NORTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT

Transcription

1 NORTHERN ECUADOR 3 20/26 AUGUST 2011 TOUR REPORT LEADER: JÁNOS OLÁH Our 2011 tour was different yet again as we had almost no migrants from the north. One could imagine that an August tour would have a smaller list than usual but in fact we managed to record 814 species! Considering the lack of migrants it was a highly successful tour to see the special birds of this fantastic country! Out of this grand total, 749 bird species were seen and 65 birds were heard only. All I can say yet again that there has probably never been a better time to visit Ecuador. Bird watching and eco-tourism has grown in Ecuador over the years and many new lodges have opened allowing relatively easy access to previously off the beaten track places. Also many difficult-to-find birds have been staked-out or even habituated. In addition to these factors the travelling distances are short and our itinerary has been designed to give a fantastic overview of the northern part of this country. From 2012 we have a revised itinerary for this tour yet again which should see even more birds! Please check out our website for the new Northern Ecuador tour! Birdquest has operated a very long series of successful tours to Ecuador over the last 18 years. This tiny South American country undeniably offers the best of the Bird Continent with the most species of birds per square mile in the World. In 2011 we travelled through a wide range of habitats and saw a good number of Ecuadorian and other South American specialities. The regular birding hotspots were visited but as usual there were some unexpected surprises along this action-packed tour! Our first base was the Septimo Paraiso Lodge in the western Andes close to the famous town of Mindo. Our first afternoon was spent along the Milpe Road where an obliging Barred Forest Falcon and Clubwinged Manakins were the main attractions. A superb morning at Angel Paz was as action-packed as usual with Giant, Moustached and Yellow-breasted Antpittas and Dark-backed Wood-Quails seen in one morning. Still in the Mindo area we made a short visit to the Rio Silanche reserve, where we added lots of goodies like Lanceolated Monklet, Stub-tailed Antbird, Spot-crowned Antvireo, Slatethroated Gnatcatcher, Green (Chocó) Manakin and Scarlet-browed Tanager just to name but a few. We visited the newly discovered Mashpi area again after our pioneering trip in 2010 where Barred Hawk, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Orange-breasted Fruiteater and many Moss-backed Tanagers were the highlights. The Bellavista area did not disappoint with good views of Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and White-throated Quail-Dove. A few days west flank birding was followed by a full day of birding at high elevation near Papallacta Pass but unfortunately the highest parts were out of reach because of weather conditions. The superb selection of hummers gave us some consolation! Our next port of call was the fantastic Wild Sumaco Lodge in the eastern foothills. The best birds here included 1 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

2 Orange-breasted Falcon, Foothill Screech-Owl, Band-bellied Owl, Lazuline Sabrewing, White-tipped Sicklebill, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Plain-winged Antwren, Redbilled and Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulets, Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant, Foothill Elaenia, Scarletbreasted Fruiteater, Grey-tailed Piha, and Blue-browed Tanager. From the eastern foothills we descended to the rolling terra firme forest of the rather basic Gareno Lodge albeit with electricity now! Birding was fantastic and birds came thick and fast with two different male Fiery Topaz and daytime Rufous Potoo seen to everybody s delight. Other highlights here included White Hawk, White-throated and Yellow-throated Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Jacamar, Spotted Puffbird, Fulvouscrested Tanager and Red-rumped Cacique. From this lowland Amazonian site we were back to cool montane forests of San Isidro and the nearby Guacamayos Ridge. This area can produce rather slow birding sometimes but our persistence always has great results! The undoubted highlight yet again (following our 2010 success) was fantastic looks of a male Peruvian Antpitta but the enigmatic San Isidro Owl feeding young, the rare White-chested Swift, White-bellied Antpittas and noisy Whitecapped Tanagers, closely followed it. After this very friendly lodge we had two days of high elevation birding again. This time we managed to secure the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe at Papallacta and had a great morning at the magnificent Antisana Volcano in the heart of the National Park of the same name. Our last lodge on the main tour was the somewhat faded Tinalandia back on the west flank again. This is still a good base to explore some lower elevation western foothills and lowland sites. We had White-throated Crake, Black-and-white Owl, Spectacled Owl, Black-headed Antthrush and Choco Trogon in the garden plus a great selection of goodies in Rio Palenque nearby such as Rufousheaded Chachalaca, Pacific Pygmy Owl, Ecuadorian Trogon, Barred Puffbird and Grey-and-gold Warbler. After the main tour some of continued on the La Selva extension and we were soon back to the steamy lowlands of the Amazonian Basin. This was the first Lodge to be established along the Napo River and still serves a fantastic location to see the special birds. A few days of birding produced a whole range of specialities like Zigzag and Agami Herons, Sungrebe, Long-tailed Potoo, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, White-lored Antpitta, Noble Antthrush, Black-spotted Bare-eye, Spot-backed-, Dot-backed- and Riparian Antbirds, Riverside Tyrant, Johannes s Tody-tyrant, the secretive Orangecrested Manakin, and a fantastic selection of cotingas like Amazonian Umbrellabird, White-browed Purpletuft and Purple-throated Cotinga! Hummingbirds were unbelievable and undoubtedly this is the best tour in the World for this special family! Our efforts this year resulted in an incredible total of 75 species of hummingbirds, which is the highest total for any Birdquest tour ever (we beat yet again our record of 73 from the same tour in 2010)! This list included species like the diminutive Gorgeted Woodstar, the amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird, the gaudy Fiery Topaz, the lovely Wire-crested Thorntail, the rare Lazuline Sabrewing, the huge Giant Hummingbird and Ecuadorian Hillstar just to name but a few. In our new itinerary from 2012 we have the potential possibility to break the 80 species barrier in 22-day tour (not designed only for hummers!). We also had numerous breathtaking encounters with colourful cotingas, toucans in the lowlands and multicoloured manakins and tanagers on both slopes of the Andes. It would take a long time to list all the goodies and specialities that performed beautifully on the tour (and not yet mentioned) but the rare Andean Ibises, the seldom seen Slender-billed Kite, the localised Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl, the roosting Marbled Wood-Quails, a day-roosting Tawny-bellied Screech Owl, males of Lyre-tailed and Swallow-tailed Nightjars, the hard-to-come by diminutive Rufous-breasted Piculet, the gaudy Napo Sabrewing, Gould s Jewelfront and Rufous-vented Whitetip, the strange Long-billed Woodcreeper, the very handsome Yellow-browed Antbird, the shy Shorttailed Antthrush, the superb Chestnut-belted Gnateater, the neat Spotted Nightingale-Thrush and the colourful Wire-tailed and Golden-winged Manakins spring to mind! In the steamy lowland and foothill jungles featuring hundreds of tree species we found an enormous diversity of tyrant flycatchers and recorded a staggering total of 108 species of them! There were many rare or difficult to observe species like the three species of hemitricky tody-tyrants (Whiteeyed, Buff-throated and Johannes s) or the large White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant. Other family totals to highlight this year s tour were 77 species of antbirds which included 10 seen antpittas, 11 species of 2 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

3 trogons; 5 species of kingfishers; 6 species of jacamars including coppery-chested and yellow-billed; 6 species of barbets; 14 species of toucans, 25 species of woodpeckers; 16 species of cotingas; 13 species of manakins and 93 species of tanagers which included 8 species of flowerpiercers. We also should give a special mention to the 29 species of night birds we have recorded, of which we managed to see 22! This amazing selection of seen night birds included 4 potoos, 6 nightjars, 12 owls, and was again a Birdquest record within a single tour! Every tour to this wonderful country is different but there is always something really special for us Birdquesters! It will certainly take some time to digest all the fantastic experiences we took home from this memorable tour! We started the tour in Hosteria El Jardin in the suburbs of Quito, which is a delightful hacienda with the most friendly Ecuadorian family and typical local food. The place is owned and run by our friend Juan Carlos Calvachi who also became a Birdquest leader and surely will be guiding most of our future Ecuador tours. El Jardin quickly became our second home as we returned here from time to time when crossing over the Andes or before catching airplanes to Amazonia or home. Next morning we started birding in the arid temperate shrubbery north of Quito, where our main target, the large and localised White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant gave excellent looks alongside with another localised tyrantflycatcher the Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant. A lovely Giant Hummingbird was visiting a nearby flowering Agave and other widespread Andean birds included a Burrowing Owl, the impressive Black-tailed Trainbearer, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Cinereous Conebill, a few female Golden-rumped Euphonias and Ash-breasted Sierra-Finches. From here we crossed over the pass and started our descent of the west slope of the Andes. We headed to the birdy upper foothills along the Milpe road at 1100 m, where the Milpe Bird Sanctuary held lots of goodies and a definitely interesting introduction to Ecuadorian birding. The hummingbird feeders around attracted White-whiskered Hermit, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, unusually high number of Green Thorntails and a variety of plumages of Green-crowned Brilliant. Our prime target was the lovely Club-winged Manakin of which we finally tracked down several males after hearing their display sounds all around us. Our lunch was interrupted by a calling juvenile Barred Forest-Falcon, which was soon tracked, down and gave fantastic prolonged views! Mixed flocks regularly made their rounds and featured Smoky-brown and Scarlet-backed Woodpeckers, Scaly-throated and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Red-faced Spinetail, Slaty Antwren, Chocó Tyrannulet, Greenish Elaenia, Slatycapped Flycatcher, Chocó Warblers, Golden-winged Manakin, Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager and the near-endemic Rufous-throated and Ochre-breasted Tanagers. Later we drove to the Septimo Paraiso Lodge near Mindo, our home to the next four nights. We just got there one hour before dusk where we managed to track down a calling Cloud Forest Pygmy-Owl and could also admire the last attack of the hummingbirds on the feeders before daylight had completely gone. We were into heavy action on our second day with a visit to the famous Angel Paz antpitta forest. No doubt this is a highlight of the west slope birding. Nowadays this place is a must for visiting birders and nobody want to miss it! Not long ago (prior 2005) any of the trained birds of Angel would have made the whole tour a great success but nowadays it is almost guaranteed to see these shy birds. Still in darkness we descended deep into a steep gully seeing a Kinkajou on the way - where we positioned ourselves in a little hut to watch the full display of several bright red males of the sanguinolenta race of Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks. A fantastic experience no matter how many times one has experienced it before. The next target was the shy Dark-backed Wood-Quail and Angel soon called them in with a new technique: bananas. Soon about eight of these chickens of different age were running all around us giving a great show. Yet again if somebody has experience with this group of birds can really appreciate to see these ghost like this! The next hour was all about antpittas! We had superb looks of two different Giant Antpitta and three Moustached Antpittas. The Yellow-breasted Antpitta - third star - was missing from this area in 2011 but it was not lost yet! We slowly climbed back up from the gully to the hummingbird feeders on the forest edge with countless Empress Brilliants and several superb Velvet-purple Coronets. Not to waste time we visited a nearby area where we finally got good views of Yellow-breasted Antpitta and a whole serious of fruit eating birds like Golden-headed Quetzals, nesting Orange-breasted Fruiteaters, Toucan Barbets and a nice 3 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

4 mixture of tanagers including up to eight Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers. At the end of the birding session we were treated to coffee, tea, some kind of corn balls filled with local cheese and empanadas. Out of the Wonderland of Angel we returned to the reality of tough cloud forest birding in the afternoon. The forest track at Pachijal still produced a few goodies like Rufous-rumped Antwren in a big mixed species flock, a pair of Scaled Fruiteaters and the gaudy Glistening-green Tanager. Before returning to our lodge in Mindo we still made a short detour and visited a nearby quarry where we had superb views of three different male Lyre-tailed Nightjars provided a grand finale to this wonderful day! Very early next morning we drove to the Rio Silanche Reserve in the increasingly deforested lowlands near Pedro Vicente Maldonado. We got there at dawn and had our bush breakfast on the top of the canopy tower inside the reserve but unfortunately it was raining. Although we could bird in the light drizzle all day the morning activity was far from usual. In the first hour from the tower we saw a Dusky Pigeon, several Pale-mandibled Aracaris, Chocó Toucans, two Orange-fronted Barbets, a party of three Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Masked Tityras and Black-winged Saltator. Our best birds from the tower were two Rose-faced Parrots and a pair of Slate-throated Gnatcatchers, both rather scarce Chocó endemics. In the car park we saw a most obliging Broad-billed Motmot and the verbena bushes held stunning Purple-chested Hummingbirds and Stripe-throated Hermits. It was still raining but not much later we were all looking at a Pallid Dove and then a singing Lanceolated Monklet. This tiny, inconspicuous species is one of best birds of the area and we have a very good hit-rate of seeing it! The various trails around the reserve also gave us many exciting specialities this year such as Spotcrowned Antvireos, Tawny-faced Gnatwrens, Western Salty Antshrike, very handsome (as far as woodcreepers go) Black-striped Woodcreepers and more gaudy tanagers like Tawny-crested and Dusky-faced Tanager. The most surprising observations however were obtained along the river trail where we heard a distant Stub-tailed Antbird and it gave superb views to all of us. This species was not seen by Birdquest for many years at this location and we thought its long gone from this habitat fragment. Immediately after the antbird experience we noticed two sluggish green birds in the understorey, which turned out to be the litae race of the Green Manakin or sometimes split as Chocó Manakin. Most of the afternoon was spent looking at fruiting trees and tracked down the handsome Scarlet-browed and Rufous-winged Tanagers. On our return journey to our base we had a brief stop at Los Bancos where Purple-crowned Fairy. Andean Solitaire and Rufous-throated Tanager entertained us! Our next day started with a visit to a newly discovered birding hotspot, the Mashpi Reserve. In fact the reserve itself is still closed and the accommodation is just about to open the birding in the area is great! Our first good bird was a splendid male Indigo Flowerpiercer, which was a near mythical bird in Ecuador not long ago with sightings only at very remote locations of the northwest. This was a write-in for our Ecuador checklist on our pioneering trip in Other good birds included Barred Hawk, a lovely pair of Orange-breasted Fruiteaters, Uniform Antshrike, Toucan Barbet and several Moss-backed Tanagers. The afternoon was spent in the Mindo area where had some fantastic sightings of fantastic birds such as Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Nariño and Spillmann s Tapaculos and Pale-eyed Thrush. We arrived back to Septimo at dusk where the very strange call of Wattled Guan was heard again but no views. The owling produced the shy Colombian Screech-Owl for some of us. It came in silently and only few of us saw it in the spotlight before it flew off again. On our last day on the western flank of the Andes we started early and headed for Bellavista and the Tandayapa Valley. Just as it was getting light we had a Rufous-bellied Nighthawk. The morning was slow to start at this elevation but a large but fast moving mixed flock produced Montane Woodcreeper, Masked Trogon, Turquoise Jay, Streaked Tuftedcheek, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Flavescent Flycatcher, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Grass-green Tanager and Black-capped Hemispingus. Later we visited more feeders with a great set of hummers, including Tawny-bellied Hermit, Western and Andean Emeralds, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Brown Inca, Buff- 4 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

5 tailed Coronet, Gorgeted Sunangel, Booted Racket-tail, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Violet-tailed Sylph and Purple-throated Woodstar. Near the top of this range we visited the Bellavista Lodge, where the trails were productive with great looks at White-throated Quail-Dove, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Sepia Brown Wren and Western Hemispingus. The last place we visited on our way back to Quito was the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve where our main target was the western race of White-tailed Hillstar, which we saw very well within half an hour. The next day we were heading to the Papallacta Pass and vicinity, which stands at 4000 meters above sea level. We thought we were prepared for cold weather and wind but later it turned out that we were not! We stopped before the pass where we had Red-crested Cotinga, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager and many Black Flowerpiercers in the shrubbery. Once we reached the pass at around 9 a.m. the weather deteriorated and the pass was unbirdable. We dropped further down to Papallacta Lake where we found a skulking Rufous Antpitta in the temperate forest while a mixed species party held Agile Tit-tyrant, White-throated Tyrannulet, Blue-backed Conebill, Goldencrowned Tanager, Lacrimose and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers and Black-backed Bush- Tanager. Our next port of call was at the famous Guango Lodge. The Chalpi trail of the lodge produced Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant, Rufous Wren, Plushcap and Greyhooded Bush-Tanager. We had our picnic lunch by the hummingbird feeders, where the astonishing and rather grotesque Sword-billed Hummingbird, stole the show. Nonetheless also the numerous Tourmaline Sunangels easily captured our interest, and so did Mountain Velvetbreast, Collared Inca, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail and the amazing number of White-bellied Woodstars. Most of the afternoon was spent dozing in the bus while we drove to Archidona on the eastern slope though a quick stop below Guacamayos gave us a gorgeous Yellow-throated Tanager, several Inca Jays and Rufous-breasted Flycatcher. We arrived to our hotel just before dusk but still in time to see the resident White-browed Antbirds in the garden! We started early from Archidona next morning and headed out for a morning birding along the Loreto Road before continuing to the lower slopes of the Sumaco Volcano. At the crack of dawn we were already watching Blackish Nightjars and then a very birdy morning began! This Loreto Road was once a great birding destination but nowadays the road is tarred and the roadside clearing is extensive. Nevertheless we had some exciting birds such as a fantastic Orange-breasted Falcon (which became the Bird of the trip!), Sunbitterns, a skulking Northern White-crowned Tapaculo, a fine Coppery-chested Jacamar, the handsome Yellow-cheeked Becard, Olive-chested Flycatchers, the localised Olivaceous Greenlet and Olivaceous Siskin. Just before we arrived to Wild Sumaco Lodge a pair of displaying Black Hawk Eagles was seen. Still before lunch Wire-crested Thorntails, Gould s Jewelfronts and Many-spotted Hummingbirds entertained us on the balcony with a superb view over the forested valley in front. After a quick lunch we settled into this magnificent lodge and then started birding! Our next two days birding was spent on the great network of trails around the Wild Sumaco Lodge. This private property gives access to excellent east slope foothill forest, which was not really available before this true birder s lodge opened by our friends Jonas Nilsson, Bonnie Burgess Olson and Jim Olson. Apart from the trail system the access road can be very productive too. The hummingbirds were undoubtedly one of the main highlights of the area. On a single day we saw 23 species including Lazuline Sabrewing, White-tipped Sicklebill, the near threatened Napo Sabrewing, the rare Rufous-vented Whitetip, lovely Black-throated and Violet-fronted Brilliants, the eastern race of the Booted Rocket-tail, Golden-tailed Sapphire and the tricky-to-see Ecuadorian Piedtail this latter was seen both on the feeders and in the forest. The superb foothill primary forest gave us such interesting birds as Foothill Screech-Owl, Band-bellied Owl, Rufous-breasted Piculet, Crimsonbellied Woodpecker, Black-mandibled Toucan, Black-billed Treehunter, Yellow-breasted- Foothilland Plain-winged Antwrens, Short-tailed Antthrush, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Spotted Nightingale-Thrush, the enigmatic Grey-tailed Piha, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Blue-rumped manakin, Grey-mantled Wren, Blue-browed Tanager and a fantastic selection of flycatchers such as Foothill Elaenia, Spectacled Bristle-Tyrant, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant and Red-billed Tyrannulet. 5 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

6 Unfortunately we had to say good bye to the fascinating Wild Sumaco area and we towards Gareno Lodge, located in Huaorani Indian Territory south of the Napo River. We stopped several times on our journey at different stand of Mauritia palms, where we hoped for two palm-specialists, the strikingly patterned Point-tailed Palmcreeper and the handsome Sulphury Flycatcher. The flycatcher was found quite easily but we had to wait a few more days for the palmcreeper as we only saw it on the way out! We arrived to this remote location only for dinner and were excited by the prospect of many interesting birds in the following days. Our next morning was spent along the entrance road and produced several goodies such as a stunning male Fiery Topaz (it took a long time to get satisfying views for everybody), Yellow-billed Jacamar, White-throated and Red-stained Woodpeckers, Coraya Wren, Fulvous-crested Tanager and Red-rumped Cacique. A small side trail took us to a day-roost of the enigmatic Rufous Potoo and we got prolonged looks of this much sought-after bird! Most of our two days we concentrated our efforts on the Harpy trail where birding was sometimes slow but yet again very rewarding. We picked up a fine selection of terra firme birds like perched views of White Hawk, two Black-bellied Cuckoo, Black-tailed and Amazonian Violaceous Trogons, Purplish Jacamar, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Speckled Spinetail, Chestnutwinged and Olive-backed Foliage-gleaners, Ocellated Woodcreeper, Spotted Puffbird, striking Yellow-browed and Scale-backed Antbirds, a superb selection of antwrens such as Moustached, Plain-throated, Ornate, Rufous-tailed, White-flanked, Grey and Long-winged Antwrens, Black-faced Antthrush, White-eyed Tody-Tyrant, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Blue-crowned and Golden-headed Manakins, Lawrence s Thrush, Yellow-backed, Opal-rumped and Masked Tanagers and Fulvous Shrike-Tanager. Sadly we had to say goodbye to Gareno and drove back to the cool Andes. We managed to track down a Point-tailed Palmcreeper and also had Brown Jacamars, Yellow-throated Barbet, Yellowbellied Tanager and Moriche Oriole towards Archidona. By lunchtime we arrived to San Isidro even with a short stop at Cosanga where we had three Torrent Ducks in the river. After a fine meal and a short visit to the hummingbird feeders we decided to give a try to the Guacamayos Ridge trail as the weather looked OK. In the afternoon we experienced a mixture of weather conditions with rain, clouds and even sunshine. Birding was rather slow but our afternoon produced Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Powerful Woodpecker, Undulated Antpitta, Dusky Piha and White-capped Tanager! Finally we got back to San Isidro Lodge safely, where we had brilliant views of the San Isidro Owl as an adult bird was feeding a youngster before consuming our terrific dinner! The following early morning we were listening for the dawn calls of Peruvian Antpitta along the trails of San Isidro. We soon heard the pair calling and after some careful positioning we all had amazing looks at a male Peruvian Antpitta! After this special dawn birding most of the morning was spent around the lodge garden. First we birded around the lights by the restaurant that attracted a huge number of insects overnight so birds were numerous in the morning with the prospect of an easy meal! We saw many birds here like Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Andean Solitaire, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay, Bluish Flowerpiercer, Black-eared Hemispingus and Subtropical Cacique. Then we were treated with great views of worm-fed White-bellied Antpittas close to the lodge. Two adult birds were coming for the easy food and regularly run back to the undergrowth so we assumed they were feeding young (just like last year though a two month earlier in time). The delightful trails were easy to walk, and in the course of our wanderings we added a fine selection of quality birds to our lists like a flock of White-capped Parrots, fly by Barred Parakeets, both Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals, Spotted Barbtail, Long-tailed Antbirds, Equatorial Rufous-vented Tapaculo, Plain-tailed Wren, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Variegated Bristle-Tyrant and Saffron-crowned, Flame-faced and Beryl-spangled Tanagers. In late afternoon we drove to the Guacamayos Ridge again where we had a rather quiet afternoon along the ridge trail but the last hour of the day produced several Whitechested Swifts flying to roost together with Chestnut-collared Swifts and the day ended in style with a male Swallow-tailed Nightjar! 6 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

