SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR

Transcription

1 TRIPLIST SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR February 4, 2007 to February 17, 2007 Guided by Mitch Lysinger This year's SW Ecuador tour was blessed with near perfect weather. Sure, maybe it was a little too sunny at times, but it beats hard and driving rain... and this in a country where you can get rain everyday of the trip! We scoured the better part of the southwest quadrant of Ecuador, covering many miles and a diversity of habitats, begging the question, when does it end? The diversity, I mean... and I'm not sure that it does! At least nobody has found the tail-end yet. From dry coastal deserts (influenced by the Humboldt Current) and deciduous Bombax-dominated forests that cover much of the western lowlands from Guayaquil south, we then poked into the last remaining very wet forests of the southern Chocó, and then explored the varied, convoluted valleys and ridges of Ecuador's southern Andes. For its size, Ecuador rivals any country on the planet for biodiversity, but surprisingly, few endemic - or near endemic - birds are found within its borders. But numbers aren't everything... even though we were proud of annihilating any previous trip total for this tour with a whopping tally of somewhere over 450! We focused our efforts on chasing down Tumbesian endemics and many other range-restricted species, some wide-ranging, others only known from tiny corners within Ecuador. Without question, the top priority bird to search for had to be the Jocotoco Antpitta, a fabulous bird restricted, well almost restricted, to a small area of windswept, weather beaten ridges in southern Ecuador where it was discovered in I don't think there is any doubt that this was our #1 highlight, especially after having searched for it for the better part of two days and then enjoying crippling views as it perched calmly nearby, preening and calling. This can also be a very hard bird to see... even though it seems in the logbook at Tapichalaca that 'everybody' gets it! The runaway first place slot was obvious, but second place? Too many to call. Here are some of the species that I feel really added spice to our trip and made it an unforgettable one: beautiful soaring and calling Gray-backed Hawks; that Rufous-headed Chachalaca that we startled at close range (or did it startle us?); many fine looks at Golden-plumed Parakeets at Tapichalaca, but in particular the pair at the nest through the scope at very close range; the sunlit Gray-capped Cuckoo at Cerro Blanco that finally emerged from the thick shrubbery; a sneaky, but cooperative pair of White-throated Screech- Owls; some eye-popping hummers, but those Rainbow Starfrontlets were hard to beat; the Graybreasted Mountain-Toucan that we had calling in the scope; a most responsive Black-faced Spinetail; a close family of Pacific Tuftedcheeks for amazing scope views; a one-two punch of tapaculos when we called in Ash-colored and Chusquea within only minutes of each other for point-blank looks; that male Long-wattled Umbrellabird displaying at dawn, distending its huge feathered 'tie' while 'mooing'; those entertaining Club-winged Manakins that were so energetic this year; nice scope views of the rare White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant right next to a Black-billed for comparison; a pair of nest-building Slaty Becards; the pair of handsome and responsive White-tailed Jays; more tanagers than the average human can digest, but how about the family groups of Red-hoodeds at Cajanuma and the pair of Whitecappeds - at eye-level - at Tapichalaca? Also gotta plug the Black-chested and Scarlet-bellied Mountain- Tanagers for beauty; and of, course, the finale of our trip - and possibly one of the rarest and rangerestricted species on the planet - the Pale-headed Brush-Finch, only recently re-discovered after decades of being lost without a trace! I had a fantastic time leading such a great bunch of folks and hope to do so again soon, sometime,

2 I had a fantastic time leading such a great bunch of folks and hope to do so again soon, sometime, somewhere! Sharing Ecuador's birds with you was a thrill... I know I never get tired of it. This is a 'biggish' list, so sit down and get comfortable! List total: 460 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa If marked to left of list, = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant eswml07 SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 2

3 Tinamidae TAWNY-BREASTED TINAMOU (Nothocercus julius) Heard only at a distance at Huachapampa, near Saraguro. PALE-BROWED TINAMOU (Crypturellus transfasciatus) A real success story for this often 'heard-only'! Angie spotted our first one when it crossed the road at Cerro Blanco, although a few folks missed it. But Steve came through - go Hambergs! - four days later when he was the first to get on one for us all to see pretty well as it sneaked across the road near Macará. Yeah! Pelecanidae PERUVIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus thagus) Plenty of this large pelican out at the Ecuasal Lagoons near Punta Carnero. It was nice to have about an equal number of Brown Pelicans around for comparison. BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) Sulidae BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY (Sula nebouxii nebouxii) Numerous along the coast at Pta. Carnero. Phalacrocoracidae NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus brasilianus) Anhingidae ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga anhinga) A few at the marshes of Manglares-Churute. Fregatidae MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) Ardeidae COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi) A couple of birds at the unusually dry Santa Rosa marshes. GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba egretta) TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor tricolor) Harry spotted a few on our first day. SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula thula) CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ibis) STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata striata) Most common at Manglares-Churute. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) Common at the Ecuasal Lagoons. FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum salmoni) Great looks at one surprise bird along a stream - seen from the bus - as we cruised down the road from Buenaventura. This can be a hard one! RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum lineatum) Not a common bird in western Ecuador, but we caught one out at the Manglares-Churute marshes for scope views. Threskiornithidae WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) Dan had some during our long drive south through the wetlands that traverse endless miles of banana plantations! Phoenicopteridae CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis) Fabulous scope studies of them at the Ecuasal Lagoons. Anhimidae HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) A bizarre species that we saw very well - a few pairs - at the Manglares-Churute marshes. We could even see the strange 'horn' with the aid of the scope. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 3

