ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES

Transcription

1 TRIPLIST ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES March 20, 2009 to April 3, 2009 Guided by Mitch Lysinger This was yet another Ecuador Rainforest/Andes trip that went over the top with respect to bird numbers and quality... not to mention the outright fun we had in the field finding them! This tour shotguns some of the most diverse habitats on the planet, from the western lowlands (loaded with Choco endemics) to the moss-clad Andean slopes (including drippy cloud-forests and the species-rich foothills), and of course, the Amazonian lowlands, a zone that cannot be beat anywhere for sheer numbers and exciting birding. The aim wasn't to clean-up in any zone, but to get a healthy sampling, and this we did in flying colors by putting ourselves in the proper habitats and letting Ecuador's birds flood in. Dull moments were few, whether we found ourselves ripping through a huge flock, watching some rare skulker go about its business in the understory, or simply plopped down in front of one of the many hummingbird feeder spots where electrifying colors came faster than we could call them out. A tour of highlights, this certainly was, so allow me to riddle off some of the ones that I really think made our trip shine: shockingly nice views at Zigzag Heron (while still very light!) at Sacha; Hoatzin, just because it's a goofy and characteristic bird of the eastern lowlands; close flybys of a pair of Rufousbellied Seedsnipe that we really worked for and wanted; perfect luck at the clay licks near Sacha where all of the key the parrots hit and offered up tremendous scope views; 'mystery' owl at San Isidro; an Andean Potoo perched right in front of us during a glorious round of nightbirding in the Guacamayos; hummingbirds galore - with well over 50 species seen - including such beauties as Sword-billed Hummer and Velvet-purple Coronet; awesome Toucan Barbets at Angel Paz's; 13 seen species of toucans, but how can you beat that Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan?; a healthy sampling of woodpeckers, but I think the Rufous-headed was the most thrilling; a Yellow-browed Antbird to die for not far from that scoped White-plumed Antbird!; wonderful views of at both Giant and Yellow-breasted Antpittas at Angel Paz's was unforgettable, as well as others like White-bellied at San Isidro and Ochre-breasted at Septimo; that Scaled Fruiteater that we chased down and squeezed out of a flock at Septimo; male Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock at Angel's, performing at his lek; a rather large group of Beautiful Jays carrying on and feeding right overhead; and an astounding variety of of tanagers, with Blue-backed Conebill, Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, and Blue-whiskered, Glistening-green, and Red-hooded Tanagers right up there as the stars. Some fascinating mammals were also among the list of notables, like the diminutive Pygmy Marmoset, a group of the shy and often hard to find Monk Saki Monkey, those comical Common Squirrel Monkeys undertaking their foraging in the usual noisy and acrobatic fashion, and that White-lipped Peccary that snorted at us before filling the air with musk and making a loud escape. I could go on, but I'm afraid that I'd end up repeating the entire list that follows! We were also lucky to have had Oscar and Gerardo - as well as Mauricio - along to help us spot a large number of additional species that we might have missed otherwise. And how about our safe and faithful driver, Edgar? Thank you guys for making this trip such a success and joy to lead. Any trip's icing on the cake is about the quality of its participants... we certainly had a thick layer of icing! Hope we can do it again sometime soon! Mitch List total: 669 bird taxa and 16 mammal taxa If marked to left of list, = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant ecu09aml

2 Tinamidae TAWNY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Nothocercus julius) Tinamous are typically a tough lot to see, but we had particularly rough luck on this trip, hearing (only) five species without even a glimpse of one! CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) VARIEGATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus variegatus) Podicipedidae SILVERY (ANDEAN) GREBE (Podiceps occipitalis juninensis) Distant but decent scope views up near the Papallacta Pass on a high Andean lake. Glad we all made it up there on such a beautiful afternoon! Phalacrocoracidae NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) We had one quick one up on Papallacta Lake before it took flight. Anhingidae ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) One seen flying in the early morning over an arm of the Napo at Sacha as we made our way to the parrot clay licks. Ardeidae COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) The large heron - like a pale Great Blue - that we saw down the Napo from Sacha. GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) Common along the Napo River. SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) Another of the egrets we saw commonly along the Napo. CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ibis) Flying by as we perched atop the Silanche tower. STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) A few along the edges of Lake Pilchecocha - Sacha's lake. BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius) A few seen pretty well in the spotlight as we made our way across Pilchecocha at dawn. This is mostly a nocturnal feeders, so they were probably heading to their roosts sites after a long night of feeding. RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) Some fabulous looks at this striking heron along the Orquidea stream at Sacha. Some even got them from the barbeque dock! ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) I've got to talk this one up... this was possibly THE 'Lord God Bird' of the trip! While not a big flashy woodpecker, I think its rarity, bizarre habits, legendary status, and peculiar name all set the stage for an adrenaline pumping chase. Well, I say 'chase', but it was really more like a big sit (in the paddle canoe) with anticipation oozing out of all our pores! When we got one to start calling along a swampy stream, I think the hair on all of the back our necks stood straight up... I personally felt like the wolfman. It took a little work, but when we finally got it to pose right out in the open, only a short distance away on a horizontal branch, we were all dumbstruck. This rare and shy heron of dense, swampy forests really stole the show during our visit to Sacha. Threskiornithidae GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja) Nice spotting Michelle... and this was the one the Deb was really yearning to see! We had nice scope views of one out on a sandbar down-river from Sacha. Anatidae ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 2