7 Slightly frustrated we left the trails and spent most of the morning on the Guacamayos Ridge trail. We had a pair of Rufous Spinetails and Green-and-black Fruiteater while having our well-deserved packed breakfast. In the first hour along the trail we saw a fine Black-billed Mountain Toucan and managed to lure some into view eventually. Mixed bird parties were frequent with Handsome Flycatcher, Blue-and-black Tanager and Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager. In the thick undergrowth we came across several Rufous Wrens and also Sepia Brown Wrens. Other highlights of the morning were fantastic views of Dusky Piha, a male Blue-tailed Emerald and Grass Green Tanager. Just before midday the activity nose-dived and we slowly walked back to the bus and drove back for another gourmet lunch in San Isidro! Early next morning we gave a last trial to the Guacamayos Ridge but as nothing turned up by breakfast we embarked on our return journey to Quito. We were actually hoping to catch up with the high Andean birding at Papallacta, which we had to miss because of weather a few days before. By the time we reached the antennas at Papallacta Pass it was already warming up. Here were looking for the localised Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, the endemic latreillii race. As usual we had to work hard but after much wandering around in these harsh conditions one of these strange high altitude shorebirds were found and we all had good looks. After having seen our main target the real highelevation bonanza started, with fancy birds such as Stout-billed and Bar-winged Cinclodes, Manystriped Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail and Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant all obliging well. The grass loving Tawny Antpitta was also tracked down and the nearby Polylepis forest gave us stunning views of Blue-mantled Thornbill, White-throated Tyrannulet and Spectacled Whitestart. Unfortunately the Giant Conebills proved to be elusive on this particular day and despite much effort we failed to locate any. High elevation birding made us rather tired so we headed to our base near Quito for an early finish. Early next morning we were off again to another high elevation birding area: Antisana National Park. This was the third Birdquest visit to this magnificent place. It was proper high Andean birding with several magnificent Andean Condors, Giant Hummingbird and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant close to the entrance gate. The condor is threatened in Ecuador although with much effort it is now recovering in some places. The census in the 90 s came up with between 60 and 100 birds in the entire country with the population around Antisana volcano (once the biggest in the country) possibly having slid to about seven birds. So it is very nice to see them coming back in numbers as we regularly see them now in this national park. While driving towards the higher elevation we spotted Black-chested Buzzard Eagles and several Carunculated Caracaras. Other birds along the way included Paramo Pipit, Streak-backed Canastero, Paramo Ground-Tyrant, Grass Wren, Plain-coloured Seedeater and Plumbeous Sierra-Finch. Memorable birds around the reservoir and the plateau area were up to 30 Silvery Grebes with glowing red-eyes, six Andean Ibises, screaming Andean Lapwings and gently floating Andean Ruddy Ducks and Andean Teals. Around the Hacienda we saw several near-endemic Ecuadorian Hillstars and Black-winged Ground-Doves were particularly common. Then there was snow-capped Antisana itself, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and an unforgettable backdrop to our high-elevation birding. In the afternoon we descended to the west flank again for the final leg of the main tour. Unfortunately it was raining by the time we arrived to Tinalandia so there was not much late afternoon birding. This location serves as a great base for visiting the Rio Palenque Biological Station though, which is only an hours drive away. Early next morning we left for this tiny patch of lowland forest. We arrived at first light just when the dawn chorus started. It always fascinating how many species still survive in this small patch of forest surrounded by agricultural desert. The first bird we tracked down was a calling Flammulated Attila but the calling Rufous-headed Chachalacas only showed to Stuart briefly. We had many great sightings of lowland under storey hummingbirds to start with like Baron s and Stripe-throated Hermits and Band-tailed Barbthroat. Our picnic breakfast in the forest produced a much sought-after Ecuadorian Trogon and Blue-chested Hummingbird. After breakfast we tracked down a calling Barred 7 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

8 Puffbird and then a Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner. Other goodies of the early hours included Whitewhiskered Puffbird, Red-billed Scythebill, Olivaceous Piculet, Bay and Whiskered Wrens and the localized Grey-and-gold Warbler. In the thick undergrowth noisy Dusky-faced Tanagers and Orangebilled Sparrows were abundant but we also had Western Slaty Antshrike and Chestnut-backed Antbird. Scoping the Palenque River we found Pied-billed Grebes, Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egret, Pectoral Sandpiper and Common Gallinule. Our afternoon forest walk delivered such wonderful goods as Orange-fronted and Red-headed Barbets, Lineated and Guayaquil Woodpeckers, several lekking White-bearded Manakins and a very shy Black-headed Antthrush. Other species we had in this bird-filled place were Ecuadorian Ground Doves, Brown-capped and Yellow Tyrannulets and a Pacific Pygmy Owl on the drive back to Tinalandia. At dusk we managed to track down two Whitethroated Crakes and a fine Black-and-white Owl right by our cabins. Our final morning was spent on the trail systems at Tinalandia, and here we jammed some more goodies into our bag like Chocó Trogon, Speckle-breasted Wrens and a Black-headed Antthrush. It was now time to return to Quito where the main tour ended. With those who were going on the La Selva post-tour extension we arrived back to our base, the Hosteria El Jardin. Next morning after a lie-in we had a leisurely walk around the garden of the Hacienda with a colourful male Vermillion Flycatcher and several Rusty Flowerpiercers. We were eager to get on the plane though so we soon headed to Quito airport and not much later we were on a flight to Coca. Arriving in the steamy lowlands we embarked upon the two-hour boat journey to one of the finest Amazonian Lodges, La Selva. On our boat journey we did not see many birds but had a single Largebilled Tern and a few Swallow-wing Puffbirds while White-banded and White-winged Swallows were plentiful. Upon arrival we were greeted by welcome drinks and food in the lodge and we met our local guide José and his assistant Manuel, the loyal and quick-eyed companions for the next five days. For the last two hours of the day we boarded our dugout canoe and quietly birded around the Garzacocha Lake which produced Agami Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Chestnut-fronted Macaws, many Greater Anis, a Green-and-rufous Kingfisher and a male Silvered Antbird. Back in the garden of the lodge we tracked down a calling Tropical Screech-Owl before dinner. We were up before dawn next morning but it was raining! We slowly walked to a nearby emergent tree and climbed the 186 steps to the top of a fantastic canopy tower. This was where our real Amazonian birding experience started! Canopy towers are excellent places to study the birdlife of the upper strata of the Amazonian Rainforest and usually every single occasion it is different with a new set of birds. Our first morning visit to this special place was the longest and the most productive one with many great sightings in duration of five hours. This is a rather rare event when one can spend such a long time on the roof of Amazonia but with the rainy weather the activity was continuously good and we had no sun to beat us down to the shady lower levels. We had Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, Double-toothed Kite, Slate-coloured Hawk, Scarlet and Chestnut-fronted Macaws, Blackheaded Parrots, White-fronted Nunbirds, Golden-collared Toucanets, Many-banded and Ivory-billed Aracaris, Channel-billed Toucan, Crimson-crested and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Orange-fronted Plushcrowns, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper, Slender-footed Tyrannulet, Grey Elaenia, Yellowbrowed Tody-Flycatcher, Olive-faced Flatbill, Eastern Sirystes, Dusky-chested Flycatcher, Crowned Slaty-Flycatcher, Black-tailed Tityra, White-browed Purpletuft, Plum-throated, Spangled and Purplethroated Cotingas, Bare-necked and Purple-throated Fruitcrows and a wonderful palette of multi-hued tanagers and allies, including such gems as Purple and Green Honeycreepers, Black-faced Dacnis, Rufous-bellied and White-lored Euphonias, and Opal-crowned, Paradise, Turquoise and Flamecrested Tanagers. Our other visits to this high ground throughout our stay yielded Ringed and Scalebreasted Woodpeckers, Great Potoo, Violaceous Jay, Greyish Mourner, Yellow-bellied and Greenand-gold Tanagers, Olive Oropendola and Moriche Oriole in addition. Still on our first day we visited the Mandicocha Lake and the Mandiyacu River. As we were quietly 8 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

9 floating along the stream we spotted several varzeá forest specialities such as White-chinned Jacamars, Grey-fronted Dove, the tiny American Pygmy Kingfisher, the magnificent Black-spotted Bare-eye, the noisy Plumbeous Antbird, the minute but very handsome Dot-backed Antbird and also the rather scarce Riparian Antbird plus Grey-headed Tanager. We got lucky at our first attempt and located a calling male Zigzag Heron! First we heard it distantly but after a few nerve-racking minutes it showed up and was very co-operative. It was a special moment of birding and no wonder it took the first place on the Bird of the extension contest. We made several other visits to both Garzacocha and Mandicocha during the course of our stay and these lakeside excursions gave us excellent views of more Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Agami Herons, clumsy Hoatzins, Azure Gallinules, several Sungrebes, Ringed and Green-and-rufous Kingfishers, the prehistoric Long-billed Woodcreeper, the plaintive Cinnamon Attila, Lesser Kiskadee, Black-tailed Trogon and Hauxwell s Thrush. We spent considerable time looking for the Cocha Antshrike, which is also a varzeá forest bird and usually prefers permanent swamp or lake edges but we never heard a single call and could not locate any. Spending much time in its favoured swampy habitat produced great looks at White-lored Antpitta and the rare Johannes s Tody-Tyrant for some of us. The Orange-crested Manakin, another one of the specialities of La Selva, gave excellent looks this year on a fruiting tree along the edge of Garzacocha. Most of our evenings were spent owling and we had fantastic views of Northern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl while trying to track down the enigmatic Long-tailed Potoo. We devoted three evenings to find this mid-storey varzeá forest night bird and in this process we gradually get closer to the hunting area used after dusk. Finally on our last evening (on the third trial) we had fantastic views of this superb creature! Its Common relative was easily seen along the Mandiyacu River at dusk. We devoted some time to the special river island habitats on this post-tour extension. These young river islands - where early successional vegetation can be found - hold a whole avifauna of their own. The river islands we visited were downstream on the Napo River. We managed to locate many of the special birds but the undoubted highlights were two different male Amazonian Umbrellabirds on riverside Cecropia trees. This was the second best bird in the Bird of the extension contest. In a few hours birding we managed to get good views of some obligate island birds such as Olive-spotted Hummingbird, White-bellied and Parker s Spinetails, Castelnau s Antshrikes, Black-and-white Antbird, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, River Tyrannulet, Orange-headed Tanager and Oriole Blackbird, in addition to such other good birds as Lesser Hornero, Ladder-tailed Nightjar and several Caquetá Seedeaters. As always we found some interesting birds on these islands as well this was an Austral migrant Dark-billed Cuckoo and the rare Riverside Tyrant this year! Amazingly we have recorded a great rarity on each of our last four visits to these Napo River islands Bicolored Conebill, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Lined Seedeater and Riverside Tyrant. It just shows how much these river island habitats are still under-watched! The clay licks on and near the Napo River, which are used by many parrots are great attractions to visiting birders. Hundreds of parrots congregate at these sites on sunny mornings to feast on the rich mineral soil. We were not very lucky with the weather this year and only saw a few Dusky-headed Parakeets and a dozen of Mealy Amazons on the riverside clay lick so we soon moved to the smaller forest interior lick where we had superb experience with hundreds of Cobalt-winged Parakeets. We also spent considerable time on the trails at La Selva and on the south side of the Napo River in the Yasúni National Park. Mixed understorey flocks were a regular feature, and in addition to the leading Cinereous and Dusky-throated Antshrikes and their faithful followers we managed to pick out some of the less frequently attending species such as Bicoloured Antbird and Peruvian Warbling Antbird. Many other memorable birds were found during the trail exploits, and to name just a few there was a roosting pair of Marbled Wood-Quails, Spix s Guan, Cream-coloured Woodpecker, several Reddish Hermits, both Amazonian Violaceous and Amazonian White-tailed Trogons, confiding Chestnutbelted Gnateaters, a nice pair of Striated Antthrushes, handsome Wire-tailed Manakins and more subtle Green Manakins, a log-loving Rusty-belted Tapaculo and a pair of the stunning Spot-backed Antbird. 9 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

10 La Selva staff was professional and very helpful, the food was great and beds were comfortable. Sadly our birding tour came to a fine end here and all left for us was an uneventful boat journey back to Coca on the last morning to connect our internal flight back to Quito and then our international flight back to Europe. It was a sharp-eyed and very keen group of Birdquesters who worked hard throughout the three weeks and in return we were rewarded with a long list of rare and special birds! 10 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

11 SYSTEMATIC LIST Species, which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species, which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). Species, which were only recorded by the leader are marked with the symbol (LO) Conservation threat categories and information are taken from Threatened Birds of the World, BirdLife International s magnificent book on the sad status of the rarest 10% of the world s avifauna, and updates on the BirdLife website: TINAMIDAE Great Tinamou Tinamus major (H): We regularly heard it in the eastern lowlands at Gareno and it was also commonly heard on the post-tour extension at La Selva. An interesting fact is that tinamous are one of the few bird families that are believed to have reversed sex roles. Apparently the females do most of the singing, and in most if not all species the male carries out the incubation. Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus: We flushed one along the entrance boardwalk at La Selva on the post-tour extension. It is the typical voice of the more swampy areas in Amazonia. Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui (H): Regularly heard in both the eastern and western lowlands but we had no sightings this year. Undulated Tinamou Crypturellus undulates (H): Regularly heard in disturbed secondary and riverine habitats in the eastern lowlands, especially at La Selva on the post-tour extension. On the main tour we got close to one on our way out of Gareno while searching for palmcreeper but it did not show. Variegated Tinamou Crypturellus variegatus (H): This classic terra firme forest tinamou was only heard once at La Selva on the post-tour extension. The Amazonian rainforest was surprisingly silent this year for tinamous but it could have been because of the cold and rainy weather. PODICIPEDIDAE Silvery Grebe Podilymbus occipitalis: About thirty of these lovely grebes were seen very well on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. This species is a rather localised bird in Ecuador and somewhat nomadic too but the lagoons in Antisana seem to have some all the time. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps: A total of ten birds were seen on the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station while taking our picnic lunch. PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Phalacrocorax brasilianus: The first singletons were seen near Los Bancos. At the end of the tour we had a group of about 15 birds hunting together along the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station. ANATIDAE [Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata: A single bird was seen on the Napo River on our boat ride back from La Selva on the post-tour extension. This species is very rare along the Napo so its origin is somewhat debatable and could be an escape.] Torrent Duck Merganetta armata: Our first sighting was a party of two males and a female on the east slope near Cosanga. We saw a single male and female at the same spot next day 11 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

12 too. Later János saw another male along the drive to Tinalandia on the west slope. This bird was the northern race colombiana. Andean Teal Anas andium: A singleton was seen below the Papallacta Pass and about ten were counted on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. This one is often considered to be a dark-billed subspecies of Speckled Teal A. flavirostris. Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica: Two birds were seen below the Papallacta Pass and two more on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. Andean Ruddy-Duck (A Duck) Oxyura ferruginea: Fifteen birds were seen on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. ARDEIDAE Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus: Fantastic looks at a calling male along the Mandiyacu River on the post-tour extension in La Selva. A real speciality of the extension and we seem to have an excellent finding rate with this retiring species. It was the clear winner of bird of the extension contest! Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum: The loud and characteristic call was heard daily at La Selva on our post-tour extension and we saw an adult and an immature bird. Tigerherons and bitterns are the only members of their family that don t breed in colonies. Cocoi Heron (White-necked H) Ardea cocoi: The only sighting on the main tour was by Mark and Stuart along the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Later we had more sightings in the eastern lowlands at La Selva on our post-tour extension. The Cocoi Heron is the largest member of its family in Ecuador. Its name is derived from one of the Indian languages, in this case from that of the Cayenne Indians from northeast South America. Great Egret Ardea alba: Small numbers were seen both in the western and eastern lowlands. This species was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Casmerodius. Snowy Egret Egretta thula: Another bird, which was encountered in both the eastern and western lowlands. First seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station and then along the Napo River on the post-tour extension. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Regular sightings in the western lowlands and foothills. An ever spreading species, which was first recorded in the country in 1958 and it is now a numerous and widespread resident in large portions of Ecuador. Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striatus: Up to eight were seen on the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station followed by singletons at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Agami Heron (Chestnut-bellied H) Agamia agami: We had two great sightings of this rare heron at La Selva yet again! It is sometimes known as the Chestnut-bellied Heron as well, and it is the only member of the genus Agamia. Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus: About six adult plumaged birds were seen on the Napo River on the post-tour extension to La Selva. This species has sometimes been placed in the genus Nycticorax. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Two sightings of three birds at La Selva on the post-tour extension. This is the hoactli race in this part of South America. This heron is migratory in the northernmost part of its range, but otherwise resident (even in the cold Patagonia). The North American population winters in Mexico and Central America, the Old World birds winter in tropical Africa and southern Asia. THRESKIORNITHIDAE Andean Ibis Theristicus branickii: We had great views of six birds in the Antisana National Park. This large ibis is very rare and localized in Ecuador and probably the most endangered population of this patchily distributed bird. This is the northernmost limit of this species s range and is isolated from the remainder of the range. It is sometimes lumped in Blackfaced Ibis as the branickii race. 12 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

13 CATHARTIDAE Andean Condor Vultur gryphus: A total of eight birds were seen at Antisana National Park! In recent years the population seems to be increasing here. This spectacular species is both threatened and declining in Ecuador although with much effort it is now recovering in some places. The census in the nineties came up with between 60 and 100 birds in the entire country with the population around Antisana volcano (once the biggest in the country) possibly having slid to about 7 birds. So it is very nice to see them coming back in numbers! King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa: Two birds were seen on our post-tour extension at La Selva this year. They were circling above Mandicocha with other raptors when the sun came out after two days of rain. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus: Numerous and widespread at lower and middle elevations. After the opinions of a few 19th century taxonomists were long ignored, recent genetic studies have indicated that New World vultures are modified storks and don t belong with the raptors! Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura: Frequent sightings in all sorts of habitats both in the west and east. Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus: We saw one at Gareno and later this was followed by regular sightings in the eastern lowlands on our post-tour extension. ACCIPITRIDAE Osprey Pandion haliaetus: A singleton was seen at Garzacocha on our post-tour extension at La Selva. A cosmopolitan species, though in South America Ospreys are only found as wintering or occasionally over-summering birds. Note that, following recent genetic studies, it has been suggested that the four or five recognized subspecies be treated as distinct phylogenetic species. This is the carolinensis race here in Ecuador. Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K) Elanoides forficatus: Repeated and excellent views of this most graceful Neotropical raptor both in the western and eastern lowlands. Slender-billed Kite Helicolestes hamatus: A single bird was seen along the Napo River on our posttour extension. This rather secretive raptor is rarely encountered soaring and we were lucky to see one perched at dawn. It is a rare bird in Ecuador. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus: A total of four birds of the nominate bidentatus race were seen from the canopy tower at La Selva on our post-tour extension. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea: A few were seen on our boat rides along the Napo River on our post-tour extension. In some years we see them everywhere and in some years it is scarce. This widespread species has some poorly understood seasonal movements. Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus: This rather rare paramo bird was seen at Antisana National Park we had flight views. It is still a puzzle why this bird is so rare in northern Ecuador and is in fact missing from Southern Ecuador and northern Peru while being relatively numerous further south. Slate-coloured Hawk Leucopternis schistacea: Two sightings of this forest raptor from the canopy tower in La Selva. White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis: We had good views of a perched bird along the Harpy trail at Gareno. This is another scarce forest raptor in Ecuador. Barred Hawk (Black-chested H) Morphnarchus princeps: One was seen in the Mashpi area on the west. Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris: A very common and widespread species at lower and middle elevations. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus: We had great views of one near the thermals of Papallacta and later two more were seen in the Antisana National Park. 13 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