4 Anatidae FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor) A few flying over the Manglares-Churute marshes. BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis discolor) Ditto! WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis rubrirostris) Cathartidae BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) Pandionidae OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis) Accipitridae SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) Majestic! PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii magnus) Elaine L. and Harry spotted one during our drive back to Guayaquil from the Santa Elena Peninsula. SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis sociabilis) DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) One soaring bird at Buenaventura. PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) PLAIN-BREASTED HAWK (Accipiter ventralis) Quick fly-bys a couple of times... just never seen well this trip. BARRED HAWK (Leucopternis princeps) A common and conspicuous raptor at Buenaventura when up and soaring, as it frequently was. GRAY-BACKED HAWK (Leucopternis occidentalis) This range-restricted species was seen very well a few times at Buenaventura, where it is one of the best places in the country for it. Fantastic! SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis) The large, rufescent hawk of the drier western lowlands. HARRIS' HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi) Also common in scrub habitats of the west. BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus australis) Really nice studies of a soaring adult at the Jocotoco Utuana reserve. Remember its thick-set build and frostygray wings? GRAY HAWK (Asturina nitida) Cerro Blanco. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) The Buteo with the rufous in the wings. BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus platypterus) WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Buteo leucorrhous) Distant but decent views of a perched bird near Sozoranga... when the fog cleared. Soon after we spotted a soaring bird that was probably its mate. SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus brachyurus) One soaring bird at Buenaventura. BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) Nice looks at a soaring bird (with a prey item in its talons) at Buenaventura. Falconidae CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway cheriway) AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius peruvianus) APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis) Steve spotted a perched pair for us at the Huachapampa reserve near Saraguro for excellent scope views. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 4

5 I Cracidae RUFOUS-HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis erythroptera) This one has been tough of late, but Harry found one sneaky bird for us after a long hike at the upper reaches of the Buenaventura reserve. Nice going, Harry! SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata guttata) A couple of birds south of Valladolid in some cut-over, roadside forest. BEARDED GUAN (Penelope barbata) SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii fagani) Sensational views of a single bird perched quietly at close range - thanks Dan! - at Buenaventura. Odontophoridae RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) Heard nearby at Buenaventura. Efforts to pull them out were fruitless. Aramidae LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna guarauna) Manglares-Churute marshes. Rallidae PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) COMMON MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus pauxilla) Jacanidae WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana scapularis) Haematopodidae AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus pitanay) Recurvirostridae BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus) Charadriidae BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius alexandrinus occidentalis) Scolopacidae WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularia) WILLET (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) SANDERLING (Calidris alba) WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri) LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) Laridae GRAY GULL (Larus modestus) Nice looks at 5-6 birds along the beach at Pta. Carnero. GRAY-HEADED GULL (Larus cirrocephalus cirrocephalus) Plenty of this handsome gull at Pta. Carnero. Sternidae GULL-BILLED TERN (Sterna nilotica) One bird at the Ecuasal Lagoons. SANDWICH TERN (Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida) ROYAL TERN (Sterna maxima maxima) Columbidae ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 5

6 BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) The common pigeon in the highlands. PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis occidentalis) Nice looks at the this common and beautiful pigeon in the western lowlands. PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea chapmani) Very nicely at Buenaventura... white eye and all. RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea berlepschi) Nice scope views of this richly-colored pigeon on our last day at Buenaventura as it raided a fruiting tree. EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) PACIFIC DOVE (Zenaida meloda) Split from the White-winged Dove and seen well on the Santa Elena Peninsula. ECUADORIAN GROUND-DOVE (Columbina buckleyi) The common ground-dove at Cerro Blanco and the deciduous forests of the west. CROAKING GROUND-DOVE (Columbina cruziana) Replaces the previous species in drier and more barren habitats, such as out on the Santa Elena Peninsula. I found it strange that we never heard them calling. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) PALLID DOVE (Leptotila pallida) To my ear, the birds calling from the understory at Buenaventura sounded like this species, even though it is considered rare there. OCHRE-BELLIED DOVE (Leptotila ochraceiventris) We found a nice patch of calling birds above Sozoranga, but none of them were at all responsive, which seems pretty typical for this species. You really need to be lucky with this one, and in fact, I've never had a real knockout study of it. WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata subgrisea) Excellent views of one bird that flushed up and landed for us at Utuana! This is almost always a hard one to track down... need luck! Psittacidae RED-MASKED PARAKEET (Aratinga erythrogenys) Common at Buenaventura where I'd guess they are competeing with the El Oro Parakeet for nest sites. GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii) Tremendous scope studies of a nesting pair at Tapichalaca in a dead palm... spectacular! EL ORO PARAKEET (Pyrrhura orcesi) Frustrating, to say the least, since we heard them at such close range, but they just weren't cooperating. PACIFIC PARROTLET (Forpus coelestis) Common in drier habitats of the west. GRAY-CHEEKED PARAKEET (Brotogeris pyrrhopterus) Nice scope views at Cerro Blanco. RED-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops) A rare and hard-to-find parrot of the high-elevation temperate forests of S. Ecuador and N. Peru. We managed to locate a group of them just before they flew off and vanished at the Huachapampa reserve near Saraguro, and seen only as shapes flying away. RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus) A few times below Tapichalaca. BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) Common and seen well at Buenaventura. SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) Fly-overs at Tapichalaca. Cuculidae GRAY-CAPPED CUCKOO (Coccyzus lansbergi) We couldn't have ordered-up better views when one came in and perched for scope views from the viewing platform at Cerro Blanco... this after much searching! SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 6

