Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes

Transcription

1 Field Guides Tour Report Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes Mar 6, 2011 to Mar 20, 2011 Jay VanderGaast Even after years of leading tours in Ecuador, I still am constantly amazed at the number and variety of birds found in this country. It's incredible enough that we were closing in on 600 species in less than two weeks, but when you look at the map of Ecuador, and see what a miniscule portion of the country we actually covered, it's even more astounding! It's hard to imagine anywhere birdier than the cross section of Ecuador we visited on this trip. Of course, with such a list choosing highlights is pretty tough, but no matter the number of species seen, there are always a few that really stand out, for any number of reasons. First, there are birds that stood out just on their looks. These are birds like the pair of Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans we saw along the roadside as we descended from Yanacocha on our first day, or the unbelievably handsome Velvet-purple Coronets we enjoyed at the west-slope feeders, or those gorgeous Paradise Tanagers that lit up the canopy at Sacha. But this group also includes birds like the ungainly and bizarre-looking Hoatzins that entertained us on the shores of the cocha each day. Beautiful is not the word that comes to mind, but there's no doubt that their look is what sets them apart. Other species stood out just by the fact that they are generally difficult to find and/or see, but we saw them really well. In this category we could include things like the trio of lovely Darkbacked Wood-Quail that overcame their shyness for a free feed at Angel Paz's forest feeders, the strikingly marked Striated Antthrush that we scoped on the forest floor at Sacha, and the beautiful White-bellied Antpitta that showed up for the daily feeding at San Isidro. I'd also include those stunning Powerful Woodpeckers from San Isidro in this category, as they toyed with us at several sites before finally showing so wonderfully there! A third category of highlight birds would be those species that are genuinely scarce and generally unpredictable. The best example After hearing them at several sites on the west slope, we finally caught up with a super pair of Powerful Woodpeckers right next to the cabins at San Isidro, and participant Kevin Heffernan captured this beautiful image of the male. of these types would be the wonderful views we had of both Reddish-winged Bare-eye and Lunulated Antbird at the big army ant swarm in the eastern lowlands. Not only are these birds quite scarce, but you just never know when you might find the ant swarm that holds these special birds. Maybe not quite as scarce, but perhaps even more unpredictable, that large group of bold and beautiful White-capped Tanagers that appeared by the roadside in the Guacamayos was another highlight of the trip. For me, one avian highlight stood out more than any other, in part because it could be included in any of the above categories. It is certainly an attractive and unique looking bird, it can be very hard to find, and it seems to be genuinely scarce and poorly known bird. On top of this, it really gave a heck of a performance once we did find it. I'm talking about that amazing Tanager Finch, of course, which I'd seen only once before, and really wanted to see again! I'll always remember this as the Tanager Finch tour! I almost forgot; there is a fourth category of highlights that can make a trip unforgettable and that is a great group of Field Guides Birding Tours

2 birders to share all the other highlights with! I certainly had that this trip, and I just want to say thanks a lot to all of you for making this a fun experience for everyone, me included. I'm already looking forward to the next time I see you all on another tour. Hope it's soon! -- Jay We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Ecuador: Rainforest & Andes. KEYS FOR THIS LIST One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant BIRDS Tinamidae (Tinamous) GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) We didn't see or hear any, but we did find some beautiful blue-green eggshells from this species near the metal towers. CINEREOUS TINAMOU (Crypturellus cinereus) Sacha. [*] LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) Silanche and Sacha. [*] UNDULATED TINAMOU (Crypturellus undulatus) Sacha. [*] Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl) YELLOW-BILLED PINTAIL (SOUTH AMERICAN) (Anas georgica spinicauda) A few distant birds dabbling in the shallows of Papallacta Lake. ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium) A small number were basking on the shores of Papallacta Lake. Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows) SPECKLED CHACHALACA (Ortalis guttata) Not as conspicuous as usual, but we saw a few around the cocha at Sacha. ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii) A furtive pair disappeared quickly as we walked back along the trail at Yanacocha. WATTLED GUAN (Aburria aburri) Septimo Paraiso. [*] SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) Great looks at an adult and a dusky youngster that came in for plantains at Angel Paz's feeders. We also hear the distinctive wing rattle of this guan at San Isidro. Odontophoridae (New World Quail) MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) Gerardo, our native guide at Sacha did a great job to find a pair of these on a night roost just after dark near the metal towers. RUFOUS-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus erythrops) Silanche. [*] DARK-BACKED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus melanonotus) The antpittas may have been no-shows, but the woodquail show at Angel Paz's was fantastic. A little family group of three birds came right in and fed on a little stump platform, giving us astounding looks at what was once an extremely difficult bird to see. Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) A pair on the shores of Papallacta Lake were the only ones for the trip. Anhingidae (Anhingas) ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga) A lone male was drying his wings on the banks of the Napo as we headed down river to Sacha. Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) ZIGZAG HERON (Zebrilus undulatus) Though both Oscar and I glimpsed this bird, as far as the group is concerned it was a heard only bird. It started calling in the heat of the day as we watched an army ant swarm along the Providencia trail, but it popped up only a couple of times and almost immediately ducked back into thick cover. So close! [*] Field Guides Birding Tours