14 Variable Hawk (Gurney s H) Geranoaetus polyosoma: Small numbers were seen at various high elevation localities such as our Shrike Tyrant site, Papallacta Pass and Antisana National Park. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus: Two sightings of this magnificent raptor at Wild Sumaco. Two birds were seen soaring and displaying on our arrival afternoon and another was seen two days later. We also had a singleton on our post-tour extension at La Selva. Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus: An adult was seen on our post-tour extension at La Selva. Most of the raptors were seen on the same afternoon when the sun came out after two days of rain. It was amazing to see vultures, hawk-eagles, hawks and falcons all up in the sky above Mandicocha. FALCONIDAE Black Caracara Daptrius ater: We had two on our way out of Gareno and then several along the Napo River on the post-tour extension. Mainly a riverine carrion feeder and rarely seen away from rivers. Red-throated Caracara Ibycter americanus (H): We heard this noisy species at Gareno but we were inside the terra firme forest along the Harpy trail so had no chance to see them. Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus: We saw the first bird in the Papallacta Pass area but later up to 50 of this handsome near-endemic bird were seen in Antisana National Park. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima: One was seen along the Loreto road and then small numbers were seen at La Selva along the Napo River on our post-tour extension. An open country species and in Ecuador it is mainly confined to large rivers in Amazonia. It only recently seems to have colonized from adjacent countries (probably Colombia), the first record dating back to With ongoing deforestation it seems that Yellow-headed Caracaras are now starting to spread away from the immediate vicinity of big rivers. Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis: We had fantastic views of a juvenile bird on our very first day in the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve. It was just calling and calling in broad daylight giving very good looks. Later on the tour others were heard both on the west and east. Lined Forest-Falcon Micrastur gilvicollis (H): This shy forest raptor was only heard this year at La Selva. Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon Micrastur buckleyi (H): We heard one near Garzacocha at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Unfortunately it did not want to play albeit calling very close to us. Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus (H): This elusive forest raptor was heard pre-dawn at San Isidro along the Cock-of-the Rock trail. Buckley s Forest-Falcon Micrastur buckleyi (H): Yet another heard-only forest dweller, which we noted at dusk along the Coopmans trail at Wild Sumaco. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans: One was seen on our way to Gareno and three more at La Selva on the post-tour extension. American Kestrel Falco sparverius: A few sightings in open country at higher elevations. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis: Our first sighting was along the Milpe Road as one of these delightful raptors was eating a morpho butterfly. The blue wings were flying all around it was a special moment to see, the ultimate painting or photo subject! Later several others were seen at Tinalandia and Rio Palenque Biological Station. Orange-breasted Falcon Falco deiroleucus: The bird of the trip on the 2011 main tour! We had unforgettable walk-away views of this scarce raptor along the Loreto Road. CRACIDAE Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata : Four were seen at Wild Sumaco and two at Gareno. We had many sightings on the post-tour extension at La Selva as well. 14 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

15 Rufous-headed Chachalaca Ortalis erythroptera: We heard two coveys calling in the early morning hours at Rio Palenque Biological Station but only Stuart managed to see one through the thick foliage. BirdLife International, owing to habitat loss and a continuing rapid population decline list this species as Vulnerable. Spix s Guan Penelope jacquacu: A single bird was seen on the post-tour extension at La Selva. Wattled Guan Aburria aburri (H): This secretive guan was heard several times in our lodge garden at Septimo Paraiso and also once at Wild Sumaco. Unfortunately we were not lucky to spot any of the calling birds. Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii: We had many sightings in the Tandayapa area on the west and also at Wild Sumaco on the east. ODONTOPHORIDAE Marbled Wood-Quail Odontophorus gujanensis : We heard it along the entrance road at Gareno near dusk but it did not show. Later it was heard several times in La Selva on the posttour extension but it was not until the last day that we saw a roosting pair by spotlight! Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail Odontophorus erythrops (H): Several coveys were heard at Tinalandia on our last morning but we did not manage to lure any into view. These shy forest floor denizens can sometimes be frustratingly difficult. Dark-backed Wood-Quail Odontophorus melanonotus: Absolutely superb views of eight birds at Angel s antpitta forest. Now that he has discovered they love banana they are easier to see than in the past. This time we had a mixed age group with adults and different aged young too. This Chocó endemic was a very difficult to see in the pre-angel times. Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail Odontophorus speciosus (H): This east slope specialty was heard distantly along the Guacamayos ridge trail. RALLIDAE Grey-breasted Crake Laterallus exilis (H): One was heard on a Napo river island close to La Selva but it did not want to play. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis: It took us a little bit of waiting but eventually we all had great views of two birds on the lily-pond at Tinalandia. Chestnut-headed Crake Anurolimnas castaneiceps (H): Another very secretive forest crake, which was heard at Gareno but not responded. Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans: One was seen in a grassy, damp area at Wild Sumaco. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata: An immature bird was seen on the muddy banks of the Palenque River on the west. It has been recently split from the Eurasian Moorhen. Azure Gallinule Porphyrio flavirostris: Three were observed walking on the dense floating vegetation on La Selva s Mandicocha lake. Andean Coot (Slate-coloured C) Fulica ardesiaca: We had about 50 birds of both colour morphs (chestnut forehead/yellow bill; yellow forehead/white bill) at the reservoir in the Antisana National Park. HELIORNITHIDAE Sungrebe Heliornis fulica: We almost had daily sightings at La Selva on this year s extension. We even managed to see the strangely patterned feet of this finfoot. We have even recorded one on the Napo River. EURYPYGIDAE Sunbittern Eurypyga helias: A pair was seen at the Hollin River bridge along the Loreto Road. We even saw the birds in flight so the superb wing-pattern was revealed. This was the nominate helias subspecies here. 15 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

16 SCOLOPACIDAE Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca: A total of nine were seen along the Napo River on the posttour extension. These were the first migrants from the north. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria: A singleton was seen along the Napo River on the post-tour extension. This is a rather scarce migrant in Ecuador. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia: The most frequently encountered species in the family. The bulk of the wintering population has not arrived yet but we still had several sightings along large rivers. It was seen on the Palenque River and along the Napo River on the post-tour extension. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (LO): A single individual was seen by János along the Palenque River. THINOCORIDAE Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi: On our second visit to the Papallacta Pass we managed to actually leave the bus (the first visit was hampered by wind and rain) and to find a single bird. This strange high elevation wader gave us excellent view. It is the endemic and highly isolated latreillii subspecies here, which is darker than southern birds and possibly representing a separate species, Ecuadorian Seedsnipe. CHARADRIIDAE Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens: About 100 individuals were seen in Antisana National Park. A smart lapwing indeed, formerly placed in the monotypic genus Ptiloscelys. Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus: We saw six birds in the west at the Rio Palenque Biological Station where it is rare and this western population in Ecuador is small. This is a rather scarce species now in Ecuador as it seems to have undergone a general decline in recent decades. Collared Plover Charadrius collaris: We saw three birds on the river islands of the Napo on the posttour extension. LARIDAE Andean Gull Larus serranus: Just a few were seen around Papallacta Pass and Antisana National Park. Yellow-billed Tern Sterna superciliaris: A total of four was recorded along the Napo River on our post-tour extension when we cruised down-stream from La Selva. This species seems to have declined along this major river in recent years, surely as a consequence of greatly increased boat traffic (in addition to the traditional egg collecting). Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex: This is another of the river-haunting larids that we encountered along the Napo River on this years tour. We saw single birds on two occasions. This one along with the previous and the next species declining seriously in Ecuador and should deserve Near-threatened status. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger: Three birds were seen along the Napo River on our post-tour extension when we cruised down-stream from La Selva. Probably the rarest of these obligate large river terns nowadays. COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (feral) Columba livia: Several sightings along the tour. Feral populations of the Rock Pigeon exist in many Ecuadorian cities and towns, but none are known to exist in wild areas away from human habitation. Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata: The common pigeon at higher elevations and we had several good looks around Mindo. The largest flock of 50 were seen at Angel s Paz forest. 16 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

17 Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis: The nominate race in the east is the common pigeon of islands and riverine habitats along the Napo. We also had the western occidentalis race near Los Bancos and Rio Palenque Biological Station. Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea: We had good views of the berlepschi subspecies at Rio Silanche and Mashpi. Later several sightings of the ogilviegranti race in the eastern lowlands, on the post-tour extension. Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea: Several nice looks at both the western chapmani race and the bogotensis race of the east. Dusky Pigeon Columba goodsoni: We had good views of a single bird at Rio Silanche. This is a Chocó endemic, defined as a bird confined to the humid lowland/foothill/montane forests of western Colombia and western Ecuador. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata: A common bird in the Central Valley, most common in and around Quito. They were roosting in good numbers around Hosteria El Jardin. Here of the whitetipped race hypoleuca, quite different from chestnut-tipped birds some of you have seen in Venezuela. Common Ground-Dove (Scaly G-D) Columbina passerina: Three were seen on our first morning at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site. In Ecuador only found in dry inter-montane valleys. Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti: We all had good views of several birds on a river island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. The first record of this species in Ecuador only dates back to 1976, and with continuing deforestation the Ruddy Ground-Dove seems destined to continue to increase and expand its range in Ecuador. Ecuadorian Ground-Dove Columbina buckleyi: Good views of four birds were obtained at Rio Palenque Biological Station. A species Paul Coopmans first noted here fairly recently (1998; though there are several unconfirmed reports from the early nineties onward), which is spreading fast into more humid areas in the wake of deforestation. Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa: A fine male gave good flight views as it flew across the Palenque River on the west. Black-winged Ground-Dove Metriopelia melanoptera: Up to 15 of the saturatior race were seen in Antisana National Park. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi: Several sighting of this widespread species on both slopes. Our best views were obtained at Tinalandia on our last morning. Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida: We all had superb looks at a very responsive bird at Rio Silanche but later several others were seen at Tinalandia. Another Chocó endemic, regularly heard in the western lowlands and foothills. Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla: A single bird was seen along the Mandiyacu river at La Selva on the post-tour extension. A common sound in the eastern lowlands but not always easy to see. Sapphire Quail-Dove Geotrygon saphirina (H): A non-responsive bird was heard along a streambed in the Yasúni National Park on our post-tour extension. White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata: We had great views of one on the compost heap of Bellavista Lodge in the Tandayapa Valley. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon Montana (H): The most widespread of all quail-doves, but it was only heard at La Selva on the post-tour extension. PSITTACIDAE Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna: Two birds were seen flying over the Napo River downstream from La Selva on our post-tour extension. Most of the macaws are declining in Ecuador and even this fantastic bird is noticeably getting less numerous. Scarlet Macaw Ara macao: This is the most commonly seen big macaw in La Selva and we had three birds from the canopy tower on this year s post-tour extension. 17 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

18 Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severa: It was seen several times on the main tour at Gareno and then small numbers were found at La Selva on our post-tour extension. Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilata: Only two were seen on the post-tour extension at La Selva. This smaller macaw associated with Mauritia ( moriche ) palms, in which they roost and nest. White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus: We had several good views in the Wild Sumaco area and at Gareno. Note that Aratinga and Pyrrhura parakeets are called conures in the Juniper & Parr parrot monograph. Dusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii: We had great views of several birds at the salt lick in the Yasuni National Park on our post-tour extension. A few fly-over flocks were seen from the La Selva canopy tower as well. Maroon-tailed Parakeet Pyrrhura melanura: We saw two subspecies in flight and also perched. First we saw the pacificus race in the western lowlands and foothills at Rio Silanche and later at Tinalandia. The nominate race was seen several times at Wild Sumaco and Gareno. The western birds may represent a separate species, Chocó Parakeet. Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola : First we heard the usual call of this high flying parakeet then located 20 birds in flight at San Isidro. This species often flies so high that it can t be detected by the naked eye. They are very rarely seen perched as they usually feed on seeding bamboo. Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis: Two birds were seen at Rio Palenque biological Station. This handsome species is confined to the Tumbesian region and part of the Marañon Valley in Peru. Most numerous in drier regions further south, but have expanded greatly into deforested country in more humid areas. Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera: Small numbers were seen in the Gareno area. It was numerous in the La Selva area on our post-tour extension, where the hundreds of birds around the interior salt lick was a great experience. Black-headed Parrot Pionites melanocephala: We only heard this species at Gareno but later some of had four birds at La Selva from the canopy tower. Rose-faced Parrot Pionopsitta pulchra: We all had fantastic flight views of two birds at Rio Silanche. This very handsome though declining parrot regularly turns up at this location but more easy to see on our Remote Ecuador tour! Orange-cheeked Parrot Pionopsitta barrabandi (H): We heard some along the Harpy trail at Gareno but could not locate them. Surprisingly it was missing from the interior salt lick near La Selva this year. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus: Regular sightings of the nominate race in the Gareno area on the main tour. Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus: We saw several flocks both in flight and perched on the west slope in the Tandayapa Valley and around Mindo. White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides: We had flight views of this scarce montane parrot in the Bellavista area but later we had superb perched views of 58 birds at San Isidro. Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus: We saw this widespread species along the Milpe road, at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Festive Amazon Amazona festiva (H): This rather localised bird was only heard despite much effort downstream from La Selva on the post-tour extension. Orange-winged Amazon (O-w Parrot) Amazona amazonica: Several flight views of this species in the La Selva area. Even in flight the characteristic yellow cheek patch is clearly visible. The best views were from the canopy tower. Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaria: A total of ten birds seen in flight along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. 18 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

19 Mealy Amazon (M Parrot) Amazona farinosa: The first three birds were seen at Rio Silanche then several in the Gareno area. Later it was common and noisy in the eastern lowlands at La Selva on our post-tour extension. CUCULIDAE Dark-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus melacoryphus: This uncommon Austral migrant was seen on a Napo river island near La Selva on our post-tour extension. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana: Several sightings at lower elevations throughout the tour. We saw the race mesura in the east and nigricrissa in the west. Amongst other features they differ in the colour of their orbital eye ring, the amount of black on the belly and the colouration of the upper parts. Black-bellied Cuckoo Piaya melanogaster: We had two sightings of single birds in different mixedspecies flocks in the rolling terra firme forest in Gareno. Greater Ani Crotophaga major: We saw several around Garzacocha and Mandicocha Lakes at La Selva on our post-tour extension. A conspicuous bird of lake and river edges in the Amazonian lowlands. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani: This one was very common in both the eastern and western lowlands and foothills. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris: Just two were seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia : This open country cuckoo was seen at Rio Silanche and also on a Napo River island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. OPISTHOCOMIDAE Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin: It was very common and conspicuous around the lakes at La Selva on the post-tour extension. The Hoatzin was long considered a rather primitive bird because of the claws on the chick s wings, and it was only fairly recently that a close proximity to the cuckoos (and in particular the anis) was suggested. An even more recent paper though revealed, through genetic comparisons, that hoatzins seem to be most closely related to the turacos of Africa. STRIGIDAE Foothill Screech-Owl Megascops roraimae: We all had fantastic views of this secretive forest owl at Wild Sumaco and it finished on the fourth place of the bird of the tour contest! It is sometimes treated as a race of Vermiculated/Guatemalan Screech-Owl. Chocó Screech-Owl Megascops centralis (H): We heard his rather localised owl at Tinalandia on our last morning but it was reluctant to move from the very thick tangle due to a close calling Spectacled Owl. It is sometimes treated as a race of Vermiculated/Guatemalan Screech- Owl. Tropical Screech-Owl Megascops choliba: We all had excellent views of this widely distributed common owl at La Selva on the post-tour extension. It was also commonly heard at Wild Sumaco but we always had bigger fish to fry. Rufescent Screech-Owl Megascops ingens (H): We heard a distant calling bird at Wild Sumaco. Colombian Screech-Owl Megascops colombianus: One was seen near Mindo but not everybody had good views as it only stayed a few seconds before flying off again. Always a tricky species to see, it is often lumped in Rufescent Screech-Owl O. ingens. Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl Megascops watsonii: A great tour for this bird. First we saw a dayroosting bird at Gareno superbly and we also had excellent views at La Selva on the posttour extension. Amazing bird with huge ear tufts, especially when alert! We also heard at least three birds at dusk in La Selva as we were walking back from Mandicocha. The 19 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

20 southern form (usta) is sometimes split off as a separate species: Southern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. The form we saw is then renamed Northern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium nubicola : We managed to track down one of this recently described species near Mindo and we all had very good looks! Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum: It was regularly heard in the eastern lowlands but our only sighting was one in broad daylight near the palmcreeper sight on our way out from Gareno. Peruvian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium peruanum: We saw one on our way back from Rio Palenque on the western lowlands right by the roadside. This is another dry country species spreading north with deforestation. This was the third species of Glaucidium on the tour! It is sometimes called Pacific or West Peruvian Pygmy-Owl. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia: A single bird was spotted at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site on our first morning as it was sitting on a post. The bird we saw belonged to the highland pichinchae race. Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata (H): Despite several attempts we only heard it distantly in Gareno. Later on the post-tour extension at La Selva it was also regularly heard but no joy. Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata: First we heard one at Gareno in the evening but we had no response dawn next morning. Later an adult was seen at Tinalandia on our last morning but frustratingly this large relative intimidated the Chocó Screech Owl. A distant calling bird was also noted on the post-tour extension at La Selva. Band-bellied Owl Pulsatrix melanota: After several attempts finally we saw two birds in flight at Wild Sumaco in the eastern foothills. They seem to be common in the area but are often tricky to lure into view. Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata: We had very good looks at this pretty one by our cabins at Tinalandia on the west slope. San Isidro Owl Ciccaba sp. nov.: We had fantastic looks at this enigmatic and little known bird in the garden of San Isidro. An adult allowing excellent views was feeding a juvenile bird and it finished on the third place of the bird of the tour contest! These birds look like intermediates between Black-and-white Owl S. nigrolineata (in Ecuador only known from the western lowlands) and Black-banded Owl S. huhula of the eastern lowlands. At the moment is it regarded as a race of Black-and-white Owl. Black-banded Owl Ciccaba huhula (H): Heard a few times at La Selva on the post-tour extension but it remained elusive. Rufous-banded Owl Ciccaba albitarsus (H): Heard only once at San Isidro very distantly. Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata (H): It was only heard once at Septimo Paraiso Lodge garden near Mindo. NYCTIBIIDAE Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis: The first encounter was a distant calling bird at Wild Sumaco. Later we saw one from the canopy tower at La Selva on the post-tour extension but the best sighting was an adult bird on nest by the Napo River. Long-tailed Potoo Nyctibius aethereus: It took us several attempts to track down this shy forest interior species but eventually we were rewarded with outstanding views at La Selva. It took the third place of the bird of the extension contest! Common Potoo (Grey P) Nyctibius griseus: Our only sighting was along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva while returning from the Zigzag Heron site. We also heard its unforgettable call there. Rufous Potoo Nyctibius bracteatus: A real star and a highlight of the tour was the day-roosting individual at Gareno Lodge. A few years back our itinerary was changed to be able to visit Gareno for this stunning night bird and ever since we have not missed it! Undoubtedly this is the place to see this localized and scarce night bird of Amazonia. Yet 20 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

21 again this specialty made it into the top five of the bird of the tour contest (albeit only fifth place). CAPRIMULGIDAE Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus (H): We heard it calling by the canopy tower one pre-dawn at La Selva but we could not see it. Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris: We saw one near Mindo on the west slope and later we heard another one in the Guacamayos area. Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis: Several good sightings this year throughout the tour and many more heard. It was especially common at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Blackish Nightjar Caprimulgus nigrescens: Excellent looks at two birds along the Loreto Road on the east slope. Ladder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacocerca: Two females were flushed on one of the river islands at La Selva, plus a fine male was seen roosting on the edge of the Napo River. Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata: The cold and windy weather did not help at all but we had great views of a fantastic long-tailed male of this enigmatic species in the Guacamayos area. Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra: Fantastic views of three different males near Mindo. APODIDAE White-chested Swift Cypseloides lemosi: This rare and enigmatic swift was seen on the Guacamayos Ridge with other Cypseloides swifts. This was a write-in for this long established tour and a very welcome bonus for all! A total of 20 birds were seen as all the swifts were passing above us on the way to roost. The white chest was not very obvious on all individuals and caution must be taken when identifying these swifts. We managed to photograph them as well. Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutilus: A few sightings in both the west and the east. The largest gathering of over 100 birds was seen on our way out from Gareno. In the west our best views were obtained at Tony s place, while in the east we saw them very well at the Guacamayos ridge. Sometimes placed in the genus Cypseloides, both genera forming the distinctive subfamily Cypseloidinae. They all show a distinct affinity for water and waterfalls as an essential ingredient of their nesting/roosting ecology. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris: The most frequently seen swift on the tour. We had groups of up to 85 birds (Wild Sumaco). The highland and lowland birds sound completely different and both forms were seen. A cryptic species may be involved? Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura: A few sightings in the eastern lowlands along the Loreto Road, Gareno and at La Selva. Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris: We saw two distinct races on the tour. We encountered the endemic occidentalis race in the west at Milpe and Rio Silanche, and the sclateri race in the east at several locations. We could not really compare their field marks, although the differences are such that two separate species may be involved (C. occidentalis could be called the West Ecuadorian Swift). White-tipped Swift Aeronautes montivagus: We saw about 15 birds from Tony s balcony in the Tandayapa Valley near Mindo. They usually prefer arid valleys but according to Tony they are regularly seen now in the wet Tandayapa Valley which is no doubt became less wet in the last 20 years. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis: A singleton was seen from the canopy tower at Rio Silanche on the west. Neotropical Palm-Swift (Fork-tailed P-S) Tachornis squamata: Surprisingly it was missing from the Gareno area despite birding in good Mauritia palm habitat but later we had ddaily 21 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