7 SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana nigricrissa) SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris sulcirostris) STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia naevia) Great scope views of a calling bird during a brief, but productive, stop during our long drive to Machala. Strigidae WEST PERUVIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops roboratus pacificus) It took a couple of tries, but our early morning wake-up paid off when we called one up almost immediately near Macará for excellent spotlight views. WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis albogularis) It took some cajoling, but we finally managed to pop one up for knock-out spotlight views at Taichalaca. Dinner tasted so much better after this, didn't it? ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii jardinii) One (unresponsive) heard bird at Acacana. PERUVIAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium peruanum) Seen well many times in response to its call as we fished for smaller birds. SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio flammeus) One seen briefly at dawn north of Loja. Nyctibiidae COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) Caprimulgidae PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) Common along the roads at Buenaventura, where we had some nice spotlight views. Apodidae CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila brunnitorques) The most common swift of the trip, and we had some pretty good looks at them. WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris occidentalis) This more uniform west-ecuadorian race was common at Buenaventura. LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis) Incredible views of a pair up inside their strange hanging nest right under the eave of my cabin at Buenaventura. Trochilidae WHITE-TIPPED SICKLEBILL (Eutoxeres aquila heterura) WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) Common at Buenaventura's feeders. BARON'S HERMIT (Phaethornis baroni) Also a regular visitor to the feeders at Buenaventura. GRAY-CHINNED HERMIT (Phaethornis griseogularis porcullae) This Tumbesian race buzzed us really nicely above Sozoranga. WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) A really handsome species present at Buenaventura's feeders. BROWN VIOLET-EAR (Colibri delphinae) A few at Buenaventura. SPARKLING VIOLET-EAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans) A common and vocal species in the drier valleys near Loja and Cuenca. GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) The male of this species is just spectacular with that long, pointy tall. EMERALD-BELLIED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania hypochlora) A regional specialty that has now become a regular at Buenaventura's feeders. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 7

8 VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Damophila julie) Certainly one of the most intensely-colored hummers of the trip. Wow! RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl jucunda) AMAZILIA HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amazilia) A few folks got on what is apparently an undescribed race just south of Cuenca; this one being whiter underneath. LOJA HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia alticola) Common in the drier valleys south of Loja where saw an interesting variation between individuals with respect to the rusty underneath. This one is split from Amazilia Hummer. ANDEAN EMERALD (Agyrtria franciae) Common at Buenaventura's feeders; this was the one with clean white below. BRONZE-TAILED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura urochrysia intermedia) This form is a real taxonomic problem since it doesn't seem really clear whether it is more closely allied to Bronze-tailed, White-vented or even a new and nameable form at the specific level; it does seem to show characteristics of both. SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys maculata) Common around Tapichalaca. FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides aequatorialis) A few at Buenaventura and Tapichalaca. GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula jamesoni) The most common of the large hummers at Buenaventura. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) Tapichalaca's feeders. VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) A stunner that is now pretty regular at Buenaventura's feeders; years ago this was a remarkable southward range extension. MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) The jittery hummer with the curved bill at Utuana that some of us got onto as it tried its best to sneak into the feeders there. BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) A few away from the feeders at Buenaventura were seen marginally well by some. COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata fulgidigula) A feeder addict at Tapichalaca. BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) Regular at Tapichalaca's feeders. RAINBOW STARFRONTLET (Coeligena iris iris) Clouds of this gorgeous hummer at Utuana - what a thrill to see so many, and so close. SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) One fly-over at Cajanuma which Harry saw, and I heard! AMETHYST-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus amethysticollis laticlavius) Wonderful looks at Tapichalaca where it is a feeder bird. LITTLE (FLAME-THROATED) SUNANGEL (Heliangelus micraster) I think 'Flame-throated' is certainly the better name for this one since it has that bright orange throat. Common around Tapichalaca. PURPLE-THROATED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus viola) Common at Utuana's feeders. GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestitus smaragdinipectus) I had expected to have a better turn-out of this one, but we did end up with fine looks at one at Cajanuma. What an amazing, shimmering yellowish-green rump. BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii peruanus) Buenaventura. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 8