3 RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum) Sacha. [*] GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) Small numbers along the Napo. SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) Even smaller numbers along the Napo. CATTLE EGRET (IBIS) (Bubulcus ibis ibis) Several good-sized groups both in the Mino region and along the Napo. STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) A few birds were flushed up from the edges of the cocha at Sacha. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) One flew overhead as we canoed across the cocha in the early light of morning. Cathartidae (New World Vultures) BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus) Numerous on both slopes, especially so around that dead horse on Loreto Road! TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) Mainly on the west slope, though there were a few seen in the eastern lowlands as well. GREATER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes melambrotus) Mostly replaces the TV in the eastern lowlands and we saw good numbers around Sacha, including some good scope views of perched birds. ANDEAN CONDOR (Vultur gryphus) A beautiful bright sunny day as we headed up Papallacta Pass raised hopes of finding one of these magnificent birds and we weren't disappointed. During a roadside stop for Shining Sunbeam, we looked up to see an adult rising on a thermal, white upperwings flashing in the sunlight. It may not have been real close, but the views were excellent. This was a highlight of the day, and the trip, especially for Karen and Kevin, who both picked it as their top trip bird. KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) Several distant birds seen at Sacha, including three adults circling overhead at the docking area along the Napo. Pandionidae (Osprey) OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) Seen several times along the Napo. They should be heading back north soon. [b] The rarely-seen Tanager Finch is a tough bird to find, but once we found this one, we were treated to a virtuoso performance as it sang from an open perch just a few yards away!. Bravo! (Photo by participant Kevin Heffernan) Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) Always great to see this elegant bird. We had just two sightings: a single bird at San Isidro, then a close pair along Loreto Road. SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis) Two juveniles (or maybe three) and an adult were pretty much fixtures around the cocha at Sacha, and one of the youngsters allowed us a close approach as we canoed back to the lodge one afternoon. SLENDER-BILLED KITE (Helicolestes hamatus) Several around Sacha, though it wasn't until the final afternoon that we had a really great look at one. That day we had super close views of one perched along the edge of the cocha, with a Snail Kite perched a tree over for a nice comparison. DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus) A calling bird inside the forest at Silanche was of the western slope race fasciatus, which has barred underparts, while at Sacha, we saw several of the nominate form, which have solid rufous bellies. PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea) Several sightings in the eastern lowlands, with god scope views of a perched bird from the river island on our final full morning. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis) A small raptor that dashed through the canopy at San Isidro, flushing the quail-dove we were trying to see, eventually was refound on a perch, but with only a small viewing window. I managed to get it in the scope but it sat only long enough for about half the group to see that it was a dark morph bird. This bird is sometimes treated as a separate species, Plain-breasted Hawk. BICOLORED HAWK (Accipiter bicolor) Our first sighting could hardly be called a sighting, as one whizzed past the parakeet saladero, causing a frenzied flight of frightened parakeets and parrotlets, just after they started to descend. A couple of days later along the Shipati Creek, Kevin spotted a perched raptor on a dead limb, and we got great studies of it. Even Oscar was stumped at first, and we discussed the possibility of it being a forest-falcon, but after some research, we've come to the conclusion that the bird was a juvenile Bicolored Hawk. SLATE-COLORED HAWK (Leucopternis schistaceus) Gerardo scoped one for us from the metal tower on our first morning at Sacha. Field Guides Birding Tours

4 BARRED HAWK (Leucopternis princeps) Fleeting looks at a calling bird high above the road near San Isidro. ROADSIDE HAWK (Buteo magnirostris) Singles of this common hawk were seen on several days near San Isidro and at Sacha. BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) We saw just a couple of individuals of this migrant species, both on the east slope near San Isidro. [b] VARIABLE HAWK (Buteo polyosoma) This striking hawk was quite common up in the high puna grasslands of the Papallacta Pass, where we had fine views of several, including three birds perched together on the ground. BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) Sacha. [*] Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) LINED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur gilvicollis) Sacha. [*] COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus semitorquatus) Milpe and San Isidro. [*] BLACK CARACARA (Daptrius ater) Small numbers along the Napo River. RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus) Sacha. [*] CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) Distant but decent views of 20+ birds with our lone condor on the west slope of the Papallacta Pass. YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima) Quite common along the Napo. LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) One of our final new species for the trip, we spotted this one perched in a dead tree along the Napo on our return trip to Coca. AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) A couple of birds in the Tumbaco region of the central valley. The birds here belong to the resident race aequatorialis. Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) RUFOUS-SIDED CRAKE (Laterallus melanophaius) One flew across the channel ahead of the canoe as we approached the lake at Sacha. We tried to dig it out but only a couple of us in the front of the boat got a look at this skulker. [*] GRAY-BREASTED CRAKE (Laterallus exilis) Not as aggressive and territorial as a month ago, but several folks had quick views of one on an island in the Napo River. GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajanea) Sacha. [*] CHESTNUT-HEADED CRAKE (Anurolimnas castaneiceps) Another elusive crake that I think only Clay got a brief view of along the Providencia trail. PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica) A pre-tour bird for several folks that visited the Quito Botanical Gardens the day before we got going. The juvenile bird you all found by one of the ponds is apparently quite a good record for Quito, where they occur only rarely! SLATE-COLORED COOT (Fulica ardesiaca) Three birds, including one on a nest, on the margins of Lake Papallacta. [N] Aramidae (Limpkin) LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) One was flushed from along the Anaconda Creek at Sacha, and Karen saw another as we canoed out on our final morning there. Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus) Great looks at one of these gorgeous shorebirds on Oropendola Island (the Napo River island that belongs to Sacha Lodge), then another group of 4 along the Napo on the return trip to Coca. Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) Three birds along the Cosanga River as we searched (unsuccessfully) for Torrent Ducks, and a couple along the Napo. [b] Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes) RUFOUS-BELLIED SEEDSNIPE (Attagis gayi latreillii) The tiring climb up the hill at the top of the Papallacta Pass was made very worthwhile when our driver Edgar spotted one of these great birds peering down at us from up the slope. We got great looks and photos. Aren't those intricately patterned back feathers something? Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris) Just a couple of birds were seen along the Napo. Field Guides Birding Tours

5 Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I] PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis) Common along the shore of the cocha and along the Napo. SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) Great looks at several of these beautiful pigeons along Loreto Road. BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) A trio of these usually common highland pigeons that were seen from the mirador at San Isidro were the only ones for the trip. PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea) Nice looks at a pair perched in a roadside Cecropia tree on the west slope along the old Nono-Mondo road, then several sightings in the lowlands around Sacha. The west slope birds belong to the race chapmani, while the eastern birds are of the race, bogotensis. RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) We saw both Ecuadorian subspecies of this bird: berlepschi on the west slope at Milpe and Silanche, and ogilviegranti in the lowlands of the east. DUSKY PIGEON (Patagioenas goodsoni) Silanche. [*] EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata hypoleuca) Common in and around Quito. BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) Heard by all, and Kevin saw it fly past, on the Napo River island. WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (DECOLOR) (Leptotila verreauxi decolor) Our lone sighting came from the west slope as we drove the research road in towards Tandayapa. GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla) Sacha. [*] SAPPHIRE QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon saphirina) Beautiful views of one of these gorgeous doves along the Anangu trail, en route to the parakeet clay lick, started the turnaround of what was, up till then, a rather quiet morning on the trail. WHITE-THROATED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon frenata bourcieri) We had two sightings of this large, montane quaildove: several folks got brief views of one below the feeders at Angel Paz's place, and then most (all?) of us had a pretty good look at one we flushed along the cock-of-the-rock trail at San Isidro. Psittacidae (Parrots) MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura pacifica) Three races occur in Ecuador; this form is confined to the western lowlands. We had a fast flying flock whiz through the canopy a couple of times as we birded from the tower at Silanche. MAROON-TAILED PARAKEET (Pyrrhura melanura Until they started turning up at Angel Paz's feeders, it was melanura) Sacha. [*] virtually guaranteed that we would not see Dark-backed DUSKY-HEADED PARAKEET (Aratinga weddellii) The Wood-Quail on this tour. Even now it's hit and miss, though common larger parakeet in the eastern lowlands. We recorded it was a definite hit this trip! (Photo by guide Jay them daily there, but our best views came at the riverside clay VanderGaast) lick, where a good number braved the crowds of larger parrots to get their share of toxin-neutralizing clay. CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus) Loreto Road. [*] SCARLET MACAW (Ara macao) Three birds looked as if they were planning on joining the throngs of parakeets and parrotlets at the interior clay lick, but the Bicolored Hawk delayed their descent (they did come down after we'd continued on the trail). Still we had great looks at these beauties, and came away with some nice photos too! RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilata) Pretty decent looks at a pair that flew past Sacha's metal tower at eye level. COBALT-WINGED PARAKEET (Brotogeris cyanoptera) Numerous in the eastern lowlands, and recorded there daily. Best were the heaps of them at the interior clay lick, though the noise they made was a bit deafening. SCARLET-SHOULDERED PARROTLET (Touit huetii) Several trips to Sacha had gone by since I'd seen these birds at the interior clay lick, but there were at least 50 there this time around, and we had super views of them as they Field Guides Birding Tours

6 descended little by little towards the lick. BLACK-HEADED PARROT (Pionites melanocephalus) Oscar found a trio of these attractive small parrots perched in the canopy near the wooden tower at Sacha, and we all had nice scope views of them. BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus) Fair numbers among the more numerous Amazona parrots at the riverside clay lick. RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus corallinus) Quite a few unidentified Pionus parrots were seen in the San Isidro area, but the only ones we saw well enough to count were a pair of these birds that flew across in front of the mirador one morning. BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) Fairly good views of several of these flying past at both Milpe and Silanche. ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica) Pretty common and seen quite well in the eastern lowlands, though these birds don't visit the clay licks like the other Amazona parrots of the region. SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenaria) A few high-flying flocks overhead on the Guacamayos Ridge, where they are the only Amazona parrots present. MEALY PARROT (Amazona farinosa) The most numerous species at the riverside clay lick. YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala) Smaller and brighter green than the Mealy Parrot. Quite good numbers were alongside that species at the clay lick. Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin) HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) A unique and endearingly goofy bird, the Hoatzin is all alone in its family, and doesn't seem to have any really close relatives, though it is usually considered allied to the cuckoos. We saw them regularly around the cocha at Sacha, and they were Sandy's favorite bird of the trip. Cuculidae (Cuckoos) SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) Pretty common at lower elevations on both slopes. The west slope subspecies, nigricrissa, has yellow bare skin around the eye and quite a lot of black in the belly; the eastern race, mesura, has red orbital skin and reduced black below. GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) Pretty common around the cocha and along the Napo. SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) Numerous in the eastern lowlands, and we saw a few birds as high up as Cosanga as well. Strigidae (Owls) TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) Heard calling nightly around our cabins at Sacha, but only Kevin managed a view of it after Oscar finally located it through a very small window in the foliage. COLOMBIAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops colombianus) Septimo Paraiso. [*] TAWNY-BELLIED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops watsonii) Great looks at one perched above the entrance to the Orquidea Creek as we canoed to the wooden tower in the early morning twilight. WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis) Guacamayos Ridge. [*] CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) Wonderful looks at a day-roosting bird with its crest fully erect near the wooden tower at Sacha. FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum) Sacha. [*] MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) Heard at Septimo Paraiso on our first night of owling there, but it refused to show itself. On the next night, Kevin and I had it easily right next to the main lodge. "BLACK-BANDED" OWL TYPE (Ciccaba sp. nov. 1) Seen the day before we arrived at San Isidro, but it was only ever heard calling long after we went to bed and long before we got up in the morning. [*] Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis) The field guide suggests that this species is rare (or just under recorded) from the eastern lowlands. As on my January Sacha trip, we saw a couple flying over the cocha at dusk. COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) A couple of birds flushed ahead of the bus as we drove along the Simon Bolivar (ie Silanche) road at dawn. LADDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis climacocerca) Nice views of a couple roosting on bamboo stalks just above the water along the Napo River, and we also flushed one or two on the river island a couple of days later. LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra lyra) One came in right on schedule at dusk near Mindo. I thought at first that the bird was a female, but the tail was fairly long and I now believe it was a male lacking the spectacular long tail. Field Guides Birding Tours

7 Nyctibiidae (Potoos) COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) A bird on a nest right near the lodge at Septimo Paraiso, and we also saw one at night as we looked for Lyre-tailed Nightjars near Mindo. We also heard one calling near the cocha at Sacha. [N] Apodidae (Swifts) WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) The common large swift, seen in big numbers at several sites. SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura) A few records in the eastern lowlands. FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata) Numerous over the cocha at Sacha. Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora) Common at the feeders at Septimo Paraiso, and we also saw one at Sacha. WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus) One came in close to check us out a couple of times, hovering just in front of me as we tried for antbirds along the boardwalk on our way out of Sacha Lodge. WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui) One or two at the feeders at Septimo Paraiso, and quite a few at flowering plants around Silanche. STRAIGHT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis bourcieri) Nice scope views of a couple on song perches in the forest en route to the metal towers at Sacha. GREAT-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis malaris) Scope looks at several of these on a lek near the parakeet clay lick, then a catch up for Clay when we found another on a song perch along the Providencia trail. BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) Fair numbers of these aggressive hummers at the Septimo Paraiso feeders. GREEN VIOLETEAR (ANDEAN) (Colibri thalassinus cyanotus) Just a couple of sightings at Tony and Barbara's feeders in the Tandayapa valley. SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans coruscans) Common around Quito, and especially well seen at the botanical gardens. This beautifully patterned Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe was a GORGETED SUNANGEL (Heliangelus strophianus) Jim S. major find on a rare warm, sunny day at the Papallacta made us all stop along the road above Bellavista so he could Pass. (Photo by guide Jay VanderGaast) take a picture; luckily for us as while we posed, our only one of these hummers for the tour flew in and began feeding above us in a flowering tree! TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) The most numerous hummingbird at the feeders at Guango. WIRE-CRESTED THORNTAIL (Discosura popelairii) Good looks at a female along Loreto Road, thanks to Karen's sharp spotting! GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii) Numerous at the Milpe feeders, with a couple of birds at Silanche as well. SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys) Seen on both slopes but most numerous at the feeders at San Isidro. LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi) This stunner was a fairly common visitor to the feeders at both Guango and San Isidro, but there's nothing common about its looks! VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis) One of a handful of hummingbirds endemic to the Choco region of NW Ecuador and SW Colombia. We saw these beauties regularly at feeders on the west slope. ECUADORIAN HILLSTAR (Oreotrochilus chimborazo) A large messy nest on the ranger station at the Papallacta Pass was empty, but three of these birds were nearby, and gave great views as they fed and perched in the low vegetation. Presumably the birds were the adult female and her two kids, one of which was a male (in rather dull subadult plumage). Almost, but not quite, a country endemic. [N] BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae victoriae) Seen fleetingly zipping overhead at Mitch and Carmen's house in Tumbaco, so we made a visit to the Quito Botanical Gardens on our last afternoon. A gorgeous longtailed male made the visit worthwhile. Field Guides Birding Tours