22 sightings at La Selva on the post-tour extension. It was formerly placed in the genus Reinarda. TROCHILIDAE Fiery Topaz Topaza pyra: Finally we all had excellent views of this great looking hummingbird at Gareno! In fact we saw two different males. The first one was along the entrance road where we only saw the lekking bird and he used a different feeding area while along the Harpy trail we saw a male by a flowering tree. A rather localised species, there are not many places where you can go and have a good chance of seeing it but Gareno is one of these! This is the first of an amazing total of 75 species of hummingbirds encountered on this year s tour, the vast majority of which were seen well by all! Yet again this is the highest hummingbird total for any Birdquest tour ever, we exceed our previous record each year now (for the last three tours in a row), but there are really not many left to go. With over 338 currently recognized species, these incredible birds form one of the largest avian families in the New World. On this year s tour we actually saw one in five of the world s hummers. Amazing little creatures, hummingbirds have a resting heart rate of 1000 beats per minute (compare this to the average human rate of around beats per minute!). This carries tremendous amounts of oxygen and energy to the relatively massive breast muscles. In addition, birds need a huge lung capacity in order to keep up with the large amounts of oxygen needed. Their respiratory system is so highly developed that they can actually breathe in and out at the same time. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora: Many sightings of this handsome bird on the different set of feeders both on the west and east. We also had great looks in the forest a few times. White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila: We all had superb looks at this shy understorey hummer at Wild Sumaco. The first one was seen on a heliconia flower by the feeders and the other one in the forest. Sicklebills are difficult to observe understory hummers as they spend a lot of time perched and also usually feed by sitting on the flower not hovering in front, so difficult to detect the movement. Rufous-breasted Hermit (Hairy H) Glaucis hirsuta: Several sightings at La Selva on the post-tour extension. In fact we most probably saw the same individual every evening as we knew its roosting branch. Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri: Absolutely amazing views of this understory hummer at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the western lowlands. We saw two birds but one was preening and posing for about a minute a finally spread out its tail before flew off! Great stuff! White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui: Many good views of this smart Chocó endemic in the west, especially at the various feeders. Green Hermit Phaethornis guy: This bird regularly visits the feeders at Wild Sumaco now and we had up to ten birds daily. It is the apicalis race along east slope. Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus: One sighting of the nominate race in the Bellavista Lodge by the small waterfall towards the compost heap. Baron s Hermit Phaethornis baroni: Very good views of at least four different individuals of this nearendemic bird at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris: We had small numbers around the lodge in Gareno and also good looks at a lekking area in the forest. Birds here belong to the race moorei, formerly assigned to Long-tailed Hermit P. superciliosus. Note, however, that the new hermit taxonomy proposed by Hinkelmann is controversial, and some authors continue to follow the traditional treatment. White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus: We had a singleton in La Selva on the post-tour extension. 22 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

23 Straight-billed Hermit Phaethornis bourcieri (NL): Mark and Stuart saw a single bird at Gareno. Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber: We had two sightings of this rather unobtrusive hummer at La Selva on the post-tour extension. The first was along the trails behind the lodge but our best views were at the White-lored Antpitta swamp. Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis: A single bird was seen at the feeders in Wild Sumaco. Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis: The first one was seen at Rio Silanche. Later we got excellent views of lekking individuals in the western lowlands at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Blue-fronted Lancebill Doryfera johannae: A female was seen by some of us on the feeders at Wild Sumaco. Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis: It used to be a regular visitor on the feeders at Gareno but they don t have feeders any longer! We were lucky though to see one on our last morning on our way out from Gareno. Lazuline Sabrewing Campylopterus falcatus: This hummingbird is very rare in Ecuador with very few sightings in the last 20 years (data deficient). A few weeks before our tour several birds appeared on the feeders at Wild Sumaco and we were lucky to see two different males there. It was also a write-in for this long established tour. In 1999 it was seen on the feeders at San Isidro but there have been no other sightings there since. Probably 1200m to 2000m is the elevation range in Ecuador. Napo Sabrewing Campyloptera villaviscensio: This bird is regularly visiting the feeders at Wild Sumaco now and we had about up to ten birds of both sexes. This near endemic species inhabits second-growth woodland at 1,050-1,500m along the east slope and is considered near threatened by Birdlife International as most of its montane forests are under intense pressure from conversion to agriculture and cattle pasture, mining operations and logging, with widespread destruction of its habitat also caused by peasant farmers, and tea and coffee growers. Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae: A few were seen in the garden of Septimo Paraiso on the west and it was abundant on the feeders at Wild Sumaco on the east. We have never experienced such high numbers but this tour rarely runs in August. Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus: A single bird was seen at Angel s feeders and a few more at Bellavista. Thalassinus is Latin for sea green. Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans: A rather common hummingbird with regular sightings at middle and higher elevations throughout the tour. It was numerous at Tony s place! Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti: Several superb sightings of this nice hummer both on the feeders and on the verbena bushes in the garden of Wild Sumaco Lodge. Wire-crested Thorntail Popelairia popelairii: Another splendid bird of which both sexes were seen very well both on the feeders and on the verbena bushes in the garden of Wild Sumaco Lodge. It was such an uncommon bird on this circuit before Wild Sumaco feeders! The male is an unforgettable bird with its iridescent green forehead and the double curly crest! The genus name honours Baron Popelaire de Terloo, a 19th century Belgian collector and naturalist in Peru. Green Thorntail Popelairia conversii: Higher numbers were seen in the western lowlands and foothills then usual. The males are amazing little creature and we had good views at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve and Los Bancos. Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus: A fine male was seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Western Emerald (West Andean E) Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus: We had good views at the feeders in the Tandayapa valley at Tony s garden though it was much less numerous then usual 23 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

24 in October. A few were also seen in the El Jardin garden in the suburbs of Quito. Somehow females hardly ever, if at all, seem to come to the feeders?! Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Common W) Thalurania furcata: It was very common on the feeders at Wild Sumaco. A single female was also seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi: It was common on most feeders in the western lowlands and foothills. Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone: We had excellent views of both sexes at Wild Sumaco Lodge where this species become one of the most common hummingbirds at the feeders! Olive-spotted Hummingbird Leucippus chlorocercus: A single individual of this obligate river island species was seen near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus: This is another real speciality of Wild Sumaco Lodge now as many birds regularly visit their feeders. This species used to be very difficult to see along the eastern slopes. This monotypic genus is sometimes subsumed into the genus Leucippus by some authors. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl: Numerous at various localities in the western lowlands and foothills, and allowing prolonged studies at several sets of feeders. This is also the most common hummer seen away from the feeders. Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae: This one was present in good numbers at most of the feeders in the Mindo area. Note that the genus Amazilia has been split up in HBW 5, with this species being assigned to the genus Agyrtria. This treatment was not followed in the Ecuador field guide or the SACC though. Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis: We had very good prolonged views of a female feeding on flowers at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Purple-chested Hummingbird Amazilia rosenbergi: Three males of this Chocó endemic were seen at Rio Silanche. They gave absolutely superb views as they were defending some verbena bushes planted around the tower. HBW 5 places this species in the genus Polyerata. Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys: We saw the maculata race on the west slope where it was seen at several feeders. The nominate race on the east slope was seen at San Isidro. Its facial pattern is a little reminiscent of a hermit. Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini: Many more sightings than usual, with at least 18 seen in total. It was numerous at the Septimo Paraiso feeders. It seems to be more and more common every year. I can still remember how difficult they were to see in the pre-feeder era in the late 1990 s! This is also another Chocó endemic. Rufous-vented Whitetip Urosticte ruficrissa: Yet another used to be difficult hummingbird. It is regular now at the Wild Sumaco feeders and we saw up to ten daily! This one has started to come to feeders in Ecuadorian Piedtail Phlogophilus hemileucurus: This often tricky-to-see furtive understory species was seen exceedingly well this year as we were lucky to spot one on a flowering tree and also had two at the feeders of Wild Sumaco Lodge. Even at the feeders they are quick and don t stay long one has to be very alert! Similar to Napo Sabrewing this bird is also considered near threatened by Birdlife International mainly for the same reasons as they both occupy very similar habitats. Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix: Fantastic views of this smart Chocó endemic on the feeders at Angel s place near Mindo. Interestingly it was only seen at these feeders and nowhere else in the Mindo area. Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula: We saw several birds with a great variety of plumages on the feeders at Milpe (Mindo Cloud forest Foundation), at Septimo Paraiso Lodge and at Los Bancos on the west slope plus a male at the end of the trip at Tinalandia too. Ecuadorian birds belong to the near-endemic (only recently first found in southern Colombia) and geographically isolated race jamesoni. 24 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

25 Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri: We had several sightings of both sexes on the feeders at Wild Sumaco. This is the sagitta race here in Ecuador. Black-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa schreibersii: We had several sightings of both sexes on the feeders at Wild Sumaco. Later a female was also seen in the forest at Gareno. This species is said to be rare to uncommon and apparently local in the undergrowth of terra firme forest in the lowlands of east but it is regularly seen in the foothills too. The nominate race was seen. Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides: Another one showing extremely well at several sets of feeders both on the west and the east slope. We saw the aequatorialis subspecies on the west and the cervinigularis race on the east slope at San Isidro. They differ in the coloration of the greater wing-coverts. Gould s Jewelfront Heliodoxa aurescens: Wild Sumaco again! Needless to say this is another hummer, which used to be difficult but is now regular at the feeders of this magical place. We must have seen about 15 different birds during our stay there. Note this species was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Polyplancta. Ecuadorian Hillstar (Chimborazo H) Oreotrochilus chimborazo: Some of us saw two birds at Papallacta Pass. Later we all had good looks at this high altitude species in Antisana National Park. Both males and females were attending the feeders at the Hacienda. A hummer with a very interesting life history. To overcome the harshness of its environment it goes into torpor at night to save energy! An ex-ecuadorian endemic, only recently found in Colombia for the first time, on Volcán Chiles, just across the border. White-tailed Hillstar Urochroa bougueri: A single bird of the nominate race (endemic to the Chocó region), with an obvious rufous malar stripe, showed well at the El Pahuma feeders. It could be called the Rufous-gaped Hillstar. The leucura race now a regular but scarce visitor at the feeders in Wild Sumaco and we had very good looks at several individuals. Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas: We had two different birds at the Shrike-Tyrant place on our first morning and later we also had one in the Antisana National Park at our stakeout! It is really big for a hummer with distinctly slow wing beats! Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis: About three birds were seen near the Papallacta Pass. Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi: Just a single female was seen at the feeders of Guango Lodge. This is one of the few non-hermit hummers in Ecuador with a strongly decurved bill. Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus: A fine male was seen near Papallacta Pass on some flowering bushes. Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena: One was seen by some at the feeders of Wild Sumaco but later several were seen very well at San Isidro Lodge in the east. Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni: Another Chocó endemic showing very well at Angel s and Tony s feeders and also in the forest at Pachijal on the west. Collared Inca Coeligena torquata: Stunning views of two races on this year s tour! The greenish fulgidigula race on the west slope was seen at Bellavista, and the more blackish nominate race on the east slope at Guango. The southern Peru and/or Bolivia birds with their rufous instead of white collar, have now been split in some works (e.g. HBW 5) as a separate species, Gould s Inca C. inca. Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae: Excellent looks at both sexes at the feeders of Guango Lodge. Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera: Excellent views of minimum three at the Guango Lodge feeders. As an old time favourite this unbelievable species was much appreciated by this year s group as well though it just did not get into the top five of the overall bird of the tour contest. 25 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

26 Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens: Many good looks at the race tinochlora on the west slope feeders especially at Tony s place. Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii: A handsome east slope speciality showing very well at the San Isidro and Guango feeders. Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini: This stunning Chocó endemic is by far the most spectacular member of the genus! First we got prolonged excellent looks at Angel s feeders and then saw one at Mashpi Reserve as well. Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus: An endearing near endemic, showing well in the Bellavista area both in the forest and at Tony s feeders. Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis: Numerous at the Guango feeders, where we could study this species in a multitude of plumage variants, including birds with the wonderful tourmaline throat. Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii: A gorgeous little bird visiting several sets of feeders in the Mindo/Tandayapa area, especially numerous at Tony s and at Septimo Paraiso Lodge. The birds we saw in the west were all of the white-booted race melanantherus. We also had several of the peruanus race with its spangled underparts and buff crissum at the feeders in Wild Sumaco Lodge. Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae: Several nice males with the amazingly long tail were found at higher elevations such as the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site, the suburbs of Quito at Hosteria El Jardin, Antisana National Park and the lower parts of the Papallacta Pass! Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna (H): This year we only heard one at Tony s place in the Tandayapa Valley. It is unusual to get a hummingbird on the heard list but this bird has a very distinct call and Tony could show this to us several times. It s a pity we could not actually locate the bird. Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina: Nice views of both sexes at the Guango feeders and in the Papallacta Pass area. The observed birds belong to the quitensis race with a more prominent rusty-tail. Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi: A fine male was seen just below the Papallacta Pass. It was visiting some flowering yellow bushes and it did look really green! Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi: Quite numerous at middle elevations on the east slope, most memorable being the birds at the San Isidro and Guango feeders (note that males were seen much more frequently than females here!) and in the forest along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. We saw the mocoa race, in which males have a glittering blue throat patch. Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis: The most gorgeous hummer and another Chocó endemic, which were seen in good numbers in the Mindo area, particularly conspicuous at the feeders. We saw the nominate race, in which males show a glittering blue gorget. Wedge-billed Hummingbird Schistes geoffroyi: We saw the first one in the forest at Pachijal and then had another one in Tony s garden. A hummingbird, which does not visit feeders so not easy to see but the datura bushes are their favourites so they turn up regularly now at Tony s! Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti: First we had a male at Los Bancos and later at the end of the tour two more were seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris: One was seen along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii: Another superb feature of the feeders in the Mindo/Tandayapa area, with excellent studies of both sexes at Angel s and Tony s place. White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant: Nice views of both sexes at the Guango feeders, and two female-plumaged birds were also seen at Tony s feeders in the Tandayapa Valley. They seem to have a different sound to their wing beats to the Purple-throated Woodstar. 26 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

27 This and the following species are often placed in the genus Acestrura, which was merged into Chaetocercus in HBW5. Gorgeted Woodstar Chaetocercus heliodor: Several birds of both sexes were seen on the Verbena bushes at Wild Sumaco. They have very clear seasonal movements and were just about moving into the area now. TROGONIDAE Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus: Great views of a gorgeous male in the forest canopy at San Isidro. This species seems to be much more scarce and localized then the next one as the vocalization and observations suggest. Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps: Several sightings of this stunning bird on both the west and east slopes. The best views were at Angel s Paz and on the San Isidro trails this year. Pavonine Quetzal Pharomachrus pavoninus (H): We heard this rather hard-to-come-by species in Gareno on our very first morning along the entrance road but we were busy with the Fiery Topaz. Surprisingly we have not had another sniff later. Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus: A nice pair was seen in Gareno on our very first morning along the entrance road. Later it was regularly heard at La Selva on our post-tour extension. Ecuadorian Trogon Trogon mesurus: A pair and a female showed very well for all of us at Rio Palenque Biological Station. We could see the white eye plus the red eye ring easily in the scope while having breakfast. Chocó Trogon (White-eyed T, Blue-tailed T) Trogon comptus: Another Chocó endemic, which we first heard distantly at Milpe and finally saw a female at Tinalandia on our very last morning. Green-backed Trogon (Amazonian White-tailed T) Trogon viridis: It is definitely the most common of the Amazonian trogons. Surprisingly we only saw a female at Gareno but it was common at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Western White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus: This large trogon showed nicely at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris: A single male of the virginalis race was encountered at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Masked Trogon Trogon personatus: We had good views of the assimilis race on the west slope at the Bellavista area. We also had several birds at San Isidro on the east slope but it is unclear if the highland temperatus race or the lower occurring nominate race was seen. These two races overlap in elevation and San Isidro is in the middle of the range. Amazonian Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus: A smart canopy trogon of which two males were seen at Gareno and also a pair from the canopy tower at La Selva on the post-tour extension. ALCEDINIDAE Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata: It was seen daily at La Selva on the post-tour extension. The largest kingfisher in the Americas, and the world s second largest. The New World Kingfishers, together with some Old World forms, are sometimes split off as a separate family, the Cerylidae. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona: It was seen daily at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana: Two sightings in the La Selva area on the post-tour extension. Green-and-rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda: We had several great views on the post-tour extension at La Selva. 27 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

28 American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea: We had four sightings of this very secretive tiny kingfisher along the Madiyacu River at La Selva. MOMOTIDAE Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum: Wonderful views of a stationary and very obliging bird At Rio Silanche. Later two more of this nominate race was seen at Tinalandia too. The pyrrholaemum race was only heard at Gareno Lodge in the east. A bird with a rather varied diet, this apparent Rufous Motmot mimic is one of the few birds that feed on the large, stinging bullet ants (Paraponera). Note that, while nowadays motmots are confined to the New World tropics, a motmot-like Oligocene fossil from Switzerland, Protornis, suggests that the ancestral motmot originated in the Old World!! There is fossil evidence that suggests that by the early Tertiary, about 60 million years ago, coraciiform birds were the dominant arboreal perching birds in Europe and North America. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii: We saw the semirufus race on our first afternoon at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve in the western lowlands. Amazonian Motmot (Blue-crowned M) Momotus momota: A common pre-dawn/dawn sound at Gareno and La Selva. Only a single bird was seen along the trails at La Selva though. Note that the Blue-crowned Motmot complex has recently been suggested to be split into five species. This nominate bird became Amazonian Motmot. GALBULIDAE Brown Jacamar Brachygalba lugubris: Five of these small but very long-billed jacamars showed well on our drive into Gareno and two more on the drive out. They were perched on the newly built electric wire. Yellow-billed Jacamar Galbula albirostris: A single bird was seen along the main road at Gareno Lodge. White-chinned Jacamar Galbula tombacea: Two of these handsome birds gave excellent views at La Selva around the Mandicocha Lake. They were hunting for dragonflies. Coppery-chested Jacamar Galbula pastazae: This smart foothill speciality was seen very well close to the new Jocotoco Cerulean Warbler Reserve along the Loreto Road. We heard it in the Wild Sumaco area as well. This species is named after the Rio Pastaza, the most important river in the southern half of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. It is listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife International owing to levels of habitat loss and a continuing rapid population decline. Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda: This most widespread jacamar was seen first at Rio Silanche and later at Tinalandia and the Rio Palenque Biological Station too. Purplish Jacamar Galbula chalcothorax: Great views along the Harpy trail at Gareno after some search. BUCCONIDAE Spotted Puffbird Bucco tamatia: Fantastic views of this rare puffbird along the Harpy trail at Gareno. This terra firme form seems to have a different vocalization from the dry county birds. Collared Puffbird Bucco capensis (H): This handsome and furtive puffbird was only heard at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiatus: Prolonged good scope views of this scarce bird at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. A calling bird was tracked down yet again, it seems that this species still holds on in this tiny patch of forest! The genus Nystalus has occasionally been merged into Notharchus but most authors maintain it as distinct. White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis: A single bird was observed along the trails at Rio Palenque Biological Station. 28 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

29 Lanceolated Monklet Micromonacha lanceolata: Yet again we had great views of this highly soughtafter speciality at Rio Silanche. We could watch this unobtrusive bird as long as we wanted a real highlight of the tour. Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons: A total of nine birds were seen well in the La Selva area on our post-tour extension. White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus: A noisy species, and we had repeated good views at Gareno and even more birds at La Selva. Yellow-billed Nunbird Monasa flavirostris: Just two were seen by the campsite at La Selva on our post-tour extension. Swallow-wing (S-winged Puffbird) Chelidoptera tenebrosa: Numerous along the Napo river and we counted a total of 32 birds. CAPITONIDAE Scarlet-crowned Barbet Capito aurovirens: Good looks at both sexes of this handsome species on our early morning downstream from La Selva. They were perched on a dry tree for several minutes allowing very good scope views. Orange-fronted Barbet Capito squamatus: We had excellent views of this smart Chocó endemic first at Rio Silanche and later in the forest at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Gilded Barbet Capito auratus: We had many sightings at Wild Sumaco and Gareno. The most frequently encountered barbet in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni: After some work we finally saw a male on our way out from Gareno at a fruiting cecropia. Later another male was seen from the La Selva s canopy tower on the post-tour extension. Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii: We encountered both Ecuadorian races on this tour. The aequatorialis race was seen several times in the west both at Pachijal and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. The males have red extending lower on the underparts and contrasting more with the yellow on the upper belly on this race. The orientalis race on the east slope was seen very well around Wild Sumaco Lodge. Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus: This striking multi-hued Chocó endemic was seen at Angel s place and Pachijal. The best looks at this sought-after bird were obtained at Mashpi though. It is listed as Near Threatened by BirdLife International owing to high levels of habitat loss and population decline. RAMPHASTIDAE Chestnut-tipped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus derbianus: Three birds were seen along the trails at Wild Sumaco. Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus: A few encounters with the sexmotatus subspecies in the western foothills. Our best views were certainly at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve. Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii: All of us had excellent views of calling (duetting) individuals in the Wild Sumaco area and also at La Selva on the post-tour extension. What a fantastic bird! Pale-mandibled Aracari Pteroglossus erythropygius: Fairly common in the western lowlands and foothills. Up to 10 were seen really close up from the Rio Silanche canopy tower and also several at Tinalandia. It is no longer a true Ecuadorian endemic as it has now been found across the border in extreme north-western Peru. Note that HBW 7 and SACC (the South American Classification Committee of the A.O.U) lump this form (and Stripe-billed Aracari P. sanguineus) in Collared Aracari P. torquatus. Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis: A singleton was seen on the way out from Gareno area and two more at La Selva on our post-tour extension. 29 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