9 TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina tyrianthina) Lots of them in the humid highlands. RUFOUS-CAPPED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma ruficeps) We had one appear at Tapichalaca's feeders a couple of times during our stay. RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma herrani herrani) Harry had what must have been this species as we waited quietly in a dark hole for the Crescent-faced Antpitta to appear. LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi mocoa) The sylph of the east slope, replacing the Violet-tailed of the west. VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis aethereus) Common at Buenaventura where it is also a feeder bird. PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti) A very striking hummer of the west that we saw around Buenaventura. LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris albicrissa) This one popped in a few times during the tour for nice looks. PURPLE-COLLARED WOODSTAR (Myrtis fanny fanny) Good looks at females in the dry valleys of Loja and Cuenca. SHORT-TAILED WOODSTAR (Myrmia micrura) Most folks got onto this lowland woodstar during our first two days. WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) Great looks at males and females at Tapichalaca as they eased thier fat bellies up to the feeders. LITTLE WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus bombus) The small woodstar that we saw out in the western lowlands with the sandy rust underneath... the looks weren't great! Trogonidae COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris virginalis) MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus temperatus) One nice male at the Huachapampa reserve. BLACK-TAILED (ECUADORIAN) TROGON (Trogon melanurus mesurus) A nice responsive male for scope views near Macará was a hit! Many experts now split this species out from the Black-tailed Trogon. The main obvious difference is that this one has the pale eye. Alcedinidae RINGED KINGFISHER (Ceryle torquatus) GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana cabanisii) Momotidae BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (Momotus momota argenticinctus) Quick looks at one between Macará and Sozoranga. RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii semirufus) Very nice looks at this large motmot at Buenaventura when we called in a responsive bird for scope views. BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) Buenaventura, where we called them in for excellent scope views. Capitonidae RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii orientalis) Males and females south of Valladolid as they fed in fruiting Cecropias. What a stunning bird. Ramphastidae CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus) Steve found our first ones sitting right overhead as they fed in a fruiting Cecropia tree at Buenaventura. GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca lateralis) Marcelo spotted a calling, perched bird for us at Cajanuma at a distance, but the views through the scope were certainly gratifying. This is the prettiest of the mountain-toucans in my opinion. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 9

10 CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) Steve came through again with a fantastic spot on this one as it called down-slope from us at Buenaventura. We threw the scope on it for nice views where we could discern the black - not chestnut - in the bill. BLACK-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) The west slope form of this species that runs right up through Middle America; seen well a few times at Buenaventura. Picidae ECUADORIAN PICULET (Picumnus sclateri) Excellent studies of a pair on our first day of birding at a stop in the Engunga Hills. OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus) Nicely in the flocks at Buenaventura; replaces the previous species in more humid habitats. BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) A real nice 'lunch bird' when a pair can in to feed at the platform (stocked with bananas) next to the dining room at Buenaventura. One doesn't usually think of woodpeckers as fruit-feeders! SCARLET-BACKED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis callonotus) We almost got it at Cerro Blanco, but we finally connected with them near Macará for great views. BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis nigriceps equifasciatus) We chased them around a bit at Tapichalaca - in between attempts for the Jocotoco Antpitta - but were finally able to claim victory when we called in a responsive bird out of a flock. SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Veniliornis fumigatus) Seen best as a group on our last day of birding at Yungilla. RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii cecilii) One near the cabins at Buenaventura. GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Piculus rubiginosus rubripileus) CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Piculus rivolii brevirostris) The most handsome woodpecker of the trip, and one that we enjoyed nice looks at a few times in the highland, humid forests. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) One nice male at Buenaventura. Furnariidae PALE-LEGGED (PACIFIC) HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) A common bird in drier habitats as well as in disturbed humid areas; seen on almost everyday of the trip. Horneros are known for their mud, Dutch-oven nests seen so often conspicuously placed in trees and power posts. RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa unirufa) Excellent looks at a very responsive bird right near the lodge at Buenaventura. AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae ochracea) Seen well a couple of times, and heard most days; the most common and wide-ranging Andean Synallaxis. SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura griseonucha) BLACK-FACED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis tithys) Some of the best studies that I have ever experienced with this species were had on this tour when we called in an extremely responsive bird near Macará... that came in right overhead. NECKLACED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis stictothorax stictothorax) Common out on the Santa Elena Peninsula. WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis gularis) This can be a hard one to pry out of the 'woodwork' sometimes, but we lucked into excellent views of a pair foraging with a flock at eye-level in the high, humid temperate forests at Acacana. LINE-CHEEKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca antisiensis antisiensis) Common and noisy, and we even located a nest of one pair - remember that large mass of moss hanging overhead at Utuana, bigger than a soccer ball? SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 10