3 TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata colombiana) Striking views at a male from the Cosanga River bridge. SPECKLED (ANDEAN) TEAL (Anas flavirostris andium) Seen well on the high Andean lakes in the Papallacta Pass area. YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (Anas georgica georgica) Seen on a couple of high Andean lakes up above Papallacta. That yellow bill does stand out through the scope, even at a great distance. ANDEAN DUCK (Oxyura ferruginea) The stiff-tail up on the same lake as the Silvery Grebe, sometimes regarded as conspecific with the Ruddy Duck. Cathartidae BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) The large, blackish forest vulture, with the yellow head, around Sacha. KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) This regal vulture was seen well a couple of times as it soared at Sacha. Accipitridae HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus uncinatus) One seen flying over at Septimo; those paddle-like wings helped with the id. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) Always a beautiful site! SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Rostrhamus hamatus) Some good looks at this species perched and in flight. When flying, it really is chunky, not looking much like the Snail Kite, it congener. DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) Seen best from the Sacha towers where we had them nicely for perched, scope views. PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) Most common around Sacha where had them perched and in flight; a close relative of the Mississippi Kite. TINY HAWK (Accipiter superciliosus) One bird seen fleetingly as it flew over at Silanche. PLAIN-BREASTED HAWK (Accipiter ventralis) Fantastic studies of one that had just made a kill - a poor Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner - at Septimo. CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) Michelle had the only real looks at this one - Oscar got onto it as well - when it flew in and perched on a semiconcealed perch; Sacha. SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Leucopternis schistaceus) Scope views of this clean looking hawk at Sacha from the metal towers a couple of times; the gray plumage and red soft-part colors go well together! ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris magnirostris) Common on both slopes. SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) One soaring, dark-morph bird at Silanche. PUNA (VARIABLE) HAWK (Buteo poecilochrous) Several nice views of this high paramo hawk at the Papallacta Pass. BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) Falconidae BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) Common around Sacha along the Napo River and from the wooden tower. YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) A common bird along the sand banks of the Napo River. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 3

4 b I BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) PLUMBEOUS FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur plumbeus) AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) A few in the west and in the central valley. BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis) We enjoyed a wonderful flight show of a pair as they called and blasted by at close range at the wooden tower at Sacha; also had excellent perched views of them as well. Oscar says that they were hunting for dragonflies. Cracidae SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) Common and noisy around Sacha. SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) Once again, Angel Paz just makes it look easy; he had these feeding on grapes and bananas only a few feet away at one of his blinds. Odontophoridae MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) Opisthocomidae HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) The Hoatzin is just one of those birds that if you are in its habitat, you've just gotta see... and we did at Sacha under some perfect light. The punk rocker of the avian world. Aramidae LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) Seen perched right up along the edge of Pilchecocha in a tall Cecropia at Sacha. Rallidae CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) Lane, Michelle and I had spectacular studies at a calling bird that we lured into one of Oscar's prime stake-outs down river from Sacha... unbelievable; this is typically a very hard bird to get a good look at. RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) ANDEAN (SLATE-COLORED) COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) Also seen on the lake with the grebes through the scope. Charadriidae PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) Fairly regular in small numbers on the Napo sandbars. Quite a beautiful plover, indeed! Scolopacidae SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularia) Thinocoridae RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi latreillii) Those devilish seedsnipe made us walk all the way up to the top - 14,200 ft! - to see them. I think we all felt very fortunate though, when they came flying right by us for pretty nice views! Sternidae YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sterna superciliaris) A few out along the Napo; very similar to a Least Tern. Columbidae ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) Real easy in good ole Quito! SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) One scoped bird along the Sumaco rd. BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) The common highland pigeon in humid habitats. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 4