30 Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus: The most frequently encountered aracari at Gareno and La Selva too. We had the best views and experience from the canopy tower! Ivory-billed Aracari Pteroglossus azara: Two were seen along the Harpy trail at Gareno and another two at Las Elva on the post-tour extension. Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena laminirostris: Excellent views of this magnificent montane forest frugivore near Bellavista. This bird is on the cover painting on the Birds of Ecuador. This species is listed as Near Threatened by BirdLife International owing to high levels of habitat loss and population decline. Black-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena nigrirostris: Despite much effort only a brief sighting by some of us along the Guacamayos ridge trail. It is not easy to see this skulking bird in Ecuador and is little wonder that it is a two-star bird on our list. Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus: We had great looks and heard many more times both in Gareno and at La Selva. The croaker of the eastern lowlands and foothills. Birds in eastern Ecuador are often split off as Yellow-ridged Toucan R. culminatus, but there is a wide zone of inter-gradation in e.g. southern Venezuela. This one is a smaller plumagemimic of White-throated Toucan, but they are readily told apart by their calls. Chocó Toucan Ramphastos brevis: Excellent views of this largely Chocó endemic along the Milpe road and in the Rio Silanche area. It has recently been found for the first time just across the Colombian-Panama border. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii (H): We heard it distantly at Rio Silanche. Black-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus: We had superb views of two birds from the lodge balcony in Wild Sumaco. Fantastic birds and the really yellow throat stand out amazingly! White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus: The yelper of the eastern lowlands, which was seen a few times at Wild Sumaco and heard in the Gareno area. PICIDAE Rufous-breasted Piculet Picumnus rufiventris: This very localised bamboo species, which was seen at Wild Sumaco. We heard a drumming bird and although it was not easy to locate, finally we all had good looks. A classic three-star bird! Lafresnaye s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi: The first encounter with a pair was along the Loreto Road but later we had better views in the big mixed species flock along the trails at Wild Sumaco. Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus: Two sightings in the western lowlands. We saw two at Rio Silanche and then two more at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is the harteri race here in Ecuador. Spot-breasted Woodpecker Chrysoptilus punctigula: The guttatus race was seen on a river island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii: Several great views of this stunning high elevation woodpecker on both sides of the Andes. First we saw it in the Bellavista area and later at San Isidro. Sadly we saw one at San Isidro dying after crashing into the window. Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus: We encountered the rubripileus race in the west at Rio Silanche and at Tinalandia and we also had several sightings of the buenavistae race in the east at Wild Sumaco and La Selva. Yellow-throated Woodpecker Piculus flavigula: We had a fine male in the big mixed species canopy flock along Gareno s harpy trail. It is a terra firme forest species, probably preferring more hilly terrain. Represented by the magnus race in Ecuador, not the nominate as is suggested by HBW Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

31 White-throated Woodpecker Piculus leucolaemus: Good looks at a fine male on two different occasions along the main track at Gareno (probably the same bird). It is also a terra firme forest species. Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans: The short-crested, dark-crowned race citreopygius was seen at Gareno and at La Selva too. Scale-breasted Woodpecker Celeus grammicus: A total of three were seen in the Gareno area of the verreauxii race. Cream-coloured Woodpecker Celeus flavus: A lovely male and two females of this most spectacular Celeus were finally lured into view at Garzacocha Lake in La Selva. Rufous-headed Woodpecker Celeus spectabilis (H): As its scientific name also suggests this is a spectacular woodpecker of the gallery forests of the eastern lowlands. Despite much effort this year we only distantly heard one near La Selva on our post-tour extension. Ringed Woodpecker Celeus torquatus : Great views of a three birds from La Selva s canopy tower on the post-tour extension. This rather scarce denizen of the Amazonian forest canopy entertained us for a long time. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus: We saw the larger and more blackish nominate race at Wild Sumaco in the east. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus: This colourful and common woodpecker was seen regularly in the Wild Sumaco area and in the eastern lowlands. Definitely one of the prettiest of its the genus. Only the yellow-tufted morph (as opposed to the blackheaded morph) is found in Ecuador. Cruentatus is Latin for blood-stained, obviously referring to the red belly patch, not only found in this species but also in most other members of the genus. Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani: This smart woodpecker was commonly encountered in the western lowlands and foothills. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus: Singletons were seen at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve on the west and at Wild Sumaco on the east. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus: We only encountered a single male of this common woodpecker along the Loreto Road. Red-stained Woodpecker Veniliornis affinis: We had superb views of one along the entrance road at Gareno. We could actually see the red-stains on the coverts, which is not very often visible unless you have a very good prolonged look. Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii: The cecilii race of this small woodpecker showed well at Rio Silanche, at Tinalandia and at the Rio Palenque Biological Station. Named after John Kirk, a 19th century collector on Tobago. Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus: This smart little woodpecker was seen on our first afternoon along the Milpe Road in a mixed species flock. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos: Our first encounter was along the Loreto Road on our way to Wild Sumaco. Later we had more nice views of this spectacular bird at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Guayaquil Woodpecker Campephilus gayaquilensis: The first two were seen at Rio Silanche. Later we saw more birds at Tinalandia and at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the western lowlands. Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens: We saw a female of this high montane woodpecker along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Crimson-bellied Woodpecker Campephilus haematogaster: This fantastic woodpecker was seen at Wild Sumaco and was a write-in for this long-established tour! This rare creature was the nominate race here on the east slope. 31 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

32 FURNARIIDAE Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior: We had two of this terrestrial paramo furnariid near the Papallacta Pass and another five in the Antisana National Park. Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus: Several sightings at Papallacta Pass area and in the Antisana National Park. This bird is a smaller relative of the previous species, here of the race albidiventris. More than one species may be involved. Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus: We had several encounters with this bird in the western foothills and lowlands. First we saw it along the Milpe Road. Pacific Horneros are prominent birds in the drier regions in southwestern Ecuador, but in recent decades they have spread with forest clearance into more humid areas such as Tinalandia. Horneros build the domed mud nests that resemble the primitive ovens (hornos, in Spanish) from which the family takes its vernacular name. Lesser Hornero Furnarius minor: This sometimes-unobtrusive obligate river island species was seen near La Selva on our post-tour extension. Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola: The only tit-spinetail reaching tropical latitudes. After some searching two birds gave excellent looks at Papallacta Pass and then we saw another one at Antisana National Park. Azara s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae: Regularly heard on both slopes and finally it was seen in the garden of San Isidro. This is the media race here in Ecuador. Birds in this genus are typically skulkers of brushy edges, shrubby areas and/or forest understorey. Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura: Regularly heard in the western lowlands and foothills. We saw our first ones at Rio Silanche. Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis: Good views along the Loreto Road on the east slope and also one on the post-tour extension at La Selva. White-bellied Spinetail Synallaxis propinqua: Excellent views of this skulker on a river islands near La Selva. This species is a classic inhabitant of pioneer vegetation on young river islands. Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa: We heard regularly this Chusquea bamboo specialist but the only one we saw was at Bellavista. Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata (LO): János saw one in a mixed species flock on our way to Archidona. Unlike Synallaxis spinetails, members of this genus are typically arboreal, often favouring vine tangles in the mid-storey and sub canopy. Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops: Several sightings in the forests of the western foothills. The first two were seen at the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve on our very first afternoon. Parker s Spinetail (White-breasted S) Cranioleuca vulpecula: Another obligate river island bird, eventually showing well for everybody. This species is recently split from the Rustybacked Spinetail C. vulpine and named after Ted Parker, a Neotropical ornithological legend who died in a plane crash in Several obligate river island birds like this one have extremely high densities compared to birds in the forest. The young successional vegetation types are quite stressful environments (regular river floods) with relatively few bird species, but usually high numbers of each. Speckled Spinetail Cranioleuca gutturata: Two birds were seen in a big, mixed species canopy flock along the harpy trail at Gareno Lodge. White-chinned Thistletail Schizoeaca fuliginosa: We had very nice views of this high elevation furnariid at the Papallacta Pass. Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti: This somewhat local paramo bird was seen very well in the Antisana National Park. Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata: We saw three of these striking paramo inhabitants near the Papallacta Pass and another one at Antisana National Park. It is usually more numerous then the previous species. 32 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

33 Orange-fronted Plushcrown Metopothrix aurantiacus: This odd, almost warbler-like furnariid, was seen very well from the canopy tower at La Selva on our post-tour extension. Yet another example illustrating the unparalleled diversity and radiation into different forms, shapes and habits in this rich Neotropical family (this radiation seems to have largely taken place before the oscine passerines arrived in the continent via the Central American land bridge). Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii: A couple of sightings of this striking bromeliad specialist in mixed species flocks. Pacific Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes johnsoni: This rather localised Chocó bird is found only in the very wet foothill forests. We saw one at Pachijal. Point-tailed Palmcreeper Berlepschia rikeri: This most handsome furnarid gave excellent views in a Mauritia palm stand on the way back from Gareno. The genus is named after Karl von Berlepsch ( ), German ornithologist and collector specializing in the Neotropics. Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger: This spectacular cloud forest denizen was seen on both slopes. Our best views were definitely in the Bellavista area and along the Guacamayos ridge trail. It also reaches into high elevation Polylepis woodland as we could see around Papallacta Pass. Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens: A rather elusive bird seen at several locations on this year s trip. First we encountered it at Wild Sumaco and later we had better views along the trails of San Isidro and the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris: The nominate race on the west slope was seen at Pachijal and we saw the mentalis race on the east slope at San Isidro. Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (S-breasted F-g) Anabacerthia variegaticeps: Good looks at this canopy foliage-gleaner at the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve on our first afternoon and also at Angel Paz, Pachijal and Mashpi. Birds here belong to the race temporalis, which has sometimes been treated as a race of the next species, and which alternatively may represent a distinct species, the Spot-breasted Foliage-gleaner. Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis: A few were seen in the Wild Sumaco area on the east slope, where it replaces the previous species. Eastern Woodhaunter Hyloctistes subulatus (H): This secretive understorey species was only heard at Gareno but we had no luck. Western Woodhaunter Hyloctistes virgatus (H): Another heard-only as we did not manage to lure the calling bird at Rio Silanche into view. Chestnut-winged Hookbill Ancistrops strigilatus: This canopy species was seen several times at Gareno and also La Selva on the post-tour extension. A monotypic genus, the name of which is derived from the Greek words ankistron (fishhook) and ops (face), and refers to the distinctive hooked bill. Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner Philydor erythropterus: Another high canopy species, the best views of which were in mixed species flocks at Gareno. Since the gender of the genus name is neuter the scientific name should be P. erythropterum (cf. HBW 8 and the new Howard & Moore). Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner Philydor pyrrhodes (H): One was heard at the edge of Mandiyacu Lake at La Selva on the post-tour extension. This is notoriously difficult species to tape and yet again we had no luck. Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus: Good views of the western race riveti at the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve. Since the gender of the genus name is neuter the scientific name should be P. rufum. Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner Automolus infuscatus: A single bird was seen in a mixed flock along the harpy trail at Gareno. 33 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

34 Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus: We all had point-blank views of the whitethroated pallidigularis race at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus: This Chusquea bamboo denizen showed well in the Bellavista area in a big mixed species flock. Black-billed Treehunter Thripadectes melanorhynchus: Fantastic views of this shy bird in the garden of Wild Sumaco Lodge. Every morning it was picking up the insect from the bushes by the lights for a few minutes after dawn. Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans: We saw one bird of the western guayae race at Rio Silanche. Later we had the heterurus race at Wild Sumaco on the east slope. Recent research seems to indicate that of all living furnariids the xenopses are the ones most closely related to the woodcreeper lineage. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus: A few birds of the race littoralis race were found in the western lowlands and foothills at Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque Biological Station. We also had the obsoletus race in La Selva on the post-tour extension. Black-tailed Leaftosser (B-t Leafscraper) Sclerurus caudacutus (H): Surprisingly we only heard it once at La Selva on the post-tour extension but no luck. Apparently the earliest furnariids were mostly terrestrial, leaftosser-like birds. DENDROCOLAPTIDAE Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa: A few sightings of both races on this year s tour. We had the ridgwayi race in the west and the phaeochroa race in the east. More than one species may be involved. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus: Several sightings of both races. The very similar sublestus races in the west and castelnaudii race in the east. The smallest in the family and also one of the most primitive, with cranial specialization for hammering on wood like a diminutive woodpecker, a feature lost in more modern woodcreepers. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus: Two sightings of the larger and darker amazonus race along the trails of Wild Sumaco Lodge and along the Loreto Road. The hitherto monotypic genus Sittasomus certainly consists of a handful of species but the detailed taxonomy remains to be worked out. Long-billed Woodcreeper Nasica longirostris: One was seen on the trails of La Selva on the post-tour extension. It was great to watch feeding this superb looking bird as it was probing into a large bromeliad in the top of the canopy. I guess the food at the base of those leaves is not really accessible to most birds. Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Dendrexetastes rufigula: Absolutely amazing views of this very distinctive bird from the canopy tower at La Selva on the post-tour extension. It was just singing and singing a few meters away! Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes orenocensis: A very respectable five sightings of the this large woodcreeper on both slopes. All the birds seen were the promeropirhynchus race. Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes certhia: One was seen in a huge mixed species flock along the trails at Wild Sumaco. Straight-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus picus: Two sightings of this lakeside species at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus obsoletus: Another woodcreeper of lakesides and swampy areas, which we saw well along the Madiyacu River at La Selva. Elegant Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus elegans: Remarkably three sightings (probably the same bird) of this devilishly difficult-to-see woodcreeper at Gareno. Buff-throated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatoides: Several sightings of this common eastern lowland and lower foothill species. Note that trans-andean birds (Central America and north-western South America) are nowadays split off as Cocoa Woodcreeper X. susurrans, though this treatment seems to be a great oversimplification and see the discussion on 34 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

35 this issue by C. Marantz in HBW 8. The same author suggested possible species rank for western Amazonian races as Lafresnaye s Woodcreeper X. guttatoides in an earlier paper but kept them within Buff-throated Woodcreeper in the HBW accounts. Ocellated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus ocellatus: The napensis race of this inconspicuous woodcreeper was seen at Gareno. This napensis race could also be included in Tschudi s Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus chunchotambo but note that Ridgley & Greenfield lump this form in Ocellated Woodcreeper X. ocellatus. It is also possible that this napensis may represent a separate species in its own right. Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus: Great views of this most striking woodcreeper at Rio Silanche on the west. Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius: Small numbers were found throughout the western lowlands and foothills where it is probably the most numerous woodcreeper. Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis: Several sightings on the east slope in the Wild Sumaco area, along the Loreto Road and at San Isidro. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii: Several were seen at Rio Silanche and at Tinalandia. Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger: A handful of sightings of this small woodcreeper on both slopes. Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris: One was seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. This is the thoracicus race here. This spectacular woodcreeper is always in big mixed species flocks. THAMNOPHILIDAE Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus (H): We only heard one distantly along the Harpy trail at Gareno but could not get a response. Great Antshrike Taraba major: Great looks at the melanurus race of the eastern lowlands on our way out of Gareno. The western race transandeanus race was only heard at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus: Great studies of both sexes of this striking east slope speciality in the Wild Sumaco area on several occasions. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus (H): We only heard the subradiatus race on one of the Napo river islands near La Selva. The taxonomy of the Barred Antshrike complex is in need of study and possible revision, more than one species probably being involved. Note it is a river island specialist in Ecuador. Castelnau s Antshrike Thamnophilus cryptoleucus: Another obligate river island species of which a pair was seen very well near La Selva. Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor: We heard one at Angel s antpitta place but could not see it. Later a shy pair was seen very well at Mashpi. Plain-winged Antshrike (Black-capped A) Thamnophilus schistaceus: Two were seen at Gareno but it was only heard in La Selva on the post-tour extension. Typical constituent of the understorey parties in the eastern lowlands and foothills, here of the black-crowned capitalis race. The new name is preferable to the old one since in large portions of its range males do not have any black in the crown at all. Mouse-coloured Antshrike Thamnophilus murinus (H): It was only heard distantly on the south side of the Napo in the Yasúni National Park. Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha: A female was seen at Rio Silanche and three more at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus: Two were seen in a huge mixed species flock at Wild Sumaco. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis: We saw several birds of the napensis race on the east slope in the Wild Sumaco area. 35 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

36 Spot-crowned Antvireo Dysithamnus occidentalis: We got excellent views of a party of four at Rio Silanche. We could watch the male as long as we wanted, a very handsome antbird indeed. Dusky-throated Antshrike Thamnomanes ardesiacus: Regular sightings at La Selva in the eastern lowlands. Often seen in the company of the next species. Cinereous Antshrike Thamnomanes caesius: Frequent encounters in the eastern lowlands and especially numerous at Gareno. In plumage very similar to the previous species but this one is the leader of most of the roving mixed understorey flocks. Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura: One of this canopy dwelling tiny antbird was seen at Gareno by some and we also heard it at La Selva. Moustached Antwren Myrmotherula ignota: We had good looks at two birds around the accommodation clearing at Gareno in the eastern lowlands. Ridgely & Greenfield split off Short-billed Antwren M. obscura as a separate species, using the name Griscom s Antwren for the residual M. ignota, but a recent paper has been published justifying the lumping of the two forms. Formerly, ignota was lumped in Pygmy Antwren M. brachyura. Plain-throated Antwren Myrmotherula hauxwelli: Several encounters with both sexes at Gareno and La Selva. Of all the western Amazonian antwrens this is the one that lives closest to the ground. Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris: This western species was only observed at Rio Silanche where we saw a pair foraging in a mixed species understorey flock (with antvireos). Foothill Antwren Myrmotherula spodionota: This localised species was only seen by some of us along the trails at Wild Sumaco. There were two males in a mixed party of birds but they got away very quickly before everybody could see this species. Ornate Antwren Myrmotherula ornata: Our first encounter with this spectacular antwren was a female at Gareno and later we had very good looks at a fine male at La Selva on the posttour extension. Rufous-tailed Antwren Myrmotherula erythrura: An easily overlooked species but we enjoyed good views of a pair at Gareno along the Harpy trail. This species is a regular member of the terra firme understorey flocks and is a typical dead-leaf specialist. Tangles of big, curledup dead leaves are an important year-round foraging substrate in the tropical rainforest, and several birds specialize on feeding in them (note that this niche is absent in temperate forests as all dead leaves tend to fall off the trees much sooner). White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris: First we saw the western albigula race at Rio Silanche. Later the melaena subspecies was a regular member of the understorey flocks in the eastern lowlands both at Gareno and at La Selva. Vocal differences within the Whiteflanked Antwren complex seem to indicate that at least two species are involved. Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor: The nominate race was seen well at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve on the west slope. We also managed to see the interior race at Wild Sumaco in the east. Long-winged Antwren Myrmotherula longipennis: We saw two males and a female of the zimmeri race in the big understorey flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. They can look very similar to Río Suno Antwren but their distinctive call easily gives them away. Plain-winged Antwren Myrmotherula behni: We were lucky to see a male of this very rare foothill species along the trails of Wild Sumaco. It was in a big mixed species flock and we had several excellent views of the same male several times. Grey Antwren Myrmotherula menetriesii: At least six birds of the race pallida showed well at Gareno and others were seen at La Selva. It is a bird of mid-storey vine tangles, males lacking the throat patch shown by south-eastern Peruvian birds for example. 36 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

37 Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis: Frequent observations of both sexes in the western lowlands and foothills at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is the consobrina race where the females have entirely rufous/chestnut underparts. Dugand s Antwren Herpsilochmus dugandi (H): This high-canopy species was heard along the Harpy trail at Gareno but did not want to play. Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris: Finally we all got very good looks at a nice pair (even in the scope) at Wild Sumaco. A canopy antwren that is often hard to see. Rufous-winged Antwren Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus (H): We heard it once at Wild Sumaco while we were looking for a ground dwelling wren and it did not respond later. Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata: Three were seen at San Isidro in thick Chusquea bamboo understorey. As all Drymophila antbirds a real stunner if seen well! Rufous-rumped Antwren Terenura callinota: Our first sighting of this warbler-like antbird of humid forest canopy was at Pachijal on the west slope. Later we also had two birds in the big mixed species party at Wild Sumaco. The rufous rump is not always easy to see! Grey Antbird Cercomacra cinerascens : A bird of mid-storey vine tangles in the eastern lowlands and not easy to make him move out from these tangles. We finally lured one into view at Gareno. Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina: After some work we all saw two birds at Rio Silanche in the west. Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens: A pair of the aequatorialis race was seen well at Wild Sumaco on the east slope. This species exhibits a complex pattern of geographical variation and at least two species are definitely involved, see the next species! Riparian Antbird Cercomacra fuscicauda: Two sightings (male and female) of this skulking species along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Note this bird is often lumped with the previous species as the fuscicauda race of it. Paul Coopmans had a paper in the planning stages for a considerable time but it is hard to say when it will be officially described as a new species. Note that Cercomacra is one of the most productive antbird genera as far as new species discovered/described in the last few decades are concerned. Fairly recently Parker s Antbird C. parkeri was described from Colombia, as was Willis s Antbird C. laeta from Amazonian Brazil. Black Antbird Cercomacra serva: Yet again a close relative of the previous, which was seen exceedingly well at Gareno on our last morning. White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys: A pair was seen in our hotel garden in Archidona. It is an antbird of disturbed secondary habitats. Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus: Several absolutely brilliant views of this handsome understorey antbird at Gareno. More than one species may be involved, though at least part of the geographic variation within this widespread Amazonian/Guianan antbird seems to be clinal. Ecuadorian birds have been assigned to the race elegans. Peruvian Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis peruviana: Finally all of us had good views in the eastern lowlands both at Gareno and later in La Selva as well, here of the whitish-bellied race saturata. The wide-ranging Warbling Antbird complex was split into six species as recently as 2008 based on vocal differences and to a lesser degree differences in plumages. Yellow-browed Antbird Hypocnemis hypoxantha: Great views of this very smart species at Gareno Lodge, where it seems to be fairly common in its typical rolling terra firme forest habitat. Spot-backed Antbird Hylophylax naevia: We had a pair of the theresae race of terra firme forest in the Yasúni National Park near La Selva on the post-tour extension. It took the fourth place of the bird of the extension contest! Paul Coopmans suggested that the terra firme form and the várzea form are two different species and he was working on a paper, which 37 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