11 MOUSE-COLORED THISTLETAIL (Schizoeaca griseomurina) Seen well on our first try right at the head of the horse trail that leads into the best area for the Jocotoco Antpitta. This one had the large eye-ring typical of this species, which apparently some don't in the area. PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) Common in the flocks around Tapichalaca. PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus littoralis) One bird in an understory flock at Buenaventura. STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans guayae) This species outnumbered the previous one in the flocks at Buenaventura. SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) Repeated nice looks at this flock-follower at Buenaventura. Remember that this one had that distinctive buffyorange brow. STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii orientalis) Very nice looks at a pair of this flashy furnariid as they foraged with a canopy flock at Cajanuma... what a great morning we had there! PACIFIC TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes johnsoni) This species replaces the previous one on the west slope in the humid foothills, where it has a fairly narrow elevational band and seems somewhat local. Buenaventura has a healthy population of them and we did a nice job of sniffing them out of a flock for sensational, full-frame scope views! LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris subalaris) Quick looks for some as one bird foraged about in bromeliads at Buenaventura. RUFOUS-NECKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla ruficollis) Overall, we did pretty well with the Tumbesian endemics possible on this trip, but I think we were all little bumbed-out about this one getting away, especially since it was so close and even seemed to respond a bit to the tape! Darn. STRIPED (WESTERN) WOODHAUNTER (Hyloctistes subulatus virgatus) Nice looks for most folks when we called one out of a flock near the lodge at Buenaventura. HENNA-HOODED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Hylocryptus erythrocephalus) A little harder than usual, but most folks came away with good to decent views of this skulker either at Cerro Blanco (were we actually had its head in the scope [how'd it get in there?]) and again at Macará. Dendrocolaptidae PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa ridgwayi) Nice looks at one bird at Buenaventura when it popped up out of the understory and foraged long enough for everybody to have nice studies. OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus aequatorialis) One - of this western race - seen well by all near Macará. WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus sublestus) Quick views in a flock at Buenaventura. SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis) This medium-sized woodcreeper is common with the flocks at Buenaventura. STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) Nice studies on the first three days of our trip of this handsomely-marked woodcreeper. MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) Seen with the flocks in the Utuana/Sozoranga areas. This one replaces the previous species in the higher, more humid zones. RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris thoracicus) Fantastic studies of a responsive bird that flew up out of the undergrowth after minimal tape-play at Cerro Blanco... fabulous. Be sure to keep track of where you these since there are some very different races that may deserve full species status. BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus pusillus) Remarkable views of an active pair at Buenaventura. Thamnophilidae SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 11

12 GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major transandeanus) COLLARED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus bernardi) An easy antshrike to see and call in, and we did so out on the Santa Elena Peninsula and again in the Macará area. Ya' gotta just love that tail-pumping! CHAPMAN'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus zarumae zarumae) Heard numerous times, but we were finally successful at calling in a very responsive male near Utuana. While superficially similar, it's hard t believe that this one was once lumped with the Barred Antshrike. UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor unicolor) Excellent looks at females a couple of times in the undergrowth at Buenaventura. WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha atrinucha) Males and females at Buenaventura where they are common at the lower reaches of the reserve. RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (Thamnistes anabatinus intermedius) Common with canopy flocks at Buenaventura, but not always easy to see! We did outsmart them though in the end for nice looks. PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis aequatorialis) Common at Buenaventura. SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor) Some nice looks at males and females with the understory flocks at Buenaventura. LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata) One lone male was a bit of a surprise at Tapichalaca since it is not a common bird there. We had picture-perfect views of it as it foraged about quietly in the bamboo. CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul) Seen by some folks - they were so close... and right at our feet - in the roadside undergrowth at Buenaventura. ESMERALDAS ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza nigricauda) Elaine L. got t best looks when it popped into a hole along the forest trail at Buenaventura. IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza immaculata macrorhyncha) Knock-out views of a responsive male in the same spot as the previous species. Formicariidae BARRED ANTTHRUSH (Chamaeza mollissima mollissima) UNDULATED ANTPITTA (Grallaria squamigera squamigera) SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis regulus) PLAIN-BACKED ANTPITTA (Grallaria haplonota) CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla connectens) WATKINS' ANTPITTA (Grallaria watkinsi) Fabulous looks at this one on our first try near Macará where it seemed fine with answering only to whistled immitations! This species was long lumped with the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, a species with which it only looks vaguely similar. It was intersting at one point when we were standing along the roadside just above Sozoranga listening to Chestnut-crowned in front of us, and at the same time Watkin's a few hundred meters down the road... the obvious zone of contact! CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis nuchalis) JOCOTOCO ANTPITTA (Grallaria ridgelyi) Easily the top trip highlight... and one that had your guide sweating bullets! We tagged in on our second morning of trying with knee-buckling views of a calling and preening bird after it methodically came in after only a few minutes of effort... amazing how easy it seemed after they had so successfully side-stepped us during our previous attempts the day before and hours leading up to our victory! Just to let you know, Bert Harris ended up radio tagging one a few days after our tour, so now we are about to learn a lot about what this newly-described species does during the day. Great news. RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula rufula) A couple of folks got a quick lok before it shot off of its calling perch at Tapichalaca; heard frequently. SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana nana) SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 12