5 PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) Seen best right from the barbeque house at Sacha. This one certainly deserves more credit for being a really handsome looking species. PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) Seen well a couple of times in the lowlands of both slopes... the large columbid with the pale eye and all grayish plumage. RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) All rich ruddy with a reddish eye; seen well a couple of times in the east. DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni) A lowland Choco endemic. Plumage-wise this one is sort of like a mix between the previous two, but with the reddish eye. We enjoyed exceptional views from the tower at Silanche where a pair perched and preened for a long while. EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) Central valley. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) Quick views of them in the west. GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) Heard around Sacha. SAPPHIRE QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon saphirina) Tremendous scope studies at a bird sitting on a nest across the river from Sacha near the inforest parrot clay lick. What an unbelievably colored dove. WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata bourcieri) Deb got a look at one along the trails at San Isidro during one of her power walks! RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) We had this one on a nest shortly before the Sapphire we must have been within only a couple of meters when Oscar pointed it out! I had to move way back in order to put the scope on it at first. Psittacidae BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna) Fly-overs of several birds above the canopy across the river from Sacha at Anangu where the clay licks are. SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) Ditto! RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) Fairly common this trip where we had them a few times around Sacha, and we could even see the yellowish wash on the underside of the wings. WHITE-EYED PARAKEET (Aratinga leucophthalmus) We had our best looks at this noisy mostly green parakeet in the Sumaco area when they came in and perched for nice looks. DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) Seen best at the outer parrot clay lick where we had scope views of this noisy parakeet... well, then again, what parakeet isn't noisy? MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) We saw this almost endemic 'pacifica' race really well in the west around Milpe when they perched for us. MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrhhura melanura melanura) Good looks at this eastern lowlands form from the wooden tower at Sacha. MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura souancei) BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola tigrinus) This one, while close and perched, was exceedingly hard to see... even through the scope! But it did twitch a few times allowing for a few folks to convince themselves that there was a small green parakeet in there; San Isidro. PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) Seen briefly around Silanche... another species that has moved in due to habitat clearance. Known as the 'Celestial' Parrotlet in the pet trade! ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 5

6 COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) What must have been thousands of them visiting the inforest parrot clay lick made for an unforgettable experience for the eyes and ears! SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) A really nice turn-out at the inforest parrot clay lick - what a splash of color this often hard to find species totes. BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephala) Some fine scope studies of this handsome and distinctive parrot species from the metal towers at Sacha. ROSE-FACED PARROT (Pionopsitta pulchra) Pretty good flybys from the tower at Silanche when they came blasting right by us; most folks even got the rich color on the face. ORANGE-CHEEKED PARROT (Pionopsitta barrabandi) The splashes of color when this species takes flight made the entire inforest clay lick experience worth it! BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) Fairly common in the Sacha area, but seen best through the scope at the outer lick when they fed on clay, bumping shoulders with the larger Amazon parrots. RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus) Mainly as flybys, but bill color was evident a couple of times. SPECKLE-FACED (WHITE-CAPPED) PARROT (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) Seen as fly-overs in the east. BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) Many fine views of this attractive - mostly royal blue - parrot on the lower slopes in the west. RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis) Very nice perched views of this Amazon parrot from the Silanche tower when a few came in and landed. YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) Right in there with the Mealys and Blue-headed at the outer clay lick. This one is a bit smaller and greener than the Mealy, and almost always has an obvious yellow crown patch. ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) Seen mostly as backlit flybys; Sacha. SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) Vern got a look at the ones I saw land and then perch in the Guacamayos; the rest had high flyovers... which is usually the case. MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) The largest and most conspicuous parrot at the outer lick. This species has a grayish, pale cast to the plumage as if it were sprinkled with flour, as both its common and scientific names imply. Cuculidae SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) The common, large and mostly rusty colored cuckoo with the really long tail that we saw a few times on the trip. They really do remind you of a squirrel sometimes when they dart through the trees. BLACK-BELLIED CUCKOO (Piaya melanogaster) Those of us that hiked far in along the rolling terra firme trail behind the parrot clay licks where treated to good looks at this lowland, forest based species that is superficially similar to the Squirrel Cuckoo. LITTLE CUCKOO (Piaya minuta) Glimpsed along the Sumaco rd. GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) This large ani is common out along the Napo edge... love that iridescent, glossy plumage. SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) Common in disturbed, humid lowland areas. STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) Really nice looks at a singing bird perched on a powerline as we made our way out to the main road from Silanche. Strigidae ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 6