38 sadly did not materialize. So it is not an official split yet but as they have different song and habitat requirement two different species may be involved! Dot-backed Antbird Hylophylax punctulata: Superb sighting of this lovely antbird at La Selva along the Mandiyacu River. We had a gorgeous male close to our boat. Scale-backed Antbird Hylophylax poecilinota: Excellent looks at a female bird along the Harpy trail at Gareno. In Ecuador it is the lepidonota race. Black-and-white Antbird Myrmochanes hemileucus: Two males were seen on a river islands near La Selva. This secretive obligate river island bird is not always easy to see and some of got an experience of this habit this year. Spot-winged Antbird Percnostola leucostigma (NL): Mark saw a female behind our lodge in Gareno. It is a secretive antbird, usually found near forest streams. Silvered Antbird Sclateria naevia: It was heard on our way out of Gareno and a fine male was seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. The argentata race occurs in Ecuador, which lives along the borders of lakes and sluggish streams. This genus and many other taxa are named after the Sclaters, a father and son. Philip Sclater was the founder of The Ibis, the journal of the B.O.U. Black Bushbird Neoctantes niger (H): Despite much effort we only heard this ultra-secretive tree fall gap inhabitant at La Selva on the post-tour extension. White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota: Several sightings of the eastern castanoptera race at Wild Sumaco. Fist some of us saw an agitated male in the lodge garden, where we could even see the fluffed up white-back. Later a small party of eight birds was seen at an ant swarm along the trails. Plumbeous Antbird Myrmeciza hyperythra: We heard this nice antbird regularly in the eastern lowlands at La Selva and a total of four were seen. White-shouldered Antbird Myrmeciza melanoceps: Great looks at a pair of this large antbird along the boardwalk at La Selva on the post-tour extension. We even saw the white shoulders, which are usually not easily visible (except in flight). Sooty Antbird Myrmeciza fortis: Two males were seen along the Harpy trail at Gareno. Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza immaculata: A fine male was seen well at Mashpi on the west. It is represented by the macrorhyncha race in Ecuador. Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul: This forest understorey species of the western lowlands and foothills was regularly heard, and with hard work one was seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Birds here belong to the spot-winged race maculifer Esmeraldas Antbird Myrmeciza nigricauda (H): Three birds were heard singing in the Mashpi Reserve but they did not show. This Chocó endemic is named after the country s north-western province Esmeraldas, where it is often the most common antbird in the very wet foothill forests. Stub-tailed Antbird Myrmeciza berlepschi: It was a great surprise to find this species at Rio Silanche again! Birdquest had not recorded the species at this location for many years and we thought it long gone from this habitat fragment. This year we heard a male calling and it came in quickly allowing superb looks for all of us! Bicoloured Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis: It was heard at Gareno and later one was seen on our post-tour extension at La Selva. This was the castaneus race of the eastern lowlands. Black-spotted Bare-eye Phlegopsis nigromaculata: Three birds were seen on the post-tour extension in La Selva. We had a responsive pair from our canoes along the Mandiyacu River. Bareeyes are fantastic army ant followers and they not easy to see if they are foraging on their own! Reddish-winged Bare-eye Phlegopsis erythroptera (H): This three-star bird was only heard behind the lodge at Gareno but did not show. 38 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

39 FORMICARIIDAE Black-faced Antthrush Fornicarius analis: Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands and lower foothills, and after several attempts we finally saw one at Gareno. Here the race zamorae, named after a town at the eastern base of the Andes in the southern part of the country. Black-headed Antthrush Formicarius nigricapillus: Some of us managed to see one at Rio Palenque Biological Station and another was seen at Tinalandia as well on our last morning. It is not always easy to glimpse this skulker. Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus (H): The loud double whistle of this secretive species was heard repeatedly from the cloud forest understorey around Mindo and at Mashpi but we could not lure one into view. Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona: It took us some time but finally a total of four was seen along the trails of Wild Sumaco. Striated Antthrush (Noble A) Chamaeza nobilis: One was seen along the trails of La Selva on the post-tour extension. Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea: Yet again superb views of two extremely confiding birds in Angel s antpitta forest. Most people do not know how difficult bird it was to see before 2005 when Angel started up his activity! Our birds were of the west slope race hylodroma. Undulated Antpitta Grallaria squamigera: The nominate race was seen by Mark and János along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. It was standing on the trail at dusk but flew off before everybody could get on it. Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni: We had great looks at three different birds at Angel s antpitta forest. Only those who have looked for this mega skulker in the pre-angel Paz era can truly appreciate these views - recent visitors to Ecuador are very privileged indeed! This species used to be known as a rare Colombian endemic until the early nineties when we first found it in Ecuador. Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonota (H): A few were heard along the Loreto Road and at Wild Sumaco. This extremely retiring species is much more easily seen at Rancho Grande on our Western Venezuela tour. Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla: Some of us saw one in the garden of Bellavista Lodge. This was the nominate race we saw. White-bellied Antpitta Grallaria hypoleuca: Another mega skulking montane forest denizen which is now available on the trails at San Isidro as they are regularly worm-fed. We saw two individuals as they picked up the worms and transferred it into the forest, probably feeding young! Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta: Willie was on holiday at Angel s antpitta forest so we had to visit a nearby site to see this species. Finally Angel did not disappoint us and we got this Chocó endemic in the bag too. Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula: Excellent looks at a confiding individual below Papallacta Pass. This is the nominate rufula here in Ecuador. Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis: South America s easiest-to-see antpitta did not disappoint and we all saw it at Papallacta Pass. White-lored Antpitta Hylopezus fulviventris: Great looks at this skulker at a swampy area near La Selva on the post-tour extension. This species was formerly called Fulvous-bellied Antpitta, but this name is now used for the H. dives, which were split off as a separate species. Thrush-like Antpitta Myrmothera campanisona (H): Quite a few were heard in the eastern lowlands at Gareno and La Selva but no sightings. Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana (H): This little fellow was only heard distantly along the Guacamayos Ridge trail on the east slope. 39 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

40 Peruvian Antpitta Grallaricula peruviana: This was the second tour running we got this very rare antpitta at San Isidro. This year we all got excellent looks at a male hopping right around us. This is the only known place in the World at the moment to see this tiny beauty! Let s hope they will be around for a long time and can entertain all the visitors to this remarkable place. For rarity and performance it finished on the second place of the bird of the tour contest! CONOPOPHAGIDAE Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps: Repeated good views of this foothill species along the trails at Wild Sumaco. They really like these outlying ridges and before Wild Sumaco Lodge opened there were not many places to look for this nice bird. Ash-throated Gnateater Conopophaga peruviana (H): We heard one in the Yasúni National Park on the post-tour extension but it did not show. South of the Napo River only this species can be found. Chestnut-belted Gnateater Conopophaga aurita: We got gradually better and better views of this stunner at La Selva on the post-tour extension. This is the lowland gnateater on the north side of the Napo River in the east. RHINOCRYPTIDAE Rusty-belted Tapaculo Liosceles thoracicus: Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands both at Gareno and La Selva. Eventually one of these colourful tapaculos was seen very well by everybody in the Yasúni National Park on the post-tour extension. It is represented by the erithacus race in Ecuador. Ash-coloured Tapaculo Myornis senilis (H): We only heard this long-tailed tapaculo species along the Guacamayos Ridge trail, as it was not very responsive. Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans: It is usually a shyer bird but we managed to see one along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Ridgley & Greenfield lump this form in Unicoloured Tapaculo S. unicolor. Equatorial Rufous-vented Tapaculo (Long-tailed Tapaculo) Scytalopus micropterus: We saw two of these east slope speciality in the thick understorey vegetation along the trails of San Isidro. This form is sometimes lumped in Peruvian Rufous-vented Tapaculo S. femoralis, with the name Rufous-vented Tapaculo being used for the enlarged species. Northern White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus atratus: This often very tricky species showed extremely well along the Loreto Road! I was just explaining how difficult it is to see when it hopped into the middle of the gully showing its white-crown patch beautifully. Wow! Nariño Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior: This Chocó endemic was seen just above Mindo along Paul's trail. This form was formerly lumped Pale-throated Tapaculo S. panamensis. Spillmann s Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni: We heard this fairly common species regularly in mossy, wet montane forest. We saw one very well by the roadside at Bellavista! It was the bird of the trip for Mark! Very similar-looking to the previous species (in fact largely told apart by voice and measurements), and on the west slope replacing it at higher elevations. There is a very thin elevation range overlap but the trail through Paul Coopmans s forest patch above Mindo is such a transition zone with both species occurs side by side! Paramo Tapaculo Scytalopus canus (H): We heard a single bird just below Papallacta Pass but it was not responsive. This form and several others were formerly lumped in Rufous-rumped Tapaculo S. griseicollis, with the name Andean Tapaculo being used for the enlarged species. Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx (H): We heard this aberrant and strange tapaculo in the Bellavista area and along the Guacamayos Ridge trail as well but no luck this year! 40 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

41 TYRANNIDAE White-fronted Tyrannulet Phyllomyias zeledoni (H): This rare flycatcher was heard calling from the high canopy along the piha trail but unfortunately we could not locate it. Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps: Several good views of this common species at various locations in the western lowlands. Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Phyllomyias plumbeiceps: We had excellent views of this rather scarce species along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. This species is surely overlooked in Ecuador. Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps: Two were seen in a big mixed species flock at Wild Sumaco. Slender-footed Tyrannulet Zimmerius gracilipes: Repeated good views from La Selva s canopy tower on our post-tour extension. The genus is named in honour of John Zimmer ( ), a US ornithologist who wrote the monumental Studies of Peruvian Birds (1931). Red-billed Tyrannulet Zimmerius cinereicapillus: Another scarce flycatcher seen very well at Wild Sumaco on this year s tour! Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops: Many sightings of the nominate form on the east slope at Wild Sumaco. Chocó Tyrannulet Zimmerius albigularis: We saw this very recent split species in the western lowlands. This albigularis race of the Golden-faced Tyrannulet has been found to be closer to Paltry Tyrannulet than to the other races and the split has been accepted by SACC. White-lored Tyrannulet Ornithion inerme: We had two sightings of this tiny canopy flycatcher, one at Gareno and one at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillum: The first two were seen at Rio Silanche and later another was located along the trails at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum: One was seen in the open country near Rio Silanche and another on the golf course at Tinalandia. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus: The classic free beer call was heard regularly and we saw the first one along the Loreto Road. Later it was commonly encountered at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Grey Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps: This rather uncommon canopy species was seen twice from the canopy tower from La Selva on the post-tour extension! On our first rainy morning we had a male and few days later a female. Foothill Elaenia Myiopagis olalla: Brilliant views of this easily overlooked species along the Coopmans trail at Wild Sumaco. In the same genus as the previous one, this is the new species of tyrannid discovered by Paul Coopmans in southern Ecuador in 1992 and described in 2000, but is only included as a footnote in Birds of Ecuador. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata: One was seen at the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve on our very first afternoon and another one at Rio Silanche too. This is the implacens race in Ecuador. Mottle-backed Elaenia Elaenia gigas: One of this river island species was seen near La Selva on the post-tour extension. White-crested Elaenia Elaenia albiceps: Two of this high elevation species were seen in the garden of San Isidro Lodge. Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae: Two were seen in Bellavista area in the Tandayapa Valley. It was named after the west slope town of Pallatanga. White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys: Good views of about five birds near the Papallacta Pass in a mixed species flocks. This high altitude species was seen on both visits to this site. 41 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

42 White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus: Several of these amazingly crispy looking flycatchers were seen on the east slope along the Chalpi trail. White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus: Repeated encounters with this Phylloscopuslike little flycatcher on both slopes throughout the tour. Mostly around Bellavista and San Isidro. River Tyrannulet Serpophaga hypoleuca: Two were seen on a Napo river island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea: A singleton of this fast-flowing river specialist was seen along the Loreto Road at the Hollin River bridge. Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura napensis (H): Another obligate river island species, which was only heard on a Napo River island near La Selva. Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus: Good numbers of this smart bird of high-elevation shrubbery showed well at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site and also in the Papallacta area. Agile Tit-Tyrant Uromyias agilis: A party of three were seen in a mixed species party below the Papallacta Pass. Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis: Several sightings on the west slope, here of the race viridiceps and two of the columbianus race on the east slope along the trails of San Isidro. This and the next two species (Mionectes genus) are unusual in being frugivorous rather than insectivorous flycatchers. Hence, like many cotingas and manakins, they also have lek systems. Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus: A singleton of the hederaceus race was seen at Rio Silanche in the west and several birds were located at Wild Sumaco and along the Loreto Road on the east slope, here of the race fasciaticollis. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus: Great views of one along the harpy trail at Gareno and a few more at La Selva on the post-tour extension. It is the hauxwelli race on the east. The pacificus race was seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris: Several sightings of the western transandinus race at Rio Silanche and Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve and at least four birds of the nominate race at Wild Sumaco. Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus : A single bird in a mixed species flock below the Guacamayos Ridge. This species replaces the Slaty-capped Flycatcher at higher elevations on the east slope and prefers thick undergrowth with lots of bamboo Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (E Bristle-Tyrant) Phylloscartes gualaquizae: Good views of this eastern foothill speciality in the Wild Sumaco area, a duller and smaller version of the Foothill Elaenia with a noticeably smaller bill and smaller size. Spectacled Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes orbitaliss: This rather rare (or overlooked) species was seen well along the trails of Wild Sumaco. This was a write-in for this long established tour showing how scarce it is. It is sometimes placed into Pogonotriccus genus with the next two species. Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes ophthalmicus: Several sightings on both slopes in mixed species flocks. Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes poecilotis: A single individual was located in a fast moving flock along the trails at San Isidro but only seen by some. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola: The west slope magnirostris race of this Guadua bamboo specialist was seen well at the Rio Palenque Biological Station. Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni: We had a showy individual of the annectens race in the Mashpi area on the west and another one of the pelzelni race along the trails of San Isidro. It is a common bird of the thick montane undergrowth but usually not easy to get a proper look. 42 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

43 Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus: Several of these noisy flycatchers were encountered in the west, here the squamaecrista race. It was particularly common at Rio Palenque Biological Station. We heard the nominate race on the east slope at Wild Sumaco. Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus vitiosus: Finally we managed to track down this shy flycatcher on the trail to the interior parrot lick in the Yasúni National Park on the posttour extension. White-eyed Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus zosterops: This year we were lucky with the hemitricky flycatchers! The first of the trio was this unobtrusive species along the Harpy trail at Gareno. This is a classic bird of the rolling terra firme forest where it is usually found on the ridge tops. Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus rufigularis: The second one of this difficult genus was seen along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco on several different occasions. This is a noisy one and the best way to detect it as with most canopy flycatchers. Johannes s Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus iohannis: This rare flycatcher was seen by some of us at the edge of a swampy area near La Selva on the post-tour extension. It was first seen in Ecuador in 1996 at Kapawi near the Pastaza River. Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher (R-c T-Tyrant) Poecilotriccus ruficeps: This colourful perky little flycatcher showed well in the garden of San Isidro where we saw up to eight individuals.. Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus calopterus (H): We heard this undergrowth species along the Loreto Road and at Wild Sumaco as well but did not manage to see it. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps (H): This smart forest canopy species was only heard at Rio Silanche in the west. Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum: Excellent looks at this eastern lowland species from the canopy tower at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum: We saw two races on this year s tour. Two of the sclateri race was seen in the Rio Silanche area and later several of the yellow-throated and usually pale-eyed peruanum race were observed in the Wild Sumaco area on the east. Spotted Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum maculatum: After some running around we all had good looks at two on the river island near La Selva. This is the signatum race here in Ecuador, which was first reported in 1989 on a Napo river island near La Selva. Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens: Singletons of the confusus race were seen along the Loreto Road in the east. Zimmer s Flatbill (Z s Flycatcher) Tolmomyias assimilis: We had a few in the eastern lowlands both at Gareno and La Selva, here of the race obscuriceps. More than one species may be involved. Yellow-margined Flatbill Tolmomyias flavotectus: One was seen at Rio Silanche in the west. Olive-faced Flatbill (O-f Flycatcher) Tolmomyias flaviventris: Singletons were seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. White-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus (H): We heard a calling bird very close but could not locate it in thick undergrowth at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. Yellow-throated Spadebill Platyrinchus flavigularis (H): One was heard briefly along the F.A.C.E trail at Wild Sumaco. Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus: This very pretty flycatcher was very common in the wet, mossy forests. We saw the stellatus race on the west slope (tail dusky, showing rufous only at its base). Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myiobius sulphureipygius: A single bird was observed from the canopy tower at Rio Silanche and then three were seen in mixed species flocky at Rio Palenque Biological Station. 43 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

44 Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans: One was seen in the Bellavista area and two at San Isidro. The genus name is derived from ancient Greek, and can be translated as the one who terrorizes the flies. Olive-chested Flycatcher Myiophobus cryptoxanthus: Two of this rather unimpressive east slope speciality were seen along the Loreto Road. Handsome Flycatcher Myiophobus pulcher: A few of the bellus race were seen at San Isidro and along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea: This cute cloud forest flycatcher was first seen in the Bellavista area and then it was numerous at middle elevations on the east slope particularly at San Isidro and the Guacamayos Ridge trail. In Ecuador the pyrrhoptera race occurs on both slopes. Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus: We only encountered the zarumae race on the west slope. The taxonomy of the Greater/Dark/Smoke-coloured Pewee superspecies is rather complex and still needs to be worked out properly. Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus: One was seen on a Napo River island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans: Only two sightings of this bird with a preference to rushing mountain streams. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus: Several males and females seen in the garden of Hosteria el Jardin at the suburbs of Quito. Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor: Nice views of this very handsome looking bird near the Papallacta Pass and also at Antisana National Park. This is the white-browed race brunneifrons. More than one species may be involved (see Ridgely & Tudor, Vol. II). Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris: We saw a total of four of these stunning flycatchers along the Chalpi trail on the east slope. Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca diadema: The gratiosa race was seen on the trails of Bellavista in the west. Drab Water-Tyrant Ochthornis littoralis: Five of this mud-coloured flycatcher was seen along the Napo River on the post-tour extension. This species typically inhabits the steep earth riverbanks. Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea: Good looks at two birds at some steep cliffs along the Loreto Road. An attractive east slope species that may have increased somewhat over the past few decades due to road construction (artificial cliffs are often created through dynamite blasting). Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montana: The solitaria race was seen distantly at Antisana National Park. White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis andicola: Repeated good views of a pair at its stakeout north of Quito (the only locality with recent records in the northern half of the country!). A poorly known and rarely encountered bird, here of the nominate race. A survey in the region is needed to get a better assessment of the population of this species. Note that the new Howard & Moore calls this species A. albicauda, and explains why the name of the race concerned has been changed from andicola to pollens. Also note the belly coloration is much more cinnamon than it is depicted in the Birds of Ecuador. This species qualifies as Vulnerable by Birdlife International. Paramo Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola alpina: Nice looks at this high-elevation species at Antisana National Park. Note that Muscisaxicola is masculine, so the correct scientific name for this species is M. alpinus. Also note that the SACC (South American Classification Committee) maintains the name Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant for this form, calling the split-off M. grisea Taczanowski s Ground-Tyrant, while confusingly other authors use 44 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

45 the name Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant for the latter. Best to get rid of that name altogether! Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maculirostris: Two were seen at the Shrike-Tyrant site near Quito in the arid inter-andean valley. Riverside Tyrant Knipolegus orenocensis: Another rare bird seen near La Selva this year. An immature male was seen and photographed on a tiny early-succession river island on the Napo River downstream from La Selva. It took the fifth place of the bird of the extension contest! Masked Water-Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta: A very handsome, almost wheatear-like terrestrial flycatcher, granting several good views at Tinalandia and at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the western lowlands. The most memorable one was a bird lily-trotting by the pond in Tinalandia. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus: It was first heard at Gareno along the main track but we could not find the calling bird. Later one was seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Flammulated Attila Attila flammulatus: We arrived at Rio Palenque Biological Station at dawn and managed to see a calling bird. Cinnamon Attila Attila cinnamomeus: Excellent views of this handsome flycatcher along the Garzacocha Lake at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Greyish Mourner Rhytipterna simplex: One was seen from the canopy tower at La Selva on the posttour extension. Eastern Sirystes Sirystes sibilator: Like the previous species a singleton was seen from the canopy tower at La Selva on the post tour-extension. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer: Five were seen at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve, here the nigriceps race in the west and later several encounters with the nominate race in the Wild Sumaco area. One of the most widespread species in the Americas, ranging from southwestern USA into Argentina. However, a recent paper shows that more than one species may be involved, and that (as has been suggested before) the Sad Flycatcher M. barbirostris of Jamaica may be just a race of one of these. Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox: We had singletons along the road to Gareno and on the Napo River Island near La Selva. Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes: Nice views of about four different birds just outside our cabins at San Isidro. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus: Commonly seen in the eastern lowlands. Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor: Seen daily at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Formerly placed in the genus Pitangus, but recently a new, monotypic genus was created for this bird, based on its different syrinx and its cup-shaped nest, the latter very different from the Great Kiskadee s large globular nest with a side entrance. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua: Two races of this species were seen on the tour. The nominate in the east and the near-endemic chrysogaster in the west. The latter differs in having a tawny-orange (not yellow) coronal patch, but this is usually not visible in field conditions. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis: Another one of which we encountered two subspecies. We commonly saw the nominate race in the east and had one sighting of the near-endemic grandis at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis: Numerous sightings in the western lowlands at various locations. Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis: A few encounters with the race obscurior in the eastern lowlands and foothills both at Gareno and La Selva. This species is named after New Granada, a former republic of South America (early 19th century), variously incorporating Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. 45 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