13 CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons) Well, I sure wish we all could have seen it, but this is one sneaky antpitta! Frank, Harry and Elaine L. had the angle and locked onto before it vanished while we were all crammed into that tiny, moss/bamboo hole up at Acacana. Rhinocryptidae ELEGANT CRESCENT-CHEST (Melanopareia elegans elegans) Marvelous studies of this beautiful tapaculo relative on our first day off birding in the Engunga Hills. ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis) A wonderful repsonse was had from the bamboo-dweller at Tapichalaca for all to see well. BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans subcinereus) Seen briefly by some at Utuana; the southern 'subcinereus' race. CHUSQUEA TAPACULO (Scytalopus parkeri) We called a pair of this species up right at the same spot as the Ash-colored... I figured, why not push our luck a little?! And it worked! OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx infuscata) No close birds/responsive birds around this year. Hmmm. Cotingidae RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristata) Fine studies at Utuana, among other places. GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii occidentalis) Nice looks at responsive males and females at Tapichalaca. BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata arcuata) None responsive this trip. LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD (Cephalopterus penduliger) I expected a tougher battle from this one, but the lekking male at Buenaventura gave us relatively little trouble, other than having to play 'Twister' for a few minutes. But you know, it's a great way to get to know each other early on in the tour! Without doubt one of the trip highlights, and what a thrill to see it diplay and inflate its long chest wattle! We even lucked into a female bird the following day at the uppr reaches of the reserve where I've never seen it - a rare find indeed. Pipridae WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) Nice looks at males and females at Buenaventura. GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus coronulatus) One female bird at Buenaventura. CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus deliciosus) Practicaly dripping from the trees at Buenaventura. What a charge it was watching those goofy males launch into their bizarre wing-display! Tyrannidae SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum sclateri) The common crested tyranulet we saw in various habitat types. MOUSE-COLORED (TUMBES) TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina tumbezana) One bird in the scrub habitat during one of our stops between Tapichalaca and Loja to nab some things we had missed due to bus trouble a few days earlier. YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola magnirostris) Common in the shrubby growth around Buenaventura. PACIFIC ELAENIA (Myiopagis subplacens) Common around the Engunga Hills and Macará. GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata implacens) This confusing elaenia was seen well at Buenaventura not far from the lodge. GRAY-AND-WHITE TYRANNULET (Pseudelaenia leucospodia) Tough, but most folks ended up with very nice looks at this distinctive little tyrannulet out in the scrub habitat of the Santa Elena Peninsula on our first day. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 13

14 WHITE-CRESTED ELAENIA (Elaenia albiceps griseigularis) The common elaenia of the highlands on our trip. LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis) One bird seen and heard south of Valladolid where they seem to be more common than anywhere else in the country. SIERRAN ELAENIA (Elaenia pallatangae pallatangae) A small pocket of calling and shy birds was seen by some at Utuana; also heard again at Cajanuma. TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea cinerea) One pair at the stream near Valladolid. STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis viridiceps) Fairly common in the highland forests around Sozoranga and Utuana. OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus hederaceus) Buenaventura. This species replaces the previous one in lower-elevation, foothill habitats. SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris transandinus) With flocks at Buenaventura. RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) Unbelievable views of this smart little tyrant along the trail at Tapichalaca when it popped in right in front of the whole group! SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps griseiceps) Common and responsive at Buenaventura. BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus nigrocapillus) Very nice views of this temperate-forest tyrannulet at Cajanuma. ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps) TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis) Very nicely at Utuana when we called in a responsive bird. GOLDEN-FACED (LOJA) TYRANNULET (Zimmerius chrysops flavidifrons) This 'flavidifrons' race is often split out and called the Loja Tyrannulet. This southern form is very similar looking to true Golden-faced, but the vocalizations are dramatically different; seen well at Buenaventura. WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys rufomarginatus) Finally seen in the high temperate forests around Acacana as it moved with a flock. WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) This pale tyrannulet was seen well at Utuana as it moved with a canopy flock. RUFOUS-WINGED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus calopterus) And it was so close! WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus stictopterus) Nice looks at several of them in the flocks at Cajanuma. AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes agilis) Seen wonderfully well at Acacana, orange mouth-lining and all! BLACK-CRESTED TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes nigrocristatus) Crippling views of this fancy little tyrant at Utuana... what an amazing crest this one sports! Also known as Maranon Tit-Tyrant. TAWNY-CROWNED PYGMY-TYRANT (Euscarthmus meloryphus fulviceps) A common bird of the undergrowth out on the Santa Elena Peninsula. SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus squamaecrista) Common and vocal at Buenaventura; we had some nice studies. BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis pyrrhops) Nice studies of this rusty-faced 'pyrrhops' race on our first morning at Tapichalaca. COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum sclateri) Buenaventura, and then again near Valladolid. BROWNISH FLYCATCHER (Cnipodectes subbrunneus) From our vantage-point, this understory species was virtually impossible to see, but we did hear a few calling around us; Buenaventura where it was the first time that I had detected it in the area. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 14