7 TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) COLOMBIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops colombianus) TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) Pretty nice spotlight views of one that we found not far from the cabins at Sacha one evening before dinner. MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) Quick but solid views of one in the spotlight at Septimo after our last push to see it. "BLACK-BANDED OWL" TYPE (Ciccaba sp.) The jury is still out with regards to the identity of this strange (and beautiful) bird at San Isidro; my best guess - and also the opinion of many respected experts - is that it probably represents a new taxon let's hope so, anyway! We had very nice looks at one next to the dining room at San Isidro... nice to get such a beautiful owl with almost no effort! CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) We had a rough trip for seen owls, but the looks we had at pair of this regal owl on a day roost in the Sacha area took some of the sting out of our marginal luck. CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nubicola) FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) One undertaking some early morning hunting on our way up to Yanacocha on our first day as it cruised over the grassy fields. Nyctibiidae LONG-TAILED POTOO (Nyctibius aethereus) A chunky and very elongate potoo that Oscar had staked out for us along the Shipati stream across from Sacha. This is a tough potoo species to find much of the time, so we were lucky. ANDEAN POTOO (Nyctibius maculosus) Staggeringly good luck with this species when we called one up out of the darkness to exactly the perch we were hoping for it to land on. Yet another very difficult potoo to find much of the time as it seems genuinely rare and local. COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) Very nice scope views of one on a day roost along the Napo at Sacha. The more wide-ranging and common of the potto species. Caprimulgidae RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis rufiventris) Very nice spotlight views of one zooming about in the Guacamayos just before the Andean Potoo incident. Many noticed how different the flight style of this nighthawk is from those you see up north. PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) Really good spotlight views at a few bird in flight one at dawn over Pilchicocha. Remember that eager male in pursuit of the female? SWALLOW-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis segmentata segmentata) Pretty good scope views at a female-plumaged bird the Guacamayos in the spotlight. LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) We saw the one (this time a male) that Oscar often has staked out right along the Napo next to the outer parrot clay lick. Apodidae WHITE-CHESTED SWIFT (Cypseloides lemosi) Swifts are almost always a challenge since you often have to rely on subtle differences in shape, flight-styles, calls... and what the leaders says! This one is actually quite distinctive in all aspects, and some folks even got some white in the chest as they blasted over in the Guacamayos. SPOT-FRONTED SWIFT (Cypseloides cherriei) CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques) Seen around San Isidro and in the Guacamayos. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 7

8 WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) The common large swift at just about every elevation. GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis) This western race - with the almost concolor rump - was seen well around Milpe and Silanche. GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris sclateri) The eastern lowlands form with the distinctly paler rump that we saw a few of at Sacha. SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) The common Chaetura in the eastern lowlands. The one with the short tail, and thick, swept-back wings. FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) A common little swift of the eastern lowlands with a long pointy tail and fluttering flight. This one does actually nest in tall Moriche palm trees. LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) This sleek swift was seen well from the Silanche tower, as well as a few times at Sacha over the lake and towers. Trochilidae WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) Fairly regular at the feeders in the west. WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) Scope views of singing birds at lek along the terra firme trails across the Napo from Sacha. TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) We never really nailed this one for a good group look; mainly we just heard them blasting by, but Lane and I did get a quick identifiable view at Sacha. BLACK-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis atrimentalis) Beth got one behind her cabin when it came to feed at some flowers... nice goin'! GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae ludovicae) NAPO SABREWING (Campylopterus villaviscensio) WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) Great looks at gorgeous males and a few females at Septimo's feeders; also seen at Sacha at a flowering tree near the boat dock. BROWN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri delphinae) Plenty of nice looks at Septimo's feeders. GREEN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus) A few around Septimo's feeders. SPARKLING VIOLET-EAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans) We had our best looks at this common, but flashy, hummer at San Isidro's feeders. WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Popelairia popelairii) GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) GREEN-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania fannyi verticeps) Nice looks at males and females at Septimo's and Milpe's feeders. The male of this species is really a stunner. FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) Brief looks for some at Sacha; replaces the previous species east of the Andes. VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Damophila julie) GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) MANY-SPOTTED HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus hypostictus) RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) The most common and noisy hummer at Septimo's feeders; remember that this was the one with the red bill and rufousy tail. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 8

9 ANDEAN EMERALD (Agyrtria franciae viridiceps) This was the hummer with the clean white under-parts and the aqua crown that we saw at the feeders in the west. PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Polyerata rosenbergi) ECUADORIAN PIEDTAIL (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) This little hummer with the distinctive facial pattern is common on both slopes in the highlands, but especially at San Isidro's feeders. FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) Seen best at Septimo's and San Isidro's feeders. EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) We had excellent studies at a few resident males and females at Septimo's and Angel Paz's feeders. This used to be a really hard bird to find before the advent of the feeders. GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) Fairly regular in smaller numbers at Septimo's feeders, but abundant at Milpe; we had nice looks at males, females, and young birds. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) A richly-colored hummer that we saw well at Guango's and San Isidro's feeders. BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) We had nice looks at the western race at Angel Paz's feeders. VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) Arguably one of the most beautifully colored hummers in existence! We had wonderful studies of this rangerestricted species at Septimo's and Angel Paz's feeders. CHIMBORAZO HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) This decurve-billed hummer (females only this time) was seen well at Guango's feeders. BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena obscura) A common subtropical bird at San Isidro's feeders. BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) The mostly all brown hummer with the big white patches on the neck that we saw well at Septimo's and A. Paz's feeders. COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) Repeated nice studies of males and females at Guango's and San Isidro's feeders. BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) Abundant at Yanacocha where it is the undisputed feeder-hog; also seen at Guango's feeders. SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) I have been observing this species for the better part of two decades and I still marvel it how well it wields that huge bill! We had marvelous studies of them at Yanacocha where they are regular at the feeders. GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus) The second largest hummingbird in existence. We had many fine studies of them at the feeders at Yanacocha on our first morning of birding. GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas peruviana) TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) The common hummer at Guango's feeders. SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis luciani luciani) Another very common hummingbird at Yanacocha with some striking, metallic plumage characteristics. GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) Less common than the previous species, but we had a fair number visiting the feeders at Yanacocha. This one lacks the blue in the crown and vent, and has the more obvious golden wash across the chest and neck. PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini benjamini) Males and females were common at Septimo's feeders. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 9