46 Dusky-chested Flycatcher Myiozetetes luteiventris: We saw one of these localised and unobtrusive flycatchers at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus: Three birds of the resident chapmani race were seen at Rio Silanche in the western lowlands and the nominate race a few times in La Selva on the post-tour extension. Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus: A large montane flycatcher with a squeaky toy call, showing well in the Bellavista area on the west. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius: A few sightings both in the western and eastern lowlands. Variegated Flycatcher Empidonomus varius: One of this austral winter residents was seen on a river island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Crowned Slaty Flycatcher Griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus: Excellent looks at this austral migrant in Gareno. This species has the longest scientific name! Sulphury Flycatcher Tyrannopsis sulphurea: This obligate Mauritia Palm specialist was seen on our way to Gareno. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus: Ubiquitous, and ranging up to middle elevations. Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis: A single bird was seen at Rio Silanche. A species breeding in desert scrub, shrubby areas and deciduous woodland borders in the more arid lowlands of western Ecuador, and dispersing into more humid areas during the nonbreeding season. This was a rather early observation for this seasonal migrant. Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys: A fine male of this handsome flycatcher was seen along the Loreto Road. Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor: A female was seen in a mixed species flock along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Chestnut-crowned Becard Pachyramphus castaneus: This rather scarce lowland becard was seen at Gareno. This is the saturatus race here in Ecuador. Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus: Just two were seen at Rio Silanche on the west. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus: Two different males were seen, one along the Loreto Road and another in the Gareno area. Black-capped Becard Pachyramphus marginatus: A pair was seen at Gareno in a mixed species flock along the Harpy trail. Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus: One of the guayaquilensis race was seen at Bellavista in the west and a pair of the salvini race in the Wild Sumaco area. One-coloured Becard Platypsaris homochrous: We had regular sightings of this larger sized becard at most locations in the west. Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana: A total of five were seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Tityrus is Latin for an aristocratic hooligan, on account of the aggressive, bullying behaviour of species in this genus. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata: Two races were seen on this year s tour. The fortis race on the east, and the nigriceps race in the west. Though quite similar, male nigriceps differ by being whiter. Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor: Great views of a male on our way out from Gareno and a few more at La Selva on the post-tour extension. COTINGIDAE Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus: Two birds of this high elevation cotinga were observed close to a Polylepis wood at Papallacta Pass. The genus Ampelion has sometimes been placed with the Phytotomidae (Plantcutters), when the latter are maintained as a family separate from the Cotingidae, but recent evidence suggest that Ampelion s traditional placement with the Cotingidae is the preferable course. 46 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

47 Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii: Another handsome bird, of which we encountered two races. We had nice views of the occidentalis race on the west slope at Bellavista and we all had many great looks at the confusa race on the east slope along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda: Superb looks at both sexes of this scarce Chocó species both at Mashpi Reserve and at Angel s antpitta place on the west slope. This species has sometimes been considered (HBW 8) to be a race of P. aureopectus (Goldenbreasted Fruiteater) of northern South America, though most subsequent authors have treated it as a separate species. Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola frontalis : This localized and hard-to-come-by bird was seen very well on two consecutive days along the trails of Wild Sumaco. Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii: A sluggish pair of this rather unusual fruiteater gave good looks at Pachijal on the west. It is placed on its own monotypic genus! White-browed Purpletuft Iodopleura isabellae: We had good views of this tiny canopy-dwelling cotinga from the canopy tower at La Selva. The concealed purple tuft is difficult to see! Grey-tailed Piha Snowornis subalaris: Excellent looks at this enigmatic bird along the piha trail at Wild Sumaco Lodge on the east slope. It became a gettable bird with the opening of Wild Sumaco Lodge having been very difficult bird to see previously. Note that this species were long classified in Lipaugus genus and then it was placed in the Lathria genus. Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans: The screams are often said to be the most evocative bird sound in Amazonia. We had several nice views in the Gareno area. We even saw a bird off the lek in a feeding party along the entrance road. Dusky Piha Lipaugus fuscocinereus: Two were seen very well along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Purple-throated Cotinga Porphyrolaema porphyrolaema: Great views of this scarce Amazonian forest canopy species at La Selva on the post-tour extension. This is our second tour in a row where we get this fantastic species. First we spotted a fine male from the canopy tower and a few days later a pair was observed on the very same tree. Plum-throated Cotinga Cotinga maynana: A total of three was seen from La Selva s canopy tower on the post-tour extension. Note that this species is named after the Mayna Indians in Peru, in whose country it was first discovered. Spangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana: Four birds were seen from La Selva s canopy tower on our first day there. The display of Cotinga males consists of just quietly sitting out on a conspicuous perch and showing off the splendour of their plumage! Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus: Several sightings at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata: This year we only recorded it in the east both at Gareno and at La Selva. They usually travel in small parties in the canopy and our first sighting at Gareno s Harpy trail was such a group. Amazonian Umbrellabird Cephalopterus ornatus: We saw two males and a female of this amazing bird along the Napo River on our post-tour extension! Two males were seen downstream from La Selva and the female on our return boat-ride to Coca. It took the second place of the bird of the extension contest! Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruviana: At least ten males were seen at a lek in Angel s antpitta forest and then another male at Bellavista, here of the western race sanguinolenta. Formerly the two species of cock-of-the-rock were placed in their own family, the Rupicolidae. 47 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

48 PIPRIDAE Golden-headed Manakin Pipra erythrocephala: We had excellent looks at about six of these stunning creatures along the Harpy trail in Gareno. Wire-tailed Manakin Pipra filicauda: Several sightings of stunning males were granted in La Selva on the post-tour extension. White-crowned Manakin Dixiphia pipra: It was common in the Wild Sumaco area and we had many great looks at feeding birds as well as displaying males. Note that this is the coracina race of the foothills, which is likely to be a separate species (Sclater s Manakin) from the nominate lowland race. Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata: Good looks at both sexes at Gareno. Note that this and the following species were formerly included in Pipra, but are now placed in the old resurrected genus Lepidothrix. Blue-rumped Manakin Lepidothrix isidorei: Several females and a single male were seen along the trails at Wild Sumaco in the eastern foothills. Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus: Many excellent views on this year s tour! We encountered two races, the coronulatus race on our first afternoon in the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve and the pax race along the east slope at Wild Sumaco. White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus: Repeated good views in the western lowlands, first at Milpe and Rio Silanche and then at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is the leucochlamys race in the west. Most memorable looks were at Rio Palenque Biological Station where we had several displaying males at their lek and a few on fruiting trees. Note that in the latest Howard & Moore all Manacus species are lumped under the name Bearded Manakin Manacus manacus. The reason for this treatment is that species limits within this genus seem highly uncertain, and recent genetic studies indicate that what traditionally has been known as White-bearded Manakin is paraphyletic (i.e. consists of two or more independent evolutionary lineages) with respect to the non-white-bellied taxa (i.e. White-collared, Orange-collared and Golden-collared Manakins). Western Striped Manakin Machaeropterus striolatus: We saw an immature male along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. Later others were heard at Gareno but no more sightings. Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus: We had two birds in the vicinity of their lekking area (heard several more) on our first afternoon in the Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve on the west. Green Manakin Chloropipo holochlora: This rather rare (or overlooked) bird was seen very well on two occasions this year. It was yet another surprise at Rio Silanche (following the Stubtailed Antbird) to find a pair of the western litae race of this big manakin. This race sometime split as Chocó Manakin. We also observed the nominate race of the east in the Yasúni National Park on our post-tour extension. Orange-crested Manakin Heterocercus aurantiivertex: Superb views of one from the boat along Garzacocha Lake at La Selva on the post-tour extension. This species almost certainly confined to black-water regions in Ecuador. It used to be rather easy to see at La Selva but the old stake out has not worked for three years now and for this reason we missed it in Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin Tyranneutes stolzmanni (H): It proved elusive this year as we only managed to hear it in La Selva. Wing-barred Piprites (W-b Manakin) Piprites chloris: We all managed good looks on this canopy species at La Selva on the post-tour extension. CORVIDAE Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa: Several great observations of this near endemic in the Bellavista area and then along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. 48 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

49 Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus: The first four were seen distantly along the Loreto Road but later we had frequent daily sightings of this noisy species in the eastern lowlands both at Gareno and La Selva. Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas: The most colourful jay in the country, first seen well below the Guacamayos Ridge and then several in the San Isidro area. They were particularly obliging around the lights early morning in the Lodge. VIREONIDAE Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis (H): A widespread species, several of which were heard at Rio Palenque Biological Station but no sightings. Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris: Finally we had good looks at the nominate race at San Isidro as it was singing in the garden. Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis: This notoriously difficult to see bird was seen in the mega big mixed species flock along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. This was the leucotis race of the east. The western mikettae race was only heard at Tinalandia. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus: We had regular sightings of this species in the western lowlands and foothills, where most likely of the resident griseobarbatus, which is more yellowish below. It was rather early for the northern migrants in the east. Migrants have not yet been recorded in the west but they could easily be overlooked among the resident redeyes. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys: A singleton was seen in the cloud forest at Angel Paz on the west. Rufous-naped Greenlet Hylophilus semibrunneus: A total of eight of this distinctive greenlet were seen in the Wild Sumaco area. It is a widespread bird in Colombia, but much localized in Ecuador. Dusky-capped Greenlet Hylophilus hypoxanthus: A core species of canopy flocks in the eastern lowlands, showing well in the Gareno area on two occasions. Lemon-chested Greenlet Hylophilus thoracicus (H): This terra firme forest species was only heard at Gareno. An easily overlooked species (unless one knows the voice) and so far only known from a handful of localities in Ecuador. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus: Numerous in the western lowlands, here of the race minor. Best views were at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus: Almost daily encounters with this eastern foothill speciality along the Loreto Road and around Wild Sumaco Lodge. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps: We saw one of the ferrugineifrons race in the mixed understorey party along the Harpy trail at Gareno. TURDIDAE Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides: We had superb views of west slope plumbeiceps race at Los Bancos and also had several of the venezuelensis race at San Isidro. The ethereal tunes of this wonderful songster characterize the high altitude mossy forests. Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater (H): We heard it once in the east where it is apparently rare. Spotted Nightingale-Thrush Catharus dryas: Finally we all had good looks along the trails of the Wild Sumaco Lodge. In total four birds were seen by the time everybody saw this rather shy species. Pale-eyed Thrush Platycichla leucops: This rather rare and local thrush was seen very well in the Mindo area. Great Thrush Turdus fuscater: A ubiquitous and adaptable high elevation bird. 49 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

50 Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus: Several birds of both sexes, belonging to the fuscobrunneus race were seen in the Bellavista area on the west. Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis: Small numbers were regularly seen in the eastern lowlands and foothills. A quite aptly chosen scientific name: ignobilis stands for obscure, undistinguished. Birds here belong to the Amazonian race debilis. Lawrence s Thrush Turdus lawrencii: We had three sightings in the Gareno area. First we had difficulty in seeing a singing bird but then several were seen at a fruiting tree along the Harpy trail. Said to be the world s best bird song mimic (though others claim the Lyrebirds win this prize), and indeed, listening to the amazing imitations of many other forest birds by this species was quite an experience. It may well prove to have an atypical thrush mating system, either promiscuous or polygamous. Hauxwell s Thrush Turdus hauxwelli: A typical shy bird of flooded varzeá forest and we saw two birds around Garzacocha Lake at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris: A near endemic, encountered repeatedly in the western lowlands and foothills, and particularly numerous at Rio Palenque Biological Station and Tinalandia. White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis: One showed beautifully at Wild Sumaco and another one at Gareno and several others were heard in the eastern lowlands at La Selva. CINCLIDAE White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus: Good views of this inhabitant of rushing mountain streams along the Loreto Road at the Hollin River bridge. As yet there is no evidence that this species swims underneath the water as some of the other species of dipper do. HIRUNDINIDAE Brown-chested Martin Phaeoprogne tapera: We saw several along the Napo River near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea: The first one was seen on the way to Gareno and then several at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west and at La Selva on the post-tour extension. White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer: Numerous along the Napo River and on oxbow lakes around La Selva on the post-tour extension. A species, which nests in holes in logs sticking out of the water. Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina: A rather drab high elevation species, which was first seen above Quito on our first morning and later it was numerous near the Papallacta Pass and in Antisana National Park. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca: Many sightings throughout the tour. One of the country s most widespread swallows, here of the resident, nominate race. White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata: An elegant swallow of Amazonian rivers. The first two were seen on our drive to Gareno and later it was plentiful along the Napo River on the posttour extension. This one nests in holes along the riverbanks. White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis: The small dark minima race was seen along the western foothills at Milpe and Pachijal. The eastern race griseiventris was common in the Gareno area. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis: We encountered two distinct races of this widespread hirundine, uropygialis in the west and nominate ruficollis in the east. The former has a conspicuously whitish rump, whereas the nominate race has a barely contrasting rump. 50 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

51 TROGLODYTIDAE Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapillus: This vociferous species was seen several times at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Following a publication in the eighties this species was moved from the Mimidae to the Troglodytidae, but unpublished molecular data suggests that it doesn t belong in either family. Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus: Regular encounters with the hypostictus race of this large wren in the eastern lowlands. The best views were at Wild Sumaco and Gareno. Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus: Replacing the previous species west of the Andes, this one showed well at Milpe, Tinalandia and Rio Palenque Biological Station. The Ecuadorian race brevirostris is geographically isolated from the Central American populations, and is replaced in between by the perhaps conspecific White-headed Wren C. albobrunneus. Grey-mantled Wren Odontorchilus branickii: This smart canopy species was seen in the mega big mixed species flock along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. This is the nominate race on the east slope. Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa: We encountered this species twice on this year tour. The first three were seen along the Chalpi trail at Guango and then four birds along the Guacamayos Ridge trail, mostly in understorey flocks. Sepia-brown Wren (Sharpe s W) Cinnycerthia olivascens: Five of these amazing songsters were seen brilliantly along the trails of Bellavista in the west. Some individuals have a white forehead or some white on the face and so did some of the birds we saw! Named after Richard Sharpe, the most famous ornithologist at the turn of the twentieth century. Much of his fame rested on the monumental Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum, which was published in 27 volumes. Grass Wren (Sedge Wren) Cistothorus platensis: A paramo/high temperate species, seen brilliantly in the Antisana National Park. Birds here belong to the comparatively long-tailed aequatorialis race, one of the South American subspecies that seems to be quite different from the North American stellaris group. Vocal differences are quite obvious and several species are likely to be involved but the details remain to be worked out. Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus: A typical voice in the western lowlands and foothills, with a singleton seen at Rio Silanche and another at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Birds here belong to the nominate race, largely barred below and quite different-looking from the birds some of you may have seen in Costa Rica. Plain-tailed Wren Thryothorus euophrys: We heard this musical species in the Bellavista area and along the Guacamayos Ridge trail but we finally connected with a pair at San Isidro. This Chusquea bamboo denizen is rather shy and the biggest problem that mostly taped out at the usual sites! Whiskered Wren Thryothorus mystacalis: This handsome vine tangle specialist was seen very well at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This species was formerly lumped in Moustached Wren T. genibarbis. Coraya Wren Thryothorus coraya: A widespread Amazonian/Guyana Shield species, doing its best not to be seen but with perseverance we did see one at Gareno. Speckle-breasted Wren Thryothorus sclateri: Great views of a single bird at Tinalandia. A species more typical of dry and semi humid forests, but spreading into more humid areas in the wake of deforestation, and in 2004 we found the first one for Tinalandia. Southern House Wren Troglodytes aedon: Commonly seen all along the tour. This and the next species are close relatives of the wren in Europe (Winter Wren, also found in North America), the only Old World representative of this typically New World family. Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis: An arboreal relative of the previous species, seen well along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. 51 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

52 White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticte: Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands and foothills but our only sightings were at Wild Sumaco and Gareno. Note that ongoing research seems to indicate that what s currently known as the widespread White-breasted Wood-Wren really consists of at least three different species: one in the Amazon basin, one in Central America and one in the Chocó bioregion. Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys: A ubiquitous cloud forest bird, far more often heard than seen and replacing the previous species at higher elevations. Most of our encounters were with the nominate race, but in the Milpe area we saw the morphologically and vocally distinct hilaris race, which could be a separate species. Musician Wren Cyphorhinus aradus (H): We all heard the distinctive song along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. Southern Nightingale-Wren (Scaly-breasted Wren) Microcerculus marginatus: Another unmistakable song, frequently heard on both sides of the Andes. We all had excellent views of the taeniatus race at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Note that the taxonomy of the nightingale-wren complex (particularly in South America) is in urgent need of revision. Wing-banded Wren Microcerculus bambla (H): We heard this walking wing bar several times along the trails at Wild Sumaco but no joy. POLIOPTILIDAE Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris: We had prolonged superb views of two birds in a mixed understorey party along the trails of Rio Silanche. This was the nominate race here in the west. Later the eastern hormotus race was seen along the Harpy trail at Gareno. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus: Some of us saw the rufiventris race at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Later we also had good looks at the eastern duidae race at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Separate species on either side of the Andes are perhaps involved. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea: Nice looks at a pair of the bilineata race at Rio Silanche on the west and later two of the parvirostris race were seen on our way out of Gareno. Tropical Gnatcatchers display a very complex pattern of geographic variation in both plumage and vocalizations. However the split of Tropical vs. (this form) White-faced Gnatcatchers (cf. Sibley s 1996 electronic Birds of the World ) seems too simplistic, with the line between the two species drawn rather artificially and based on very little (if any) evidence. More work is needed to deal with this taxonomic wasps nest. Slate-throated Gnatcatcher Polioptila schistaceigula: Nice looks at a pair from the canopy tower at Rio Silanche. This is a rare Chocó bird and we were very fortunate to see it yet again (following the 2010 tour as well). MOTACILLIDAE Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis: We had great looks in the Antisana National Park. PARULIDAE Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi: We regularly encountered this species in both the western and eastern foothills. The parulid warblers are now often regarded as a subfamily of the Emberizids. Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis: A single bird was seen in the garden of San Isidro. This species mainly winters on the east slope of the Andes, and is one of several species named after Alexander Wilson, North America s first real field ornithologist (and, amongst other things, famous for his notes on Passenger Pigeon migration and abundance). 52 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

53 Slate-throated Whitestart (S-t Redstart) Myioborus miniatus: Numerous at middle elevations on both slopes all along the tour. Spectacled Whitestart (S Redstart) Myioborus melanocephalus: This is the higher altitudinal replacement of the previous species, here of the rusty-capped race ruficoronatus. Our best views were in the Bellavista area. Black-crested Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus: A lovely high-elevation warbler, seen nicely below the Papallacta Pass and at San Isidro. Citrine Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus (LO): One was seen in a mixed party by János in the thick bamboo in San Isidro but it disappeared before anybody else could get on it. Chocó Warbler Basileuterus chlorophrys: Really good views of this noisy Chocó endemic at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve and in the Mashpi Reserve. Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus: We saw two races. We had the daedalus race on the west slope in several places around Mindo and then had the baezae race below the Guacamayos Ridge on the east slope (named after the village of Baeza which we passed after leaving San Isidro). The latter is much yellower below than the former. Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus: A beautiful songster and another warbler of which we saw two subspecies. On the west slope we had the elatus race, which has bright yellow underparts while on the east slope we had the orientalis race, which has mainly greyish underparts. Grey-and-gold Warbler Basileuterus fraseri: It took us a while but finally we had excellent views of this Tumbesian endemic at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is another species of drier habitats, which may only have colonized the reserve in recent decades (now fairly common here, the first record dates back to 1980, though the amount of data from the seventies is limited). Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda: A few encounters with this handsome streamside bird with a very loud song! Our best looks at a foraging bird at Rio Silanche. THRAUPIDAE Bananaquit Coereba flaveola: Numerous encounters with this very common species. Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus: We had several sightings of the eastern microrhynchus race at Gareno and La Selva. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza: Regular observations of both the exsul race in the western lowlands and foothills, and the caerulescens race in the east. Golden-collared Honeycreeper Iridophanes pulcherrima: First we saw a splendid male and later a female of this superb bird along the trails at Wild Sumaco. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana: A pair of the western baudoana race was seen at Rio Silanche. Males of the western race are a much darker shade of blue compared to the paler turquoise blue of the eastern race. Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata: The first male was seen along the Loreto Road and later several at Gareno and at La Selva. Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia: A few were seen at Rio Silanche on flowering trees on the western lowlands. This one replaces the previous species in the western lowlands and foothills. Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta: A lovely male was seen at Rio Silanche by some of us. Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum: Several sightings of this high altitude species this year. It was the most numerous around the Shrike-Tyrant site where up to ten were seen. Later we had some below Papallacta as well. The rather brownish/buffy race fraseri was seen, which possibly represents a separate species, Fraser s Conebill. Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor: A single bird was seen in a mixed species flock along the Chalpi trail at Guango. 53 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