15 b YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens aequatorialis) A common bird at Cerro Blanco. This is another species to watch for future splits. WHITE-THROATED SPADEBILL (Platyrinchus mystaceus albogularis) Nice looks at one bird in the forest understory at Buenaventura. ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus stellatus) A brightly-colored flycatcher, and one that we saw well many times at Buenaventura. ORANGE-BANDED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus lintoni) Common at Tapichalaca where we had good looks at them during dawn chorus. BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus crypterythrus) Common around Buenaventura and Yungilla. OLIVE-CHESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus cryptoxanthus) One bird seen well south of Valladolid as we raced ahead of the rain! SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius sulphureipygius aureatus) A few in the understory at Buenaventura. CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea pyrrhoptera) GRAY-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus griseipectus) As responsive as I've ever had them when we called in a few for pretty good looks above Sozoranga. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus zarumae) TROPICAL (TUMBES) PEWEE (Contopus cinereus punensis) Nice looks at this split from the Tropical Pewee at Cerro Blanco. BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans angustirostris) VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus piurae) CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca frontalis frontalis) We called one in right overhead as we waited for the Crescent-faced Antpitta to perform; Acacana. JELSKI'S CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca jelskii) A very reclusive species that we encountered a few times, with varying degrees of success. But in the end most folks walked away with decent views; Utuana. YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema gratiosa) Nice looks at this understory species at Tapichalaca. SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris cinnamomeiventris) A few folks got onto this one at Cajanuma. RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis obfuscata) Nice looks at Cajanuma and Tapichalaca. This is one of the few chat-tyrants that actually sits up high! BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor brunneifrons) A few at Acacana. STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis striaticollis) Nice scope views above Sozoranga at this large and conspicuous tyrant. SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus cajamarcae) Seen best at Acacana where we had three perched birds. BLACK-BILLED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis montana solitaria) Seen well through the scope in degraded habitat north of Loja as it perched high in a pine tree. WHITE-TAILED SHRIKE-TYRANT (Agriornis andicola) While this species has a large range throughout the Andes, it is very sparsely-distributed. We called one in for excellent scope views for nice comparisons that were almost shoulder-to shoulder with the previous species! SHORT-TAILED FIELD-TYRANT (Muscigralla brevicauda) Very nice scope views of vocalizing birds in the Engunga Hills. This stumpy little tyrant really likes that dry scrub. MASKED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola nengeta atripennis) Quality scope views of a displaying pair near Santa Rosa. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 15

16 N N LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus) A few along the roadside south of Valladolid. OCHRACEOUS ATTILA (Attila torridus) Often one of the harder target birds of the tour, but our stop at Buenaventura to get better looks at Buffrumped Warbler paid off when we called up a responsive individual of this species. DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer atriceps) SOOTY-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus) Common at Cerro Blanco and Macará. BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarhynchus pitangua chrysogaster) SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis grandis) GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus minor) BAIRD'S FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes bairdii) Especially common in the Engunga Hills and in the Macará area. STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus chapmani) PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius) SNOWY-THROATED KINGBIRD (Tyrannus niveigularis) The common kingbird out on the Santa Elena Peninsula. TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus) BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor versicolor) BLACK-AND-WHITE BECARD (Pachyramphus albogriseus guayaquilensis) One female building a nest at Cerro Blanco. SLATY BECARD (Pachyramphus spodiurus) This rare and easily-missed little becard was seen wonderfully when we happened upon a pair actively building a nest at Cerro Blanco. One of the trip highlights for your leader! ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous homochrous) A few at Cerro Blanco of this chunky becard species. MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata nigriceps) Hirundinidae GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea chalybea) BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca cyanoleuca) PALE-FOOTED SWALLOW (Notiochelidon flavipes) A few groups of them swirling around at Cajanuma. SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis uropygialis) CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWALLOW (Petrochelidon rufocollaris aequatorialis) The church at Sozoranga never fails, where we had excellent views of nesting birds. BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster) Troglodytidae FASCIATED WREN (Campylorhynchus fasciatus pallescens) This one sounds like rough-grade sandpaper scratching wood! We had many fine views of this arboreal wren. RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa unibrunnea) This colonial wren was seen well at Tapichalaca. WHISKERED WREN (Thryothorus mystacalis mystacalis) Nice looks at this chunky wren at Buenaventura. Once considered conspecific with the Moustached Wren. PLAIN-TAILED WREN (Thryothorus euophrys) Talk about playing a good game of hide-and-seek! This bamboo-dweller can be tough to see well, but we finally nailed a cooperative pair at Tapichalaca after numerous efforts. SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (Thryothorus sclateri paucimaculatus) We saw two races this trip: the Tumbesian-based 'paucimaculatus' at Cerro Blanco, and then later on, the nominate - and very speckled - race of the Maranon drainage south of Valladolid. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 16