10 BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii) This classic little hummingbird species was common at Septimo's feeders. BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) This small hummer was common at Yanacocha and Guango. VIRIDIAN METALTAIL (Metallura williami primolinus) BLUE-MANTLED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma stanleyi stanleyi) RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani herrani) LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) A spectacular and long-tailed hummer that we saw wonderfully at Guango and San Isidro on the east slope. VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) This species replaces the previous one on the west slope, and has a brilliant, deeply-colored violet tail that words can't describe! WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Augastes geoffroyi) PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) Nice views at the cleanly-marked hummer at Silanche. PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii) This tiny hummer was seen very at Septimo's and A. Paz's feeders. WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) Commonly at Guango's feeders where males and females hit the feeders on almost a constant basis. Trogonidae WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon viridis) VIOLACEOUS TROGON (Trogon violaceus) CHOCO TROGON (Trogon comptus) COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris virginalis) MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) Fabulous studies at the resident pair around San Isidro. BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) Alcedinidae RINGED KINGFISHER (Ceryle torquatus) Sacha. AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona) The largish, mostly green kingfisher that we saw along the Napo a couple of times. GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana) Good looks at one - like a miniature Amazon - at the mouth of the Shipati. GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) Momotidae BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (Momotus momota) A couple of sightings at Sacha. HIGHLAND MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) Galbulidae WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 10

11 WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) This can be a tricky swamp forest bird to get sometimes, especially when trying to see it from a tippy canoe, but we had nice luck with them along the Orquidea at Sacha. PURPLISH JACAMAR (Galbula chalcothorax) We worked hard for the first looks that we got of this one, and even though it was way up through a hole in the canopy (and backlit), the scope views weren't bad. But of course, they proved to be easy from the metal tower this trip where they perched along the support cables! Bucconidae WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus macrorhynchos) WHITE-CHESTED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila fusca) BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea) BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) Common out near the Napo. WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) SWALLOW-WING (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) A fairly common bird along the Napo in secondary habitats. Capitonidae SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) Scope views of a calling male - and then female - along the Napo; Sacha area. GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) Multiple times from the towers at Sacha, and common voice in the eastern lowland forests. LEMON-THROATED BARBET (Eubucco richardsoni) RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) Regular with the mid-elevation flocks on the west slope. TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) This species has become an easy grab at Angel Paz's place since they now either come into the fruit feeders or can be found in the naturally fruiting trees nearby. This is one of the most special mid-elevation west slope endemics, and certainly on of the most beautiful. Ramphastidae ANDEAN TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus albivitta albivitta) Seen by some in the San Isidro area; unofficially 'split' out from Emerald Toucanet in a recent paper. CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus) LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) We had a fine run on this family, and got all of the possible aracari species. We had this small aracari along the Shipati near Sacha when we had at least a group of five. This was the one with the all yellow belly. IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara) Tremendous studies from the metal towers. They seem like such pretty sweet frugivores... but they are really a bunch of nest marauders; I've seen this species - in one tree - raid no less than four nests in the space of a few minutes! Do watcha gotta do to make a living, I guess. CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) Fairly common out along the Napo; the one with the red belly-band. COLLARED (PALE-MANDIBLED) ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius) Fairly common on the west slope in the lowlands and lower foothills. We enjoyed superior studies at numerous birds from the Silanche tower at close range. MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) One of the common aracaris from the canopy towers at Sacha; the one with the two black belly-bands. PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) Seen wonderfully on our first two days of birding. This one occupies about the same range as the Toucan Barbet, and is another mid-elevation Choco endemic. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 11