8 TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) Vary common at the feeders at Yanacocha, with a couple also at Guango. SAPPHIRE-VENTED PUFFLEG (SAPPHIRE-VENTED) (Eriocnemis luciani luciani) Fairly common at the Yanacocha feeders. GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera) Outnumbered by the previous puffleg at the Yanacocha feeders, but we did pick up a few there. SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis cupripennis) We spotted one from the bus along the old road up the Papallacta Pass, a fortuitous sighting, as it was at that stop that we saw our only Andean Condor! And we had great looks at the sunbeam, too. BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena obscura) A rather dull large hummer that we saw only at the San Isidro feeders. BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) Another Choco specialty, this bird was an uncommon visitor to feeders at several sites on the west slope. COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata) We saw both of the Ecuadorian subspecies of this classy bird. At Tony and Barbara's feeders we had the race fulgidigula, while at Guango the nominate race was a regular visitor. BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae) The most numerous and aggressive large hummer at the Yanacocha feeders. MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi saul) A couple of birds were at the Yanacocha feeders, and a single bird was seen at Guango Lodge. SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera) This is one incredible bird; the long beak is specially adapted to feed on the trumpet flowers that grow in the high Andes. This makes them a little awkward at the feeders, but as we saw at Yanacocha, they do manage! GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus cyanopterus) At least one male and one female of this secondlargest hummer were seen at Yanacocha's feeders. BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens flavescens) This east-slope subspecies seems much less common than the western one, and we saw just a lone bird at Guango. BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens tinochlora) Good numbers at the feeders at Angel Paz's and Tony and Barbara's place. Like the other coronets, this bird holds its wings open for a half a second upon alighting, looking like a gymnast that's just stuck their landing. CHESTNUT-BREASTED CORONET (Boissonneaua matthewsii) Common on the east slope, with lots at the Guango and San Isidro feeders. VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) Wow, this Choco specialty is nothing short of spectacular. I remember my first few trips to Ecuador when I used to struggle for just a brief glimpse of this beauty. Now it's easy to see, with good numbers at several west slope feeder sites. BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii melanantherus) This white-booted west-slope form was numerous at feeders on the west slope. BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii peruanus) The east slope version has buffy-orange boots. We saw a male along Loreto Road, though we couldn't make out the boots. PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini) This elegant little hummer was quite numerous at several feeder sites, particularly right on the grounds of our lodge- Septimo Paraiso. FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides) A regular visitor to the feeders in the subtropical zones on both slopes. GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula) Seen in small numbers at the feeders at Septimo Paraiso. EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) This sleek Choco endemic used to be a very difficult bird to find, but it's now pretty reliable at several feeding stations. We saw it best at Angel Paz's, where a couple of males posed for pictures, showing off their distinctive golden bellies. GIANT HUMMINGBIRD (Patagona gigas peruviana) What this one lacks in color, it sure makes up in size; it is one impressive hummingbird! We had great looks at a couple in Tumbaco, at the home of Mitch and Carmen. LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris) Jim and Sandy gave a good description of a hummingbird they saw at Sacha when they returned to the lodge ahead of the group, and that description matched this species perfectly. It was the only one for the tour. WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant) Scarce on the west slope at this time of year, and we struggled for a couple of glimpses there, but we had nice studies of several at the feeders at Guango, on the east slope. PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii) When I did this tour back in September, the White- Field Guides Birding Tours

9 bellied Woodstar was the common woodstar on the west slope, while we saw just one or two of these birds. This tour, this species was common on the west slope, with White-bellied being virtually absent. WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus) Our lone sighting was of a sparkling male visiting the feeders at Tony and Barbara's house above Tandayapa. GREEN-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (GREEN-CROWNED) (Thalurania fannyi verticeps) Seen at a few west slope feeder sites, but most common at the Milpe Reserve. FORK-TAILED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania furcata) We had just one sighting of a male in the eastern lowlands at Sacha. ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae viridiceps) Quite numerous at several of the west slope feeder sites. BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis) One of these rather dingy hummingbirds was seen at the flowers along the driveway into the Silanche Reserve. PURPLE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia rosenbergi) Karen found us a gorgeous male of this Choco endemic perched behind the tower at Silanche. RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl) Common at flowers and feeders on the west slope. GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE (Chrysuronia oenone) A poorly seen female at a flowering tree along Loreto Road was all but forgotten when we got a great look at a beautiful perched male (plus a couple of females) from the wooden tower at Sacha. Trogonidae (Trogons) GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus auriceps auriceps) Super looks at a brilliant male along the road near San Isidro- our only one for the tour. CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) A bit further up the road from where we saw the Golden-headed Quetzal, we heard one of these birds calling, and after a long and careful search, we finally got fabulous views of a stunning male. BLUE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon comptus) Aka Choco Trogon, a male of this lovely Choco endemic spent a good deal of time posing cooperatively next to the tower at Silanche. BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) Great looks (from above!) at a male below the canopy walkway at Sacha. One of a small party of Rufous Wrens that WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus) A male was seen well entertained us along the trail at Yanacocha. from the tower at Silanche, at the same time as the male Blue-tailed (Photo by participant Kevin Heffernan) Trogon was present. GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis) Formerly lumped with White-tailed Trogon. We had a male one day, and a female the next, at Sacha. AMAZONIAN TROGON (Trogon ramonianus) Formerly treated as conspecific with Violaceous Trogon, but now split as a good species. Our lone sighting was of a male from the wooden tower at Sacha. BLUE-CROWNED TROGON (Trogon curucui) Sacha. [*] MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus) So-so views of a pair at Paz de las Aves, then much better views of the tame pair around the San Isidro street lights. Momotidae (Motmots) AMAZONIAN MOTMOT (Momotus momota) Sacha. [*] ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis aequatorialis) This species has had a checkered taxonomic history, alternately treated as a subspecies of Blue-crowned Motmot or as a good species, Highland Motmot. Blue-crowned has now been split into 5 species (including the Amazonian Motmot above) and this is the montane one here. We had great views thanks to Kevin who spotted one on a roadside power line late in the afternoon as we headed towards San Isidro. RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) Septimo Paraiso. [*] BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (BROAD-BILLED) (Electron platyrhynchum platyrhynchum) Milpe. [*] BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (PLAIN-TAILED) (Electron platyrhynchum pyrrholaemum) Nice scope views along Field Guides Birding Tours

10 the Napo at Sacha. Apparently seasonal on the Sacha property, and I certainly don't recall ever having one on the north bank of the Napo here before. Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata) Seen in small numbers daily in the eastern lowlands. GREEN-AND-RUFOUS KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle inda) Pretty good views of a male during our afternoon canoe ride down the Anaconda Creek, and another seen briefly along Orquidea. Bucconidae (Puffbirds) WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) Good scope studies of a lone bird perched in a dead tree near the Silanche tower. PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) Just before we descended from the wooden tower at Sacha, I decided to play tape of this species, and a pair immediately flew in and perched nearby for some excellent views. BROWN NUNLET (Nonnula brunnea) It took some work to track down this unobtrusive bird along the Providencia trail, but Oscar finally managed to find it and get the scope on it. BLACK-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa nigrifrons) Pretty common in riparian forest along the Napo. WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) Single birds on two days at Sacha, one in terra firme forest near the metal tower, the other in riparian forest on the north side of the Napo, where Black-fronted is usually the nunbird that is present. YELLOW-BILLED NUNBIRD (Monasa flavirostris) Sacha. [*] SWALLOW-WINGED PUFFBIRD (Chelidoptera tenebrosa) Much less conspicuous along the Napo than usual (in fact we saw only a couple on our way back to Coca.), but we had a good close study of a pair in the canopy near the wooden tower. Galbulidae (Jacamars) WHITE-EARED JACAMAR (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis) A pair of these super jacamars were among the first birds we saw when we arrived at the Sacha dock. YELLOW-BILLED JACAMAR (Galbula albirostris) Anangu trail, Sacha. [*] WHITE-CHINNED JACAMAR (Galbula tombacea) Good views of three birds along the Anaconda Creek at Sacha. COPPERY-CHESTED JACAMAR (Galbula pastazae) A lone male of this rather local species was seen along Loreto Road thanks to Joyce's sharp eyes. GREAT JACAMAR (Jacamerops aureus) Sacha. [*] Capitonidae (New World Barbets) SCARLET-CROWNED BARBET (Capito aurovirens) Along with the White-eared Jacamar, this attractive barbet was among the first birds we saw upon our arrival at Sacha. ORANGE-FRONTED BARBET (Capito squamatus) Great looks at a male of this Choco specialty from the tower at Silanche. GILDED BARBET (Capito auratus) Quite common and easily seen from the towers at Sacha. RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) Several nice views were had of these colorful birds both on the west slope at Mindo and Silanche, as well as a lone male along the Loreto Road. Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets) TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus ramphastinus) This incredible Choco endemic was seen well on two days. We first had a pair above the feeders at Sacha Tamia, then had amazing close views of another pair that visited the feeders inside the forest at Angel Paz's. Ramphastidae (Toucans) EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) Great looks at a bird feeding in roadside trees near San Isidro, then another pair along the trail the next day. Formerly treated as a full species, but currently considered a subspecies of Emerald Toucanet. CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus sexnotatus) A solitary bird at the feeders at Angel Paz's place was the only one for the tour. GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca) The highlight of our short stop at Guango was an incredible view of this gorgeous toucan along the pipeline trail. PLATE-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena laminirostris) A random roadside stop along the old Nono- Field Guides Birding Tours

