siskin - an adult with an old fledgling on the ridge of the Andes on the 28th
Yellow-bellied Siskin - two at LG on the 26th and two at PVM on the 27th
Lesser Goldfinch - a male near Mindo on the 26th

Total: 272 species (plus one probable and 18 heard only)


Heard Only:

Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail - two (?) calling at PF on the 27th
Dark-backed Wood-Quail - heard calling at TL on the morning of the 25th
White-throated Crake - several at PVM on the 27th
Rufescent Screech-Owl - one at TL on the evening of the 25th
Andean Pygmy-Owl - one at YA on the 23rd
Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl - single birds heard in the Tandayapa Valley on the 24th and at TL on the 25th
Western Long-tailed Hermit - up to three heard at PF on the 27th
Chestnut-backed Antbird - up to three heard at PF on the 27th
Immaculate Antbird - one heard near Mindo on the 26th
Scaled Antpitta - one heard at TL on the 25th
Moustached Antpitta - one at TL on the 24th and another seen very poorly at LG on the 28th
Rufous Antpitta - at least four at YA on the 23rd
Tawny Antpitta - two at YA on the 23rd
Narino Tapaculo - several heard at TL on the 25th and around above Mindo on the 26th
Tufted Tit-tyrant – one at YA on the 23rd
Barred Fruiteater - two at YA on the 23rd
Andean Solitaire - several heard in the Tandayapa Valley and at Mindo
Plain-tailed Wren - two heard in the Tandayapa Valley near Bellavista on the 24th


Seen by Paul only:

Blue-headed Parrot - at PVM
Northern Barred-Woodcreeper - at PF
Tawny-breasted Flycatcher - in the RCV
Yellow-tufted (Black-faced) Dacnis - near Mindo
Black-winged Saltator - near Mindo

Mark Lockwood
Alpine, Texas
mark.lockwood@tpwd.state.tx.us



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