54 Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons: We had two sightings this year, one in the Bellavista area and another along the Chalpi trail at Guango. This is the blue-crowned (in males) atrocyaneum race. Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossopis caerulescens: Four different birds were seen along the trails of San Isidro. Flowerpiercers are nectar thieves, as their name suggests piercing the flowers at their base without performing any pollination duties. Note the recent generic change (from Diglossa) of this and the next three species. They are smaller and essentially blue coloured. Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossopis indigotica: We had a superb male in the Mashpi Reserve for the second year in a row. This is a very rare bird in Ecuador and just recently been found at the Mashpi Reserve, which is accessible to visiting birders. Otherwise it is quite easy to see on our Colombia tour! Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossopis cyanea: This smart flowerpiercer was seen in mixed flocks on both slopes but by far the best show was on the hummingbird feeders at Guango Lodge! Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Deep-blue F-p) Diglossopis glauca: Superb looks at a male bird in a mixed species flock along the Loreto Road. Later two more were seen in the Wild Sumaco area. Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayi: Two were seen below Papallacta. Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis: Largely an inter-andean species, this one was found at lower elevations, on our way to Papallacta Pass and then on our way to Antisana National Park. Birds here belong to the completely black race aterrima. White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera: A few were seen on the west slope, mainly in the Tandayapa Valley and a singles one on the east at the Guacamayos Ridge trail and San Isidro. This is the only strongly sexually dimorphic flowerpiercer in Ecuador. Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides: Two were seen in the garden of the Hosteria el Jardin in the suburbs of Quito. Note that this form was formerly lumped in Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer D. baritula, with the name Slaty Flowerpiercer being used for the enlarged species. Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira: Several were seen at Milpe and at Rio Silanche. Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis: A lovely male was seen in a mixed species canopy flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno by some of us. Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sordida: Two birds of the chrysopis race were seen on a Napo River Islands near La Selva. Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota: One sighting of this montane species in the garden of San Isidro on the east. Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea: A male was seen by some of us along the Loreto Road. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris: A few encounters with the hypoxantha race in the western lowlands and foothills and two of the melanura race were seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala: Just two females were seen at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site on our first morning of birding. Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster: Many encounters throughout the tour. Note that Ecuadorian races are actually yellow below. We saw brevirostris in the east, while western birds were likely all referable to quitensis. Rufous-bellied Euphonia Euphonia rufiventris: Two males showed well at Gareno just behind our cabins and later we had excellent scope views of several males from the canopy tower at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa: A single male was seen along the main track at Wild Sumaco. 54 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

55 White-lored Euphonia (Golden-bellied E) Euphonia chrysopasta: Several sightings in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Our best close range views were from La Selva s canopy tower! Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea: A total of eight were seen in the eastern foothills on this year tour! A splendid frugivore if seen well and our best views were along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. Glistening-green Tanager Chlorochrysa phoenicotis: This Chocó endemic was seen brilliantly in Pachijal and at Mashpi. Surprisingly it is not even classified as Near Threatened by Birdlife International. However, in the last 10 years it became significantly rarer in the most easily accessible areas like the Mindo area (it used to be fairly common there). Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula: We had good views of this smart bird at Milpe and at Los Bancos. This is another Chocó endemic. Golden Tanager Tangara arthus: Many good views of this very attractive tanager. We saw two distinctive races, goodsoni in the west and aequatorialis in the east. The former has uniform golden yellow underparts, while the latter is larger and has a variable but often strong suffusion of rufous on throat and chest. Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala: Three encounters in the western foothills, including excellent close-ups at the Rio Silanche. Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala: A few were seen at middle elevations on the east slope. Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis: We had three of these lovely east slope tanagers in the garden of Wild Sumaco Lodge. Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii: This year we only managed to see the lunigera race on the west slope. Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix: A total of ten were seen in the Mindo area on the west slope, here of the leucotis race. Blue-browed Tanager Tangara cyanotis: Most of us managed to see one in the garden of Wild Sumaco Lodge on our first morning. Later about five more were seen in the mega sized mixed species flock along the F.A.C.E. trail at Wild Sumaco. This is a rather scarce tangara species of the east slope. Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides: Singletons of the nominate race were observed in a mixed flocks at Angel Paz and Pachijal. Labradorides is actually derived from the French pierre de Labrador, feldspar, labradorite (or labrador stone), thus referring to the shining blue reflections in this species plumage. Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis: Two subspecies of this cloud forest tanager were observed, cyanescens on the west slope and the nominate race on the east slope. It was really common at San Isidro this year. Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii: This year we had several birds in mixed bird parties at Bellavista on the west and along the Guacamayos Ridge trail on the east slope. Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei: A single male was seen at Angel Paz on the west and three birds were seen at San Isidro on the east slope. Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis: Several sighting of this handsome bird. We saw two distinctive races on opposite sides of the Andes. In the west the endemic cyanopygia race was seen with the rump and entire hood glistening turquoise, plus greener wing coverts, and on the east slope we saw the caeruleocephala race with glistening straw rump, more purplish throat, and glistening golden wing coverts. The former averages a lower altitudinal distribution than the latter. Masked Tanager Tangara nigrocincta: Two were seen on the fruiting tree along the Harpy trail at Gareno. This is a rather scarce tanager of the eastern lowlands. Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata: A very attractive tanager if seen at close range and we encountered several in the western lowlands at Rio Silanche. 55 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

56 Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana: Just two were seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. An erroneous toponym, since this species is not found in Mexico and not even anywhere in Central America! Opal-rumped Tanager Tangara velia: We all had good views of this scarce tangara at Gareno actually side by side with the next species on a fruiting tree by the entrance road. Opal-crowned Tanager Tangara callophrys: Several were seen at Gareno on various fruiting trees and it was also numerous at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis: Many great views of this amazing bird in the eastern lowlands and foothills. One of the most astonishing members of the family, here of the entirely redrumped nominate race. Another scientific misnomer since the bird doesn t occur anywhere near Chile. Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii: A few were seen at Wild Sumaco in mixed flocks but later we had several encounters at Gareno and at La Selva. Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata: Regular sightings in the Wild Sumaco area on the east. Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra: We had excellent looks at two birds feeding on a Cecropia tree on our way out of Gareno. Later another one was seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola: Regular sightings on both slopes. We saw the blue-bellied race catharinae (which has a conspicuous golden nuchal band) in the east and nupera in the west. Rufous-winged Tanager Tangara lavinia: Finally we all had good looks at an immature male of this sexually dimorphic tanager at Rio Silanche. A real stunner! Yellow-throated Tanager Iridosornis analis: Great views of this very localised tanager below the Guacamayos ridge. This species is much more common in Peru. Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex: We saw two birds in a mixed party below Papallacta. As all members of the genus a fantastic looking species! Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris: A total of three were seen below Papallacta. Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus: Several encounters in mixed flocks at Papallacta and along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus: Many sightings of this beautiful montane species. We saw the black-backed cyanopterus race at various sites on the west slope. Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus notabilis: Excellent views of eight birds at Angel s antpitta forest near Mindo. Hooded Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis montana: Three birds were seen on the east slope along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. The country s largest mountain-tanager. Moss-backed Tanager Bangsia edwardsi: We all had several brilliant views of this odd Chocó endemic at the Mashpi Reserve. Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager Dubusia taeniata: A singing bird was tracked down near Papallacta Pass. Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii: We had five in the Bellavista area and two more were seen in a mixed species flock in the Guacamayos area on the east slope. Swallow-Tanager Tersina viridis: Great looks at both sexes at several locations. This gaudy bird was formerly placed in its own family, the Tersinidae. Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus: A common bird in the lowlands and foothills, of which we saw two very distinct races again. The plain-winged quaesita race was seen on the west side of the Andes and the coelestis race in the eastern lowlands and foothills (with conspicuous whitish lesser wing coverts). Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum: Another one of which two races was encountered, the melanoptera race in the east and the violilavata race in the west. The latter is glossier 56 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

57 generally and has less contrasting black on the wings. A very common species of secondary habitats, forest edges and forest borders, especially where palms are prevalent. Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo: Numerous in the east, where we found it from the lowlands to the lower subtropical zone. Masked Crimson Tanager Ramphocelus nigrogularis: A colourful tanager first seen at Gareno but later it was showing well around La Selva s Mandicocha lake on the post-tour extension. Lemon-rumped Tanager (Yellow-r T) Ramphocelus icteronotus: Abundant in secondary and open habitats in the western lowlands and foothills. Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni: Our only sighting of this Chocó endemic was in the Milpe area. Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata: We had two sightings along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii: Many good views in the western lowlands and foothills. An almost greenbul-like bird and apparently recent genetic data suggests that this species is not a tanager at all! It was especially numerous at Rio Palenque Biological Station. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus: Repeated sightings at Milpe on the west and in the Wild Sumaco area in the east. It is definitely spreading with deforestation in Ecuador. Fulvous-crested Tanager Tachyphonus surinamus: Amazingly we had three sightings of this rather scarce species at Gareno this year. Even more interesting it was to see them on a fruiting tree at the very top like the next species does normally! This one supposed to be an understorey tanager and that is how we usually see it. Flame-crested Tanager Tachyphonus cristatus: Great looks at two males at Gareno and several more from La Selva s canopy tower on the post-tour extension. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus: Regular encounters with the panamensis race in the western lowlands and foothills. It was especially numerous at Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque Biological Station. Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii: Up to ten were seen at Rio Silanche. This species is rather sensitive to forest fragmentation and it died out at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the early eighties. It remains to be seen how long it will hold on in the fragmented habitat at and near the Silanche reserve. Fulvous Shrike-Tanager Lanio fulvus: About seven of the peruvianus race was seen in the mega mixed species flock along the trails at Wild Sumaco. Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius: It took us a while to find this special tanager at Rio Silanche, but then we all had prolonged views of both sexes. Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus: Commonly seen at San Isidro and along the Guacamayos Ridge on the east slope. Dusky Bush-Tanager (Dusky-bellied B-T) Chlorospingus semifuscus: Several sightings of this Chocó endemic above Mindo and in the Tandayapa Valley. Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis: Good looks at two distinct subspecies, the nominate race on the east slope was seen along the Loreto Road and Wild Sumaco while the marginatus race on the west slope around Mindo. Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris : This rather scarce bird was seen along the Chalpi trail at Guango. Black-backed Bush-Tanager Urothraupis stolzmanni: Great views of this high-elevation bird below Papallacta. We had good prolonged views as they were moving around with a mixed species flock. Black-capped Hemispingus Hemispingus atropileus: We had our first sighting of two fast-moving birds in the bamboo at Bellavista and then two more along the Chalpi trail at Guango. Later we found it twice in the mixed flocks along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. 57 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

58 Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis: This Chusquea bamboo bird showed very well in the garden of San Isidro lodge on the east slope where we had a flock of five. Western Hemispingus Hemispingus ochraceus: Great prolonged looks at three birds in a mixed understorey party along the trails of Bellavista. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana: The first was seen along the Loreto Road then daily sightings in the Wild Sumaco area and also a few on our way to Gareno. On the post-tour extension at La Selva a singleton was seen. The longest member of the family (but not the biggest/heaviest) and a very smart bird indeed. White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata: Fantastic views of this most handsome tanager along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. Three birds came into the whistled imitation like missiles and stayed around for a few minutes. Plushcap (Plush-capped Finch) Catamblyrhynchus diadema: Some of us had a single bird in a big mixed species flock near Bellavista on the west and two more were seen by all along the Chalpi trail on the east. CARDINALIDAE Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus: Small numbers were found at lower elevations on both sides of the Andes. Birds here belong to the nominate race, just showing the black whiskers but not the big black ring around the throat as some of you have seen in Central America. Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis: Several encounters with this striking saltator on the west. It does not qualify as a Chocó endemic as it also ranges into Colombia s Cauca Valley. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens: This widespread saltator was seen along the Loreto Road. Slate-coloured Grosbeak (Slaty G) Saltator grossus: A striking species, which was seen by some of us in the Mashpi area on the west. Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis: A total of ten was seen on a Napo River island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Southern Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster: Several sightings of this striking species, mainly in the suburbs of Quito in the garden of Hosteria el Jardin. Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides: Three were seen in the big understorey flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. EMBERIZIDAE Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina: Small numbers in open areas on both sides of the Andes. Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis: Many birds were seen of this open country species in and out of Gareno. This species is sometimes called Lesser Seed-Finch lumping the western (funereus race see next species) and the eastern torridus race and using the O. angolensis for the enlarged species. Caquetá Seedeater Sporophila murallae: Two males were seen on a Napo River island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina: Several sightings of this common species in the west. Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa: A single male was seen at Wild Sumaco. Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis: We only saw about five along the Milpe Road on the west. Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris: Many birds were seen in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Best views were obtained at Wild Sumaco and on the river island near La Selva. Plain-coloured Seedeater Catamenia inornata: It was fairly numerous around Papallacta and in the Antisana National Park. Paramo Seedeater Catamenia homochroa (NL): Mark saw a single female bird below Papallacta but nobody else could get on it. 58 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

59 Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor: Numerous above the Papallacta Pass and in the Antisana National Park. Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch Phrygilus plebejus: Several birds were seen at the White-tailed Shrike- Tyrant site on our first morning. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola: Up to ten were seen in the garden of the Hosteria el Jardin in the suburbs of Quito. This is the valida race here in Ecuador. Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola: Albeit a single male was seen in flight at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site we had good views of it. This is the bogotensis race here. Rufous-naped Brush-Finch (Northern R-n B-F) Atlapetes latinuchus: Singletons were seen in the Bellavista area and below Papallacta, here of the spodionotus race (no wing speculum, no moustache). This is one of the results of the split of what used to be the enlarged Rufous-naped Brush-Finch A. rufinucha. Dusky Brush-Finch Atlapetes crassus: We saw one at Milpe and another one at Mashpi. Note that BOE lumps this form (found on the west slope of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador) in Tricoloured Brush-Finch A. tricolor (found on the east slope of the Andes in Peru). They were split in the new Howard & Moore checklist. Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon brunneinuchus: We obtained good views of singing birds at Wild Sumaco and later a single bird was seen along the Guacamayos Ridge trail. This was the frontalis race here. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris: Repeated views of the western race occidentalis at Milpe Cloud Forest Reserve, Rio Silanche, Tinalandia and Rio Palenque Biological Station. Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons: A few were seen at Wild Sumaco and then several on the Napo River island near La Selva on the post-tour extension. Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis: This ubiquitous highland species was seen throughout the tour. Note that capensis does not refer to Cape Horn, but to the Cape of Good Hope; another example of early specimen mislabelling or mix-up! ICTERIDAE Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela: The nominate race was numerous in the eastern lowlands. It is a very likely future split and the flavicrissus western race could be called Western or Tumbesian Yellow-rumped Cacique. Red-rumped cacique Cacicus haemorrhous: We had two sightings at Gareno. First we had two and then three birds. This is a rather scarce and localised species in Ecuador and was a surprise to see it! Northern Mountain-Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus: Excellent views along the Guacamayos Ridge trail on two different occasions. Subtropical Cacique Cacicus uropygialis: Replacing the previous species (with some overlap) at lower elevations, this one showed superbly in the garden of San Isidro Lodge. Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus: This western species, much smaller than Subtropical Cacique, showed well at Rio Silanche. Casqued Oropendola Clypicterus oseryi: Single males were seen on two occasions at Gareno. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus: A single bird was seen on our way out of Gareno but it was common in La Selva on the post-tour extension. Decumanus is Latin for a legionnaire of the tenth legion, a name referring to this oropendola s dagger- or swordlike bill and shield-like casque. Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons: Numerous in the eastern lowlands and on the east slope, here of the black-billed nominate race. Green Oropendola Psarocolius viridis (H): We only heard it on the post-tour extension at La Selva. Olive Oropendola Gymnostinops yuracares: A single bird of this rare terra firme forest bird was seen at Gareno and another one from the canopy tower at La Selva. This form is often lumped 59 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

60 in Para Oropendola G. bifasciatus, with the name Amazonian Oropendola being used for the enlarged species. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis: A few were seen in the garden of Hosteria el Jardin, here the aeuquatorialis race. This brood-parasite must undoubtedly be on the increase following deforestation, a worrying trend, and it is already one of the main problems at the Paleheaded Brush-Finch site in southern Ecuador. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus: It was common along the Napo River on the post-tour extension. This species is a brood parasite on oropendolas. Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi: This one was found in open areas in the western lowlands and foothills, and was most prominent at Tinalandia and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Another species that is spreading with deforestation, and its range is advancing northward towards the Colombian border. Moriche Oriole Icterus chrysocephalus: We had very distant scope views of one on our way out from Gareno. Later we had almost daily sightings at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Most probably a pair was nest building by Garzacocha Lake in the palms and this is why we had more observations then usual. Orange-backed Troupial Icterus croconotus: Two were seen at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas: Singletons were seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station and at Tinalandia on the west. Oriole-Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus: It was fairly common along the Napo River on the posttour extension. FRINGILLIDAE Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica: A female was seen in the White-tailed Shrike Tyrant site on our first morning of birding. Olivaceous Siskin Carduelis olivacea: Two sightings along the Loreto Road and at Wild Sumaco. MAMMALS Forest Rabbit (Brazilian R, Tapiti) Sylvilagus brasiliensis: A few were seen in the Papallacta area. Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S) Sciurus granatensis: Several encounters on both slopes. Green Acouchi Myoprocta exilis: This shy mammal was seen twice at La Selva on the post-tour extension. The first sighting was while we were looking for Chestnut-belted Gnateater. Grey Agouti (Black Agouti) Dasyprocta fuliginosa: Two were seen at San Isidro. Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata: A singleton was seen at Tinalandia. Tayra Eira barbara: We saw one in the Yasúni National Park on the post-tour extension while it was walking along the trail in heavy rain. Kinkajou Potos flavus: One was seen by some of us as we were walking down the trail at Angel Paz and later we had two sightings at La Selva on the post-tour extension. A rarely encountered species. It is a rainforest mammal of the family Procyonidae related to olingos, coatis, raccoons, and the ringtail and cacomistle, also known as the honey bear (sometimes the sun bear called like this as well). It has a monotypic genus. Proboscis Bat (Long-nosed Bat) Rhynchonycteris naso: A total of six were seen roosting on tree trunk at Garzacocha lake of La Selva. Greater Fishing Bat (Greater Bulldog Bat) Noctilio leporinus: Several were seen at dusk along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva on the post-tour extension. Napo Tamarin Saguinus graellsi: Four were seen at Wild Sumaco. Black-mantled Tamarin (Black-and-red Tamarin) Saguinus nigricollis: Several encounters with this handsome monkey at La Selva on the post-tour extension. 60 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

61 Pygmy Marmoset Callithrix pygmaea (H): This tiny mammal was only heard around Garzacocha lake at La Selva. Common Squirrel-Monkey Saimiri sciureus: The most frequently encountered monkey at La Selva and we saw large troops just in the back of the lodge. Noisy Night Monkey Aotus vociferans: Two were seen at La Selva along the boardwalk. Venezuelan Red Howler Monkey (V R H) Alouatta seniculus: Daily sightings at La Selva. Red Brocket (R B Deer) Mazama americana: Excellent views of a one in the Yasúni National Park on the post-tour extension. We spotted it close to the trail and it was reluctant to leave allowing very close looks. It was right after the big shower. 61 Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

62 APPENDIX 1: overall results of the Bird of the tour contest Species Points Nominations 1st Orange-breasted Falcon nd Peruvian Antpitta rd San Isidro Owl th Foothill Screech Owl th Rufous Potoo 12 2 APPENDIX 2: overall results of the Bird of the extension contest Species Points Nominations 1st Zigzag Heron nd Amazonian Umbrellabird rd Long-tailed Potoo th Spot-backed Antbird th Riverside Tyrant Birdquest: Northern Ecuador 2011

63 White-capped Tanager, Guacamayos Ridge Silvery Grebes, Antisana National Park (all images by János Oláh)

64 Golden-collared Toucanet, La Selva (all images by János Oláh) Toucan Barbet, Mashpi Wire-crested Thorntail, Wild Sumaco

65 Rufous Potoo, Gareno Black-and-white Owl, Tinalandia Foothill Screech-Owl, Wild Sumaco (all images by János Oláh)

66 Giant Antpitta, Angel s forest (all images by János Oláh) White-throated Quail Dove, Bellavista Spot-crowned Antvireo, Rio Silanche Moustached Antpitta, Angel s forest White-bellied Antpitta, San Isidro

67 Rufous-vented Whitetip, Wild Sumaco Booted Racket-tail, Wild Sumaco Napo Sabrewing, Wild Sumaco Sword-billed Hummingbird, Guango Brown Violet-ear, Wild Sumaco Many-spotted Hummingbird, Wild Sumaco (all images by János Oláh)

68 Orange-breasted Falcon, Wild Sumaco Barred Forest Falcon, Milpe Zigzag Heron, La Selva (all images by János Oláh)

69 Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Papallacta Pass Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Wild Sumaco

70 Spotted Puffbird, Gareno (all images by János Oláh) Brown Jacamar, Gareno