11 Mindo road paid off beautifully when we found a pair of these wonderful Choco endemics. BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris spilorhynchus) Guacamayos. [*] LETTERED ARACARI (Pteroglossus inscriptus) A lone individual put in a nice appearance next to the wooden tower at Sacha. COLLARED ARACARI (STRIPE-BILLED) (Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius) Formerly treated as a full species endemic to the Choco region, this aracari is now lumped with the Collared Aracari, which ranges up in to Central America. We saw a lone bird at Milpe, then good numbers from the tower at Silanche. CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis) We had just a single bird, in riparian habitat along the south bank of the Napo. MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus) Generally the most numerous aracari around the Sacha area, and we had them on several days there. IVORY-BILLED ARACARI (Pteroglossus azara) The friendly resident group of these birds showed well at the metal tower at Sacha. GOLDEN-COLLARED TOUCANET (Selenidera reinwardtii) For most of us, the only one was seen at one of our first stops along Loreto Road, though Jim and Sandy also got to see one along the boardwalk at Sacha. CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos swainsonii) Milpe. [*] WHITE-THROATED TOUCAN (Ramphastos tucanus cuvieri) The common large toucan at Sacha, though we heard more than we saw. Our best views came as we canoed along the Anaconda Creek, when we saw one perched overhead in the lovely late afternoon light. CHOCO TOUCAN (Ramphastos brevis) We had distant scope views of one on the hillside above Septimo Paraiso, then had great looks at a group of seven in a dead tree near the tower at Silanche. CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus culminatus) Smaller and less common at Sacha then the very similar White-throated Toucan. We heard this species a couple of times, but our only sighting was of a pair flying by the metal tower. Picidae (Woodpeckers) LAFRESNAYE'S PICULET (Picumnus lafresnayi) We stopped to look at a euphonia as we descended the metal tower, and one of these tiny woodpeckers popped in right next to it. Unfortunately the only ones far enough down the stairs to see it were Mick and Jim S. YELLOW-TUFTED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes cruentatus) Pretty common in the eastern lowlands and we saw them daily at Sacha. BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pucherani) Nice views of a pair from the tower at Silanche. RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii) Our sixth species of woodpecker on our morning at Silanche, and the only one we didn't see from the tower. The male we saw was with the large post-lunch flock at the reserve entrance. LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus) I think Joyce and I were the only ones to see this small woodpecker along the Napo as we headed for the Anangu trail. GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus) Great looks at a pair from the Silanche tower. CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii brevirostris) We had one of these beauties along the road near San Isidro; unfortunately a few folks only got to see it in rather backlit conditions. SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula) Great looks at one from the metal tower at Sacha, an odd place for it, as this species is generally found in riparian habitats, not in terra firme forest. I think Oscar had never seen it from the tower before. CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) A single striking male was seen beautifully from the tower at Silanche. SCALE-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Celeus grammicus) Sandy found us our only one shortly after we got up the wooden tower at Sacha. Nice work, Sandy! CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans) Super views of a male working over some dead branches low down next to the Anaconda Creek. RINGED WOODPECKER (Celeus torquatus) A rather scarce woodpecker at Sacha, so it was great to get such nice looks at that male from the metal tower. LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus lineatus) Sacha. [*] LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus fuscipennis) Single males were seen on consecutive days at Milpe Field Guides Birding Tours

12 and Silanche. POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens pollens) After hearing this impressive large woodpecker drumming at several sites, we finally caught up with a gorgeous pair right near the cabins at San Isidro! Kevin got some great pictures the next day when the rest of us birded the Guacamayos Ridge. CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos) Quite common at Sacha, and we saw them well from the metal tower. GUAYAQUIL WOODPECKER (Campephilus gayaquilensis) Wonderful close views of a pair in the trees adjacent to the tower at Silanche. Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers) SHORT-BILLED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus rufigularis) Our only leaftosser was this species, which we saw on a longused night roost at Sacha. STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES (Cinclodes excelsior excelsior) Several up around the antennas at the Papallacta Pass. CHESTNUT-WINGED CINCLODES (Cinclodes albidiventris albidiventris) Formerly Bar-winged Cinclodes, which has now been split into several species. We had a few on our way up to the Papallacta Pass. PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (PACIFIC) (Furnarius leucopus cinnamomeus) Only Jim H. got to see this species, through the window above the urinal at Sacha Tamia! ANDEAN TIT-SPINETAIL (Leptasthenura andicola andicola) Nice close views of a pair of these charming highelevation birds in the scrubby montane vegetation along the old road to the Papallacta Pass. AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae media) A single bird showed quite well as it fed in the undergrowth near the lights at San Isidro. DARK-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albigularis rodolphei) Kevin did a great job of getting this skulker in the scope as it called from dense scrub along the Loreto Road. SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura nigrofumosa) Pretty good views of a pair during a random roadside stop on our way out of Silanche. WHITE-BELLIED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis propinqua) This river island specialist can be really hard to see, but we managed to coax one up into the exposed dead branches of a fallen tree for incredible views. RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops erythrops) Multiple views of a pair actively gathering nesting material and building a nest in some bamboo near the parking area at Septimo Paraiso. [N] MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata flammulata) This bird all but eluded us, though a few folks had rather poor views of one that slipped cover for a moment. PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger perlatus) These beautifully-marked birds were a regular feature of mixed flocks in the subtropics on both