17 BAY WREN (Thryothorus nigricapillus nigricapillus) A loud and common voice that constantly rings from the forest understory at Buenaventura, but we did manage to get some nice looks at one or two birds there after a little tape-play... notice I use the words 'tape-play' loosely since it was ipod-play! SUPERCILIATED WREN (Thryothorus superciliaris) Seen very well our first day out on the Santa Elena Peninsula when a bird circled us in search of the 'intruder'. b HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon albicans) MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis solstitialis) Hard to see this trip... wierd. SEDGE (GRASS) WREN (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis) Good looks at one bird in the grasslands above the temperate forests at Acacana. Watch this species to go several ways one day when some 'masochist' grad-student decides to take the project on! GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys hilaris) Wonderful vies of this attractive little songster at Buenaventura... seeing this one isn't always as easy, as many of you well know! SONG WREN (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus) We couldn't have ordered up better views when we called in a pair for close views as they sang their flute-like songs at Buenaventura; a close relative of the Amazonian-based Musician Wren. Mimidae LONG-TAILED MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus longicaudatus punensis) Plenty out on the western scrub plain and in the drier central valleys. Turdidae ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides plumbeiceps) A few at Buenaventura. Solitaires are just plain hard to see much of the time, but most folks did catch pretty good views. SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater fuscater) We sure tried, like at Yungilla, but other good birds just kept distracting us! SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus swainsoni) GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater gigantodes) The biggest in the genus Turdus! GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus fuscobrunneus) Scope views at Utuana. ANDEAN SLATY-THRUSH (Turdus nigriceps) Nice scope views of a singing bird in the humid forests above Sozoranga. PLUMBEOUS-BACKED THRUSH (Turdus reevei) Common and vocal in the Bombax forests around Macará where we had nice scope views. MARANON THRUSH (Turdus maranonicus) A bit of a bonus bird, and one that we saw as we did our best to stay ahead of the rain south of Valladolid. I had not birded these areas in years and was surprised at how numerous this species now is in the area. PALE-VENTED THRUSH (Turdus obsoletus parambanus) We had our best looks at an immature bird inside the forest at Buenaventura. ECUADORIAN THRUSH (Turdus maculirostris) The common thrush in the west. Polioptilidae TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea bilineata) All you have to do is play a little Peruvian Pygmy-Owl and the Tropical Gnatcatchrs start swarming! Corvidae WHITE-TAILED JAY (Cyanocorax mystacalis) Really scarce at Cerro Blanco this year where we usually have them, but Macará came through for us for nice looks at a few of this stunning jay. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 17

18 I b TURQUOISE JAY (Cyanolyca turcosa) Nice looks at this intensely-colored jay at Cajanuma and Tapichalaca. Passeridae HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) Vireonidae BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys josephae) A few with highland flocks; once lumped with Warbling Vireo. RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus minor) A flock follower and often a good way to locate mixed bird parties since it is very vocal; Buenaventura a couple of times. RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis virenticeps) Seen a couple of times, but I guess we could have given this one a little more attention than we did; there is always so much to track down! Fringillidae ORANGE-CROWNED EUPHONIA (Euphonia saturata) Great looks at a couple of males at Buenaventura right at eye-level. Not an easy bird, and easily mistaken with the Orange-bellied under most field conditions. THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris hypoxantha) ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster quitensis) HOODED SISKIN (Carduelis magellanica) A small group at Buenaventura. YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Carduelis xanthogastra xanthogastra) SAFFRON SISKIN (Carduelis siemiradzkii) A few of us had good looks at a couple of adult male birds that fit this species, and not Hooded. The real clincher to me was the clean yellowish-olive, unstreaked back. The elevation at which we saw them seemed high, but they are known from just down below in the valley around Macará. Parulidae TROPICAL PARULA (Parula pitiayumi pacifica) BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Dendroica fusca) OLIVE-CROWNED YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis semiflava semiflava) Good looks at a responsive male in the Santa Rosa marshes. "BLACK-LORED" YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis aequinoctialis auricularis) Finally, on our last day at Yungilla when we called one in with the pygmy-owl tape. This species is split out in the birds of Ecuador from the Masked Yellowthroat. SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus verticalis) SPECTACLED REDSTART (Myioborus melanocephalus ruficoronatus) Replaces the previous species at higher elevations; also common with forests flocks. GRAY-AND-GOLD WARBLER (Basileuterus fraseri ochraceicrista) This northern race, which we saw at Cerro Blanco, has the more orange crown patch. GRAY-AND-GOLD WARBLER (Basileuterus fraseri fraseri) Common further south, such as around around Macará; this one has the yellow crown patch. CITRINE WARBLER (Basileuterus luteoviridis luteoviridis) A common member of mixed understory flocks at Tapichalaca. BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Basileuterus nigrocristatus) RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus coronatus castaneiceps) Good looks at this vocal species at Tapichalaca, and what a beautiful duet! THREE-BANDED WARBLER (Basileuterus trifasciatus nitidior) Nice looks at this Tumbesian-endemic warbler a couple of times over the course of the trip. BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Phaeothlypis fulvicauda) Brief looks for some at Buenaventura. SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR 18