12 BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris spilorhynchus) This can be a tough one to drag out of the woods, but we had it fairly effortlessly when we called one in during some roadside birding in the Guacamayos... oh yeah! Now if only we'd gotten the Gray-breasted at Guango, it would have been a clean sweep of this gorgeous Andean genus. GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) Many fine studies of this species in the west; the one with the blacker bill. CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) Up and singing from the metal towers at Sacha. RED-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) Common from the towers at Sacha; the larger cousin of the Channel-billed. Picidae LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) A few in the western lowlands and lower foothills, and a good looking bird! YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) A regular bird in the eastern lowlands and foothills that often perches up on snags in the open. BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps equifasciatus) Good looks - through the scope for some - at Yanacocha. SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Veniliornis fumigatus fumigatus) Nice looks at this drab species in the west. RED-STAINED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis affinis) Pretty good looks at female bird that called out of flock from the wooden tower at Sacha. GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Piculus rubiginosus) Fairly common on both slopes. CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Piculus rivolii brevirostris) The rich red back of this species is unlike any other species on the tour, and we were treated to a few nice studies in the east at San Isidro. SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) Nice scope views along the Napo near Sacha. CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) Ted, Lane and I had pretty good looks at one along the Providencia trail as it pecked on a tree right overhead. These Celeus woodpeckers are really a stunning group. CREAM-COLORED WOODPECKER (Celeus flavus) And speaking of stunning, most folks had very nice looks at this most distinctively patterned eastern lowland species from the paddle canoes at Sacha... same stream where we found the Zigzag Heron. RUFOUS-HEADED WOODPECKER (Celeus spectabilis) One of the hardest eastern lowland woodpeckers to track down, but it almost found us more than us finding it when it starting calling on its own making finding it a lot easier! We enjoyed some terrific scope views of this river edge species. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) This west slope form - browner on the back and with less distinctive barring underneath - was seen well around Silanche. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus lineatus) Pretty common in the eastern foothills and around Sacha. POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) We had nice luck finding this sometimes hard to get species. Our first encounter was at Guango during some excellent afternoon birding; we chased it about until we all had fine scope views. CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) Sacha. Furnariidae ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 12

13 BAR-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes fuscus albidiventris) The smaller of the two Ecuadorian cinclodes species, and common up around the Papallacta Pass. STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior) The larger and thicker-billed relative of the previous species; Papallacta Pass area. PALE-LEGGED (PACIFIC) HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) A roadside bird around Silanche. ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola) Pretty good looks through the scope at this handsome and very streaky species up in the paramo vegetation near the Papallacta Pass. RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa) Seen exceptionally well along the roadside in the Guacamayos when we called out a curious bird. AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media) We should have seen this!!! DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis rodolphei) Very cooperative birds - out in the open! - in some brush on the S. slope of the Guacamayos. SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura nigrofumosa) Often a real tricky one to tease out, but we had nice luck getting a pair to perform at Septimo. DUSKY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis moesta) Pretty good looks at a responsive bird in the Sumaco area; sort of replaces the previous on the east slope. WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis) Good looks at this temperate forest species at Yanacocha. ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata) Pretty good looks at this one for in one of last flocks of the morning during some birding along the road up to Sumaco. RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops) The west-slope replacement of the previous species. We all had excellent views of them with the flocks around Septimo and Milpe. MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata flammulata) ORANGE-FRONTED PLUSHCROWN (Metopothrix aurantiacus) Right at the Sacha boat dock as it actively worked on yet another nest; the other seven right next to it appeared to be abandoned! A bit excessive, no? RUSTY-WINGED BARBTAIL (Premnornis guttuligera) Good looks for most at the head of the trail at Paz de Las Aves when we encountered them moving with an understory flock... once it almost landing on Lane's ear! SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens brunnescens) PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) Common with mid-elevation flocks... those treerunners are just so endearing! PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) One in particular seen well as it foraged about at close range in the understory at Silanche. STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) Also with the flocks at Silanche, but less of an understory bird. MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis montana) Michelle and I were the only ones to catch a look at this one with a flock in the Guacamayos. SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) Replaces the previous species on the west slope. We had them several times with the flocks such as around Septimo where we saw one unlucky individual in the clutches of a Plain-breasted (Sharp-shinned) Hawk. STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) A few times on both slopes where they travel with flocks. A unique furnariid,with those white tufts that they can frill out when upset. FLAMMULATED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes flammulatus flammulatus) ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 13