slopes. STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) We finally caught up with these great birds in mixed canopy flocks on the Guacamayos Ridge and at San Isidro. SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (SPOT-BREASTED) (Anabacerthia variegaticeps temporalis) These birds were seen regularly in mixed flocks at Septimo and Milpe. I prefer the old name- Spectacled Foliage-gleaner, the spectacles being a more prominent feature than the scaly throat. LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris) One bird was seen feeding around the lights near the parking lot at Septimo Paraiso. STRIPED WOODHAUNTER (CENTRAL AMERICAN) (Hyloctistes subulatus virgatus) A pair of these skulkers was well seen with the big mixed flock at the entrance to Silanche. This form is sometimes considered a separate species from the birds found in the Amazon basin, and is then called Western Woodhaunter. BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum) Our lone of these attractively colored birds was well-seen with a mixed flock along the driveway at Septimo Paraiso. CINNAMON-RUMPED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor pyrrhodes) Our only one was a very responsive bird along the Providencia Trail. Too bad it left as quickly as it appeared, giving us only the briefest of views. STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) One of these large furnariids was feeding on insects attracted to the lights outside the lodge at Septimo, and we had some good looks at it. OLIVE-BACKED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus infuscatus) Oscar did an amazing job of spotting this shy bird in the undergrowth along the Anangu trail, not to mention getting the whole group onto it before it vanished. PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus) One bird each at Silanche and Sacha. STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) Nice views of this one with the big mixed flock at the Silanche entrance, Field Guides Birding Tours

13 though I was surprised as I hadn't realized they occurred there alongside the Plain Xenops. PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) Seen on both sides of the Andes: a pair at Silanche and a single bird along the Anangu trail at Sacha. WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus) A couple of sightings at Sacha, including 4 birds on one tree trunk near the metal towers. LONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Nasica longirostris) Sacha. [*] CINNAMON-THROATED WOODCREEPER (Dendrexetastes rufigula) Super views of a trio of these woodcreepers from the metal tower at Sacha. STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (ANDEAN/NORTHERN) (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus promeropirhynchus) This massive woodcreeper was seen really well around the lights at the Sacha Tamia parking lot. STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus obsoletus) Brief looks at one along the Anaconda Creek. SPIX'S WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus spixii) We saw a pair with a mixed flock as we returned from the interior parrot clay lick, though I doubt anyone has a clear memory of this rather generic woodcreeper. BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) Arguably one of the most striking of the woodcreepers, three of these well-marked birds were seen nicely at Silanche. SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (BERLEPSCH'S) (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius aequatorialis) Quite common in mixed flocks around Septimo and Milpe. OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis triangularis) The east-slope equivalent of the Spotted Woodcreeper; we saw this one around the lights at San Isidro. STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii esmeraldae) A pair of these common woodcreepers was seen at Silanche. MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger aequatorialis) Common on the subtropics on both slopes, and we saw them at Septimo and San Isidro. Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds) LINED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus tenuifasciatus) Loreto Road. [*] WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) Silanche. [*] PLAIN-WINGED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus schistaceus) Karen found our only one of these rather nondescript antbirds, a male, on our afternoon along the Liana Chica trail. MOUSE-COLORED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus murinus) We were searching for a calling Yellow-browed Antbird when Jim H. spotted a male of this species sitting quietly in the subcanopy, along the Anangu trail. CASTELNAU'S ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus cryptoleucus) This antshrike is a river island specialist, and we found our lone male on the lone river island we visited. It was a bit elusive, but I think most of us ultimately got a reasonable view of it. RUSSET ANTSHRIKE (TAWNY) (Thamnistes anabatinus intermedius) One or two with a mixed flock at Milpe. DUSKY-THROATED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnomanes ardesiacus) Nice views of a pair with a small mixed understory flock as we walked back from the metal towers. PYGMY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula brachyura) It was a bit tough to get good views of this tiny canopy bird, but I think most of us managed to see the male along Providencia Trail quite well. MOUSTACHED ANTWREN (SHORT-BILLED) (Myrmotherula ignota obscura) A tiny canopy-dweller, just like the similar Pygmy Antwren, but with this species, we were in the canopy as well. We had fantastic close looks at a pair right next to the metal tower at Sacha. WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris) A male with a small understory flock on our way back to the lodge from the metal tower. SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor schisticolor) Good looks at a pair with a mixed flock along the entrance road at Septimo Paraiso. GRAY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula menetriesii) A fast-moving mixed flock near the interior clay lick at Anangu mostly eluded us, but we did have nice looks at a male of this antwren. DUGAND'S ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus dugandi) Another canopy-dwelling small antwren; this species was a little tough to pick out, as it never really came in close, but we did get reasonable looks at a male from the wooden tower. DOT-WINGED ANTWREN (Microrhopias quixensis) Several with a mixed canopy flock at the Silanche tower. LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata caudata) Super views of a pair of these striking antbirds along the roadside near San Isidro. Field Guides Birding Tours