14 STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus) Excellent looks at one as it foraged with a flock along the old Nono-Mindo rd. STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) UNIFORM TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes ignobilis) LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) Common with the flocks this trip on the west-slope, especially at Septimo. POINT-TAILED PALMCREEPER (Berlepschia rikeri) It was a thrill and a surprise to find this one for scope views from the wooden tower at Sacha; I'd never had it from this exact spot before, but Oscar says he has had it a few times in the same distant palms where we did. Nice! STRIPED (WESTERN) WOODHAUNTER (Hyloctistes subulatus virgatus) A toughie this time, but we did catch quick looks at a darting bird that we called across the road a couple of times, and I do think that a couple of people did see it reasonably well when it moved through a hole and when I had it scoped briefly; Silanche. CHESTNUT-WINGED HOOKBILL (Ancistrops strigilatus) CHESTNUT-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor erythropterus) BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufus) Common with the flocks at Septimo and Milpe, and smart looking foliage-gleaner. OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus) Lane and I had one across the Napo from Sacha along the Providencia trail... but it was quick. BLACK-TAILED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus caudacutus) One landed on the trail at dawn as we made our way to the metal towers at Sacha, but the light conditions were less than desirable. Dendrocolaptidae TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina tyrannina) PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) Seen in the lowlands and lower foothills of both slopes. OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus) One very responsive bird right along the Sumaco rd. gave us very nice looks. The one with the gray head and very rufousy wings. WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) Seen a few times with flocks on both slopes. LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) Incredible studies at a very responsive bird in the Guacamayos, near San Isidro. A real whopper of a woodcreeper! AMAZONIAN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes certhia) Seen on our first hike in to Sacha along the Napo trail. BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus picus) Ted, Beth, and Steve had one right from the barbeque dock! STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) Pretty good looks at this confusing swamp species along the Anaconda stream at Sacha. SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) Pretty common with the mixed flocks at Sacha, but not always the most visible of woodcreepers; seems to have a shy gene! BUFF-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus guttatus) One of the more common woodcreepers at Sacha; its voice is one of the lowland rainforest's most distinctive sounds, in my opinion. SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis) Nice looks at this west slope species at Septimo and Milpe with the flocks. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 14

15 OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis) Replaces the previous species on the east slope. Pretty common in the San Isidro area. STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii esmeraldae) Very nice looks at this west-slope species from the Silanche tower. MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) The highland version of the previous species that we found fairly commonly with flocks on both slopes. LINEATED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes albolineatus) RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) Thamnophilidae FASCIATED ANTSHRIKE (Cymbilaimus lineatus) GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) A male seen well by some along the Napo River not far from the parrot clay licks. UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor unicolor) Phenomenal scope views of a male that perched and sang for us at Septimo. PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) SPOT-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Pygiptila stellaris) Very nice studies at an actively foraging pair as they moved with a flock from the metal towers at Sacha. RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus intermedius) DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) Most folks at decent looks at this noisy understory species at one point or another; Sacha. CINEREOUS ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes caesius) Very similar to the previous species, but favors more terra firme forest. A couple of us still on our feet and birding - Lane, Michelle - had them briefly in an understory mixed flock in the vicinity of the inforest parrot clay lick. PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) Glimpsed by a few of us at Sacha as a pair foraged up in the subcanopy. MOUSTACHED (SHORT-BILLED) ANTWREN (Myrmotherula ignota obscura) We saw the west slope race that was once considered to represent its own species - Griscom's Antwren. This bird had special significance to this group since one of our members used to bird with Ludlow Griscom. Hey, I certainly feel honored to bird with someone who can claim Griscom as a mentor! Yeah, Ted! PACIFIC ANTWREN (Myrmotherula pacifica) Quick looks for some, but mainly heard. PLAIN-THROATED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula hauxwelli) A few with the mixed understory flocks at Sacha. CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula fulviventris) Quick moving, but seen by most with the understory flocks at Silanche. This one really loves to examine those dead leaf-clusters. ORNATE ANTWREN (Myrmotherula ornata) RUFOUS-TAILED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula erythrura) One for brief views right next to the inforest parrot clay lick. WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) Maybe it's just me, but I kind of see this species as the archetypal species of this genus... probably because it is so wide-ranging and common in the lowlands. We enjoyed nice looks at this understory flock species on both slopes. SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor) GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) BANDED ANTBIRD (Dichrozona cincta) Superb studies at this little dandy as it walked about and called from the ground of terra firme forest across the river from Sacha. This for Ted, Lane and I since the rest had packed it in. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 15

16 DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) Unbeatable studies at singing male that foraged right in front of us at eye-level from Sacha's wooden tower. This is typically a very hard genus to see well as they inhabit treetops! We were lucky indeed to have this one and its flock come right by for us. YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris) We ran into a pair of this eastern foothill species along the Sumaco road. DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) Several pairs seen well by all along the trail at Silanche. LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata caudata) This bamboo-dweller was seen well at mid-elevations at San Isidro. GRAY ANTBIRD (Cercomacra cinerascens) This one prefers high vine tangles in tall terra firme forest trees. Luckily, we found a vine tangle that wasn't quite so high to call it into, and the looks weren't too bad... for a little gray bird with white spots on the tail! BLACKISH ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigrescens aequatorialis) BLACK ANTBIRD (Cercomacra serva) Lane, Ted and I had marvelous studies at responsive pair along the Providencia trail across the Napo from Sacha. WHITE-BACKED FIRE-EYE (Pyriglena leuconota) BLACK-FACED ANTBIRD (Myrmoborus myotherinus) Seen wonderfully at an antswarm across the Napo from Sacha along the Providencia trail. PERUVIAN WARBLING-ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis peruviana) Right at the regular spot along the Sacha boardwalk. YELLOW-BROWED ANTBIRD (Hypocnemis hypoxantha) A trip highlight, I thought, since it is such a gorgeous little antbird and that you have to get up on the beautiful, rolling terra firme forests. SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia) Really nicely when we called in a pair along the Orquidea stream at Sacha. This species specializes feeding near to the ground in swampy forest... and what a penetrating, sharp song it has. SPOT-WINGED ANTBIRD (Percnostola leucostigma) Sometimes a real stinker to see but we called a pair into some fallen branches in the understory fro some nice looks near the inforest parrot clay lick. CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul maculifer) PLUMBEOUS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza hyperythra) Killer views at this large antbird along the Sacha boardwalk one early morning. WHITE-SHOULDERED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza melanoceps) SOOTY ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza fortis) Seen well on a couple of days in the Sacha area, at antswarms. IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza immaculata macrorhyncha) WHITE-PLUMED ANTBIRD (Pithys albifrons) For those of us that trekked up the ridge trail behind the inforest parrot clay lick, fantastic scope views were had at this fancy antswarm specialist as it fed quietly. A big thanks to our companion Mauricio for spotting it. BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) Ted, Lane and I had one really nicely at an antswarm across the Napo from Sacha. SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevia (t. firme)) Fine looks at this really handsome little antbird in the terra firme forests across the river from Sacha. SPOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax naevia (várzea)) The varzea form of this species, which we heard only. DOT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax punctulata) Seen very well by many along the Anaconda stream at Sacha. SCALE-BACKED ANTBIRD (Hylophylax poecilinotus) Best when we ran into a group of them - singing and calling - as we made our way to the wooden tower at Sacha one early morning. ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 16

17 BLACK-SPOTTED BARE-EYE (Phlegopsis nigromaculata) Formicariidae RUFOUS-CAPPED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius colma) BLACK-HEADED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius nigricapillus) BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) Ted, Lane and I lucked into a responsive bird that trotted right by us at that little antswarm we had along the Providencia trail. RUFOUS-BREASTED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius rufipectus carrikeri) Once again, a few of us hardcores managed to drag another antthrush - kicking and screaming - with a little extra effort. We had okay looks a this one at Septimo when we coaxed it to flutter across the road... better than nothing, I guess! STRIATED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza nobilis) Heard for most folks, but Lane did actually get a look at it one hot afternoon near Sacha. GIANT ANTPITTA (Grallaria gigantea hylodroma) Angel Paz's 'antpitta' reserve, and the feeding session with them, is nothing less than extraordinary; calling in antpittas as if they were puppies would have seemed to a be only a dream a year ago before he started! Now sometimes three species - we saw two - of antpittas come in after a little sweet-talking and even just human presence. We had knee-buckling views at this species which was only rediscovered in the past 15 years or so. It was nice to meet an antpitta named 'Maria". SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis regulus) MOUSTACHED ANTPITTA (Grallaria alleni andaquiensis) PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota) CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla ruficapilla) The San Isidro resident pair was reluctant to cooperate for the group, but Michelle stumbled upon one along the trail between the dining room and the cabins - where they usually are! - for crippling looks. Nice goin'! At least somebody got it. CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis obsoleta) YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta) The walk down to the river was well worth it for staggering view at this little guy! Can't remember the its name though. WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) This is usually the less predictable of San Isidro two 'trained' antpitta species, but it ended up salvaging the antpitta show at San Isidro since the usually easy to get Chestnut-crowned was mostly a no-show! We had very nice looks at this one when it came in to chomp on worms down a little side trail near the dining room. RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula rufula) We called in a responsive bird on our first day at Yanacocha that most folks saw well. TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis quitensis) Fairly common and visible up in the paramo. Called "Chi-wa-co" here... an onomatopoeic name, I presume. THRUSH-LIKE ANTPITTA (Myrmothera campanisona) OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) Unforgettable studies at this small one at Septimo! SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana nana) Point-blank studies along the Guacamayos trail. We had very nice luck overall with antpittas on this tour and this was our eighth and final seen species. Conopophagidae ASH-THROATED GNATEATER (Conopophaga peruviana) Ted, Lane and I lucked into some fine studies at a female of this terra firme bird as it foraged seemingly unafraid at an antswarm, only meters away; Providencia trail. Rhinocryptidae ECUADOR RAINFOREST & ANDES 17